Chapter 281: Hunting Down the Dog

call!
The wind was howling, sweeping the sky full of rain and flying bamboo leaves. The sky was gloomy and muffled thunder could be heard from time to time.

Xiao Yuanmu was not tall, but his physique was much stronger than that of an ordinary person. He raised his hand to take Luo Xiangzhu’s embroidered shoes and lightly tapped the branches and leaves. He easily hid in the mountain ridge and glanced sideways at the green bamboo forest.

Xiao Yuanmu just can’t use her full strength, it doesn’t mean that her martial arts are completely useless and she has no fighting power. In her current young girl form, she can be called a martial arts goalkeeper. It is not difficult for her to join forces with Zhao Wumian to play an auxiliary role against the enemy. However, she is not sure whether there are other martial arts masters around, and Luo Xiangzhu needs to be protected even more. Therefore, it is more appropriate to hide her aura and win by surprise.

Fan Wucheng’s mind was fully focused on Zhao Wumian at the moment, and for a moment he didn’t notice Xiao Yuanmu.

The bamboo sea is lush and green in the rain. It is specially cultivated to cover the dancing red flower field behind it. It is as tall as the clouds, tough and strong.

Wipe————

There was a sound of breaking wind, and a black shadow suddenly fell down and smashed into the bamboo sea. Fan Wucheng adjusted his focus in the air, and his long boots stepped on a green bamboo. The brutal energy was transmitted to it, and the tough bamboo body bent down like a full-string bow, parallel to the ground, and the accumulated water on it fell down by inertia, making a rustling sound.

Fan Wucheng was confident that Zhao Wumian could not be his opponent, but he would not be so arrogant as to fight a swordsman in close combat with a two-foot short sword. He held the short sword in his backhand and reached for the spear behind him with his other hand, but at this moment, a sharp sound of a sword suddenly rang out above the bamboo forest.

Choke————

Fan Wucheng had been staring at Zhao Wumian, watching the man in the bamboo hat chop him away with a knife, leaving almost no gap, then lightly tapped the Snow Owl Feather with the tip of his toes, and his body suddenly shot down. A man and a knife fell from the sky, and the knife light was like a stunning sight in the rain.

Before Fan Wucheng could even reach for the spear, he saw the bamboo leaves in front of him, like the drizzling evening rain, suddenly shattered. Before he saw anyone, the knife had already swept to his neck, and his skin could already feel the chill of the knife brushing against it.

He was slightly startled, and secretly thought that the martial arts skills were very good, but his expression did not change at all. As he stepped back lightly with his boots, the short sword in his hand made a scratch in the rain of bamboo leaves in front of him before he held it in front of him.

The violent energy was transmitted through the sword. Although Fan Wucheng was mentally prepared this time, he still couldn’t withstand the force. It was not only because his bones and physique were slightly inferior to Zhao Wumian who was using the Heavenly Demon Blood Solution, but more because of the weapon.

Using a short sword to meet a broadsword is like using a three-foot long sword to meet a nine-foot spear… Using one’s own weakness to attack the enemy’s strength is a dead end unless the numerical difference is extremely large.

Fan Wucheng had to grit his teeth and use his other hand, which was about to hold the gun, to hold the sword, so that he would not be knocked away by the dagger and his neck was not cut off by the knife.

But Fan Wucheng was able to reach the level of martial arts champion by achieving the unity of man and nature, and his combat experience was extremely rich. The stalemate between the short sword and the broadsword lasted only a moment, and then he stomped his long boots on the green bamboo. His body suddenly bounced up, and he struck Zhao Wumian’s neck with a powerful knee strike.

His weapon was at a disadvantage, and Zhao Wumian obviously didn’t give him the chance to draw his spear, so he had to use his fists and feet to avoid the attack for the time being.

The green bamboo, which was already like a taut bowstring, without Fan Wucheng’s weight, immediately swung towards Zhao Wumian and Fan Wucheng like a long whip. The little water left on the bamboo flew onto Fan Wucheng’s back, leaving streaks of wetness on his clothes on his back.

But after Zhao Wumian learned this sword, his perception became so subtle that he could almost predict the future. He knew Fan Wucheng’s next attack from the movement of his leg muscles. He snorted coldly, bent his knee with his free hand, and hit Fan Wucheng’s knee head-on with his elbow.

bang————

Fan Wucheng’s physique was actually slightly inferior to Zhao Wumian at the moment, but as the saying goes, punches account for 30% and kicks account for 70%, and a head-on collision with knees and elbows would not put him at a disadvantage. However, the blow was inconclusive. His bouncing body was forcibly pressed back by Zhao Wumian, and his long boots bent the green bamboo under him again.

Zhao Wumian felt a chill in his heart. Ever since he learned the Heavenly Demon Blood Release, the only warrior who could match him in terms of muscles and bones was Tong Congdao, who also knew the Heavenly Demon Blood Release… This guy’s muscles and bones weren’t as good as his, but he didn’t have his knees smashed by an elbow… He really had some skills.

But Fan Wucheng was even more shocked. Before coming here, he had even gone to Emei to estimate Zhao Wumian’s strength… In his eyes, Zhao Wumian was indeed at the top of the martial arts world, but was still far from being his opponent. But now it seemed that it was not necessarily that he was on par with him. After all, they had only fought a few moves and he couldn’t tell too much about his strength. But this was obviously not the strength that Emei should have had at the time?
How come Zhao Wumian’s strength has improved by several levels in just a few days? Is there something wrong with this guy? Is he practicing martial arts for one day equivalent to others practicing martial arts for a year!? Or did he not even use his full strength in the battle with Tang Weiyu?

With his mind racing, Zhao Wumian stepped on the green bamboo with his long boots, not giving Fan Wucheng any chance to breathe. His strength rose from the bamboo, and the cold light danced rapidly.

Since they knew that Fan Wucheng was a gunman, they naturally had to beat him hard and not give him a chance to draw his weapon. This was not a martial arts competition, but a fight in the martial arts world. There was no such thing as a fair contest. If they wanted to cripple a man, they had to kick his rotten leg.

Fan Wucheng knew what Zhao Wumian was thinking, but he also felt helpless in his heart. The gap in strength between him and Zhao Wumian was obviously not so big that he could ignore weapons. He would be at a disadvantage if he could not draw out the spear at the moment. He could only tap the bamboo body with his toes continuously, and while retreating, he used his short sword to block the horizontal sword.

This is why Zhao Wumian would rather search Wu Honghua slowly and let Xue Xiao fly overhead at all times to be on guard… Wu Kui’s ability to spot flaws is outrageous, and even he does not dare to be ambushed by Wu Kui.

However, although Fan Wucheng seemed flustered, he actually had a plan in mind. He still did not engage in a head-on confrontation, but mainly used interception to constantly avoid the opponent’s sharp edge.

Obviously, his strength has reached Fan Wucheng’s level. He is not as good as Xiao Yuanmu who can turn any flower or leaf into a blade, but he can use any weapon he carries with him with ease, and his martial arts skills are not lagging behind at all.

Dang Dang Dang————

Luo Xiangzhu was being carried by Xiao Yuanmu at the moment. Due to her huge weight and Yuanmu’s slender figure, her small body had no support and was “leaking” beside Yuanmu. However, she was unaware of it and looked at the two people in the bamboo forest with a little nervousness.

In her eyes, the two men were standing on a bent green bamboo, one advancing and the other retreating, with only sparks flying as their swords clashed. The weapons were not visible at all, and the flying bamboo leaves around them were shattered by the strong wind when they were less than half a foot away from the two men, turning into debris that flew around the two men. It was impossible to tell who had the upper hand, but the enemy who could allow Zhao Wumian to fight with so many moves without being defeated must be very powerful.

The sound of the weapons clashing could not be hidden from the other Fan family guards. Those who could guard nearby were all elite soldiers. They knew that they were being tricked, so they did not hesitate and rushed towards the bamboo forest with swords and knives. If Zhao Wumian and Fan Wucheng continued to fight, they would definitely be surrounded… Although they were not afraid, it would obviously be troublesome if someone suddenly shot an arrow at them.
Xiao Yuanmu raised his finger to signal Luo Xiangzhu to keep quiet, and then he suddenly remembered that this woman was a mute. Alas… Although Xiao Yuanmu was hostile to the Dali royal family, he had a good impression of Luo Xiangzhu. It was because this princess had no ambiguous relationship with Zhao Wumian, and she was also the daughter of Princess Yan.

After all, Princess Yan once worked for the royal family of Chen State…

She silently withdrew her gaze and quietly crossed the bamboo forest with Luo Xiangzhu. With a flick of her finger, the sharp bamboo leaf flew out of her hand, like a flying knife that lightly brushed the neck of a Fan family guard. The man covered his throat with both hands, uttering a choking sound, and blood overflowed from between his fingers, but he didn’t even know where the bamboo leaf came from.

With Xiao Yuanmu’s strength, even if he couldn’t use his full strength at the moment, but under the assassination, except for the masters of Tianrenheyi and Wukui, basically no one could stop him. Only the top masters like Liu Yuezhi and Guishou Zhenren could barely resist a few moves before dying.

With her around, these so-called elites could not interfere with the fight between Zhao Wumian and Fan Wucheng. They couldn’t even fire a message tube or shout to alert Fan Wucheng that Zhao Wumian had accomplices.

At this moment, Fan Wucheng obviously did not have the energy to sense whether there were any accomplices around him… He was already unable to take care of himself.

It seemed that he was able to block Zhao Wumian’s dozens of sword strikes without being at a disadvantage, but Zhao Wumian’s sword moves were ever-changing, including Wan Yue Xian, Zhai Xing Dao, Shu Dao Nan, Yun Yi Lou… They were endless and each had its own characteristics. They were all learned by the martial arts champion. In terms of technical skills, he was no worse than Fan Wucheng, but he suffered a lot in terms of muscles and weapons.

Therefore, after more than a dozen stabs, there were blood marks on his ribs, right forearm and waist. Although they were only superficial injuries, if he continued to hold on, with the accumulated power of the Wushan Knife and the Difficult Shu Road, it would only be a matter of time before Zhao Wumian stabbed him through the heart.

But it is obviously impossible to get out without paying a price…

Fan Wucheng was by no means lacking in decisiveness. He tapped his toes lightly and in the blink of an eye he flew over the top of the green bamboo. His back smashed the bamboo leaves all over the sky and he exploded backwards.

Zhao Wumian snorted coldly, and the knife light flashed suddenly. The green bamboo under his feet was instantly cut into several short bamboos, with sharp tips like bamboo arrows. Under the guidance of the majestic energy, these bamboo arrows shot towards Fan Wucheng from front to back.

Fan Wucheng had obviously never practiced horizontal training. These bamboo arrows contained Zhao Wumian’s internal strength. He did not have Lan’s supernatural lightness skill of using raindrops to gain momentum, so it was difficult for him to dodge and move around. He had to raise his palm to smash all the bamboo arrows into pieces.

At the moment when Fan Wucheng was restrained by the bamboo arrow, Zhao Wumian gripped the hilt of the knife tightly with both hands, with the tip of the knife facing Fan Wucheng. The rain in the sky and the flying bamboo leaves seemed to pause for a moment.

Pfft————

But in the blink of an eye, a flash of cold light suddenly shattered the rain curtain. Fan Wucheng raised his short sword to block, but only a spark appeared in front of him. Zhao Wumian’s forward figure suddenly stopped in front of Fan Wucheng. Looking closely, he saw that the blade had already pierced into Fan Wucheng’s chest, and blood splattered!
If Tang Weiyu were here, he would definitely recognize that this was the move he used when he competed with Zhao Wumian.

Unexpectedly, after just a few days, Zhao Wumian not only learned it, but even had a hint of better than his teacher… This was natural. The road to Shu was difficult. Zhao Wumian had seen the knife marks on the plaque of Dao Kui and had already memorized it. He had even deduced it many times with the red silk of Naraku.

While Fan Wucheng was shocked by the fierce power of Zhao Wumian’s sword, his expression was even more ruthless.

Zhao Wumian used all his strength in this knife attack and pierced through Fan Wucheng’s chest. The bloody tip of the knife emerged from behind his spine, but it was as Fan Wucheng had deliberately calculated and hit the gun on his back.

clang—-

The tip of the knife collided with the gun body with a slight sound, and the black cloth strap broke instantly. The spear was about to be pushed away by the sword, but Fan Wucheng’s eyes were instantly filled with bloodshot at this moment, and his shoulder moved suddenly, and the sword was moved by it, leaving a three-inch wound on his body, but it also changed the direction of the spear’s flight.

From backward, it changed to upward, and Fan Wucheng raised his other hand at this moment, finally grasping his own weapon, and with a light shake of one hand, the black cloth on the surface of the spear was immediately torn into pieces, and the secret buckle in the middle was tightly fitted together, forming an eight-foot long spear with patterns all over the body and the Fan family crest engraved on the spear tip. It was obviously the Fan family’s heirloom spear.

“Boy! It’s my turn! Die!”

Fan Wucheng was not good at using weapons, so he was suppressed and beaten by Zhao Wumian for a long time. He had been holding a rage in his heart for a long time. At this moment, he held the spear, and his expression immediately became ferocious. The spear shaft instantly broke into a semi-arc, and he used the spear technique of splitting Huashan Mountain to smash down at Zhao Wumian from top to bottom.

bang————

Xiao Yuanmu and Luo Xiangzhu, who were still outside the bamboo forest, heard a muffled sound like thunder coming from inside the forest, and then saw thousands of green bamboos suddenly bending outwards, as if a huge rock was smashing into the lake, and bamboo leaves mixed with raindrops shot out in all directions like water waves!
Luo Xiangzhu’s pretty face immediately turned pale, Xiao Yuanmu frowned slightly, and without saying anything, he easily blocked the escaping Qi with his round fan and flew into the bamboo forest. He looked up and saw Fan Wucheng’s spear hitting the ground beside Zhao Wumian. A deep pit more than ten feet long appeared in the huge bamboo forest… But it didn’t hit Zhao Wumian? Could Fan Wucheng’s spear miss?
Fan Wucheng was even more surprised than the two women. After the horizontal knife pierced his chest, it was stuck by his muscles. If he wanted to pull it out, he had to pause for at least a moment. Zhao Wumian couldn’t pull out the knife, and the spear was so close that he couldn’t dodge it at all. He could only resist it. Zhao Wumian really couldn’t dodge it. The spear was behind him, and the green bamboo sword behind his waist suddenly came out of its sheath. The sword flashed and rested on the spear shaft. Logically, this long sword couldn’t block the spear at all.

Even if he couldn’t kill Zhao Wumian, he could at least cripple his arms. But after the sword came into contact with the gun, Fan Wucheng immediately felt as if he was smashing into cotton, with no point of force at all. He was even pulled by a soft force and smashed into the ground next to Zhao Wumian.

Tai Chi! How could Zhao Wumian know Tai Chi? In the traces of his fight with Tang Weiyu, there was no trace of Tai Chi at all…Knowing Tai Chi was actually nothing. In the final analysis, it was the way to overcome hardness with softness. No matter how things change, they still rely on soft strength. But he didn’t expect that Zhao Wumian’s Tai Chi was so profound that he could even block his gun.

In fact, it is not his fault. Most of the warriors who have fought with Zhao Wumian died. The meaning of Tai Chi was something Zhao Wumian figured out after a fierce battle with Guishou Zhenren and he practiced it countless times in Naraku Hongsi. He never slacked off during this period, so his level naturally improved.

Even if Xiao Yuanmu saw it, he would have to praise him and say that his Tai Chi was second only to that of Guiyi and Guiyuan, the two top martial arts masters of Wugong Mountain.

But a trace of blood still seeped out of the corner of Zhao Wumian’s mouth. It was true that his Tai Chi skills were profound, but he was not yet at the point where he could take this move head-on and remain unscathed. Although he moved the spear away, the energy from the initial contact still hurt his internal organs…but this injury was obviously insignificant.

The Bamboo Sword was now pressed on the gun barrel. Fan Wucheng wanted to lift the gun, but he saw Zhao Wumian’s long boots stepped heavily on the gun body, pressing it down again. He raised his hat slightly, and the lower half of his face showed Fan Wucheng a cold and defiant smile.

Fan Wucheng’s pupils shrank. He was too close to Zhao Wumian, and the flaws of his eight-foot spear were exposed. It was difficult to retract his attack in such a short time at such a close distance, so he had to hastily raise his dagger to protect his vital points.

White mist suddenly rose under Zhao Wumian’s straw raincoat, the blood vessels under his skin seemed to be about to burst, and his palm tightly grasped the hilt of the sword.

Wipe————

In the blink of an eye, the straw raincoat on Zhao Wumian’s body was suddenly pulled straight back, and he passed by Fan Wucheng with a three-foot sword light, and instantly appeared several feet behind him. The lush green sword body turned red, and the flying bamboo leaves that were lingering around the two of them came to an abrupt stop at this moment!

When martial arts masters fight, victory or defeat is decided in the blink of an eye.

The seemingly still bamboo leaf rain fell again with the rain, and with it fell the blood on Fan Wucheng’s body.

His reaction was quick and he protected his vital parts, which prevented Zhao Wumian from killing him with one sword. However, a two-foot-long wound still appeared from his shoulder to his lower abdomen, and blood gushed out like a fountain.

Even Xiao Yuanmu couldn’t help but be amazed at this moment… Zhao Wumian’s strength is indeed improving day by day. In his spare time, he has probably been practicing martial arts with the Naraku Red Silk without slacking off.

Today’s Zhao Wumian is obviously able to defeat him in the capital a month ago.

Not only was Fan Wucheng’s chest pierced by Wuhen’s knife, but there was also an additional wound that was almost cut in half by a sword. Although it didn’t hurt any vital parts, it was impossible to pretend that nothing had happened.

He coughed up a mouthful of blood, but still had no expression. He looked back at Zhao Wumian behind him, put the dagger into the scabbard behind his waist, raised his hand and swung the spear violently. The spear body trembled violently, like the roar of a dragon, and smiled faintly.
“Fan Wucheng, you should know my identity after hearing my last name… Before this, I did underestimate you, but this injury won’t make me lose my fighting ability… Keep showing off your skills.”

Zhao Wumian tilted his hat slightly and glanced at Fan Wucheng. He finally understood why everyone said that the martial arts master was difficult to kill, and why the martial arts world was shaken when Xiao Yuanmu killed the old spear master in Poyang Lake… He had used all his strength just now, but still did not let Fan Wucheng suffer a fatal injury.

But Zhao Wumian was only excited in his heart. During this period of time, he was doing very well and could beat anyone he fought. It seemed that he was invincible. But Fan Wucheng in front of him was undoubtedly telling Zhao Wumian that his martial arts skills were still a long way to go before they could reach the pinnacle of the world… At least, he had to practice to the level of Xiao Yuanmu who could kill the martial arts champion.

Zhao Wumian obviously had a desire to win… He didn’t want to be inferior to Xiao Yuanmu all his life.

But just when Zhao Wumian and Fan Wucheng were preparing for the second round, they both paused, as they both sensed someone flying towards them rapidly with a majestic and vast momentum… The person who could attract their attention at this time must be a master of martial arts, and he was not as concealed as Xiao Yuanmu… It must be Tang Weiyu.

As expected, a black shadow appeared with terrifying speed, and the murderous aura was icy cold.

The Tang family’s proud Qinggong, which has allowed them to gain a foothold in the martial arts world for a hundred years, finally showed up at this moment. Zhao Wumian and Fan Wucheng had just sensed someone rushing towards them, and when they looked up, they saw Tang Weiyu crossing a distance of dozens of feet and rushing to within ten feet of them, with the long sword in her hand shining coldly, pointing directly at Zhao Wumian.

Fan Wucheng was slightly delighted. In order to prevent Zhao Wumian from escaping, he immediately picked up his gun and smashed it at Zhao Wumian’s head. He did not seek to achieve merit, but only to delay him.

For a martial arts master, as long as the gap in strength is not too great, it is basically difficult to determine life or death in a one-on-one fight. If you want to run, you can escape at any time, unless it is a life-and-death battle where it is either you or me.

But now, with two against one and surrounded, they can at least hold out until Zhao Wumian’s Heavenly Demon Blood Release time limit is up, and then they can easily chop off his head.

Xiao Yuanmu was hiding nearby with Luo Xiangzhu. She narrowed her almond-shaped eyes slightly, and the internal strength in her palms was ready to be released… in case Tang Weiyu really attacked Zhao Wumian. She would not really believe Tang Weiyu.

Tang Weiyu stomped her boots heavily on the ground, and the knife light that was originally flying towards Zhao Wumian suddenly turned.

Fan Wucheng saw the knife flashing towards him, and his expressionless face inevitably showed a hint of surprise, and he cursed, “Fuck you!”

He couldn’t just watch himself get hacked to death, so he could only quickly retract his attack, turn the gun around, and hit Tang Weiyu.

The swords came into contact. Tang Weiyu’s muscles were not very strong, so it was difficult for him to fight with a sword or a gun, but his purpose was to create a flaw.

Fan Wucheng’s attention was attracted by Tang Weiyu, and Zhao Wumian would not miss this opportunity. He pushed the sword forward, and with a sound of sword ringing, he chopped towards Fan Wucheng’s neck.

No matter how strong Fan Wucheng was, he didn’t dare to use his neck to block the sword. He had no choice but to draw out his dagger again to intercept the long sword and block hastily.

But the sword was so light and agile that Zhao Wumian’s sword was intercepted. He immediately retracted his strength, stomped his boots on the ground, and passed through the swords and shadows. He smashed Fan Wucheng’s heart with the Iron Mountain Backrest like a siege pillar.

puff—-

Fan Wucheng spat out a mouthful of blood towards the sky. The sword that was already stuck in his chest was further affected by this force and completely passed through his body, leaving a string of blood beads in the air.

The power of the spear in front of the long sword weakened. Tang Weiyu sneered, drew his sword and was about to chop Fan Wucheng to death.

Under the combined attack from both sides, if Fan Wucheng continued to fight, he would probably die here before the time limit of Zhao Wumian’s Demon Blood Release was up. Even if he could save Zhao Wumian by risking his life, it would not be worth it.

How can Zhao Wumian’s life compare with his?

His eyes were bloodshot and his mouth was filled with blood. He gathered all his strength and swept the spear across suddenly. Between life and death, Fan Wucheng obviously unleashed his potential. Strong winds raged, and the tough green bamboos around him made a ‘crackling’ sound, and hundreds of them broke.

In order to survive, Fan Wucheng’s explosive power increased significantly, and even Zhao Wumian and Tang Weiyu had to temporarily avoid his attack.

Fan Wucheng did not hesitate, he turned around and ran. If he was a little slower, he would be hacked to death on the spot by the two men, so he squeezed all the strength in his body, turned around and shot out dozens of feet like a cannonball.

“Someone come!” Fan Wucheng used his true energy and shouted loudly, at least asking his men to help buy some time. However, after rushing out of the bamboo forest, he saw a pile of corpses lying on the ground.

Where are my people? So many elite soldiers, all dead! ?

He must have been killed when Tang Weiyu came!
Fan Wucheng didn’t even pause for a second, but his voice was filled with murderous intent, “Tang Weiyu! I swear to kill you!”

Tang Weiyu remained unmoved, thinking that Fan Wucheng simply hated spies.

But just as Fan Wucheng rushed out of the bamboo forest, he saw a sudden flash of cold light in the darkness, and a dagger suddenly pierced into his back. Fan Wucheng relied on his instinct and twisted slightly, so he was not stabbed in the heart, but his hair stood on end. He looked in disbelief, and saw a young girl with a childish face holding a dagger in her small hand, appearing behind him from somewhere.

What the hell! A kid this age can hurt me! ?
Fan Wucheng was shocked beyond words.

Xiao Yuanmu frowned and sighed secretly. He was still badly injured. In just three days, he still hadn’t recovered from the battle at Longquan. Otherwise, this dagger would have surely pierced Fan Wucheng’s heart.

Fan Wucheng felt the pain and fired a shot. Xiao Yuanmu blocked it with his round fan, but he was too badly injured and was still thrown away…

Zhao Wumian’s heart immediately burned with anger. He sheathed his sword, flew over to catch the flying Xiao Yuanmu, and was about to chase after Fan Wucheng.

“Wait…Luo Xiangzhu…” Xiao Yuanmu was injured and spit out blood, and hurriedly reminded.

Luo Xiangzhu picked up Zhao Wumian’s Wuhen Knife, but before she could react, she saw Zhao Wumian suddenly appear in front of her, picked her up with one hand, and then rushed out of the bamboo forest with murderous intent, and chased Fan Wucheng with Tang Weiyu…

(End of this chapter)