Previously on The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?...
Liu Zheng assigns Luo Ping a new task investigating Shi Yidao, despite Luo Ping's declining health. He also speaks with Vampire Sister, who explains that a clan ball was canceled due to a Security Department raid. She asks Liu Zheng to help her investigate the framing of some Blood Clan members, suspecting foul play within their own families. In return for her help, they offer her money and a mysterious stone slab found inside a mummy.
Liu Zheng’s telepathic touch gently patted the young girl’s head. This ability was certainly handy, but revealing its origins to Doctor Nile wouldn't be wise. Even if he stayed quiet, Doctor Nile would likely figure it out. "Hehe. Did you promise to help?" the Vampire Sister asked, her voice brimming with delight. "You already said yes, how could I refuse to help you? Fine, I'll ask around and let you know when I have any news." "Oh!" Liu Zheng ended the call and immediately dialed Ace. "Brother Pai, did your group apprehend some Vampires?" he inquired without preamble. "Yeah. How did you know?" Ace sounded surprised. "A friend of mine, also a Vampire, asked me to help bail them out. I was curious how you found out," Liu Zheng replied, equally taken aback. Ace, overseeing logistics, possessed an unexpectedly efficient information network. "It's not surprising; a gang operation involving Vampires hasn't occurred in decades, so the news spread quickly. Plus, the charge of illegal blood possession is a crime you can barely imagine the difficulty of violating," Ace chuckled heartily. "My friend mentioned they were framed," Liu Zheng stated. "That, I don't know. I believe this falls under the third bureau's jurisdiction, but hold on, I'll help you inquire." Ace finished speaking and hung up. Not long after, he called back. "Checked. The third bureau finds the case rather straightforward. However, there's no need to overcomplicate a simple matter," Ace said. "Didn't those Vampires attempt to find a solution themselves?" Liu Zheng questioned. Considering Vampire Sister was willing to offer three million, they should be prepared to offer more to the Security Department. "Even if they offered money, people might not dare to accept it. Bribery relies on mutual trust; otherwise, professions like brokers wouldn't exist," Ace explained. "Understood, so they want me to act as the broker in this situation." Liu Zheng realized. Those Vampires might not know his full capabilities, but Vampire Sister's rapid ascent from a Little Vampire to a Vampire Count certainly implied powerful backing. "If Brother Zheng becomes the broker, the credibility will be unquestionable. So, are you planning to directly secure their release, or should we have the third bureau complicate the case a bit?" Ace asked. "Complicate the case slightly; I suspect they might actually be framed," Liu Zheng mused after a moment's thought. If they could prove their innocence, there would be no need for costly forced bailouts, which could leave lingering issues. If it turned out they were indeed guilty, then it was their own doing. "Alright, I'll front the money and we can settle the accounts later," Ace offered straightforwardly. "Understood." Liu Zheng ended the call. "Phew~" He exhaled a long breath. Finally, all pending calls were cleared. With some newfound free time, he decided to test out his newly acquired skill. "Hey boss, want to spar with me?" Liu Zheng asked with a grin. "Couldn't resist, could you?" Niu Ma looked up at him. "Resist what?" Liu Zheng feigned confusion. "Haha, don't think I don't know. You're testing my strength, harboring ambitions to replace me. Zhen Dan has a saying, what is it..." Niu Ma pondered. "That's right, the fisherman reaps the benefits." It finally recalled the phrase. "That's called 'the fisherman benefits,' not 'the King of Chu challenges the reign.' Boss, perhaps pay closer attention when Madam lectures next time; you've mixed them up," Liu Zheng said, feeling speechless. "Hey, the meaning is essentially the same. Your ambition is finally showing," Niu Ma stated seriously. "If I had ambition, I would have taken your life when you were flayed by Peacock last time while you were vulnerable. If you won't spar with me, I'll just pay for a practice partner elsewhere," he rolled his eyes. "No way!" Niu Ma immediately protested. "The principle of not letting outsiders profit, don't you understand? Better let me earn the money than them. Ten thousand, reluctantly, I'll practice with you." This time, it got the idiom correct. "Five thousand, take it or leave it," Liu Zheng countered. In reality, the difference between five thousand and ten thousand wasn't significant to him, but he couldn't allow Niu Ma to develop a habit of demanding exorbitant prices. "Five thousand! Are you treating me like a fourth-class citizen?" Niu Ma was genuinely displeased. "If that sounds too low, I'll go find someone who charges five hundred," Liu Zheng pretended to walk away. "Five thousand it is. Damn, it's tough making money these days," Niu Ma grumbled. It had just given Liu Zheng a substantial wedding advance, and money was indeed tight. "Hehe, here I come."
Liu Zheng wasted no time, his sword drawn, and a fierce swing directed at Niu Ma.
His sword technique, inherited from Shi Yidao, caused 'Anger' to revert to its Horizontal Blade form, resembling a Katana.
However, this transformation was far more dramatic than before; infused with the Extreme Fury Asura Rage Fire, the hilt now bloomed like a lotus while the blade shimmered with intricate, fiery patterns.
"A decent stance, but lacking in power," Niu Ma commented.
Though it didn't wield swords, its extensive experience battling swordsmen gave it a keen understanding.
Liu Zheng's strike was devoid of true spirit, momentum, and intent. Yet, crucially, his Sword Muscle was now correct.
The concept of Sword Muscle refers to the precise alignment between the blade's path and the direction of its edge. For maximumcutting efficiency, this alignment must be perfect.
A misaligned Sword Muscle not only diminishes an attack's effectiveness but also carries the significant risk of chipping or even shattering the blade.
Previously, Liu Zheng wielded his sword without proper Sword Muscle, essentially using it as a blunt instrument, more akin to striking than cutting.
Had it not been for 'Anger's' inherent sharpness and durability, his own weapon would have likely broken in combat, leaving him exposed.
Now, however, the force of his strike was comparable to someone who had diligently practiced a thousand solo swings every single day for over two decades.
Still, even this vastly improved power was not enough to faze Niu Ma.
Without even a flicker of concern, Niu Ma merely tilted its head, deflecting the Horizontal Blade with its horn.
With minimal effort, it expertly guided the blade's trajectory, sending it skittering harmlessly to the side.
This redirection completely disrupted Liu Zheng's Sword Muscle, resulting in a dull thud as the blade struck the ground.
While Liu Zheng had anticipated this outcome, he conceded that perhaps even Shi Yidao himself might struggle against Niu Ma.
Undaunted, Liu Zheng shifted his stance, preparing for the technique known as 'Sheathing the Blade'.
"You don't even have a scabbard, so why go through the motions?" Niu Ma taunted.
"Iaido Slash requires a sheathing motion; do you have no respect for ritual? Boss, please refrain from interrupting; I am building momentum here," Liu Zheng retorted.
"Fine, fine, you paid, you're the boss," Niu Ma conceded, rolling its eyes and falling silent.
"Renyi One Sword Style - Sea-Slaying Sword!"
Recalling the breathtaking slash Shi Yidao had executed, Liu Zheng's presence swelled like the mighty ocean.
"Hmm, quite interesting," Niu Ma observed, leaning back slightly more comfortably.
At a higher level of swordsmanship, the practice often evolves to encompass Sword Energy, Sword Momentum, and Sword Intent.
Sword Energy is generated by the Swordsman's internal Qi, True Qi, Mana, and the unique properties of their blade.
Sword Momentum involves the Swordsman creating a domain by drawing inspiration from the grand forces of either the Heavenly Dao or the Human Path.
Sword Intent represents the Swordsman's synthesized will, their core philosophy, temperament, and profound understanding of swordsmanship.
No single aspect is inherently superior; practitioners may pursue them individually or in combination, employing unique or shared methods.
Shi Yidao, by practicing near the sea, cultivated a formidable tidal Sword Momentum and developed a profound, sea-cleaving Sword Intent.
Liu Zheng's current aura showcased the nascent form of Sword Momentum.
"Hah!"
Finally, Liu Zheng's buildup reached its critical point. He exhaled sharply, his Horizontal Blade becoming a fleeting blur as it surged towards Niu Ma.
This time, Niu Ma eschewed its horn, instead raising a front hoof to meet the attack.
