Stay away from Conan.

Using speed to defeat speed? Ha, young man!

As for Camus, seeing the man before him who looked exactly like Kyosuke Mitarai, draw his sword, say those words, and then immediately attack with his blade, Camus couldn't help but feel a slight contempt for the man's intentions.

After all, such impatience? If I were to be defeated by this kind of fighting style from a young person, I would...

With so many years of experience in swordsmanship, how could it be anything but ordinary?
Therefore, Camus remained calm and unhurried, extending his katana at just the right moment to directly block Gao Yuan's thrust. At the same time, using the force of the two swords colliding, and Camus's own momentum, he almost deflected Gao Yuan's thrust by following the blade, thus exposing an opening in Gao Yuan's straightforward attack, allowing Camus to smoothly change his offensive.

However, although Camus handled the situation smoothly, Gao Yuan's next move was completely different from what Camus had expected—

As Camus drew his sword to block Gao Yuan's thrust, Gao Yuan, who had been charging forward, stopped moving downwards. The distance between him and Camus was just right, a distance at which neither of them could reach the other's wrist with the length of their blades. It was the safest distance possible. If they got even a fraction closer, the situation would immediately escalate to a heated stage, because Camus would not let such an opportunity pass.

And clearly, after making this move, Camus intuitively sensed this situation—

This sense of distance?
Camus was slightly surprised by Gao Yuan's precise sense of distance, which meant that if he wanted to launch a further offensive, he would have to take a step forward first. He didn't think much of it at the same time, but then he saw Gao Yuan immediately make his next move—

Just as Gao Yuan stopped at that exact distance and the two swords made contact, Gao Yuan used the force of Camus's attempt to deflect and deflect Gao Yuan's sword strike to his advantage. He moved with the sword, quickly circling around Camus from the front to the side. However, his every step and movement made it difficult for Camus to predict.

In an instant, Gao Yuan's silver blade flashed down, slashing from the side and behind Camus's sword-wielding hand. This was a very difficult point for Camus to handle, and it seemed to be the decisive blow.

However, for Camus, this move was not unexpected. He twisted his longsword, making the blade circle behind him, while simultaneously lowering and raising his body, completing a turn and switching hands while holding the sword. He effortlessly blocked Gao Yuan's attack.

However, even with this outcome, Camus's thoughts on this single move were no longer about the opponent's strength.

Because Camus was extremely familiar with that move; it was a sword technique he had taught to Hanada Emi!

But this person used this move without any hindrance!
Furthermore, and more importantly, this person did not simply copy Hanada Emi's techniques and routines. From her initial move to her changes in technique, she also demonstrated a remarkable sense of distance...

Without a doubt, this person is highly experienced in swordsmanship, and...

Camus could sense that the other party...

It even seems like he's familiar with his own moves?
He had only exchanged two blows with this person, but the feeling that made him feel awkward and uncomfortable prevented him from fighting freely...

Ah, this is really...

How delightful!
At this moment, Camus, who clearly felt a bit of pressure, was not discouraged; on the contrary, he became even more excited. Camus then made his move—

Camus has turned the tables after Gao Yuan seized the initiative and forced him to react defensively. Now he's going to take the initiative!

As Camus deflected Takato's treacherous sneak attack, clearly inspired by Hanada Emi, with a swift turn of his longsword behind him, Camus countered with a slash, blocking Takato's attempt to change his position further. However, Takato's movements adapted to Camus's offensive.

Gao Yuan suddenly turned his blade, holding the long sword upside down, with the side of the blade pressed against his arm. In this way, he used his arm and the metal blade against his arm as if it were armor, to forcefully withstand Camus's attack.

This was not a common sword technique, and after Gao Yuan used it to block Camus's powerful attack, Camus was also puzzled by Gao Yuan's action.

This method of holding the sword upside down and drawing it inward to block one's own attack, while using the arm behind the blade to cushion the force and counter the attack, also restrains the momentum. In this way, if the opponent tries to change the sword's stance from defense to offense, one will not give them the chance.

Moreover, in this situation, is it really necessary for the other side to go to such lengths to maintain a defensive posture?

Where in swordsmanship is there such a fighting style?

However, just as Camus was wondering, after Gao Yuan blocked Camus's attack, Gao Yuan suddenly reached out with his other hand and grabbed the blade of the katana in Camus's hand, seemingly about to forcibly take the katana from Camus.

This action immediately startled Camus—

He wanted to take the knife?

He didn't want to compete with me entirely in terms of swordsmanship.
Therefore, Camus hardened his heart, twisted his grip on the knife, and tried to twist away Gao Yuan's hand that was trying to take the knife. If the other party still refused to let go, he would definitely hurt him.

Even so, Gao Yuan clearly refused to let go, even at the cost of injury. As Camus attempted to twist the blade, Gao Yuan simultaneously released his own katana, using both hands to forcefully grip the blade of Camus's katana. At the same time, Gao Yuan moved closer, seemingly trying to force his way to Camus and launch an attack.

actually……

Is this the method?

Seeing Gao Yuan's intention, Camus took a deep breath and, with all his might, thrust the blade forward, determined to strike and wound Gao Yuan even as he regained control of the blade.

In this situation, it can be said that they have entered a struggle. Once Gao Yuan lets go, the blade will pierce through Gao Yuan's body with great force. Therefore, even if Gao Yuan wants to do something else, he can't let go now. It all depends on who has more strength!
Clearly, as the force of the blows continued to slowly advance towards Gao Yuan, it was evident that Gao Yuan was ultimately slightly outmatched in terms of sheer power.

"It seems... when it comes to a contest of strength, even with the use of tricks, this body still can't compare to a swordsman like Camus who has honed his skills to this day..."

"but……"

Gao Yuan, with a plan in mind, forcefully struggled with Camus over the blade, controlling its gradual movement towards him, and then—

In a split second, Gao Yuan suddenly released his grip. As the blade lost its momentum, it pierced through Gao Yuan's body, delivering a powerful punch that slammed into Camus's face, followed by a kick to Camus's groin... (End of Chapter)