Chapter 208: Face Head-On
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
Going from advance to retreat was something that was extremely hard to achieve. However, Ying Shanâs movements were as smooth and natural as the moving clouds and flowing water. It was as if everything he had done before was in preparation for this strike.
Darkness covered the ground, and the blade in Ying Shanâs hand had already disappeared.
This was Shadowless.
HoweverâŠ
Disappearing alongside Ying Shanâs blade was also Fang Zhengzhi, as well as Yan Xiu and Ping Yang.
This seemed to not make any sense at all.
However, it was for a fact that when Ying Shan drew his blade and counter-attacked, Fang Zhengzhi disappeared. Or, it could be said that all along, Fang Zhengzhi had never appeared behind Ying Shan.
Ying Shanâs expression of unparalleled self-confidence froze.
He couldnât understand. Where did Fang Zhengzhi go? Why would Fang Zhengzhi suddenly disappear?
"Are you looking for me?" Fang Zhengzhiâs voice sounded out from behind Ying Shanâs body.
Ying Shan turned around and was even more shocked to see Fang Zhengzhi standing below the rock. Holding a Blazing Qilin Spear in his hands, a similarly shocked expression appeared on his face.
Of course, Fang Zhengzhi never expected Ying Shan to turn around suddenly.
He was indeed pursuing Ying Shan from behind, and his objective was naturally also to delay Ying Shan from going up the rock.
However, he didnât chase closely behind Ying Shan. Or, it could be said that all along, he maintained a misalignment behind Ying Shanâs body. This wasnât because he could guess Ying Shanâs intentions.
Instead, it was a habit.
To someone who was well-versed with sneak attacks, it was only natural for him to instinctively avoid a few possibilities of falling for a sneak attack as well.
This was similar to a general on the battlefield who was well-versed in cutting off peopleâs supplies. He would definitely guard the back of his own battlefield very heavily.
Fang Zhengzhi was such a person. He was used to unleashing sudden attacks, and used to sudden counter-attacks. Hence, he would definitely not allow himself to follow so closely behind the enemyâs back, and instead, pursue at a misaligned angle.
Ying Shanâs counter-attack was incredibly beautiful.
However, there was one greatest flaw in this counter-attack. That was before oneâs blade turned, one mustn't turn his head, not even reveal the slightest bit of intention to do so.
Hence, it would naturally be impossible for Ying Shan to know Fang Zhengzhiâs position.
Hence, Ying Shan counter-attacked.
On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi didnât have time to react, charging in front of Ying Shan. In an instant, both of them entered each otherâs visual blind spot. This was a golden opportunity.
If Fang Zhengzhi took advantage of this, he would definitely be able to inflict serious damage upon Ying Shan.
However, Fang Zhengzhi had no way of knowing that Ying Shan would turn around. Hence, he maintained his blazing speed and charged in front. He wanted to stop Ying Shan from the side, thus, he naturally didnât take advantage of this opportunity.
This was a coincidence that left people speechless.
However, this coincidence caused Ying Shanâs heart to once again be unable to reach a state of calm. Such a perfect plan was foiled? What hint did he reveal?
How could this not harm him?
A list of doubts rose up within Ying Shanâs head.
These questions similarly filled the minds of the surrounding examinees.They already couldnât understand the reason why Ying Shan turned around.
Now, they were still unable to understand the reason.
The scene that unfolded a moment ago.
Ying Shan very evidently unleashed a powerful killing blow. The power of that blade likened one that aimed to slice off a mountain peak.
However, all along, Fang Zhengzhi wasnât following behind Ying Shan.
This was something they had seen very clearly.
Then, what is Ying Shan trying to slash with this blade? The air? Or, was it to vent his rage?
Nobody could understand. However, there was one point which they understood very well.
Fang Zhengzhi had successfully blocked the way between Ying Shan and Nangong Mu. Yan Xiu and Ping Yang stood in the same row beside Fang Zhengzhi.
Standing below the rock.
Ying Shanâs blade was as ink-black as before. However, this ink-black blade seemed somewhat heavy in his hands. The Shadow Blade Technique emphasized slyness and being traceless. If it was used during a sneak attack, it would be even more unexpected. That was the most important reason he was sent for this task.
Now that tracelessness had turned into traceable, the power of this blade technique had been reduced by at least seventy percent.
"How⊠did you see through it?" Ying Shan had to ask this in the end. This stemmed from his pride and self-respect.
Fang Zhengzhi knew very well what Ying Shan was asking.
Answer with the truth?
That was just because his luck was a little bit goodâŠ
Fang Zhengzhi wasnât so stupid. If he wasnât able to win based on abilities, then, he had to defeat the opponent with his temperament, at least causing the opponent to feel afraid.
"Because, your move contains a life-threatening weakness. Or, it could be said that every single one of your moves contained a life-threatening weakness. This is a habit you cannot change. And it is this very habit that lets me know whatever you are going to do." Fang Zhengzhiâs expression was very serious. It was like an elder pointing out the flaws of a younger personâs techniques.
Ying Shan frowned slightly. Everyone had a weakness. He was no exception. However, he didnât know whether Fang Zhengzhi was speaking about the same weakness which he knew of.
He was more inclined to believe that Fang Zhengzhi was spouting nonsense.
However, Fang Zhengzhi had indeed previously proved this with his actions. Each of his actions were indeed expected and foreseen by Fang Zhengzhi. That was a rather bad feeling, it was even somewhat scary.
Being able to determine an opponentâs weakness with one look?
Has Fang Zhengzhiâs talents already reached such a level?
"He really saw through Ying Shanâs moves?"
"Isnât that⊠not very possible?"
"So it seems that Ying Shan previously wanted to deliver a killing blow to Fang Zhengzhi? But, it has been foreseen by Fang Zhengzhi, allowing him to dodge it? No wonderâŠ"
When the examinees heard the conversation between Ying Shan and Fang Zhengzhi, they began to guess.
"Clang!" A gentle sound snapped Ying Shan and the examinees from their thoughts.
On the rock, two chains had already been broken. The golden sword let out a low cry, as if it could break out from the stone any moment.
At this moment, success took another step forward.
From the moment Fang Zhengzhi stood out until now, he hadnât even fought once with Ying Shan face-to-face. However, he injured Ying Shan badly on his back, and most of all, delayed at least two minutes worth of time.
Most importantly, up till now, Ying Shan hadnât even taken a single step up the rock.
There was no other way to describe this other than being a miracle.
Just like how Fang Zhengzhi used two hours to complete six examination papers in the theory examination of the Imperial Examination, becoming the theory examination roll champion with his full marks.
Nobody would have thought of such an outcome, much less that such a thing would occur.
But these were the facts. Facts that cannot be argued against.
"Will you be able to stop me even if you are able to see through my techniques?" This time, Ying Shan didnât rush to ascend the rock immediately. Because, he had already viewed Fang Zhengzhi as a true enemy.
At least, it was an enemy that allowed him to take seriously.
"There is a saying. When you meet with a problem, you must face it head-on!" Fang Zhengzhi stood his spear on the ground with a proud and unyielding expression on his face.
However, this aura appearing from Fang Zhengzhiâs body.
In addition to everything Fang Zhengzhi did previously, truly caused people to feel slightly unwell.
Ying Shan had this exact feeling.
Face head-on?
Then, what did you just do? Sneaking an attack on me from behind, relentless sly and cunning tactics, since when did you ever face head-on?
The surrounding examinees also had this same thought. However, at this moment, they stood in the same camp as Fang Zhengzhi. Hence, they could get used to this indisposed feeling.
At this moment, Yan Xiu had opened the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan in his hands and stood quietly beside Fang Zhengzhi. He didnât feel indisposed. Instead, he only chose to fight alongside Fang Zhengzhi at this time that Fang Zhengzhi decided to face this battle head-on.
Ping Yang similarly stood shoulder-to-shoulder beside Fang Zhengzhi. By right, Ping Yang should have walked away at this moment. Because, she already had no more strength to fight. More importantly, she had already given her Blazing Qilin Spear to Fang Zhengzhi. Then, how could she fight with Ying Shan of the Supernatural State?
However, Ping Yang didnât walk away.
She stood beside Fang Zhengzhi and waved her fists, preparing for the fight.
"Can you take a rest at the side?" Fang Zhengzhiâs words harshly cracked down on Ping Yangâs determination for the battle.
Ping Yangâs tiny mouth instantly pouted, seeming as if she was very angry. As the great Princess Ping Yang, she had pride and arrogance that ran through her bones. Furthermore, she had another reason to be arrogant, one that came with her birth.
That was a reason that everybody within the Yan Capital knew.
She didnât believe that Fang Zhengzhi didnât know this. However, all along, Fang Zhengzhi gave her the feeling that either he didnât know, or he didnât care.
"I am very strong!" Ping Yang insisted.
"Strong? Can you defeat me?" Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Ying with a look of despise.
"I can defeat you!" Ping Yangâs clear eyes looked towards Fang Zhengzhi as her tiny lips curled into an arrogant look. Her expression was very serious, as if she was reciting a fact.
"Will you die⊠if you donât boast?" Fang Zhengzhi casually shot a middle finger towards Ping Yang.
Ping Yangâs face instantly flushed red. She stared hatefully at Fang Zhengzhi, then looked at Ying Shan, then finally gritted her teeth and "gloomily" went to one side.
"You will definitely regret this!"
"I wont!" Fang Zhengzhi replied Ping Yangâs words very directly.
Then, he looked towards Ying Shan. There were some things that he could not avoid forever. When facing Ying Shan, he might be able to temporarily suppress Ying Shan based on intellect. However, the huge difference in enlightenment state meant that he wouldnât be able to deliver a life-threatening blow.
The Supernatural StateâŠ
That, was the enlightenment state of a truly powerful man.
Ying Shanâs eyes narrowed. He didnât expect Fang Zhengzhi to fight him face-to-face. However, Fang Zhengzhi stood right in front of him, holding the Blazing Qilin Spear, giving him no choice but to believe it.
"Then, show me your true powers!" There was no light on Ying Shanâs blade. It was like a shadow that danced in the darkness. However, the tip of the blade pointed towards Fang Zhengzhi.
The Blazing Qilin Spear on Fang Zhengzhiâs hand similarly pointed towards Ying Shan. The Blazing Qilin Spear glowed with a red light, and a tiny golden light glowed quietly at the tip of the spear. That, was the Blazing Qilin True Blood.
He knew that it was difficult to avoid this battle further. However, he suddenly realised a problem.
It seems like I donât know any spear techniques?
What should I do?
This seemed to be a problem. However, Fang Zhengzhi didnât have too much time to think through this. Because, Ying Shanâs blade had already moved.
Within the pitch-black darkness, Ying Shanâs blade stabbed directly towards him.
At this moment, Yan Xiu also moved. He flipped over the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan in his hands almost at the exact instant Ying Shanâs blade moved.
"Heaven and Earth Reversal!"
To be considered among the Yan Five Treasures, the power of the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan was no ordinary matter. In the Star Conglomerate State, it could turn into a Mountain River Territory. Now, Yan Xiu had entered the Heavenly Reflection State.
His own territory and the Mountain River Territory complemented and gave life to one another. It was actually able to forcefully tear a gap within the boundless, infinite darkness. A huge mountain range extended towards the sky, just like the lone peak in the black darkness.
A powerful yet sad pressure pressed down upon Ying Shan.
Ying Shanâs figure slowed down slightly, then, he began to accelerate once again. However, the footprints he left on the mud became evidently deeper than before.
"Rise of the Eastern Red Sun!"
Yan Xiu let out a low bellow as a bright red sun appeared on top of his head. Following which, a powerful red crescent slashed towards Ying Shan.
Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldnât let Yan Xiu face Ying Shan all by himself.
When Yan Xiuâs Mountain River Territory appeared, he had also moved. Even though he wasnât familiar with spear techniques, did it matter? Nevermind that.
He held a spear in his hand, however, why canât a spear be used as a sword?
For exampleâŠ
"Mountain Waterfall Cascade!"
At the moment Yan Xiu employed the Asura Cut, Fang Zhengzhi also leapt upwards. Using the tip of the spear as the tip of a sword, he plunged the Blazing Qilin Spear down from top to bottom.
This blow.
Fang Zhengzhi had no idea what power it would have.
However, there was one thing he knew for sure. The slashing of a blade downwards and the plunging of a spear downwards were indeed different in their powers.
Most importantly, the Mountain Waterfall Cascade could concentrate all the powers on one single point.
This was a technique used for stabbing.
"Iâll stab you to death!" Fang Zhengzhi didnât bother about which sword techniques couldnât be used with spears. He only lived by one value. Any spear technique that could kill people was a good spear technique.
Ying Shan could feel an immense pressure on his body.
As he gazed at the killing intent from Yan Xiuâs sword, there wasnât much change in his expression.
However, when Fang Zhengzhi leapt up and directed the tip of the spear towards the ground, plunging down towards his head, he was truly shocked by this strange technique.
The wielder of a spear.
King of the weapons. Pole for a month, blade for a year, spear for a lifetime.
Among the eighteen weapons, the spear was the hardest to use. However, once it was mastered, a spear could become oneâs second life. A spear was like a dragon in the water.
Usually, there were three basic fighting techniques for the spear. Left head-off, right head-off and thrust.
However, no matter how much Ying Shan grinded his brain, he never would have thought that somebody would raise his spear and plunge it down from above.
"He doesnât know how to use a spear?" This thought instantly flashed across Ying Shanâs mind. However, after this thought flashed, another thought arose.
"There is trickery involved!"
Such a great talent who attained the Double Roll Champion in the county and capital examination not knowing how to use a spear? That probability was too low. Even if he might not be proficient at it, he should at least be well-versed with its basics.
However, at this moment, Fang Zhengzhi was completely portraying a layman who used the spear as a stick.
Very evidently, he was definitely trying to employ some sort of trick.
Ying Shan couldnât see through the trick, hence he didnât bother. He lightly waved the blade in his hand, turning it into two blade intents, one of them real, and the other an illusion. The illusion led the attack, while the real one followed behind. This was experience, using an illusion to test oneâs real power.
However, splitting one into two meant that the blade didnât embody Ying Shanâs full power.
This caused the surrounding examinees to feel somewhat stunned.
When Fang Zhengzhi leapt up high in the air and plunged his Blazing Qilin Spear downwards, an icy feeling gripped their hearts. Because, nobody in history would ever use the Blazing Qilin Spear in this manner.
What caused them even more shock was that when Fang Zhengzhi plunged down with the spear, Ying Shan didnât take the opportunity to advance. Instead, he held back and used blade intents.
Ying Shan didnât have sufficient combat experience? Couldnât he see the weakness in Fang Zhengzhiâs technique?
This was evidently something that wasnât quite possible.
Then, could the truth be that Fang Zhengzhiâs strange spear technique contained a profound secret that they couldnât understand? But, where in the world is the profound secret in this plunge?
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