Chapter 130: Tukeslu

Zhang Jiani whirled around, her long sword drawing from its scabbard, a silver-white gleam flashing with icy coldness, the tip aimed straight at Tukeslu’s throat. Her eyes were like ice, her voice grim: “Rogue, we have nothing left to say to each other. Say one more word, and my blade won’t recognize you!”

Yet Tukeslu smiled endlessly, his voice soft and calm: “Miss Zhang, your swordplay is indeed refined, but your heart is unsteady. Today, I, Tukeslu, challenge you—to see if your skills truly are unmatched.”

He added: “If I lose, my life is yours to decide—do with me as you will, flay me alive if you wish. But if you lose to me, you must remain in the Garrison Camp and assist Lord Jiang in training the soldiers. What do you say?”

Jiang Mingyu stood nearby, anxious and uneasy. He knew Tukeslu’s martial prowess was formidable, yet he had also witnessed Zhang Jiani’s ferocity. That day, her rage had nearly killed Tukeslu. He hurried to stop them: “No, no, Tukeslu, you’re no match for her. Calm down.”

His anxiety was not unfounded—if Zhang Jiani truly killed Tukeslu, the Garrison Fort would lose a vital general. Then, when enemies came, who would defend Shangmu’s territory?

Yet Zhang Jiani was unmoved by Jiang Mingyu’s plea. Her fury still burned within her. She snorted coldly: “Fine. Since you seek death, I’ll grant it.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than she leapt forward, her form like lightning. The swordtip transformed into a streak of silver, slicing through the night like a bolt of lightning, thrusting toward Tukeslu.

Tukeslu’s eyes sparkled with admiration. He did not retreat. His blade flashed like starlight, meeting Zhang Jiani’s silver streak with a sharp clang of metal.

The two darted through the air, their sword shadows blossoming into a rain of petals, silver light splashing everywhere, engulfing the entire grounds in fierce combat. Soldiers watched, tense, their heartbeats syncing with each clash—every strike felt like a hammer blow to their chests.

One soldier muttered: “Black-Faced Yama himself was humiliated by that madwoman—how could he possibly be her match?”

Another frowned: “Lord Jiang looks troubled. Why is Tukeslu so confident?”

Someone said: “Is he deliberately holding back? What’s his real plan?”

Another added: “Maybe he’s smitten with her? Trying to court her this way?”

Someone whispered close: “Perhaps there’s more to this. Commander Tuk’s behavior hides something.”

As the crowd buzzed, Zhang Jiani’s swordplay grew fiercer, her strikes relentless, each thrust carrying the weight of life and death—aimed squarely at Tukeslu’s life. Yet Tukeslu remained composed, his technique strange and nimble, deflecting her assaults without meeting them head-on.

In moments, they had exchanged dozens of blows, sword shadows intertwining unpredictably, like a duel to the death. Zhang Jiani’s assault surged like a storm, yet Tukeslu stood firm as a mountain—each parry angled perfectly, never showing weakness.

Finally, both struck simultaneously. Their swordtips clashed with a crisp ring. Zhang Jiani snorted: “Good. You rogue, you’ve got some skill. I underestimated you. Again.”

She moved to attack once more—but failed to notice the flicker of a sly smile in Tukeslu’s eyes. He said: “Miss Zhang, you’ve lost your chance.”

No sooner had the words left his lips than his form blurred into indistinctness.

Zhang Jiani felt her vision blur—and suddenly, a chill brushed her neck. She looked down: Tukeslu’s blade rested against her throat.

She looked up at him in shock, unable to believe it was real.

She couldn’t fathom how he’d done it.

Jiang Mingyu stared, dumbfounded. Emotions churned within him. He was glad for Tukeslu’s victory, yet saddened by Zhang Jiani’s defeat. He couldn’t tell if this Tukeslu was the same man who’d been nearly killed by her before.

Tukeslu calmly withdrew his blade and said to Zhang Jiani: “Miss Zhang, I yield to you.”

He added: “Please honor our wager. Don’t resign from the Garrison Camp. Continue helping Lord Jiang train the soldiers.”

In truth, he had long been drawn to this fiery, stubborn woman. His defeat that day had been deliberate—he sought to catch her attention, to make her take notice of him.

But he hadn’t expected her to feel nothing for him—she’d even wanted to leave the Garrison Camp.

Frustrated, he devised this plan: challenge her again, using the wager as leverage to keep her close.

He hadn’t wanted to humiliate her publicly—but to achieve his goal, he had no choice but to strike hard.

He hoped this would change her perception of him.

Though furious inside, Zhang Jiani knew defeat was defeat. She wouldn’t break her word. She reluctantly agreed: “I keep my promises. You don’t need to remind me.”

Jiang Mingyu was overjoyed. He bowed deeply to both: “This is perfect. I’m deeply grateful.”

He said: “Let today’s events be forgotten. From now on, I’ll respect your judgment and decisions. As long as I remain Acting Regional Military Commissioner of Shangmu, the Garrison Camp is yours to manage.”

The soldiers, who had just cheered for Tukeslu, instantly paled. They knew this meant their hard times were returning.

Zhang Jiani ignored Jiang Mingyu’s thanks entirely and turned away.

A flicker of resentment lingered in her heart. She couldn’t understand why she’d lost to Tukeslu.

She wanted to find his weakness, to challenge him again.

Watching her retreating figure, Jiang Mingyu smiled: “Tukeslu, I never knew you had this trick up your sleeve.”

“Was it love at first sight? Did you hold back that day out of chivalry?”

Tukeslu gazed at her departing back, a soft tenderness flashing in his eyes.

He said to Jiang Mingyu: “Lord Jiang, don’t worry. I won’t harm Miss Zhang.”

“I only want her to stay near me, to know me better. Perhaps one day, she’ll see I’m not who she thinks I am.”

Jiang Mingyu chuckled. “Tukeslu, you’re truly a man of heart and honor. If you care for Miss Zhang, show her your strengths—let her see you differently.”

He added: “But don’t go too far. She’s a woman. Give her respect, kindness. You can’t solve everything with force.”

Tukeslu nodded, understanding. “Lord Jiang, rest assured. I’ll keep my restraint. I only want her to know I’m someone she can trust.”

Jiang Mingyu watched his earnest expression and silently cheered him on.