Lu Zheng unleashed his blood energy to its fullest, not retreating but advancing, closing in on the City God.
However, he didn’t meet the City God head-on. Instead, he countered with intercepting and deflecting blade techniques, borrowing and redirecting force to avoid the edge of his opponent’s blade.
Tilting his body, he hid the back of his blade, spun lightly, and moved to the City God’s side, unleashing a sweeping strike.
“Well done!”
The City God shouted in approval, taking two steps forward to dodge Lu Zheng’s blade.
Then, he spun with a horizontal sweep of his own.
Lu Zheng avoided clashing blades, ducking low, planting his feet, and thrusting his blade toward the City God’s ankle.
The City God glided upward, his blade twisting downward.
Lu Zheng, left with no choice, used a feint step to push his blade against the side of the City God’s, then darted right to evade the next strike.
The City God pursued swiftly. Lu Zheng, barely able to turn, caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye and executed a backstep with an upward flick of his blade.
*Clang!*
The blades met, sending a jolt through Lu Zheng. He immediately leaped back, creating distance.
“Not bad, not bad! Fine blade work!” The City God laughed heartily, advancing again.
…
After two exchanges, the City God had gauged Lu Zheng’s strength and held back, focusing only on technique and intent.
Lu Zheng, however, gave his all, weaving in grappling moves and techniques from the *Eighteen Forms of Mountain Bearing* between his blade strikes.
Naturally, they had no effect.
…
After a quarter-hour of combat, Lu Zheng was drenched in sweat, his movements slowing.
The City God, clearly satisfied, sheathed his blade and grabbed Lu Zheng’s hand.
“Young Master Lu, your blade work is impressive! Come, let’s drink more!”
Lu Zheng only had time to return his blade to the approaching guard before the City God pulled him back into the hall.
More drinking!
Lu Zheng thought the City God’s life seemed rather carefree.
Well, aside from being dead.
“By the way, you mentioned killing another of King Nightshade’s men and getting a ghost artifact?”
The City God, mid-drink, recalled the matter, “Let me purge its ghostly energy for you.”
Lu Zheng shook his head, “No need.”
“Hm?” The City God looked puzzled.
Lu Zheng took out a jade pendant, stepped forward to hand it to the City God, then returned to his seat.
“It’s a fine ghost artifact, and I hear you can use it too. Purging its ghostly energy would diminish both sides.”
Lu Zheng smiled, “It’s our first meeting, and I’ve no proper gift to offer. I happened to acquire this ghost artifact, so please don’t think me insincere.”
The City God froze, giving Lu Zheng another look, momentarily speechless.
Judge Li, sitting nearby, lit up. That jade pendant artifact was valuable, potentially life-saving if used well.
Lu Zheng, unconcerned, raised his cup, toasting the City God from afar.
“Cheers!”
The City God’s eyes flickered. He set down the pendant, raised his cup.
“Cheers!”
…
As the wine flowed and spirits warmed, the City God shared his name.
Xin Zhanting.
He then recounted tales of his battles in the northern lands against the Mengtian warriors.
Lu Zheng could only nod along, not daring to ask about the Mengtian forces, guessing they were a rival nation weaker than the Great Jing Dynasty, as Xin Zhanting spoke of them with respect but little regard.
…
It was already the hour of the Ox when Lu Zheng arrived. After drinking and sparring, dawn was breaking, the sun about to rise.
“Tonight was a blast!”
Xin Zhanting had the guards clear the wine and walked out with Lu Zheng.
“Only today did I learn there’s someone like you in the county, Young Master Lu. Good thing it’s not too late to meet. Come back when you’re free, and we’ll drink and spar!”
“Alright, if you’re not busy, I’ll drop by to chat,” Lu Zheng replied.
They neared the gate.
“Young Master Lu, your blade work is sharp and refined, but it’s merely technique. Your blood energy foundation isn’t rooted in blade arts,” Xin Zhanting observed.
“You have a keen eye, my Lord,” Lu Zheng nodded, “My martial path is a fist technique, *Eighteen Forms of Mountain Bearing*.”
“With your blade skills, it’s a pity not to train a martial blade art.” Xin Zhanting pulled a booklet from his chest and handed it to Lu Zheng, “This is *Tiger’s Roar Blade*, which I practiced in my youth. It suits you.”
“No, no, I can’t!” Lu Zheng hurriedly declined.
“Take it. It’s my family’s secret art, meant to be shared.”
Xin Zhanting pressed the booklet back into Lu Zheng’s hands, “You gave me a ghost artifact without hesitation. Why should I hold back a mere martial technique? Besides, it’s a living man’s art, perfect for you. Should I let it vanish with my ghostly form?”
“Very well, thank you!” Lu Zheng accepted the booklet, “In a few days, I’ll bring some fine wine, and we’ll drink heartily.”
“That’s the spirit! Let’s drop the formalities. You’re not my subordinate. I’ll call you Brother Lu, and you call me Brother Xin.”
“Alright, Brother Xin!”
“Refreshing!” Xin Zhanting clapped Lu Zheng’s shoulder, “Go on, it’s almost dawn. Get some rest, and, well, since humans and ghosts differ, take care to pace yourself.”
Lu Zheng stumbled, gave a haphazard salute, and stepped out of the City God Temple.
…
“My Lord, how did you know Young Master Lu and that peach… Lady Shen are involved?” Judge Li asked, astonished.
“Yeah, yeah, Lady Shen’s always been known for her icy, ethereal demeanor,” Duan Zhong chimed in, joining the fun.
He’d invited Lu Zheng and naturally came to see him off.
“That woman’s a temptress. Icy and ethereal? That’s just because she hasn’t met someone to stir her heart. Have you ever seen a man stay overnight at Peach Blossom Manor?” Xin Zhanting said.
“Er…”
“But that doesn’t prove they’re involved, does it?”
“So I tested him, and didn’t I just confirm it? Brother Lu, still so young!” Xin Zhanting grinned.
“…”
“By killing Yan Jie, you’ve clipped one of King Nightshade’s wings. I reckon he’ll be even less likely to move against us now.”
Xin Zhanting gripped his sword hilt and ordered, “Spread the word: Night Patrols should frequent the south city at night, keeping a discreet eye on Peach Blossom Manor to prevent a sneak attack from King Nightshade.”
“Peach Blossom Plain is Lady Shen’s domain. Unless King Nightshade himself acts, they’ll fail,” Judge Li mused, “And if he appears in the mortal realm, you’d know instantly, my Lord. Is this necessary?”
Xin Zhanting nodded, “Better safe than sorry. If King Nightshade pays a price, he could evade my senses. If he does ambush Lady Shen, I want to know immediately and join forces with her. If we can trap him in the mortal realm, wouldn’t that solve everything?”
“Brilliant, my Lord!”
Back in his day, Xin Zhanting was a formidable general, meticulous in strategy, leaving no gaps. Otherwise, the Great Jing Dynasty wouldn’t have enshrined him as Tonglin County’s City God with incense and divine rites.
