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Chapter 81: The Swordmaster of Songyang
Chapter 81: The Swordmaster of Songyang
The group turned their heads and spotted a figure clad in black seated in a corner of the tea house, not far from where they were. He was quietly sipping his tea.
From his black cloth and robe to his black shoes and socks, and even his black hair and beard, everything about him was shrouded in darkness. Slung across his back was a broadsword with a black scabbard.
This was someone who should not have been overlooked, yet they had somehow failed to notice him when they entered.
There could only be one explanation—this man was an extraordinarily skilled master, far beyond their league.
Ding Chengfeng's gaze immediately fixed on the broadsword slung across the man's back, and his pupils contracted. "The Sword of Songyang?"
A top-notch master, a broadsword with a wide blade.
If Ding Chengfeng couldn't recognize who this person was, he might as well give up his life as a wanderer in Hebei.
"Sharp eyes," the black-clad man turned around, his eyes scanning the swords of the group. A slight frown creased his brow, but he said nothing more. Instead, he looked at You Longsheng and remarked, "It's rare to see such clear-eyed young people these days."
"Thank you for the compliment," You Longsheng replied with a smile. "I am unworthy of your praise."
"Are you here for the flower-viewing gathering, Mr. Guo?" You Longsheng asked.
"No," Guo Songyang replied indifferently. "I have no ties with the Xiao family. They didn't invite me."
Tian Qi quickly interjected, "That's a shame for the gathering."
Guo Songyang didn't seem to hold Tian Qi in high regard, as he didn't bother to respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to You Longsheng. "Are you a disciple of Tian Shan Xue Yingzi?"
"Yes," You Longsheng nodded.
"What a pity," Guo Songyang shook his head slightly, his expression indifferent.
You Longsheng blinked, but said nothing. He simply wouldn't ask what the pity was about.
Ding Chengfeng and Ding Baiyun exchanged a glance, knowing You Longsheng's temperament. They couldn't help but feel a mix of laughter and nervousness in their hearts.
Brother, this is the Swordmaster of Songyang, ranked fourth on the 'Arsenal Ranking'. He's not some ordinary Tom, Dick, or Harry. You've got to keep the conversation going!
As everyone knew, Bai Xiaosheng's 'Arsenal Ranking' had overlooked many individuals, but those ranked at the top were undoubtedly the cream of the crop. Especially those in the top ten—they were the undisputed masters of the martial arts world.
When the 'Mysterious Elder' was inscrutable, when Shangguan Jinhong shook the martial arts world, and when Li's Flying Dagger had disappeared without a trace, Guo Songyang, the Swordmaster of Songyang, stood at the pinnacle of the martial arts world.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Tian Qi asked, "What's the pity?"
You Longsheng and the others shot Tian Qi a sidelong glance, filled with reproach. They had wanted to see how far Guo Songyang would take his act, but now Tian Qi had jumped in and taken over the conversation.
"It's a pity that Tian Shan Xue Yingzi has already retired and gone into seclusion," Guo Songyang replied, a hint of relief in his voice. Yet, his expression remained unchanged as he continued, "Otherwise, I would have sought him out for a sword duel to determine who is truly the number one swordsman in the world today."
Tian Qi couldn't help but bare his teeth in a grin, and he glanced at You Longsheng. He immediately felt a twinge of regret.
Why did he have to ask that question? Now, how were they supposed to respond?
One was the uncrowned king of swordsmanship in the present day, and the other was the renowned number one swordsman of yesteryear.
If You Longsheng hadn't been there, Tian Qi wouldn't have hesitated to flatter Guo Songyang. But the problem was, You Longsheng, a direct disciple of Tian Shan Xue Yingzi, was present. How was he supposed to respond now?
Tian Qi began to sweat, but You Longsheng just smiled.
As the saying goes, there are no wrong surnames, only wrong names. Rumors in the martial arts world were often true. The title 'Iron Sword' was well-deserved and lived up to its reputation.
In the original story, Guo Songyang had sought out Li Xunhuan to test his skills and see if the Sword of Songyang could defeat Li's Flying Dagger. If he had won, his next opponent would likely have been Shangguan Jinhong.
So, it was no surprise that he wanted to challenge Tian Shan Xue Yingzi, who still held the title of the "Number One Swordsman in the World," even if it was from "years past."
"Hmm?" Guo Songyang's eyes narrowed as he turned to You Longsheng. "What do you mean?"
"Because the two of you have completely different styles," You Longsheng explained. "You wield a broadsword with a wide blade, your sword techniques are grand and sweeping, devouring the world with your mighty aura. My master, on the other hand, uses a slender sword, his style is agile and swift, like a fierce blizzard."
"You are both masters who have forged your own unique paths and reached the pinnacle within your respective styles. There's no basis for comparison," You Longsheng continued. "Besides, you're only in your forties, while my master is almost seventy. Do you intend to pick on the elderly?"
Guo Songyang was taken aback, but You Longsheng's words were true. He couldn't very well accept that accusation, so he replied with a hint of reproach, "It's a shame I was born thirty years too late. I never got to witness the splendor of Xue Yingzi's 'Snow Eagle Seventy-Two Styles.' What a pity."
As Guo Songyang spoke, his eyes remained fixed on You Longsheng's sword.
However, You Longsheng kept his hands and sword at a distance, holding a large bowl of hot tea. He blew on the floating tea leaves, took a sip, and exhaled in comfort. "Yes, it's a shame I never got to witness my master's prowess in his prime as well."
Guo Songyang smiled as well.
He rarely smiled, but he couldn't help it this time.
Most people, upon seeing the extravagant flower-viewing gathering hosted by the Xiao family at such a great cost, would first think of their extravagance and love for show. But You Longsheng had seen through their true intention—a display of power to pressure all factions.
You Longsheng was indeed a clever man.
Yet, this clever man deliberately avoided responding to his previous statement, almost leaving him with no way to continue the conversation. Then, he completely ignored the implication of his words and showed no intention of drawing his sword.
Yes, Guo Songyang wanted to witness You Longsheng's sword techniques.
Although You Longsheng's most famous battles involved defeating multiple opponents (East Sea Jade Xiao)
, taking advantage of chaos (Qing Mohou Yi Ku)
, or had nothing to do with his sword skills (Great Joy Female Bodhisattva)
, Guo Songyang had noticed a rather inconspicuous battle in the south.
With a single sword strike, he had sent Hua Mantian's sword flying!
Hua Mantian wasn't particularly strong, but he wasn't weak either. He had a reputation as a hero in the south and wasn't an easy opponent to defeat.
But when You Longsheng arrived, he immediately overwhelmed Hua Mantian with his aura, and then achieved victory with a single sword strike.
Thus, Guo Songyang was well aware that even if You Longsheng wasn't stronger than him, he was undoubtedly one of the top sword masters.
So, he had laid a verbal trap. Normally, as a disciple of Tian Shan Xue Yingzi, upon hearing his regret, You Longsheng should have stepped up and offered to take his master's place in a duel.
But instead, You Longsheng had surprisingly empathized with him and expressed the same regret! Guo Songyang was so amused that he wanted to laugh. Am I some kind of bloodthirsty man? My reputation in the martial world is impeccable, what are you afraid of?
"Are you going to attend the flower-viewing gathering?" Guo Songyang suddenly asked.
You Longsheng, Tian Qi, and Ding Baiyun all looked at Tian Qi. Tian Qi nodded. "Of course, I received an invitation from the Xiao family. But to be honest, you don't really need an invitation."
All they had to do was announce their names, and they would be welcomed anywhere.
Ding Baiyun snorted, "We don't want to steal the Xiao family's thunder."
Everyone laughed at this, as it was obviously a sarcastic remark. They couldn't possibly outshine the Xiao family, but by attending the gathering without an invitation and simply announcing their names, they would be adding to the Xiao family's prestige.
(End of Chapter)
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