Chapter 167: Wielding a Knife to Behead, Riding the Waves into the City
The capital of Yunzhou was many times larger than a typical county city. Even its outer city walls, constructed from solid white rock, were tall and magnificent. Outside the docks stretched a river three hundred meters wide.
At this moment, Martial Artists from various major powers had gathered. Everyone's gaze was fixed either on the approaching gigantic ship or on Zhao Zhongming, who stood at the forefront with his hands clasped behind his back. Being in the capital, they had learned of Jiang Shu's ship's departure time earlier and could naturally predict its arrival, waiting here in advance.
"The Thousand-Household Commander has already gone over. Who knows if Jiang Shu will accept the challenge?"
"It's hard to say. He's in a tough spot now. If he hadn't talked so tough back in Tianqing County and had just come to the capital, he could have simply turned back when faced with this, and no one would have known. But now, since he was the one who declared war first, he can't really be a cowering turtle, can he?"
"It would be laughable if he truly left. Even if he climbed higher in the rankings later, the nickname 'cowering turtle' wouldn't change. By the way, I bet on Jiang Shu losing within three rounds. I think this death duel is probably just a gimmick. Both sides are from the Danxia Chamber of Commerce. They hold grudges, but surely not to the point of a deathmatch. The Chamber wouldn't agree. After all, to reach this stage, Jiang Shu is quite a genius."
"Heh heh, I did something similar. I bet on him losing within ten rounds. I still think highly of Jiang Shu. He managed to defeat Tang Yujian, who had already used a Forbidden Technique, with just one move. His strength is quite impressive. He should be able to last a bit longer."
Zhao Chengxuan stood at the very front. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he gazed intently at a small boat in the distance. Compared to the Martial Artists behind him, he was the one who most hoped Jiang Shu would accept the challenge. This time, with his own cousin stepping forward, there would definitely be no unexpected incidents.
"In times of great events, one must maintain composure," Zhao Zhongming said coolly, a long spear upon his back. He listened to his cousin's racing heartbeat beside him and then took a step forward. With his keen eyesight, he could clearly see Jiang Shu at the bow of the ship, pen in hand, signing the death duel agreement.
The name is signed. Then this life is his for the taking!
Jiang Shu, you are doomed! Undisguised excitement filled Zhao Chengxuan's eyes. He watched his cousin advance, his own breathing becoming rapid. The other Martial Artists also ceased their discussions. Some couldn't help but gaze eagerly, while others turned to call their friends to come and watch the spectacle.
Zhao Zhongming and Jiang Shu's strength definitely ranked them among the top echelons of geniuses on the Little Dragon Tiger List. A death duel between existences like them would naturally not take place on the city's arena stage. Arena battles, after all, had various limitations. The mere aftershocks of their True Energy could demolish countless houses.
Hence, the death duel could only occur outside the city, on this broad river!
Zhao Zhongming advanced slowly. The True Energy beneath his feet condensed into strands, rapidly extending forward. The long spear in his hand lightly skimmed the water's surface, its imposing might building with each touch. Although he had not yet completely comprehended the top-grade Cultivation Technique, preventing him from drawing upon the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi, he could already sense the vast Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi. Every step he took adjusted his aura, aligning him more closely with the heavens and earth.
"Jiang Shu..." Deputy Chairman Jiang couldn't help but speak out again. Being part of the Danxia Chamber of Commerce, he fully understood the strength of the twenty-second ranked individual on the Little Dragon Tiger List. He still hoped Jiang Shu would reconsider. Patience for a moment can bring calm and quiet. Many Martial Arts geniuses had perished in conflicts sparked by momentary impulses.
"Thank you for your concern, Deputy Chairman," Jiang Shu said, turning his head with a smile. "Please watch my package for a little longer." Holding his combat saber, he leaped from the bow. A massive whirlpool appeared beneath his feet, resembling the shell of a giant tortoise. He casually tossed the Small Five Elements Saber Formation into it, concealing it. Although this Treasure was powerful, he had acquired it at an auction, and it could easily reveal his identity. If possible, it was best not to use it.
He walked forward, step by step.
The huge ship slowly veered off, leaving ample space for their duel.
"Jiang Shu!" Zhao Zhongming's voice boomed, his aura growing increasingly powerful. Behind him, five columns of water, like fierce flood dragons, became visible. "In Yongning County, you first insulted my cousin and shattered his Martial Arts spirit! In Tianqing County, you showed no repentance, insulted my friends, and then sought to battle me! Now, I have signed a death duel agreement with you—not to decide victory or defeat, but to determine life or death! Do you dare?"
His opening words were like resounding truths, filled with righteous indignation. He stood on the moral high ground, attempting to directly define Jiang Shu's crimes.
The battle of Martial Arts isn't merely a comparison of Realms. Victory is influenced by many factors; whoever gains the advantage takes the first step toward winning. The fact that Jiang Shu defeated Tang Yujian in a single move indicated he definitely possessed some extraordinary abilities. Naturally, he would not truly underestimate him.
"Enough of your troublemaking and incessant yapping," Jiang Shu said, shaking his head with no intention to explain. In his eyes, there was only Zhao Zhongming.
Undoubtedly, Zhao Zhongming was the most formidable enemy he had encountered since coming to this world.
In terms of Cultivation Technique, 'Five Dragons Fusing Organs Energy' was ranked higher than his 'Four Symbols Internal Energy.'
In terms of Realm, Zhao Zhongming had stepped into the Late Stage of the Blood Exchange Realm earlier, and all his blood had already condensed. It was unknown how much Essence Blood was hidden within his body; once he unleashed a Forbidden Technique, what an incredible burst of power it would be.
But, so what? It was just a battle!
His body was like a Great Pill, and the alloy combat saber in his hand moved as if it were an extension of his own arm.