Chapter 336 — Two Generations of Shadow Thief Masters
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 4
The Jingping Imperial Preceptor's vital essence erupted, transforming into flying swords that circled his body. "Attack me. Whoever breaks through my sword formation and lands a strike on my body shall be the new army's commander!"
Hearing this, the fifty-plus experts each unleashed their sword arts and attacked the Jingping Imperial Preceptor. In an instant, countless sword lights whirled at flying speed, and the clang and clash of collisions rang out in dense succession!
The Jingping Imperial Preceptor stood motionless, his mind directing countless sword lights to block every attack from these fifty-plus generals and Grand Academy students.
Suddenly, a general was struck in the chest by a sword, though the Jingping Imperial Preceptor's sword light did not wound him. The general immediately withdrew.
After a while, one after another was struck and withdrew, until only a dozen or so sword masters remained on the attack.
The Duke of Weiguo, Bian Zhenyun, and the others watched this scene and silently marveled. Those remaining dozen or so were the most outstanding in sword arts, their attainments at the level of masters—their only lack was cultivation.
Jingping's talent flourished generation after generation—a heartening sight.
After another while, only three remained of the dozen, still attacking the Jingping Imperial Preceptor. Suddenly a sword-sun burst forth, red light like fire, illuminating the surroundings with dazzling brilliance. A sword light thrust out from the red sun, pierced through the Jingping Imperial Preceptor's sword defense, and punched a small hole in the hem of his robe.
The Jingping Imperial Preceptor raised his hand to stop the three and looked at the one who had pierced his robe. "A student of Hanguang Hall?"
Yuyuan Chuyun bowed and said, "Jingping Imperial Preceptor."
The Jingping Imperial Preceptor smiled. "Jian Sansheng, you shall be the new army's commander. Yuyuan Chuyun, you shall be the new army's vice-commander. I give you half an hour to familiarize yourselves with the names of each ship's captain and the ship numbers. Memorize them all. Remember: when commanding the tower ships, do not think of them as tower ships—think of them as your flying swords!"
The Jingping Imperial Preceptor pointed at the towering pass opposite. "Level Helan Pass to the ground!"
Meanwhile, Shen Mu and Lame Elder had already arrived at the Duck Tongue region.
"Shen Gongcuo, have you been well?" Shen Mu called out with a laugh.
Ban Gongcuo smiled slightly and said, glancing around at those beside him, "Luandi Khan, this is the Nether Demon Sect Master. Not much of a figure who can unleash a sea of swords, is he?"
Behind him, Luandi Khan's gaze flashed like lightning toward Shen Mu. He said in a deep voice, "It was this youth. When he came to the battlefield, the terrifying sword art that erupted from him was suffocating."
Shen Mu looked behind Ban Gongcuo and was slightly taken aback.
Behind Ban Gongcuo followed the various khans of the steppe, as well as the Witch King of the Loulan Golden Palace—but one among them drew the eye above all.
"The steppe's overlord, Luandi Khan!" Shen Mu felt the fire-like, predatory gaze of Luandi Khan and at once guessed his identity.
In years past, the Witch Venerable himself had bestowed the title of khan upon this man. Luandi Khan meant "the world's finest archer," and his tribe was also master of horse and bow. From that time, Luandi Khan rose from the steppe, his power growing ever greater.
Luandi Khan's martial might was absolutely of the highest order—he was far more than a mere archer. Back then, when Shen Mu and the Bashan Libationer had seen Ban Gongcuo on this pass's tower before he was possessed, Ban Gongcuo's fist art had made both Shen Mu and the Bashan Libationer look at him with new eyes.
And at that time, the source of Ban Gongcuo's fist art had been Luandi Khan. It was clear that his combat prowess was not limited to the bow and arrow.