Yokokura Keinosuke originally designed a triple line of defense.
The first line of defense is the archers.
When Qingdeng and others broke through the shooting range of the archers, it was the second line of defense's turn...that is, the spearmen began to show off their power.
Even if the spearmen's blockade is broken through, the two swordsmen standing closest to the bridge will shoulder the responsibility of the last layer of defense.
Judging from the positioning, personnel and equipment configuration, Yokokura Keinosuke's formation is almost beyond reproach.
The long-range soldiers stand in the last row, the medium-range soldiers are in the middle, and the melee soldiers stand in the front. Their weapons will not hinder each other, so that the combat power can be maximized.
However, no matter what... they encountered Qingdeng with all the buffs turned on!
"Gu Gu", "Gathering God", "Berserker" - it is rare that these three buffs are turned on at the same time.
Although most of his physical strength was consumed in "mountain parkour", it was more than enough to deal with inferior soldiers and generals.
Neither swordsmen nor spearmen are Qingdeng's enemies.
Aoto took the lives of these three people with three swings of his sword - the same goes for Yokokura Kinosuke.
The shining blade cut a large gash in Yokokura Kinosuke's belly, which was as big as a pig. Even a doctor in the 21st century could only frown and shake his head when he saw it.
In an instant, large amounts of smelly blood and disgusting fat splashed all over the floor like a fountain.
"Ho...ho...ho...!"
The blood on Yokokura Keinosuke's face receded as quickly as the tide, and his face was as pale as if he had just been dusted with flour.
While making a meaningless sound of "ho ho ho", he subconsciously made a counterattack - one hand pressed his stomach where blood was spurting out, and the other hand raised the knife tremblingly above his head.
But after just a moment, the knife in his hand fell to the ground, his eyes rolled upwards, his head tilted back as if being pulled by his eyes, his body bent forward like a shrimp, and then he fell sideways to the ground. There was too much air coming in and too little air coming out. Even Hua Tuo and Sun Simiao couldn't save him.
The only enemies in front were the two archers—these two men no longer needed Qingdeng to take action himself.
"Whoaaah!"
"Kill!"
Aoi and the others, who were not far behind Qingteng, passed Qingteng from the left and right sides like wolves and tigers, and pounced on the two archers like ferocious beasts!
Morale is such a wonderful thing.
The two archers, who together with Yokokura Keinosuke and other companions had made up their mind to "not run away anymore, but to fight the dog officers and soldiers here", a minute ago were looking high-spirited and looking forward to death. appearance.
As a result, just one minute later, after witnessing Qingdeng successively breaking through their arrow blockade, spear interception, and cutting down the number of their companions to a number that could be counted on the palm of a hand, their morale, His fighting spirit collapsed instantly.
The fighting spirit was gone - the two archers briefly forgot about the fatigue of their lower body, turned around and fled.
But it's obvious: it's too late.
When Shirasaki Heijiro, a veteran who had high self-esteem, witnessed with his own eyes Aoto drew his sword and chopped Akabane in half without saying a word, the expression on his face instantly became unprecedentedly complex. It's hard to fathom what he was thinking after seeing Akabane's tragic death.
Although it was impossible to understand what he was thinking, anyone with a discerning eye could see that his attitude suddenly became particularly obedient and positive.
Not only did he drag an old body and follow Qingdeng unswervingly, but he also acted very actively when the battle to seize the bridge began - he was the second person to jump onto the single-plank bridge after Qingdeng. .
With his spear skills among the best in the Third Division, Shirasaki Heijiro gave a short shout, thrust his spear straight, and stabbed a certain archer to the core, hitting two holes with one shot!
As for the other person, he was more unlucky. In his haste to retreat and escape, he didn't notice a raised stone at his feet - bang - and with a loud sound that made everyone's toes ache, the man screamed and fell face down. If you fall down, you will eat shit.
What happened next... doesn’t need to be described in detail.
The flashes of swords and gun shadows coming from all directions cut off his sinful life...
…
——Successful...
Aomori lowered his head and fixed his sight, which was rising and falling with rapid breathing and shaking violently, on Kinosuke Yokokura, who was breathing very weakly at his feet.
Then, Qingdeng looked at the Dingguishen in his hand, and then looked up at the subordinates around him.
They were really in the vast mountains, outrunning the bandits who were familiar with the mountains, and captured the leader of the Soma clan: Yokokura Keinosuke - when I thought of this, I felt an unrealistic feeling as if I was floating in the air. Qingdeng's heart surged uncontrollably.
At this time, like a fluttering bird, the black shadow swaying slightly in the corner of Qingdeng's right eye brought Qingdeng back to reality.
Turning around, he saw the Chengji flag that Aoto had thrown hard into the ground behind Yokokura Keinosuke and others in the battle just now to free up his left hand.
While breathing evenly, Qingdeng raised his knife and walked towards the flag that was planted sideways on the ground, and pulled the flagpole back into his palm.
Then, he slowly turned around and faced his tribe.
The calming ghosts and the light smiles rose simultaneously - the former rose to the sky, and the latter rose to Qingdeng's cheeks.
"The Thief Chief...has been acquired by us...by our Third Division!"
The next moment, huge cheers lifted the dull air.
"Oh oh oh oh oh oh--!"
Those who still have the strength to shout should shout louder.
Those who didn't have the strength to shout could still wave their fists or weapons in their hands as high as they could.
There is a high-spirited and exciting atmosphere all around!
"..." Shirasaki Heijiro silently looked at everything around him and his colleagues who were immersed in the ecstatic atmosphere.
At first, Shirosaki thought it was an illusion. But gradually, he discovered that he had not admitted his mistake - the spirit of his colleagues was indeed a little more... different than before.
Strictly speaking, the members of the Third Division did not make any significant contributions in this pursuit.
Most of the gangsters, including Keinosuke Yokokura, were killed by Aoto. The only heads captured by the rest were the two archers.
but! The soldiers can always follow the captain closely and accompany the captain to fight to the end - at a time when the power of the Tokugawa family is gradually declining and the generals of the shogunate are generally unable to take on major responsibilities, this in itself is an incredible achievement!
In the future, when rewards are given based on merit, everyone present will definitely have their share.
How long have it been since the soldiers of the Third Division had such a brilliant performance on the battlefield? How long has it been since you felt so proud?
At this time, Shirosaki realized what the extra bit of energy in his colleagues was.
It's pride.
Feeling overjoyed and proud that he had accomplished such a brilliant feat—Shirasaki couldn't remember the last time he saw such emotion on the faces of his colleagues.
"..." Shirasaki Heijiro, who took in everything in front of him, silently closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
When he opened his eyes again, the emotions in Shirasaki's eyes had changed slightly.
There is something extra - as if I have given up something.
At the same time, something was missing - as if I no longer had the obsession to pursue something.
The next moment, Shirasaki raised the spear in his hand high and joined in the cheers.
…
The enemy's head has been the most important evidence for judging military exploits since ancient times.
If Aoto and his team don't take Yokokura Kinosuke's head back, they won't be able to prove to their superiors that they successfully defeated the leader of the Soma clan.
Qingdeng put the sincerity flag back on the ground, raised the knife and walked towards Yokokura Kinosuke, preparing to take off Yokokura Kinosuke's head himself.
Just when Aoto half-crouched above Yokokura Kinosuke's head, aiming the Kishin-samazing blade at Yokokura Kinosuke's neck... the next thing was unbelievable, but it really happened to Aoto. Deng, happened in front of everyone.
I saw the dying Yokokura Keinosuke suddenly opened his eyes!
The two cloudy eyes were covered with extremely disgusting red bloodshot eyes, and the whites of the eyes were almost invisible.
To be honest... Qingdeng didn't know whether to call these two things "human eyeballs" - because the series of movements they followed were so terrifying and bizarre.
Gululu... basically only the red and black "eyeballs" are left, which turn upwards with mechanical movements, making a subtle sound of "Gululu".
The "eyeballs" seemed to have a sense of autonomy, looking straight at Qingdeng, making eye contact with Qingdeng.
"?!" Qingdeng's expression was instantly dominated by intense shock, his pupils shrank to the size of pinholes, and an ominous premonition flashed through his mind like lightning.
The next moment, a strong wind bit Qingdeng!
Yokokura Keinosuke, who should no longer have the strength to grasp the knife, suddenly closed the five fingers of his right hand and grasped the handle of the knife! Immediately afterwards, he swung his knife and slashed up from below, slashing towards Qingdeng's head!
At this critical moment, the new talent Qingto copied from Kanazawa Chusuke a few days ago: the "super speed" that enhances reflex nerves, suddenly shines like gold!
I saw Qingden quickly gathering the Ding Guishen back to his chest and quickly retreating, using very reluctant movements to dodge the knife.
Although his head was saved, he was not unharmed and his right arm was sliced open.
If there was no "super speed" to help, if Qingdeng's movements were a beat slower... No! Half a beat! The consequences would be disastrous!
"What's going on?! How come this damn fat guy is alive again?"
"It doesn't make sense! There's no way you can stand up with such a big gash in your stomach!"
"Tachibana-sama! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." Qingden lowered his eyes and looked at the spot where he had been stabbed - it was not deep into the flesh, but the artery was cut and bright red blood was flowing.
Qingdeng tore off a 2-inch-wide strip of cloth from his shirt and used it as a bandage. He used his hands and mouth together to simply bandage the wound.
"Ho...ho...ho...ho..."
Yokokura Keinosuke slowly got up while letting out meaningless groans - his movements when getting up were very strange. First, use the soles of your feet to step firmly on the ground, then use your legs to hold your waist to support it, and then use your belt to straighten your head.
The soldiers quickly calmed down their excitement, raised their weapons nervously, and surrounded Kinosuke Yokokura, who suddenly stood up, three levels inside and three outside.
"Ho...ho...kill...ho...come on...kill...kill...come on..."
Intermittent moans and broken words popped out from Yokokura Keinosuke's lips one by one. He was like a cat in a state of stress, his back arched. The movement of holding the knife... there is basically no posture at all. He just lifts the knife in his hand to his side and pokes the tip of the knife on the ground. His dull eyes looked around.
It looks so weird...it feels like...it's been parasitized by something...
Soon enough, Kinosuke Yokokura let out an "ouch" and rushed out with his sword in hand! Pounce straight ahead!
"Ho...! Go to hell...!"
Yokokura Keinosuke tied his waist with his feet and his arms with his belt. Raise the knife in your hand from bottom to top.
Even though his body has become like a zombie, the blade in Yokokura Keinosuke's palm still shines with the unique sharpness of a swordsman.
The state that Yokokura Keinosuke was in was so weird that every team member present turned pale with shock and had their hair standing on end. For a moment, no one knew what to do, neither advance nor retreat.
Because the people's wisdom is not yet enlightened, people in this era are all very superstitious.
From the nobles and warriors to the ordinary people, everyone basically believed in the theory of ghosts and gods.
His stomach was opened with such a big hole, but not only did he not die, but he stood up and fought again... This was beyond the understanding of all the soldiers.
Many team members couldn't help but think: This damn fat man...could he be possessed by some evil spirit?
It just so happens that they are now deep in the mountains.
In the ancient Japanese concept, places such as mountains and seas that are difficult for humans to enter have always been places where gods and demons inhabit.
It makes perfect sense to encounter evil spirits and be possessed by evil spirits in a place like this!
The courage and fighting spirit of the team members instantly collapsed - fighting monsters and monsters... This was too difficult for them!
Seeing Yokokura Keinosuke rushing over with his sword raised, all the soldiers who happened to be standing in front of him retreated as if they were avoiding lepers, like waves breaking.
At this time, someone suddenly shouted:
"Dad, everyone, please don't be afraid! This kind of ghost that makes its home in the wild mountains and wild mountains must not be very powerful! Does anyone know how to recite sutras? Recite sutras to him! Use the power of Buddha to drive away the evil spirits! Namo Amitabha...! Namo Amitabha...! Namo Amitabha...! There is no Amitabha Buddha...! There is no Amitabha Buddha...!"
After this loud reminder, the man put his hands together, closed his eyes tightly, and repeatedly recited this Buddhist term he only knew.
After hearing this warning, the rest of the people all had expressions like "Yeah! Why didn't I think of that?"
In the blink of an eye, scenes of slightly funny scenes were staged one after another.
People who believe in Buddhism take out the Buddhist beads they carry with them from their arms and belts to pray for blessings and ward off evil spirits, chant the Buddha's name, and chant Buddhist scriptures, trying to rely on the power of Buddha to force back the evil spirit that is attached to Yokokura Keinosuke. Evil spirits in the body.
People who believe in Shintoism take out salt, charms and other things that have the power of purification according to Shintoism's teachings. Those who sprinkle salt spread salt, and those who recite incantations recite incantations.
There were also some people who also believed in Shintoism. They picked up a long bow without nocking an arrow. They just pointed the bare bow body at Yokokura Keinosuke and repeatedly pulled and released the string.
This is the "art of the worm", which involves pulling the string of a bow without an arrow and using the sound of the string to drive away evil spirits.
Buddhism and Shintoism, believers of both religions show their own magical powers.
Various "spells" and "magic weapons" with various names were thrown at Keinosuke Yokokura.
Amidst the chaos... Qingden silently bandaged the wound on his right arm.
After tying a beautiful and stable bow on the cloth, Qingdeng handed Dingguishen to his left hand solemnly:
"Get out of the way, I'll kill him!"
Due to the injury to his right arm, Qingdeng could only use his left hand to hold the knife.
For Qingdeng, who is "left-handed", it doesn't matter which hand he uses.
Whether he wields the sword with his left hand or with his right hand, it will not affect his swordsmanship at all.
"Lord Tachibana!" Aoi shouted, "This, this damn fat guy might be possessed by a demon! You, you, you'd better not get close to him!"
As soon as Lan Jingyang said this, there were echoes everywhere.
"A demon..."
Qingdeng muttered, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.
A disapproving sneer appeared on his lips.
It's not that Qingdeng doesn't believe in strange powers and chaotic gods - it's just that "curiosity" outweighs "fear"!
"I want to see if my 'Nioh' sword can defeat demons!"
The next moment, Qingdeng strode forward, showing unrivaled momentum!
At the same time, as if sensing a dangerous animal, Yokokura Keinosuke turned around at lightning speed, glared at Ayoto, and then stepped forward!
The two people shot out and rushed toward each other, their bodies intertwined for an instant.
The first round... and also the last round of confrontation between the two sides ended in a flash of lightning.
Aoden's Dingkishin blew up a strong wind and chopped off Yokokura Kinosuke's forehead with a knife.
Yokokura Keinosuke's attack speed seemed to be no slower than Aoto's, but his sword only hit Aoto's shadow.
Anyone who witnessed it could clearly see the huge difference in strength between the two sides in this short duel just now.
Qingdeng's two feet and his left arm grabbing the knife firmly controlled the space.
Compared to Aoto's swift and precise slashes, Yokokura Keinosuke looked like a layman learning swordsmanship on his first day, with clumsy and slow movements.
Not only his stomach, but also his forehead now had a bigger hole than an ordinary person's. Yokokura Keinosuke was lying on his back, his mouth wide open, as if he wanted to say something or shout something.
If Keinosuke Yokokura still has a way to continue fighting with his sword when the Tianling Cap is blown away... then Aomori doesn't know what to do.
But fortunately - such a horrifying scene did not appear before Qingdeng's eyes.
After a while, the last bit of life remaining in Yokokura Keinosuke's eyes dissipated.
Then, he weakly bent his knees, and his neck hung weakly on his chest, as if staring at the wound on his stomach.
Qingdeng did not approach rashly.
It wasn't until he was convinced that Yokokura Kinosuke's breathing was indeed completely cut off that he let out a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Qingto suddenly saw something slipping from Yokokura Keinosuke's body.
It is a very small porcelain bottle.
The porcelain bottle accidentally fell on a rock. With a "click" sound, the porcelain bottle broke into countless pieces, and the contents inside - red and purple pills scattered everywhere.
Qingdeng looked down at the pills, and his eyebrows instantly furrowed into the character "Chuan".
"This is……?!"
A strong sense of familiarity hit Qingdeng's heart...
…
…
The first year of Wanyan (1860), December 3——
Kai, Inowa Village, early morning——
Anyone who has studied geography in high school knows that because of various factors such as terrain, air pressure, and solar radiation heat energy is more easily absorbed by vegetation and less likely to be released, mountainous areas and mountainous areas are generally much colder than plain areas.
Qingdeng has never lived in a mountainous area, either in his past life or in this life, so he has always only had a theoretical understanding of the coldness of mountainous areas.
It wasn't until recently that Qingdeng truly understood what this section of knowledge in the high school geography book meant...
Qingdeng woke up from the cold and opened his eyes, staring straight at the thatched roof that he was used to seeing. He opened his mouth and made a "hiss" sound, and a cloud of white mist came out from his mouth and nose.
"It's so cold...what's going on..."
Qingdeng threw on some clothes casually, jumped out of bed and rushed out the door.
The dazzling light made Qingden lower his eyelids and use his long eyelashes to filter the light.
After his eyes slightly adjusted to the light outside the room, Qingdeng slowly opened his eyes - a world of pure white.
"It's snowing... no wonder it's so cold..."
"Ah! Mr. Tachibana!"
A pleasant female voice sounded beside him - Kanazawa Qin, dressed in men's clothing, holding a cotton coat and running towards Qingden happily.
*******
*******
All martial arts-related videos on Station B, including barrage and comment sections, are really messy! There are so many “Sword Masters” at Station B! The sentence on the left says that the sword is not straight, and the sentence on the right is "not as good as the old man practicing swordsmanship in the park near my home." I am really convinced.
(End of chapter)
