Book 14: Chapter 113

Dragon Fire Jade

Bronze Mask shadowed Xun Feng through the academy from the rooftops, making their shadows resemble a single individual under the moonlight.

Xun Feng couldnt actually control Six Blades activities. They merely accepted the job because they accepted payment. While he didnt realise Bai Yumo was Bronze Mask at first, it wasnt a reason for him to falter in his goal. Actually, he wished he knew her ident.i.ty sooner so that he couldve been more sophisticated in his preparations. The silly game of cat and mouse wasnt something he wanted any part in. Thus far, the outcomes were just acceptable since the plan wasnt defused yet, but it was far from being splendidly executed.

The longer the chase dragged out, the stronger He Kanyus suspicion he still hadnt given Xun Feng enough credit. Perhaps Xun Feng was just half a notch below him, but Xun feng was the weakest among the Four Holy Monks. Considering Cold Mountain Temples respect in the martial world, they didnt get there by sheer luck. Confucianism was way behind in that regard. The scariest thing was that Xun Feng seemed familiar with all of Confucianisms pursuit formations. No matter how they tried to catch him, hed be able to identify the weak point in their formation to slip away. They already had two handicaps before even accounting for Bronze Mask. Regardless, they had to stop the duo from reaching their destination no matter the cost.

The Confucianism disciples drew their swords on He Kanyus orders as they bridged the gap. Like a crescent moon, an invisible blast of broadsword qi zoomed towards He Kanyus neck. He Kanyu subtly bent his torso to block it. If he kept dodging, Xun Feng would continue having time to run, so He Kanyu forced himself to block the attack.

The running monk laughed. Theres no need to worry about a Dragon Jades location if we have the academys Edasich.

Xun Feng suddenly spun around and struck at an angle He Kanyu was unprepared for. He Kanyu didnt expect a monk from Cold Mountain Temple to know how to counter Confucianisms swordplay. Nevertheless, He Kanyu promptly inhaled and deployed a golden glow that locked Xun Feng into his attack range.

Unexpectedly, Xun Feng smiled. He was already privy to the fact that He Kanyu had reached Quasi-Divine realm and could apply Enlightenment to his sword. He also caught how He Kanyu blocked Bronze Masks last slash, so he recognised that He Kanyus scabbard was partially made with Darksteel. Therefore, He Kanyus surprise attack had no element of surprise. That being said, a strike imbued with Enlightenment was still tough to defend against. Xun Feng wouldnt have had an answer had only He Kanyu not tried a surprise attack.

He Kanyu wasnt one to go sneak attacking people, but it didnt mean he didnt know how to. He wasnt a stick in the mud who didnt know how to be flexible while caught in a pinch. Plus, it shouldve been more surprising to enemies when someone who fought fair and square suddenly went for a sneak attack.

This time, not only was He Kanyus tactic was clever enough to fool his opponent but even himself. Lan Jiqiong rushed towards him when he blocked Bronze Masks attack; however, his opponent expected that exact reaction.

Xun Feng: Its unfolding just as Mr. Jiang Chen said it would!

Xun Feng slipped He Kanyus strike to strike at the chest of Lan Jiqiong, who came to his seniors aid. Being weaker than Xun Feng and injured prior, Lan Jiqiongs meridians were instantly sealed upon contact.

Under normal circ.u.mstances, Lan Jiqiong wouldve lasted twenty to thirty exchanges even in an injured state, but He Kanyu lost his a.s.sistant before he even had a chance to make use of Lan Jiqiong.

Xun Feng picked up Lan Jiqiong upon making contact and used him as a s.h.i.+eld against He Kanyus attack that was swinging towards his back. Although it was a risky move to give He Kanyu his back, it paid off. He Kanyu slowed down upon seeing Lan Jiqiong lifted, allowing him to stop in time without suffering internal injuries, which wouldnt have been possible at his level a few years ago.

As soon as He Kanyu pulled his attack, he had to spun around to defend against broadsword qi from above, only to see Xun Fengs imminent palm strike. Xun Feng switched between punches, palm strikes, chops, claws, hooks and finger spears without any struggle. He Kanyu unleashed sword qi as sparks from his glowing blade, dismantling the duos attacks with vigorous spinning attacks.

Xun Feng backed off, smirked and then squeezed, breaking Lan Jiqiongs arms using his unique method.

Stop! thundered He Kanyu.

Xun Feng grabbed Lan Jiqiongs throat, prohibiting He Kanyu from coming closer. Discard your sword!

Throwing away his sword was the equivalent of handicapping himself for He Kanyu. Xun Feng knew He Kanyu was the type to abandon even his parents when he had made up his mind, let alone a junior brother. Hence, he didnt wait for long before raising a hand up to signal hed splatter Lan Jiqiongs skull.

Ill kill him!

Wait! After much painful hesitation, He Kanyu consigned his sword to the ether, then immediately propelled himself up to kick the hilt, sending it flying towards Xun Fengs throat.

There is a technique in Confucianisms swordplay called Sacrifice for Justice thats reserved for critical situations. Using their feet to facilitate a swift movement, theyll aim a lethal strike at the targets throat. Although there is supposed to be an innate risk in performing it, its difficult to defend against. Even if you do block it, theyll be able to rescue the hostage.

How should one counter it, then, Elder?

The scholar adorning black garments in the toilet slightly tugged up a corner of his lips and replied, Why bother? Since its the hostage he wants, hand over the hostage.

Despite being prepared, Xun Feng nearly failed to react in time. He pushed Lan Jiqiong away once he saw the blade advance on him. Due to his moment of hesitation, though, the sword missed Lan Jiqiongs throat and only pierced his shoulder. Nonetheless, as a result of the unexpected, He Kanyus poison hit him again, leaving him vulnerable to the broadsword qi that successfully sliced him in the back.

Xun Feng glanced up to the roof. Bronze Mask sheathed her weapon and then ran off when she noticed a group on her tail.

It all happened so fast that the disciples couldnt react in time. Xun Feng, of course, wouldnt let the opportunity slip. He followed up with a palm strike straight to He Kanyus chest, sending He Kanyus blood out of his mouth and back to the ground.

Everything played out exactly as the scholar in black said it would. Somehow, the scholar was able to predict everything, including the unexpected changes, in the plan he provided days ago. The predictions were further verified when Xun Feng took out the ice jade box Lan Jiqiong had in his s.h.i.+rt.

The Dragon Fire Jade is with Huang Yuzao, isnt it? questioned Xun Feng.

He Kanyu groaned as a result of the poison complicating his injuries.

Thank you for the answer, Edasich. Xun Feng threw a palm strike at He Kanyu, forcing He Kanyus allies to block it for him. That gave Xun Feng the opening he needed to get away. n.o.body could offer Xun Feng a challenge since the two cores of the formation were incapacitated.

If the ice jade box was on Daren Academys grounds, there was only one possible function it served to store the Nine Dragons Fire Jade. Since the box was empty, it had to mean they had removed it and used the box to bait Xun Feng into showing his hand, never expecting him to be prepared. By logic, then, they couldnt have separated the two items too long ago. In addition, they wouldve stored the jade back inside before its fire ability could be exhibited. They couldnt have entrusted such an important item to anybody. Thus, the safest bet wouldve been Huang Yuzaos room. That also explained why Lan Jiqiong chose to carry around the heavy box.

Everything went according to Jiang Chens predictions!

Xun Feng naturally knew where Huang Yuzaos room was given he had been staying at the academy for a while. Before he even opened the doors, he could already feel the heat comparable to standing in a blacksmiths active workshop.

Its here as expected!

The dry water stains around the bronze basin in the centre of the room and the basin that was on the verge of melting further cemented the fact that Xun Feng had found his target. He said to the elder sitting behind the desk, Princ.i.p.al Huang, apologies.

The moment Xun Feng went to fetch the Nine Dragons Fire Jade, he felt a violent wind blow in his direction. He never feared Huang Yuzao since he was informed Huang Yuzao had lost all of his training. As soon as he felt the wind, he knew who hindered him.

Song Chi, what a strong sense of righteousness you have.

Song Chi stepped out from behind the screen. I warned you already. Theres still time to stop before its too late.