Illimitable Until Death - Chapter 12

At this moment, the previously bustling scene fell silent.

Under the stage, the samurai’s all looked at the scene on the stage. There was no more applause or excitement like the beginning, only an attitude of watching the show now.

On the stage, Konochi Kurusu closed his eyes and slowly unsheathed his sword, expressionless.

Facing him, Fang Li took a deep breath and placed his hand on the dagger at his waist.

The atmosphere around them became solemn.

In the audience, Araka Kibito frowned looking back and forth, unable to bear it any longer, he spoke up.

“Kurusu, don’t go too far.”

“No need to worry.” Konochi Kurusu opened his eyes and gazed at Fang Li. He didn’t raise his katana, just spoke calmly, “I won’t resort to violence against an ordinary person without any martial arts foundation.”

As a samurai who had practiced swordsmanship for many years, Konochi Kurusu could easily tell if his opponent had any training from their stance.

Therefore, seeing the flaws in Fang Li’s posture, Konochi Kurusu could be sure that the wanderer before him had never practiced any martial arts.

Then, Konochi Kurusu said indifferently, “If you leave now, I can pretend that nothing happened.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Li smiled and shook his head, making Konochi Kurusu’s gaze become more inquisitive.

“I know, you haven’t practiced martial arts,” Konochi Kurusu said straightforwardly. “Why would someone like you, who has no martial arts skills, challenge me, a samurai?”

Upon hearing Konochi Kurusu’s words, everyone around directed their gaze towards Fang Li.

Under the scrutiny of so many people, Fang Li remained slightly silent before truthfully answering, “I just want to give it a try.”

“Give it a try?” Konochi Kurusu was taken aback.

“That’s right, give it a try,” Fang Li nodded, still speaking honestly. “I know it’s difficult for me to win against you, but as long as there’s a slight chance, isn’t it necessary to give it a try?”

According to the system’s assessment, Fang Li’s success rate of defeating Konochi Kurusu was only 10%.

Perhaps this 10% was due to Fang Li’s possession of the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception?

After all, in terms of attributes, Fang Li only had AGI (Agility) to boast of, and it was just one point higher than the average of a well-trained twenty-year-old human youth.

Meanwhile, Konochi Kurusu, the authentic samurai, likely exceeded the average level of 5 points in STR (Strength), VIT (Endurance), and AGI (Agility), apart from INT (Mystery).

In other words, in terms of attributes alone, the opponent completely outclassed Fang Li.

Moreover, the opponent was not a reckless and clueless Kabane who knew nothing but charging and attacking.

There was no way Konochi Kurusu’s years of swordsmanship training could lose to a young man who was an ordinary student just a day ago.

The Mystic Eyes of Death Perception could give Fang Li the winning edge, but it couldn’t be used.

This was just a friendly match, not a fight to the death.

If he used the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, Fang Li might accidentally kill Konochi Kurusu.

In that case, Fang Li would probably be torn to pieces by the enraged samurai’s of the Yomogawa Family, right?

Considering this, the success rate of 10% given by the system’s assessment is actually irrelevant.

Facing Konochi Kurusu, the difficulty is only higher than the Quest level.

However, Fang Li still wanted to give it a try.

The 3000 Exchange points were a significant temptation is one reason.

The main reason, however, was that Fang Li had a method to win.

A highly dangerous method.

“Do you mean that without martial arts, one cannot defeat a samurai?” Fang Li drew his dagger and stared at Konochi Kurusu, saying, “Let’s give it a try.”

“…Is that so?” Konochi Kurusu’s expression returned to coldness. He raised his katana slowly, pointing the blade at Fang Li and said in a deep voice, “You have some courage, but whether you’re just talking big or have some real skill, let me find out.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Li gazed at the sharp blade pointed at him by Konochi Kurusu, and his heart inexplicably calmed down.

Originally, in this highly anticipated situation, Fang Li was a little nervous.

However, as soon as he faced combat, Fang Li felt an incredible calmness within himself, just like when he fought the Kabane in the forest.

For battle, the most tragic outcome was death, nothing more.

Anything related to death didn’t cause a ripple in Fang Li’s heart.

At least, from childhood to adulthood, Fang Li only feared his father and teacher when they were angry. Apart from that, he was fearless of anything else.

There is a saying that applies well:

“If you’re not afraid of death, what is there to fear?”

This saying can be applied to Fang Li almost completely.

Even when facing the Kabane in battle, or even a samurai stronger than the Kabane, it was the same.

“Attack.” Konochi Kurusu stared at Fang Li and said directly, “I won’t hold back.”

“Is that so?” Fang Li smiled meaningfully. “But I think you will.”

These words made Konochi Kurusu pause.

In that moment, Fang Li swiftly stepped on the ground and dashed forward.

The stage wasn’t very large, with a diameter of no more than ten meters.

The distance between Fang Li and Konochi Kurusu was not far, only about two or three meters.

For Fang Li, who had an AGI (Agility) of 6 points, this distance was almost negligible.

So, when Konochi Kurusu reacted, Fang Li had already rushed in front of him.

“————!”

Konochi Kurusu, who had just reacted, showed a conditioned reflex. He raised his katana sharply and decisively aimed at Fang Li’s head.

“Swish—!”

The sound of the wind being cut rang out.

The sharp katana sliced through the air, like a thunderbolt descending from the sky, forcefully splitting towards Fang Li’s head.

In such a situation, the split wind pressure blew over Fang Li’s head as he charged towards Konochi Kurusu, making his bangs rustle.

It was just a hasty slash made on instinct, but it was merciless.

Of course, for Konochi Kurusu, this slash was only meant to force Fang Li back.

Although Fang Li hadn’t practiced martial arts, his speed was not weak.

In Konochi Kurusu’s opinion, with Fang Li’s speed, he should be able to dodge this slash.

Then, Konochi Kurusu would follow up with another strike, knocking away the dagger in Fang Li’s hand, and that would be the end.

However, something unexpected happened, beyond Konochi Kurusu’s expectations.