You’re Not the Only One Who Can’t Afford to Lose
You’re Not the Only One Who Can’t Afford to Lose
'He can do this.'
'He'll win.'
While Wei Xiao Hua was convincing herself while looking at her husband with intent gaze, the two people fighting in the middle didn't even paid the wound any need. Prince Ji Sheng kept his composure and moved nimbly to evade Ji Shu's next attack. His gaze was directed to the next attack as he switched his position and parried the attack.
Ji Shu's heartbeat increased as he recognized what Prince Ji Sheng wanted to do. Abruptly, he stepped to the back, barely evading the tip of the sword that was about to reach his chest.
Swish!
'As I thought, it's not easy.'
Prince Ji Sheng kept his patience. There were many times in the past when he had to fight against the general of the opposite army. The battle could last from morning until night, so this was not the first time he faced this kind of fight. For that kind of long fight, even a lapse of attention for a split second might seal their fate.
He kept his concentration to Ji Shu and maneuvered his body to block the counterattack that Ji Shu produced.
"This is another battle of patience," Wei Liuying said from the sidelines. She was not allowed to get close, so she could only stay with Yang Xian. They were watching the fight unfolded from the side.
Yang Xian nodded. "It's not the first time."
"Are you used with waiting from the side?"
"It might be vexing to be unable to help, but in the battlefield, this kind of battle often occurred because the generals wished to trade blows. Besides, having the two strongest leaders from each army have a bout will reduce the number of dying soldiers," Yang Xian replied.
"True enough," Wei Liuying responded and kept her gaze to the battle. "It's a bit of a pity, though."
"Yes?"
"If we have a normal battle, I would like to try shooting him."
Yang Xian: "…" do you have a personal grudge with Ji Shu?
If she had to be honest, Wei Liuying never liked Ji Shu. Ever since he was only a prince back then and also her first sister's fiancée, Wei Liuying always found Ji Shu to be unpleasing to the eyes. She hated those part of the Imperial Family member and Ji Shu was clearly at the top of the list because of the exchange she had with him.
Ji Shu was always a 'perfect' prince who was known for his decisiveness and brutality. Still, everyone knew his capability, which made them able to tolerate his way of conducting things. However, when news about him being head over heels with her first sister began to spread, many women were envious of Wei Xiao Hua.
They wanted to be in her position!
Ji Shu might be scary as a prince, but those who could gain his favor would be in a safe position for a long time in the kingdom. For that reason alone, a lot of people wanted to be in Wei Xiao Hua position.
On the other hand, Wei Liuying wished that she could just steer away from him. After all, she knew very well that Ji Shu was indifferent to everyone else but those whom he cared for. Aside from Wei Xiao Hua, he would never pay any attention to other woman. It was something she had seen countless times because of his visit to Wei Family Residence.
And even when she didn't do anything, he would still find faults in her.
That made her disliked him even more.
She had never done anything to him that could possibly put him at disadvantage, but he was treating her as if the two of them could never live in the same world.
"Yang Xian, how do you think I'll fare if I change my occupation to be an assassin?" Wei Liuying asked in a low tone.
Yang Xian was stunned. He tilted his head for a moment then smiled bitterly. "In terms of martial arts, you might not be able to fare well. But as long as you can master the skill to erase your presence and catch your opponent's unprepared, I'm sure that you'll be the best assassin."
"it's decided, then."
"…Yes?"
"If I can't return to the north, I'll be an assassin."
Yang Xian looked at Wei Liuying for a moment then sighed. He chose not to comment on her decision. Though, he didn't think that it would be a bad idea, but he would rather create an organization and silently built his army to defeat Ji Shu.
That didn't sound too bad at all.
Not knowing that his subordinates were thinking of doing outrageous things if he were to lose, Prince Ji Sheng continued to push forward.
Clang! Clang! Slash!
Whenever there was faint tearing voice sounded, everyone's eyes would surely focus on the two of them. They were anxious and even after the sun started to go down, the intensity of the fight hadn't decreased in the slightest bit.
Yet, none of the soldiers dared to leave their position.
They were too anxious.
They completely forgot about eating, resting, or anything else. Their future would rely on the result of the battle between the two leaders.
Finally, the moment they have been waiting came.
Clang!
Fighting his fatigue, Ji Shu rushed forward and brandished his sword once more. His body was already covered with sweat from the battle, yet he stayed focused. The strain was completely different because there were already countless near miss when he fought with Prince Ji Sheng.
Twisting his body, Ji Shu thrusted forward.
Clang!
Parrying the attack, Prince Ji Sheng twisted his body and then slashed his sword. Even after all this time, his attack didn't decrease in speed at all. The tip of the sword reached Ji Shu's hand.
Alarmed, Ji Shu hurriedly stepped back. However, Prince Ji Sheng didn't allow him to go. Stepping forward with his other leg, he twisted his sword from the other side and slashed Ji Shu's chest once more.
Slash!
This time, blood gushed out.
Ji Shu's face was pale as he looked at his older brother in front of him. "Impossible…. You…"
Prince Ji Sheng stood silently with his sword ready and looked at Ji Shu coldly. "You're not the only one who can't afford to lose this battle, Ji Shu."
Many people's lives depended on the result of this battle. Neither side could afford to lose in this important battle. Their own wife, subordinates, soldiers, and the future of the kingdom. It would be determined with this battle.
Swish!
Not wanting to give up, Ji Shu swung his sword once more. However, it hit nothing but thin air as Prince Ji Sheng evaded from the side. After evading, he stretched his leg forward and kicked Ji Shu's right hand, sending the sword far away from him.
"Any last word?" Prince Ji Sheng asked in a cold tone.
Ji Shu glanced up to look at his older brother. The two of them have never gotten along with each other because they understood that they would be enemies when they grew up. He spat out, "Go to hell."