The training ground was soaked with sweat. Osler sat slumped on the ground, panting heavily, his entire body aching, especially his legs which trembled slightly from repeatedly practicing the explosive technique of "Shave."" Yet, his eyes sparkled with excitement. Just moments ago, a successful short-distance "Shave" acceleration followed by a "Finger Gun" thrust had made him feel his understanding of the Six Styles had deepened another level.
Marco stood nearby, his breathing steady, watching Osler's progress with a slight nod. Over the past six months of wholehearted teaching, Osler's growth was visible to the naked eye. Though he was still far from mastering the Six Styles, his perseverance and talent were already commendable.
"That's enough for today," Marco said. "Over-training does more harm than good."
Hearing this, Osler struggled to his feet, stretching his sore limbs, and grinned. "Alright, boss, I'll listen to you. But I feel like I've got a clearer grasp of the focal point for 'Shave' today."
"Hmm, practice diligently, and skill will come with familiarity," Marco praised, then shifted the topic. "Osler, there's something I need your help with."
"Just give the order, boss!" Osler immediately straightened up, patting his chest in assurance. He was more than willing to do anything for Marco.
Marco paused for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts, then said, "I need you to send a few sharp, observant people to guard the main city gates of Heaven Dou City and keep an eye out for someone."
"Looking for someone? Who?" Osler asked curiously.
"A... very special person," Marco replied, a flicker of recollection and anticipation in his eyes. "He should be around my age, maybe a bit older. He has a cold, stern demeanor and doesn't talk much. The most noticeable feature is his eagle-sharp eyes, as if they can see through people. Also, he likely carries a uniquely shaped blade on his back—a very long one, possibly shaped like a cross."
"Eagle eyes? A cross-shaped great blade?" Osler sketched the image in his mind, growing even more curious. "Boss, who is this guy? A friend of yours?"
"More like a rival and a friend," Marco smiled, the expression complex. "I met him during my travels abroad. His name is Lu Zhou, a true blade master, devoted to The Way of the Blade, with no distractions."
"A blade master? How strong is he?" Osler pressed, knowing anyone Marco mentioned so seriously couldn't be ordinary.
Marco glanced at Osler, his tone carrying a note of gravity. "Very strong. Extremely strong. To be honest, even I didn't have absolute confidence in beating him before. His blade is fast, precise, and ruthless, imbued with a resolute, unwavering will. So, when your people find him, they must be polite. Tell them directly that I sent them to guide him. Do not slight him, and above all, do not provoke him lightly."
Chapter 4
Osler was inwardly shaken by these words! Not inferior to their former leader? Possibly even stronger? He had personally witnessed the terrifying combat prowess Marco displayed even at the Soul Ancestor level! Could this peer named Lu Zhou truly possess such strength? Instantly, he discarded all traces of underestimation, his expression turning serious.
"I understand, leader! I will personally select our most capable and discreet men for the task. We will ensure he is invited peacefully and respectfully!"
"Good, I trust you with this," Marco nodded. "I'm not certain exactly when he will arrive, but according to our agreement, it should be sometime soon. Heaven Dou City is vast, and he is a newcomer. Having our people receive him will save him considerable trouble."
"Leave it to me, leader!" Osler thumped his chest and immediately turned to make arrangements. He felt intense curiosity and a sliver of awe toward this Lu Zhou whom he had never met. Anyone rated so highly by his leader was someone he very much wanted to see for himself.
Over the next three days, Osler mobilized some of the family's personnel, focusing their watch on the East, South, and North main city gates (the West Gate was relatively remote and less likely). He repeatedly emphasized Lu Zhou's described appearance and the details for receiving him. Marco continued his cultivation as usual, but a thread of anticipation stirred within him. It had been nearly two years since he parted ways with Lu Zhou. He wondered, what level had his friend, so devoted to the Way of the Blade, reached now? To what degree had his Soul Cutter been honed?
The third day, in the afternoon.
At Heaven Dou City's East Gate, carriages and horses flowed like water, and the stream of people was dense. The city guards routinely inspected the coming and going pedestrians. Not far inside the gate, near a tea stall, two keen-eyed men wearing the Osler family attire sat seemingly at leisure, sipping tea, but their gazes periodically swept over the incoming crowd.
Just then, a figure caught their attention.
It was a youth who appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old. His posture was upright, and he wore slightly travel-worn blue commoner clothes. On his back, as expected, was a long, cloth-wrapped bundle. Its shape faintly suggested a long blade, with what seemed to be a cross-shaped hilt guard. The young man looked dusty and weary from a long journey, but his eyes were exceptionally bright and sharp, like a hawk soaring the skies, scanning his surroundings with a calmness and detachment that belied his age. His steps were steady, each one seemingly measured, and his entire being exuded an aloof, unapproachable coldness.
"That's him! It matches perfectly!" one man whispered. Exchanging a glance with his companion, he saw confirmation in the other's eyes.
Not daring to delay, the two quickly rose, straightened their robes, put on respectful yet polite smiles, and strode forward to meet him.
"Might I ask if you are Young Master Lu Zhou?" one of them stepped forward, cupping his fist in a salute as he inquired courteously.
The cold-faced youth halted, his sharp gaze instantly locking onto the two men, carrying a hint of scrutiny and wariness. "Who are you?" His voice was flat, yet it carried an intangible pressure.
"Please do not be suspicious, Young Master Lu," the other man hurriedly explained. "We were entrusted by Young Master Marco to await your esteemed arrival here. Young Master Marco mentioned his prior arrangement with you and specifically ordered us to welcome you and escort you to the Li residence."
Hearing the name "Marco," a sharp glint flashed in Lu Zhou's eyes. His wariness slightly diminished as he nodded, "I see. Thank you both for leading the way."
"Young Master Lu, please follow us." The two men breathed a sigh of relief, their attitude growing even more respectful. One took the lead while the other followed half a step behind, carefully guiding Lu Zhou through the bustling streets toward the Li residence in the western part of the city.
Lu Zhou followed in silence, his sharp gaze still occasionally sweeping across Heaven Dou City's prosperous streets. Yet deep within his eyes, there seemed to be a barely perceptible ripple. After nearly two years of training and experience, he had finally reached this broader world. Marco—that opponent and friend who had first made him feel pressure back in Notting City—he wondered how much stronger he had become now? The Soul Cutter on his back seemed to emit an almost imperceptible hum.
Meanwhile, within the Li residence, Marco, who had been meditating, suddenly felt a stir in his heart. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"He's here."