This soft sword was a birthday gift from Situ You, its material special, capable of slicing through iron like mud.
Its only drawback was its lightness; I possessed great strength and was more accustomed to heavier weapons. Yet, this soft sword was intricately designed and easy to carry. Using it was far better than facing foes bare-handed.
As blades clashed, the Xiu Chun Dao gained a nick, and the soft sword coiled upwards in response.
While I held his weapon in check, I swept a fist towards his abdomen with my other hand.
But his defense was quicker than mine. A hand chop landed on my right shoulder, forcing the soft sword from my grip and attempting to wrench my wrist.
We both ended up injured. He was sent staggering back several steps, only remaining upright by propping himself with the Xiu Chun Dao, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. My wrist was dislocated, and I gritted my teeth in pain.
His agility was astounding.
He wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his eyes gleaming with interest, "Such strength, and you're a woman?"
"Born with divine might, ever heard of it?" I gripped my right wrist and with a forceful twist, snapped the dislocated bone back into place. Cold sweat broke out from the pain. But this time, I was prepared. I didn't cry out, but instead, launched a quick kick. While he dodged, I swept my soft sword back to me.
We resumed our fight.
This battle was exhilarating, my blood boiling. If I could have switched to my usual heavy sword or spear, it would have been even more satisfying. But reason dictated that survival was paramount now.
Otherwise, once his subordinates returned and formed a pincer, escape would be impossible.
I slowed my pace and tried to persuade him, "You're the constable of Mei City, aren't you? Your master has fallen into the Crown Prince's hands. Do you think capturing me will help? His Highness the Crown Prince is upright and just. Even if I have some acquaintance with him, he wouldn't let his master go for my sake."
"Young man, you need to understand, you serve the court, not just a single official."
"My family may not be of noble birth, but I have a good relationship with the Crown Prince. If you turn back now and let me go, not only will I prevent him from pursuing you, but I'll also ensure you get promoted and prosper."
Alas, no matter how much I pleaded, the man paid no heed. His attacks grew faster and more relentless, leaving me little time to speak.
This wouldn't do.
I was running out of time.
Gripping the soft sword, I leaped onto the dilapidated offering table and slashed downwards for leverage. He parried the blow, sparks flying once more between our weapons. Due to the close proximity, stray sparks even landed on my face. I pressed down fiercely. He lowered his stance, bending his knees and driving them into my wrist. The intense pain made the soft sword slip from my grasp again, and he kicked it to a corner.
Without the soft sword, his attacks became even more ferocious.
I struggled to fend him off and took several hits.
It took some effort to create distance again. When strength is evenly matched, weapons become crucial. But now, I couldn't retrieve my hairpin sword, while he still held his Xiu Chun Dao tightly. I raised my hand to adjust my hair and intended to pull out another hairpin, but my fingers brushed against a string of pearls.
Thank goodness for A Xiu. This morning, she insisted I not wear men's clothes for my homecoming, or I would have been without even this last weapon.
Breathing heavily, I discreetly plucked six pearls from the hairpin during our exchanges. Then, catching him off guard, I unceremoniously struck at his face and joints.
The leader dodged the first pearl but was hit in the shoulder, his arm momentarily stiffening. I seized the opportunity, raising my right leg and striking his wound again. Simultaneously, I hurled the remaining pearls at his eyes. As he flinched, I punched his temple, sending him crashing heavily to the ground.
This time, he couldn't get up.
I let out a sigh of relief and fled.
This man's martial arts were truly formidable. It was a pity he chose to be a lackey for a corrupt official.
The snow-covered ground was slippery, making the descent particularly treacherous.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have paid such a mountain path much mind. However, during the fight, I'd been kicked several times. While none of the blows were to vital areas, I suspected some internal injuries. Now, even my footsteps felt unsteady.
For ease of movement, I had to discard my fox fur cloak. Though it was colder, at least my mobility wasn't restricted. I had no idea where this constable had trained, but having enjoyed fighting since childhood, I could honestly say I'd never been this disheveled, not even against my own mother.
A sudden sweetness flooded my throat, and a mouthful of blood erupted. Gritting my teeth, I continued downwards. Regardless, I couldn't remain on the mountain. Even if I evaded the pursuit behind me, I wouldn't survive the cold night. It was a shame about my hairpin sword; I'd left in too much haste to retrieve it.
The journey was arduous, but I managed it without further incident.
I almost ran headlong into one of the men who had gone down to report earlier. Fortunately, a small mountain hollow nearby allowed me to hide and avoid detection.
The air was frigid. I thrust my last hairpin into my thigh to stay conscious and emerged from the hollow. To my surprise, I immediately ran into another group of people.
My vision was blurred, and I could barely see. How could I fight? Was this truly the end for me?
"Miss Wang." This cry of alarm brought me back to my senses. Hearing the familiar voice, I grinned, "Peng Cheng, is that you?"
"We just received word that that dog, Magistrate Tao, actually captured you to threaten the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is currently dealing with him. I was instructed to discreetly follow and rescue you. What happened here?"
"I fought them and escaped."
"That's good. Your subordinate will lead these men away and deal with them."
"No, you should take me to see a doctor first."
Peng Cheng finally noticed my pallor and immediately grew anxious, "You're injured?"
"I was kicked a few times, possibly some internal injuries." Perhaps it was the realization that I was finally safe, but the tension I had held so tightly snapped. My body gave way completely, and I slumped down. Peng Cheng exclaimed and caught me, preventing me from hitting the rocks and worsening my injuries.
Through my hazy vision, I only saw his mouth moving; I couldn't hear a word he said.
Yet, I managed to muster the strength to utter my final thought: "The most skilled martial artist on the mountain, save him for me."