558 Sword Sage (1/2)
Transnational organisations like the Hundred Schools of Thought almost always appealed to self-interest.
They could even be seen as political organisations. This made Fang Yuan extremely worried.
”From the looks of the tribal energy...the Shang Dynasty is not stable…it is surrounded by over 800 feudal states, which greatly limits its potential for expansion. Less than thirty per cent of the world's land is under the direct control of the Shang King.”
In Fang Yuan's opinion, the reality in this Shang Dynasty was more similar to the Warring States era.
”Jie...our King appreciates talented people and will definitely reward you handsomely. Shall we head over to Sir Cao's school of swordsmanship after we meet with the King?”
Meng Kuo had a kind smile on his face.
”No thanks...please tell Senior Fang that I am a happy-go-lucky person and couldn't care less for wealth and glory!”
Fang Yuan smiled back and waved goodbye.
”This is where we shall part!”
Fang Yuan was a carefree soul and had no wish to prostrate himself before the King. Besides, he was only going to be given the lowly rank of 'yeoman'.
It was only worth a second thought if he was going to be enfeoffed as a noble lord.
”Hei Zhong, let's go!”
Fang Yuan turned around to leave.
Hei Zhong hurried after him with the two white foxes.
”What?”
”How insolent! He dares to slight the King!”
”Treason! Treason!”
Meng Kuo was about to persuade Fang Yuan to reconsider when the other officials raged and tried to detain Fang Yuan.
When the officials approached Fang Yuan, a mist appeared and obscured their vision.
When the mist finally cleared, Fang Yuan and Hei Zhong were gone.
”Carefreeness over glory?” Meng Kuo stared into the distance quietly before he heaved a long sigh.
”What a strange man!”
Meng Kuo decided to give up all hope of bringing Fang Yuan out of the mountains.
”Master...where shall we go now?”
Fang Yuan walked along the streets jauntily while Hei Zhong called after him hesitantly.
Although Hei Zhong was a simple man, he was not a fool.
Fang Yuan's refusal to meet with the Shang King was a major affront. Someone was bound to complain and Hei Zhong expected them to get arrested any moment now.
Even if they managed to evade arrest, they would no longer be welcome in the Shang capital.
”Why worry about these things?”
Fang Yuan narrowed his eyes.
”How much progress have you made with the Great Yin Technique that I have imparted to you recently?”
The so-called Great Yin Technique was, in fact, the same technique used by the fox sisters to absorb moon essence. Fang Yuan had revised it slightly by adding in parts of the white mist technique practised by Hei Zhong. There was no risk in cultivating this technique, albeit only in theory.
”Cough cough…”
Hei Zhong pulled a long face at the mention of this.
”That technique is so difficult to learn! I get the deep chills every time I practise it in front of the moon…”
”This is normal. You'll just have to get over it!”
Fang Yuan replied with a wide grin that Hei Zhong found unsettling.
Both of them walked on and arrived at a busy part of the city before long.
At the centre of the crowd was a school of swordsmanship. In front of the building was a raised platform on which two people were duelling with swords.
One of the swordsmen was a black-robed young fellow with his hair tied into a bun and he wielded his sword steadily. The other fighter was a big man of about thirty years old. Although his technique was unorthodox, he was very strong and quick on his feet, making his swordplay very lethal indeed!
”Uncle, what's going on over here?”
Hei Zhong approached a passing old man after Fang Yuan gestured for him to make enquiries about the event.
”The Sword Sage Sir Cao has opened a school of swordsmanship in Shangyi and is accepting new students. This is his youngest disciple, Can. Anyone who can defeat him will receive a hundred pieces of gold!”
The old man pointed to the pile of shining gold pieces lying in a corner of the stage. He grew more excited as he talked on.
”Since yesterday, Can has beaten 18 contenders in a row and is unmatched at the moment. The current challenger is Tiger, a famous warrior in Shangyi. ”
”Ding!”
At this point, a winner had emerged.
Can, who had been forced to the corner, thrust his sword forward with lightning speed. His sword looked as though as it was crackling with electricity.
”Poof!”
Tiger the warrior shouted out in pain as the sword cut into his arm. His grip turned bloody and he was forced to let his long sword fall to the ground.
”Thank you!”
Can inverted his sword and bowed to his opponent. He exuded all the suaveness of a gentleman.
”The youngest disciple of the Sword Sage Sir Cao?”
Fang Yuan yawned as he suddenly remembered the purple energy rays and the blazing sword that he had seen.
”Could one of the three purple energy rays be Cao Qiu?”
The full name of Sir Cao was Cao Qiu!
Fang Yuan smirked.
”Hei Zhong...go win a hundred pieces of gold for us. It will help to settle our expenses as we travel around the world. Remember to use a sword!”
”Yes, master!”
Fang Yuan had never told him anything about travelling the world. Nevertheless, he hid his surprise and leapt onto the stage with a sword on Fang Yuan's orders.
”Hei Zhong, a son of Dongyi, will take up your challenge!”
Hei Zhong looked so brutish that no one dared to object.
”After you!”
Can had regained his energy by taking a short break. He ascended the stage once more.
”Hmph!”
Hei Zhong exhaled. A cloud of white mist emanated from his nostrils and swept towards Can.