Chapter 13: One Arrow

“This one is impressive—brave and fierce in battle, daring to fight and kill. He’s a talent to be nurtured. Promote him to squad leader!” The general’s sharp eyes gleamed with admiration for Zhao Ergou’s performance.

Among ordinary soldiers, it was rare to find someone as fearless and valiant as Zhao Ergou.

“That kid has potential,” the deputy commander said with a slight smile, firmly committing Zhao Ergou’s name to memory.

Amidst the blood-soaked fray, Zhao Ergou charged through the enemy ranks seven times, unaware that he had already become a prized asset in the eyes of the fortress’s commanders.

The exhilarating carnage set his blood ablaze; he felt as if he were born for battle itself.

“Ha ha ha, what a thrill!” Zhao Ergou wielded his battle blade with relentless fury, reaping the lives of one Rongdi soldier after another.

Yet, his dazzling display soon drew the attention of the Rongdi elite.

A burly Rongdi warrior, drenched in blood and having killed several defenders with a single strike, lunged fiercely toward Zhao Ergou.

The battlefield was a realm where the strong ruled like clouds, and the weak were as insignificant as ants—this held true for both the defending forces and the Rongdi army.

Sensing the cold, deadly intent, Zhao Ergou felt no fear; instead, he licked his lips with excitement.

“Just in time! Zhao Ergou has been itching for a fight!” he shouted, raising his battle knife high to meet the attack.

The opponent’s blade came down like a mountain, infused with piercing true energy, striking forcefully.

Zhao Ergou stood his ground, meeting strength with strength!

“Clang!”

With a thunderous clash, Zhao Ergou was pushed back several paces, his arm tingling and his hand torn, yet his face held no trace of fear—only growing excitement.

“A martial artist? Interesting! But you think you can kill me? Dream on!” Zhao Ergou stood proudly, his gaze filled with defiance.

The attacker was Wutan Tan, a Rongdi centurion of the vanguard, at the initial stage of martial cultivation.

He had expected to finish Zhao Ergou with a single strike but was surprised that Zhao Ergou could withstand it.

“Not bad, taking my blow—so you do have some skill,” Wutan Tan said coldly. “But this ends here!”

“Hmph, anyone can talk big. Today, I’ll show you what real strength means!” Zhao Ergou activated the true energy within, radiating a fierce murderous aura that surged from his body.

Wutan Tan sneered, “Such arrogance!”

With a powerful kick, he shot forward like a cannonball, his curved blade slicing through the air, aiming straight for Zhao Ergou’s head.

Zhao Ergou countered by advancing, his movements ghostlike, dodging Wutan Tan’s deadly strike. At the same time, his battle knife became a streak of crimson lightning, slashing toward Wutan Tan’s chest.

“Behold my Wild Wolf Triple Slash, Night Battle in All Directions!”

“Clang! Clang! Clang…”

The two instantly engaged in fierce combat, their blades flashing and sparking, the clash of metal echoing across the battlefield.

Zhao Ergou’s swordplay was grand and sweeping, majestic with each strike carrying devastating power.

He grew braver and more exhilarated with each passing moment, soon drenched in blood.

Wutan Tan fought increasingly cautiously, realizing Zhao Ergou’s strength far exceeded his expectations. Not only was his power immense, but his speed rivaled lightning, and his combat skills were exquisitely refined, leaving Wutan Tan defenseless.

Soon, multiple wounds appeared on Wutan Tan’s body, blood staining his armor.

“Ha ha ha, Wutan Tan, you’re nothing special!” Zhao Ergou laughed heartily, his wounds fueling his fighting spirit.

“You little brat, don’t get cocky! I admit you’re strong, but you’re still just a martial apprentice. Today, you will surely die!” Wutan Tan’s face darkened, murderous intent blazing in his eyes.

“Die? You? Don’t make me laugh!” Zhao Ergou sneered, pointing at Wutan Tan arrogantly. “I’m telling you, the one who dies today will be you! And I’m going to chop off your head and use it as a chamber pot!”

Wutan Tan was infuriated, roaring as his true energy erupted. His curved blade shone brilliantly, slashing wildly at Zhao Ergou.

“Wild Wolf Triple Slash, Sparrow-Cutting Slash!”

Zhao Ergou crouched low, evading the blow like a phantom. His battle knife struck at a sharp angle, slicing fiercely toward Wutan Tan’s lower body.

“Dishonorable!” Wutan Tan cursed, narrowly dodging.

He never expected Zhao Ergou’s swordsmanship to be so devious, so unconventional!

“Warriors do not shun trickery, got it? I never play by the rules in a fight!” Zhao Ergou chuckled, pressing his advantage with a sweeping leg kick.

Wutan Tan was caught off guard, struck in the ankle and staggered.

“Opportunity!” Zhao Ergou’s eyes gleamed sharply as he pounced like a tiger, raising his battle knife high to strike Wutan Tan’s neck with all his might.

“Wild Wolf Triple Slash, sever your dog’s head!”

This strike embodied the full force of Zhao Ergou’s spirit. In the world of martial arts, Zhao Ergou’s creed was speed above all else!

The saying “nothing is impregnable; only speed is invincible” was his guiding principle.

It reminded him of the Blade Cutter, a one-armed short blade fighter who prized speed above technique.

Though Wutan Tan was a martial artist, he could not gain any advantage against Zhao Ergou’s swift blades.

At that moment, Wutan Tan finally ceased underestimating him.

Zhao Ergou was a worthy adversary!

Wutan Tan was dragged into Zhao Ergou’s fighting rhythm, trying to parry while seeking any flaw.

Zhao Ergou’s blade was fast, but Wutan Tan was stronger. Though on the back foot, he kept defending relentlessly.

Suddenly, Wutan Tan delivered a fierce kick to Zhao Ergou’s chest.

“Bang!”

Zhao Ergou flew backward like a kite cut loose.

Clutching his chest, he spat a mouthful of blood, cursing the pain fiercely.

“What good is speed now?” Wutan Tan grinned grimly, disdain dripping from his voice. “Your strength is still too weak!”

“Prepare to die!” he sneered.

“In the face of absolute power, all struggle is futile!”

“Screw you!” Zhao Ergou struggled to rise, wiping blood from his lips and rubbing his aching chest.

Indeed, fighting above one’s level was no easy feat.

“Prepare to die, you little brat!” Wutan Tan raised his curved blade, advancing to decapitate Zhao Ergou.

“Old Six, why don’t you move? I’m about to collapse!” Zhao Ergou suddenly shouted behind Wutan Tan.

Wutan Tan instinctively glanced back.

Behind them, the fierce battle between the Rongdi army and the Yinshan defenders raged on, with no “Old Six” in sight.

“Shhh!”

Wutan Tan turned sharply, only to feel a searing pain in his waist!

An arrow was lodged deep in his kidney!