"Old man, do you still expect me to apologize to these useless people? In the path of cultivation, the strong reign supreme. Theyâre not as skilled, and if they get injured or even beaten to death, itâs what they deserve.
No wonder Anyun Country is so weak. With swordsmen like you, itâs only a matter of time before your nation is destroyed." The burly young man didnât take Han Yanâs words seriously, turned his head to look at Qu Shanling with disdain, and said.
"Shut up!" Earlier, seeing their formidable strength and extraordinary bearing, people hesitated to act rashly in case they were from some family in the Capital. Once it became clear they were from Shangyue Country, everyone felt a sense of shared anger, but seeing the embassy documents, fearing it might harm national interests, they suppressed their anger.
However, now seeing them act arrogantly and even insult Anyun Country directly, as citizens of Anyun, who could endure such humiliation? Not only Qu Shanling, but even those who initially wanted to smooth things over couldnât hold back anymore, and they all shouted in unison.
Qu Shanling couldnât restrain himself, and before Han Yan could act, he leaped forward and slashed at the young man with a sword.
But the distance between them was still considerable, and he deliberately slowed his movement, giving his opponent ample time to prepareâit couldnât be considered a sneak attack.
The Sword Light swept across, and a mighty force enveloped the area.
Second-level Sword Master! It seems Qu Shanlingâs roasted pig hadnât been eaten in vain, and his strength had indeed improved significantly.
Possibly influenced by the Guiyu Clan, his swordsmanship had become noticeably more refined than before.
"Bring it on!" The burly young man laughed heartily, drawing the longsword from his back with a reverse grip.
His sword was four feet long, over a foot longer than a typical sword. The Sword Force cleaved and was unstoppable, exuding an overwhelming aura.
"Clang!" Sparks flew, and Qu Shanling was knocked back, sword and all.
Everyone was shocked as they watched this scene unfold. Initially ready to cheer for Qu Shanling, they swallowed their words just as they were about to speak.
With just one sword strike, a Master of the Second-level Sword Master was knocked away. That single strike from the opponent was incredibly powerful and domineering.
Seeing Qu Shanlingâs defeat, Huayue and the others were shocked. They leaped forward to catch him and dispel the force of the sword for him, leaving Qu Shanling unharmed but looking displeased.
"Master, Master." A disciple hurried to help Qu Shanling up.
Another disciple, quicker on the uptake, handed a roasted pig leg over.
Qu Shanling took a fierce bite of the pig leg, and his expression looked significantly better.
Seeing Qu Shanlingâs energy-replenishing treatment method, the onlookers broke a cold sweat.
"Hahahaha, useless, the Sword Master of Anyun Country are truly such trash!" The young man on the opposite side sheathed his sword and laughed boisterously.
"A dignified second-level Sword Master has fallen to such a degree. No wonder a thousand years ago, in that war, Anyun Country had no power to fight back against our Shangyue Country. The 100,000-strong army was like a defeated dog fleeing and hiding. If it werenât for someone stepping in to mediate, the country would have long been destroyed." Another young man remarked with disdain.
Hearing his words, everyone around showed expressions of shame and anger.
Indeed, in that war a thousand years ago, Anyun Country suffered a significant defeat. Itâs said that it was only through the mediation of an unparalleled warrior and substantial compensation in Silver Tael and strange treasures that Shangyue Country withdrew.
Of course, such national disgrace isnât known to the commoners, but the people in the Capital are well-informed and aware of some inside details.
"Did I say something wrong? If you are not convinced, you can try me." The young man arrogantly pointed his finger at the crowd.
Though filled with shame and anger, none of the crowd stepped forward.
Not because they were cowardly, but because the opponentâs strength was overwhelming. Even a Second-level Sword Master couldnât withstand a single strike, going up would only invite humiliation. A single defeat was one thing, but if everyone were defeated, it would disgrace Anyun Country as a whole.
Huayue and Zirong, along with Jiang Yuzhe, all placed their hands on their swords.
Putting aside their friendship with Qu Shanling, they were citizens of Anyun. The honor of Anyun was their honor and couldnât be trampled upon!
"Stop!" Before the three could step forward, Han Yanâs voice echoed in their ears.
Then they saw Han Yan walking toward the young man.
Han Yan didnât oppose Huayue and the others stepping in, but she knew they had just advanced to the Sword Master Realm and hadnât fully consolidated their strength. They were inexperienced in wielding the power of a Sword Master, making them unlikely foes for the opponent.
If they couldnât act, it was left to Han Yan. For the injured guards and Qu Shanling, she had to step in, and she was also a citizen of Anyun. Protecting the dignity of Anyun was also her duty. If she couldnât do this, what swordsmanâs dignity could there be to speak of?
"What, you want to challenge me?" Seeing Han Yan walking toward him, the young man was slightly taken aback.
He had noticed Huayue and the others earlier, as most cultivators coming to the Fang Familyâs Workshop werenât very strong. Huayue and the others had just advanced to the Sword Master rank, and it was easy to tell from their fierce, killing aura. Despite their young age, their presence was particularly striking, and it was hard not to notice them.
He had been ready for a fight, but Han Yanâs casual words stopped the trio, leaving him disappointedâuntil he saw Han Yan walking toward him.
In terms of age, Han Yan was even younger than Huayue and the others, her figure more slender and frail, showing little fierce aura. In short, she didnât look like a formidable fighter.
"Thatâs right, draw your sword." Han Yan said calmly.
"You really want to challenge me? Hahaha, just you, wanting to challenge me." The young man laughed as if hearing the funniest joke in the world.
At this point, he didnât notice the deep pity in Huayue and the othersâ eyes. To dare underestimate Lady Mu, isnât that courting death? This manâs strength is decent, but how could his judgment be so poor?
"A pretty face that looks effeminate and still wants to challenge me, Long Ya? Overestimating yourself. Go home and drink your milk. Thereâs no place for you to play hero here." The young man clearly had utter contempt for Han Yan, not even interested in engaging with him.
Only then did the surrounding crowd realize this person was named Long Ya.