Chapter 118: The Final Battle of Takamagahara (1)
Misuzu Yano looked at the gorgeously decorated stage, secretly looking forward to the appearance of the man named Gen Yusuke. Her fingers tightened slightly as she clutched the exquisite handbag on her knees, feeling a kind of uncontrollable excitement and uneasiness in her heart.
She is 23 years old this year and is already a well-known writer in Japan, having accumulated considerable wealth and a good social status. However, under the aura of success, the only thing that makes her regret is her empty love life.
She has outstanding looks and elegant temperament, and has countless suitors - from rich young men, literati to real estate tycoons.
Those men showered her with endless attention and care, took her to the most expensive restaurants, gave her countless valuable gifts, and tried desperately to prove their worth to her, but Yano Misuzu always felt that they were missing something.
Whenever Misuzu Yano sat at her desk, tapping away on the keyboard and creating those handsome and brave male protagonists, she couldn't help but fantasize in her heart how great it would be if she could meet such a man in real life.
He not only has to be handsome, but also has to be powerful, the kind of power that can protect her and make her feel at ease. And she is willing to be the only one in his world, the princess who needs to be protected by him, or the wandering girl who accompanies him in wandering around the world.
But reality always disappointed her. The men who pursued her, although rich and talented, always lacked something. No matter how attentive they were, no matter how luxurious the places they took her to, or how expensive the gifts they gave her, she always felt like she was standing outside their world and was just a bystander. Their tenderness and care seemed like an exaggerated performance to her, lacking the reality she had long expected.
It wasn't until she saw the video of Gen Yusuke's challenge that she realized that in that short few minutes of footage, this man named Gen Yusuke seemed to have walked out of her novel, so handsome that it was breathtaking.
His opponents fell one by one, but he was as steady as a rock. He was absolutely confident in his own strength. He did not need any extra movements or expressions to make the whole world fall for him.
The man on the screen was wearing a black-patterned hakama. His movements were quick and decisive, and the movement of the two swords in his hands was as graceful and powerful as a dance.
His eyes were cold, as if he saw through everything, and he did not show any fluctuations even in the face of a strong enemy. Yano Misuzu was attracted to him in an instant. The powerful aura that emanated from his silence was what she had always dreamed of.
So, when she learned that Gen Yusuke would be performing in Takama-ga-hara tonight, Yano Misuzu bought the best seat without hesitation. She needed to see with her own eyes whether this man who made her heart beat so fast was really as perfect as in the video.
At this moment, standing in the brightly lit Takama-ga-hara, her heartbeat couldn't help but quicken, and her fingers nervously tugged at the handbag on her knees. The women around her were talking in low voices, their eyes flashing with excitement and expectation. Like her, they were attracted by Gen Yusuke's reputation.
On the stage, soft lights gradually lit up, a faint fragrance filled the air, and as the soft music sounded, Yano Misuzu's heart also lifted. At this moment, the curtain slowly opened, and a tall and straight figure walked out from behind the curtain.
It’s him—Gen Yusuke.
Yano Misuzu felt her breathing stagnate, and all her expectations turned into amazement at this moment. Gen Yusuke was more real than in the video. Every step he took was carried by an invisible force. His stern face was as perfect as if carved by a knife. His black-patterned hakama outlined his tall figure perfectly, revealing an incomparable dignity and power.
Her heart beat faster and faster, as if the whole world had stopped with his appearance.
Gen Yusuke began his performance on the stage. The two wooden swords danced in his hands like two flexible dragons. Yano Misuzu could hardly take her eyes off him.
Every movement of swinging the knife was extremely precise, as if it had been honed and trained countless times, yet it carried a fascinating elegance.
The arcs drawn by the wooden sword in the air, each time it fell, brought with it a steady force, which made her feel an inexplicable sense of oppression, and yet she couldn't help but be deeply attracted by that power.
The surrounding lights were all shining on him. At the same time, Yano Misuzu could feel that all the eyes in the audience were fixed on him. Everyone present was forced to blend into his rhythm and was invisibly controlled by his momentum.
On the stage, every time Gen Yusuke drew his sword and every time he turned around, there was not a single unnecessary movement. It was a kind of beauty that was simple to the extreme.
His movements were as fast as lightning, yet graceful; his steps were as light as a swallow, yet as steady as a mountain. What he displayed on the stage was not only the skill of swordsmanship, but also a realm that completely transcended performance, a kingly temperament that seemed destined to stand above everyone else.
Misuzu Yano's heart beat faster and faster, and she felt her breathing becoming disordered. She hadn't felt this heart-pounding for a long time, and she had never even wanted to get close to someone so strongly.
The man in front of him was so perfect that he almost seemed unreal. He was too powerful and too cold. He seemed to be high above everyone else, not belonging to anyone and not easily touched by anyone.
But because of this, she was even more irresistibly attracted. Countless scenes emerged in her mind, herself and Gen Yusuke fighting side by side, or strolling under the neon lights of a bustling city, or on the top of a lonely mountain, he held her tightly in his arms, whispering gentle words that only she could hear.
Misuzu Yano felt her cheeks getting slightly hot. She knew that this was just her fantasy, but at this moment, these fantasies became so real, so real that she could almost touch them.
The performance on the stage was getting better and better. Gen Yusuke's wooden sword collided with the air, making a slight sound of breaking wind. The powerful force and precise control made her hold her breath again.
Her eyes were completely drawn to his every move, not daring to miss any details. She seemed to be able to catch even his slight breathing through the noisy music and the surrounding conversations.
The other audience members in the audience were also unable to suppress their amazement. Low murmurs of praise and whispers continued to be heard. Everyone was shocked and fascinated by the appearance of this man.
Misuzu Yano could feel the excitement and enthusiasm in their eyes, but she was secretly proud in her heart. Gen Yusuke, this perfect man, seemed to exist for her alone.
As the performance came to an end, Gen Yusuke stood in the center of the stage and gently put away his two swords. The fierce sword dance just now seemed to be just a warm-up. His breathing was still steady, and there was no extra expression on his face, but his deep eyes were still cold and sharp, as if hiding some unknown secret.
He slowly raised his head, his eyes swept across the audience, and finally stopped for a moment in the direction of Yano Misuzu. Although it was only a brief moment, Yano Misuzu felt an electric current passing from the soles of her feet to her whole body. The feeling of looking directly into his eyes was as if the whole person was seen through, and her heartbeat instantly went out of control.
She couldn't help but tightly grasp the bag in her hand, and her breathing became rapid, as if the momentary gaze she had just made with him had made it impossible for her to remain calm. A certain desire in her heart was completely ignited at this moment, and the loneliness and expectation that had been hidden for many years seemed to have finally found an object to place their hopes on.
When the performance ended, Yano Misuzu still sat there, unable to come back to her senses for a long time. The applause from the audience rang out like thunder, and the whole Takama-ga-hara was boiling, but it seemed that only the moment just now and the man named Gen Yusuke were left in her world.
…………
On the other side, Su Enxi leaned in front of the monitor, holding a bag of potato chips in her hand, staring at Lu Mingfei on the screen in amazement, unable to believe her eyes.
"Damn, the change is too fast! It's different every day. How does the boss do it?" She took a bite of the potato chips, still muttering to herself in disbelief.
Jiude Mai, who was sitting next to her, had an even more solemn expression on her face. She stared at Lu Mingfei on the surveillance screen, her heart filled with complicated emotions.
Although there was a camera between them, she could still clearly feel the invisible sense of oppression emanating from Lu Mingfei. She still remembered the Lu Mingfei she had met a few months ago. At that time, he was like a soft little lamb, and she even stripped him naked in the toilet.
However, Lu Mingfei, who was now standing on the stage, was like a giant dragon about to awaken, ready to spread his wings and tear everything apart at any time.
"Those people should be here soon." Jiude Mai asked softly, with a hint of worry in her tone.
"Everyone is here. The area outside has already been cleared." Su Enxi switched the surveillance footage to the outside of Takamagahara. A large group of people were waiting in line to enter Takamagahara, looking forward to meeting the man known as the "Sword Saint Cowherd". However, at this moment, these people were dispersed by another large group of people. The group wore uniform kendo uniforms, with long swords on their waists, their eyes were sharp, and their movements revealed an unquestionable momentum.
Leading the way were ten elderly men with steady steps and sharp eyes. They were the leaders of the major kendo schools in Tokyo. There were also hundreds of elite swordsmen from each school standing around them. Their aura was enough to make any ordinary person shudder.
"After beating the younger one, the older one comes to visit." Jude Mai said softly as she watched the scene on the screen.
"Originally, the Eight Snake Families also sent a lot of people, but I called them back and asked them to come again next time. I have invested more than 200 billion euros in the Eight Snake Families over the past years. They will still give me this face, otherwise I will let them fall into a financial crisis." Su Enxi said proudly, with a bit of pride on her face, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.
"Although the Eight Snake Clans will not take action today, there are more than a hundred sword masters, and ten guys known as Sword Saints. But our little white rabbit, uh, no, now it should be said that the dragon, can it withstand it?" There was a hint of uncertainty in Su Enxi's tone.
"Although I have to admit that Lu Mingfei's strength has exploded recently, he has only been learning Japanese kendo for no more than a week. Can he really do it?"
…………
Lu Mingfei let out a sigh of relief when he heard the applause from the audience. Although Lu Mingze asked him to be a gigolo, it might be more appropriate to call him an idol rather than a gigolo.
He didn't need to come into contact with those women, he just needed to show his strength on the stage. The sword skills he wielded just now were just what he had found a top-notch master these days, copied them with his mirror pupil, and then he had intensively trained with him.
He is now waiting for the second performance that Lu Mingze mentioned.
At this moment, the tightly closed door of Takama-hara suddenly opened, and a gust of cold wind rushed in from outside, along with a group of men in kendo uniforms. They walked in unison, with unquestionable serious expressions on their faces.
Each of them wore a long sword on his waist. It was obvious that these people were not ordinary kendo enthusiasts, but real masters who had been tempered through countless battles.
The ten elderly men in the lead, although they had gray hair and were very old, their steps were steady and powerful, and their sharp eyes were like unsheathed blades, making people dare not approach them easily.
Their aura was so strong that the air around them seemed to become heavy. With their arrival, the atmosphere of the entire Takama-ga-hara instantly changed from relaxed entertainment to tense confrontation.
They all stood in the middle of the hall at the same time, looking sharply at Lu Mingfei on the stage. At that moment, all the women in the venue felt the strange atmosphere and gradually quieted down. The originally excited atmosphere quickly cooled down with the appearance of this group of people.
Misuzu Yano also noticed this sudden change. She was originally immersed in the swordsmanship performance and charm brought by Lu Mingfei, but at this moment she suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of danger.
Her heart was still beating fast, but her eyes involuntarily turned to the swordsmen who suddenly broke in. She could sense that these people were not here to enjoy the show.
There was a tense atmosphere in the air, like the calm before the storm. Lu Mingfei stood in the center of the stage, his eyes gradually becoming deep. He could clearly sense the hostility emanating from this group of people. His fingers moved slightly and he tightened the wooden sword in his hand.
The women in the audience began to whisper. Many did not understand what was going on, but Yano Misuzu felt that the scene was familiar, as if she had seen a scene from her novel, a scene where a king faced a group of enemies. Her heartbeat quickened again, and her eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement.
At this moment, one of the leading old men strode forward, his eyes stern, staring directly at Lu Mingfei on the stage.
"Are you the Yuan Yusuke who is known as the strongest swordsman?" The old man's voice was low and intimidating, like an ultimatum issued by a veteran who had been through many battles to a new challenger.
Lu Mingfei did not answer immediately. His eyes slowly moved away from the old man and scanned the entire venue. He knew that this was not a simple confrontation, but a battle to test his strength and status.
"It's me." His voice was not loud, but it was powerful and echoed in the silent venue. His calm attitude and calm aura instantly made the atmosphere in the whole hall more tense.
The swordsmen around all tightened their swords at their waists at the same time. It was obvious that they were ready for the battle. The old men standing in the front row looked at each other, with a hint of disdain and coldness in their eyes.
"Since ancient times, swordsmanship can only be respected through true strength. You, a young boy, dare to call yourself the 'strongest swordsman'. You are simply arrogant and ignorant!"
The leading old man's voice became increasingly stern, and he exuded the aura of a kendo master. His hand slowly touched the hilt of the knife at his waist, and the air around him seemed to become heavier.
Lu Mingfei stood on the stage, his eyes calm as water. He was not overwhelmed by the momentum of these old men. On the contrary, his posture remained steady, as if he was facing an ordinary competition.
"The strongest swordsman?" He chuckled, tightened his grip on the wooden sword, and slowly walked off the stage. He looked calm and unhurried. "I didn't give myself this title. You gave it to me."
His steps were brisk and powerful, as if every step was stepping on everyone's heart, steady but full of power. He walked in front of the group of old people, his eyes were still calm, without the slightest fear.
"If you are not convinced, then come. I will stand here today and let all of you verify it for yourselves." His voice was low, but full of immense confidence. His calm temperament made all the swordsmen present feel a chill.
At this moment, Yano Misuzu was completely attracted by the scene before her. She had never seen such a shocking scene before. It was as if the decisive battle scene in her novel really appeared before her. Every word and every movement of Lu Mingfei made her feel as if her heart was beating wildly in her chest.
The audiences in the audience also held their breath. They knew that a real showdown was about to begin, and the man standing on the stage would use his actions to prove whether his strength was worthy of the title of "the strongest swordsman".
The swordsmen around were ready. They knew that this would be an extremely fierce battle, but they knew even more clearly that the young man standing in front of them was not an opponent who could be easily defeated.
The air was filled with a tense atmosphere. Lu Mingfei stood there with a calm and cold look in his eyes. The wooden sword in his hand was slightly raised, as if waiting for his opponent to make a move.
"Come on," he whispered, his voice filled with unshakable confidence.
Everyone's eyes were focused on him, and at that moment, it seemed as if he was the only one left in the world.
Misuzu Yano stared at Lu Mingfei on the stage, her heart filled with anticipation and excitement. She knew that at this moment, the hero she had been waiting for for so long would finally show his true strength.
The ten elderly kendo masters were still standing there, and a hint of coldness flashed in the eyes of the leading old man. What they had to do today was to defend the dignity of Japanese kendo.
Not only was Lu Mingfei known as the "strongest swordsman", he was actually a gigolo, which was something they could not tolerate.
"Arrogant boy." The leading old man said coldly, with a bit of disdain in his voice, "The Japanese sword art has its own heritage, how can we allow a young boy like you to sully it!"
(End of this chapter)
