Chapter 146: Broken Sword
When he grasped the Inverted Mountain Sword, Tuoba Linsu’s aura transformed entirely, as if he had become an unassailable mountain peak.
There was not a single flaw to be found on him.
Zhang Ruochen sensed Tuoba Linsu’s change, and a fighting spirit surged within him, his blood boiling.
Finally, he had met a true sword master!
Zhang Ruochen said, “My name is Zhang Ruochen. And you?”
“Tuoba Linsu.” Tuoba Linsu understood in his heart that Zhang Ruochen had agreed to duel with swords.
The two stood only five steps apart, both pressing their hands on their sword hilts, entering their optimal state.
Neither made the first move; instead, they quietly observed each other, searching for any opening.
Below the martial platform, the young prodigies all began to murmur.
“Prince Tuoba is the number one expert of the younger generation in Dragon River Commandery. It’s said that no one of his age in Dragon River Commandery can withstand a single move from him. For him to personally duel that reckless fellow from Cloud Wu Commandery is truly an honor for that brat,” said a teenage prodigy.
“That reckless fellow does have real skill, having defeated Zhu Yi and Huo Ming in succession. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be worthy of crossing swords with Prince Tuoba.”
“Didn’t you hear Prince Tuoba’s words just now? He said he would defeat him within ten moves.”
“I think it won’t even take ten moves—three at most.”
“Tuoba Linsu’s sword technique is supremely firm and yang-aligned. Even blocking a single move from him is extremely difficult.”
…
“Truly a master—completely without flaws. Since there are no flaws, I’ll force you to reveal one.”
Tuoba Linsu’s eyes suddenly blazed with two piercing beams of light.
The bones and muscles within his body moved rapidly, producing a crackling sound.
Without any flashy footwork, Tuoba Linsu strode toward Zhang Ruochen. Though he seemed to walk slowly, in an instant, he was before him.
“Whoosh!”
The two-hundred-forty-pound Inverted Mountain Sword, like a door plank, slashed diagonally down at Zhang Ruochen.
He used no true qi, yet sparks of fire appeared on the blade’s edge, as if it had become a sword of flame.
Though the move seemed simple, Zhang Ruochen found himself unable to evade.
Steadying his stance, Zhang Ruochen used subtle force, his arm trembling as the Flash Soul Sword slithered like a spirit snake along the black giant sword, diverting its power in another direction.
A flicker of surprise crossed Tuoba Linsu’s eyes, and he laughed, “Good!”
“Shua!”
Tuoba Linsu reacted swiftly, immediately slashing down again with a broad and decisive stroke, utterly without hesitation.
“Bang!”
The two swords clashed. Zhang Ruochen was jolted by the immense force, his arm going numb as his body flew backward, landing at the edge of the martial platform.
Though the Sword Discussion Assembly judged sword technique alone, forbidding the use of true qi, a martial artist with higher cultivation possessed greater physical strength and speed, naturally holding an advantage.
Zhang Ruochen examined the Flash Soul Sword in his hand and noticed a small nick on the blade.
The Inverted Mountain Sword in Tuoba Linsu’s hand was a seventh-rank True Martial Treasure. Both its forging materials and sharpness far surpassed the fourth-rank Flash Soul Sword.
Tuoba Linsu seemed to recognize the unfairness and said, “I choose to switch swords!”
“No need!”
Zhang Ruochen activated the Wind-Riding Flying Dragon Shadow footwork and, in an instant, charged before Tuoba Linsu. “Now take a move from me!”
Fast!
Tuoba Linsu only saw a blur as a sword shadow descended toward his head. The sword wind struck him, and a stabbing pain shot through his skull.
“Thrust!”
Tuoba Linsu leaned back, holding his sword with both hands, and thrust upward into the air.
Zhang Ruochen twisted his body, dodging the sword tip, and landed behind Tuoba Linsu, shouting, “Heavenly Heart Points the Way!”
The Flash Soul Sword traced a straight line from low to high, slashing toward Tuoba Linsu’s back.
Without turning, Tuoba Linsu thrust his sword backward like an iron shield, blocking Zhang Ruochen’s strike.
“Sizzle!”
The swords clashed fiercely, scattering sparks.
“One Sword Breaks the Army!”
Tuoba Linsu spun around abruptly, sinking his legs, and swept his sword horizontally.
This was a spirit-grade mid-rank sword technique, one Tuoba Linsu had mastered through dozens of battles and thousands of kills on the battlefield.
When unleashed, it carried the momentum of sweeping through a thousand troops.
Now, with the two so close, facing Tuoba Linsu’s lethal strike, Zhang Ruochen had no choice but to meet it head-on.
This was Tuoba Linsu’s brilliance—he knew Zhang Ruochen’s sword technique excelled in agility and precision, so he refused to give him any chance to dodge, forcing a direct clash.
“Crack!”
The swords collided, producing a harsh metallic shattering sound.
The Flash Soul Sword in Zhang Ruochen’s hand snapped, the blade tip flying away.
What was once a three-foot-four-inch sword became a two-and-a-half-foot broken blade.
Yet Zhang Ruochen did not panic. He remained calm, tapping his toes to retreat swiftly, narrowly evading Tuoba Linsu’s strike.
“Good! Prince Tuoba truly is the number one expert of Dragon River Commandery’s younger generation. His sword technique is formidable—he broke that reckless fellow’s sword in just eight moves.”
“He even claimed to be the best swordsman under heaven. Before Prince Tuoba, he’s utterly pathetic.”
Tuoba Linsu’s eyes turned cold as he glared at the two who had spoken, saying, “He hasn’t lost. It’s only because his sword’s grade was too low that it broke. Zhang Ruochen, I can lend you a sword. Let’s finish this bout.”
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. “Who says a broken sword can’t be used? Prince Tuoba, we haven’t settled this yet. From our exchange, I’ve already seen the flaw in your sword technique.”
“Your swordplay is full of yang vigor and unmatched ferocity, but it lacks continuity. Each of your moves is a single strike, with no follow-up.”
“Such sword techniques seem unstoppable and imposing, but once I seize the gap between your moves, that’s when you’ll lose.”
Tuoba Linsu’s expression remained unchanged. “You mean you can defeat me in just two moves?”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Something like that.”
“Hmph! Even your sword was broken, yet you still spout nonsense. Shameless!” the Thirteenth Princess pouted.
Tuoba Linsu’s gaze grew serious, more solemn than ever. He gripped his sword hilt with both hands. “One Sword Splits Mountains and Rivers!”
“Sizzle!”
Sparks appeared on the blade’s edge, like a wave of fire, slashing toward Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen kicked off the ground, leaping up, and stepped onto the back of Tuoba Linsu’s heavy sword, pressing it slightly downward.
At the same time, he flung the broken sword in his hand, striking at Tuoba Linsu.
“Bang!”
Tuoba Linsu quickly changed his move, swinging his sword upward to knock the broken sword away.
Just as he raised his sword to attack Zhang Ruochen, a gust of wind struck from the side.
Zhang Ruochen used his palm as a sword, chopping at Tuoba Linsu’s neck. With a thud, he sent Tuoba Linsu crashing to the ground.
“Boom!”
Tuoba Linsu’s burly frame hit the ground heavily. Had Zhang Ruochen held back, that blow could have snapped his neck.
Zhang Ruochen remained calm, picking up the broken sword from the ground. “Sometimes, the sword doesn’t have to be in your hand. And sometimes, the sword in your hand isn’t the only sword.”
“Impressive…”
Tuoba Linsu rubbed his sore neck, his head still dizzy, but he rose to his feet. He handed the Inverted Mountain Sword to Zhang Ruochen. “I’ve lost. As promised, I give you the Inverted Mountain Sword.”
Zhang Ruochen smiled. “A gentleman does not take what another cherishes.”
Though Tuoba Linsu was reluctant to part with the Inverted Mountain Sword, he was even more unwilling to be a man without integrity. He insisted, “If you don’t accept it, won’t everyone know that Tuoba Linsu is a man who goes back on his word?”
His character was as straightforward as his sword technique.
“Fine, I’ll take it.”
Zhang Ruochen pondered for a moment, took the Inverted Mountain Sword, and then handed it back to Tuoba Linsu. “Now, I’m giving it to you.”
Tuoba Linsu was momentarily stunned, then smiled, taking the Inverted Mountain Sword back. “Zhang Ruochen, thank you for the sword. Rest assured, I, Tuoba Linsu, will repay you with a sword one day.”
As Tuoba Linsu descended the martial platform, more golden and jade leaves were tossed onto the stage from the second floor of Golden Phoenix Pavilion.
Upon closer look, there were over a dozen golden and jade leaves.
“Right Minister’s Mansion, Zhuo Yanwu.”
“General’s Mansion, Sikong Yan’er.”
“Grand Tutor’s Mansion, Zhao Xuan.”
…
Watching the leaves fall like rain, the young prodigies burned with envy.
If only they had let Zhang Ruochen leave earlier! Now, he had defeated three top experts in a row, even Tuoba Linsu, winning the favor of countless noble ladies.
All he had to do was pick up one golden and jade leaf from the ground, and he would gain the support of a massive power. Such an opportunity was not for everyone.
“Damn it, this guy is actually quite skilled,” the Thirteenth Princess muttered, feeling she had miscalculated. What if he won first place in the Sword Discussion Assembly? Would she have to marry him?
Standing nearby, Liu Xin noticed the Thirteenth Princess’s displeasure with Zhang Ruochen and smiled. “Your Highness, I am willing to step in and defeat him. But do you have any other requests? For instance, breaking one of his legs or crippling his cultivation?”
Liu Xin was a disciple of the Right Minister, who had ordered him to win first place in the Sword Discussion Assembly and marry the Thirteenth Princess.
The Thirteenth Princess glanced at Liu Xin, a hint of joy appearing on her face. “No need to break his leg or cripple his cultivation. If you can humiliate that bastard thoroughly, I will reward you handsomely.”
“I will not disappoint Your Highness.”
Liu Xin’s gaze turned toward Zhang Ruochen on the martial platform. His eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them.