The walls at the periphery were more than sixty-five feet tall, and they gave off a very grand presence.
There were countless holes for arrows to come out in them.
A man-made moat could be found outside the walls. It was more than 164 feet wide, and it isolated the fort. There were tall suspension bridges set up in every direction, and they could be disconnected from the middle.
The fort was very easy to defend.
When Happy and the others saw the fort before their eyes, they s.u.c.k.e.d in sharp breaths.
"Is this Hero's Mountain Villa?"
"Why does it feel like this fort can be used for war?"
Eleventh Crane used the keen senses of an ace archer to make that judgment. There should be countless sharp arrows trained on them from within the walls, and if anyone showed the slightest abnormality, they would face the danger of being attacked by millions of arrows.
Happy also noticed a faint unease and threatening air about the place, but when he saw how relaxed and at ease Huang Rong and the others were, he did not say anything. He just stood at the head of the bridge and waited with them.
"Who are you?!"
"I am Huang Rong of Peach Blossom Island, and beside me are my friends from the Murong Clan, Nangong Clan, Unrequited Love Valley, and Mantuo Villa!"
The person who answered was Huang Rong. Her voice was steady, and her breath was long. Those within a third of a mile could hear her clearly.
"I see, so you're Sect Master Huang of Southern Beggar's Sect." The tone of the person on the city wall was filled with surprise, but he did not immediately order his people to lower the suspension bridge.
Instead, he spoke again. "My apologies, Sect Master Huang! The young'uns from the evil cult are very good, and they already sent some spies to figure out the whereabouts of Hero's Mountain Villa! To prevent any fakes from entering, please show your authentication token and state your contact person's name, or else, I will not lower the suspension bridge."
The expressions of the group of people at the head of the bridge instantly changed.
Madam Wang cried out in surprise. "We have been so careful, and we still have people from Sky Demon Sect on our tracks?"
Master Nangong, the Murong Clan Lady, Unrequited Love Valley's master, and Huang Rong showed anxiety on their faces as well.
"The secret arts of those from Sky Demon Sect are astonishing. It's not surprising then that they found a way to break through. We shan't delay in this place. We must make haste into the fort," said Huang Rong.
"Please tell Guo Jing, who should be in the fort, that Huang Rong is here. This is my authentication token." As she spoke, a small jade slip tore through the air and shot from the surface of the moat to the top of the city.
Silence reigned for a while.
Finally, the sounds of gears moving came from the other side of the wall, and a huge suspension bridge with a shadow that could blot out the sky slowly lowered itself in front of Happy and his group!
Chapter 522 - Sword Will, General of the Former Dynasty
Boom!
A huge wooden bridge controlled by a mechanism connected to the head of the bridge on the other side of the moat led to the city gate. Happy and his group followed behind Huang Rong down it in astonishment and excitement. While they recorded all that they saw and heard, they arrived at the foot of the majestic fort.
Hero's Mountain Villa!
Three large words written in flourish were branded on the sturdy stones. Upon seeing them, a strong and tough presence came charging at their faces. Happy stopped to cast the words a glance, and he came to an understanding.
The examination and defensive tasks near Hero's Mountain Villa were led by a group of middle-aged men with square faces and cold gazes. They had heavy, black swords strapped to their backs, and when they noticed where Happy's gaze was directed, their sharp gazes turned slightly gentle.
"Young brother, did you manage to see anything in those words?"
They did not ask for Happy's name, but they were interested in Happy's expression. It caused the other nine people by his side to gasp in surprise.
"What the heck?!" a few of them exclaimed. Happy had managed to trigger a quest just by casting a glance at the sign above Hero's Mountain Villa, which stirred up the affection of an NPC!
Eleventh Crane and the others could only smile wryly.
While the other four sects stared over strangely, their expressions grew attentive. They wondered what sort of astonishing words Happy would say!
Happy did not seem to have noticed that the person who spoke was an NPC in charge of the fort's defenses. He stared at the calligraphy on the wall and thought of how the three words—Hero's Mountain Villa—exuded a powerful and sharp presence.
"Was the person who wrote these words someone who was formerly in the army?"
"Hero's Mountain Villa is the sacred ground of the martial artists who walk down the righteous path. There are no lapdogs of the imperial court here." The speaker's expression instantly turned dark
Faint mocking smiles showed up on Purpose of Unrequited Love Valley and Lu Jing of Peach Blossom Island faces when they saw that. They thought, 'No matter how great you are, Happy, you shouldn't have tried to show off through calligraphy.
'Who are you trying to fool. If you don't understand it, then let it be. If you spew nonsense, it's your fault.
'This is a martial arts tournament, so the genii from all over the world will come here. This isn't organized by the imperial court. How could you link this to the army and war? It's way too much of an exaggeration, don't you think?'
"That's strange." Happy cast the person who spoke a glance. "The strokes are bold, forceful, and powerful. Each one gives off the air of charging into the frontlines of a battlefield with an indomitable spirit and the murderous intent of the fighting there.
"But the last stroke is completely different. It restrained its ferocity, and it gives off the air that it has already stopped fighting and brought peace to the world.
"If you say that the person who carved these three words is not a soldier, then I find it a little strange. Who exactly could bring out such a powerful presence on the battlefield?"
The certainty in his words caused the expressions of the people who had originally enjoyed his misfortune to change slightly. They thought, 'Could it be that Happy truly has some knowledge in calligraphy as well?'
There was simply no way for them to know that Happy had only sensed a familiar sword will from the strokes. It had a familiar presence from his previous life, so it was only natural that he wanted to clarify the feeling in his heart and voiced his thoughts.
Even though the other denied it, Happy was fully confident that the sword wills of the two were the same.
As expected, the speaker's expression changed. "It seems like I've underestimated you, young brother. I didn't expect that your understanding toward sword will would be so deep. You're right, before my master built Hero's Mountain Villa, he was indeed a general of the previous dynasty."
When he said those words, the few people who had mocking looks on their faces while they enjoyed Happy's misfortune went stiff, and their expressions turned very dark. When they looked at Happy, their eyes became wary.
'Sword will, what the heck is that?'
"I thought what I sensed was wrong, but since I didn't make a wrong guess, I wonder if I will be fortunate enough to know of your master's name." When Happy saw that the other's expression had changed, his own tone also changed. "I admire heroes who can leave behind such a bold sword will. If it's not convenient for you, then it's fine if you don't."
"You'll know later." The person laughed boisterously. "Before that, tell me your name. I'll bring you into the manor and explain the detailed procedure of the martial arts tournament."
"It is our honor that you will personally lead the way, Great Swordsman Gui." Huang Rong was delighted, and she quickly said to Happy, "Great Swordsman Gui is very busy, since he is in charge of org
anizing this tournament. If Great Swordsman Gui will provide us with the explanations, it will save us a lot of trouble."
"My name is Happy."
"I see, you're Young Swordsman Happy, the one responsible of saving the six great sects." The eyes of Great Swordsman Gui lit up, and he said in great surprise, "It's no wonder then why you have such a deep understanding toward sword wills. Perhaps your understanding will not lose to that of the other young hero who entered Hero's Mountain Villa earlier."
Happy said nothing, but when he heard Great Swordsman Gui's words, a thought appeared in his head. "Did that person have a black sword with him?"
He suspected that One Emperor had already entered Hero's Mountain Villa.
"I don't know about that. But that person is very young and cold. He is like an unsheathed sword. Even I felt a little bit of pressure when I faced him."
Great Swordsman Gui's words shocked the others, and they looked at each other at a loss.
Even though they did not know Great Swordsman Gui's specific qi realm, but based on Huang Rong and the other people's attitude, Great Swordsman Gui, who was not well-known, was someone who kept a low profile. With that being the case, it was only natural that he would be in Inaction Realm.
Just how great was that player if he could make an Inaction Realm martial artist feel pressure?
"There's someone so powerful here?"
"Who is it?"
"I don't know…"
The group discussed fervently among itself.
Only Happy was certain that the person who occupied Great Swordsman Gui's mind was One Emperor.
He scowled, and a rather solemn expression appeared on his face for a brief moment.
Only around three months had passed since Happy had made a promise with One Emperor. He had not obtained Nine Yang Divine Skill as of then, and he had only understood three moves of Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palm. It was unfortunate that he would have to fight against One Emperor ahead of their agreed time.
As expected, the things in the world always changed and preconceived plans fell behind the changes.
But Happy was no longer as nervous as he was when he first met One Emperor. The improvement of his Ten True Dragon Styles allowed him some confidence when he'll have to face One Emperor head-on!
Since it had come, he might as well enjoy the ride!
Great Swordsman Gui had been paying attention to Happy's reaction all that while, and when he saw how he reacted, he nodded.
"I look forward to the moment you face that person. It will surely be the most intense fight among the younger generation, and it will be so exciting that it might not lose to the fight among the elites."
"Great Swordsman Gui, you praise me too much."
Happy schooled his expression, and soon, it returned to normal.
At that moment, their examination had long since ended. When the conversation between Happy and Great Swordsman Gui was over as well, Great Swordsman Gui gave the order to open the city gate, lift up the suspension bridge, and led the group into Hero's Mountain Villa.
The inside and outside the villa were two completely different worlds.
The area outside the villa was as quiet as paradise on earth, but the area inside the villa bustled with activity. The streets were very wide, and countless elites with extraordinary presences gathered around various stages while cheering!
Boom!
The group was stunned on the spot.
Then, they swept their gazes over the area, and the shock in their eyes became even stronger!
That included Happy, who was stunned by the sight in front of him for so long that he could not say anything for a long time.
He had thought that the martial arts tournament would be organized in a large and wide space, which was why he was shocked to see that it would be held in a noisy and chaotic fort. There were arenas set up everywhere, and martial artists as well as players mingled together to look for fights. Shouts and sounds of fighting rose and fell in every direction.
"Are we… really organizing the martial arts tournament here?"
The group was dumbfounded.
Chapter 523 - Complete Reality School, Yin Zhiping
Hero's Mountain Villa was an extraordinary world!
Arenas of various sizes could be seen everywhere, and there were players and famous martial artists on them. The people from all sorts of sects and wandering martial artists from Beggar's Sect, Tang Sect, and bodyguard agencies would either stand below or gather in the restaurants nearby to give comments.
Happy and his group watched everything that they could see while they were on their way.
They arrived near an arena close by under Great Swordsman Gui's lead.
"Hero's Mountain Villa is divided into four regions, and those big arenas outside the fort are prepared for you new stars in the world of martial artists. All of you young disciples must fight against the disciples from other righteous sects in the world of martial arts. Those who can win three challenges can enter the Street of Arenas."
Great Swordsman Gui stopped and pointed at a street where people moved about not too far away. "It's very easy to clear the major arena. There are no losing conditions. As long as you can win three continuous rounds, you will earn the right to compete. If you can't, you can switch to another arena at another fort gate."
Happy said nothing, but he quietly remembered all that Great Swordsman Gui said.
'The big arena outside should be a warmup spot for all player challengers.'
"If we don't have any losing conditions, does it mean that we can challenge the other players again at any moment?" Nangong Ying asked from the group.
"That's right." Great Swordsman Gui nodded. "Hero's Mountain Villa has always been a place for righteous martial artists to spar against each other and get to know each other. As long as you are willing to, you can go over there to register your names and choose an arena to spar against other martial artists."
Happy and his group looked in the direction of his gaze and saw that there was a table at the foot of the arena. A man with a goatee who had the look of a shopkeeper sat there with a pen to register the players' names. Every time a fight ended on the arena, he would shout the next name loudly.
Great Swordsman Gui paused for a moment before he shifted his gaze to the street across from him. "Street of Arenas is slightly different. That place is a spot for us to increase our ranks. The elites from all over the world are gathered over there. Those elites have a certain level of strength!
"All those who can enter the Street of Arenas must win thrice outside, but once you enter the Street of Arenas, you must win two rounds on each arena. You must win against the person currently on the arena, and win against the next challenger before you can go to the second arena. There are four Streets of Arenas in the fort, and each street has five stages!
"Those who get through the five stages can enter the Dragon Tiger Arena, which is at the center, and they can fight against the elites who are already famous in the world of martial artists! That place will hold the true martial arts tournament, and the elites from each sect will be gathered there. You will definitely not be disappointed.
"But each time you lose, you have to wait an hour before you can register your name again, and you have to start all over at the arena outside."
"I won't explain to you in detail about these. There is someone in charge of each arena, and they will explain things to you there if necessary."
Once he finished speaking, he excused himself and left Huang Rong and the others to return to the fort gate to continue with his work to defend the fort.
At that moment, aside from the six from the Murong Clan and Nangong Ying, Purpose of Unrequited Love Valley, Young Zi of Mantuo Villa, and Lu Jing of Peach Blossom Island had already eagerly gone to register their names and challenge the arena.
The man with the goatee who had been calling out the names respectfully wrote their names at the end of the list.
"I give up."
"You were the one who allowed me to win."
The person who won the match was a disciple from Complete Reality School. When he heard his opponent, he put away his sword and stood tall while he swept his gaze at the area under the arena. "Is there anyone else who is willing to come up here to fight against me?"
His voice was neither humble nor arrogant, and it made him appear elegant.
"Next challenger, Purpose of Unrequited Love Valley."
"I am Purpose, my title in the world of martial artists is Love and Emotions Ending Swordsman. I ask that you grant me your guidance, sir!"
Purpose did not expect that it would be his turn so soon, but he soon got himself into the mood and jumped on the arena lightly.
He observed his opponent for a while, but the abilities of the disciple from Complete Reality School did not seem to be much. They were very normal.
However, when his opponent returned the gesture and reported his name, Purpose was shocked.
"I am Yin Zhiping of Complete Reality School. I ask that you grant me your guidance!"
Happy and the others who were gathered at the foot of the arena were also shocked. They all s.u.c.k.e.d in a sharp breath! They could not help but size up the rather elegant Daoist with fair skin. If they ignored the fact about his temperament, he was a person who had nearly become the sect leader of Complete Reality School.
No one had expected that they would run into such an elite on a normal arena.
Purpose instantly became nervous on the stage.
But it was as expected of Hero's Mountain Villa, a place where mighty fighters gathered. NPCs were mainstream, and if they, a group of Life and Death Realm players wanted to fight their way up with ease, it would only show their conceit!
Sword Among Us c1-1268 Page 264
