Realm-Hopping Martial Master

The two were just about to say something more.

In front, a small boat rapidly paddled over.

A Sky Patrol Guard Qianhu, clad in a flying fish robe, called out loudly, "May I ask if Jiang Shu from Yongning County is present?"

The giant ship's speed gradually slowed.

All the Martial Artists stopped their exchanges, their gazes turning in unison toward the small boat on the water, then shifting toward Jiang Shu.

"I am Jiang Shu," he said, cupping his fist. "May I inquire what business you have, Sir Qianhu?"

Ranked eighty-first on the Little Dragon Tiger List, he was a genius, a lofty figure in the eyes of ordinary Martial Artists. However, in the presence of a Sky Patrol Guard Qianhu, who was backed by the Imperial Court, he couldn't act arrogantly.

He had yet to reach the prefectural city, and a Qianhu was already waiting for him.

It seems that something significant must have happened in the prefectural city.

Thinking this, Jiang Shu looked toward the Qianhu.

"Zhao Zhongming has accepted your challenge and has made it clear that it will be a life-and-death duel. If you agree, you may continue your journey by boat. If you are afraid, just say so. A life-and-death duel requires the consent of both parties. If you do not agree, he will not dare to kill you. You can proceed to the prefectural city without worry," the Sky Patrol Guard Qianhu said, nodding at Jiang Shu on the deck, his voice slow and solemn.

A life-and-death duel between Martial Artists was a serious matter and could not be undertaken privately. This was especially true for the geniuses on the Little Dragon Tiger List. Each of these talents was a future powerhouse for the Da Jing Dynasty. From the Imperial Court's perspective, they naturally hoped that Martial Artists would coexist amicably, without conflict.

Unfortunately, that was not possible.

With his hands hanging by his sides, he didn't urge an answer, standing there quietly waiting for Jiang Shu's reply.

In his view, if Jiang Shu were smart, he would directly decline, return home, and continue his cultivation in his county city. After all, having worked in the prefectural city for a long time, he was clearly aware of how formidable Zhao Chengxuan was. He was not someone a newly emerged genius from a small county city could compare to.

And if Jiang Shu were the patient type, he could still travel to the prefectural city after declining. As long as he didn't accept this life-and-death battle, he could cultivate in peace. The worst that could happen was being called a coward, which wasn't a major issue.

The most reckless and ignorant choice, of course, would be to agree hastily.

Hopefully, this Jiang Shu has some self-awareness.

The Sky Patrol Guard Qianhu maintained a detached composure, utterly indifferent to the immense commotion his words had caused aboard the giant ship.

"A life-and-death duel! HISS... If Young Master Jiang Shu agrees, this fight will surely be to the death!"

"Does anyone know what grudge lies between Zhao Zhongming and Jiang Shu? How did it suddenly escalate to a life-and-death duel? I've never even heard of a life-and-death duel between those on the Little Dragon Tiger List before."

"Sigh, I wonder if we'll be fortunate enough to witness it. If he really accepts the challenge, this battle is bound to be even more spectacular! A life-and-death duel—that means all trump cards will be revealed."

"I have a bad feeling about this. Young Master Jiang Shu is just from a small county city. How can he compete with Young Master Zhao Zhongming, who has been in the prefectural city of Yunzhou for many years? Besides, Young Master Zhao Zhongming is already ranked twenty-second on the Little Dragon Tiger List. Didn't you hear what the Qianhu said? Even the Qianhu doesn't seem to have much confidence in Young Master Jiang Shu. Otherwise, why notify him in advance instead of letting them meet directly?"

"Exactly. Keep your voices down. If the duel doesn't happen, we won't get to see anything. We'll have made this trip for nothing."

The Martial Artists' voices grew softer. Naturally, they didn't care about Jiang Shu's life or death. They only cared if they could witness a good show. The more thrilling it was, the more it would make their journey out of the city worthwhile.

"Jiang Shu, let's head back," Vice Chairman Jiang said, inhaling deeply.

A life-and-death duel was no trivial matter. The enemy was hidden while they were exposed; a direct battle under these circumstances was far too dangerous.

Moreover, Jiang Shu was a genius with exceptional Martial Arts talent. He just needed sufficient time to continuously grow stronger. There was absolutely no need to directly confront Zhao Zhongming's might.

The giant ship continued to move forward slowly.

Jiang Shu didn't rush to speak.

His gaze focused, he looked towards the prefectural city of Yunzhou, which was growing ever closer. He could even vaguely see the figures of Martial Artists on the docks.

Everyone, it seemed, was anticipating this battle.

Zhao Zhongming was anticipating it. And was he not anticipating it as well!

A life-and-death duel might intimidate others. But for him, what life-and-death duel could compare to the peril of that battle in Fusang! His current strength was vastly greater than it had been back then!

"Thank you for conveying the message, Sir Qianhu. This battle, I, Jiang Shu, accept."

As his words fell, his true energy circulated. The Small Five Elements Saber Formation, which had been hidden in his baggage, adhered to his palm.

Jiang Shu leaped up, battle saber in hand, and stood at the bow of the giant ship.

The wind rose, the clouds parted, and sunlight bathed his body.

Prefectural city of Yunzhou.

Zhao Zhongming.

I am coming.

I see.

I kill.