Vol 9 Chapter 39 (2/2)

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding* *Ding*!!

4 sounds rang out as I launched attacks in quick succession which were all blocked. I could sense that her strength was not low in the least and every attack ended up with her deflecting me away before counterattacking.

*Dang* As my spear hit the ground, I was running out of ideas. Close quarters combat is essentially a contest of brute strength. Her attacks are vicious and I was careless with dealing with some of the attacks from before, making me take some damage.

Right, and I am not wearing my hat either, which makes it even worse. Yes, I can only give myself 50 points or so for today’s performance.

“Yaa!” All of a sudden, she slashed down at me again. It was difficult for me to block this head on so I dodged and continued attacking her sporadically.

*Ding* *Ding*! After another 2-3 exchanges, I was still unable to land any attack. Her reactions were fast and being deflected away was difficult to deal with.

This Lu Xiang does not look very imposing at all, nor is there much meat on her arms. Yet, as a warrior, I must admit that she is superior to me. Looks like I still have a long way to go with my strength.

But… No matter how I look, she does not seem to be very old.

Well then– How about this!

As I thought so, I wordlessly dashed towards her side.

“Hmph! You’re so impulsive even though you’re my elder!” Lu Xiang mocked as she smiled and had an expression on that seemed like she had victory in her grasp.

*Dang*!!!

In the next instant, our weapons clashed. When I looked up, I saw that our weapons were locked in a cross and the intersection was just several centimeters above my head.

She used one arm and so did I. However, mine had begun trembling. Clearly, her strength was above and beyond that of mine.

“Admit defeat.” Lu Xiang said as she gave an arrogant and delightful smile, “If you don’t, your head will be split into 2. You managed to dodge before but you won’t be able to this time.”

It was as she said. If we keep at this, my strength will fail me sooner than hers will eventually. I can feel that her blade is slowly inching towards my head and it is only a matter of time before my brains are spilled out.

But…

“No! I won’t admit defeat nor will I surrender!” I forced these words out with my head lowered.

“Oh? Then you choose death?”

… I smiled.

“What are you smiling for?”

“Nothing, I am not choosing death either.”

“What are you…”

My smile grew wider by the second, which seemed to leave Lu Xiang at a loss as to what to do.

“Hmhm. You on the other hand ought to admit defeat.” I am not someone who likes riddles and just spat out the answer immediately, “Look at your throat.”

“… Eh?” She tried to lower her head but was not allowed to and all she could do was gasp. She never imagined that there would be a sharp spearhead pointing at her throat.

“When did you…” Lu Xiang blanched and her relaxed and joyful expression from before was nowhere to be found, “When did you pick up your spear…”

“40 points. I can only give you 40 points for asking this question.” I said as I lightly shook my head, sheathing my sword, “What you should have asked was why didn’t you see the spear in my hands.”

“… Why did I not see the spear in your hands?” She actually honestly asked.

“You’re still young.” I said as I kicked my hat up with my feed, caught it in my free hand and pulled it over my head before I slowly continued, “Martial arts depends on one’s strength, bravery and technique. I lack strength but my spear techniques have been finely tuned from sheer practice.”

When I finished, I withdrew my spear and spun it in my hands, accelerating with every revolution until it disappeared.

“That’s–”

“Don’t move.” I softly ordered and pointed the spear at her neck once more when I saw that she tried to move, “Know this, Lu Xiang. Sometimes, technique can negate strength. And it looks like my technique has prevailed over your strength this time.”

“Kuh…” Lu Xiang seemed dissatisfied with this, “Your hands just happen to be a little quick.”

“Yes, just a little quick.” I was not mad and merely placed my spear on her neck, “But that little bit of speed has given me your life.”

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