The Legend of Su Kuang By Piao Deng - Chapter 05
Chapter 5 « Prequel: Breaking the Formation – Dragon’s Roar » (5)
V. The Eerie Duel
Dragon’s Roar
Heroes Recognize Heroes
The Unyielding Footsteps of the Lord
The Duality of Yin and Yang
The Dark Waters Run Clear
The Roaring Dragon’s Might
Stumbling and staggering, they finally reached the towering crimson boulder where a massive dark red silhouette loomed.
Finally made it, » Feng Xi said with a weary sigh. « Don’t even think about running away again.
At the mention of running, Long Qing’s expression instantly darkened, and she let out a cold, disdainful snort.
« Ah, » she sneered suddenly, then gasped in surprise, pointing excitedly: « Ah, look, Jingjing— »
With her feet still in the stirrups, Danxia craned her neck eagerly, holding the unconscious Jingjing horizontally in her arms. Jingjing’s eyes sparkled, and the dragon and phoenix patterns on her robe shimmered as she waved excitedly, shouting, « Fifth Master! Fifth Master! Miss Jingjing is awake—she’s finally awake! » Though she called for the Fifth Master, her hopeful gaze was fixed solely on Long Qing.
Long Qing rushed forward in a flash, swiftly taking Jingjing into her arms. The girl had indeed awakened, her body trembling slightly, her lips moving as if trying to speak. Her bright, glistening eyes were filled with joy, yet also a trace of restless anxiety.
« Miss, please—Jingjing is awake, but the Fifth Master— » Danxia’s words trailed off, hesitant and incomplete.
Jingjing’s acupoints were sealed, just like Brother Thunderbolt’s—same method, same handiwork. » Feng Xi stepped forward, studying Danxia carefully as if carefully choosing her next words. « Danxia, about the Fifth Master—what exactly—
Jingjing opened her eyes wide, her pupils contracting, her anxiety surging like a tide. Long Qing’s gaze suddenly flickered—where was the red robe? Where was the man in red who had been with Mandala? Why was it specifically red? A faint clarity emerged in her mind, as if the heavens were hinting at some hidden, formidable force. She abruptly raised her hand and called out, « Feng— »
Almost the moment her hand went up, a dagger suddenly slid out from Dan Xi’s sleeve, plunging deep into Feng Xi’s abdomen.
Long Qing roared in fury, almost instinctively swinging her palm. Dan Xi’s left palm met Long Qing’s force, sending her stumbling back several steps—Long Qing’s bitter training had clearly been compromised, yet Dan Xi had somehow managed to withstand her strike. What kind of skill was this? How could someone so seemingly inexperienced possess such power?
Without hesitation, Long Qing rushed forward to support Feng Xi, whose face was frozen in shock as he slowly collapsed to the ground.
Xiao Shi began to guard against Su Kuang, yet forgot to be wary of the other—she seemed utterly oblivious, kneeling on the ground with flushed cheeks and bare feet, unaware of the depths of his schemes or martial prowess. Like a moth drawn to flame, she was inevitably ensnared by Feng Xi in the end.
Mistake, truly a mistake, leading to this outcome.
Strike! » Long Qing counterattacked, the Wu Hook Sword slashing through the air with a palm strike, while Feng Xi’s acupuncture needles swiftly targeted vital points, instantly invigorating the body with a surge of energy. A cold determination flashed in his eyes as he demanded, « Who exactly are you?
The blade was two fingers wide, a foot-long dagger, with fresh blood still dripping from its edge. He said softly, « Patrolling the night, eliminating bandits. »
Long Qing said coldly, « You’re just a lackey of the court, aren’t you? Su Kuang? Since you’re here, let’s settle this chapter. »
Dan Feng showed no sign of offense and replied cheerfully, « I dare not disrespect the esteemed ones. Please, Brother Su, Miss Long, let’s proceed as you wish. »
Long Qing almost gasped in shock—from the cluster of jagged rocks, Su Kuang slowly stood up, clasped his fists, and walked forward. He whispered to Dan Feng, « I wouldn’t take advantage of your predicament, let’s go together. » Then, with a faint smile, he said to Long Qing, « Tie Ao sent Su Kuang and Dan Feng to escort Miss Long. »
Miss Long, Miss Long Qing… A surge of hot blood rushed to his head. Calm down, calm down, he muttered to himself.
He suddenly realized—this man before him was actually the younger brother of Iron Ao, the infamous Nine Cities Arrest Warrant officer. His background and history had long been exposed. As for Feng Xi, he had wandered the martial world, enduring countless hardships. His experiences were extraordinary, and his methods were ruthless. Yet, at this moment, he found himself in an utterly desperate situation. Indeed, he was utterly exhausted, and his opponent seemed leisurely and composed, holding the upper hand. The most frustrating part was that the Red Flame Sect’s stronghold was merely a hundred steps away, yet Feng Xi’s figure remained unseen. Could it be that he had encountered unforeseen trouble?
Thinking of this, Long Qing began to sweat profusely, forcing himself to endure the pain—if Feng Xi were here, if he encountered such a situation, what should he do? It seemed that taking the offensive was the only option left, and the only way out was to strike first—
Feng Xi, what exactly are you up to? Long Qing, on the other hand, gradually calmed down, vowing to fight without hesitation, fearing nothing. Perhaps she simply enjoys such a game. Since things have already come to this, there’s no need for further concern. A jumble of thoughts raced through Long Qing’s mind as she glanced at Su and the other two, then suddenly grinned and hugged her sword. « You two, let’s go. What do you say? »
Dan Feng was slightly surprised: « Feng Xi has violated the court’s decree, and we must act accordingly. If Miss Long insists on interfering, we have no choice but to offend. »
Long Qing took a step forward with her right foot, casually sat down on the ground, stretched out her hand, and made a gesture of « please. »
Dan Feng gathered his strength, preparing to unleash the Dragon’s Roar Thunderclap Strike with full force. Yet, to his surprise, Long Qing unexpectedly jumped out of the battle, retreating with a nimble twist of his body.
Glancing at Feng Xi, Dan Feng sneered coldly, « Fifth Master, must you keep up the act? Though that sword thrust just now was indeed vicious, with Fifth Master’s skills, you wouldn’t be incapacitated after just half a move, would you? » As he spoke, his foot lashed out toward Feng Xi’s ribs. This was a deliberate strike at a vulnerable spot—if Feng Xi was truly faking, he would have no choice but to react.
With a sharp *crack*, one of Feng Xi’s ribs snapped under the blow. His body stiffened instantly—how could he possibly feign such a reaction?
Dan Feng forced a smile and said to Su Kuang, « The iron token has been handed over, but Feng Xi’s whereabouts are still unknown. The case is complicated. Su Kuang, what do you think we should do? »
Su Kuang said, « The Buddha’s mercy is boundless, yet blood must still be shed. »
Danfeng spat in disgust, his silver sword slashing through the air with a sharp whistle as it aimed for Fengxi’s neck. The blade hesitated slightly mid-air before he cast a sidelong glance at Longqing. Longqing, without a hint of concern, merely blinked and shrugged. « Not interested in the slightest, » she said.
« Hmph— » Dan Feng’s face turned cold as his sword swiftly descended, and blood immediately gushed out.
Long Qing slightly tilted her head as Dan Feng’s sword edge grazed past her cheek. A fingernail-sized piece of flesh was gouged from her skin, muscles spasming as blood gushed out. Fortunately, the red-clad woman moved like fire, swiftly dodging the fatal strike.
Swish—the blade’s trajectory shifted abruptly. Dan Feng altered his slash to a horizontal sweep, slicing off a chunk of flesh from Feng Xi’s neck to shoulder. The skin flew through the air like a crimson butterfly dancing in the wind.
Feng Xi lay stiffly on the ground, already lifeless. Long Qing silently observed as Dan Feng finally sheathed his sword with a sigh: « Enough. There’s no need for further tests. »
The pain in his body was unbearable, but he feared the pain in his heart even more. Strike now. Dan Feng finally reached out his hand and took Feng Xi’s pulse.
« Dan Feng, I owe you nothing. But the debt between us must be settled clearly today. I only hope you’ll allow me this one indulgence. » Long Qing sighed softly, standing up slowly and drawing his sword from its sheath.
« Wait— » Dan Feng was too late to react as Feng Xi suddenly moved. She remained lying on the ground, yet her fingers shot toward Dan Feng’s armpit like lightning. The distance between them was barely two feet—even if Dan Feng had time to slash at her arm with his sword, she would have already struck a fatal blow.
Almost simultaneously, a surge of energy shot from behind, the speed of the sword embodying a desperate, all-or-nothing gamble.
The sword in Long Qing’s hand slipped out with a *whoosh*, its blade flashing toward Dan Feng like a streak of lightning, aimed straight at Su Kuang. The sword’s edge came at him with terrifying speed, forcing Su Kuang to retreat hastily. His back slammed hard against the iron-plated bridge, nearly knocking him over. In the split second sparks flew from the impact of the blade against stone, Long Qing’s sword sheath shot out like a bolt, striking Dan Feng squarely between the shoulders.
It seemed as though the combined strike of the dragon and phoenix duo had reached its peak. Dan Feng barely managed to dodge Feng Xi’s relentless assault, but the pain in his back was unbearable—as if a massive force had pierced through his body, reaching deep into his organs. His chest and abdomen twisted violently, churning like a raging river turned upside down.
The sky is clear, yet you still linger in this field? » Feng Xi clenched both fists, gripping Dan Feng’s arms tightly as if to snap them, whispering faintly: « You dare to hunt me down, even daring to sever the limbs of a criminal… cough… cough… I suppose… this is what you deserve… cough…
Blood gushed from the corners of his mouth, his abdomen pierced by a sword, ribs and legs severely wounded. If not for the unfathomable Su Kuang by his side, he would have collapsed long ago.
Su Kuang had already stood up, watching Dan Feng fall into the enemy’s hands with a cold gaze. He dared not charge forward rashly, sighing: « I underestimated Miss Long. It seems I was too careless. »
« Tit for tat. » Long Qing smiled faintly, though her face was deathly pale, covered in cold sweat—just moments ago, Dan Feng’s venomous hatred had been unmistakable. The thought of his blade slashing toward Feng Xi’s neck still sent shivers down her spine. What else could she have done?
Su Kuang said slowly: « Every step of the plan was flawless—I infiltrated Danfeng Valley, deceived Feng Xihe, used Mo Wushuang as bait, and even poisoned the wine. Yet, I somehow ran into the Fire Sect and ended up needing their help. »
Long Qing immediately understood. She punched through the massive boulder blocking the cave entrance, creating just enough space to slip through. In the end, she caught only a glimpse of the red-robed figure vanishing into the crimson mist.
« Lei Xuyang? » Feng Xihe asked in a low, cold voice.
The man standing beside Danfeng sneered: « A despicable bandit, nothing more than a lowlife. » He clenched his fists and shouted: « Su Kuang! Hand over the wine, or I’ll cripple you myself! » His eyes were bloodshot, his expression twisted with rage. Long Qing couldn’t help but wonder—was this the same man who had once saved seven or eight lives with his own hands?
Su Kuang slowly turned around, and Long Qing couldn’t help but shout, « Stop! »
Su Kuang said, « Miss Long, Master Feng is at the end of his strength. If you insist on standing your ground, the outcome is already decided. What more is there to say? »
Long Qing sneered, « Your calculations are indeed ingenious. I admire your five-point stance. Feel free to stand there, but don’t forget to maintain an elegant posture—enjoy your fill of blessings. »
« Miss Long, I suppose you must have your reasons for insisting on this matter. » Su Kuang shook his head helplessly. No matter how formidable her arguments might be, he couldn’t simply yield to brute force. Clearing his throat, he decided to cut straight to the point: « If you insist on staying, then stay—but what exactly do you want? »
Dragon Qing and Phoenix Xi, their conditions were excellent, so excellent that it was hard to tell whether they were real or fake.
« Are you insane? » Dan Feng cursed.
Su Kuang glared at him fiercely: « What kind of deal is this? You think sacrificing yourself counts as loyalty? Shut your damn mouth! »
Danfeng immediately shut his mouth obediently.
Su Kuang said, « Fifth Master, I’ve shown my sincerity. If you still insist on restraining me, then… I must keep my promise to Miss Long. »
Long Qing turned her head away and said coldly, « Fine. My surname is Long, not Feng. If Feng Wu dares to go back on his word, don’t blame me for turning hostile. »
Feng Xi suddenly felt that this straightforward and forthright girl was quite troublesome.
Feng Xi signaled with her eyes, while Long Qing cautiously retreated, sealing off Su Kuang’s escape route. Su Kuang stood with his arms crossed, a faint, enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips. His expression was open and unguarded, yet his eyes seemed unfathomably deep. Even Feng Xi couldn’t help but feel puzzled—after all the effort and strategy she had poured into this ambush, why was he so effortlessly subdued?
Long Qing waited for his signal, then suddenly twisted Dan Feng’s arms behind his back and kicked him hard in the rear: « Get lost, you spineless coward, crawl back to where you came from! »
Dan Feng’s injuries were severe, and he staggered away unsteadily, his steps faltering and uneven.
As if finally relieved of a burden, Feng Xi suddenly collapsed backward, leaning heavily against Long Qing. Long Qing instinctively caught him, holding him tightly while cursing under her breath: « Damn bandit, even when you faint, you still manage to take advantage! »
