Emperor Que Shaohua

Chapter 134 In the Name of the Sword

On the seventh day of May, since the early morning, there has been a faint drizzle under the sky, and the mountain wind is mixed with cool water vapor, as if to take away the heat of early summer.After coming to the south of the Yangtze River for a month, Luo Pingyuan has gotten used to such humid weather. As far as he can see, every plant and tree in Wanjian Villa is extraordinarily quiet, as if comforted by the drifting rain.

"Fourth junior brother, the master has always praised you for your firm mind." Yin Jianxiu said, "In today's battle, the number of winners and losers is outside the body. You just need to concentrate and control the sword with your mind, and it will be natural." He said. Feeling that the aura around the junior brother is not stable, it seems that his mood is fluctuating, and he is nervous about the upcoming sword competition, so he can't help but feel a little worried.

"Thank you, Second Senior Brother, for reminding me." Luo Pingyuan nodded, he was actually thinking about the conversation with King Jing last night.

"Brother Huang, Pei Suxue is dead, can you really explain the ins and outs of the villa incident?" He asked.According to Ji Tinghui's previous confession, the three guards were all trained by Wei Wuze for many years, and they were not controlled by other people in the Kunlun Mansion, so their identities were extremely secret.With the current situation, if the relationship between Pei Suxue and the former Yin Envoy cannot be directly revealed, the whole bet will have little chance of winning.However, Wei Wuze has been brewing for a long time, and has been hiding without a trace. Where can I ask people to find evidence?After two days of observation, he felt that Mu Shaoqing's terminal illness was beyond expectations. Even if he really collected witnesses and evidences and put them in front of this person, he might still not be convinced.

He thought for a while and said: "Brother Huang, there is no need to worry too much. I will definitely win the battle tomorrow with all my strength."

If Mu Shaoqing could not be willingly succumbed, the only way to win was to fight. He really felt a little nervous, because the price of failure was unimaginable.The atmosphere in Huaibizhuang was as if facing a formidable enemy, and everyone was staring at the suzerain. One could imagine how heavy the pressure was, and there was still an imperial decree pressing on King Jing.

"Mu Lingzhu's request is not completely unreasonable. It's hard to disappoint him now." Luo Yuhua seemed to not care about it at all, and said leisurely. At that time, the warm yellow light covered the tiredness on his face. A gleam of light flashed across his eyes, which were as deep as a clear pool, "Sword fighting and reasoning are indispensable. It's still the same sentence, as long as Ping Yuan is willing to help me, there is always a way."

Luo Pingyuan withdrew his thoughts, he and his two senior brothers had almost reached the wooden bridge, when a figure greeted him from the opposite side, it was Gu Di who was leading eight disciples.Luo Pingyuan looked at the disciples of the sword hall neatly lined up in two rows, and couldn't help feeling a little surprised: "It's raining, why does Hall Master Gu stay outside, but he is here to welcome the River Sect Master?"

"Sect Master Jiang and his party have just arrived." Gu Di cupped his hands in salute with a solemn expression, "The sword hall is ordered by the master to welcome the famous Jian Chunjun!"

"So that's how it is." Luo Pingyuan understood, "Thank you for the courtesy of Master Mu Shaozhuang."

He subconsciously pressed the hilt of the long sword at his waist, and the slightest trace of fighting intent rose from the bottom of his heart.This magical weapon, which was condensed with the painstaking efforts of Ou Yezi, the number one famous swordsmith thousands of years ago, has been around for a year. Although it has not been unsheathed many times, it rarely returns. It killed more than ten dead soldiers on the night of July and fifteenth. On August [-]th, Huangjue Temple took Nalan Yu's life with a blow, so that he would not be framed by poisonous hands.In his heart, the existence of Chunjun is far more than just a sharp and unparalleled imperial sword, it seems to gradually become a part of himself, and his mind is connected.It seems that Mu Shaoqing is determined to win Chunjun, and he has already made up his mind to risk his life to accompany the gentleman, betting once.

Gu Di turned around and led the way, Ning Zefei had a serious expression on his face, and Yin Jianxiu was worried.

"Eldest Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, let's go, don't keep Sect Master Jiang waiting." Luo Pingyuan said, "Don't worry, I believe today will be a good day."

Following the tradition, the last day of the Sword Trial Conference is to taste the top-grade swords brought by various sword sects, which is more elegant and relaxed than the previous two days.Qu Gao is a widow, if he is not a person who knows swords and loves swords, he will probably have chosen to return home at this time. Therefore, on the third day, most of the guests will disperse, and the remaining swordsmen are still gathered in Wanjian Villa.Luo Yanhua had heard Mu Shaoqing talk about these customs a long time ago, but when he approached the gate of the villa again, he found that there were still people coming and going in front of him, the number was not inferior to the first day.

If it hadn't rained, the sword appreciation location could be set on the stone platform of the Martial Arts Field, but now it has to be set in a flower hall on the west side of the Sword Pool.It can be seen that Wanjian Villa's enthusiasm for everyone's participation is underestimated. Although the hall layout is spacious, it is the limit to accommodate hundreds of people. Obviously, it cannot handle thousands of guests entering at the same time. Fortunately, there are long corridors on both sides of the place. Open all the doors and windows in the hall, so that the heroes sitting in the corridor can hear and see the situation inside, barely meeting the needs.

Under the guidance of the disciples of the Sword Hall, everyone in Langhuan walked through the veranda and walked towards the flower hall. All kinds of eyes were cast from both sides, probing, mocking, expecting, worrying, and gloating. Included in the silent gaze.

At the beginning of the hour, the corridor was full of people, and the sects participating in the tasting and the more important guests gathered in the flower hall one after another.When Mu Shaoqing stepped into the hall, he saw Luo Yanhua at first sight.Most of the people were greeting each other, but the corner where he was was silent, perhaps because he didn’t want to disturb the thinking of the Langhuan Sect Master who was in a dilemma, or because he was worried that he would encounter bad luck, almost no one came forward to talk to him, Yu Lan , Xie Xiao, Bai Qingyuan and the masters did not say a word, only Zhu Jin occasionally bowed his hands to the two Shaolin masters, the master of Wanhe sect, Ning Zefei and others who came in one after another, which can be regarded as greetings on behalf of Langhuan.

A faint irritability came from the bottom of Mu Shaoqing's heart again, like the undercurrent under the frozen lake, which couldn't make waves, but there was always a little discomfort and something wrong.Last night Li Fengxing was discussing matters with him, talking about the future arrangements, he suddenly sighed, hesitant to speak, Mu Shaoqing read the unconcealable worry from the eyes of this always kind elder.Li Fengxing was probably afraid that he would think too much or get angry, so he stopped the conversation hastily after only a few words, to the effect that there is no harm in being cautious, words spoken by people are like splashed water, no matter how hard it is to take back, there is still room for advance and retreat, if Not even a leeway is left to the suzerain, and Ming Jian himself is likely to encounter difficulties.Mu Shaoqing didn't get angry, and even said a few perfunctory words, not only because he didn't want to lose his temper with Uncle Li who was loyal and helpful to him, but also because he had made up his mind and would not change it.But he still couldn't help feeling displeased, a bet, whether to accept or not, it's either one or the other, the prudence in others' mouths is tantamount to asking him to back down, and backing down is tantamount to admitting defeat, why should he admit defeat?In the past two days, there seemed to be more vacillating subordinates in the villa and in Mingjian. Even Li Fengxing was influenced and tried to persuade them.

He had gradually gotten used to the white mist that blocked his thoughts without noticing it, and replaced it with a kind of almost numb indulgence, without being disturbed by emotions, without excessive worries about the future, what's wrong?The ice on the surface of the lake is getting thicker and thicker, but whenever Luo Yanhua is involved, it seems that his instinct is awakened for a short time, and his heart will be burned like a flame, suffering from discomfort. But born.

In any case, today is the day of ending, everything will end, and I can finally get rid of the troubles of right and wrong, settle the past grievances, and draw a clean line.He looked at King Jing, and without waiting for Gu Di to announce the process of the sword meeting, he asked directly: "Sect Master Jiang came as scheduled, did you know the conditions I proposed last night?"

No one expected that Master Mu Shaozhuang would be so domineering, and the first sentence he spoke would be straight to the point. The flower hall suddenly became silent, and then spread to the corridors on both sides.

"Vice Zhuang Zhu has already told me about it, it seems that this is your echo." Luo Yanhua nodded slightly, "I thought that the proof of Miss Pei's life experience was enough for Mu Lingzhu to let go of his worries, and the rest You can tell the matter behind closed doors. Now that you insist on clarifying the cause and effect in public, it’s okay.” He paused, “It’s just that everything has an end, if I can do it, Lord Mu Ling So what?"

Mu Shaoqing didn't expect him to agree so simply, without embarrassment, as if he had already figured it out, all kinds of ridicule that he was about to utter were blocked in the middle.Just like Xie Xiao thinks that asking the suzerain who is far away in Luocheng to explain the incident that happened in Wanjian Villa is difficult for others, Mu Shaoqing himself actually thinks the same way. He doesn't believe that Luo Yanhua can really explain anything. Misleading the audience and the minds of the Wulin, he said in a cold voice: "Sect Master Jiang, if he can really say that he is ugly, and show people that he is impeccable, then Mu will not regard white as black! Gossip is useless. Please say it."

He expected that even if Luo Yanhua made up a story based on the circumstances of the night of the accident, or let that traitor Gu Zheng testify, it would be full of loopholes, and he could pierce it with a single finger. not out.In the final analysis, Zhuang Zhuang's deepest consciousness is still looking for the original judgment. What he has seen and heard with his own eyes will never allow the culprit in his mind to turn black and white.

While the two were answering, the hall was so quiet that a needle could be heard, and everyone waited with bated breath.

"Now is not the time." Luo Yanhua looked at the indifferent expression on the face of his friend from the past, and shook his head slightly, "The day has just begun, so why rush for a while. Mu Lingzhu might as well go to the sword test meeting first, don't It swept away the interest of all fellow swordmen." He seemed unwilling to say more, paused before continuing, "After all the words are finished, you may not be in the mood to taste the sword."

Mu Shaoqing frowned, the last sentence was very jarring to his ears, King Jing's expression was indifferent, he couldn't tell whether he really grasped something or was just scaremongering.His mind turned, and when he thought of Ming Jian Chunjun and the fifth prince who had been eyeing him all the time, he suddenly realized it.

The sword he carried won the first place in the tasting stage, and he challenged the owner to win. Luo Pingyuan has the right to ask Wanjian Villa for a good sword of the same quality, or ask himself to do something that does not violate martial arts morality. Choose one.Luo Yanhua clearly has nothing to do, only by counting on King Ning to win against him, can he have a chance of turning things around.At present, there is no comparison of swords, and it is self-inflicted humiliation to open the mouth. Naturally, push as much as you can.

Speaking of sword competitions, as the Master of Mingjian and the owner of Wanjian Villa, he has never seen any situation before, how could he frighten Luo Pingyuan who is several years younger?Immediately he was not angry, and replied lightly: "The things that can be done on the first day of the junior high school have to be delayed until the fifteenth day, or you can do it according to your wishes. It is not easy for Sect Master Jiang to come here. I should try my best to make you have no regrets." .”

Most of the heroes had similar thoughts, and many eyes focused on Lu Shaoxia of the Hanshan School and the sword on his waist.From this point of view, Lang Huan is determined to win or lose in a single battle, and put the success or failure of the bet on a duel. The problem is, Mu Shaoqing's talent is overwhelming, and his swordsmanship has been recognized by the world. No matter how strong Lu Yuan is, Really have a chance?Some knowledgeable martial arts people have already shook their heads secretly, thinking that Jiang Hua's handling method is too risky. Once he loses, he will lose everything, even the sword. , it is inevitable that some cows do not drink water and forcefully press their heads. At best, it will be a miserable victory, and they will give up the advantages they won yesterday based on the certificates, which is not worthwhile.

People in the Jianghu always solve problems simply and rudely. Although the choice of Suzerain Langhuan is not ideal, it is really not easy to find other methods that conform to the martial arts rules and subdue Mu Shaoqing, so the people who disagree can only be limited to Disapprovingly, those who are more thoughtful have already begun to consider how much trouble will arise in Wanjian Villa if Lu Yuan loses.

Appreciating and appreciating swords is a knowledge with a lot of connotations. A sword practicer may have been with the sword for decades, and it is the most important thing to cherish, but when a good sword is placed in front of him, he may not be able to tell what is good about it.

The degree of sharpness bears the brunt. Size, appearance, and toughness are only the initial criteria for judging. The material and forging process are further considered. In the eyes of people who understand swords, what really gives a sword its unique brilliance is its brilliance. History and inheritance.Just imagine, two swordsmen each take out a treasured dagger, which also cuts iron like mud, with extraordinary materials and craftsmanship. Tracing back to the origin, one said: "My dagger was made by a craftsman just now because I got precious materials by chance the year before last. " Another said: "My dagger is passed down from the end of the Warring States Period, and it is used by Jing Ke to assassinate Qin Tuqiong now."

As soon as this statement came out, anyone who leaned towards the front weapon would know that the superiority has been judged, and there is no need to compare.

As the final part of the sword tasting competition, the whole set of judging criteria is much more detailed, but it is basically carried out under the above background.There are family friends who are familiar with this kind of swordsman in the seat, and two famous swordsmiths are specially hired. In order to create an atmosphere, seven or eight treasures are specially taken out from the hidden sword pavilion and hung on the wall of the flower hall.Looking around, beside the four-foot-three-inch giant sword is a short dagger with a blade like ink, which echoes the blunt and edgeless epee on the opposite wall. There are even forgings that have been broken into two parts. All have gone through hundreds of years of long years, accompanied by the past experience of grandeur or desolation.

The guests brought many good swords. Tiejianmen recently got a Longquan sword. It is said that it came out of the prince's mansion when the previous dynasty fell. The beloved sword Cangfeng left by the sect leader is a well-known sharp weapon in the Jianghu; the Duanmu family in Xuzhou found a rare meteorite and carefully crafted a soft sword, which is amazingly flexible and can be wrapped around the wrist, named Zhuwei; Yu Miaofang, the head of the Nanhai School, asked his disciples to show off the Qionghua sword they brought, and cut three edgeless Burmese knives in a row.Speaking of which, the Qionghua sword was once passed to Ji Tinghui, who was leading an art investment teacher, and was almost lost in the palace. It was Luo Pingyuan who sent someone to Nanhai to inform the news and returned the sword by the way.

The Zangjian Pavilion in Wanjian Villa is well-known, but the gates are usually tightly guarded, and even His Royal Highness King Ning cannot enter the gate in person.If martial arts comrades want to feast their eyes inside, the only chance is to make their mark at the sword test meeting.It is more difficult to compete swords in Baibu Sword Gallery and Shitai, but if any sect brings a sword of extraordinary quality, it can still knock on the door of Hidden Sword Pavilion.Therefore, the great sect families are very motivated to increase their fame and gain knowledge for their disciples.

Showing and telling the front in turn, there is the sound of long swords being unsheathed in the flower hall, comments and praises are endless, and there are swordsmen who come out with their swords and dance outside the long corridor, which attracts loud applause from the crowd.

However, everyone knows in their hearts that although these top-grade swords are good, they are destined to be inferior to Chunjun, just like today's many visitors to Biji Mountain Villa, the reason is not to appreciate the sword, but to watch the young King Ning and the owner of the village Mu Shaoqing. Fighting for victory, in order to witness with his own eyes how the bet made by Jiang Hua ended.

After about an hour, the swords brought by each family had almost been unveiled. Mr. Lu Yuan, who had been keeping a low profile and silent all this time, finally stepped forward amidst many expectant eyes, took off the accompanying sword, first put it flat in his palm, and then held the sword in his hand He slowly pulled out the hilt for more than a foot, and said simply: "The sword is named Chunjun, and it is three feet and one inch long. It was forged by Master Ou Yezi and was originally hidden in the palace. I hope that all senior masters will taste it."

The whole hall was silent, and all the swordsmen stared at the pool of cold water gradually unsheathed with fiery eyes.Luo Pingyuan drew his sword in his hand, and in front of Yu Lan, the lord of the horizontal sword, he didn't want to show off the power of the sword to break the sword with the sword. He saw a disciple of the Sword Hall in the villa holding an iron chain, which was also used for testing the sword, so he left Step forward and wave.Most of the people couldn't see his movements clearly, but in an instant, there were a few soft "chi chi", the heavy iron chain was broken into several pieces of even length and fell to the ground, and only the short head and tail remained in the disciple's hands. two paragraphs.

Eyesight, speed, and dexterity are indispensable in this hand, and it is really handsome, but Chunjun cut the iron chain like a rotten wood in an instant, without even making the sound of gold and iron colliding, everyone was dazzled and fascinated by it, separated for a long time It took a while to come back to my senses, and everyone praised them.

The expressions of the two famous foundry craftsmen were somewhat like a dream, and they couldn't help but look closely. Ou Yezi's position in their hearts was almost the same as that of Guandi to soldiers, and Lu Ban's to carpenters. How can you not be very excited when you are so close.After a long time, one of the ancient masters sighed sincerely: "The mighty and clear light can sweep across the universe. This sword has the air of a king. Today, I can see the masterpiece made by Ou Zushi with the essence of heaven and earth, and the merits of good fortune. I am really lucky for three lives." ah!"

Another also said with emotion: "The ancient magic soldiers such as Ganjiang and Moxie have been lost for a long time. They are both the painstaking works of the ancestors. Juque and Zhanlu have also disappeared. The pure Jun sword can survive to this day, and the inheritance is orderly. Rare. Looking at the current world, there are only a few who can fight for the front, and the only one who thinks about it is the famous sword Qingming hidden in Wanjian Villa."

Mu Shaoqing snorted in the bottom of his heart. The treasures of the two major towns in the Cangjian Pavilion are Qingming and Liguang. This Master Yan only mentions Qingming and not Liguang. He obviously thinks that the latter is better than Chunjun. It's too late.But when he thought about it again, it seemed that Chunjun was no longer owned by King Ning, but would stay in Wanjian Villa, and his unhappiness disappeared immediately, and there was an intense throbbing from the depths of his heart.

Inside and outside the flower hall, countless eyes focused on Chunjun for a moment, with envy, yearning, greed, and jealousy. Why are some people who are born to be the pride of heaven, who even have a peerless sword at their fingertips, and wear it around to show off everywhere?

Luo Yanhua looked around, and his eyes finally stayed on Luo Pingyuan.At this moment, his focus is naturally not on the sword, but it is not on the confusing situation in front of him, but on his uncontrollable distraction. This is his younger brother, who is both civil and military, whether he is standing in the court or in the martial arts festival. , are amazingly good.So despite all the past and hardships, I have gained a lot.

Under the scorching eyes of everyone, Luo Pingyuan put his sword back into its sheath, took a step forward, and said in a clear voice: "Master Mu Shaozhuang, I invite you to fight with the most famous sword, Chunjun, do you dare to accept it?"