But he was smiling, not the self-deprecating smile of someone defeated, nor the smile of someone on the verge of death who has become indifferent to everything.
It was a satisfied smile. Most people would be satisfied, even proud, to survive Zheng Zhan's sword strike.
Only those who do nothing are complacent about it, but the Han dynasty was not such a person.
The big man's satisfaction came from the fact that he was still alive. Being alive is naturally a good thing, and good things should make people smile. At least most people would smile when good things happen.
"The Sword Saint truly lives up to his reputation," the burly man said haltingly as he struggled to his feet.
Zheng Zhan said calmly, "You can leave now."
Thank you.
Only after turning around did the big man's expression change. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, endured the pain, and dragged himself away without glancing at the corpse on the ground.
Looking at his severely injured body, Mu Qing said, "It seems he used some kind of external martial arts, like the Golden Bell Cover or Iron Shirt."
Before Zheng Zhan could speak, he added, "You've changed."
Zheng Zhan looked at Mu Qing and asked, "Oh? What has changed?"
Mu Qing said meaningfully, "Your swordsmanship is missing a word."
Zheng Zhan asked, "Which word?"
Mu Qing uttered a single word indifferently: "Ruthless."
Zheng Zhan remained silent. He neither confirmed nor denied it.
Three years is enough to wear down a person's character, but it cannot change a person's nature.
When two swords clash, one of them will surely perish.
Swordsmanship lacks the indomitable spirit, the ruthlessness of going all out, the pride of fearlessness, and the mercilessness of striking with deadly precision.
Can that still be considered a sure-win sword technique?
Perhaps there is no such thing as a sure-win sword technique in the world.
But is being heartless truly heartless?
No one can explain it clearly.
The world changes, and people change too. But no matter what, their friendship will never change.
Mu Qing suddenly remembered something and tapped his head with his fan. He still had many questions to ask, but the big man had already gone far away.
Who exactly is he?
Zheng Zhan naturally didn't think too much about it, but simply shifted his gaze to the few men in blue.
Zheng Zhan's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's eye, pulling Feng Hui and the others back from their shock.
What else could they feel besides being shocked?
Fear. A deep, visceral fear, so intense that their limbs wouldn't obey their commands. This was the first time they had come so close to death; if Zheng Zhan wanted, they too could have become corpses at this moment.
With a single sword strike, several masters perished, and another was severely wounded. How many in the martial arts world could accomplish such a feat?
For the first time, Feng Hui's face contorted in pain, and his palms were sweating profusely.
Rumors and firsthand observations are two completely different things.
True to his nature, his expression gradually returned to normal; at least outwardly, he had to maintain a respectable demeanor. However, his eyes held a newfound reverence; the strong always inspire awe.
Mu Qing appeared at the opportune moment and said to Feng Hui and the others, "We are about to go up Green Mountain now. Would you like to come along?"
Huang Yuanyuan blurted out, "What are you doing in my Qingshan?"
Mu Qing laughed, "How could we miss the Green Mountain Sect's leadership election? What, are you not welcoming us?"
We should naturally include Zheng Zhan.
Feng Hui forced a smile and said, "It is truly an honor for Qingshan to have the Sword Saint grace our place with his presence. However, we have important matters to attend to, so we must take our leave now."
Feng Hui didn't want to linger for a moment. He grabbed Huang Yuanyuan, who seemed hesitant to speak, and the group hurriedly left.
During this time, Huang Yuanyuan suddenly asked with a burning gaze, "How much of a gap is there between my swordsmanship and that Zheng Zhan's?"
Feng Hui could only smile wryly and said, "The difference between you is like the moon and a firefly; you may never be able to catch up in your lifetime."
Only now did Feng Hui begin to take Mu Qing seriously. How could someone who could be friends with Zheng Zhan be simple?
Zheng Zhan said indifferently, "You came to find me just to ask me to go to Qingshan with you?"
Mu Qing said, "Yes."
Zheng Zhan said, "With your abilities, do you need me to go?"
Mu Qing said, "I'm just a nobody right now."
Zheng Zhan said, "You don't want to attack people who aren't your enemies, so you need someone who can keep them in check, and I am that person?"
Even after three years apart, Zheng Zhan still knew him very well. Before Mu Qing could speak, he added, "And it seems you're in quite a bit of trouble now."
Mu Qing admitted it.
Zheng Zhan suddenly sighed and said, "You know that person made me cultivate in seclusion on the mountain for five years and forbade me to come down."