Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment before saying, "That's really impressive. You should work even harder then. Maybe one day you'll truly become a master."

Watanabe Hideaki was very pleased with Ling Zhenfei's words.

"Really, Big Brother Ling? If you say that, I'm truly happy. I'm quite skilled right now. Why don't I perform for you?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "There's no need. There's not really a suitable place here."

However, Watanabe Hideaki seemed intent on showing off to Ling Zhenfei and pulled on his hand, insisting on performing.

With no choice, Ling Zhenfei followed Watanabe Hideaki, who led him to the side of the Plum Blossom Pavilion.

Watanabe Hideaki glanced around and said, "You just stand in the pavilion and watch, and I'll perform on the lake."

As he spoke, Watanabe Hideaki leaped onto the pond. By now, the pond had frozen over, turning the whole lake into a white expanse, surrounded by pink plum blossoms, creating a grand stage.

Watanabe Hideaki drew his sword from his waist, smiled at Ling Zhenfei, and started his performance. One had to admit that Watanabe Hideaki's sword dance was rather impressive.

The sword danced gracefully, resembling a beautiful fairy elegantly moving amidst the plum blossoms.

For a moment, Ling Zhenfei was entranced, although Watanabe Hideaki's swordplay wasn't practical for combat, it was certainly captivating.

Ling Zhenfei even felt an urge to keep watching, but after Hideaki finished his sword dance, he sheathed his sword.

"Wow, that was truly beautiful."

Ling Zhenfei heard applause from afar, signaling it wasn't just one person.

Looking over, he saw a group of people in a corner of the pond watching and egging on the spectacle.

Seeing this group, Watanabe Hideaki seemed a bit displeased and began walking toward Ling Zhenfei. But suddenly, a person dashed out from that group, landed on the ice, and ran toward Watanabe Hideaki.

Being trained martial artists, their speed was fast, and the figure quickly reached Watanabe Hideaki.

"Sister Hideaki, don't leave so abruptly, why the rush?"

The person blocked Watanabe Hideaki's path, smiling and addressing her in a teasing manner.

Watanabe Hideaki seemed quite annoyed as she replied, "Kugi Lang, stay away from me."

Kugi Lang appeared no older than twenty-something, around the same age as Ling Zhenfei, with the air of a playboy, seemingly unafraid of Watanabe Hideaki.

"Sister Hideaki, that's not right. I just applauded for your sword dance on the ice, yet now you're acting like you don't know me."

Watanabe Hideaki responded, "My sword dance on the ice has nothing to do with you, isn't that a bit much?"

Kugi Lang said, "What a thing to say. Dancing alone must be boring. Let me join you in a dance."

Watanabe Hideaki laughed, "It's laughable to hear you say you can dance with a sword."

Kugi Lang replied, "Oh, come on. If my sword dance can bring a smile to Sister Hideaki's face, I'd be overjoyed."

Watanabe Hideaki said, "If you want to dance with a sword, do it yourself. I'm leaving."

With that, Watanabe Hideaki attempted to leave, but Kugi Lang blocked her and drew his sword, holding it out in front of her, saying, "A samurai's challenge, Sister Hideaki, I challenge you."

It seemed this kind of samurai challenge couldn't be refused, and Watanabe Hideaki was furious: "Why challenge me? A man challenging me, aren't you ashamed?"

Kugi Lang laughed, "Why so serious? It's just a sparring match between samurai. Besides, the frozen pond makes for a great arena."

Ling Zhenfei watched the two with interest, curious to see what would ultimately unfold.

Watanabe Hideaki snorted, "Kugi Lang, wait and see. I'll make you crawl away in defeat."

Kugi Lang, ever the provocateur, chuckled, "Alright, I'll wait to be beaten down by Sister Hideaki."

They positioned themselves at the center of the pond, standing about three or four meters apart.

Watanabe Hideaki declared, "Then we'll use swords."

Kugi Lang said, "Whatever works, I just hope my sword doesn't hurt Sister Hideaki."

"You don't have to use a sword." Watanabe Hideaki drew her katana, facing Kugi Lang.

Kugi Lang chuckled, "Alright, since Sister Hideaki insists, I won't use a weapon."

Watanabe Hideaki was momentarily surprised that Kugi Lang actually agreed to go weaponless.

"Fine, then let me show you how strong I am."

With that, Watanabe Hideaki charged at Kugi Lang, her katana gleaming coldly.

Ling Zhenfei, observing, realized Watanabe Hideaki might be at a disadvantage. From Kugi Lang's approach earlier, Ling Zhenfei could tell Kugi Lang was no ordinary individual.

His strength was undoubtedly above Watanabe Hideaki, whose skills were more for show, lacking practicality. Kugi Lang was the complete opposite.

By now, Watanabe Hideaki had rushed in, her katana swinging threateningly at Kugi Lang, her momentum appeared intimidating.

But fighting requires more than fierceness; Kugi Lang dodged with ease, leaving Watanabe Hideaki unable to land a blow.

"Oh dear, Sister Hideaki, your speed's just a tad slow, you didn't hit me."

"Sister Hideaki, keep going, you're about to defeat me."

Kugi Lang provocatively teased as he evaded, infuriating Watanabe Hideaki, whose sword failed to touch her agile opponent.

In anger, Watanabe Hideaki swung her sword down from above, but Kugi Lang caught her arm, his first defensive move successfully pinning her down.

Watanabe Hideaki tried to pull her sword back but couldn't, while Kugi Lang smiled, "Sister Hideaki, why aren't you taking back your sword? Do you hesitate to strike me?"

Watanabe Hideaki fumed, "What are you talking about? I'd love nothing more than to kill you."

Kugi Lang laughed, "I don't believe it. There's no way Sister Hideaki would dare harm me, you're probably feeling sorry for me."

Watanabe Hideaki's face flushed with indignation, unable to retrieve her sword. Frustrated, she kicked at Kugi Lang, only for him to catch her foot as well.

Kugi Lang grinned, "What's this, Sister Hideaki? Showing me your pretty foot? You know how much I like your feet, they truly are beautiful."

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