Damn it, you idiot, what do you want to do?
Go on!
Zaotou Shi wanted to roar like this.
If not for the wrong setting, he almost wanted to shoot this fool full of holes with a tranquilizer gun, and then give him a good beating, paralyze him if possible, so as not to get into trouble again, please! Isn't it good to be alive?
As a former companion and as a friend at first sight, this is what he should have done.
But now, he was unable to stop Kusaki's actions.
As a samurai, he couldn't help but feel... proud of his friend's loyalty and determination.
In silence, Zaotou Shi held the hilt of his sword: "If that is the case, let me..."
"No."
Kusaki interrupted him and said softly, "Please don't interfere with what happens next—it's my duty, it's my mission."
"...I understand."
Zaotou Shi nodded unwillingly, handing over the "Sword": "Then use it, Kusaki, you deserve it. Don't refuse this."
That was the treasured sword held by generations of the blind swordsman, Zaotou Shi, renowned as a famous sword preserving the hero's spirit of Yingzhou.
As it fell into Kusaki's hands, the Long Knife called 'Pure Blade' vibrated and emitted a low hum, seemingly cheering.
This moment is exactly when to uphold the hero's way and resolve enmity!
Jiu Jing's expression remained calm, gazing at those eyes filled with murderous intent, bowing respectfully and politely.
"Long time no see, Mr. Kusaki, truly... long missed."
"Weren't we just meeting some time before, Mr. Jiujing?"
Kusaki supported himself with his broken leg, advancing within ten steps, asked softly: "Why be so hypocritical? At this point, isn't there no need to call 'Mr.'?"
"You were once my enlightenment teacher of swordsmanship, isn't it fitting to call 'Mr.'?" The young samurai squinted, then suddenly laughed: "Weren't you a samurai once loyal to the Li Jian family? Is there any reason to take action against me?
"Because your stench can no longer be concealed, Agleam Murder Demon!"
Kusaki slowly drew his sword, calmly telling him: "If I don't kill you here, letting you destroy The Satomi clan, I would regret it forever."
"What would be bad about that? Even the loyalist like Mr. Kusaki was exiled for existence, isn't such a family's destruction good?"
Jiu Jing shrugged, surveying the hideous spectacle of horror he was accustomed to—the unknown ugly face hidden in the dark by the Li Jian family, "Such a place where filth collects and hides, might as well be destroyed. Didn't Mr. Kusaki ever think this?"
"Since being exiled, not a day I didn't think so."
Kusaki answered frankly: "As a samurai, having such resentment towards the former master family, I feel ashamed, yet I cannot control these thoughts and feelings.
But even so, I can't forget the old master's kindness bestowed upon me.
If you wish to destroy all this, then cross over my dead body. My life was given to me by the Li Jian family, so now let me repay it with this life."
In the silence, Li Jian Jiu Jing's smile gradually darkened, leaving only ice cold.
"You are no longer a samurai of the Li Jian family, Kiyoshi Kusaki."
"It doesn't matter, didn't you give up the honor of The Satomi clan when you became a murderer?"
Kusaki nodded, answering in agreement: "I think this is very good, excellent—now, it's just two masterless wanderers dueling here."
No matter the outcome, it's just a struggle between two stray dogs.
It doesn't tarnish the Satomi clan's reputation.
Just like that, raising the Sword Blade, aiming at his face.
To the last moment, Kusaki felt fortunate and proud for this.
He said: "Please draw your sword, Agleam Murder Demon!"
At that instant, Jiu Jing closed his eyes in disappointment.
When he raised his gaze again, it had lost the previous calm and smile used for disguise, leaving only pitch black and cold as death.
Shedding the last disguise, the face of the Evil Beast was revealed here.
The bloodstained Sword Blade was raised.
Through the melting frost and dried blood on the ground, a bitter murderous intent surged.
There was no need for any words to express or narrate, the moment you make up your mind, there can only be one result—between the Agleam Murder Demon and the wanderer Kusaki, only one can walk away alive.
Besides that, there's no other possibility.
The air froze in the cold light of the Sword Blade.
As if the hands of time ceased to move.
The world was silent, even the sound of breathing quickly faded. Those dizzying phantoms, dry moans and heart-tightening wails, enchanting fragrances and heart-wrenching stench all vanished.
Pure murderous intent sliced all these trivial things away.
What's left was only each other in their eyes, the sword in their hands.
It was so brief, less than a moment, but in perception, it seemed eternal, like the terrifying torment of Hell.