Chapter 49 – Sword Qi

Jin Beiyun clasped his hands in greeting toward Mu Nanjin and said, “I am Beiyun. I wish to invite Miss Mu to a friendly match.”

At once, everyone turned toward them in surprise.

“A young lady?”

“Who’s Miss Mu?”

“Has Great Qian fallen so low that they must rely on women to defend their honor? Hahaha!”

“A grown man dueling a girl, what pride is there in winning?”

“If he loses, that’s the real shame.”

Mu Nanjin turned to Captain Liu. “I’ll go.”

Captain Liu nodded. “Remember, go easy on him.”

Deng Xingchao shot him a glare. “Shouldn’t you be telling her the opposite?”

What do you know!

If it weren’t for Deng Xingchao’s higher rank, Captain Liu would have cursed him out.

Deng Xingchao patted Mu Nanjin’s shoulder. “Little girl, don’t worry. I’ve already sent for the imperial physician, you’ll be fine.”

Though Mu Nanjin’s inner voice often exposed others’ secrets, making people want to strangle her, he knew she never did it on purpose. Besides, she was still a young girl. He couldn’t bear the thought of her being bedridden for life, or dying so early.

Mu Nanjin nodded. “Make sure the physician brings plenty of medicine for internal injuries.”

“I already told him. I also sent someone to fetch the ginseng and lingzhi the Empress Dowager rewarded you with. With those, you’ll at least keep your last breath.”

Mu Nanjin frowned. “Shouldn’t those come from His Majesty’s supply?”

【What? I have to pay for my own healing now? What a rip-off!】

Deng Xingchao snapped, “This is a matter of life and death! What’s more important, your medicine or your life?”

Mu Nanjin: “I…”

Captain Liu, listening to one talking east and the other west yet somehow making sense together, couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. “Enough, both of you. Don’t make it sound like a final farewell. Great Wei’s guards are still waiting.”

Mu Nanjin nodded and stepped into the arena.

Deng Xingchao glared at Captain Liu. “That little girl may be annoying, but you’ve worked with her for a while. You must care about her a little, right?”

Captain Liu: “…”

Of course he cared.

The kind of care that made him want to strangle her.

Deng Xingchao rubbed his temples. “This was all too sudden.”

“What was?” Captain Liu didn’t quite follow.

Deng Xingchao sighed guiltily. “When Great Wei first mentioned the duel, I should have had someone disguise themselves as Mu Nanjin, and made her pretend to be a man in our delegation.”

Captain Liu rolled his eyes. “Too late for that now.”

He didn’t say it aloud, but deep down, he was eager to see Mu Nanjin fight.

He’d heard Kan Chaoyan praise her skills before, but had never witnessed them himself.

On the field, Mu Nanjin approached Jin Beiyun.

The envoys from the other three nations stared in astonishment at her Jinyiwei uniform.

“That’s Miss Mu? Why is she dressed in Great Qian’s Jinyiwei attire? Is she… an officer?”

“I heard Great Qian’s Emperor appointed a young girl as an official, though of low rank. Must be her.”

“I’ve heard of her too. They say His Majesty’s idea to allow women into the Imperial Examinations came because of her.”

“Hah! Sounds more like the Emperor fell for her beauty. Look at those delicate arms. Does she look like a fighter to you? I give her three moves before she hits the ground.”

“She’s just a girl. Even if she knows some martial arts, it’s probably all flowery tricks. Great Wei’s guard can handle her easily.”

“Don’t underestimate young girls, perhaps she’s a hidden expert like the legendary heroines of the jianghu! Hahaha.”

Jin Beiyun’s gaze swept across the crowd, then he said loudly, “Miss Mu, let’s keep it to friendly contact.”

Mu Nanjin hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

【‘Friendly contact’? That’s the hardest kind.】

Deng Xingchao whispered to Captain Liu, “For a little girl like her, even landing a hit is already hard. I can’t bear to watch.”

But Captain Liu, knowing her too well, could tell that wasn’t what she meant.

He patted Deng Xingchao’s shoulder. “Don’t be so sure. Listen to her thoughts first before deciding whether to look away.”

【This guy’s so weak, he might keel over even if I don’t use much strength.】

【They say blades have no eyes. What if I can’t control my power?】

【Maybe it’s easier to just cripple him outright.】

Captain Liu: “…”

Yup. There it is.

Deng Xingchao’s sympathy evaporated. He turned speechless. “Was she always this delusional? Does she really think she can cripple someone?”

Captain Liu stayed silent.

Chen Liangli guessed, “Maybe she’s psyching herself up so she won’t be scared.”

Jiang Buzhi raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe she’s been protected too well by Tang Qianhu and the others, she doesn’t know what danger really is.”

【How should I fight without hurting anyone?】

While Mu Nanjin pondered that, Jin Beiyun said graciously, “Ladies first.”

“Oh.”

Since he insisted, she didn’t hold back. It was a good chance to test how much force she needed.

She drew her Jinyiwei saber, spun it lightly in her hand, and with a casual slash, released a sharp burst of sword energy, white and dazzling.

Deng Xingchao’s eyes widened. “What the…?”

Captain Liu helpfully supplied, “Sword qi.”

Deng Xingchao barked, “Of course I know it’s sword qi! I mean, how can she produce it?!”

Captain Liu: “…”

He had no idea either.

On the field, Jin Beiyun’s face changed. He hastily raised his sword to block.

The sword qi screeched against his blade, sparks flying.

Thankfully, his sword was a treasured weapon, otherwise, it would have been cleaved in half.

Even so, the impact forced him back six meters, his arms trembling from the recoil.

The sword qi gradually dissipated. Jin Beiyun roared, redirecting the last remnants away.

With a boom, a wall in the distance shattered into pieces.

The audience stared, dumbfounded.

“She’s incredible.”

“There’s no need to continue, we already know Great Wei’s guard can’t win.”

“Looks like Great Wei’s going to lose this round.”

Deng Xingchao gaped at Captain Liu. “Mu Nanjin can use martial arts?!”

Chen Liangli and Jiang Buzhi were equally stunned.

Captain Liu nodded slowly. “Didn’t expect it either… she’s an inner strength expert.”

Deng Xingchao was exasperated. “You knew she had martial arts and didn’t tell me? I worried for nothing!”

Captain Liu looked innocent. “I only heard rumors. I’ve never seen her fight until today.”

Deng Xingchao: “…”

No wonder she wasn’t scared.

“Lord Jin, are you alright?” Two Great Wei guards rushed over.

Jin Beiyun shook out his numb hands. “I’m fine. Fall back.”

“Yes, sir.”

He turned to Mu Nanjin. “So it’s true, the one who saved your Emperor indeed possesses exceptional skill. No wonder His Majesty made you an official.”

Captain Liu and Deng Xingchao: “…”

That’s not why His Majesty did it…

Mu Nanjin replied, “You’re no match for me. Best to give up now.”

【I warned you. If I hurt you later, it won’t be my fault.】

“We haven’t even started yet. How would you know I’m not your match?” Jin Beiyun raised his sword. “Now I won’t hold back.”

“Oh,” Mu Nanjin replied flatly.

To him, she looked utterly indifferent, like she didn’t even see him as an opponent.

And she truly didn’t. She was calculating how much force it would take to end the fight without killing him.

【I didn’t even use real strength earlier, and he was already sent flying six meters…】

Deng Xingchao and the others were speechless.

That strike alone would have flattened most Eighth-Rank experts, yet she claimed she hadn’t used force?

What would happen if she did?

【If I use just a tiny bit of power, he’ll be crippled, but alive. That should satisfy Old Deng.】

Deng Xingchao paled.

He shouted, “Mu…”

Before he could finish, Jin Beiyun lunged forward with his sword.

Mu Nanjin swung her blade again, unleashing another surge of even stronger sword qi.

Cold sweat streamed down Deng Xingchao’s forehead. This wasn’t something anyone below the Grandmaster level could withstand.

If Jin Beiyun met that head-on, he’d either die or be crippled.

And if the Fifth Prince of Great Wei was hurt, it could spark war.

Just as the sword qi was about to strike, a figure dropped from the sky, Great Wei’s Fifth Prince. With a flick of his sleeve, he dispersed the attack.

Jin Beiyun froze. “F-Fifth Prince!”

Deng Xingchao rushed over and shielded Mu Nanjin. “A draw! This duel is a draw!”

Mu Nanjin blinked. “But I haven’t even landed a hit yet. How is it a draw?”

“Shut up,” Deng Xingchao groaned, clutching his forehead.

The “Fifth Prince” glared coldly at her. “You’re a ruthless girl.”

Had he not intervened, Jin Beiyun would have been ruined for life.

Mu Nanjin: “…”

【These Great Wei people are unbelievable. They said it was a friendly duel, and I even warned him he couldn’t win. How’s this my fault?】

【Can’t blame me if Jin Beiyun’s just weak.】

【Poor me, so misunderstood.】

Deng Xingchao coughed lightly. “She’s young and reckless, Your Highness. Please forgive her.”

【They’re the ones in the wrong, why are we the ones apologizing?】

【Come on, Old Deng, don’t chicken out now!】

Deng Xingchao: “…”

He wasn’t afraid, he was protecting peace between the two nations.

If a fight broke out, the other kingdoms would only benefit.

The “Fifth Prince” said coldly, “I want her to apologize.”

“I…”

Before Deng Xingchao could speak, Mu Nanjin pulled him behind her.

【Apologize? Only if you crawl through my legs first.】

Mu Nanjin said icily, “That’s impossible.”

Captain Liu and the others didn’t stop her, they were rather enjoying the show.

But after that one bold line, she fell silent again.

Deng Xingchao rubbed his forehead.

You stormed up there just to say that one sentence? What about all those fierce inner thoughts? Say them!

The “Fifth Prince’s” eyes narrowed, radiating an oppressive chill.

Any ordinary youth would have quailed.

But Mu Nanjin met his gaze without flinching.

【Trying to glare me down? You’re not even close.】

Captain Liu and Deng Xingchao: “…”

She didn’t even feel fear under a poison master’s killing intent?

At that moment, the Fourth Prince of Great Chen stepped forward to mediate. “Since this was merely a friendly spar, there’s no need to take it further. Neither party was harmed. Let’s not strain relations. Please, for my sake, let’s drop the matter here. I invite everyone to my quarters for some Great Chen delicacies.”

Jin Beiyun discreetly tugged the “Fifth Prince’s” sleeve, urging restraint.

The “Fifth Prince” gave a cold snort and followed the Fourth Prince toward the guest courtyard.

Jin Beiyun hurried after them.

As they walked, the “Fifth Prince” hissed under his breath, “If I hadn’t intervened, you’d be a cripple now.”

Jin Beiyun shuddered. He knew it was true. It was his fault, she’d warned him, and he’d insisted on fighting.

The “Fifth Prince” continued, “Don’t fret. I’ve already avenged you. When I neutralized her sword qi, I sent a small venomous creature onto her. Before tomorrow, we’ll hear news of her death. That girl’s power is dangerous, she could become an obstacle in our plan to assassinate Great Qian’s Emperor. She must die.”

But at that very moment, the so-called “venomous creature” was gnawing futilely at Mu Nanjin’s hand, its teeth cracking against her tough skin.

Mu Nanjin pinched the tiny green snake between her fingers and inspected it.

Captain Liu asked casually, “When did you dig up that earthworm?”

“This is a venomous snake,” Mu Nanjin said, then added thoughtfully, “The ‘Fifth Prince’ secretly planted it on me.”

Deng Xingchao asked, “You mean the poison master disguised as the Fifth Prince?”

Mu Nanjin nodded.

Captain Liu blanched. “He meant to kill you! Why haven’t you thrown it away?”

Mu Nanjin tucked the little snake away and narrowed her eyes. “I’ve decided.”

Deng Xingchao: “Decided what?”

【I’m going to catch that poison master and send him to Xiaoqing Tower as a brothel keeper. With him there, no one will dare cause trouble again.】

Captain Liu and Deng Xingchao: “…”

Is there anything this woman doesn’t dare imagine?