Chapter 66 Practicing in the Courtyard
Chapter 66 Practicing in the Courtyard
The scene of Qiu Ziyue dancing with the phoenix in the courtyard is still vivid in everyone's mind, and everyone is still immersed in that beautiful moment.
Li Keyong looked at Qiu Ziyue, a hint of admiration and curiosity flashing in his eyes.
This exchange not only allowed Qiu Ziyue to showcase her talents, but also gave Li Keyong a deeper understanding of her.
Qiu Langyu continued playing the guzheng, and the beautiful melody was refreshing.
"General Li, are you really that amazing? Can you lift a stone weighing several hundred kilograms with one hand?"
While chatting with the others, Qiu Ziyue politely asked Li Cunxiao.
Li Cunxiao smiled and said modestly, "Those are just old legends. In fact, everyone has their own strengths. The key is to keep working hard and bring out one's potential."
Qiu Ziyue nodded thoughtfully, finding the words quite reasonable.
At this point, Prince Jin turned to look at Li Cunxiao beside him, an idea forming in his mind.
“Qiu girl, your dance was beautiful just now,” Li Keyong said with a smile. “However, I’ve also heard that your martial arts skills are quite remarkable.”
Qiu Ziyue smiled slightly and replied modestly, "Your Highness Jin is too kind. My martial arts skills are only average."
Li Keyong nodded, then turned to Li Cunxiao: "Cunxiao, you are also one of the best in our army, with superb martial arts skills. How about the two of you have a match?"
Upon hearing this, Li Cunxiao was slightly taken aback, then revealed an excited smile: "Great! I'd also like to see Miss Qiu's skills."
Seeing this, Qiu Ziyue looked at Li Keyong with some difficulty: "Prince Jin, I am afraid that my martial arts skills are not good enough and I may disappoint your expectations. In addition, I am injured. Can we temporarily skip this step?"
"Oh right, it seems I'm really getting old, I've actually forgotten about this matter," Li Keyong waved his hand.
"Qiu girl, how is your injury healing?" Li Keyong asked with concern.
Qiu Ziyue said, "I'm feeling much better now, thank you for your concern, Prince Jin."
Li Keyong frowned and said, "Are you confident about your swordsmanship competition tomorrow? If not, I'll decide whether to postpone it for a while, okay?"
Qiu Ziyue was silent for a while, then slowly said, "Victory depends on this gamble. We have to compete sooner or later, so why not end it sooner?"
Li Keyong's gaze sharpened further. "It seems that Qiu girl has made up her mind. Then I wish Qiu girl a great victory."
Qiu Ziyue sighed, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
Li Keyong gazed at Qiu Ziyue, his eyes filled with trust and worry.
He had already heard about Qiu Ziyue being stabbed by Qi Yuxuan and roughly understood the reason behind it.
“Qiu girl, you’re really foolish. Things in the martial world are always about swords and spears. Don’t act so impulsively in the future. You got stabbed by that Qi family brat for nothing,” Li Keyong said.
"By the way, Qiu girl, if you need any help, just let me know," Li Keyong continued.
Qiu Ziyue nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Prince Jin."
The two chatted for a while longer, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.
"How about this, let's have the three of you senior brothers have a match with Cunxiao?" Li Keyong then shifted the topic back to the previous one.
Qiu Ziyue knew that Li Keyong had fought on the battlefield for many years, and it was not surprising that military generals liked to fight and be fierce. Now that Li Keyong had spoken, how could she refuse?
Upon seeing this, the three senior brothers said, "Since the Prince of Jin has made the suggestion, we gladly agree."
"So how will the competition be conducted? Will it be a one-on-one contest?" Qiu Ziyue asked.
“Since we’re going to have a competition, let Cunxiao and his three senior brothers compete together. That would be more impressive,” Li Keyong said.
The three senior brothers and Li Cunxiao also nodded in agreement.
In the center of the courtyard, a clearing has been created.
"Cunxiao, why don't you demonstrate your marksmanship first?" Li Keyong said.
Li Cunxiao nodded, took off his outer robe, revealing his strong body, held his spear in his hand, and looked at his three senior brothers with a firm gaze.
Holding his spear, he took a deep breath and began to wield it. His spear drew graceful arcs in the air, like a soaring dragon, powerful yet agile. Every move was filled with power and speed, dazzling the eye.
Everyone was full of praise, and even Qiu Ziyue was captivated by the sight.
Li Cunxiao's marksmanship was indeed superb; he seemed to handle both offense and defense with ease.
Li Keyong nodded in satisfaction, then turned to his three senior brothers: "You three senior brothers should practice with Cunxiao and exchange skills with each other."
The three senior brothers exchanged glances, then walked together to the center of the courtyard. They each took out their weapons: Qiu Langyu held a sword, Qiu Wenfeng held a flute, Qiu Wenfeng held a hammer, and Xueying watched the battle from the side.
"Are you ready?" Li Keyong asked.
The four responded in unison, "Ready!"
With Li Keyong's order, the competition officially began.
Li Cunxiao launched the first attack, thrusting his spear at Qiu Langyu.
Qiu Langyu dodged the attack with a swift movement, and at the same time swung his sword to counterattack.
At the same time, Qiu Wentian played his flute, producing a series of strange sounds that disturbed Li Cunxiao's mind.
Qiu Wenfeng wielded a huge hammer, each strike carrying the force of a thunderbolt.
The three worked together seamlessly, employing a well-organized offense and defense, which caused Li Cunxiao considerable trouble.
Just as Li Cunxiao was fully engaged in dealing with the three's attacks, a golden snow shadow darted out and pounced towards Li Cunxiao.
It was agile and fast as lightning, and would occasionally dart out to attack Li Cunxiao.
Although Li Cunxiao was somewhat flustered by the attacks from all sides, he remained calm and composed.
He quickly turned around, using the butt of his spear to sweep away Xue Ying, while simultaneously blocking Qiu Langyu's sword and Qiu Wenfeng's hammer.
Seeing this, Qiu Wentian quickly played a special melody, trying to distract Li Cunxiao.
However, Li Cunxiao was already prepared. He closed his eyes and continued fighting by relying on his keen senses.
The competition reached its climax, and the three launched a fierce attack together.
Qiu Langyu's swordsmanship flowed like water, Qiu Wentian's flute playing unsettled the mind, and Qiu Wenfeng's giant hammer was as heavy as a mountain.
Xueying was not to be outdone, and would occasionally dart out, trying to seize an opportunity to attack Li Cunxiao.
Li Cunxiao suddenly leaped up, his spear drawing a perfect circle in the air, completely neutralizing the three men's attacks.
Immediately afterwards, he swiftly counterattacked, forcing Qiu Langyu back with one shot, blocking Qiu Wenfeng's giant hammer with the other, and simultaneously using the butt of his spear to deflect Xue Ying's attack.
“Alright, let’s end the competition here,” Li Keyong said.
Li Cunxiao sheathed his spear and smiled slightly: "The martial arts skills of the three of you are all very high. This competition has truly benefited me greatly."
The three senior brothers also put away their weapons, their faces showing respect.
Xueying wagged its tail smugly to the side, as if it were also proud of its performance.
Li Keyong first laughed heartily, then stepped forward and patted them on the shoulder approvingly: "You all performed very well. Cunxiao is indeed as majestic as ever. You three senior brothers have also lived up to expectations, which makes me very gratified. In recent years, Chiqing Valley has indeed been full of talents. It is truly a place where heroes emerge from among the young."
Everyone exchanged smiles, feeling very gratified.
To be continued in the next chapter.
si-mexico