Chapter 318 Shocking the Whole Audience! Three Arrows Hit the Target! Qing Deng’s Archery Skills Show Their Power for the First Time! [Leopard Update 1.1W]

"Ah! I saw it! Over there! Over there!"

"I saw them! They are killing people and selling goods again!"

"Quick! Catch up! Catch up!"

…

The group of Yakuza who suddenly appeared scattered and divided into multiple groups to chase the fleeing robbers.

Seeing the actions of these Yakuza, Qingden couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

If you had to use one word to describe the actions of these Yakuza, it would be "professional".

Whether it is the ability to react quickly or the techniques and tactics used to hunt down robbers, they are all impressive.

In addition, the equipment is also quite sophisticated.

A long ladder used to trap the prisoner; a thorn used for long-distance attacks; a protruding stick that will peel off the skin even if it is killed; a sleeve stick specially used to grab the prisoner's clothes... except that there is no symbol of government security personnel: In addition to ten hands, all the necessary fishing gear is available.

After seeing this group of Yakuza who were no different from a professional police force, the robbers suddenly showed panic and fear that they had never shown when they were fighting Qingto and Sanako.

"Damn it! It's the Qingxia Alliance! The people from the Qingxia Alliance are here! Let's go!"

Amidst the chaos, such a cry came out.

After a while, Qingdeng no longer had a single robber left in front of him.

The Yakuza who suddenly appeared to hunt down the robbers also basically disappeared.

The sounds of killing and running disappeared little by little into the distance.

At the moment, there is still the important task of "bringing back Otsuki Tsuneji", so Qingteng does not have the time to chase the escaping robbers.

Qingdeng took out a few pocket papers from his arms, and while wiping off the remaining blood and fat on the blade of Dingguishen, he quietly watched a young man walking quickly toward them with a surprised look on his face.

"Huh? Nioh-sama?"

A neatly shaved Tsukiyo head; a well-maintained and shiny bun; a clean face with no stubble left; and two swords, long and short, on his waist.

He is just a young samurai who is well-dressed and standard--that's what anyone would think, before seeing the colorful tattoos on the young man's collar and cuffs...

The young man recognized Qingdeng, so there was nothing surprising about it.

So far, Qingteng has participated in countless public events.

Therefore, it is not unusual for someone to recognize the appearance of the famous Niou through some channels.

"Who are you?"

Qingdeng asked in a deep voice.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I'm rude. I actually forgot to introduce myself."

The young man cleared his throat and raised his chest slightly.

"Lord Nioh, I am the leader of the Qing Xia Alliance's fourth division, Zodari Chen."

The young man who called himself Zuoda Lichen was very polite to Qingden.

Not only does he sound like a 'Nioh-sama', he also uses the highest level of honorifics, and his attitude is so polite that one would never imagine that such a gentle young man could actually be Yakuza... and he is also the leader of the Qingxia Alliance... …

Qingxia Lian——Qingdeng couldn't help but frown slightly when he heard this name.

This name is familiar to all law enforcement officers from the public security departments, including Qingteng, the "Three Chapters" of the Dui Enforcement Office, and the Huofu Thieves Kai.

The Qingxia Alliance is a subordinate organization of the Qingshui clan.

Although the name contains the word "xia", the functional work that Qing Xia Lian is responsible for has nothing to do with the word "xia".

To put it simply, the Qingxia Alliance is the "thug department" of the Qingshui clan, responsible for all kinds of dirty work such as fighting and killing. The members of the organization are basically down-and-out ronins who were forced to join the Yakuza because they could not afford to eat.

Knowing that the young man in front of him turned out to be a member of the notorious Qing Xia Lian, Otsuki Minoru's expression couldn't help but change, and Sanako's facial lines also subconsciously tightened slightly.

"Lord Nioh, are you and your companions okay?"

When he asked this question, Zodari Chen raised his chin slightly, looked over Aoto's shoulder, and slashed towards Otsuki Minoru behind Aoto.

"Your companion... looks very uncomfortable."

When Qingdeng heard this, he turned his head back and saw Oyue Zhen's face was pale, his steps were swaying, and he looked as if he was several years older.

"Miss Otsuki, are you okay?"

Sanako stretched out a hand and held Otsuki Minoru's shoulder.

"I...I'm fine..."

Otsuki held his forehead with his hand and forced an ugly smile on his face.

"I'm just a little dizzy and nauseous...just take it easy..."

Otsuki Minoru, who grew up in a greenhouse, had never seen with her own eyes the cruel scene of flesh and blood flying everywhere before.

Just now was the first time Otsuki Minoru saw a living person being beheaded to death, the first time he saw blood and broken flesh splattered and scattered.

Otsuki Minoru's psychological quality was obviously not strong enough to remain calm after witnessing such a bloody scene for the first time.

In a way, Otsuki Minoru, who just felt dizzy and nauseated and did not vomit directly, was of acceptable psychological quality.

"It's okay."

Zuoda Lichen let out a sigh of relief.

"Onishihui is famous for being cunning and insidious. Tsk, I really want to eradicate them quickly."

"Onishi Club?"

Sanako blinked in confusion.

"Oh, they are the ones who attacked you just now. He is our colleague."

Zodarichen smiled and pointed at the tattoo exposed on his neck - the meaning was self-evident.

Then, Zodarichen briefly explained to Qing Deng and others why the Onishi Society appeared here and why they were engaged in robbery.

The Onishi Society - Qing Deng had heard of this name.

This is a Yakuza organization that had just emerged a while ago.

Qing Deng didn't know much about the Onishi Society.

He only knew that they had about a hundred members.

He only knew that they made a living by lending at high interest rates and opening gang places.

He only knew that they... perished in a Yakuza fight two months ago.

And the force that destroyed the Onishi Society was the Qingshui clan.

"The leader of the Onishi Society is really too blind to dare to compete with our Qingshui clan for business."

Zodarichen talked freely.

"In order to teach this ignorant and reckless man a lesson, and to warn others, we wiped out the Daxi Society in one night two months ago."

"But who knew that we didn't kill them all. A small group of remnants escaped."

"This group of remnants of the Daxi Society seemed to want to make a comeback. They robbed money everywhere, killed people and looted goods, and collected funds."

"Renwu...ah, that is, the casino with the best revenue under the rule of our Qingshui clan, is located nearby."

"So every day there are many gamblers with huge sums of money in this area. These gamblers who must have money on their bodies are perfect 'fat sheep'."

"So, in order to collect money, they also In order to disgust us, the remnants of the Daxi Society have been appearing in this neighborhood recently. As long as they see people who seem to come to Renwu to gamble, they will rush up and rob them immediately. "

"Their methods are extremely insidious and vicious."

"Their usual method is to pretend to talk to you and negotiate conditions, saying some nonsense like "If you want to live, leave your money."

"When people's attention is distracted, the companions ambushed around will immediately throw stones to injure people, and then the rest will rush up, kill everyone, and take away all the valuables. "

Qing Deng recalled the scenes just now - what Zodalichen said was absolutely right, the robbers just now did use such tactics.

When the burly man came out to talk to Qing Deng, many stones flew out from both sides.

People who reacted a little slower would definitely be hit on the head and bleed.

"Although the sabotage actions of the remnants of the Daxi Society will not shake the strength of our Qingshui clan, their behavior of specifically killing "gamblers who come to Renwu to gamble" has indeed had a certain impact on Renwu's business."

"Therefore, the superiors have given our Qingxia League a death order: strengthen the patrols around Renwu and completely eliminate the remnants of the Daxi Society within two months."

Qing Deng nodded slightly after listening to Zodalichen's explanation.

Why was he robbed for no reason, why did the professional thugs of the Qingxia League suddenly appear here... After Zodalichen's explanation, all these questions were sorted out.

"Lord Niou."

At this time, Zodalichen asked respectfully.

"Excuse me for visiting here late at night. What can I do for you?"

When asking this question, Zodalichen's eyes flashed with a faint light of vigilance.

The fire thief Kai, who is responsible for handling all kinds of major criminal cases and vicious criminals, and the Shimizu clan, who specializes in running all kinds of black industries... there is an incompatible relationship between the two.

In fact, the fire thief Kai has physically clashed with the Shimizu clan several times.

Now Qing Deng, the captain of the third squad of the fire thief Kai, is not lying comfortably at home in the middle of the night, but running to the territory of the Shimizu clan... the word "suspicious" is almost written on his face.

"I have something to do with Kounosuke Kitahara. Is he in Ren's house?"

Qing Deng did not say much and went straight to the point to explain his purpose.

The corners of Jodari's eyes twitched slightly, and his suspicious eyes swept over the faces of Qing Deng, Sanako and Otsuki Minoru one by one.

"Master Kitahara is in Ren's house tonight... I know, since you have something to do with Master Kitahara, please follow me."

Kounosuke Kitahara is a senior cadre of the "Shimizu clan". In terms of rank, he is much higher than Jodari.

On one side is a big leader who is much higher in rank than himself, and on the other side is the famous Nioh...Zoda Lichen exerted the survival philosophy of a small person: kowtow more, talk less.

He did not ask Qing Deng more, "What do you want to do with Lord Kitahara?" This kind of question is not something he is qualified to ask.

Since Nioh wants to see Kitahara Kounosuke, then take him.

As for whether Kitahara Kounosuke will see him, and what exactly Nioh wants to see Kitahara Kounosuke for... These things, he has no right to care about!

Zoda Lichen is so reasonable, saving Qing Deng a lot of effort.

Qing Deng said seriously:

"Then I'll trouble you."

"You're welcome."

Zoda Lichen put his hands on his thighs and bowed deeply to Qing Deng with a flattering smile on his face.

...

...

Zoda Lichen led several subordinates to walk in front to clear the way, and Qing Deng and his group followed closely behind.

Zoda Lichen and his subordinates' faces... have a strange magic.

The reason for this is that wherever they passed, the poor people and beggars on the roadside all looked horrified and ran away in fear, as if they saw evil spirits crawling out of the underworld.

After walking along the maze-like winding road for about ten minutes, Qing Deng gradually heard a noisy sound.

I saw a tall house with a simple shape but a large area right in front of me.

The windows revealed a dark yellow warm light.

The noise came from this house.

Zuoda Lichen took two quick steps and whispered something to a few strong men standing outside the door of the house.

These strong men dressed as guards looked up at Qingdeng and the others, and then nodded slightly.

"Okay, Nioh-sama, come in with me."

Zuoda Lichen made a "please" gesture to Qingteng, and then took the initiative to help Qingteng open the door of Ren's house.

The moment the door was opened, noise and hot air spurted out.

The room was extremely hot. Before he even entered the room, Qingdeng felt that his body was already sweating.

The air was filled with steam and tobacco smoke.

The smell of sweat and body odor mixed together makes people hold their breath.

"Buy it and leave it! Buy it and leave it!"

"Ah! Why? Why?! Why can't I win!"

"I don't believe it's still 'double' this time!"

"No! I want to gamble again! I will definitely win this time!"

…

Guess the size, guess the odd and even numbers, play double six, play mahjong, and many other gambling games that Qingteng can’t name...

The scene inside Ren's house was very consistent with Qingdeng's impression of the casino.

The noise made my ears hurt.

The chaotic scene makes the eyes tired.

The emotions of extreme joy and extreme sadness are transformed and staged repeatedly...

A person who looked ecstatic 10 minutes ago may look devastated 10 minutes later.

A person who looked ashen three minutes ago might be as happy and crying and laughing as Fan Jin who won the exam three minutes later.

All kinds of things in the world... seem to be presented in this space called "casino".

Qingden hated gambling that could easily destroy one or even several families. Therefore, after entering Ren's house, Qingdeng's brows did not relax.

The same was true for Sanako. She was obviously not used to the casino environment, and her pretty little face wrinkled up.

"Lord Nioh, now is the best time for Renwu's business, so there are a lot of people. Please follow me closely."

Zuoda Lichen led Qingden and others slowly into the depths of Ren's house...

…

…

Any house, backyard——

Boom!

The arrow, which flew across half of the courtyard like a wild goose, stabbed steadily into the bullseye of an archery target 10 meters away. The arrow feathers swayed violently due to the reaction force.

Kithara Konosuke put down the Japanese bow in his hand, looked at his "results", and curled his lips in dissatisfaction.

"Hmm... I'm not in a good state today... Hehe, it's obviously my favorite martial art, but I haven't practiced it for a long time. I'm really rusty at it."

When he said this, Kitahara Konosuke leaned down and drew a new arrow from the quiver at his leg.

At this time, a Yakuza hurriedly entered the courtyard and walked to Kitahara Konosuke's side.

Kitahara Konosuke leaned out towards this subordinate calmly.

Yakuza hesitated for a moment, then stood on tiptoes and put his ear close to Kitahara Konosuke's.

Kithara Konosuke listened indifferently and looked ahead expressionlessly - this posture only lasted 5 seconds.

After 5 seconds, Kitahara Konosuke's face changed color.

"Tachibana Aoden?"

Kithara Konosuke turned his head and stared directly into the eyes of his subordinates.

"...I understand, thank you for your hard work, please step back."

Yakuza bowed, said "yes" in a spirited tone, and left quickly.

"..."

Kithara Konosuke stood there, looking into the distance, his expression gloomy, and there was a solemn look in his eyes as if he was recalling some heavy past event.

"Tachibana Aoden... Tachibana Takayuki's son..."

As if feeling pain in his heart, Konosuke Kitahara raised his hand and grabbed the clothes on his chest, making a tearing sound from the cloth.

"Tachibana Takashi...!"

…

…

Aomori and others were waiting for the arrival of Konosuke Kitahara in a grand room similar to a guest room.

They didn't wait too long in the room.

Ten minutes later, footsteps were heard from the corridor outside the door.

Qingdeng and others reflexively glanced towards the door.

Wow.

Almost at the same time, the paper sliding door with beautiful pictures on it was opened.

The person who opened the door was Kitahara Konosuke.

"Lord Niou!"

Kitahara Konosuke walked quickly towards Aoto and greeted Aoto politely.

Even the most powerful person in this country, the former "Mother of the Nation" and now the "Queen Mother", Tokugawa Iemo and Tenzouin Atsuhime, have met Aoto, and he can be considered to have met countless people.

Qingto could tell at a glance that Kitahara Konosuke's words and deeds had a slow and leisurely demeanor.

That is, in the world he lives in, he holds the power of life and death for countless people.

"Mr. Kitahara, this is our first meeting."

Aomori stood up and greeted Kitahara Konosuke politely.

After the two sides said hello, Kitahara Konosuke moved his eyes to Sanako and Otsuki Minoru behind Aoto.

Kithara Konosuke's eyes only stayed on Otsuki Minoru for a moment and then moved away, but they were fixed on Sanako for a long time.

"Huh? Miss Chiba?"

As one of the celebrities in Edo, it was only natural for Sanako to be recognized.

Sanako folded his hands in front of him and bowed to Konosuke Kitahara in a neither humble nor arrogant manner.

"Mr. Kitahara, this is our first meeting."

Not only Niou came to visit, but even Chiba Onikomachi of the Chiba family came... Seeing this, Kitahara Kounosuke's straight brows showed a shadow of doubt and alertness.

Kitahara Kounosuke turned his gaze back to Qing Deng.

When his eyes swept over Qing Deng... or more precisely, when he swept over Qing Deng's facial features, the polite smile faded a little from his wheat-colored, high-cheekboned cheeks.

His thick eyebrows were slightly frowned, and his lips were pursed into a thin line.

For a moment, when Kitahara Kounosuke looked at Qing Deng, it didn't seem like he was looking at Qing Deng, but more like he was staring at... a certain person - this description may be strange, but it is true.

Good expression management ability has always been one of Kitahara Kounosuke's proud abilities.

Before Qing Deng and others noticed that his demeanor was different, he quickly put on a polite expression on his face again.

"Come, please take a seat."

Kitahara Kounosuke made a "please" gesture to the cushions placed beside the table.

If possible, Qing Deng wanted to fulfill his agreement with Otsuki Minoru as soon as possible.

Coincidentally, Kitahara Kounosuke held the same idea as him.

Kitahara Kounosuke wanted to find out as soon as possible why Niou and Chiba Onikomachi suddenly came to him.

Therefore, the two of them, who knew each other well, exchanged a few pleasantries and got straight to the point.

Qing Deng briefly explained their purpose.

Kaihara Kounosuke's expression changed after learning that Qing Deng and others came for Otsuki Tsuneji.

Kitahara Kounosuke looked at Otsuki Minoru's face and asked:

"Are you...Otsuki Tsuneji's wife?"

Otsuki Minoru nodded like pounding garlic.

"...Heh, then your luck is really bad."

Kitahara Kounosuke sneered.

"I'll tell you a good news and a bad news."

"The good news is that your husband is still alive. Although he looks... a little miserable now, his life is not in danger for the time being."

"The bad news is that I don't plan to let your husband go free."

The face of Otsuki Minoru, which had just shown joy when she heard that her husband was still safe, suddenly became extremely ugly.

She immediately looked at Qing Deng for help.

"...Mr. Kitahara."

Qing Deng said in a deep voice.

"I don't know what mistake Otsuki Tsuneji made that made you so angry to take him away and unwilling to let him go?"

"..."

Kitahara Kounosuke lowered his eyelids thoughtfully. He should be considering whether to tell Qing Deng the truth of the incident.

After a while, he said:

"To be honest, this is not something worth telling to outsiders, so I don't really want to say it."

"But for your sake, Niou... I'll tell you."

Kitahara Kounosuke turned his gaze back to Otsuki Minoru, with a strong mocking smile in his eyes.

"My beautiful lady, you have found a very unreliable husband."

"I discovered your husband's affair with me."

"I am a man after all. I can't keep silent about this, right?"

Kitahara Kounosuke said, while raising the little finger of his right hand.

In the Edo period, the little finger represented a mistress.

"Impossible!"

Otsuki Minoru's pretty face turned red in an instant due to emotional excitement, and her body subconsciously leaned forward in the direction of Kitahara Kounosuke, and her buttocks left her kneeling legs.

"Changci can't do such a thing!"

After shouting, Otsuki Minoru realized that his voice seemed a little too loud, and his attitude towards the senior cadre of the Shimizu clan in front of him seemed a little too rude, so he quickly closed his mouth and pressed his buttocks back to his buttocks.

"I didn't lie to you."

Kitahara Kounosuke snorted coldly and said slowly and calmly.

"My beautiful lady, you don't seem to understand men."

"Except for a few extraordinary talents, all men, whether old or young, samurai or civilians, whether they have read the Four Books and Five Classics or not, are the same. They all like... at least they don't hate to spend time with as many attractive women as possible."

"Some men don't even bother to pretend, and they don't hide their love for sex."

"Some men will pretend to be uninterested in women for the sake of face and to highlight their own excellence. They pretend to be busy making money, studying, studying martial arts and other things, but in fact, deep in their hearts, they are extremely eager to have sex with as many and as beautiful women as possible."

"So, don't think that your husband will never betray you."

When Kitahara Kounosuke said this, Otsuki Minoru didn't have time to react, but Sanako was the first to show a strange expression.

She quietly raised her eyes and sent a complex look to Qing Deng without leaving any trace...

No one, including Qing Deng, noticed the little expression on Sanako's face at this moment. Kitahara Konosuke continued to speak:

"I have always been the most disciplined person and never hurt anyone for no reason."

"I don't have so much free time to go to the street and grab people for fun."

"I won't say anything too harsh. Anyway - I can't easily forgive your husband's mistakes. He needs to pay the price for his actions."

Otsuki Minoru's breathing stagnated.

"Price...what are you going to do to Changci?"

"What?"

Kitahara Konosuke sneered and shook his shoulders vigorously.

"What I hate the most is people who cheat on me, and people who cheat on me."

"Let me tell you the truth again. Your husband is here now."

Kithara Konosuke stretched out his hand and pointed downward.

"It's in the cellar of this house."

"I plan to first lock your husband and that bitch who eats me, drinks me, lives in me, uses me, but dares to betray me in the dark cellar to torture for a few months. When she gets tired of it, Sink them into Edo Bay."

"Going to bed with other men behind my back, right? Okay, then, I will tie this pair of dogs together with stones, so that they can still stay together even if they reach the bottom of Edo Bay." 'never separate'."

Imprisoned in a cellar, tortured, and rewarded for being a member of the Edo Bay Seat... These words are obviously so terrifying, but Kitahara Konosuke's tone and expression were calm and relaxed throughout.

He looked like he had long been accustomed to this kind of thing.

He looked like he didn't feel like he had done anything cruel.

Otsuki Minoru's body swayed gently, like a fallen leaf blown by the bleak autumn wind.

From now on, she has been receiving cruel truths that are difficult to accept.

The husband who was kidnapped by the Yakuza of the Shimizu clan was actually having an affair with Kōnosuke Kitahara's mistress...

Although her husband is still alive, if she doesn't find a way to rescue him as soon as possible, she will have no choice but to fish him out of the bottom of Edo Bay.

The strong emotional fluctuations caused Otsuki Minoru to enter a strange feeling where he could not sense time and always felt that time around him had stopped.

At this time, Otsuki Minoru suddenly felt a line of sight.

Looking in the direction of this line of sight, he saw Qingdeng's eyes that looked a little sympathetic and wanted to ask questions.

how? Do you still want to...save Otsuki Tsuneji?——Aonto asked Otsuki Minoru with his eyes and expression.

Otsuki Tsuneji was actually captured by Kithara Konosuke for this reason... To be honest, this was beyond Aonto's expectation.

Qingto had to confirm with Otsuki Minoru: Do I still want to save your cheating husband?

"..."

Otsuki Minoru lowered her head, looking at the fingertips on her legs, her eyes wandering, and she looked sad.

Qingdeng didn't know what kind of psychological activities Da Yuezhen was doing now.

The only thing that is certain is that Da Yuezhi's current emotions are very tangled and painful.

After a long time like this... Otsuki Minoru slowly raised his head.

The eyes that met Qingdeng were red, and he was about to cry.

"Tangerine-kun..."

Otsuki Minoru called Qingden's name softly, and then nodded gently.

"...Mr. Kitahara."

Aoden silently moved his eyes away from Otsuki Minoru and returned to Kitahara Konosuke's face.

"Can you please be accommodating and give Otsuki Tsuneji a chance to change his ways?"

After all, he had promised Otsuki Minoru that he would do his best to save Otsuki Tsuneji.

Now that he had made such a promise, Qingdeng didn't want to break his promise until he was helpless.

As soon as Aoshito finished speaking, Kitahara Kounosuke's face suddenly dropped.

"Lord Nioh, you used to be a "Three Chapters" samurai, but now you are the captain of the fire bandits. I think you should know very well that we Ren Xia rely on face to make a living."

"Yakuza" is the common name for Yakuza members in the Edo period. It means "bad boy".

Unless they are mocking themselves, the Yakuza will never call themselves "Yakuza". In order to make themselves look good, they often call themselves "Ren Xia".

"I can't let go of the bastard who stole my woman just because of your words."

"If this is the case, how can I still hang out on the road in the future? Huh?"

Kitahara Konosuke's words were quite intense and harsh.

For a moment, a tense atmosphere fell between Aonto and Kitahara Konosuke.

Qingdeng turned a deaf ear to the changes in the atmosphere around him and calmly said softly:

"I know. I understand the rules on the road. But everything is easy to discuss."

"Otsuki Chang has been imprisoned for so many days. He must have received enough punishment and lessons."

"I won't talk too much about other nonsense - just make a condition. What exactly do you have to do before you are willing to let him go?"

Beiyuan looked Qingdeng up and down several times, smiling superficially but not smiling at all.

"Oh? Ask me directly what conditions I want? Niou is really heroic, I admire you."

After saying that, Kitahara Konosuke's eyes flickered slightly.

That look that seemed not to be looking at Aoto, but looking at "someone", returned to Kitahara Konosuke's eyes.

After a while, Kitahara Konosuke let out a sigh of relief.

"If someone else begs me for mercy, I won't even pay attention to them."

"But since it's Niou who opened the door...well, then I'll take a step back."

"I can't let him go without any conditions. That would really disgrace me."

"Lord Nioh, as long as you can pass my two tests, I will release you immediately without any hesitation."

Qingden raised his eyebrows.

"Test? Please tell me."

"I'm not that kind of unkind and treacherous person, so I won't embarrass you by giving you tasks that you're not good at or tasks that you can't complete."

"I have heard that Lord Niou is superb in martial arts and has the courage to be invincible, so I will pass all tests related to martial arts."

Kitahara Konosuke raised the first finger.

"First, it's a bow contest. You need to complete my shooting requirements."

Kitahara Kounosuke raised his second finger.

"Second, it's a sword contest. You need to defeat the opponent I specify for you."

"As long as you can complete these two conditions, I will immediately set Da Yue Changci free and never bother him again from now on."

Qing Deng asked expressionlessly:

"...Are you serious?"

Kitahara Kounosuke pulled out a small section of the wakizashi from his waist, and then put it back into the sheath.

The clanging sound of "ding" echoed through the room.

"I will never break my promise. I swear by striking gold."

"...Okay, it's a promise."

Qing Deng grabbed the Dingguishen placed on the tatami on the right side of his body, pulled out a small section and then pulled it back forcefully - ding - the crisp sound of metal colliding lingered in his ears.

The two warriors both hit their swords against the sheaths.

So far, the oath has been fulfilled.

"Tachibana-kun...!"

At this time, Sanako hurriedly leaned towards Qingdeng, put her red lips to Qingdeng's ear, lowered her voice, and said in a voice as thin as a mosquito's hum:

"How can you agree to such an agreement casually? Let's not talk about swordsmanship, do you know archery?"

Sanako's expression was very serious, and her beautiful eyebrows vaguely showed her worry for Qingdeng.

As far as Sanako knew, Qingdeng didn't know archery.

As soon as Sanako finished speaking, Otsuki Minoru also came over.

She heard Sanako's admonition to Qingdeng, so she hurriedly and nervously echoed:

"Yes, Tachibana-kun, don't you know archery? Think twice..."

Even Sanako knew that Qingdeng had never practiced archery, let alone Otsuki Minoru, who was a childhood sweetheart with Qingdeng?

Qingdeng turned his head to look at the two girls and smiled:

"Don't worry, I have learned a little archery recently."

Qingdeng stretched out the index finger and thumb of his right hand and made a "little" gesture.

Recently... I have learned a little bit... Although Qing Deng said "don't worry", his words are not reassuring at all.

When Sanako was about to say something else——

"Good! As expected of Lord Niou! So heroic!"

Kitahara Kounosuke slapped his thigh.

"It's rare that Lord Niou is so heroic, so I can't be too nagging and rude!"

"Lord Niou, if you are ready, please follow me."

"I'll take you to the courtyard, where we will have the first competition!"

Qing Deng nodded, grabbed Ding Guishen and stood up.

"Lead the way."

Sanako and Otsuki Minoru were speechless when they saw this.

Judging from the situation, Qing Deng was determined to take on the two trials proposed by Kitahara Kounosuke...

Although the two women felt helpless and puzzled, they could do nothing about it.

Sanako's pretty face showed indignation.

She stood up, tapped her feet twice in frustration, and then quickly followed Qing Deng's back.

...

...

- Could it be that... Niou knows archery?

Kitahara Kounosuke was very happy to see Qing Deng take his two tests so quickly.

He had no intention of letting Tsukishiro go free.

If he didn't torture this bastard who dared to cheat on him to death, it would be hard to relieve his hatred.

But he couldn't just slap Qing Deng in the face.

Some time ago, the general of their Shimizu clan: Shimizu Eiichi suddenly announced to all the cadres: From now on, Niou Tachibana Aoto will be treated preferentially.

Shimizu Eiichi didn't say why.

Therefore, Kitahara Kounosuke didn't dare to be too rude to Qing Deng.

However, if he obeyed Qing Deng's order and let him go obediently, that wouldn't work.

As he said just now, in the world of Yakuza, face is everything.

Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, Kitahara Kounosuke came up with a compromise plan - that is, to propose to Aoto a "releasing condition" that seems reasonable at first glance, but is actually very difficult to complete.

As the most popular celebrity in Edo at the time, Aoto's basic personal information has long been spread all over the streets.

For example: Aoto's parents are both dead, and he is currently alone.

Another example: Aoto's background is quite ordinary, and he has not received any higher martial arts education or cultural education.

The reason why Kitahara Kounosuke proposed to test Aoto's archery is that he loves archery, and the backyard of Ren's house was converted into an archery range by him. If he tests archery, he can immediately vacate the space for use; second, because he determined that Aoto could not know archery.

In the Edo period, although archery was not considered a noble martial art, it was not something that ordinary middle- and lower-level samurai could afford to learn.

Kitahara Kounosuke was sure of this and proposed the "test of archery".

As for the other test, the swordsmanship contest... this was just something Kitahara Kounosuke said casually.

It was just to make his "release conditions" look more humane, and it didn't seem to mention only the test that was unfavorable to Qing Deng.

Niou was proficient in swordsmanship - this kind of thing was known to everyone in Edo.

Kitahara Kounosuke didn't think Qing Deng had the possibility of passing his archery test.

However, after seeing Qing Deng's solemn promise, Kitahara Kounosuke couldn't help but murmur.

—— Niou shouldn't be stupid enough to fight a battle that he had no chance of winning. Could it be... Niou knows archery? No! This is impossible! With Niou's family background, it is impossible for him to learn archery! Even if he has become successful recently and has the time and financial resources to learn archery, how good can his archery be in such a short time?

Kitahara Kounosuke was full of doubts and trepidation...

Until he led Qing Deng to the courtyard where he had just practiced archery, and handed Qing Deng a standard Japanese bow——

"Hmph..."

Kitahara Kounosuke snorted and laughed, his laughter full of sarcasm and disdain.

At this moment, Qing Deng was getting familiar with the Japanese bow that Kitahara Kounosuke had just handed him.

The way Qing Deng held the bow... was full of amateurishness.

Touched here, rubbed there.

Put it in his left hand and weighed it, then handed it to his right hand and weighed it.

It looked like he was not very familiar with the Japanese bow...

Kitahara Kounosuke was relieved when he saw this. He thought to himself complacently:

-It seems that Niou really doesn't understand archery! Hmph, I was really worried for nothing just now!

Aoden's amateurish appearance made Kitahara Kounosuke proud, but worried Sanako and Otsuki Minoru.

After hesitating for a long time, Sanako rushed out from the edge of the yard in two steps and walked to Qing Deng's side:

"Tachibana-kun, are you really... okay?"

Sanako's beautiful eyes revealed an unconcealable worry.

"It should be... okay."

Qing Deng smiled bitterly.

"This kind of bow... is the first time I use it. But it should be okay."

-First time using a Japanese bow? !

Sanako rarely showed an expression of loss of composure with her red lips slightly parted.

You haven't even used a Japanese bow, how can you say it's okay?

At this time, Kitahara Kounosuke's voice came:

"Lord Niou! Let's get started without further delay!"

Kitahara Kounosuke, who believed that Qing Deng didn't know the bow at all, just wanted to start the trial quickly, so that he could drive these annoying guys back as soon as possible.

Sanako looked at Kitahara Kounosuke, and then looked back at Qing Deng.

At this point, the matter was done.

It was too late to ask Qing Deng to go back on his word with Kitahara Kounosuke, to declare that "the agreement is invalid" or to "change to another trial".

Therefore, Sanako bit her rosy lower lip, then stood on tiptoe, and said to Qing Deng's ear:

"Tachibana-kun, listen. When drawing the bow, remember to make the bow perpendicular to the ground. The position of holding the bow is the lower arc of the bow..."

All martial arts... especially the high-tech and experience-dependent martial arts such as archery, cannot be mastered quickly by listening to a few suggestions.

But Sanako still decided to do her best and provide assistance to Qing Deng to the best of her ability.

Sanako, who has dabbled in many martial arts, has studied archery for a period of time. Although she is not proficient, she also knows the basic method of using a bow.

After quickly telling Qing Deng all the bow-making skills that she knew and could learn quickly, Sanako walked back to the edge of the courtyard unhappily.

"Lord Niou, do you see the target in front of you?"

Qing Deng looked forward - 20 meters in front of him, there was a half-man-high, straw target.

In the center of the target was a thumb-sized red circle, which represented the bull's eye.

There were two palm-sized white circles around the red circle.

"Lord Niou! I'll give you seven arrows! As long as three of the seven arrows hit the white circles, you'll pass the trial! How about it? Any objections?"

Qing Deng glanced at the distance between himself and the target with a calm look and shook his head:

"No objection."

"Okay! Let's get started! There is no time limit for this trial. You don't have to rush. Take your time and aim slowly..."

Bang!

Before Kitahara Kounosuke finished his words, an arrow steadily hit the red bull's eye.

The amateur look of "seeing a Japanese bow for the first time" disappeared.

Qing Deng stood sideways, his feet level with his shoulders; his left hand was at the lower third of the bow, the bow was at a 90-degree right angle to the ground; his hands holding the bow and pulling the string were steady and powerful.

Qing Deng drew the second arrow from the quiver beside him expressionlessly.

Nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, basically not aiming - just raising his hand and releasing.

Boom!

Hitting the bull's eye again.

Qing Deng drew the third arrow without stopping.

Nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, basically not aiming - just raising his hand and releasing.

Boom!

Hitting the bull's eye for the third time.

Three arrows, three hits on the bull's eye.

The distance between each arrow was no more than 2 mm.

The whole courtyard was dead silent.

******

******

Okay... I lied yesterday... I didn't have anyone to spend Valentine's Day with! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

The author actually adjusted his work and rest yesterday. Because I have been writing novels by hand recently, I have to change my life rhythm and update rhythm. After adjusting my daily routine yesterday, the effect was immediate - I updated the article very smoothly today.

Today, there are 11,000 words! There are foreshadowings, plots, Sanako, and pretentious and face-slapping. Is it too much to ask for monthly votes? (Baotou crying.jpg)

Please give me monthly votes! Please give me recommendation votes!

It turns out that the golden ratio of the human body starts from the navel, not from the buttocks... Then I am stupid (Baotou crying.jpg)

Forget the setting that Sanako's legs are 1.1 meters long...

In short, Sanako's legs are very long, straight and fleshy! Everyone can imagine it by themselves!