Zhang Heng could feel that Shimizu Isshin was obviously much more powerful than the previous boy.
Since he was the chief disciple, he should be second only to Sugawara Saemon in the dojo. He must have practiced Shigen Shinkai Ryū-ryū for a long time, which made it easier for him to show off his sect's skills.
In fact, Shimizu Isshin had been following Sugawara Saemon since the latter opened the Suzaku Dojo. He had been practicing Shigen Shinkai Ryū-ryū for more than ten years. Now, he was teaching in the dojo on behalf of his master. Even Sugawara Saemon was not sure if he could defeat him.
However, Shimizu Isshin stood in front of Zhang Heng with a more serious expression than when he was facing his master.
No matter what kind of sport it was, the offensive side always had an advantage over the defensive side. As the saying went, one who defended for a long time would lose. However, Zhang Heng stood in the same place, not even moving his feet. He easily resolved all the attacks from his opponent. Even if Koyama Myoshin-Ryū was a sect that focused on defense, it was impossible for him to defeat Zhang Heng so easily.
Therefore, this could only mean one thing. The difference in strength between the two sides was greater than what was shown on the surface.
Shimizu Isshin felt the pressure on his shoulders. He was carrying the dojo's honor in this battle. He bowed to his opponent, pulled out the wooden sword, and said in a deep voice.
"Please enlighten me."
…
A quarter of an hour later, Zhang Heng obtained the legendary Mitsui Minotaka Mitsuki Sword and watched Shigen Shinkai Ryū-ryū's skills. On the other side, Shimizu Isshin was sweating profusely. He looked like he just got out of the water, and his eyes were filled with fear. He had tried his best, but he still couldn't do anything to Zhang Heng.
He even felt that he was not much different from the junior brother who fought earlier. No matter what moves he used, he couldn't break through Zhang Heng's defense.
He had never heard of this sect called Koyama Myoshin-Ryū before. Why was its disciple so powerful?
Shimizu Isshin had always been recognized as a veteran in the Suzaku Dojo. No matter what happened, he could remain calm. Everyone said that as long as Shimizu was there, there was nothing to worry about even if the sky fell.
However, at the end of the battle with Zhang Heng, Qingshui's mind was in a mess. There was nothing he could do to Zhang Heng. The more he fought, the more frustrated he became. It was as if everything he had learned over the years was useless.
However, he was actually quite strong. As soon as the two of them fought, Zhang Heng could feel that Shimizu was probably stronger than Yamada. On the other hand, Shigen Shinkage-ryu, which emphasized courage, was quite interesting, especially their iaijutsu, which was said to be a combination of the three sects of Kinri and the two sects of Kinri.
After fighting with Shimizu for a while, Zhang Heng had roughly figured out the other party's strength and speed. However, he did not expect Shimizu to unleash a katana that was far beyond the average level.
Although it was still blocked by Zhang Heng's saber, he was quite interested in this kind of skill that surpassed one's limits.
After defeating Shimizu Isshin, Zhang Heng thought that he would have to face Sugawara Saemon, the ultimate boss of the Suzaku Dojo. However, Sugawara Saemon did not show up at all after that. All he did was send someone to deliver his katana to Zhang Heng.
Zhang Heng did not know much about the internal situation of the Suzaku Dojo. The chief disciple Shimizu Isshin and Sugawara Saemon were almost the same in terms of strength. Since Shimizu Isshin was defeated so thoroughly, Sugawara Saemon would not come here to kill him. So, he simply handed the katana to Zhang Heng.
And Zhang Heng kept his promise. After borrowing the katana and witnessing Shigen Shinkage-ryu, he left with satisfaction. He did not boast anymore, which made Shimizu Isshin feel a little relieved.
He left the silent dojo, got up, and went to his sensei's study. Sugawara Saemon was practicing calligraphy. When he heard someone knocking on the door, he did not look up.
So, Shimizu Isshin stood aside respectfully until his sensei finished writing. He put down the pen and sighed.
Then, Shimizu Isshin lowered his head and said guiltily, "I'm ashamed. I'm no match for that person. I even lost your beloved katana to him."
"It's okay," Sugawara Saemon said, "There are always geniuses in this world. Other than the Sword Saint, Miyamoto Musashi, who can remain undefeated forever? Your sensei can't do anything about Serizawa Duck. Only after he dies will I dare to open the Suzaku Dojo in Kyoto. It's just a katana. Besides, he said he was borrowing it, not taking it away. He can look at it as long as he wants."
"It's all my fault. I'm not skilled enough." Shimizu Yixin looked sad. "Now is the best time for the dojo to develop, but something like this happened and everyone saw it. I've lost, I've really lost …"
"What are you panicking about?" Sugawara Saemon sneered. "Do you really think Yuta Abe is here to borrow a katana from us? Just wait and see. This is just the beginning. Suzaku Dojo is not the only place in Kyoto with famous katana. This guy might be the next Miyamoto Musashi. Kyoto is going to be chaotic. "
Shimizu Isshin raised his head abruptly, looking stunned. He did not expect his sensei to have such a high opinion of Yuta Abe. However, his sensei did not see the duel.
Sugawara Saemon seemed to know what he was thinking. He shook his head and said, "You have been with me for the longest time, and you have the best aptitude. Of course, what I value the most is your temperament. I can roughly guess what kind of strength the person who can make you feel like this. It's necessary to guard against arrogance and rashness, but you don't have to belittle yourself. You're not weak, it's just that your opponent is too strong. However, this is also an opportunity for you. Everyone said that I traveled around the world, learned the best from each school, and finally created Shigen Shinky-Ryu. In fact, I benefited the most when I was sparring with Serizawa Duck. The tremendous pressure he put on me forced me to combine all the bits and pieces that I had learned before to create Shigen Shinky-Ryu. You should do the same. Think about this duel. If you can find out what you lack, you might be able to improve further.
Go. Suzaku Dojo's future depends on you. "Shimizu Isshin bowed again and left the study. Before he left, he heard Sugawara Saemon muttering," Koyama Myoshin-ryu, Koyama Myoshin-ryu … I feel like I've heard this name before. Why can't I remember it at all? "
On the other hand, Zhang Heng had picked a dojo, but he did not feel as sweaty as before. Since it was still early, he decided to visit another dojo. After that, he turned to Shibunya in the market and bought some soba noodles, oden, and roasted glutinous rice dumplings that Akane Koyama had been longing for. After that, he slowly walked back to his residence.
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