Chapter 141, Not Involving Young Master Sang Oh~
The arena suddenly plunged into intense combat.
Chun Lan’s sword was fierce and powerful, each strike as if she was determined to sink the boat, making it hard to resist.
Qiu Ju’s swordsmanship was fluid and soft, seamlessly absorbing her opponent’s attack with grace, leaving not a drop to leak.
The two sisters intertwined like shadows, trading blows in an exciting and fierce manner, captivating the disciples watching below, as well as Gu Yingmian, who clapped in delight.
Except for Young Master Sang.
Although the sisters’ previous conversation was relatively quiet, he heard every word loud and clear.
He felt a bit dazed at this moment.
… Like me?
Huh?
Wait a minute, you two are practicing swords, how did you develop a love brain from that?
What does this have to do with me?
By heaven’s justice, while Young Master Sang admitted that he did use some underhanded tactics to pursue these sisters for his own wicked enjoyment, he honestly believed he had not done anything inappropriate towards them.
Not to mention flirting, teasing, or seducing.
I really was just teaching them how to sword fight!
For some reason, despite the fierce battle between the two, Young Master Sang couldn’t shake off the feeling that they were competing for a man.
And that imaginary man was… himself.
This feeling was truly bizarre.
Uh-oh. Young Master Sang suddenly had an ominous premonition.
He only wanted to win over the two so he could deal with Gu Yingmian.
What if that created some kind of strange side effect?
In the arena, the sisters’ contest had entered a heated climax.
Chun Lan’s straightforward nature, combined with this fierce sword technique, made her even more formidable.
Qiu Ju too, with her delicate and gentle mind, wielded her soft and lingering sword style with unmatched patience, leaving no room for mistakes.
Both sides realized that unless they gave their all, there was no way to defeat each other.
So after a round of tentative exchanges, they began to unleash everything they had, fighting furiously.
The sword energy intensified, even hinting at a deadly clash.
The change in the battle atmosphere was noticed not only by Gu Yingmian, who slightly frowned her brows, but also by the onlooking disciples, who couldn’t help but whisper in worry.
“Why do they seem so hostile?”
“Weren’t they supposed to be the closest sisters? Why are they targeting each other’s vital points?”
“Why so vicious? Where’s all this animosity coming from?”
“Didn’t you hear what they just said? There’s a man in our palace causing trouble.”
“Sisters in love with the same man? Oh, what a thrilling and romantic plot!”
Only Young Master Sang could feel his face turning pale.
No, ladies, please take it easy!
Don’t really cause something to happen.
If anything happens to either of you, what will Gu Yingmian do?
Then wouldn’t I be in trouble?
And seriously, what’s so great about me that you would like? Haven’t you seen any men? How could you be interested in someone like me?
At this moment, Young Master Sang could only pray for the sisters to calm down soon.
Otherwise, he might have to consider making a run for it.
——
——
The fight in the arena grew more intense.
Several strands of scattered sword energy tore through their clothes and arms, droplets of blood scattering into the air, only to be shredded by the sword light immediately.
The sisters had turned quite reckless, driven by instinct to fight fiercely.
Watching their increasingly tragic state, many disciples began to gasp in concern, hesitating whether to intervene.
Gu Yingmian was also hesitating.
If she didn’t stop them, judging by their current feverish state, there was a high probability they wouldn’t stop until one of them fell.
But if she intervened…
Swordsmanship can only be fully comprehended amidst life-and-death struggles.
At this moment, as they fought desperately, there was an implicit momentum building to blend the fierce and soft sword techniques into a harmonious state.
Gu Yingmian felt reluctant to interrupt.
Besides, for the sisters, this battle felt almost fated, and no one could easily interfere.
After much hesitation, Gu Yingmian still decided not to intervene for now.
Such a rare opportunity to improve their swordsmanship was extremely precious for both of them.
As long as she ensured their safety, that was enough.
Young Master Sang looked even paler.
He was about to scream, “Stop fighting!”
After a prolonged battle, both Chun Lan and Qiu Ju showed signs of fatigue.
Both sisters had noticeable flushes on their faces, drenched in sweat, gasping for air.
Yet their sword energy remained undiminished, trading blows relentlessly.
Chun Lan continued to attack fiercely, aiming directly at vital points. Even if her wooden sword landed a hit, it would inflict serious injuries.
Qiu Ju, on the other hand, was all about defense, her sword style smooth as water, deflecting the opponent’s attacks with ease. Once a flaw appeared in Chun Lan’s offense, she would strike with fatal accuracy.
Though both were exhausted, they persevered, quietly waiting for the other to make a mistake.
“Stubborn girl.”
Chun Lan gritted her teeth and muttered, “I won’t lose to you no matter what.”
“No, it’s you who will lose.”
Qiu Ju stubbornly lifted her head, her beautiful eyes firm, “I won’t hide behind you anymore.”
“Your weak nature—who will protect you without me?!”
“I… I don’t need your protection!”
Chun Lan’s powerful strike suddenly faltered for some reason.
Unknowingly, she recalled what Young Master Sang had once asked her as he looked at her, hesitating to say more.
… Why do you have to defeat your sister so badly?
… Isn’t there a chance that your sister doesn’t actually need your help?
But…
I know that too.
My sister will eventually grow up.
I’m not that much stronger than her, capable enough to protect her.
As an elder sister… what else can I do?
I just don’t want her to be bullied… is that wrong?
Chun Lan’s strike slowed down.
But it caused Qiu Ju, who was preparing to defend, to miss her opportunity.
Qiu Ju turned pale as she realized her impenetrable defense finally had a rare gap.
But Chun Lan didn’t take that golden opportunity.
Suddenly, she thought back to the times when they played toss before heading up the mountain, kicking sandbags with the kids in the village.
Qiu Ju, being soft-hearted, would always apologize profusely if she accidentally hurt another child.
Even when she was kicked, she never dared to speak up.
Some naughty kids took advantage of Qiu Ju’s softness, kicking the sandbags specifically toward her.
It was as if they enjoyed seeing Qiu Ju’s eyes welling up painfully, looking pitiful yet unable to voice her grievance.
In the end, Chun Lan smashed a sandbag right onto one of the kids’ faces.
She hit him squarely and made him cry, which only enraged him and the others, surrounding Chun Lan to beat her up.
Qiu Ju was scared and cried out, while Chun Lan held her lip tight, refusing to make a sound.
When adults finally pulled them apart and took them home for a lesson, Chun Lan stood up, brushed the dirt off her clothes, and went to Qiu Ju, wiping her teary eyes with her dirty hands.
“Why are you crying?” she said, “It’s because you’re too foolish that others bully you.”
“But…”
But I’m your sister.
You can continue to be carefree and weak.
Just be that adorable girl whom everyone loves.
If anyone dares to bully you, I’ll chase them away.
No matter who…
…
Chun Lan’s sword had stopped within Qiu Ju’s defense.
With just a slight extension, she could breach Qiu Ju’s defenses, putting her in a tremendously awkward and passive position.
Left with no choice, Qiu Ju had to abandon her defense and attack, aiming her sword at Chun Lan’s vital points.
But in the end, her sword landed hard on Chun Lan’s chest.
Yet Chun Lan’s sword hovered just above Qiu Ju’s brow.
She didn’t advance any further.
In the next moment, Chun Lan felt a wave of nausea in her chest and stumbled backward a few steps.
Everyone gaped in astonishment.
The disciples below turned pale, frozen in fear.
Gu Yingmian frowned deeply and slowly rose.
“Sister!” Qiu Ju gasped in shock, hurriedly dropping her sword to support Chun Lan.
She slightly lifted Chun Lan’s collar and saw dark bruises beginning to form under her shirt.
“You… why did you suddenly stop?”
Chun Lan coughed lightly before turning her head slowly.
“… I got tired. I concede.”
Qiu Ju looked at her in confusion.
“You were right.”
“Your swordsmanship is definitely no weaker than mine now. You might even be stronger than me.”
“I don’t need to protect you anymore, you little brat.” Chun Lan shot her a side glance, “Do whatever you want.”
But she was met with Qiu Ju’s glossy red, tear-filled eyes.
“… Sis, you’re such a big dummy.” She gritted her teeth, spluttering through tears.
Chun Lan’s brows shot up, about to get up, but gasped in pain at her chest.
“You won’t get in my way for things I like.”
Qiu Ju lowered her head, tears dripping down: “I just don’t want you to always be so tired, carrying such pressure.”
“If you really like Young Master Sang, I… I won’t stop you.”
Chun Lan: “… Huh?”
“Why does Sis have to learn forbidden techniques for my sake?” Qiu Ju said, sounding aggrieved, “Even without forbidden techniques, I have never thought I could win against you.”
Chun Lan: “… Huh??? ”
“As long as Sis doesn’t push herself so hard, I can help you get together with Young Master Sang. I know you’re stubborn, and wouldn’t dare confess to him. I could write a love letter for you…”
Chun Lan: “… Wait, hold on, what are you saying?”
Qiu Ju looked at her with teary, confused eyes: “Didn’t you think I liked Young Master Sang just like you, so you didn’t want to lose to me and learned forbidden sword techniques?”
Chun Lan was dumbfounded for quite a while.
When her brain finally caught up, she turned to glare angrily at Young Master Sang with an unprecedented sense of embarrassment and anger.
“Yours, Sang!” she gritted her teeth.
Young Master Sang immediately averted his gaze, pretending to whistle nonchalantly.
Young Master Sang doesn’t know~
Not Young Master Sang’s business oh~
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