Failed again

Two pairs of footsteps entered the hall of the Banquan palace, Chi You was already waiting for their arrival, standing at the edge of the palace window looking out of the palace.

"Master" said Zhi Qiang.

"You got it?" he asked, still unmoved staring out the window.

Bowing his head slightly "No sir", Zhi Qiang replied curtly his face expressionless.

"What do you see in there" Chi You ask with concern in his eyes.

"From the reports of the local guards, it looks like a dazzling light is coming from the foot of Mount Langma. When the light still appeared, the guards there rushed to the location but when they got there, there was nothing, there was only an uninhabited house. According to information there was an old man who lived there and now disappeared without a trace. The house he lived in was still like he was inhabited and left just like that, his belongings were still there, and it seemed that the old man did not bring anything. The whole house, I have searched every corner and there is no sign of it" Report Zhi Qiang with flat voice.

"So!" one word was spoken and there was an emphasis on the syllable as he turned around, a look of disappointment on his face, as he looked at Zhi Qiang and Xuan Yuan.

Sharp eyes full of meaning and unblinking continuously stared at Xuan Yuan. His heart was pounding as if it had just run fast to avoid the pirates. Both legs went limp, Xuan Yuan's weight seemed to lighten up, just a little out of balance and he would fall on the ground. Fear filled his heart. Only this time Chi You stared at him for a long time. Xuan Yuan kept his mind from thinking anything else. It's possible that he might can read his mind.

"Failed again" said Chi You, diluting the tension he had just created indirectly. Xuan Yuan was relieved.

"I'm sorry sir" Zhi Chiang replied feeling guilty, once again he bowed his head deep down until he almost touch his own chest.

***

The wind was blowing hard from the southwest. As fast as the waves crashing against the rocks on the shore, the sound of two metal blades colliding broke the sound of the roar of the waves. The two swords have the same shape, the tip of the hilt is triangular in shape on the right and left to form three semi-circles, the hilt of the sword has a segment that is quite suitable for a hand grip, the tip of the sword near the blade of the sword has the same shape as the side of the tip of the sword that is shaped it's just that the shape of the triangle here is bigger to support a sturdy sword blade, inside the triangle there are sharp carvings and in the middle of the carving there is an engraving of a tiger's face which is the hallmark of the sword in the Banquan Palace.

One sword, the blade still looks smooth without significant scratches, which indicates that the sword is still pure in the sense that it has never taken a single life. The other sword even though it looks old because it has been used for decades and has even taken dozens of countless lives, but it still looks smooth because it is always cared for by the owner of the sword.

The sword that still looked smooth in Xuan Yuan's hand, was now 20 years old. Oval face, every curve on his face clearly shows his good looks. Fine black hair tied to near the crown and wrapped with a piece of cloth as a tie. Its height reaches 180 cm. His body is sturdy and elastic as a testament to his perseverance in practicing the sword. The other sword was wielded by a man who was decades older than Xuan Yuan, who was none other than Zhi Qiang. He is 45 years old, but he still looks like he is only 30 years old. This was because he was a skilled swordsman, who practiced his sword skills almost every day. In addition, he is now training the young man to become a reliable sword knight.

"Now you are more proficient with your sword," said Zhi Qiang with a proud laugh on his face.

"Of course, it's also thanks to you who train me almost every day if you're not on the task Master Chi You has given you," replied Xuan Yuan humbly, his movements graceful yet on target and deadly with every attack.

"Not! This is not only the result of what I have taught you Xuan Yuan, but this is the result of your perseverance in learning to use the sword," said Zhi Qiang, not wanting to be called a benchmark for someone's skill that he had trained.

"How can it be Zhi Qiang, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be who I am right now, after all, my swordsmanship is still far behind you" Xuan Yuan said as he attacked the point of relief he saw in Zhi Qiang.

"I have nothing more to teach you Xuan Yuan, I have already taught you everything I know about swordsmanship. For the future only depends on yourself when you face a real opponent, who wants your life. Remember carefully, never feel sorry for the opponent you are facing, once you get a gap to finish them off, then never hesitate to kill them immediately, otherwise they will finish you off when they get the chance. And again, if you are allowed Master Qhi You to go on duty with me, I can't always be by your side to help. All rely on yourself, marked that!" Zhi Qiang explained to Xuan Yuan emphasizing the last word.

"Hahhaa.... I already know Zhi Qiang, you have said this many times, even tens of times, maybe hundreds of times" A grin adorned Xuan Yuan's face which showed that he had memorized every word that Zhi Qiang had just said. "All that I have remembered and will always be in my mind."

"Good! A pitiful face after all, no matter how merciful you should never show mercy to your enemy." Zhi Qiang didn't tire of reminding him.

"Yes..." said Xuan Yuan impatiently.

And this time again he had the opportunity to attack Zhi Qiang's weak point, a gap that opened wide while his attention was still distracted to remind Xuan Yuan and he didn't want to lose that opportunity either, wanting to prove that he wouldn't feel sorry for his enemy later. So, with the drawn sword moved forward to pierce Zhi Qiang's stomach. This time Zhi Qiang was unable to dodge Xuan Yuan's attack, if this had been a real fight and not training then Xuan Yuan would have definitely stabbed Zhi Qiang in his stomach and finished him off instantly. The second that the tip of Xuan Yuan's sword touched Zhi Qiang's clothes, Xuan Yuan stopped his movement. A wide smile graced his face. Proud that he finally beat him. Instead, Zhi Qiang was taken aback and seconds later a wide smile graced his face. Feel happy for Xuan Yuan who has clearly remembered what he was taught.