Chapter 167: Chapter 167: I Only Need One Sword to Defeat You
I lost.
As these three words were spoken, even though it was already anticipated, the whole venue couldn’t calm down.
Then, a huge noise spread like boiling waves, so strong it seemed to scatter the clouds in the sky.
"He won, Shi Xiaole really won."
"For sixty years, he is the second Copper Banner Master, we’ve witnessed a piece of history."
"What on earth is this kid’s background that he’s so powerful? It seems like he hasn’t shown his true strength even against the nine subject masters."
"Impossible. His final move was clearly a level higher than before. It must be his ultimate trump card."
Some were amazed, some doubted, but most were shocked.
Who could have thought that Shi Xiaole, who was pushed to the brink, would fight his way through, slaying gods and demons and secure the Dark Alley Copper Banner Order.
With the identity of the Copper Banner Master, the Rivers and Lakes Assassination Order of Iron Bone Sect is likely to be annulled, and if the Iron Bone Sect wants to continue to pursue, they have to weigh their actions.
Whack!
Zhou Yilou, the suzerain of the Iron Bone Sect, slapped the stone railing in front of him, his palm penetrating more than three inches deep. But the shame and anger on his face could not dissipate at all. His terrifying expression frightened the Iron Bone Sect experts around him into silence.
"At the start, was Yi Nanxiong really ambushed?"
Elder Ma watched Shi Xiaole on the stone platform, cheeks flushed but still calm under everyone’s gaze, his heart pounding.
He knew that the Iron Bone Sect was done for this time, no matter how much hatred or unwillingness there was, from today on, they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on that young man in green anymore.
As for sending people to assassinate, don’t underestimate the intelligence and power of Dark Alley. Playing such scheme, there is only one way - death.
On the other side, Jiang Zhenglin’s face was as black as an iron pot, his eyes flashing with various expressions. Finally, he closed his eyes tightly, shivering all over.
On the side of Red Sword Pavilion, from the elders to the ordinary disciples, everyone was in a daze.
The most painful thing in life is to watch others realize your dream.
For Wei Renhao, stopping at forty-six consecutive victories is his permanent regret. If no one among his peers had broken his record, it would have been fine. But after only a few years, his record was broken right before his very eyes.
In the dark, Wei Renhao seemed to feel the mocking stares around him. He forced out a hint of a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
"Congratulations Young Hero Shi, for becoming the Copper Banner Master of Dark Alley in the Floating River Area. This is the Copper Banner Order, please take it."
In the clamor, the elder in white led the nine subject masters forward, respectfully holding a tiny flag only three inches long in his hand. The flag had a bronze staff, the surface was completely black, and there was a pair of profound eyes embroidered on it, which seemed capable of seeing through one’s heart.
This ordinary flag made from common materials represented a sort of honor that thousands of warriors coveted. The countless eyes on the scene fell on it, their expressions varied, and the noise calmed down.
For Shi Xiaole, this result was not unexpected, so he calmly accepted the Copper Banner Order.
"Young Hero Shi, the chief steward summons you, please come with me."
With admiration in his heart, the tone of the elder in white was three times softer than before.
The chief steward?
As far as Shi Xiaole knew, the chief steward of the Gold Silver Jade Copper Platform had always been mysterious, hardly seen by many in the martial world. It seemed that his action this time had alarmed him.
Looking at Shi Xiaole’s retreating figure, the nine subject masters looked at each other.
Liu Laosan and the man with the figure-eight mustache exchanged a glance, both breathed out in relief, neither of them had won the bet, so they didn’t have to call each other grandpa.
Gold Jade Pavilion, third floor.
After the elder in white retired, only Shi Xiaole and the man in blue were left in the room.
Both parties were observing each other quietly. After a long time, the man in blue smiled and said, "In the Floating River Area, you are quite remarkable."
Shi Xiaole raised an eyebrow.
The man’s words were quite intriguing.
As if knowing his thoughts, the man in blue lay leisurely on a rocking chair, saying, "In the Floating River Area, a Copper Banner Master appears only once every sixty years. As for Jade Banner Masters, Silver Banner Masters, and others, they are even rarer. But in the other domains of Qingxue State, being a Copper Banner Master is just a standard for young talents. Without this status, they aren’t even worthy to be called talents. Do you understand?"
After he finished speaking, the man in blue carefully observed Shi Xiaole. However, what surprised him was that Shi Xiaole did not show any expected reaction, but just said, "I only care whether this identity of Copper Banner Master can help me bloc this disaster."
This time, it was the man in blue who raised his eyebrows. With his discerning eyes, he could naturally see that Shi Xiaole was not feigning calmness, but rather, naturally collected. The cunning of this young man was incredibly daunting.
Suppressing his random thoughts, the blue clothed man showed a look of disdain: "What’s the big deal about a Rivers and Lakes Assassination Order? Rest assured, from today on, no one will assassinate you anymore."
"However, being a Copper Banner Master is only a symbolic status; Dark Alley will only help you this once. Unless you show more value in the future, otherwise, you’re on your own."
I still need to clarify the things that should be said clearly.
Perhaps in the Floating River Area, a Copper Banner Master is rare, but in the blue-clothed man’s opinion, Shi Xiaole’s current performance can only be considered satisfactory.
Dark Alley has a lot of resources, but they won’t waste them on a mediocre person for no reason. So, he will only help Shi Xiaole this time to test his potential in the future.
Anyway, with his influence, it would only take a sentence for him to get the Iron Bone Sect to revoke the Rivers and Lakes Assassination Order.
"Thank you, chief steward."
Shi Xiaole bowed respectfully and replied.
He didn’t care whether Dark Alley valued him or not, nor did he care about the other party’s thoughts. As long as he could survive this crisis, that’s all that mattered. Of course, he would remember this favor and repay it in the future.
"Interesting little fellow, I hope you won’t be lost in the vast world."
After Shi Xiaole left, the man in blue turned his head to look outside the pavilion, having a panoramic view of Zhongshan City. He leisurely relished the scene again.
Just half an hour after the battle on the Gold Silver Jade Copper Platform ended, Zhou Yilou received a hint from Dark Alley. Under huge pressure, he had to voluntarily withdraw the Rivers and Lakes Assassination Order.
Zhongshan City was in an uproar.
While people marveled at the power of Dark Alley, the discussion about Shi Xiaole was at its peak, with some even directly naming him as the number one genius in the Floating River Area.
No one objected.
Perhaps in terms of actual strength, among those under the age of twenty-five, Shi Xiaole was not the strongest, but in terms of talent, at least for now, no one in the Floating River Area could stand against him.
"I’ve heard this boy is from the Cloud Triangle. I really wonder how such a backward place could produce such a dragon."
"The grand tournament of Qingxue State’s heroes is going to happen next year. Shi Xiaole doesn’t have much time, but with his talent, he’s sure to be named in the next tournament!"
"You are all speaking too soon. The Dark Alley has already announced it will only handle Shi Xiaole’s matters this time. If he stirs up trouble with a major faction in the future, whether he can survive is uncertain."
In the Dark Alley, a large number of faction masters were successively surrendering their guest rooms.
The Martial World Assassination Order had been lifted. Of course, they would not stay here to be laughed at. Luckily the main group that was involved this time was the Iron Bone Sect. The most ridiculed were those masters from the Iron Bone Sect.
"The tree that sticks out gets hammered down. Suzerain, we should bear it for now. There will be someone to deal with that kid in the future."
The Iron Bone Sect members were walking on the Dark Alley, preparing to leave. Elder Ma whispered to Zhou Yilou.
"Oh, isn’t that Young Hero Yi?"
At that moment, many of the departing saw Yi Nanxiong, who was bursting with momentum, and his face was calm.
"What is that kid planning to do?"
Zhou Yilou squinted his eyes.
Unfazed by the gazes of the masters from various sects, Yi Nanxiong stood firm in front of the two rows of inns and shouted: "Shi Xiaole, you sneaking little man, get out here for me!"
His voice echoed out for a kilometer, attracting the attention of everyone in the Dark Alley.
"There’s a good show to watch."
Elder Ma suddenly started laughing.
He had heard that ever since Yi Nanxiong was ’ambushed’, he had been practicing hard in the western courtyard. The other party could not possibly have not heard about Shi Xiaole becoming the Copper Banner Master. Therefore, there was only one explanation. Yi Nanxiong’s skills must have increased significantly, which was why he came seeking revenge.
As a top-ranking youth, it is not uncommon to have fortuitous opportunities that drastically enhance one’s strength.
Wei Renhao hooked the corner of his mouth in anticipation.
He knew Yi Nanxiong’s character just as well, so he was looking forward to what would happen.
Under the watchful eyes of the masterful fighters crowding the street, a window was opened, and Shi Xiaole appeared.
"Shi Xiaole, are you brave enough to cross hands with me again? No matter how you scheme behind the scenes, I will take you down!"
Yi Nanxiong looked directly at Shi Xiaole, pressuring him. Seeing Shi Xiaole didn’t respond, he immediately said: "Of course, if you want to be a coward and don’t dare to accept the challenge, I can’t do a thing about it. However, you better stop calling yourself the number one genius."
Shi Xiaole didn’t want to respond originally. However, it seemed like the other party was refusing to allow the situation to rest. Sighing, he said: "Why bother? You are only asking for humiliation."
"Hahaha..."
Yi Nanxiong laughed heartily, saying: "Coward! All talk and no action. Bottom line, do you have the guts?"
The opponent kept insulting him. Shi Xiaole would be lying if he said he wasn’t angry, he said coldly: "Since you are insistent on making things uncomfortable, I’ll indulge you."
"A battle outside Dark Alley, you and me!"
Leaving behind a sentence, Yi Nanxiong rushed out impatiently.
With a flicker of his silhouette, Shi Xiaole too disappeared in front of the window.
"A battle between two top youth heroes. This is going to be intense."
"Yi Nanxiong is not a fool, it seems he prepared beforehand."
"Hahahaha, this battle cannot be missed."
Including masters from the Red Sword Pavilion, Xiaoxiang Gate, Will Sect, Iron Spear Hall, the Flying Flower Sect and others, everyone was heading outside the alley, not to mention the Iron Bone Sect.
Although this battle would not change the overall outcome, it would be a consolation if Yi Nanxiong could defeat Shi Xiaole.
Outside the Dark Alley, the crowd huddled the two in a circle.
"Shi Xiaole, keep your eyes wide open."
Yi Nanxiong charged his strength to its fullest, and his body shone in a glow of golden brown. In the golden brown radiance, there suddenly burst an unbreakable and terrible charm, making him look like a bronze war god, standing tall, infinite in power.
"This is...insight?"
Wei Renhao was the first to be astonished.
Grasping insight has to do with talent, but also luck. In the entire Floating River Area, as far as Wei Renhao knew, there were only he and two other top young heroes who had understood insight.
Yi Nanxiong had always lagged behind because of his age, but he hadn’t expected that he would actually comprehend it.
Soon after, Wei Renhao laughed.
Whether one has mastered insight or not is a completely different concept for one’s strength. He believed that with Yi Nanxiong’s talent, it would pose a threat to Shi Xiaole.
"Such a powerful insight."
"The level of insight is not high, but combined with the Copper Transformation technique, Yi Nanxiong’s strength has risen by more than one level."
Meanwhile, the crowd was exclaiming in surprise.
"The Vajra insight has improved my defensive power by fifty percent, Shi Xiaole, you’ll never break my defense. Let’s see how you fight!"
Yi Nanxiong emitted a victorious laugh as he struck out with his palm.
"Why trouble yourself, to defeat you, I only need one sword."
On the other side, Shi Xiaole watched Yi Nanxiong’s powerful display, unsheathing his Green Edge Sword from his waist.
