At this moment, the previously bustling scene became silent.
Below the stage, the Bushi looked at the scene on the platform one by one. The initial cheers and excitement were gone, replaced only by the attitude of watching a spectacle.
On the stage, Kurusu closed his eyes and drew his sword expressionlessly.
Facing him, Fang Li took a deep breath and placed his hand on the dagger at his waist.
The atmosphere around them became solemn.
Below the stage, Kibito had been furrowing his brows from the beginning to the end. And he couldn't help but speak when he saw Fang Li, who hadn't even assumed a stance yet.
"Kurusu, don't go too far."
"No need to worry," Kurusu opened his eyes and gazed at Fang Li. His sword remained lowered as he said, "I won't resort to violence against an ordinary person without any martial arts foundation."
As a Bushi who had been practicing Swordsmanship for many years, Kurusu could easily tell whether his opponent had trained or not from their fighting stance alone.
Therefore, seeing Fang Li's posture that was full of openings, Kurusu could be certain that the Wanderer standing before him had absolutely no martial arts training.
At that moment, Kurusu spoke with a somewhat indifferent expression on his face, "If you step down now, I can pretend that nothing happened."
However, Fang Li smiled and shook his head, making Kurusu's gaze become somewhat probing.
"I know that you haven't trained in martial arts," Kurusu said straightforwardly, "As someone without martial arts training, why do you want to challenge me, a Bushi?"
Hearing Kurusu's words, everyone around turned their gaze to Fang Li.
Under the scrutiny of so many people, Fang Li fell silent for a moment before giving an honest answer, "I just want to give it a try."
"Give it a try?" Kurusu was taken aback.
"That's right, I just want to give it a try," Fang Li nodded, still speaking truthfully, "I know it's difficult for me to win against you, but as long as there's even a slight chance, isn't it necessary for me to give it a try then?"
According to the system's judgment, Fang Li's chance of defeating Kurusu was only one in ten.
Perhaps that one in ten was due to Fang Li having the Mystic Eye of Death Perception?
After all, in terms of attributes alone, Fang Li only had AGI (Agility) as a stat to make a move, and it was only one point higher than the average value of a well-trained twenty-year-old human youngster.
On the other hand, Kurusu, the authentic Bushi, likely surpassed the average level of 5 points in STR, VIT (Endurance), and AGI (Agility), except for INT (Mystery).
In other words, in terms of attributes alone, the opponent completely overwhelmed Fang Li.
Moreover, the opponent wasn't just someone who charged forward recklessly like a Kabane, not knowing anything besides attacking.
With years of dedicated Swordsmanship training, it was impossible for Fang Li, who was an ordinary student just a day ago, to defeat him.
The Mystic Eye of Death Perception could be the trump card that may allow Fang Li to win, but it was also a card that couldn't be used in this situation.
This was only a friendly match, not a fight to the death.
If Fang Li were to use the Mystic Eye of Death Perception, there was a risk of accidentally killing Kurusu.
By then, Fang Li would probably be torn to pieces by the enraged Bushi of the Yomokawa family, right?
Considering this, the success rate of one in ten given by the system was basically useless.
Fighting against Kurusu would be even more difficult than the assigned Quest Rank.
However, Fang Li still wanted to give it a try.
There were two reasons why he still choose to do so.
The temptation of 3000 Exchange Points was one reason.
But the main reason was that Fang Li had a method to win.
A highly dangerous method.
"Is it really impossible for me to win against a Bushi without knowing any martial arts?" Fang Li drew his dagger and fixed his gaze on Kurusu, saying, "Let's give it a try."
"…Is that so?" Kurusu's expression returned to coldness as he slowly raised his Katana, pointing the tip of the blade at Fang Li, and solemnly spoke, "You have quite the courage, but let me see if you're just talking big or if you have some skills to back it up."
Upon hearing this, Fang Li stared at the sharp tip of Kurusu's blade aimed at him, and his heart inexplicably calmed down.
Originally, in this highly anticipated situation, Fang Li was a little nervous.
However, as soon as he faced a battle, Fang Li would become as calm and composed as when he fought Kabane in the forest, filled with incredible tranquility.
In terms of battle, the most tragic outcome would be death.
Anything related to death wouldn't cause even the slightest ripple in Fang Li's heart.
At least, from childhood to adulthood, Fang Li had only been afraid when his father or teacher got angry, and nothing else.
There's a saying that fits perfectly here.
"If you're not afraid of even death, then what else is there to be afraid of?"
This saying could be applied to Fang Li's body almost completely.
Even when fighting Kabane or even a Bushi stronger than Kabane, it was the same.
"Attack." Kurusu gazed at Fang Li and said directly, "I won't hold back."
"Is that so?" Fang Li unexpectedly smiled with a hidden meaning as he spoke, "But I think you will hold back."
These words made Kurusu pause for a moment.
At that very moment, Fang Li suddenly stomped on the ground and rushed forward.
The stage wasn't particularly large, with a diameter of only about ten meters.
The distance between Fang Li and Kurusu wasn't far, just about two or three meters.
For Fang Li, whose AGI (Agility) had reached 6 points, a distance of two or three meters was practically within arm's reach.
So, by the time Kurusu reacted, Fang Li had already rushed in front of him.
"————!"
Kurusu, who had just reacted, instinctively widened his eyes. He raised his Katana abruptly and decisively swung it down towards Fang Li's head.
"Swish ————!"
The sound of the wind being cut resonated in the surroundings.
The sharp Katana sliced through the air, descending upon Fang Li's head like a thunderbolt from the sky.
In such a situation, the pressure from the wind split apart and blew against Fang Li's head, causing his bangs to flutter.
It was just a hastily swung and instinctive strike, but it was utterly ruthless.
Of course, for Kurusu, this strike was only meant to force Fang Li back.
Although Fang Li hadn't practiced martial arts, his speed wasn't weak.
In Kurusu's eyes, with the opponent's speed, he should be able to dodge this strike.
Then, Kurusu would follow up with another strike, knocking away the dagger in Fang Li's hand, and that would be the end.
However, something unexpected happened.
…