Chapter 170: Hundred People Uprising (1)
For a school to achieve universal recognition, it would require at least a minimum level of thirty or above.
However, there are exceptions.
In the present era, life is not as disposable as it was in the past. Swordsmen do not have to face life-and-death situations, so constant training is not a necessity.
Most people don't have the chance to wield a real sword, so their practical combat experience is lacking. Those who have survived life-and-death battles go through a transformative experience. Those who prioritize practical combat may not have high levels, but those with a notorious reputation have the ability to challenge higher-level opponents. Many renowned martial artists in the martial world may not be as formidable in combat as a battle-hardened veteran.
Therefore, the standards for universal recognition nowadays are quite low. Characters like Saito Hajime and Chosokabe Motochika are at a level higher than thirty for universal recognition. However, now, perhaps a level seventeen would qualify.
However, level eleven... Even if this person has been through countless battles, it is impossible for them to achieve universal recognition.
Even Yagyū Simozi, who has already surpassed the level twenty bottleneck, is still quite far from reaching the standards set by Bai Wei for the universal recognition of Mugen Shinmyō-ryū. At least being able to withstand twenty rounds undefeated against Bai Wei's attacks qualifies, but that would be something achievable only after reaching level thirty.
Level suppression, oh level suppression.
Bai Wei glanced at his current swordsmanship level, shining brightly at level thirty-one, which had risen after defeating the Sanada Group.
Indeed, the Sanada Group was truly sweet, as even a lick would raise one's level several times.
As for this Daimon... Unfortunately, the level suppression is too severe, so there is no experience gained even after fighting.
He had no interest in facing the opponent's provocations. It was like encountering an elementary school student on the way home who suddenly pointed one hand to the sky and the other to the ground, reciting phrases like "Even if I lift the entire primitive city with one hand, I am still invincible in this world"...
Bai Wei glanced at Yuzi and asked, "Can I have someone else?"
He's too weak, I don't want to fight.
Yuzi regretfully said, "The other instructor just went out..."
Daimon chuckled and said, "If you're scared, leave quickly."
He didn't want anyone to snatch his job, especially not someone as handsome as this young man.
There is also competition within the dojo. Students pay to learn swordsmanship, and often they choose to study under instructors based on their reputation and fame.
Although there is no official preference for personal instruction in the dojo, unlike buying classes in a gym, fame is necessary to make big money. Each dojo has at least one instructor and two substitute instructors. In larger dojos, there are often dozens of students, so there will inevitably be comparisons among them.
Daimon arrived at the recently opened Branch Dojo, holding up a sign for the New Dang Liu style, aiming to attract some students and expand the student base. By accumulating enough reputation and connections, he could use it as a stepping stone to a better dojo.
Little did he know, just a week after opening, someone volunteered for the position of assistant instructor. The position was indeed in high demand, and with the convenient location, it was certain that the dojo would attract many students. Bai Wei, who had just arrived, caught Daimon's attention, but he was unaware that Bai Wei actually had a passion for being a Sichuan cuisine chef.
Daimon said arrogantly, "No need for full protective gear, no need for a facemask. Just the gloves will do."
Then he looked at Bai Wei and said, "You can wear the full set."
Bai Wei walked to the wooden rack and casually picked up a wooden sword, saying, "This will do."
Daimon finished tying his gloves and thought that Bai Wei was just showing off and trying to get attention. In reality, the surrounding young boys and girls were also whispering to each other.
For young people, watching fights and participating in them were among the pleasures in life. It was indeed rare to witness a real fight so soon after arriving here.
Daimon sneered, "You'll see your mistake soon enough, but I'll go easy on you and try not to send you to the hospital."
Bai Wei had a strained expression and said, "This idiot is truly one of a kind."
Daimon didn't understand the Ming Country language and asked, "What did you say?"
A girl who understood the Ming Country language translated, "He said that you are... an idiot."
Daimon raised an annoyed eyebrow as Yuzi announced the start, and he immediately rushed forward with big strides.
He didn't master all the secrets of the New Dang Liu style, but he did train in it. He didn't learn any secret techniques, but his basic skills were solid. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reached the eleventh level. Unfortunately, he was expelled from the dojo halfway through because he tried to pursue the daughter of a dojo instructor, especially since she was already engaged, and he had unclear relationships with several other girls at the time.
After wandering through several dojos, one day he had an epiphany about a certain technique. With this unique move, he gained some fame by participating in various swordsmanship competitions, big and small.
The principle behind his move was simple. He wore heavily fortified gloves, using one hand as a shield and the other hand holding the sword to face the enemy. Essentially, it was a combination of sword and shield. In combat-oriented competitions, most opponents would only manage to lightly injure or fracture his arms when striking, allowing him to counterattack and turn the tables.
He had sparred with the instructors here as well, and they had praised his techniques. It was difficult to break through his defense and counterattack when faced with just a single sword.
He looked at his opponent disdainfully, thinking to himself that he could defeat them with just a few moves.
The moment he heard Yuzi announce the start, he charged forward, his left hand ready for defense, and his right hand holding the wooden sword, poised to strike at a vital point.
Bai Wei seemed completely unaware and took a step forward, quickly lunging forward. Although the wooden sword was fast, its trajectory was predictable due to its single path of movement.
Daimon's eyes lit up, and he laughed, thinking the other person had fallen into his trap. He raised his left hand, intending to block and deflect the incoming strike.
He had practiced this move many times and rarely failed. At most, he would sustain minor injuries to his shoulders and arms.
But this time, it seemed a bit different.
He tried to move his left hand, but it felt as if his left hand was firmly fixed in place, stuck to the wooden sword, pressing against his arm guard. It didn't seem like he was being blocked, but rather, he was being forcefully pulled in. At the same time, a tremendous force surged towards him.
He tried to stabilize himself, but his feet suddenly sank into the ground. The newly-built dojo floor was made of wood and waxed to a glossy shine. He stood barefoot on the wooden boards, even gripping the ground tightly with his toes, but still made a slipping sound and took three steps back. After those three steps, instead of regaining his balance, his feet left the ground.
The right hand of Daimon didn't even have time to swing the sword, and his left hand was only grazed by the wooden sword. But his whole body seemed to be stuck in place, and then the wooden sword was pushed forward, causing him to move backwards. The entire process took only a few seconds, and his back was already against the wall, with his feet lifted off the ground by almost half a foot.
He fell to the ground with a thud and collapsed limp.
The dojo fell into complete silence. They had expected to witness an intense battle, but it ended with a one-sided defeat in just one move.
Many onlookers' mouths were wide open in disbelief. Was this really the power of a human?
Although they had seen it in various news reports, very few people in reality had witnessed such inhuman and terrifying power.
"So... so powerful..." gasps of surprise and shock could be heard one after another.
Daimon was trembling, and the arm guard on his left hand had already been shattered. This was the reinforced version with steel added, yet the wooden sword in the other person's hand was completely unharmed. The pain in his back was a secondary concern. The main reason he couldn't stand up was the overwhelming fear that left him drenched in cold sweat. His legs went weak, and his knees suddenly developed an affection for the ground, longing to kiss the floor.
It was just a wooden sword, not made of iron. And what was that power just now?
How did my feet leave the ground?
He couldn't figure it out, feeling as if he had just competed with a high-speed train.
Bai Wei asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
Daimon's shoulders twitched, and he quickly stood up. "I-I'm fine, I'm good. You... you're amazing."
Bai Wei nodded. "That's good."
Then he walked back to his starting position. "Come on, let's continue."
Daimon, "?"
Is it necessary to continue?
He forced an awkward smile. "I think we can skip that."
Bai Wei said indifferently, "Three sets, two wins."
"You're lying. Are you trying to beat me up some more?"
Daimon glanced at the broken arm guard and refused to continue. He turned around dejectedly and said he was going to apply medicine, hiding behind the door and not daring to come out.
Bai Wei put the wooden sword back on the wooden shelf and turned around to see the admiring gazes of the crowd.
Yuzi whispered, “Sir, your talent as an assistant instructor is really wasted.”
Bai Wei casually said, “If you think it’s wasted, then pay me more.”
Yuzi chuckled, “Alright, we can discuss a higher salary.”
At this moment, a phone call came in. Yuzi excused herself and went to answer the call. After a while, she frowned and looked at the dojo with difficulty. She had a conversation on the phone and then hung up, sighing and looking at the surrounding teenagers in a dilemma.
She walked to the lounge, intending to say something to Daimon, but found that he was no longer there, having slipped away at some point.
"How spineless." Yuzi walked back to the dojo, feeling a headache coming on. "Where am I supposed to find someone now?"
"What's the matter?" Bai Wei was still looking at the Sichuan restaurant, his inner spirit as the young master stirring restlessly.
"Well, there's some trouble." Yuzi said, "The main family is going to conduct the licensing trial...and it's the highest level Hundred People Uprising." She explained, "It means one against a hundred, in four rounds (glancing), currently gathering participants (glancing). But where can we find people for the newly opened dojo (glancing)?"
Bai Wei was silent for a moment, then turned and walked towards the Sichuan restaurant. Being a part-time chef still seemed more enticing.
Yuzi rushed over and grabbed his sleeve. "Please help me!"
Bai Wei remained unmoved. "Please let go."
Yuzi shouted, "There's a bonus incentive!"
Bai Wei paused. "Go on persuading, I'm listening."
Yuzi continued, "A hundred thousand yen per person! And additional medical and nutrition expenses if injured!"
"...Fine!"
