A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

[Namdynamo]

Thank you Jean, great cliff hanger as always.

I wonder what happened to all the female posters in this thread, there use to be quite a few. Lately we see an increase in the number of male posters but a proportionate decrease in the female posters discussing the novel in this thread.

Hey ladies, is it the overall male attitude in this story that is turning you off?

[Namdynamo]

cliff hangers like this are Jeans very own "deadly kiss!" haha

there is no way he can fight off these guys with a woman tied to his back.. his mobility will be waaay to restricted... will be cool to find out how he gets out of it!

Sounds like our little Fish here lately has been "deadly kissing up" to Jean! Hahaha.

[tweety365]

I wonder what happened to all the female posters in this thread, there use to be quite a few. Lately we see an increase in the number of male posters but a proportionate decrease in the female posters discussing the novel in this thread.

Hey ladies, is it the overall male attitude in this story that is turning you off?

Well, I'm not put off by the male attitude. Just been very busy and haven't had the chance to catch up. Now that I'm up to date, Jean has once again spun her deadly magic and I'm forced to wait over the weekend.

50kg may be ok for a guy to carry around for a bit, but to run through the city is another matter. But XSL is able to lift that heavy sword of his so a skinny woman strapped to his back is a small feat. That Xiao Weimou is so annoying. I hope XSL finish him off soon.

[smurf120]

On the contrary, I am quite attuned to the story - just surprised Jean's back to work already! How are you feeling Jean?

I love this story and have been giving my boyfriend weekly verbal updates - he's not really the reading type. He's hooked too! Talk about cliffhangers!

[ChronoReverse]

thank you jean, for the update! i think 50 kg is not a big problem for ordinary man to carry.

Carry sure, but try carrying it for an extended period (like more than 30 minutes) while doing something like jogging. Even 10KG becomes a burden.

[Shi-Potian]

Thanks for another magnificent update Jean it is highly appreciated i always enjoy your updates even if sometimes i do fail to post a reply!!!anyway this is getting really interesting i wonder what is going to happen to our hero and Xiao Qian.. .. . .. ... Maybe Yi Jinran really did fall in love with our hero and will appear out of the blue to save him and escort him out of Wei????i have the feeling that when she betrays Wei for Shaolong that Wei's #1 swordsmen will appear to take her out and of course it will be Xiang Shaolong with his unorthodox army skills to save her and defeat the #1 swordsmen i hope Prince Xinling is so jealous he can spew up blood once he finds out Shaolong won the meiren,having that other ugly villain in zhao spew blood bcuz of it wont be bad either.. .. . .. . on a side note like shaolong i am starting to like lady pinyaun quite a bit now as well as she is falling in love with the hero but is suffering inner turmoil due to the fact that her brother is going to kill him if she warns shaolong that will be the icing on the cake!!!Back to the point about what is he going to do to the person wjho takes animals as his teacher and his subordinates i hope shaolong can just whip out some of his flying needles and show these ancient pugilists his lihai-ness! once again thank you for a highly enjoyable update

[little Fish]

Sounds like our little Fish here lately has been "deadly kissing up" to Jean! Hahaha.

hahaha, no need to point it out to jean!! im trying to be subtle!!

[Jean]

it's gonna be quite a long fight...

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Xiang Shaolong quietly counted, there’s altogether 19 of them and all of them looked strong and stout. Luckily the other party obviously came out in a hurry and did not have with them long distance weapons like bows and arrows, or else they could have killed them easily.

The 19 of them spread out and surrounded him in a crescent moon formation so that there’s no way he can escape.

Xiao Weimou laughed icily, “I’ve expected you to try to escape at the last moment, so I’ve been keeping an eye on you day and night. Ha! That should be the beautiful princess you have on your back! Tonight I can guarantee that she will die in ecstasy.”

His men on hearing his words started laughing lewdly.

Xiao Weimou added another sentence, “After I’ve had my fun, all of you will have a share!”

These ferocious men whooped, obviously they have already regarded Zhao Qian as a sure catch.

Xiang Shaolong followed the things he learnt in the past during military training and breathed deep and long to maintain his calm and at the same time loosened the cloth that bind Zhao Qian to him. He instructed, “Qian’er! This is a life and death situation, you must be brave and no matter what you have to hide behind me.”

Zhao Qian was so frightened that she was loosing her senses but after hearing Xiang Shaolong’s calm and confident voice, her courage increased and she stood firmly on the ground. However, the blood was not flowing properly to her limbs yet and she felt them go soft so she hurriedly pressed onto his shoulders and leaned on his back.

Xiao Weimou saw that this is a chance not to be missed so he waved his heavy sword and shouted, “Attack!”

Xiang Shaolong withdrew his wooden sword and stood his stance without a word, his eagle sharp eyes keeping track on the enemies who are coming towards him from the left, right and front.

Xiao Weimou led the rest and followed behind, tightening the encirclement towards Xiang Shaolong.

The people in the houses on both sides who were rudely awaken stuck their heads out the windows for a proper look but with swears coming from Xiao Weimou’s men, they were so frightened they retracted, afraid to see what’s happening.

Right at this time 3 long swords attacked towards Xiang Shaolong simultaneously.

Once Xiang Shaolong saw his opponent’s swordplay, he knows that he’s facing formidable opponents. Since his men are already so good, naturally Xiao Weimou would be even better.

But now there’s no time to think further, the hand which has a flying needle hidden flew out and struck right at the face of the enemy to his left. The wooden sword in his right hand blocked off the long sword attacking him from the middle and he used the opportunity where his opponent’s sword was reflected up to execute a side kick and kicked hard on his opponent’s groin, after which he fended off the attacker on the right with a sweep of his sword.

The one who got struck by the needle fell facing up, and died on the spot.

The one who got struck by the leg fell backwards, unable to get up.

Xiao Weimou did not expect him to be so formidable and was immediately furious as he shouted, “Attack!” He raised his sword and attacked first, not giving him a chance to take out another flying needle.

Xiang Shaolong’s left hand drew out Flying Rainbow from his waist. For a warrior like him who has undergone rigorous training, both his left and right hands are equally nimble and strong, not like the average person who favors only the use of one hand.

Xiang Shaolong cried out, “Qian’er follow me!” and he moved diagonally to avoid Xiao Weimou.

Zhao Qian followed behind him.

The murderous air from the flash of the swords came from 3 directions.

Xiang Shaolong knows that this is a matter of life and death and he cannot retreat. He felt valor rising up in him and vowed to protect the beauty behind him with his life. His right hand holding the wooden sword and left hand holding Flying Rainbow, he attacked fiercely, his magnificent and forceful aura is even stronger than the enemy’s.

The sound of metal and wood clanging against each other was heard and blood was seen at the same time on Xiang Shaolong and his opponent. His chest was struck by the enemy’s sword but luckily he has his armor and although his enemy’s sword was sharp, it could only pierce through the armor a little and cause an injury about half an inch deep.

The other sword slashed towards his waist but it struck the belt that held his steel needles so he was not injured.

Such close combat is extremely dangerous, a case of either you perish or I die. Especially when Xiang Shaolong has to protect Zhao Qian behind him, he cannot try to avoid his enemy’s sword so he was injured once they fought. It only leaves to be seen who will be the last to fall before a victor can be ascertained.

Amongst the 5 who attacked, one has his throat cut by Flying Rainbow and died on the spot. His wooden sword struck another’s arm and the long sword immediately fell to the ground as he hurriedly retreated while the other 3 were forced back by his attack.

The sound of weapons slicing through the air could be heard from his left and right and Xiang Shaolong swept his sword towards the right only to see Xiao Weimou dashing towards him from the right, waving his sword towards his head.

At the same time Zhao Qian screamed, another enemy was coming from the left near the wall, his target is obviously Zhao Qian.

Zheng Lei and Ning Chong whose swordsmanship were only below Xiao Weimou came attacking from the front one behind another with the aim to kill Xiang Shaolong with one blow.

These people are very experienced in fighting and once they strike they will not allow Xiang Shaolong any chance of escape.

The sword attack from Xiao Weimou who is aiming directly at him may look simple but it encompasses changes and at any time he can change it into a slash. Just that attack alone is enough to keep Xiang Shaolong busy, to the point that he dare not become distracted.

As for the other attacks he can only rely on his hearing to decide on the course of action.

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[ChronoReverse]

It'll be nice if Yanyan comes in disguise at this point to save the day because XSL is overmatched and fighting with a handicap...

[Alvin]

It'll be nice if Yanyan comes in disguise at this point to save the day because XSL is overmatched and fighting with a handicap...

i really don't want that to happen because i just want to see how XSL can overcome this desperate situation. So far he has to much luck on his side

[tweety365]

Such an unfair fight . Damn bastards!
If only XSL didn't have to worry about the princess . Where are the backups?!

I'm so glad this is the start of the week

[little Fish]

wowee, wat a way to start the week!!

go go our hero!!! =)

[bharata]

i wonder if shaolong did not make a simple mechanic crossbow or gunpowder with his technology, maybe an equipment from metal pipe, bullets, and gunpowder is more effective.

[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean. Great fight.

I was thinking that WSL jumps in the air, spins 360 and throws out 1,000 steel needles and they all get hurt except the main bad guy/boss. Now XSL can go one-on-one.

Just like the movies and the arcade games.

When I was reading this latest translation, I can imagine myself playing a video game and kicking some butt, but do see my protagonist loose some health. Ah.. its time to break out the special maneuvers and combos.
A+B, A+B+B+A on my controller.

[aliderhamy]

LOL
IM Ken... im gona do a fire ball and kill al of them.

[Jean]

to continue.... end of fight and chapter!

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Xiang Shaolong’s used all his strength in his left hand which was holding on to Flying Rainbow to heavily block against Zheng Lei’s oncoming sword attack and the impact forced his opponent to retreat 3 steps back. He swept his left hand and Flying Rainbow flew out of his hand, transformed into a flash of light as it flew straight towards the chest of the man who was going towards Zhao Qian.

At the same time the wooden sword went up diagonally, blocking Xiao Weimou’s deadly blow before going into Mozi swordplay’s mysterious defensive mode but the wooden sword looks as if it’s on the offensive rather than defensive such that even with Xiao Weimou’s ferocity, he was stunned as well and retreated for the moment.

Right at this moment Ning Chong’s sword came straight at his throat from the front.

There is not enough time for Xiang Shaolong to block with his wooden sword and in that instance he suddenly had an idea and jumped up.

‘Clang!’, the sword which was aimed at his neck now hit the belt around his waist which was filled with the steel needles.

Just as Ning Chong was feeling surprised, Xiang Shaolong’s wooden sword slashed vertically and hit him right on his head.

Sounds of bone cracking were immediately heard and Ning Chong fell to the side, knocking into 2 men who were advancing and all 3 of them fell to the ground.

Right at this time another enemy took the opportunity to stab towards his chest just as he was landing. A sharp pain resonated through his body and as Zhao Qian screamed, Xiang Shaolong gave a flying kick towards the front of his opponent. That person is still midway through his attack and with the kick he was sent tumbling backwards and knocked into another enemy who was coming up for an attack.

The sword was pulled sharply out from Xiang Shaolong’s left armpit and fresh blood spurted out.

Since the beginning of the fight, although Xiang Shaolong suffered one light and one serious injury, he managed to kill 4 of his enemies and severely injure 3, with the expert fighter Ning Chong amongst the dead.

Everyone was in a blood fury and the remaining 12 attacked madly.

Xiao Weimou is all the more mad and came from the right again, with his sword slashing down.

Xiang Shaolong knows that after his injury, he’s definitely not Xiao Weimou’s match and cried out, “Qian’er follow me!” and shifted to his left while staying close to the wall and blocking off the enemy’s ferocious attacks with the wooden sword in his hand.

Xiao Weimou was blocked by his own men from attacking and in his anger, he pulled his own men away and dashed in to attack.

Zhao Qian who was hiding behind Xiang Shaolong saw reflections from the swords and sabres surrounding them and fresh blood kept flowing from her beloved’s body, only managed to follow him for 10 odd steps before her legs turned soft and she fell to the ground in a sitting position.

By now Xiang Shaolong has been injured numerous times by the swords and when he felt Zhao Qian falling down behind him, he thought to himself that it’s the end. He geared up all his ferocity and without a care to himself, gathered his strength and made a sweeping strike, knocking the advancing enemies and also blocking one of Xiao Weimou’s heavy slash.

Xiao Weimou did not use all his strength in this attack but because his arm strength has always been better than Xiang Shaolong, and also the latter is now tired out from the fierce fight, he immediately lost his hold on the wooden sword and it fell to the ground.

The 10 over wounds all over Xiang Shaolong’s body was pouring blood and in that dangerous moment he gave a flying kick which landed right on Xiao Weimou’s belly, making this ferocious man retreat quickly but it was obviously not enough to injure him.

2 swords came attacking.

Xiang Shaolong quickly pulled out 2 flying needles and with a flick of his hands, the needle on his right hand struck an enemy’s chest while the needle on his left hand, because of the serious injury sustained to his arm, missed his target and only struck the enemy’s shoulder and that person ignored the needle injury and continued his advance.

Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that this must surely be the end and he pulled his dagger out and was about to kill Zhao Qian first to spare her the torture of being raped when the sound of a bow was heard and an arrow flew over like lightning, piercing that person’s neck, flinging him away with the impact as he died on the spot.

Both him and his enemies turned to look at the direction where the arrow came from and saw a strange person wearing an eerie mask, dressed in a long black robe and riding over speedily on a horse. That person threw away the bow and pulled out a long spear, dashing right into the battle.

The enemy quickly returned to the fight in shock.

That person’s skills with the spear is extraordinary and also he’s has just freshly joined the fight, all who opposed him were injured or killed, causing chaos to the enemy. In an instant he came next to Xiang Shaolong and extended the circle of the spear attack, forcing Xiao Weimou and the rest back. He called out quietly, “Aren’t you getting up the horse!”

Xiang Shaolong could recognize it was Ji Yanran’s voice and happily helped Zhao Qian up the horse, picked up his wooden sword before using the last of his strength to jump up behind Zhao Qian.

Ji Yanran immediately controlled the horse with her legs, the spear in her hands danced around as it once again forced Xiao Weimou back and fought her way out of the encirclement, escaping with the 2 of them.

************************************************

[wandering]

That was a very good fight.
Thanks Jean.

[tweety365]

My goodness, I thought that was it for the princess. I hope everyone else is also safe.

Awesome fight. Thanks for the update, Jean!

[rati4u]

good fight...but as already expected, JYR came to help...i am excited to see the fight with chu mohists

[Jean]

I won't be around tomorrow, so here's an early update.

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Book 4 Chap 6 – Tending to injuries at the Observatory

Xiang Shaolong had countless nightmares.

He dreamt that the time machine sent him back to the 21st century where he was charged with the major crime of messing up history. Suddenly Shu’er and Su’er came to look for him with blood flowing from the orifices on their faces, blaming him for not avenging their deaths. And then countless different faces appeared before him.

These include his parents, relatives, friends, Mei Canniang, Wu Tingfang, the King of Zhao, Zhao Mu etc, and cries kept ringing in his ears together with the wails of souls and ghosts!

In his haze he seems to know that he is pacing at death’s door.

No! I must continue living.

For others and for myself!

I cannot give up.

His body alternated between hot and cold, his soul seems to have left his body, as if there’s unbearable pain, but it feels totally numb as well.

He does not know how long he struggled at death’s door before he finally regained consciousness.

For a moment, he seems to have returned to the safe military hostel in the 21st century.

Cheers erupted next to his bed, Zhao Qian fell on the side of the bed, tears streaming down her face as she laughed and cried.

Before Xiang Shaolong can take a close look at Zhao Qian, he felt darkness surrounding him again and he fainted.

When he regained consciousness again, his mind and body seems to be much better.

Zhao Qian is so happy that she can only cry bitterly.

Xiang Shaolong wiped her tears with his hand weakly and asked feebly, “What is this place, how long was I unconscious.”

A familiar voice rang out from the door, “This is the highest level of my Heaven Viewing Pagoda, on the 5th level. Shaolong you were unconscious for 9 days, if it was someone else who was that seriously injured and lost that much blood, that person would have died long ago. But you’re not the average person, so you definitely won’t die. Obviously everything is planned by Heavens!”

Xiang Shaolong was momentarily stunned and saw a person walking towards the bed, and it turned out to be Zou Yan.

He never really liked this person and he cannot imagine why he would risk his own life to save him and asked in astonishment, “Why did Mister save me?”

Zhao Qian who was sitting by his bed replied, “You are really indebted to Mister Zou for saving your life. If not for his excellent healing skills and meticulous care…”

Zou Yan chortled and interrupted Zhao Qian’s words and said as he lowered his head to take a closer look at Xiang Shaolong, “The person who really saved you is Ji Yanran. I just happened to be around! This Heaven Viewing Pagoda is a place I use to study astrology, and also the tallest building in Daliang, I guarantee that no one will search their way here. Besides I am in no way related to you, so no one will suspect me.”

Xiang Shaolong’s mood turned for the better and he slowly regained the strength to speak. He puzzled, “Mister still have not replied my earlier question.”

Zou Yan smiled a little, “I’ll have to start from the beginning. 3 years ago, I found a new star in the state of Qi, moving towards Tian Chang, the area where the Zhao and Wei borders meet and I know that the new leader of this era has finally appeared. Therefore I came to Daliang to look for a new master.”

Xiang Shaolong was totally befuddled, “What is Tian Chang? Is there a state of Zhao and state of Wei there as well?”

Zou Yan said proudly, “Heavens and humans are related, everything that happens on earth happens because of Heaven’s decree. My study of the 5 elements is based on the 5 stars in Heaven, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and I deduce what will happen on earth based on Heaven’s decree. Tian Chang is how I separate the Heavens into different areas according to the layout of the states on earth. For example if a guest star happens to take over the main star of a certain area, then the ruler of that area will be in trouble.”

Xiang Shaolong is in no mood now to listen to such superstitious and outrageous theory so he asked, “So what has that got to do with me?”

Zou Yan looked at Zhao Qian, who was looking at him with her large pretty eyes, filled with idolization and he is all the more thrilled and started theorizing, “How can it not have anything to do with you? At the same time you arrived at Daliang, that new star happens to fly into the position of Daliang in Tian Chang, therefore I knew that the new saint has arrived. The first time I saw you, although I felt you have the aura of a dragon, I did not yet think of it until that night when you talked about the earth shattering theory about governing a country did I guess that you are the new saint. That night when you were attacked, I was convinced that I was right about you.”

After he spoke, he knelt down and kow-towed 3 times respectfully.

Xiang Shaolong was amused and quickly asked him to stand, saying “I can understand the front part, but why is it that you are even more convinced of your faith when I was attacked and injured?”

Zou Yan explained, “On that afternoon that you were attacked, Miss Ji returned moodily to the little house by the lake and after my prolonged questions did she reveal that you refused to woo her. Therefore I told her: the new star in heaven is being forced aside by another star, and I’m afraid you will meet with danger that night. That’s why Miss Ji was able to save you in time and send you here. Tell me, Shaolong, if you’re not the new saint, how can things be such a coincidence?”

Xiang Shaolong was dumbfounded.

A wave of fatigue swept over him and after he forced the medicine down, he fell into a deep sleep again.

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