120: Chapter 118: The Twenty-Eight Mansions 120: Chapter 118: The Twenty-Eight Mansions Only a very few people present understood clearly that the speed of Zhao Changhe’s broadsword, using some unknown technique, slightly deceived visual perception.

When people engage the weapon of the opponent, there is inevitably a point of impact they anticipate, and it is at that moment that the force reaches its peak.

Just as when a normal person walks, there is an anticipated point of footfall, using strength prematurely would likely result in a twisted ankle.

But Zhao Changhe’s broadsword, eerily, intersected with Ba Tu’s a tad earlier than normal anticipation—when Ba Tu’s strength had not yet peaked, while Zhao Changhe had been plotting this all along.

At the same time, Zhao Changhe’s apparently fierce clash actually concealed a bit of deflection in his counterforce.

His Six Harmonies Divine Skill, which he had previously solely employed to enhance the Blood Evil Skill’s power, and thus challenge beyond his level, was, in that moment, used instead to deflect force, hiding a trace of soft strength in what seemed like a supremely firm strike.

It was like striking water with the blade, the water continued to flow, yet the rocks within still reverberated, pushing Ba Tu’s force to the point it could no longer hold.

Then…

Zhao Changhe’s broadsword must have some trick to it, not just the ancient rustiness it appeared to be at a glance, certainly better than Ba Tu’s…

That fierce broadsword aura exploded, causing Ba Tu’s force to shrink back subconsciously.

An incorrect anticipation of the point of intersection, an error in the estimate of force, a miscalculation of the weapon—three errors in a single strike, how could Ba Tu, so provoked into merely competing with strength, not be defeated?

He fought this battle with extreme frustration, his strength absolutely greater than Zhao Changhe’s, yet he could not display it effectively, inexplicably swept aside as if stripped bare, right up until his clansmen supported him away, remaining completely bewildered the whole way, unable to understand what had transpired.

Even Yue Hongling didn’t know how Zhao Changhe had managed such an early interception point, nor how he managed the simultaneous use of both the firm and the soft…

It was eerily baffling.

Within the crowd, Tang Buqi muttered to himself, “Could it be the Spring Water Sword Technique?

How could this be…”

Those who heard turned to eye him skeptically.

Who could perform the Spring Water Sword Technique with a broadsword like that?

It didn’t look anything like it.

But no matter how Tang Buqi looked at it, it seemed similar, especially that premature point of intersection feeling, as if the path of the blade deceived the eyes, appearing slightly slower when it was actually a bit faster.

It was only a hint of that sort of technique, not encompassing the effect of their own cultivation technique, so only by a fraction, and the path of the blade totally unlike their own Swordsmanship; others definitely wouldn’t notice.

But Tang Buqi, as a core member and a Hidden Dragon of the Tang family, how could he not feel something?

Damn it, you keep calling me your big nephew, I thought it was just malicious verbal advantage-taking, don’t tell me there’s actually some truth to it!

If there’s even a bit of truth, are you really chasing after Yue Hongling in front of me?

I am Tang Buqi, not Tang Unangry!

Meanwhile, Zhao Changhe glanced around and noticed Wan Dongliu quietly speaking with his subordinates, and soon, there was a notable decrease in the number of Cao Gang affiliates in the hall.

Zhao Changhe realized Wan Dongliu was determined to take advantage of Chi Li’s injury to eliminate all these Alien Clan Hidden Dragons right here and now.

If that were truly the case…

did this person seem alright?

Or had he been too suspicious before?

At that moment, Magistrate Qian spoke out, “Indeed, it should be so, to display Great Xia’s majesty!

Dongliu, take some men to guard the Alien Clan market, do not let anyone disturb our guests, let it be known that Great Xia is magnanimous.”

Zhao Changhe clearly saw a flash of furious rage in Wan Dongliu’s eyes, yet he forced himself to bow his head and repress it, replying softly, “Understood.”

Magistrate Qian cheerfully rose from his seat, “I’m getting old, can’t keep up like you young martial artists, I will retire now.

Everyone did very well today, very well.”

Leaving before even having the meal was almost sure evidence that this person had come solely in support of the Alien Clan; he had no interest in socializing with these young martial artists at the banquet either.

Even Yue Hongling’s gaze turned cold now, considering whether the list of corrupt officials to be killed should gain another name.

But she noticed Zhao Changhe shake his head slightly at her, gesturing to not be rash, Yue Hongling tilted her head slightly and said nothing.

Zhao Changhe walked over, lowering his voice, “I understand your intent to die together, but Chi Li is someone with boundless potential, we cannot let him roam freely, or he will become a great menace to Central Earth in the future, no less a threat than the current Han King or the Great Shaman.

But I don’t want to worry about such distant matters; I only know you can’t die, don’t blame me for meddling.”

Yue Hongling looked at him for a long while, replying softly, “You’re concerned for my life, how could I not appreciate your kindness?”

“You are still two years younger than him, there are plenty of opportunities.” Zhao Changhe silently offered her a bottle of healing medicine, “Every time I see you…

you’re always injured…”

Hearing his concerned tone, Yue Hongling couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing.

She had encountered injuries in her adventures within the Worldly Society, not too infrequently, yet not too often either.

The two injuries she sustained within the last half-year, one against the third-ranking Hidden Dragon, Cui Yuanyong, and the other against the top-ranking Hidden Dragon, Chi Li, were indeed fierce battles against worthy opponents.

It was hard to avoid getting hurt, and as fate would have it, she showed her most vulnerable side both times in his presence.

The wound medicine Zhao Changhe now produced was from the Cui Family, indeed better than what Yue Hongling had on hand.

She accepted it without any reservation, jokingly saying, “Are you using Yuan Yang’s stuff to woo Yue Hongling?”

“Huh?” Zhao Changhe was taken aback, “No, no, it’s not like that.

What you just…

I haven’t asked yet, what was the meaning of that extra performance just now?”

“It meant nothing.” Yue Hongling’s cheeks were slightly red as she turned her head, “I couldn’t bring myself to make you lose face in public…

Anyway, I was just stating my standards for choosing a spouse, not that meeting them would mean anything…

There are plenty of people who meet those standards…”

Zhao Changhe was speechless, “You might think so, but others may not.

At the very least, they’ll think you have no objections to me pursuing you…”

Yue Hongling pondered for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, “I really have no objections.”

Zhao Changhe was stupefied.

Yue Hongling walked playfully with her hands behind her back, swaying towards the stairs, “There are many who wish to court me, and that’s their freedom.

Who can control whether others want to pursue you or not?

Let’s go upstairs for the meal, we’re here to attend the banquet after all.”

Zhao Changhe scratched his head in confusion.

What does she mean by that!

If you have no objections, then I might truly pursue you!

Just as he was about to follow upstairs, the stern, lifeless face of Tang Buqi appeared before him, “The swordplay in your broadsword just now, was it the Spring Water Sword Intent?

I had a feeling when you blocked my strike that day…”

Zhao Changhe patted his shoulder, “A gentleman should not be confined by instruments, it means one should not be fooled by appearances, but look at the essence.

There are many things similar to Spring Water Sword Intent, how can it become something exclusive to you?”

Tang Buqi’s face was expressionless, “The appearance is your broadsword, the essence is the Spring Water Sword Intent.”

Zhao Changhe blinked, this nephew wasn’t stupid…

Of course, stealing someone else’s Sword Intent was a big taboo in the Worldly Society, he would have to admit it later to Tang Wanzhuang, not blabber about it with his big nephew.

Zhao Changhe rolled his eyes, “If you don’t believe it, go ask your aunt.

Why are you making wild guesses here?

I just saved you, and you’re blocking my way like this?”

Tang Buqi hesitated for a moment then lowered his voice, “I want to invite you to kill Chi Li and Ba Tu together, they should be staying in the Alien Clan market.”

Zhao Changhe paused, turning to look for Wan Dongliu, but he was not in sight, probably having gone upstairs already.

He thought for a moment, then shook his head, “They’re not fools, they must be hiding by now.

With the Magistrate covering for them, I’m afraid even Brother Wan will have a hard time finding them.

By the way, I have a question for you, do you know if there’s anyone in the grasslands or Jiangnan who acts while wearing a mask?”

“Such behavior is usually from the Four Symbols Sect, and it’s generally the high ranks, have you run into one?

Oh right, it’s not strange for the Four Symbols Sect people to cause you trouble.”

Zhao Changhe thought of the Vermilion Bird mask and nodded his head, “If it’s the Four Symbols Sect, whose mask is blue?”

Tang Buqi pondered, “Probably related to water, for instance, creatures like the Water-Bucket Leopard or the Chariot-Water Worm, their masks should be blue.”

“The Twenty-Eight Constellations?”

“Yeah, you didn’t think the Four Symbols Sect only consisted of the Holy Daughters, did you?

Of course, they have the Twenty-Eight Constellations spread all over, but unfortunately, their identities are very secret, and no one knows who they are.”

Zhao Changhe pondered for a long while, then suddenly asked, “Before I came just now, did Brother Wan or Xuan Chong leave at all?”

“Who pays attention to that?

People do go to relieve themselves, what are you asking this for?

Even if there was a tea break, what could that accomplish?”

Zhao Changhe smiled brightly, “No worries then, big nephew, I’ve realized that aside from being a bit straightforward, you’re actually quite decent…”