https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-89-The-Five-Tigers-Severing-Door-Blade/12536077/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-91-Thoughts-on-Official-Publication/12536080/
Chapter 90: Surmounting the Three Trials
Chapter 90: Surmounting the Three Trials
Surmounting the Three Trials was a test of one's blade, a tradition that required one to face three members of the Peng family in combat before challenging Peng Yue himself. Only by overcoming these three trials could one earn the qualification to face the master of the Peng family.
These trials were not considered formal duels, so even if the Peng family lost, their reputation would remain untarnished. However, if Qin Lei failed, it would be a significant loss of face, indicating that he had fallen short even before facing the true master of the Peng family.
Was it fair?
No, it wasn't!
But such was the way of the jianghu. Unless one was prepared to shout battle cries and turn the tables, they had no choice but to accept the rules set by the strong—unless, of course, they were one of those rule-makers themselves, like the formidable Shangguan Jinhong in his prime or Gongzi Yu.
By sending Qin Lei into the village and having Peng Dapeng and the other two engage in a duel first, they knew that a loss would compel Peng Yue to step up. Thus, Peng Dapeng and his companions would intercept Qin Lei from outside the village, forcing him to surmount the three trials on his path to face Peng Yue.
Although these two approaches seemed similar, they actually made a significant difference in the mental state of both Qin Lei and the Peng family members, especially given the narrow gap in strength between Peng Yue and Qin Lei. This strategy could very well increase their odds of victory.
Given that Yu Longsheng was absent and Qin Lei had arrived before any potential assassination attempts could be made, this was the optimal solution.
As for Yu Longsheng offering his help...
There was no need.
The Peng family was still doing well two decades later, and the outcome of this blade comparison wouldn't affect their survival or legacy. Even if their reputation took a hit, they could always cultivate future generations to reclaim their glory.
Moreover, although the Five Tigers' Broken Door Blade had a formidable reputation, it had lost countless times in jianghu duels. Peng Yue was accustomed to losing and wasn't the type to be unable to accept defeat.
Yu Longsheng: (...)
Two days later, at dawn, ten li away from Peng Manor, Peng Dapeng stood with his blade in hand at the long pavilion.
Yu Longsheng, Ding Chengfeng, Ding Baiyun, and a group of Peng family members awaited, soon to be joined by Qin Lei, who arrived with Taohua Niangzi, Longxi Yueshi, and the fierce warrior Chu Xiangyu.
They immediately spotted Yu Longsheng and his companions.
"So they're acquainted with the Peng family," Chu Xiangyu coldly smiled, glancing at Qin Lei. "They've come to give advance notice, it seems. They're well-prepared, and if you're afraid, it's better to turn back now."
Qin Lei scoffed, shooting a sideways glance at Chu Xiangyu before striding forward without a word.
Peng Dapeng then stepped out from the pavilion, blocking Qin Lei's path. "Qin Lei! If you wish to challenge our master, you must first pass the trial of the three blades!" he declared loudly.
Unfazed, Qin Lei continued striding forward, his left hand lifting slightly as his right hand gripped the hilt of his blade.
Peng Dapeng's eyes narrowed, and his expression turned stern. With a sharp breath, he drew his blade and executed the move 'Horizontal Severance of a Thousand Mountains,' slashing horizontally at Qin Lei.
Clang! Swish!
Bang!
Peng Dapeng's right shoulder spewed blood as he was sent flying, crashing into the pavilion's railing and collapsing into the pavilion.
The Peng family members' faces changed, and two of them hurried into the pavilion to help Peng Dapeng while the others swiftly retreated to the second trial.
Unperturbed, Qin Lei continued striding forward, accompanied by Chu Xiangyu and Longxi Yueshi, both of whom maintained their calm expressions.
...
The second trial featured Peng Chuan, a middle-aged burly man and Peng Yue's cousin. He had cultivated the Five Tigers' Broken Door Blade for over twenty years, earning him a fierce reputation as the "Fierce Tiger."
Having heard that Qin Lei had injured Peng Dapeng with just two strikes, Peng Chuan approached the duel with heightened seriousness.
Yu Longsheng, being the fastest, arrived at Peng Chuan's side before anyone else. He whispered a few words into Peng Chuan's ear and then stepped back.
On the other side, Qin Lei also arrived at the battlefield, his footsteps unwavering as he faced Peng Chuan directly.
Peng Chuan glared, his eyes widening. "How bold!"
Qin Lei's demeanor clearly showed that he didn't consider Peng Chuan a threat.
The next moment, Peng Chuan stumbled backward, his left shoulder and chest drenched in blood. Qin Lei had sliced open a long gash, and if the blade had gone in just a little further, it would have surely split open his chest.
"Impressive swordsmanship!" Peng Chuan managed to stand his ground, extending his hand in invitation. "Please!"
The musician from Longxi still maintained his stoic expression, but Chu Xiangyu's eyes flickered, a hint of gravity in his gaze.
...
The third trial featured the elderly Peng Guang, a member of the older generation of the Peng family. Although his condition had declined with age, his swordsmanship had reached a level of perfection. While he might not be able to defeat Peng Chuan in a battle to the death, his sword techniques were superior.
"The youth are indeed fearless!"
Watching Qin Lei approach step by step, Peng Guang nodded and drew his longsword first, performing an opening stance. "Please, let me see just how formidable the Five Tigers Broken Door Blade of the Guanzhong Five Tigers Village is."
Qin Lei scoffed, "At any rate, it's better than the Peng family's!"
Facing Peng Guang, Qin Lei showed no signs of holding back. His longsword flashed, cutting through Peng Guang's blade light.
"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Peng Guang retreated several steps but managed to block over a dozen strikes from Qin Lei. Finally, he executed the move 'Tiger Tail Collapse', but Qin Lei dodged and sliced his forearm, causing him to drop his sword.
Even the musician from Longxi looked at Qin Lei with a hint of solemnity in his eyes after witnessing this move.
...
At the Peng Family Fortress, in the training field.
You Longsheng provided a detailed analysis of the three battles to Peng Yue, pointing out the characteristics and key aspects of Qin Lei's swordsmanship.
"Brother-in-law, if you still can't win even with all this information, then I'm truly out of ideas." You Longsheng spread his hands.
Peng Yue replied irritably, "Stop spouting nonsense. How could I possibly lose?"
You Longsheng rolled his eyes. "I seem to recall your sister mentioning that the last time you compared swords with Guo Wei, you sulked for three days afterward."
Peng Yue, "...'
"Why don't we send Peng Lie to the Hidden Sword Mountain Villa? Otherwise, what if future generations of the Peng family get worse and worse? Wouldn't that be terrible?" suggested You Longsheng.
You Lanzhi pulled You Longsheng back, "Stop aggravating your brother-in-law. He still has to compete in the sword comparison soon."
"I'm just helping him relax." You Longsheng said, "I'm trying to help him achieve the best mindset for the martial arts competition."
"If you want my mindset to improve, then stop talking." Peng Yue said, then looked on as a group of family members helped Peng Dapeng, Peng Chuan, and Peng Guang, who were injured and bleeding, back into the Peng Family Fortress.
"He's here!"
Qin Lei was the first to enter the Peng Family Fortress, his aura still calm and steady, his strides unwavering. He walked to the center of the training field and sneered at Peng Yue, "I've passed the three trials. Are you going to come down now?"
Peng Yue's expression turned solemn as he rose from the grand master's chair in front of the training field and strode into the center, his left hand holding his sword.
"The Five Tigers Broken Door Blade has flourished in the Guanzhong Five Tigers Village, and the Peng family is pleased to see its development. But if you want to claim the orthodox succession of the Five Tigers Broken Door Blade, you'll have to ask the sword in my hand if it agrees!"
"Indeed, whoever's sword is faster is the rightful successor!" Qin Lei coldly smiled, "Let's not hold back!"
The cold wind howled, filling the air with a chilling aura.
The two men stared at each other, about to engage, when a crisp, majestic, and overpowering voice suddenly rang out, "Comparing swords? How interesting. The Five Tigers Broken Door Blade has quite the reputation. Let me see how it fares."
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PS Little Interaction: Guess who's here?
(End of Chapter)
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