https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-95-Yu-Longsheng-and-Bai-Tianyu-s-First-Confrontation/12536098/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-97-An-Exciting-Future-Prospect-to-Anticipate/12536105/
Chapter 96: You Longsheng and Bai Tianyu's Second Confrontation
Chapter 96: You Longsheng and Bai Tianyu's Second Confrontation
"Hahaha! Good!"
Bai Tianyu couldn't help but laugh aloud, "Truly a remarkable young hero renowned throughout the martial arts world."
Bai Tianyu's previous remark had been a habitual comment, and in his opinion, it was well-meaning advice. Yet, he never expected You Longsheng to retort so bluntly.
Up until now, no one had ever dared to dismiss his suggestions so bluntly to his face. Those who had some sense of ambition would usually find themselves at a loss for words when arguing with him.
To be fair, the notions of gaining fame in the Jianghu, leaving a legacy in the martial arts world, and changing the name of the Hidden Sword Sect were all future matters. Even if one disagreed, a simple laugh and a few words would typically smooth things over.
However, You Longsheng chose to veer off the beaten path and directly clash with him, bluntly refuting his suggestion without giving him any face.
Interesting!
This young man refuses to be outdone!
But who is Bai Tianyu to be outwitted by a mere youngster?
If you insist on taking a different path, I will bring the topic back to where it belongs!
"However, if you wish to become the dream lover of maidens across the land, you must first make yourself known to them." Bai Tianyu's voice carried an air of dominance. "And for that, you must shake the martial arts world with your prowess."
"Is that so?"
"Yes!"
"In that case, never mind." You Longsheng replied nonchalantly, "I'll just settle for being the dream lover of the maidens in Shanxi province. Shaking the martial arts world sounds too tiring and isn't my style."
Bai Tianyu was taken aback, not expecting his words to fall on deaf ears once again.
This You Longsheng's lazy disposition was entirely beyond his expectations.
In his life, he had never encountered such a person, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
Bai Tianyu's thoughts shifted, and he realized that he had almost fallen into You Longsheng's rhythm again. It seemed like a step back, but it was actually a strategic retreat, and he had almost walked into his trap once more.
Bai Tianyu's eyes gleamed as he stared intently at You Longsheng, who returned his gaze with an innocuous look.
The two men, with their distinct auras, stood in a stalemate, each exuding their own brand of charisma.
Taohua Niangzi gazed at Bai Tianyu with admiration, while Ma Kongqun looked at You Longsheng with envy.
Ding Chengfeng's eyes held a mix of envy and determination as he looked at the two of them, and Ding Baiyun's gaze at You Longsheng was filled with reproach, affection, and a hint of concern.
A smile tugged at the corners of Bai Tianyu's mouth.
This was getting more and more interesting!
You Longsheng had displayed shallowness and laziness, using two soft rebuttals to deflect Bai Tianyu's advances. While he hadn't gained the upper hand in terms of momentum, he had at least managed to avoid being suppressed by Bai Tianyu.
This was already a remarkable feat, as Bai Tianyu had only encountered such a situation twice in his life—once with the Demon Sect Leader and once with Li Xiaofeng.
You Longsheng might not be the third, but he was definitely close, a strong second.
Despite his youth, Bai Tianyu now regarded You Longsheng with a more serious expression.
"Hmph!"
Bai Tianyu drew his sword.
"Hmph! Hmph!"
Ding Chengfeng and Ding Baiyun simultaneously drew their swords, pointing them at Bai Tianyu.
However, Bai Tianyu paid no attention to the two and kept his eyes locked on You Longsheng.
You Longsheng showed no intention of drawing his sword, his expression unchanged. Instead, he carefully examined the sword in Bai Tianyu's hand and nodded, "A fine blade."
"This is a hundred-refined steel blade forged by a master blacksmith from Yan'an Prefecture. It took three months to craft, and despite having slain nearly a hundred enemies, it remains as sharp as the day it was made," Bai Tianyu explained.
You Longsheng nodded and continued, "I reckon if you were to cross blades with my brother-in-law's Tiger Head Treasure Blade a few times, it would be due for a sharpening."
Bai Tianyu couldn't help but laugh at You Longsheng's words. "Are you trying to lecture me on the habits of top experts?"
You Longsheng merely smiled faintly and said, "I can forge a better steel blade than the one you have. Do you want it?"
"Of course!" Bai Tianyu replied without hesitation.
Even though he had reached a stage where ordinary iron in his hands was as good as a divine weapon, as a swordsman, he wouldn't refuse the opportunity to possess a divine blade, even if it was just for admiration.
As You Longsheng spoke with Bai Tianyu about swords, Ding Chengfeng and Ding Baiyun sheathed their swords awkwardly.
Bai Tianyu glanced at them and smiled, nodding. "You have two good friends."
"Envious?" You Longsheng shrugged. "Envy won't help. Unlike you, I have good character!"
"Me, envious of you? Do you have better character than me?" Bai Tianyu was amused. "I have far more friends than you!"
Bai Tianyu patted Ma Kongqun on the shoulder. "Moreover, I not only have friends, but I also have brothers!"
Ma Kongqun straightened his posture, proud to be associated with Bai Tianyu.
You Longsheng shrugged again. "If I didn't know he was Ma Kongqun, I would have thought he was your subordinate."
Ma Kongqun's face twitched at the comment.
Bai Tianyu felt a bit embarrassed as well and quickly explained, "I've never treated my third brother as a subordinate."
"I know, I understand," You Longsheng nodded. "If you viewed Ma Kongqun as a subordinate, the saying 'The Sword and Horse of Guandong, Unparalleled Under the Heavens' would never have spread, and you would have annexed Wan Matang long ago. It's just that your personality is dominant, and Ma Kongqun is more reserved, so you complement each other."
Ma Kongqun's expression shifted again.
Bai Tianyu, however, laughed heartily and agreed. "Exactly! Third Brother's personality is steady, which is why my wife and second brother are willing to let him accompany me!"
You Longsheng looked at Ma Kongqun and then at Bai Tianyu, shaking his head inwardly.
His previous statement had been both advice for Ma Kongqun and a nudge for Bai Tianyu.
For Ma Kongqun, it was a reminder that Bai Tianyu truly treated him well, and that his own martial arts were only first-rate. Without Bai Tianyu's support, he would have achieved little. He needed to know gratitude.
For Bai Tianyu, it was a subtle hint that Ma Kongqun, despite being his sworn brother, appeared more like a subordinate, and he specifically used the word "reserved" to describe him, implying that Ma Kongqun's outward demeanor might not reflect his true thoughts. It was a warning for Bai Tianyu to be cautious.
However, it seemed like neither of them took his words to heart.
You Longsheng: ╮( ̄▽ ̄)
╭
There was nothing more he could do. While he didn't want to see a "heroic" figure like Bai Tianyu perish in vain, he couldn't directly reveal the future or offer explicit advice.
Moreover, even if he did, it might not make a difference. A man like Bai Tianyu was incredibly confident in himself, and before events unfolded, he was unlikely to heed anyone's counsel. Even Li Xinhuan could only give him a dagger engraved with the word "patience." It was like a young and successful entrepreneur advising Xiao Ma to treat his employees better.
Who was he to give such advice?
Portraying Bai Tianyu's speech and behavior accurately was truly challenging! He was both generous and overbearing, benevolent and vexing.
(End of Chapter)
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