Vol 1 Chapter 13 (1/2)
Don’t tell me this is the Battle of Hulao Pa.s.s
“That is to say that we let this dog run, and then whoever catches it keeps it?” This was my summary after listening to a long and convoluted explanation by Gongsun Zan.
“Un, that’s how it is.” Gongsun Zan nodded with a smile. “You can attack or hinder other compet.i.tors as well. But to prevent injuries, the only weapon allowed will be a 3 chi long wooden stick.”
(TL: Chi is a unit of measurement. 1 chi is about ~30cm.)
So about 1 meter then… Not too long, not too short. Looks like Gongsun Zan has indeed considered things well.
“If anyone gets injured, come find me okay~~~~” Hua Tuo waved from the side.
“And that’s how it is, any objections?”
“”Nope~~~~” Everyone raised their hands in agreement.
Except for Han Fu’s group who have gone somewhere else, everyone including those not interested (me, Zi Long and Zhang Liao) have been forced to join this contest.
“I object!”
Who is it? Who could dare to object at this time? … Oh, it’s the guy selling the dog.
“What if the dog doesn’t return? Then won’t I lose out?”
“Don’t worry, all contestants will give you a deposit.” Gongsun Zan suggested without even thinking.
“Un, then I have no objections.”
Sure you don’t have objections but I do! I don’t have that much money!! And why is everyone so willing to spend now? Yi De made me buy sweets for her just now, yet she can pay for this herself.
Hai, no way about this, I just have to borrow from Zi Long…
“I just hate having to spend money…” That was the first time I saw, a truly horrific expression on Zi Long. “Un? Is there anything Lord Xuan De?”
“Ah… No…” How could I ask.
Alright I’ll ask Yun Chang… No, I can’t, no matter what she is my little sister… That’s right, Zhang Liao!
On reaching this conclusion, I walked over to Zhang Liao.
“Zhang Liao… Umm, can you lend me some money first?”
“Ah? But… But I still have to pay for my lord’s share hm~~~” So Feng Xian doesn’t usually bring money about huh. “… Maa, since you asked…”
“Thank you so much!! Zhang Liao is the kindest to me!” I grasped Zhang Liao’s hand and shook it over and over.
“Maa maa, no need for thanks. I’ll be very happy if you would s.h.i.+eld me from a certain animal that will come flying over later… Oh? Looks like it’s starting.”
Un? Wow when did they set up a starting line.
Hopping in the front row was naturally my little sisters, Feng Xian and Gongsun Zan while we 3 were lined up behind.
“Ready!” The merchant put a hand on the dog’s collar lock, ready to unlock it anytime now while his other hand held something that seemed like some sort of paper crack to scare it, then– “Go!”
The cracker exploded and the dog raced forward in shock.
Apart from the dog, several beautiful young women with gleaming eyes flew out as well.
— Now entering Gongsun Zan’s point of view.
“d.a.m.n it, where did it go?”
I, Gongsun Zan, swear by my name that I will definitely get that dog.
But speaking of which, where is Zi Long? She’s not behind me?! Really, how am I supposed to compete now? We’ll see what I’ll do to you when I get back… Un, probably nothing.
Aiya! I can’t think of such things now! White Horse (my name for the dog)! Where’s my White Horse?
“White Horse?! Where are you?~~~”
“Hmph, calling out like that is a waste of effort!!” A cold voice came from the roof of the building beside me.
Un? This voice is?!
“General Lu Bu!”
I looked up and saw General Lu Bu, who stood on someone’s house and ignoring said someone’s scolding, surveying the surroundings as she spoke to me.
“I’ll praise you for your legs and ears at least. From my experience, Red Hare did indeed escape in this direction.”
What experience!! Its nothing but an act! I won’t believe in what experience you claim to have, I only believe in my own instincts! And its name is not some Red Hare, its rightful name is White Horse!
“But since I’ve made it here anyway, there is no reason not to fight for it.” I smiled and pulled out the wooden stick.
General Lu Bu stood there silently for a while after hearing my words before saying–
“… Lord Gongsun, are you serious?” Just as she finished, I felt a strong air current blow past me. “I had planned on letting you go account of you being Lord Xuan De’s childhood friend… So let me ask once more, are you serious?”
Zi Long isn’t here at this time too… No good, I really want to run away…
But, But I–
“For the sake of my White Horse, I will not quit!”
“… You have guts.”
Though I’ve never personally seen her in combat, even I can feel it from her aura– That if she fights seriously, my death will certainly come, and it will be faster than flipping a book.
But! Now both of us wield just a wooden stick, a thin wooden stick at that. This way, we are both in a tough spot.
And so I have a chance to win!
“Well then– Here comes my first blow!~~~~” General Lu Bu flew over from the roof in one jump, and the wooden stick came smas.h.i.+ng down, aimed at the center of my forehead.
“Haa!~~~” I yelled out to energise myself and held my wooden stick above my head as I readied myself to take the blow.
Such a simplistic move– I’ll definitely block it!
— *Kacha*
What sound was that! Did someone’s stick break? No it was impossible for only one side’s stick to break as the sticks all had the same density and hardness… Could it be that both broke?
But if they both did… Why… Why does my forehead feel like it got hit?
Before I could figure it out, my legs gave way and I collapsed to the ground.
“Wh… What…”
… What happened?
“The wooden stick you held up was a hindrance so I used my arm to break it first. Good thing the stick wasn’t too thick.”
You, You used your arm?!
“But in the end, the winning blow was not really a direct hit. All I did was press down on your head with the arm I used to break the stick and then hit my arm with my own stick. This way you won’t have any external injuries and will faint at the most.”
No good, I’m losing consciousness… My vision is already dark.
Just that one charge had that much power huh…
“Don’t move anymore, Lord Gongsun. Lord Hua Tuo should be here soon to treat you.” I could still hear General Lu Bu’s voice from my beside my ear. “I’m sorry but I really want that puppy.”
As she finished, she ran off and the sound of her footfall grew distant until I couldn’t hear it anymore.
… Come to think of it, I really am silly. Why did I think that I have a fair chance if we used the same weapon?
— Now entering Feng Xian’s point of view.
Seems like I broke a bone in my forearm…
Breaking the stick was still okay, but that blow I gave myself was probably a little too heavy.
“It hurts…” I moaned in a low voice as I began looking for traces of Red Hare.
“*w.a.n.g*!”
(TL: Mandarin onomatopoeia for barking.)
There!