Chapter 400 Chapter Five: Court Banquet

Until they were in the game, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, who were sitting in different seats, began to realize the importance of the imperial competition from their own perspective. Li Shimin relied on his unrivaled military achievements, but Li Jiancheng relied on his status as the official heir to the throne.At the same time, Li Yuanji came closer to help each other, forming a power struggle with each other's strengths. In the struggle between the two factions, the most important link is to win hostile or neutral people to vote for one's side, and the prerequisite is to show that one's side has the upper hand.

But Li Yuan is watching.The two parties can never have an open fight, so the only way to show their strength is through this way of fighting in front of the imperial court. The Tiance Mansion side lost several games in a row, but it still only happened at the small royal banquets on weekdays. Although it was exaggerated and spread by the princeling party afterwards, the damage was serious but not decisive. But all the ministers and foreign guests gathered together tonight, if the Tiance government loses again, the consequences will be unimaginable. No wonder Li Shimin was so nervous, he ordered the general in person beforehand.

From Li Jiancheng's mouth, it seems that anyone can challenge Dazhi, but in fact only Tiance Mansion is qualified and dares to fight. Sure enough, Li Shimin laughed, stood up, and told Li Yuan: "Your Majesty's Tiance Mansion has hired a new guest, Mowei, who is excellent in swordsmanship. Please allow me to have a comparison test with Captain Kedu." Most of the people in the hall didn't know who Mo Wei was, seeing that the challenger was not the number one player Li Jing, they all showed a dull look, and some even speculated that Li Shimin couldn't afford to lose this match.That's why Li Jing was not allowed to end.

The hall was so quiet that there was no sound. Standing in the hall, Dazhi looked calm, with an unfathomable and calm attitude. Li Yuan obviously didn't expect that Li Shimin would send a little-known guest minister out for such an important event, and immediately frowned. At this moment, Zhang Jieyu, who was on his left, approached his ear and said a few words. When Li Shimin, Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong all called out that it was not good, Li Yuan opened his mouth and said: "Don't worry, if it is not the best candidate for Tiance Mansion, the prince should choose another person to fight. Tonight is an extraordinary palace banquet."

Xu Ziling looked at Li Jiancheng, only to see that his face was pale, so far he deeply realized the power of the princeling party and concubine party uniting to control Li Yuan. Even Kou Zhong felt that if he switched places with Li Shimin, he would be in the same dilemma.If he admits that Xu Ziling is the best candidate.Of course, the other masters of Tiance Mansion were not in the same mood.Once Xu Ziling is defeated, there will be no one in Tiance Mansion who can be an opponent of Dazhi. Unexpectedly, Li Shimin laughed, and said: "Children always pay attention to the art of war. Sun Tzu's false and true articles say: "Therefore, the ultimate form of soldiers is invisible; invisible, you can't peek into the depths, and the wise can't plan. It is better to take measures because of form than The crowd, the crowd cannot know. Everyone knows the form of my victory, but no one knows the form of my victory. Therefore, his victory will not be repeated, but his form will be infinite.' Please give me the permission of the emperor, please do not challenge me."

This section of Sun Tzu's Art of War basically means that the combat method should not be restricted to one pattern, but must be flexible and changeable, so that others can't see the slightest trace.Since there is no trace, the opponent can't see through his own reality. Even a wise man can't think of a way to attack his own army, and he doesn't even understand why he was defeated.Therefore, the most brilliant strategy is to be inflexible in response to changes in the situation.Never let the other party see through the truth. Although Li Shimin didn't answer Li Yuan's question directly, he hinted that Mo Wei is an invisible surprise.It is in line with the purpose of the art of war.

By comparison, everyone guessed that Li Jiancheng would send Dazhi to the end.There are traces to be found. Li Jiancheng's face changed slightly immediately.With a vaguely angry expression, Li Shimin's words hit his most fatal weakness, which was his lack of military merit.And Li Shimin showed up to preach, reminding everyone in the hall that he is the unparalleled commander in the world. Of course, if Xu Ziling suffers a crushing defeat, Li Shimin's false and true statements will only become a laughing stock.But at this moment.Not only did Li Shimin avoid the crisis of belittling the other masters of Tiance Mansion, but he even regained the initiative.Demonstrated a magnificent commanding demeanor.

Kou Zhong was completely convinced when he heard this.I secretly praised him in my heart, and felt that the struggle between Li Shimin and Brother Nai had reached the surface. But Xu Ziling had a deeper thought, just now the elder Sun Wuji explicitly and secretly signaled to him to choose a strategy of steady defense.It is likely to be Li Shimin's inspiration.Li Shimin just wanted to arouse Dazhi's eagerness to win, but he couldn't exert the maximum power of the Kusha Dao technique.In the final analysis, this is not a battle of life and death, as long as he can hold out for a round, Li Yuan can order the contest to stop.

The whole hall held their breath, waiting for Li Yuan's decision. Li Yuan pondered for a while.At the end, he said: "Okay: just as Wang Er asked." Under the signal of Yuchi Jingde and others, Xu Ziling suddenly stood up, moved to the side of Da Kezhi, knelt down and bowed his head to salute. At this moment, Li Yuan remembered that he had seen this person before, and asked him about Yue Shan. He felt sorry for the old man, and said kindly, "It turned out to be Mo Qing. Although Mo Qing remembered that this was just a martial arts competition, I personally Supervisor, once the bell rings, no matter what the situation is, you must immediately stop and retreat. As long as Mo Qing performs well, no matter whether he wins or loses, it will be enough to make you famous in Guanzhong.

After Li Yuan's special "caring" words, Xu Ziling's value immediately changed. Kou Zhong screamed in secret, if Li Shimin decided to ask Xu Ziling to fight.Even the relationship between Li Yuan and Xu Ziling is included.That Li Shimin's mind is delicate and meticulous.must be re-estimated. Xu Ziling stood up outstandingly. Dazhi looked at him, smiling calmly, without the slightest hint of tension. Xu Ziling was stunned, knowing that although Kodawang was not much older than himself, his cultivation had reached the state of pure fire, so he was not affected by the outside world at all when he was on the scene. Li Shimin's aggressive words obviously had no effect on him.

This is indeed a remarkable opponent. Da Zhi clasped his fists together as a salute, and said, "Brother Mo, please give me your advice." Xu Ziling returned the gift. Since according to the regulations, no one is allowed to bring weapons in except the guards and generals on duty, so the two have to wait for the guards to bring the weapons.Everyone in the hall whispered.The buzz is everywhere, and the topic of course cannot be separated from guessing who will win and who will lose. Chang He withdrew his gaze from examining Xu Ziling, and said to Mo He'er who was beside Wen Yanbo: "Master Ciqie should be more familiar with Captain Kedu than we are. Compared with Ba Fenghan, whoever has a higher chance of winning." Ciqie is Mo Heer official title. If what Chang He asked was about the victory or defeat between Xu Ziling and Da Kezhi.No one will be interested, because it has long been concluded that Xu Ziling will undoubtedly lose, of course Kou Zhong is the only exception.For he held the exact opposite belief. But what Chang He asked was the Turkic master Ba Fenghan, who was as famous as the two top young masters of the new generation, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. I heard a little clue in my mouth. Kou Zhong is especially concerned about the recent situation of his old friend, and he listens with his ears up. Mo He'er was slightly astonished, and smiled: "My lord Chang's question really stumped my younger brother. Since Ba Fenghan took refuge in the Central Plains, he has disappeared. It is rumored that some merchants heard about him in Huihe. The three well-known masters also beheaded several leaders of the horse bandits who ravaged the local area. The news spread back to the Turks and caused a sensation throughout the country.” Kou Zhong felt relieved, knowing that Ba Fenghan was challenging Bi Xuanqian's warm-up martial arts practice. Wen Yanbo said: "That being said, Ciqie still doesn't want to jump to a conclusion on who is superior to Dazhi or Bafenghan." Mo He'er nodded and said: "Ba Fenghan was able to defeat 'Flying Eagle' Qu Ao, of course he is not an ordinary person, but I have never witnessed his astonishing skills, so it is not appropriate to comment. But he must be worthy of praise among the younger generation. Dazhi's greatest enemy." Everyone felt that he spoke to the point.Nod in agreement. Like everyone else, Mo He'er's eyes fell on Shang Xiufang's peerless beauty uncontrollably.Against Kou Zhong's ugly face, she looked even more charming, I felt pity and said: "This kind of banquet competition is a common thing for us, and it often ends in bloodshed, will Miss Xiufang not get used to it?" Shang Xiufang sighed slightly: "After arriving in Chang'an, not being used to it has become a habit!" Then she smiled coquettishly at Kou Zhong: "With Dr. Mo here, you are not afraid of getting hurt, right?" Kou Zhong's heart skipped a beat, and he was about to speak.Liu Zhenghui laughed and said, "The weapons have arrived!" The hall fell silent again. The two guards gave the swords to Dazhi and Xu Ziling respectively. With much anticipation, the traditional "Tingbi" of the Li Clan finally began. Xu Ziling and Dazhi took over the weapons and saluted Li Yuan at the same time.Then separate to the left and right. Da Dazhi held the sheath with his left hand and raised it forward, and pulled the Kuangsha knife out of the sheath with Xu Ziling on his back.Let out a sound that grabs people first and shocks the audience. The difference between his two feet, combined with his majestic figure that is as tall and straight as a pine and cypress, does have an imposing manner that is as immobile as a mountain, standing in a deep pavilion.Immediately aroused a burst of cheers, adding to its prestige. Illuminated by the bright lights of the main hall, the Kuangsha Knife flickers and flows like a sundial artifact with spiritual life. Xu Ziling couldn't help applauding Dao too.Slowly pull the sword out of its sheath. Those in the hall who knew weapons all shook their heads, because Xu Ziling's sword was just an ordinary fine steel sword, and it was far inferior to Dazhi's Kuangsha knife. The people on the side of Tiance Mansion were also stunned, they didn't expect him to use such an ordinary sword blade, they might not be able to stop Dazhi's many knives before they would be chopped off by force. Xu Ziling, however, ignored the sighs from others about his long sword. After handing over the scabbard to the guards, he dropped the sword to examine it carefully, and then wiped the edge of the sword with his fingertips. Meaning, calmly said: "Brother, please enlighten me." Da Zhi still turned his back to Xu Ziling, looked up to the sky and said with a smile: "Brother Mo makes moves casually, younger brother is never afraid of people attacking from behind." These words are not only arrogant and dry.And it implies humiliating Xu Ziling, showing the arrogance that does not take the opponent seriously. But Xu Ziling didn't think so, the young Eastern Turk expert had launched an attack on him from the moment he drew his sword, if he got angry because of this, he would fall into the trap he set. Everyone in the hall, from the Emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty to the guard Gong'e, all felt the urgent situation where the storm is approaching and the masters are at stake.Everyone held their breath and watched with all their attention. "Ding!" Xu Ziling flicked on the edge of the sword with his fingertips, making a sound like the chant of an abyss dragon, which condensed and did not disperse.Then the waist straightened, and the whole person seemed to have grown taller suddenly, becoming dignified and unrestrained, with his own aura of looking down on the world. It is by no means inferior to Dazhiyou. The change came suddenly, miraculously, and unexpectedly.Full of intense drama. Da Zhi was the first to bear the brunt of the attack, and he felt the opponent's powerful and incomparable momentum pressing against his back, if he turned his back on the enemy again.will be immediately forced downwind. With a long whistle, Dazhi left the sheath and the right knife.Spinning towards Xu Ziling like a tornado. Kou Zhong was the only one in the audience who knew that Xu Ziling used the sound of flicking the sword to secretly imprint the mantra, breaking through the unpredictable and profound starting moves. The brilliant people on the seat are like Li Yuan and his son, Huang Gongcuo, and Li Shentong.It can only be seen that Xu Ziling's urging of the sword energy forced Dazhi to "change his tactics" to deal with it, but he couldn't really grasp the mystery.But I have a big impression on Xu Ziling. Xu Ziling changed from the big diamond wheel seal to the immovable root seal, and the Lingtai is clear and clear.The divine light in his eyes was introverted, and his heart was like the bright moon in a well, watching Kada Zhizhu's attack without missing anything. Every time you turn around, there is a whistling sound full of rhythm and strength, the left sheath and the right sword, interweaving and weaving a net with sharp lasers, both offensive and defensive.Strange energy centered on Dazhi, like a violent sandstorm blowing in the desert, as Dazhi approached, struck Xu Ziling with a thunderous force. Whether you know martial arts or not.Everyone felt that Dazhi had turned into the core of a terrible storm, which was invincible. The generals of the Tiance Mansion who had fought with Dazhi before, or those who had witnessed Dazhi's previous attack, this was the first time that Dazhi used both scabbard and scabbard to launch an offensive with such a strange body technique.Only then did I know that Dazhi has been hiding his strength.And Xu Ziling was able to force Dazhi to make a full attack, which is really amazing. The most powerful thing is that each rotation speed of Dazhi has a subtle difference, making it difficult for people to grasp the precise timing of his offensive attack in advance. Dazhi's Kuangsha Dao technique is divided into five tactics of "spinning, blowing, rolling, rolling, and breaking". fathom. Facing Dazhi's attack, Xu Ziling immediately felt a frightening feeling of drought, thirst and heat.The main hall seemed to be transformed into an endless wind and sand by the other party, such a skill, it has been replaced by other people.It will indeed give birth to a sense of discouragement and loss of looking at the wind and sand and being defeated. There was another trace of a smile from the corner of Xu Ziling's mouth.Suddenly he swayed sideways, and when everyone thought he was going to dodge, he shot forward again and swung his long sword sharply. "Ding" the long sword shot into Dazhi's sword net like a bolt of lightning, and the swords collided at a high speed that was hard to see with the naked eye. Then Xu Ziling turned around, clasped his palms together as a knife, and slashed fiercely at the edge of the knife swept by Dazhi. The two unscrewed at the same time, and when the distance was about two feet away, they stopped spinning as quickly as they had agreed to, and stood face to face. The whole hall erupted into applause. The two looked at each other.It seemed that there was no applause at all, and it was more like no one was watching the battle at all, and only the opponent was in each other's eyes.Kou Zhong's blood was boiling with enthusiasm, he wished he could end up replacing Xu Ziling, where could he find such a formidable opponent. Da Zhi casually threw away the scabbard, let it fall to the ground aside, and then lunged forward, the Kusha Saber slashed at Xu Ziling following a curved trajectory. Xu Ziling secretly pinched the seal, and swept out the sword casually, without any fancy changes. The moment the scabbard hit the ground and sounded, Da Zhi's Kuangsha Saber was swept straight by Xu Ziling's long sword at the same time.Its speed can be imagined. The swords clashed, and the two of them shook violently at the same time. Dazhi let out a long roar.The knife method changed.A wave of knives like rolling quicksand was created, attacking Xu Ziling heavily, it was the "Rolling Sand Jue" in the Five Kuangsha Jue, all the onlookers saw their breathing stopped and they couldn't breathe. The two turned into a close combat, both sides shot with all their strength, not only the winner was easily determined, but also life and death were judged. Until now, Xu Ziling has really mastered the astonishing power of Dazhi, it's like being in the midst of raging waves, waves of knives rolling in, endless. However, he had foreseen that Dazhi's ability was extraordinary.Otherwise, how could he be as famous as Ba Fenghan in the Eastern Turks. On the other hand, due to the impression left by Dazhi in the previous fight in Shanglinyuan, he never expected that his opponent would catch his full-strength moves without giving way. Xu Ziling's attack against attack, attacking with fortification, is as strong as Luoyang and Chang'an, a solid city with the strictest military arrangements, no matter how the opponent destroys the sand-rolling saber technique like a violent wind, it cannot be shaken a bit. What shocked Dazhi the most was that Xu Ziling's swordsmanship was full of lightness and elegance on the surface, but in fact the sword weighed more than a thousand jun, empty on the outside and solid on the inside, and the swordsmanship was unpredictable. , leave no trace.This is the first time he has encountered such a sword technique. Everyone watched so much that they forgot to cheer. "Ding" Xu Ziling hit the blade. Dazhi's knife could no longer "roll".The only way to avoid it is to return to the situation of confrontation at a distance. The applause shook the hall. Li Shimin and the people from Tiance Mansion's side breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Xu Ziling had resisted Kazhi's stormy attack. Kou Zhong also heaved a sigh of relief, because he saw that Xu Ziling had fallen a little bit behind, not because of his inferior skills.Just because he is not used to the sword. Everyone couldn't help looking at Li Yuan, to see if he would take this opportunity of a truce to stop the contest. Da Zhi stood holding the saber, before Li Yuan made a decision, he said with a long smile: "I'm so happy, I didn't expect Brother Mo to be so brilliant, please take three more sabers, and then I will toast Brother Mo to make amends." Having said that, even Li Yuan is embarrassed to order the suspension. Xu Ziling's turbulent energy and blood calmed down at this moment, knowing that the next three sabers must be serious, he smiled slightly: "Brother, please be merciful with the sabers, so that even if I lose, my brother will not lose too badly." Everyone knew that what Xu Ziling said was just a modest statement, so he didn't take it seriously, which made him even more heartbroken. Dazhi was slightly astonished, and said a little embarrassedly: "Brother Mo was joking: the younger brother just performed the two saber techniques of 'Spinning Sand' and 'Rolling Sand' respectively, and the next one is the 'Rolling Sand' saber technique, please Brother Mo give pointers." After finishing speaking, the strange light in both eyes shines brightly, and after the knife is retracted, the clothes and sleeves of the whole body are fluttering.The momentum was extremely violent. The strangest thing was that the surrounding air seemed to have stopped flowing, it was as empty as a vast desert without a drop of wind, and the air was still scorching hot. Xu Ziling showed a dignified expression, fully alert.