Chapter 1094: Chapter 1094 The Test
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Lu Yu’s unwavering confidence sent a tremor through the black-clad figure.
His eyes darted to the Star Piercing Demonic Sword, a deep breath escaping his lips.
An unsettling premonition gnawed at him; the blade radiating from Lu Yu’s hand emanated an aura far superior to the sword he wielded.
He tightened his grip on the hilt, attempting to steady himself. A nervous gulp followed, the fight suddenly draining from him. An instinctive sense of danger washed over him, a premonition that engaging Lu Yu would lead to a swift and brutal demise.
Unaware of the psychological warfare Lu Yu waged, the onlookers buzzed with confusion.
“Why aren’t they fighting?”
“Probably sizing each other up, strategizing.”
“Enough playing around! Get on with it already!”
“This pipsqueak needs a lesson from Jiang Ling’s guard! Teach him some manners!”
“Yeah, who does he think he is, challenging us? Let’s see if he’s even worthy of a duel!”
Impatience gnawed at Jiang Ling within the pavilion. “Just start already! Don’t dawdle!”
“Miss,” the man in black pleaded helplessly, “It’s not that I don’t want to fight; it’s that I can’t!”
His words, accompanied by the sheathing of his sword, sent ripples of surprise through the crowd.
“What the…? Can’t move?”
“Coward hiding behind excuses!”
“Why the sudden change of heart? Afraid now?”
“He doesn’t seem that strong… Maybe I could take him on!”
Jiang Ling shot up from her seat, her gaze burning into the man in black. “What do you mean you can’t move?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to obey, Miss,” he explained, a tremor in his voice. “The truth is, his strength far surpa.s.ses mine. If I even attempt to draw my weapon, he’ll cut me down in a heartbeat. A clean, merciless kill.”
The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air, leaving Jiang Ling speechless.
“Instantly?” she breathed, finally comprehending his fear. “You’re sensing killing intent radiating off him?”
“Precisely, Miss. My entire being can feel it.”
“Bullc.r.a.p! Killing intent? You’re just a yellow-bellied coward! Have you forgotten your loyalty to the Jiang family?”
“Of course not!” He protested, defiance flickering in his eyes.
“Then fight him!” Jiang Ling demanded, her voice laced with steel.
But the man in black remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on Lu Yu with a mixture of fear and respect.
Sensing the stalemate, Lu Yu sheathed his weapon with a satisfied smile. “No need for further theatrics. He possesses a keen sense to recognize my killing intent. That’s commendable in itself.’
Jiang Ling, directing a withering look at Lu Yu, scoffed. “We can’t sense anything. It must be because we’re all so weak, right?”
“Indeed,” Lu Yu conceded. “Your strength is simply inadequate to perceive such an aura. It’s a common occurrence for those lacking power. Consider this duel concluded. Had he attacked, the outcome would have been disastrous for him.
Thankfully, he chose wisely.”
The man in black, overwhelmed with grat.i.tude, bowed deeply towards Lu Yu. “Thank you… I am truly grateful for your mercy.”
Jiang Ling remained unconvinced. “So, what happens now? There’s no clear victor, and that’s it?”
“Consider it my defeat, Miss,” the man in black conceded, his voice heavy with resignation. “To still be breathing is a testament to his mercy.”
Jiang Ling slumped into her chair, frustration etched on her face.
“It looks like I misjudged you. Taking on a disciple requires more than just talent; it demands strength of character as well.”
Lu Yu, his point seemingly made, shook his head and turned to leave.
Jiang Ling’s voice stopped him in his tracks. “Wait a minute! You want to take me as your disciple?” Her brow furrowed. “That was your intention all along?”
“Indeed,” Lu Yu confirmed. “But based on current circ.u.mstances, it seems unlikely.”
With that, he pivoted once more, preparing for his exit.
Intrigued, Jiang Ling hurried after him. “Hold on. I thought you were wooing me, not looking for a student. But wait, are you serious about being a master?” “Absolutely. Why, is there an issue?”
“No issue on my end,” Jiang Ling conceded. “It’s just… there are plenty of suitors in Skyplume City vying for my attention. Many renowned masters have expressed interest in taking me on as a disciple, but most lack the true strength to impress me, not even reaching my father’s level.”
Her eyes sparkled with a challenge. “However, if you possess genuine power, I wouldn’t mind becoming your apprentice!”
Hu Zhan leaned towards Lu Yu, murmuring, “She seems genuine, just a little guarded after all the attention. If you want to take on a student, do you really need others to vouch for your abilities?”
Lu Yu met Jiang Ling’s gaze with a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt. “Testing is unnecessary. My reputation here may not precede me, but if you wish to gauge my strength, a demonstration is all you need.”
With a playful glint in her eyes, Jiang Ling suggested, “Let’s make it interesting. There are eight suitors outside the pavilion, all vying for my affection. Why not have them form a team and fight you? If you manage to defeat them all at once, well, that speaks volumes.”
Lu Yu scanned the eight men standing rigidly nearby, their hostility radiating like heat waves. “Eight? Hardly a challenge. I could overpower them in an instant.”
“Big talker!” one of the men scoffed. “Who do you think you are, spouting such arrogant nonsense?”
“Another self-proclaimed genius?” Another chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Confidence is one thing,” a third added. “But fearlessness in the face of us?
Let’s see how brave you truly are!”
The eight men, their compet.i.tive spirit ignited, tossed their flowers aside and advanced towards Lu Yu, a menacing aura surrounding them.
With a nonchalant shrug, Lu Yu raised his left hand. A powerful surge of energy coursed through him, transforming it into the formidable Thunder Dragon Claw.
A blinding bolt of lightning erupted from his palm, crackling with raw power.
It streaked across the garden, striking the eight men with an explosive swoosh!
The thunderous clap reverberated through the air as the men were sent flying back over ten meters. Electricity coursed through their bodies, leaving them twitching and foaming at the mouth, utterly incapacitated.
Seeing the swift and decisive takedown, Jiang Ling let out a surprised gasp. “Everything… settled just like that?” Her eyes widened in astonishment. “I had no idea you possessed such mastery over the element of lightning!”
Lu Yu scoffed. “Don’t get carried away. The lightning element is my most insignificant element..”