Chapter 948: Astonishing Sword Skill! Fame Soars—July’s Brilliance, Only Li Xian Stands Alone!

When cutting the first saber strike, the saber momentum is fierce and powerful, living up to the name of Dubhe. After the second strike, regardless of one’s level of skill, the flaws will immediately be exposed. If one does not change moves at this point and insists on executing the third strike, they are likely to be defeated on the spot.

Moreover, there were foreign martial artists, brimming with youthful vigor, who saw the Dubhe Saber Technique of the Gold Sentinel Guards gaining such popularity and thought: “If I can defeat the Dubhe Saber Technique, wouldn’t that greatly enhance the prestige of my sect? Jade City is a city of wealth; surely the Gold Sentinel Guards should have some magnanimity. If I were to set up an arena to compete in saber skills, I wonder if they would dare to come.”

Indeed, there were people who successively declared the establishment of arenas challenging the “Dubhe Saber Technique,” engaging in martial competition to exchange saber skills. Although this move was somewhat inappropriate, upon careful consideration, it seemed reasonable. For those who practice martial arts, competing for victory and showing strength is natural. Moreover, the arena was set to challenge the “Dubhe Saber Technique,” not to confront the “Gold Sentinel Guards,” so it was not considered as disturbing city defense or provoking the Gold Sentinel Guards.

The Gold Sentinel Guards usually guard the city and protect the moat, so they had no spare time to attend to such matters.

But after their shifts in the evening, as everyone dispersed, some with youthful exuberance were filled with a spirit of victory and headed vigorously to the arena. Such a competition stirred quite a commotion. At this time, the situation was at its peak, with countless enthusiasts, observers watching, and shoutings echoing.

However, the foreign martial artists, some having affiliations or lineage, were not weak. Those who dared to set up saber arenas were mostly confident and formidable individuals. After several bouts, some Gold Sentinel Guards returned frustrated and defeated, while others, though they achieved victory, did so without much decisiveness or honor.

Even though after the arena matches, opponents would be respectful and polite, never offending in the slightest, emphasizing that they were only exchanging saber skills without any other intentions, yet suffering a setback inevitably angered them inside.

This matter reached the ears of Xu Shao. Although he was displeased, he severely punished those rash participants who attended the arena, but to show the broad-mindedness of Jade City, when meeting people to exchange martial arts, equipped with courtesy, naturally, one cannot shy away or ignore it.

Thus, he encouraged the Gold Sentinel Guards, patrol shifts, middle array leaders, great array leaders, and even the Golden Chief… after their shifts, to display their prowess. If they could achieve a major victory, it would stand as a deterrent among the streets, enhancing the prestige of the Gold Sentinel Guards. Thus, Jade City had a peculiar phenomenon.

The Gold Sentinel Guards conducted patrol shifts in the daytime, engaged in lessons at noon, and after evening training, they gathered at various major arenas, purely competing in saber skills without disturbing the peace. Beside every arena, countless young guests would surely be gathered. There were families of aristocratic lineages, martial apprentices… the excitement was extreme.

After several days, the Gold Sentinel Guards achieved victory at most arenas. But there were three arenas where the challengers were exceptionally formidable, making it consistently difficult for the Gold Sentinel Guards to prevail. These three arenas were respectively established by “Yu Nan Dao · Golden Flood Dragon Island · Zhang Longdao,” “Wang He Dao · Zheng Saber Gate · Uncle Liang Shui,” “Long Xiong Dao · Tiger Roar Mountain Forest · Du Gu Hu.”

These three were young, each primarily skilled in saber arts. Their saber techniques were refined and exceptional. Even if the Golden Chief made a move, using only the “Dubhe Saber Technique” to respond, it was difficult to defeat these three. Xu Shao’s face grew troubled, having heard of the recent turmoil.

After careful consideration, he realized that all these issues were, at the core, incited by Li Xian. Yet, he was secluded and untouched, pure and serene, solely focused on solving cases and capturing thieves, ignoring the outside matters.

Thus, with a wave of a large hand, he instructed Li Xian to temporarily set aside his cases and first deal with Zhang Longdao, Uncle Liang Shui, and Du Gu Hu.

If unable to secure a major victory, severe punishment awaited unconditionally. Li Xian had no choice but to accept the order, feeling greatly misfortunate. This matter quickly spread, fueling the fire even further. In the west of the city, the young disciples bearing the surnames “Yao,” “Su,” “Bai,” upon hearing that “Handsome Hair Ugly Face · Li the Golden Chief” would appear on the arena for competition, were exceedingly eager, the flame of anticipation roaring, hard to restrain.

The Dubhe Saber Technique gained fame due to Li Xian, with rumors claiming Li Xian’s saber was seamless and unparalleled, possessing an indescribable elegance, exceedingly extraordinary. But after several days of arena comparisons, the Dubhe Saber Technique seen by the people was far from the rumored ferocity. Constant suspicions arose, suspecting the rumors were exaggerated.

People debated: “That Li the Golden Chief’s ability to solve cases and capture thieves must be quite good, and his strength surely not weak. But this saber technique, I think, is exaggerated.” “The Dubhe Saber Technique indeed is not weak, but its flaws are quite obvious. I’ve heard that Li the Golden Chief barely uses more than one saber strike, usually no more than two, rarely a third. Thus, while his saber technique is stronger than the usual patrol shifts, the difference is not substantial.” “Looking this way, this arena competition is sure to be a great duel.”

The discussions were like waves.

On that day, the Gold Sentinel Guards finished their shifts. The arena established by “Yu Nan Dao · Golden Flood Dragon Island · Zhang Longdao” was teeming with people, extremely lively.

As soon as the Gold Sentinel Guards finished their shifts, wearing sweat-soaked shirts, they rushed to the side of the arena. Besides them, many disciples from the Su Family, Yao Family, Bai Family, many martial apprentices, gang members, and any young enthusiasts gathered from all directions.

Yao Yin, accompanied by several youths in green robes, exuding a serene elegance, awaited early by the arena. A young girl with two braids said: “Sister Yao, I heard you say that you are quite familiar with Li the Golden Chief?”

Yao Yin smiled and said: “Of course.” Another man asked: “Sister, is his saber technique really as miraculous as rumored?”

Yao Yin said: “I’m embarrassed! I don’t know either, he hides it well, doesn’t like to show off intentionally. Ah! Here he comes! Here he comes!” Suddenly her eyes sparkled, extremely excited, pointing at the distance, seeing Li Xian already arriving.

The crowd erupted with a great noise, like a raging wave!