Only when the voice rang out did Red Tiger, standing on the rooftop with his long saber in hand, make out the other man's appearance.
The newcomer stood beneath the eaves, facing him, with a huge restaurant lantern behind him. Backlit by its glow, his features were difficult for Red Tiger to distinguish, but he could vaguely see a golden metallic gleam flash across the hand holding the wine jar.
Red Tiger gave no answer. He stared fixedly at the man as his hands began to recover from the numbness of the impact.
What astonishing body-hardening skill. I can't meet him head-on. I have to find an opening. My next strike... attack his lower body, then seize the chance to stab his eyes!
Red Tiger eased his fingers off the saber's hilt one by one before tightening them again. His other hand brushed lightly across the blade while he calculated how to break out of this predicament.
Though they had exchanged only one simple blow, Red Tiger already knew he faced a formidable enemy, especially given the man's astonishing body-hardening skill. The man had clearly taken his slash head-on, yet there was not a trace of blood on his blade.
Still, Red Tiger had absolute confidence in his speed. At least in this little county town, he did not believe anyone could beat him in that regard. As long as he held the advantage in speed, he could remain undefeated.
Having settled on a plan, Red Tiger shifted his footing and drew his saber back to guard his chest, secretly gathering strength within his body, ready to unleash his next strike at any moment.
Just then, however, the voice opposite him rang out again:
"If you were a martial artist born and raised in this county, I certainly wouldn't stop