"What, scared now? Don’t worry, I’ll be gentler this time. I heard last time you were laid up for three months, let’s make it half a year this time, hahaha." Jiang Yuzhe saw Mu Ze’s panicked expression and laughed arrogantly.
Mu Ze had managed to keep his composure until now, but at this moment, he could barely conceal his fear. The beating he had received last time left a profoundly deep impression on him.
"Big brother Mu Ze, don’t be afraid of him. We have more people than they do. When it comes to fighting, it’s not certain who will beat whom," Mu Xitian tried to encourage him upon seeing Mu Ze’s panic.
"Hmph, you think you have more people than me? You seem to have forgotten to tell you that my fourth uncle has been appointed as the City Lord of Xiaoyang City. You’d better let me beat you up and get it over with. As for outnumbering, a single spit from each of us could drown you," Jiang Yuzhe said, laughing even more wildly upon hearing this.
"Jiang Yuzhe, don’t push people too far. I might have been weaker than you before, but now, you may not be my match," Mu Ze felt too humiliated to show weakness in front of so many people. He drew his longsword and mustered his courage to speak.
Qi circulated, and a silver light streaked across the blade, revealing the strength of a Fifth Rank Swordsman.
We are both Fifth Rank Swordsmen. I might not lose, not necessarily. Mu Ze kept mentally cheering himself on.
Never mind that he always acted so mature beyond his years; in reality, he was not that old and his resolve wasn’t nearly as strong as he hoped it would be.
"Fifth Rank Swordsman, making progress, I see. Sorry, but I’ve progressed as well," taunted Jiang Yuze as he too drew his longsword. Fresh chapters posted on ɴovelfire.net
The sword’s brilliance flashed like a runaway river, ultimately condensing into a dazzling cold star.
A Sixth-tier Swordsman, he is actually a Sixth-tier Swordsman!
Mu Ze had just summoned his courage when it deflated like a punctured rubber ball. His fingers trembled, and the longsword fell to the ground with a clear ring.
Mu Xitian and Mu Jie and the others were all momentarily stunned. Was this really the same Mu Ze they had admired since childhood like an elder teacher? They had always thought of him as a towering mountain that stood firm before them, shielding and sheltering them from the wind and rain; with him around, they believed they could face any hardship without fear.
But who would have thought he was so cowardly? To think he lost his grip on his sword simply from being frightened by his opponent.
Mu Hanyan silently shook her head. This Mu Ze, prematurely aged, had some respect among the younger generation. Yet as he grew older his life amounted to little, and she had found this somewhat odd. Now, witnessing this scene, it all became clear.
Mu Ze’s temperament might seem calm, but in truth, it was too weak. To be blunt, he was like a flower raised in a greenhouse. He might look robust, but lacked the vitality, far more fragile than the little flowers and grasses weathered by the elements outside, utterly unable to withstand real tests.
"Pick up your sword. I won’t be accused of bullying you, I’m giving you the chance for a fair fight," Jiang Yuzhe said disdainfully with a glance at Mu Ze.
"Young Master Jiang, we’re here in Xiaoyang City shouldering a heavy family responsibility. We can’t afford any mishaps. Once we’ve completed our family duty, I’ll come back to challenge you," Mu Ze said, his forehead beading with cold sweat as he forced a smile.
"Ha!" Jiang Yuzhe had yet to respond when a chorus of jeering came from the surrounding crowd.
Even a fool could tell Mu Ze was afraid of losing face in front of everyone in the hall, and his evasive response was a clear stalling tactic. They were already close to Mu Hanyan and had long been irritated by Mu Ze’s pretentious behavior in her presence. They were more than happy to see him humiliated.
(Two more Chapters to be added this afternoon, kisses to you all)