As the current sect leader of the Rock Breaking Flow and a Japanese national in China's magic capital, Guan Shanming carried the weight of his sect and country on his shoulders. His ambition was to expand the Rock Breaking Flow's influence in the magic capital, which necessitated maintaining a dignified image. Therefore, even when he witnessed his personally trained successor, Yuan Wubin, being outmatched by Gao Meng, he suppressed the urge to intervene.
Now, with Yuan Wubin dead and Chunshan Long foolishly continuing his duel with Song Qiao, Guan Shanming knew he had to step in. If Chunshan Long were to be killed by Song Qiao, the reputation of the Rock Breaking Flow would be utterly destroyed, and the notion of Japanese martial arts being weak would be permanently etched into the minds of the Chinese people. He had to stop this from happening. He would not allow the Rock Breaking Flow to suffer such a humiliation.
Guan Shanming intercepted Chunshan Long and stood before Song Qiao, extending a hand and shouting, "Please!"
"No!" Tao Jie and others rushed forward, protesting loudly. They didn't object to Guan Shanming's superior skill, as Song Qiao's status meant Guan Shanming was indeed the only one qualified to face him. Furthermore, Song Qiao had initially challenged Guan Shanming, making his appearance logical. Tao Jie's protest stemmed from a different reason.
"The fight has just begun, why the sudden change of opponent?"
"Are you Japanese devils planning a war of attrition?"
"Exactly! No temporary substitutions!"
"Chunshan Long accepted the challenge; he cannot withdraw before a winner is decided!"
Hearing the protests, Chunshan Long's face turned ashen, and a line of sweat broke out on his forehead. After only a few exchanges with Song Qiao, he knew that being forced to fight to a conclusion would mean his certain death. Chunshan Long was not foolish; he would not stand before his master to face Song Qiao like a man. However, he was unwilling to surrender publicly, so he shouted defiantly, "You all talk a good game, but aren't you just afraid of my master?"
"If you're so afraid of death, then surrender now!"
The crowd was stunned. This scoundrel was referring to them, weren't they? Who was it that dared not fight, and who should surrender? Gao Meng was even tempted to climb onto the stage and curse at Chunshan Long.
Just as she was about to, Song Qiao suddenly spoke. He surveyed Guan Shanming with a half-smile and scoffed, "I was already finding it boring to bully that fellow. Why not try his master now!" With that, Song Qiao rubbed his fists, looking eager.
"Hmph! Arrogant!" Guan Shanming sneered and retorted dismissively, "I advise you to think twice. Your disciple killed the future sect leader of our Rock Breaking Flow. I will show you no mercy! Fighting me will lead to your death!"
Perhaps due to his standing, Guan Shanming was quite straightforward. He clearly stated his intention before the duel: he was here to kill. Of course, even without his words, everyone understood his objective. Having witnessed Yuan Wubin's death before his eyes, Guan Shanming likely wanted to raze Tao Family Martial Arts Hall to the ground!
Yet, Song Qiao showed no fear. He chuckled and replied, "I return those words to you, word for word."
"Scoundrel!" Guan Shanming roared, then struck first! He had completely suppressed his aura, making it undetectable even by the keenest senses, as if he didn't exist. This was the Rock Breaking Flow's ultimate technique, "Heart Like Still Water"! This method of concealing one's presence was common among master duelists, allowing them to strike without their opponent discerning their true intentions.
Song Qiao's brow twitched, but he remained standing calmly, waiting for Guan Shanming's attack. With a swish, Guan Shanming vanished from his spot, becoming like a gust of wind, his movements ethereal and elusive. In the next moment, he appeared before Song Qiao as if performing magic, his arm raised high in a chopping motion. His loose sleeve suddenly tautened, revealing a cold glint from beneath the fabric, like a sharp blade slicing towards Song Qiao's face!
Song Qiao looked up, gazing directly at him, and shouted, "You've come at the right time!" As his voice fell, he slammed his feet onto the ground, charging forward like a cannonball, colliding with Guan Shanming.
*Crack!* A metallic sound, out of place, rang out between them. As their arms sliced diagonally, a trail of sparks flew! They exchanged positions rapidly. Guan Shanming brushed his left hand across his right sleeve, much like a samurai wiping his blade. He looked at Song Qiao in surprise.
"Again!" With a roar, Guan Shanming charged forward again! His hand-blade was neither metal nor stone, yet it was more dangerous than any weapon. It was even rumored that the name Rock Breaking Flow originated from his hand-blade, capable of shattering gold and jade! But Guan Shanming could never have imagined that Song Qiao could withstand his attack. And judging by his stance, he intended to continue his aggressive approach!
*Bang!* In an instant, they collided again, then separated. As Guan Shanming regained his footing, the shock in his eyes was immeasurable. He stared blankly at Song Qiao, his eyes wide. Guan Shanming had observed Song Qiao closely twice, but now he found himself unable to see through the young man before him.
"Who exactly are you?" He couldn't believe Song Qiao was an ordinary person. If he were, he would have been cut in half during their first exchange! Even though Guan Shanming was reluctant to admit it, Song Qiao clearly held the upper hand!
"I'll tell you when you're dead!" Song Qiao grinned and unleashed a powerful punch! His internal energy surged, causing the usually still air within the martial arts hall to whistle. Seeing this, Gao Meng exclaimed, "Golden Core Burst!"