()Betting with Linghu Chong (3)
At the Huashan Sect's Chaoyang Peak training grounds, dusk mist swirled, and the pine needles swayed faintly in the evening light.
"Um..."
When Lu Dayou finally stood in front of Linghu Chong, the hand gripping his sword had begun to tremble slightly. Sweat from his palm had made the hilt slick.
"E-Eldest Senior Brother?"
"Could you go easy on me later?"
So he gritted his teeth, bowed to Linghu Chong, and hoped the other man wouldn't go too hard on him.
He had just learned a rather strange sword move from that mysterious little girl Annie, but he had no idea whether it would actually work.
"Sixth Monkey, don't worry. Your senior brother knows how to hold back!"
"Just come at me with everything you've got!"
Linghu Chong drawled lazily. Squinting, he looked Lu Dayou up and down with a broad smile, clearly confident of victory and not taking him seriously.
"..."
Lu Dayou smiled awkwardly and swallowed. His Adam's apple bobbed as he tightened his grip on the sword, but said nothing.
"It's getting late."
"Let's begin!"
Linghu Chong raised an eyebrow and stretched lazily. Then he casually spun his sword, not even bothering to draw it from its scabbard, and pointed it arrogantly at Sixth Monkey, Lu Dayou, across from him.
"Come on, come on!"
"Let's see what earth-shattering skill our Sixth Junior Brother just learned!"
He suddenly grinned, sheathed his sword, and teased Lu Dayou. He stood slackly, leaving openings everywhere, with his scabbard resting casually on his shoulder. It was clear he didn't take the bout seriously.
And why would he? He'd long since figured out Sixth Monkey Lu Dayou's abilities from their usual sparring. How could someone learn one move on a whim and expect to face him?
In Linghu