Similar smell

The second-generation disciple of the Blood Sword Sect, led by Baoxiang, possessed formidable martial arts skills. In the original narrative, Ding Dian anticipated a direct confrontation with them but opted for a cunning sneak attack strategy to secure victory.

Aware of the stakes, Song Qingshu couldn't afford to be complacent. Harnessing the surge of internal strength, he drew forth the wooden sword from its sheath, accompanied by the faint echoes of a dragon's chant.

Bao Xiang and his comrades were caught off guard. Seizing the opportunity presented by their momentary lapse, Song Qingshu executed a swift and elusive technique known as the "Seven Stars," leaving naught but a lingering afterimage. In a series of crisp sounds, Bao Xiang and the others experienced excruciating pain in their wrists, causing their bloodied knives to clatter to the ground. Gazing up in astonishment, they found Song Qingshu back in his original position, the wooden sword safely sheathed once more.

Unbeknownst to many, Song Qingshu, as a modern individual, had grown unaccustomed to taking lives. Just moments ago, he had merely targeted the acupuncture points on his opponents' wrists, rendering them temporarily incapacitated and unable to unleash their combat prowess.

"Grandma, a bear!" The Blood Knife Ancestor exclaimed, his astonishment evident. "This young brat possesses greater martial arts prowess than even his esteemed ancestors. This poses quite the predicament."

Wei Xiaobao stood dumbfounded, his entire being trembling. "This is the true master! With his support, what significance do the queen mother, the old witch, the God Dragon Hong leader, or even the teacher-nephew duo of Chengguan have? They're nothing but hot air."

Song Qingshu took great satisfaction in Wei Xiaobao's reaction, for he had intended to leverage Wei Xiaobao's influence and thus needed to impress him with his strength.

Caught in a dilemma, the Blood Knife Ancestor was resolute in his determination to emerge victorious. Yet, it was abundantly clear that his opponent's martial skills far surpassed his own. Bowing his head, he observed the expectant gazes of his disciples and was struck with alarm. "If I retreat without a fight, my prestige will be greatly diminished. Moreover, these ungrateful curs may not appreciate the mercy shown to them."

With his mind made up, the Blood Knife Ancestor tapped his toe, propelling several tiles towards Wei Xiaobao, who was spectating the spectacle. The whistling sound of the tiles slicing through the air foretold impending danger. If struck, even with Wei Xiaobao's protective armor, he would suffer grievous injuries, if not death.

Song Qingshu's heart skipped a beat. Wei Xiaobao was of immense value to him at that moment, and he couldn't allow any harm to befall him. Swiftly channeling his inner energy from his dantian to the acupoints on his shoulders and back, he unleashed the "Double Dragon Fetching Water" technique, drawing the airborne tiles towards him.

"The lad's internal strength is truly formidable," fleetingly thought the Blood Knife Ancestor. Seizing the opportunity while Song Qingshu attended to Wei Xiaobao's safety, he leaped forward, brandishing his bloodied knife and launching a ferocious assault aimed at the unyielding Shui Sheng.

To everyone's surprise, instead of targeting Wei Xiaobao, the Blood Knife Ancestor unleashed his fierce knife upon an innocent and enchanting little girl!

Song Qingshu's astonishment propelled him into action. He leaped into the air, executing a soaring maneuver reminiscent of a flying dragon, aiming to strike the Blood Knife Ancestor from behind.

The Blood Knife Ancestor wore a cunning smile. His seemingly brutal attack on Shui Sheng concealed a calculated restraint, leaving just nine-tenths of his strength. He calculated that a young man like Song Qingshu would be unable to bear witness to the gruesome hacking of a beautiful girl. Inevitably, he would rush to her aid, exposing himself to vulnerabilities. Seizing this momentary weakness, the Blood Knife Ancestor seized his chance.

With a swift twist of his wrist, the bloodied knife arced from bottom to top, then reversed its trajectory towards Song Qingshu. Consumed by fear, Song Qingshu launched a desperate attack on the Blood Knife Ancestor's rear, convinced that he must evade the imminent strike. However, unbeknownst to him, the Blood Knife Ancestor had cunningly conserved his strength, anticipating this very move. In an instant, he delivered a backhanded blow to Song Qingshu's lower abdomen.

In a flurry of movement akin to a ladder ascending through the clouds, Song Qingshu's figure seemed to materialize a few feet above the ground, narrowly evading the fatal strike. As he landed and felt the lingering chill in his legs, he inwardly expressed his gratitude, "I nearly succumbed to practicing wicked swordsmanship."

The Blood Knife Ancestor lamented the missed opportunity. He glanced at the approaching Song Dynasty officers and soldiers, realizing that today's endeavors were beyond his grasp. Turning around with a smile, he addressed Song Qingshu, "Your skills are impressive. We shall have another opportunity to contend in the future." With those words, he swiftly employed his light-footed techniques and vanished into the distance.

The disciples of the Blood Sword Sect followed suit, fleeing alongside their master. Even as they made their escape, they couldn't help but admire their master's ability to hold his own and even gain the upper hand against such a formidable opponent.

Song Qingshu was frustrated with his inadequate combat experience. Undoubtedly, the Blood Knife Ancestor was truly deserving of his reputation. As he watched the figure of the Blood Knife Ancestor recede into the distance, he couldn't suppress his desire to give chase. Should the Blood Knife Ancestor be cornered and forced into a desperate situation, Song Qingshu harbored a lingering sense of eagerness to engage in a life-or-death battle.

"Wei Xiaobao expresses his gratitude to the hero who saved his life amidst mountain and water," Wei Xiaobao casually addressed the officials from the Song State who had come to offer their support, hastily approaching Song Qingshu.

"Why address me as such?" Song Qingshu found Wei Xiaobao's words rather peculiar.

"A hero's martial arts prowess towers like a mountain. With a mere three punches and two kicks, a formidable swordsman is reduced to a drowning fish. Such prowess befits the title of a hero amidst mountain and water," Wei Xiaobao flattered him.

Song Qingshu found himself dumbfounded by the flattery. Though he knew it was nothing but empty praise, and despite his usual disdain for flatterers, there was an inexplicable satisfaction in hearing such words directed towards him.

"I am not a hero amidst mountains and water. My surname is Song, and my name is Qingshu," Song Qingshu clarified, raising an eyebrow. He then inquired, "And may I ask for your name?"

"Oh, so the hero wishes to address me by my surname," Wei Xiaobao, having grown up without much exposure to formalities, chuckled. Shui Sheng, who had been listening on the side, couldn't help but roll her eyes discreetly. "My surname is Wei, and my name is Xiaobao," he replied.

"Ah, so it is the renowned First Warrior of the Qing Dynasty, Mr. Wei, who captured Obhai. It is a privilege to meet you, young hero," Song Qingshu expressed his surprise and admiration.

Song Qingshu's flattery was infamous. Over the years, Wei Xiaobao must have heard it a thousand times, with only 200 or so variations missing.

While others might have dismissed it, when such a formidable expert spoke those words, the effect was entirely different. Wei Xiaobao felt a warmth spreading in his heart, finding Song Qingshu increasingly pleasing to the eye.

Politely declining the officers and soldiers from the Song State, Wei Xiaobao extended a cordial invitation to Song Qingshu to join him for a drink in the Yuhua Pavilion. Song Qingshu feigned reluctance but eventually succumbed to the group's insistence, half-heartedly following them to the pavilion.

As they settled down at their seats, a voice filled with disdain exclaimed, "A despicable scoundrel!" It was Shui Sheng, who had also been brought along by Wei Xiaobao's men. In order to appear presentable, she had been released from her restraints, though she still bore signs of ill-treatment. At present, she could barely summon any strength in her body.

"And who might this girl be?" Song Qingshu inquired with feigned curiosity.

Wei Xiaobao chuckled and replied, "This woman, moments ago, attempted to assassinate an officer and was subsequently linked to the Blood Blade Sect's activities. The officer suspects her of being a Mongolian spy sent to disrupt our affairs."

"Shameless!" Shui Sheng seethed with anger, struggling to find her voice.

"Is that so?" Song Qingshu smiled mischievously. "The Mongolians have sent such a beautiful young lady. How audacious."

Laughter erupted throughout the banquet hall, though it was tinged with a certain lewdness.

"You scoundrel!" Shui Sheng shot Song Qingshu a fierce glare. She felt a twinge of gratitude for his earlier act of saving her life, but witnessing his familiar and friendly demeanor towards Wei Xiaobao at the table extinguished any positive sentiment she had harbored.

Song Qingshu, undeterred, took a seat next to Shui Sheng with a glass of wine in hand, his laughter carrying a peculiar tone. "My dear, you keep accusing me of being a thief. When did I have the pleasure of your company? So eager to be seduced by me hun?