My Gang of Swordsmen

Chapter 735 -25: Talent Fusion Again! [Strong Muscle +1] [7200]_3

Aoto first used a sword to deflect Kawashima’s sweeping strike that leveraged forward momentum, then sunk down his waist, accumulating power as strength transmitted from the earth to his arms in the blink of an eye, and fiercely struck upward. The timing was perfect, the action flowed seamlessly, a perfect strike.

Kawashima certainly lived up to his designation as the “Ghost Hachizou,” a swordsman whose technique was so refined, few could defend against Aoto’s strike when his buffs were fully stacked.

It was visible that Kawashima raised his sword to block, both swords crossed, with Kawashima slightly diverting the corner of Aoto’s strike with his bamboo sword, causing only the tip to graze the shoulder of Kawashima’s attire.

At this moment, swordsmen of Xuanwu Hall began to approach Aoto from all directions.

Kawashima’s provocation method had its effects.

The swordsmen, who had initially displayed panic, gritted their teeth and followed Kawashima’s lead, rushing with their blades toward Aoto, one after another.

In an instant, apart from Chiba Daisaburo, the remaining nine swordsmen from Xuanwu Hall formed a large circle that tightly encircled Aoto.

“Niō.”

Kawashima, confronting Aoto, lifted his sword with a stern expression.

“Don’t blame us for outnumbering you…”

“Less nonsense.” Aoto silently rested his sword in front of him.

“Come at me!”

A loud shout, coupled with the glowing sunlight forming a golden ring, made Aoto appear just like an inviolable divine being!

“Beichen One-Sword Style, Kawashima Yasuzō, I’m coming for you!”

The sword edge of Kawashima Yasuzō pressed upon Aoto along with his exhilarating Qi Union.

Aoto chose not to face Kawashima directly, instead gripping his bamboo sword tightly and leaping forward to the right, evading Kawashima’s attack, landing in front of a Xuanwu Hall swordsman.

Pa! Pa! Pa! — like a hungry tiger pouncing on a sheep, accompanied by the dull sound of three bamboo swords clashing, Aoto broke through the defense. His skill was evidently immature; though he managed to fend off Aoto’s first two strikes, the last one disrupted his stance.

No words needed — one sword broke the bowl.

At that moment, Aoto’s vulnerable back was being targeted, his eyes fixed on swordsmen approaching him step by step from both sides.

Now, in the corner of Aoto’s eye, he noticed two more swordsmen advancing — these two newly appeared swordsmen stood behind and to the left of Aoto, their eyes fixed on his back like hunters waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Aoto started to move.

He first stepped sideways to the right, striking the swordsman to his right, though blocked, successfully pushing him back.

Next, Aoto, maintaining residual heart, turned left.

The swordsman on the left, seeing Aoto striking the previous man, attacked like a cat smelling prey.

Unanticipated by Aoto’s swift approach, his face showed visible panic upon the sudden confrontation.

However, as a disciple from such a reputable hall, his competency was naturally not substandard.

The panic on his face vanished instantly; he swiftly followed his instincts — retreating several steps, widening the gap from Aoto…

Suddenly, the two stationed to the left rear of Aoto rushed over like a whirlwind!

Body follows feet, arm follows body, wrist follows arm — with fluid motions, Aoto executed the sequence, pivoting rapidly with his left foot leveraging the centrifugal force, swinging the sword horizontally like wielding a spear.

The two were compelled to halt.

Seizing the opportunity, Aoto twice pushed off the ground towards them, during the passing moment struck one’s left leg from lower rank, knocking him down.

Aoto didn’t have time to look closely at the fallen man, immediately advancing on the other with a fresh assault.

By now, this man appeared unwilling to remain defenseless, raising his bamboo sword overhead for a downward strike!

Aoto raised his sword upward, diverting the strike sideways, then saw flickers of his sword flash twice!

Aoto first swept this man’s waist, causing instability in balance and stance, then dashed onto his body, breaking a porcelain bowl with the butt of the sword hilt.

[Successfully copied talent: “Archery Novice”]

[Talent Description: Archery talent amplified four times the average for a regular person]

…

[“Master of Archery” ability upgrade]

[“Master of Archery” Talent Description: Archery talent amplified to eighteen times the average level]

— Archery again?

Aoto suddenly realized he was significantly associated with archery, frequently duplicating talents related to it.

In this era where the West has completed the first Industrial Revolution, the status of bows and arrows has become somewhat subtle.

Aoto felt he might never use this archery talent in his lifetime.

Compared to archery, Aoto preferred his spear technique talents to gain amplification.

Compared to bows, Aoto believed the likelihood of wielding firearms would be greater.

Having no time to ponder talents further, hearing uproar behind, Aoto swiftly turned to face the approaching adversaries.

The strategy Aoto employed could be described as textbook-level, the most advantageous for beating numerous foes with few.

Since time-traveling, Aoto frequently fought against enemy swarms significantly larger than his side.

Fortunate from misfortune. In these fierce battles, Aoto gradually accumulated valuable experience in overcoming numbers—keep on the move.