Legend of Swordsman

The white-clad gentleman saw Jian Wushuang approaching with his sword and was taken aback. He kindly advised, “Second boss, if you use a weapon, my dark-faced brother here wields a giant battle-axe. I think we should just spar lightly; there’s no need to be so serious!”

“As a guest, how can I be negligent? Since you’re not satisfied, I’ll accompany this brother for a proper match!” Jian Wushuang replied, drawing his sword directly.

The dark-faced man also took out a pair of terrifying battle-axes from his back.

With his strong arms, he swung the massive axes with ease, though his technique was lacking.

Jian Wushuang’s swordsmanship was based on the unparalleled technique he mastered as a mortal.

This sword technique was flawless, leaving no openings.

The axes couldn’t even touch him.

The sword light flashed, forcing the crowd to retreat repeatedly, and even the white-clad gentleman frowned deeply.

He was also a swordsman, but compared to Jian Wushuang, his skills were child’s play.

The dark-faced man was continuously forced back by Jian Wushuang’s attacks, his axes always striking empty air, unable to touch Jian Wushuang.

Meanwhile, the cold sword tip was always aimed at his throat.

With no room to retreat, he had to raise his axes to protect his face.

“We surrender!” the white-clad gentleman shouted loudly.

Jian Wushuang then placed the sword tip against the dark-faced man’s throat, just moments away from knocking him down.

The dark-faced man took a deep breath, put down his axes, and saw that the sword tip was less than an inch from his neck, instantly breaking into a cold sweat.

He wasn’t one to fear death, but the chill of the sword tip against his throat made him break out in a cold sweat, not daring to move.

Another reason was that this match was not a life-and-death battle.

A light touch was enough.

Jian Wushuang calmly sheathed his sword, cupped his hands, and said, “Brother, you have great strength, but your technique with the battle-axes needs improvement. If you had a suitable axe technique, I wouldn’t be your match!”

“Second boss, you’re too modest. Not only do you have exceptional strategy, but your martial prowess is also outstanding. Truly a hero of both pen and sword!” The white-clad gentleman quickly stepped forward, no longer testing Jian Wushuang’s patience.

The dark-faced man felt the same; he only respected strength.

Jian Wushuang’s victory earned his respect.

At this moment, he looked at Jian Wushuang with admiration.

“You’re exaggerating. I’m just a small wave in this chaotic world. You two are also extraordinary. How about we discuss this further by the canal?” Jian Wushuang modestly offered, giving them ample face before extending the olive branch.

The white-clad gentleman was now completely convinced and cupped his hands, “It would be my pleasure!”

With the issue resolved, the small dock’s reputation was maintained.

Moreover, Jian Wushuang earned even more admiration from these people.

Regardless of strategy or martial skill, he excelled, making him a valuable person to follow in this chaotic world.

This made Wang Lun somewhat embarrassed. He couldn’t beat Jian Wushuang, and now he wasn’t as popular as Jian Wushuang.

Although he had many loyal followers, only about a hundred people, if Jian Wushuang raised his arm, half might leave with him.

Moreover, any new recruits would inevitably join Jian Wushuang’s ranks.

Luckily, Jian Wushuang didn’t care about these things.

In the wooden building at Shajiakou.

Jian Wushuang personally entertained the white-clad gentleman and the dark-faced man.

During the banquet, he learned their names.

Although he hadn’t been in Binhai County for long, he had learned about some of the county’s notable figures and scholars.

These two were not scholars but notorious villains.

Speaking of the black-faced burly man “Black Bull,” he was a notorious bandit within the county, known for his brute strength. He once single-handedly took on a group of constables at a yamen and held his ground. Jian Wushuang had experienced his prowess firsthand. Black Bull’s nickname was also quite prominent; he was known in the martial world as the “Mad Bull.”

As for the white-robed gentleman, one could not judge him solely based on his appearance. This person was even more feared by the authorities than Black Bull. Behind him stood a gang of eight hundred ruthless bandits. He was the chief strategist of Qingshui Mountain, known by the nickname “Finger Zen Star” Wu Xing. Wu Xing was both brave and cunning, making him a leading figure in the coastal county.

Understanding the identity of the two, Jian Wushuang began to ponder their intentions. Compared to these two, he was far less experienced and powerful. The eight hundred men on Qingshui Mountain were not just porters but real bandits who killed without hesitation. Now that these two had come to Sha Family Town, what were they planning?

After three rounds of drinks, Jian Wushuang began to probe. “Brother Wu, you didn’t come here just to test me, did you?”

Hearing this, Wu Xing slowly put down his wine cup, his expression becoming more serious. He then lowered his voice and said, “To be honest, I came here with a mission from our mountain lord.”

“Oh?” Jian Wushuang pretended to be puzzled. “What mission? If I can help, just say the word!”

In fact, there was no need to ask to know what they were thinking. They were likely wary of his rapid development and had come to test him. If his strength was mediocre, they could easily annex him. If his strength was comparable to or even greater than Qingshui Mountain, they would consider cooperation.

Now was a good time for Wu Xing’s visit, as Jian Wushuang’s forces had not yet fully developed. They only had a preliminary plan. Even if Jian Wushuang was brave and resourceful, he was not worth Qingshui Mountain’s full effort. Wu Xing’s opening words confirmed Jian Wushuang’s suspicion. The mission from Qingshui Mountain was versatile, essentially to adapt their message based on the situation.

From Wu Xing’s words, Jian Wushuang understood his worth—they considered him a potential threat. “Cooperation!”

“Yes!” Wu Xing nodded slowly and continued, “Our Qingshui Mountain is in the southwest. Although not near the canal, it is the lifeline of Yong City’s land routes. If Brother Wushuang can secure the lifeline of the waterways, the next time we drink, it will be in Yong City!”

“Haha!” Jian Wushuang laughed loudly but did not respond.

There was only one Yong City, which could not be shared.

However, Wu Xing’s words also carried a veiled threat.

The land routes were indeed controlled by Qingshui Mountain.

If they wanted to take Yong City, navigating upstream by water was too dangerous, and their small boats would be useless.

The best way was to take the land route, but it was currently in the hands of Qingshui Mountain.

Cooperation was imminent, but future conflicts were likely.

Deciding who would control Yong City was a significant issue.

Jian Wushuang’s hesitation was justified, as Wu Xing also had reservations.

Qingshui Mountain’s intention was clear: cooperate to take Yong City, but who would be in charge would depend on strength.

“This matter is of great importance. I need to discuss it with Brother Wang Lun. Also, my recent development has been rapid, and I haven’t fully assimilated it yet. There’s no rush!”