Chapter 118: Duel of the Two Heroes

It is not easy for a sect to grow and prosper. Developing into a first or second-tier sect with a thousand or two thousand disciples is relatively simple, but advancing beyond that is difficult. Everyone knows that once a sect becomes large, not everyone will behave obediently and abide by the rules. You cannot guarantee that players within the sect won’t engage in fierce fights over territory or boss battles, making management extremely inconvenient. It’s like the saying: the bigger the forest, the more varied the birds.

Moreover, the larger the sect and the more players it has, the greater the expense for the sect leader to distribute rewards. Thousands upon thousands of hungry mouths need feeding; without official rewards or unexpected windfalls, how could the sect survive? In that case, layoffs, downsizing, and reorganization become inevitable.

Therefore, those who aspire to be sect leaders or clan heads in “Dynasty” must not only be strong in martial arts but also skilled in management and proficient in operations. Even if they lack such expertise personally, they must at least have a capable team supporting them.

To put it bluntly, leaders of major sects or alliances must also master the art of political maneuvering, learning to exploit others’ conflicts to their advantage.

Consequently, sects in “Dynasty” no longer recruit members indiscriminately. Once a sect reaches a certain level, its team’s collective strength becomes formidable.

For Qi Shiqi, these issues were not the main concern. The crucial point was that, as sect leader, the system imposed three conditions to hold the position: first, meeting the sect’s attribute data requirements; second, system approval of the application; third, election by the entire sect membership, much like a presidential campaign with street canvassing.

Conversely, if a player is expelled, defects, or quits the sect, all martial arts learned from that sect are lost. High-ranking members who leave might face demotions or even lose equipment.

Thus, Qi Shiqi’s situation was grim. If he refused to fight this battle, although he might temporarily keep his title, he would lose prestige among the players of the Hidden Sword Manor. In future sect elections, his demotion would be inevitable.

Everyone knows it is hard to ascend to a revered position, but even harder to regain stature once fallen. This harsh truth holds true in “Dynasty,” in reality, and throughout history.

If Qi Shiqi accepted the challenge and lost, he would not only lose all prestige but suffer a significant loss of reputation, automatically demoting him to a mere guardian. Then Hidden Sword Manor would be leaderless, exactly the outcome Jin Mailang desired.

Jin Mailang might not immediately seize four-fifths of Xiejiayi’s territory through this battle, but the gap between Hidden Sword Manor and Famous Sword Manor would be irreversibly widened. When a new master rose in Hidden Sword Manor, he would be powerless against the far superior Famous Sword Manor, leaving Xiejiayi territory effectively in Jin Mailang’s grasp.

Qi Shiqi undoubtedly understood this, so this fight was one he could not afford to lose. Victory was imperative.

But facing an opponent like Jin Mailang head-on, who could be certain of a complete victory?

Zhang He now fully understood—Qi Shiqi wasn’t ignoring him while preoccupied with his tea; rather, he was so tense that sipping tea was his way to alleviate mental pressure.

Zhang He admired Qi Shiqi for this. The man had even brought a chair to sit and wait for Jin Mailang to come to him, perfectly embodying the strategy of “resting while awaiting the old”—a true seasoned veteran.

Yet, for some reason, Zhang He also felt a pang of worry for Qi Shiqi. Jin Mailang dared come so directly, so he must be confident. This battle’s outcome was truly uncertain.

The time was already late afternoon, mere minutes before the duel. The entire Hidden Sword Manor was eerily quiet. The air was not filled with the fragrance of peach blossoms but with palpable tension and the scent of gunpowder lingering around the Swordstone.

Qi Shiqi even closed his eyes to rest, but his hand would occasionally lift the blue and white porcelain cup to his lips. He was not truly drinking tea but attempting to dispel the nerves before the impending battle.

After a long moment, his eyes suddenly opened.

At that moment, a figure appeared on the winding, rustic stone path.

Tall and imposing, with a fierce and grim visage, dressed in tight black attire, a five-foot-long treasured sword hung at his waist. The sword sheath was carved with a golden azure dragon, with a cat’s eye gemstone set in the dragon’s eye. The attire alone revealed Jin Mailang was well-prepared.

Coupled with his resolute, stern face, though he had not yet arrived fully, the pressure he exuded was overwhelming.

“Tea, serve the seat!” Only now did Qi Shiqi utter these four words.

Jin Mailang stared unblinkingly at Qi Shiqi, ignoring Chen Guangxi, Yan Jiu, Miss Si, Zhang He, and others standing nearby. He showed neither surprise nor curiosity about their presence at Hidden Sword Manor.

He could not ask, nor did he dare.

Because all his focus was fixed on this deadly enemy of Hidden Sword Manor. At this moment, he was like a sword about to be drawn, unwilling to allow any distraction.

Seeing him calmly seated on the chair brought by the fat mantis, Zhang He couldn’t help but admire Jin Mailang as well.

With such composure, even if not yet a top expert, he was bound to become one sooner or later.

Qi Shiqi finally stood and cupped his hands in respect. “Master Jin’s honored presence is a great honor for our humble manor. Since our last meeting at Xu Xianju with Master Zhuangxin, four months have passed. Today, seeing you again, your elegance remains unchanged. I am truly gratified.”

Jin Mailang returned the gesture lightly. “You are too polite.”

Qi Shiqi said, “Indeed, I have always been courteous to you, but your manor has not been so courteous to ours.”

The moment these words left Qi Shiqi’s mouth, the atmosphere tensed once more.

Jin Mailang said, “Actually, I came today to settle accounts properly with you.”

What accounts? Naturally, the territorial accounts of Xiejiayi and the headcount of Third Miss.

Qi Shiqi smiled faintly. “I wonder how Master intends to settle these accounts?”

Settle how? There was only one way—to settle in blood, either his or mine—because only such accounts could be truly balanced.

Qi Shiqi turned to the Swordstone and bowed. “Since the establishment of this manor by the first Ghost Shadow Master, our prosperity has relied on the flourishing of Xiejiayi. Alas, talent is envied by heaven, and the old master has departed. I, being incompetent in management, have failed to further develop Xiejiayi. Though the manor’s territory is small, I can still account for the minor debts. I thank you for your kind offer to help settle the accounts, but please spare yourself the trouble.”

He was truly a gentleman. Though he was refusing—indeed resisting—the division of territory, his words conveyed strength without humiliating the other.

Unexpectedly, Jin Mailang slapped the armrest and declared loudly, “Well said!”

Everyone was stunned, unsure why he was agreeing with Qi Shiqi. Soon, the reason became clear.

A deep, thoughtful smile spread across Jin Mailang’s face. “Since you say you are incompetent, I suppose Xiejiayi should belong to the capable.”

Qi Shiqi blinked and smiled. “That depends on how capable the capable truly are. If one has talent without virtue, it won’t be so easy to hold power. Since ancient times, those who achieve great enterprises possess both virtue and talent. Master Jin must have great confidence in himself?”

“Hahaha!” Jin Mailang laughed heartily, his voice resonating across the fields, shaking the peach blossoms around the courtyard to fall like rain.

Zhang He immediately understood. Jin Mailang had already cultivated his internal power and attributes, now as taut as a thousand-stone bow ready to release. Coming alone, he likely restrained his overwhelming rage, but once he acted, it would be like a blazing inferno, shattering the heavens, perhaps willing to perish alongside his foe. Qi Shiqi dared not face him head-on, so he spoke elegantly to diffuse Jin Mailang’s killing intent.

Jin Mailang sneered, “You followed the Ghost Shadow Master for over half a year. I do not doubt your talent, but as for that ‘capable’ quality, I’m not so sure. You should know the fate of Ghost Shadow Changkong. Do you intend to follow the same path?”

Zhang He sighed inwardly—Jin Mailang was a formidable figure. Qi Shiqi wielded psychological tactics, but Jin Mailang had his own methods.

Sure enough, Qi Shiqi’s smile faded. “I certainly do not wish to emulate him. But I am curious—Master Jin’s boldness is astonishing, coming alone to our humble manor. Ghost Shadow Master ventured alone into Shaolin and met a tragic end. You are wise and would never repeat that. Have you spent these four months cultivating your qi, elevating your courage beyond the ordinary?”

Jin Mailang’s expression darkened. He truly wished to avoid this verbal sparring, but Qi Shiqi insisted on continuing. “Master Jin’s long journey last night surely left you fatigued, and now you have climbed the mountain on foot, undoubtedly weakening your constitution. Meanwhile, I sit here enjoying fragrant tea—that is favorable timing for me. The heavens do not favor you today.”

Jin Mailang was surprised. He hadn’t expected Qi Shiqi to reason so clearly.

Qi Shiqi continued calmly, “This place is the hallmark structure of Hidden Sword Manor. I am intimately familiar with every blade of grass and every tree. If Master Jin fights me here, you will be at a disadvantage in terrain.”

Not only Jin Mailang was surprised; Zhang He also silently admired Qi Shiqi. Despite his archaic demeanor, he clearly understood the stakes.

Qi Shiqi suddenly turned to Yan Jiu and Miss Si with a smile. “Master Jin does not ask why your steward and guardian have come here. Could it be they have come to join me? Though I am unworthy, my door is always open to the wise. This is harmony among people. Master Jin has neither favorable timing, terrain, nor human harmony—so I am curious why you dare come alone?”

Jin Mailang’s pupils contracted. These were questions he should have considered, but upon arrival, he realized the situation was far less optimistic than he imagined.

At that moment, he rose from his chair, stepped forward a few paces, and cupped his hands in salute. “The second master of Famous Sword Manor, Jin Mailang, pays respects. I humbly request guidance from Master Qi.”

This was a covert challenge issued to the system for duel approval. He knew further talk was pointless; the blade would speak the truth.

“Please,” Qi Shiqi responded with a return salute.

“Please,” Jin Mailang echoed, clasping his fists.

The duel was about to begin.