Windstride Technique
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In L County, two men and two women walked in single file atop a pipeline. Leading the way were an elderly man and a robust younger one, their strides powerful and dignified. The two women supported each other, their bodies trembling with lingering fear.
Mu Sheng stroked his beard, pondering aloud, “Monk, what are your thoughts on the matter of suppressing the bandits on Mount Two Dragons?”
Bai Zongnan had been considering the very same question. Hearing the elder speak, he replied, “None, really. It is a matter for the imperial court. We need only fulfill our duties faithfully.”
“Hmm.” Mu Sheng nodded in approval, then added, “Still, I believe you should offer counsel to the court, so they are aware of the situation. After all, if these bandits remain unchecked, our people in L County will forever live in anxiety.”
“I understand. I’ll find an opportunity to inform the court,” Bai Zongnan nodded, though inwardly he thought, “I’ve only just arrived. Though my master is in the court, we haven’t spoken in ages. Who knows if I’d even be acknowledged?”
The two continued forward when suddenly, from the forest ahead, a rustling sound arose. Out of the dense foliage emerged a masked figure clad in tight-fitting garb.
“Who goes there?” Mu Sheng demanded sharply.
“Hmph!”
The masked figure snorted coldly and lunged at the group.
A startled cry echoed from behind—the women’s voices.
“Swish!” Mu Sheng struck first. He extended his hand, grasping at the air; the atmosphere warped, creating a terrifying suction. The masked man, who should have been thrown to the ground, performed an agile somersault, deftly evading the attack.
“Impressive skill!” Mu Sheng praised, “Who are you?”
“Enough chatter. I’m here to take your lives!”
“Hmph. In these times, you dare to block my path? Death awaits you.” Bai Zongnan let out a cold laugh. His right foot stomped down fiercely, shattering the earth beneath him. A massive stone erupted from the ground, hurtling towards the masked man.
“Whoosh!” The masked man dodged, narrowly avoiding the boulder.
“Who are you, really?” Bai Zongnan’s gaze was icy. “Why ambush us?”
“Heh heh!” The masked man sneered, then drew a long blade from his back and slashed with it.
The strike was fierce, its cold gleam slicing toward Bai Zongnan’s neck.
“Clang!”
Bai Zongnan raised his monk’s staff to block, the weapons colliding with a metallic ring.
“Clang, clang, clang…”
The masked man’s speed was extraordinary, his attacks relentless and vicious, each move more ruthless than the last.
Though Bai Zongnan was highly skilled, a single misstep could mean death at the hands of such an assassin.
The blade’s unpredictable trajectory carried a chilling aura; even a slight touch could spell doom.
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Yet Bai Zongnan remained calm and unhurried, handling the situation with ease.
“Clang, clang, clang…” The blades clashed, sparks flying with each collision.
As he fought, Bai Zongnan kept a keen eye on his surroundings. Unbeknownst to the masked man, Bai Zongnan’s form gradually faded from view.
Noticing the disappearance, the masked assailant was taken aback and immediately grew wary. He realized that this monk was far from ordinary—far more formidable than he’d anticipated.
“This monk’s skills are impressive.”
Just then, Bai Zongnan reappeared at the masked man’s left.
“Swish, swish, swish—”
A streak of cold light sliced through the air.
The masked man’s body swayed, narrowly evading the deadly blow.
“Bang!”
In that instant, Bai Zongnan’s left hand swung his monk’s staff, striking the trunk of a massive tree, while his right fist smashed into the masked man’s shoulder, landing squarely on the scapula.
“Spurt!”
Blood sprayed from the masked man’s mouth as he was sent flying.
“What remarkable boxing technique—worthy of one who calls himself ‘Monk,’” Mu Sheng stood with hands behind his back, unable to hold back his admiration.
Bai Zongnan squinted, inwardly complaining, “What, did you come just to cheer me on? You won’t lend a hand?” Out loud, he simply replied, “I dare not.”
After all, he still needed the old man’s help for his upcoming advancement.
With this in mind, Bai Zongnan smiled slightly. “Well, I happen to have some free time lately. I’ll entertain him today.”
With that, Bai Zongnan charged forward, unleashing a fierce palm strike.
“Hmph!” The masked man snorted, raising his blade to meet the attack.
Blade and staff collided, sparks scattering.
“Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump!”
After the exchange, both retreated several yards before regaining their footing.
“Your strength is even greater than I imagined—impressive!” The masked man glanced at the wound on his arm, his eyes filled with gravity.
“Heh, your swordplay is even sharper.”
Bai Zongnan smiled.
“Ha!” The masked man threw back his head in wild laughter, advancing again, “Then I won’t hold back!”
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With those words, the masked man’s muscles bulged, and his long blade carved a series of afterimages through the air.
The sword’s brilliance shimmered, its movements unpredictable and elusive.
“Tricks of little consequence!” Bai Zongnan swung his monk’s staff to parry, effortlessly and with flair.
“Clang!” The weapons collided, both men stepping back three paces.
“Hm? This monk is evenly matched with me?!” Mu Sheng was astonished.
Bai Zongnan caught the remark and turned to the elder, saying, “I have even greater techniques yet to show!”
Before his words faded, he sprang from the ground, twisting midair, then gripped his staff in both hands and brought it crashing down toward the masked man’s head.
“Bold indeed!”
The masked man roared, raising his blade to confront the brutal blow.
“Boom…”
His arms trembled under the immense force, a tidal wave of power surging into his body, like mountains collapsing and seas raging. He was flung backward, landing heavily.
“Spurt!”
The masked man coughed up blood.
“Unbeatable!” Terror gripped his heart; he knew he had encountered a peerless master and immediately tried to flee.
But it was too late—his speed could never match Bai Zongnan’s.
After landing, Bai Zongnan wielded his monk’s staff in his right hand, left hand splayed toward the sky. A surge of true energy burst from his core, coursing into the staff.
“Buzz, buzz!”
A deep hum emanated from the staff, its entire length turning crimson, radiating intense heat.
“Incense Burning Technique!” Bai Zongnan shouted, smashing the staff toward the masked man’s head.
“So fast!” Mu Sheng cried out in astonishment. The masked man felt the searing heat rushing toward him.
Desperately, he raised his blade across his chest to block the overwhelming attack, simultaneously rolling aside to escape danger.
“Boom…”
A muffled crash.
The masked man’s blade was shattered by the staff, and his body was slammed to the ground, rendered unconscious.
Bai Zongnan withdrew his staff, scanning the surroundings.
At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind: Martial Talent Activated—Windstride Technique, Martial Attainment Advanced, Entered Proficiency.