Dual wielding volcanoes, killing through the west

"I know a little bit about everything."

Chapter 781: The Master's Counterattack

The sword cleaved through the air with a whooshing sound.

"It's great to be young..."

Henderson stood by, watching Alden wield his longsword, twisting his wrist and flicking the blade—every movement brimming with youthful power. More importantly, however, was the intense conviction in Alden's eyes, so dazzling in the eyes of this elderly man that it stirred a rare pang of envy within him.

“Gaining titles, honors, and fame at such a young age… is not necessarily a good thing.” Lynx’s tone was surprisingly wistful. “Young people who are pampered like this are easily misled into thinking that they can do anything with just a little effort.”

"When they encounter an insurmountable peak, they are easily defeated, left with nothing and completely hopeless."

"Is this foreigner really that good at fighting?"

"..." Henderson was silent for a moment, "I think we'll find out soon enough."

----

“We’re carrying the real thing,” Alden reminded him again. “Are you sure you’re not wearing armor? My sword doesn’t have eyes. If it hurts you, I’m not responsible.”

"It's alright," Zhang Renfeng said calmly, holding the Fish Intestine Sword. "Let's begin."

Arden didn't hold back either, raising his longsword and immediately launching an attack!

……

"when!"

"when!"

"when!"

"when!"

"when!"

……

In an instant, a rapid clanging of metal echoed from underground.

Arden's swordsmanship style can be described as both elegant and deadly.

Primarily employing double-handed thrusting, he utilizes the length advantage of his longsword over his shortsword to launch attacks from all directions. Thrusting strikes come in rapid succession, targeting the opponent's shoulders, waist, and knees—areas notoriously difficult to defend against. He also employs a sudden left-hand grip on the middle of the longsword, using it as a point of leverage to alter the thrusting length of the tip, thus launching surprise attacks on the opponent's neck.

His footwork was quite agile; wielding his sword with both hands, he could still move with remarkable speed. He circled around Zhang Renfeng, constantly searching for an opening to attack.

Cross-section.

Chop or hack.

Pick up.

Sweep downwards.

To poke or stab.

The advantages of the longsword were perfectly displayed through its elegant techniques, yet the clanging sound of metal striking metal remained unchanged. Zhang Renfeng's defense was extremely passive; Alden even felt that he was like a fully automatic sword-fighting dummy, who would deflect any sword technique he input with his short sword just as it was about to strike his body.

It was unremarkable; there was no discernible technique involved, and it was unclear how he managed to do it. It seemed as if he simply relied on reflexes to catch up with his own sword skills.

"Damn, these foreigners are really something!"

"But why hasn't he attacked?"

Alden thought to himself, but he didn't notice that the Lynx Master, who was watching the battle from the side, had a serious expression that turned somewhat ashen.

……

"ah----!!"

With his mind racing, Alden decided to test his opponent again. He let out a battle cry and charged forward, actively closing the distance. But once he got closer, he found that Zhang Renfeng's expression hadn't changed at all; the battle cry seemed to have had no effect on him whatsoever.

But there was no other way; he had already done it, so he could only grit his teeth and complete the tactical maneuver.

"when---!"

At such close range, a single sword strike deflected Zhang Renfeng's Fish Gut Sword. In that instant, Alden abruptly switched hands, moving the hilt of the longsword to his left, while his right hand flashed out and grasped the hilt of the short sword in Zhang Renfeng's hand.

This is one of the techniques he's learned in battle: if you can skillfully disarm your opponent during combat, it's a devastating blow to their morale, especially against zombies. And most people, never expecting him to target their weapons, often succeed easily.

Of course, this only works if the opponent's weapon is the same as his – a sword or a knife. This tactic won't work against long-handled weapons like spears.

In the blink of an eye, his right hand had already grasped the hilt of the other's sword.

"Got it!!!"

Alden's brow relaxed, but he immediately realized something was wrong—he couldn't budge it at all! The hilt of the short sword seemed welded to his hand, completely immovable.

"?!"

Then turn your head back.

Zhang Renfeng's expressionless face was reflected in his pupils.

"when----!!"

With a swift slash, Alden's helmet was sliced ​​off, and he tumbled awkwardly to the ground, barely managing to dodge the attack.

Zhang Renfeng paused for a moment, and just as he was about to get up, he drew his sword and thrust it forward.

"SHIT!"

Alden had never expected to be forced into such a predicament, but he hadn't fully gotten up from the ground, leaving him no room to dodge. In this half-crouched position, facing an oncoming thrust, nothing but a real weapon would be effective.

"when!!"

Once again, the two swords clashed.

However, unlike his usual quick withdrawal, this time Alden swiftly brought his opponent's sword under his control by rotating the blade. The longsword in his hand seemed to transform into a nimble snake, coiling around the Fish Intestine Sword and preventing it from leaving his grasp.

Zhang Renfeng realized this, and by the time he was surprised, his Fish Intestine Sword had already struck the cross guard of the opponent's longsword.

At the same time, his sword suddenly pierced through from another direction.

“Is that the ‘Master Counterattack’?” Henderson asked in surprise.

"..." But the real Lynx Master's expression was extremely solemn, showing no surprise whatsoever when he saw this move.

……

Instead of using his internal energy to directly block the slash as before, Zhang Renfeng swiftly leaped up and, at the instant the sword's edge touched his neck, simultaneously shifted his neck. With a perfect, force-dissipating spin, he spun around in the air with a "thud," dissipating the force of the slash.

It landed lightly.

Arden had never seen such a maneuver before and was immediately stunned. On the battlefield, even a second of hesitation could give the opponent an opening. His head was now unprotected, and a stab at this moment could severely damage his shoulder and back muscles.

But Zhang Renfeng remembered the last "martial arts competition" before he became the champion of martial arts.

To ruin a longer-term plan for the sake of so-called "victory or defeat" is something that is enough to experience once in a lifetime.

"That move just now was both offensive and defensive, it was truly impressive." Zhang Renfeng sheathed his Fish Intestine Sword and said frankly, "If I hadn't known how to neutralize the force, I probably would have been hit."

"You...you're not...not bad, are you..."

Alden licked his lips. No matter what, he was a first-rate swordsman, and he could still tell the difference in skill level. He didn't know exactly how strong Zhang Renfeng was, because Zhang had been holding back the whole time, but after their exchange, he understood that Zhang was definitely no weaker than him.

Even the master's counterattack couldn't defeat him, which shows his strength.

Master Lynx didn't wait a second longer. He quickly stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Renfeng's hands, and said sincerely, "Welcome to join us, young man!"

Chapter 782: Are you the Holy Grail?

Zhang Renfeng is a light sleeper, especially in a completely unfamiliar environment. His body instinctively remains alert to everything around him.

He woke up quickly after noticing the strange noise, and was a little confused when he first saw the unfamiliar ceiling. But then he saw Master Lynx lying on the other side of the bed, fast asleep and snoring softly.

Living underground, one shouldn't expect much in terms of conditions, although the hygiene was passable and there were special beds. But Zhang Renfeng felt like he was in prison, and the kind of prison with an incredibly long sentence.

Ald's bed was empty, but his soft armor and clothes were still there.

Following the sound, Zhang Renfeng successfully found him in a relatively spacious hall—he was holding a training sword made of lead-filled wood, practicing the most basic tactical movements. Slashes, upward thrusts, downward slashes, parries... combined with footwork, if it were a real sword, it would have considerable killing power.

Zhang Renfeng did not disturb him, taking this opportunity to observe the characteristics of Western swordsmanship.

Theoretically speaking, whether Eastern or Western, people have two arms, two legs, one torso, and one head. With the same physiological structure, the swordsmanship they develop shouldn't differ significantly.

In the morning, Zhang Renfeng and Lydia talked about the Roman Empire and learned a proverb, "All roads lead to Rome."

Now it seems that the mysteries within these sword techniques also share some similarities.

He couldn't help but recall the "Six Swords" sword manual that Henry had given him, which was exquisite.

Given Zhang Renfeng's somewhat obsessive personality, he naturally wanted to practice.

However, Zhang Renfeng had also read the sword manual. Even if he were to practice it, he would need to invest a great deal of time to possibly achieve any results. Right now, he had countless worries about the formidable enemy of the Guangzhao Sect weighing on his mind, and he simply couldn't spare a complete period of time for seclusion.

……

"Can't sleep?" Alden noticed Zhang Renfeng halfway through his practice, but he didn't say anything. He just finished his sword routine, using his wooden sword as a cane and leaning on the ground with one hand. "You should feel honored. In the battle just now, you exchanged a few blows with the captain of the royal knight guard, and the fight ended in a draw."

"Ha...yes, yes..."

Zhang Renfeng really didn't know what to say. A few years ago, when he wasn't the martial arts champion, if a swordsman like Alden challenged him, he would never give up until he defeated him. But right now, he just nodded perfunctorily.

“However, you are indeed very capable.” Alden changed the subject, his tone softening. “With you here, our chances of winning the team competition in a couple of days are much higher.”

"You seem to care a lot about this match?" Zhang Renfeng asked casually.

----

Subconsciously, he didn't really care that much about the outcome of the team competition. First of all, he didn't think he would lose. And even if he did lose, it would simply mean that Norton's deal with him fell through, and he would no longer provide food and supplies to these four thousand people.

Although this condition is ridiculous, even if the worst-case scenario occurs, the reinforcements from White Torch Town should be arriving soon.

Angel Eyes will definitely explain his situation, and with Igor's intelligence, it won't be difficult for him to predict his current predicament. A large quantity of relief supplies will certainly be transported along the tracks, and all problems will be solved.

He also planned to pack up all three thousand workers and bring them back to White Torch Town, so that the trip wouldn't be in vain—after all, they definitely wouldn't want to go back to Park City. Coincidentally, Igor also had plans to expand White Torch Town and build an industrial zone.

To develop an industrial zone, workers are needed.

Fortunately, these workers had previously worked for Atlantic Steel Manufacturing Company and were highly skilled, so on-the-job training was unnecessary. Zhang Renfeng believed that as long as Baiju Town could offer them better, more reasonable, and more humane wages and benefits, they would definitely be willing to go back with him.

In fact, he underestimated his influence once again—after seeing him pull the train with his own eyes, it was no longer a matter of following or not following.

……

Alden looked at him with a somewhat strange expression.

"Why are you participating in this competition?" he asked. "What wish do you hope to fulfill?"

"A wish?" Zhang Renfeng was completely confused.

“Of course, aren’t all wishes made for the sake of wishes?” Alden said matter-of-factly.

Then, he noticed the puzzled look on Zhang Renfeng's face and realized that the other party really didn't know anything. He asked in surprise, "Really? You don't know anything? Then why did you come to the competition?"

Just now, when Henderson explained Zhang Renfeng's background, he simply said that he was "arranged by the mayor." He didn't go into details, and Lynx didn't ask any further questions. People of their age have a very natural set of rules for doing things.

You don't say much, I don't ask much, let everything continue in silence.

But Alden, this young man, didn't care about any of that at all; he just asked the question directly.

Clearly, Zhang Renfeng's personality is closer to his.

"Simply put, it's to raise money for food for my people," Zhang Renfeng explained. "We fled from Park City, which was hit by a massive hurricane. Besides me, there are over four thousand other refugees camped outside the city..."

After the explanation, it was Alden who was surprised. "I see. I did hear that a group of outsiders came to this city by train... It was you!"

"So, it's normal that you don't know about the wish." He thought for a moment and then offered to analyze the situation for Zhang Renfeng. "Or rather, that four-eyed mayor has already tacitly accepted your wish, which is to reach this deal with him so that more than four thousand refugees will have food, water, and medicine... F**k!"

His tone was somewhat agitated, "This is the first time I've ever seen someone make a wish that has absolutely nothing to do with themselves. Purely for someone else, are you a saint?"

“It’s not that exaggerated.” Zhang Renfeng waved his hand sheepishly. He roughly understood how the so-called arena actually worked. “I heard from my companions that in the ancient Roman Colosseum, the greatest reward for gladiators was ‘freedom’.”

"Here, it becomes a 'wish,' is that what it means?"

Alden nodded.

"that power."

"wealth."

"reputation."