The Journey North 10

But Pudgy Cheeks seemed incensed with him now. And with good reason too!

Qin Feng had killed off his partners-in-crime after all. And had somehow managed to avoid all the attacks that he had made. That should be enough to make the slightly rotund fellow furious. Little wonder that he was doing his best to try to tear Qin Feng's head off!

It took almost all of his concentration, and his quick footwork, to avoid all those deadly blows that Pudgy Cheeks was throwing at him.

Fortunately, the Four Seasons Sword that he had been training in for the last three, four years was an ancient technique. And one that could be used to defend, as well as attack. Otherwise, how could Heaven Sword School have lasted so long, using that as its most basic training technique?

But the Flowing Wind Movement Technique, on the other hand, was not one that focused on dealing with enemies but rather movement across long distances, unlike the strange steps that Pudgy Cheeks was using. A disadvantage that showed itself moments later, when the enemy caught up, using his more advantageous movement style. And tossed yet another of his curious sword moves at the younger man.

Qin Feng grunted as he blocked another stabbing blow with his right forearm, leaving him with a narrow hole on the same. For some reason, he could not quite grasp the method that Pudgy Cheeks used, such that his own sword technique was unable to parry the opposition's strikes. But he did manage to kick at the enemy's right thigh even as he took damage, and push himself away from the same.

Unfortunately, his kick didn't do much except widen the distance between the two mean. And it certainly didn't hamper the fellow from rushing at him again. The last remaining false Barbarian gave out an obscenity as he caught his balance, then charged at Qin Feng again. From his knotted brow and the stream of curses that were flowing from his lips, it was rather clear what he was intending to do to the former Heaven Sword School disciple.

Yet, that last exchange had given Qin Feng a clue as to how to deal with his assailant: the man's sword technique seemed to be focused on countering the sword techniques that he had learned in the Heaven Sword School. But the simple, brute force methods that he had thrown out, like that last kick, did not seem to draw the same sort of response!

If that was so, did it mean that the enemy was so focused on dealing with the Heaven Sword School's sword techniques that he had no inkling at all, when it came to bare-fisted attacks? Didn't that mean that he had a chance, to hit back at Pudgy Cheeks, so long as he didn't use his Four Seasons Sword?

Qin Feng didn't hesitate to implement his plan, letting go of his sword the moment that Pudgy Cheeks moved to disarm him. That move certainly came as a shock to his opponent, who had never expected him to release the weapon. But his arm was already extended, and Qin Feng quickly stepped in as he sent his right hand out to snatch at the forearm of Pudgy Cheeks' sword-wielding hand!

White Jade Hands: Push the Window, Gaze at the Moon!

The move was a simple one. All it involved was a lifting or pulling motion, that diverted an enemy's defending limb. That was Pushing the Window part of the attack. Next was the Gaze at the Moon portion, which involved the actual attack!

In this case, Qin Feng's right arm was enacting the 'pushed the window' motion, which was diverting the enemy's sword-wielding arm, and holding it out of the way, such that Pudgy Cheeks could not draw his weapon back to defend himself.

That part of the move also left the entire stretch of his upper torso, from his right armpit down to his right hip, wide open!

Leaving Qin Feng's left palm to slam right into Pudgy Cheeks' lower ribcage, and drawing a thunderous crackling sound as his powerful, qi-augmented strike smashed into the so-called false ribs, shattering them!

Nor did the attack stop there. The force of the same pushed the fragments of those same ribs into the fur-clad fellow's lungs. And sent him jumping back, away from Qin Feng at once!

Who didn't give chase, and concentrated on rushing to the side, to retrieve his weapon.

Qin Feng watched the enemy carefully, as he picked it up from the ground. There was still a chance that Pudgy Cheeks would ignore his own injuries, and make yet another attempt on Qin Feng's life. He had to be wary of that.

But the enemy did not make such a move.

He spat out blood from his injured lung as soon as his feet landed on the ground, and he took about seven, eight steps back, as if he was off balanced. It was rather clear that Qin Feng's heavy blow had seriously injured the older man. Something that earned him a glare from the same, even as Pudgy Cheeks staggered forward again, although he was pressing his right arm close to his torso, as though shielding himself.

Not that Qin Feng was in any condition to attempt another attack. He had taken injuries himself, on his right upper arm and his left thigh. Not to mention the long scratch on his left forearm. Besides that, he knew that his reservoir of zhenqi was almost completely dry. So he wasn't inclined to press another attack on Pudgy Cheeks.

Nor did he have to.

Moments later, Lieutenant Wei and the Second Ducal Prince arrived. The latter was still accompanied by his two Bodyguards, although it was clear from the rents in their armor, and the blood that was pouring out of their many wounds on their bodies, that they were a little worse for wear. Nevertheless, they still stood next to their charge, despite their pallor, and glared at the lone enemy.

Which made it apparent that Pudgy Cheeks was the only one left, out of the whole crew that had come to take Li Changhai's life!

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