Chapter Sixty-One: Resolve

The soldiers gathered around, shouting their support, “General, mighty and invincible!”

“Save your boasting until you’ve defeated me!”

Luo Tong was not swayed by the crowd’s cheers; instead, his determination to overcome Yuchi Jingde only grew stronger.

With a ringing clang, he moved as one with his sword, thrusting it fiercely forward. In the blink of an eye, the tip of his blade was already before Yuchi Jingde’s face.

A metallic clash followed as Yuchi Jingde raised his iron whip to block. Sparks flew from the contact between sword and whip, dazzling to behold. He had not taken Luo Tong seriously at first, but this strike startled him: “He really is Luo’s son—his sword speed is even faster than mine!”

“Good boy, let’s see how you handle this!”

Yuchi Jingde switched to offense, launching more than ten swift attacks in succession, each aimed at Luo Tong’s vital points. To the onlookers, it seemed he held the absolute advantage and was on the verge of victory. The soldiers howled their encouragement.

Yet, both Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Yaojin, watching from below, were secretly anxious. They noticed that Luo Tong was not fighting at full strength. Despite Yuchi Jingde’s fierce assault, Luo Tong dismissed it with effortless defense. His strength was beyond imagination.

“General Yuchi, this is my first time sparring with you. I do not know your true power yet, but judging by your attacks just now, I am a little disappointed. Are you sure you’ve given it your all?” Luo Tong smiled.

“You—!”

“Then watch this!” Luo Tong played a trick, retreating a step to keep some distance between them. Suddenly, he leapt high and shouted, “Heavenly Sword Technique!”

This was one of the more difficult moves from the Nine Swords of Dugu, requiring the swordsman to possess superb agility. Yuchi Jingde saw a blur—Luo Tong vanished from sight. When he realized what had happened, his headband had already been sliced by Luo Tong.

Luo Tong stood before him, grinning.

“What… What is this sword technique?”

Yuchi Jingde was astonished! If Luo Tong had been an enemy, the sword would have pierced his skull, leaving him dead without a chance to react.

“The Nine Swords of Dugu,” Luo Tong replied, “it’s a new style I’ve been practicing. What do you think, General? If you’re not convinced, we can duel again.” He raised his sword once more.

The soldiers around were all dumbstruck, staring at Luo Tong in disbelief.

No one had expected that such a young boy could defeat the invincible Yuchi Jingde.

Cheng Yaojin covered his face, feeling ashamed on Yuchi Jingde’s behalf, “Defeated, utterly defeated… His reputation is ruined!”

“General Cheng, won’t you give it a try?” Li Zhi asked.

“Uh… If even Black Charcoal Head can’t win, I’d only embarrass myself. Forget it….” Cheng Yaojin was no fool. He already knew Luo Tong was formidable and would not risk humiliating himself.

Yuchi Jingde was still stunned atop the martial platform, struggling to accept the result. He wanted a rematch, but in front of all the troops, he had to honor his word.

Since he had lost, he must fulfill the wager.

“Fine, I admit defeat!” Yuchi Jingde put away his iron whip and said, “I always guarded against your family’s spear, but I never imagined your swordsmanship outshines even your spear!”

“You have a bright future, young man!”

“Thank you for your praise, General!” Having defeated Yuchi Jingde, Luo Tong was overjoyed. It proved his martial skills now surpassed most of the commanders in the army—only Qin Qiong and Xue Rengui could compare; the others were not worth mentioning.

Li Zhi climbed onto the platform, nudging Yuchi Jingde’s leg. “General Yuchi, how does it feel?”

“The student surpasses the master!”

“Fat Cheng was right—Luo Tong’s skills are even greater than his father’s! He’s truly won this round…” With that, Yuchi Jingde set down his whip and hurried away from the scene.

The soldiers chattered amongst themselves:

“How did the general lose?”

“Who is this Luo Tong?”

Not only was Yuchi Jingde unable to accept it, but the soldiers were equally incredulous.

“General Cheng, don’t forget our wager! I’m to choose twenty men from your troops to form my personal guard!” Li Zhi reminded him.

“His Highness wants to select guards? As long as the Emperor agrees, how could I object?”

“Father will certainly approve! But… I want to choose the twenty best fighters in your army—I hope you won’t hold them back!”

“Hahaha… How could I refuse? If you fancy them, take them away!” Cheng Yaojin replied generously, as if it were nothing.

But Li Zhi knew him well—he was stingy, a miser to the core. If twenty elite soldiers were taken, it would pain him greatly!

Had Luo Tong not defeated Yuchi Jingde and won the wager, without an imperial decree, would Cheng Yaojin have let them go? Li Zhi did not believe it for a moment.

Back in the tent, Yuchi Jingde wore a bitter expression and complained, “Your Highness, you really tricked me! You knew Luo Tong was so skilled, yet you let me fight him, making such a spectacle that all the soldiers saw me lose to a child. How am I supposed to command troops in the future?”

“I warned you, but you refused to listen!” Cheng Yaojin muttered.

Li Zhi lounged lazily in the seat, smiling, “You underestimated Luo Tong. He’s been eager to challenge you since yesterday, and you fell right into it!”

“Enough talk, let’s honor the wager!” Li Zhi said, raising his head.

“It’s just picking a few experts—let Fat Cheng take you. I want to talk to Luo Tong about his sword technique, what’s it called… the Nine Swords of Dugu? What kind of mysterious style is that, so elusive!”

Yuchi Jingde pulled Luo Tong aside, “Tell me, how does that sword technique work?”

“My sword technique…” Luo Tong made up a story, never intending to reveal the truth. Yuchi Jingde, not the sharpest, believed every word, listening with rapt attention.

“Fat Cheng, take me to choose my guards!” Li Zhi commanded.

“Let’s go!”

Led by Cheng Yaojin, Li Zhi toured the army camp. Anyone below the rank of captain was immediately dismissed; those at captain or above were considered case by case.

“My requirements are simple: anyone who can withstand twenty moves from you may join!” Li Zhi declared.

“Your Highness, that’s a bit much!” Cheng Yaojin protested, face darkening. “Do you think just anyone is qualified to spar with me? I am a general who’s fought on countless battlefields…”

“Stop bragging—your skills are nothing special!” Li Zhi said with obvious disdain.

At each camp, Li Zhi had the captains and vice-generals spar with Cheng Yaojin. Anyone who could endure twenty rounds would be selected.

Cheng Yaojin was furious! He felt insulted. Each bout, he fought with all his strength, defeating opponents within three rounds to protect his honor.

The pair visited dozens of camps, engaging in nearly a hundred matches. Cheng Yaojin was exhausted, but not a single candidate met Li Zhi’s criteria!

“How strange—are all the generals in the camp useless? None can last more than a dozen moves. Are they slacking off on purpose?” Li Zhi looked to Cheng Yaojin.