Book 14: Chapter 3

Be Careful

Ming Feizhen returned the sword to its sheath without looking, then took a seat beside Li Jingan. She, like him, fed him a crispy fritter as though nothing happened, and he accepted it likewise.

After Ming Feizhen licked his lips, Li Jingan softly said, Fuma, the sword is good, with her eyes down on the quaint sword.

Ming Feizhen took another bite and, before swallowing it, replied, This broadsword is just normal.

Which of the many renowned blacksmiths is credited with its creation?

I dont know if hes a renowned blacksmith or not, but I do know its name.

And its name is?

Didnt I just tell you? Its called Normal.

Wordless Sword Deitys signature sword! exclaimed a maid.

Among Eastern China Seas Supreme Swordsman, Mount Tians Glacial Sword Empress, Wordless Sword Deity and the elder of the imperial familys mausoleum, Wordless Sword Deity was the most mythical of them for his accomplishments, so it was no surprise that his signature sword was praised as highly as him. For years now, he had secluded himself at Gra.s.shouse. Therefore, every time there was news of him again, the world of swordsmen would be rattled. As pract.i.tioners of swordplay since childhood, the maids were naturally surprised to see his sword in the capital.

So its Sword Deitys sword.

Didnt know that. I just found it.

Li Jingan narrowed her eyes. Thank you for sharing some pointers with the four girls, Fuma.

Even an idiot could perceive the provocation in Li Jingans eyes; she was convinced that Ming Feizhen only beat her maids because he caught them by surprise with his Tai Chi Swordplay and possession of Normal.

Hahaha. Ming Feizhen sat up and, before Li Jingan could give the order to a.s.sa.s.sinate him, offered, I guess I need to share some pointers with them, then. I suppose you wont mind, Your Highness.

If you would please, Fuma.

The four are already decent with their tools and coordinate splendidly. They never panicked even after I broke their blades, truly impressive. Ming Feizhen moved his gaze to the four. You four coordinate your attacks as though you are one ent.i.ty. Thats not easy to achieve, and its certainly effective, but its useless against someone perceptive. In order to maintain your synchrony, you must maintain your speed in every movement at an average level; you even must engage and disengage at the same time. Thats just silly.

In a real fight, many things change in a split second. All the enemy has to do is bait you into attacking the same spot, and your formation will become your own undoing. Theres nothing special about synchronising your engagement and disengagement. You finally get it when you can attack at different times from different places and still land in the same spot.

The four maids felt as if a lightning bolt just clapped right by their eyes. Until now, all their training had focused on synchronising to apply their formation; they never placed any importance in one-on-one combat. Yet, they found that it basically impossible to improve their formation recently no matter how much they trained. Not only did Ming Feizhen just draw their attention to a weakness they were ignorant to, but he also provided a hint to improve.

Ming Feizhen smiled as he glanced back at Li Jingan.

Where is Fumas thank you? Li Jingan rhetorically questioned without a change in temperament.

Thank you for your advice, Fuma, the four maids conveyed in unison.

Fetch my wine for Fuma. I must personally make it up to him. Once her proprietary wine arrived, Li Jingan personally filled a bowl with her fragrant concoction and pa.s.sed it to Ming Feizhen.

This is good.

The maids had to stop their jaws from hanging agape as they watched Ming Feizhen chug the bowl in one shot.

Once he set the empty glazed bowl down, Ming Feizhen wore on a long face. La.s.s, what exactly are you plotting?

I like it when you call me that. Li Jingans cheeks turned rosy. Am I the only one you treat this way?

What the h.e.l.l is there to like about that?! If you like being called La.s.s, will you moan in joy if I call you Hoe?!

You havent answered my question.

Li Jingan flipped her palms face-up. I dont want to answer it, she responded. Once she saw Ming Feizhens defeated look, however, she cackled and said, However, if you guess correctly, I could nod.

Your words, not mine! No going back on your word! Why did you go after Jiang Chen? Did he get in your way?

Li Jingans expression didnt budge in the slightest.

Who did you hear about my encounter with Jiang Chen from? There were only a few people at the scene. Was it Boss Shen? Isnt there friction between the Seven Champion Princes and your dad? Why help Jin Clan? Whats your relations.h.i.+p with Jin Zhaoying? Why are you in her body? You had a role in manifesting the duel between Jin w.a.n.gsun and I in the palace. He went missing afterwards. Did you off him?

Since Li Jingan promised to nod if he was right, Ming Feizhen decided to throw out all the questions hed be dying to know the answers to regardless of relevancy.

Also uh, do you have anything to eat? Im hungry?

Li Jingan angled her head and smiled behind her hand. Sure.

Great! No, wait, answer at least one of the questions before that one! You didnt nod once! Are you using me for entertainment?!

Li Jingan set her chin onto her hand and gazed at Ming Feizhen.

What are you thinking about?! Say it out loud!

Li Jingan smiled. Im wondering what our childs temperament would be like. What should we name them? If its a boy, how about calling him Ming

Stop, stop, stop. Please. Ming Feizhen extended his arms out as if he was using them as posts to keep a menace away.

Hehe. Li Jingan pulled back into a graceful sitting posture. In a voice as soft as an ill patient, she voiced, In your opinion, what would you say is the most important part when deciding to do something? In my opinion, family, is the most important.

Ming Feizhen wrinkled his nose, unable to fathom what was implied.

Fuma wont be staying the night. See him out.

No matter how much they respected Ming Feizhen, Her Highness orders were absolute. Therefore, the four maids approached him before he was done thinking to escort him to the door. Even by the time he was at the door, he still couldnt figure out what Li Jingan tried to convey.

Fuma. Li Jingan looked perfectly calm as she continued, Your sword is sharp. My four maids are no match. She paused to give Ming Feizhen time to process what she implied, then went on. There is no shortage of dangerous people in the capital; theres no guarantee they cant do something to you. Wearing a forlorn look, she finished with, You must be careful.