With a resounding sound of 'Kā,' the flying Katana impaled directly into the corner of the platform, its blade embedded into the wooden floor.
"Hū…" Kurusu exhaled slowly as he sheathed the sword in his hand with calm movements.
Only at this moment did Kibito realize that his sword had been knocked away by Kurusu.
Instantly, Kibito forced a bitter smile on his face as he spread out his hands and helplessly said, "Indeed, it's highly unlikely for me to win against you in Swordsmanship, Kurusu."
As soon as Kibito's words fell, the surrounding Bushi began discussing with expected expressions.
"Kurusu San's Swordsmanship is truly impressive."
"Even among all the Bushi in the Yomokawa clan, Kurusu San is the most outstanding in terms of swordsmanship, right?"
"That's why Kurusu could become Ayame San's personal bodyguard."
"Although Kibito is also skilled, when it comes to Swordmanships, Kurusu is even more formidable."
The discussions from the surrounding Bushi clearly reached Kibito's ears, intensifying the bitter smile on his face.
Only Kurusu himself, as if he hadn't heard the discussions of the surrounding Bushi, maintained his usually calm expression with a hint of coldness on his face.
Then, Kurusu spoke.
"This level is nothing at all. Any Bushi can achieve it; it's just that recently, Bushis have only been using Steam Guns and forgetting that the sword is our true weapon."
His words instantly cooled down the lively atmosphere around him.
The Bushis, one by one, wore expressions of speechlessness on their faces, not knowing what to say in response to that.
Kibito also sighed lightly and said, "It can't be helped. We can barely defend the post with Steam Guns alone. It's incredibly difficult to deal with Kabane using just a sword."
"I understand that, and I don't have any objections to this situation," Kurusu closed his eyes, his expression still calm as he continued, "However, it's just that Swordsmanship at this level is praised too excessively. I can't help but feel a bit ashamed."
From Kurusu's words, everyone could sense a profound feeling emanating from within him.
Clearly, Kurusu held great reverence for the dignity of Bushi and did not want that dignity to be tarnished in his hands.
Of course, Kurusu had no dissatisfaction with the fact that most Bushi now used Steam Guns.
After all, it was the necessary weapon for dealing with Kabane, and Kurusu himself could also use it, so naturally, he did not reject it.
However, unlike the other Bushi who only relied on Steam Guns, Kurusu relied not only on the firearm.
As a Bushi, Kurusu believed that the sword in his hand was his true reliance.
Therefore, Kurusu never neglected to practice his Swordsmanships and continuously honed his skills.
For Kurusu, the Martial Fight Gathering that took place every ten days was not a means of venting but rather an opportunity to test his own progress, constantly reminding himself not to forget the importance of Swordsmanship.
Kibito understood this point quite well.
So, Kibito smiled and said to Kurusu, "As the loser, I'll step back first. You may continue."
Kurusu nodded, and after Kibito stepped back, he surveyed the surroundings and spoke loudly.
"Who wants to come and fight me?"
This sentence echoed clearly around the area.
The Bushis looked at each other in blank dismay, then simultaneously gave forced laughs.
"I… I don't want to, no!"
"In terms of Swordsmanship alone, we definitely can't compare to Kurusu!"
"That's right!"
Kurusu frowned deeply as they shook their heads one by one.
Just at that moment, a voice, more naive compared to the other Bushi, suddenly sounded out in everyone's ear.
"Can someone without knowing Swordsmanship step up and fight?"
As the voice reverberated clearly in the surroundings, Kurusu was slightly taken aback. When he saw the speaker below the platform, his previously cold and serious expression couldn't help but freeze.
Not only Kurusu but all the other Bushi, including Kibito, were stunned in place. Their faces showed expressions of astonishment and disbelief, with the exception of surprise.
In the crowded space filled with Bushi, a hand was raised high.
The Master of that hand was not familiar to anyone present here, not a single Bushi knew who this person was. They also realized that this person shouldn't even be twenty years old yet, and the attire he wore was also quite peculiar.
That was the reason that astonished every Bushi present.
And the person who raised their hand naturally was Fang Li.
However, Fang Li had no choice but to raise his hand at this moment.
Because, just as Kurusu issued the declaration, inviting someone to come forward and challenge him, the voice of the system resounded in his mind.
"Serial Number 11273 triggers B-RANK Side Quest: Martial Fight Gathering Arena Battle."
"Quest Details: Challenge Plot Character Konochi Kurusu."
"Success Reward: 3000 Exchange Points."
"Failure Punishment: None."
"Note: The Side Quest Rank is determined based on the strength of the main Divine Envoy who accepts the Quest. The ranks range from S, A, B, C, D, to E, with higher ranks indicating greater difficulty. For a B-RANK Side Quest, the success rate for the main Divine Envoy accepting the Quest is only one in ten."
It was precisely because of this message that Fang Li raised his hand to challenge Kurusu.
Although the success rate was only one in ten, there was no punishment for failure anyway, so why not give it a try?
However, for the other unaware individuals, Fang Li's challenge seemed like a joke.
"Isn't this guy just a Wanderer who started freelancing here today?"
"A Wanderer challenging Kurusu?"
"Does this guy look down on the Bushi?"
The eyes of the surrounding Bushi gradually turned hostile as they looked at Fang Li.
Only Kurusu and Kibito continued to furrow their brows. Although they didn't show obvious hostility toward Fang Li like the surrounding Bushi, their gaze at Fang Li also became somewhat serious.
"The Martial Fight Gathering is a competition among Bushi hosted by the Yomokawa family," Kibito said, "You're not a Bushi, so you don't have the qualification to participate, do you?"
"You're just a Wanderer," Kurusu added mercilessly, "Don't overestimate yourself, kid."
"Is that so?" Fang Li shrugged and directly said, "In that case, why don't you come and teach this ignorant kid a lesson?"
Hearing this, Kurusu narrowed his eyes.
…