Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 290: Conquer and Reveal the [Flag of Sincerity]

After a second person who was able to act suddenly appeared in the "time that originally belonged only to me", this thought suddenly arose in the female general's mind.

[Can he be activated in the "killing blow" of the linkage between my "realm" and "ultimate skill"?]

【How can this be? 】

Then he sensed the man swinging a long sword wrapped in "momentum" towards him, about to collide with the saber in his hand.

In addition to the feeling of disbelief in Esdeath's heart, she also began to analyze the reasons why the man was able to act.

In just a moment, she remembered the man's strange behavior on the day he cut the thunder with a knife.

[So that day wasn't just my illusion, but could he really move within my [Secret]?]

[I shouldn't have used the extremely energy-consuming [Secret Technique] directly. I completely wasted my energy by rushing in like this.]

[No, in fact, from the moment he swung that sword that I couldn't resist with my 'momentum' and could only counter with my 'realm', my defeat was already doomed.]

After knowing the outcome of this battle, the female general couldn't help but feel "despair".

[Is there any other way to resist? Should I summon the stored [Ice Knight]?]

[At this distance, it’s too late.]

Watching the man's face getting closer and closer, the female general had already caught a glimpse of her own "gloomy" "future".

She would most likely completely "bow" to Fang Yi and be willing to be "conquered" tonight.
-
The female general originally thought that using the powerful 'Realm' that consumed a lot of energy and lasted only for a moment and the [Secret Technique] that consumed a lot of energy was a chance to see the opponent's cards and make a lot of money.

However, she did not expect that she would end up trapping herself in a cocoon. Her cleverness backfired and she lost everything. She was like a gambler who owed gambling debts and took out a lot of small loans and was about to go to jail.

Although, the wind on this 'rooftop' is actually not very strong.

But when the female general thought about the reversal of positions in some scenarios that she had imagined many times, her cheeks became hot.

How can this be? But it seems I have no room to resist his power.

【I can only let him do whatever he wants to me.】

At this moment, the man's approaching blade was clearly reflected in her pupils.

Her body also sensed the man's hidden but unstoppable momentum - he also used the technique she taught him to amplify momentum.

At the same time, she also clearly understood one thing:

The knife in the man's hand was faster than hers, and the knife itself was sharper than hers.

If you fight a man with swords at close range at this distance.

Any normal person would realize that this behavior is tantamount to walking into a trap.

There is only one possible outcome of the collision between these two knives:
His sword and pride were all cut off by the man.

You will also lose the ability to resist in the battle and become "fish" at the mercy of the enemy.

*
After continuously using her unskilled 'realm' and achieving 'continuous control' with the extremely costly 'secret' before fully recovering her characteristics, she had almost exhausted all the energy of her 'imperial weapon' and all the mana in her body.

In fact, after seeing the man swinging the knife in advance, he was forced to use a 'state' that he was not familiar with and could only maintain for a moment to resolve the attack.

The female general realized that if she wanted to defeat the men, she had to end the battle quickly, otherwise she would only fail.

Using the [Secret Technique] is just like when a car with out-of-control brakes cannot stop going downhill, you step on the accelerator hard to speed up the process and turn a long pain into a short one.

Now that he was unable to activate his 'realm' and [mystery] again, he had lost the power to resist Fang Yi.

If she continued to fight with Fang Yi, she had no confidence that she could hold on until the energy of her [Imperial Weapon] and her mana were restored.

The female general didn't have the confidence to take on the opponent's "only one sword" again relying on her "momentum" and physical strength.

Although it didn't take much time to restore energy and mana, he had already lost the battle.

Of course, the female general would never admit it, and some of her emotions got the better of her when she looked at the man's face.

She was also attracted by the charm created by the [Mind and Soul Confusion] that the man had already activated, which made her careless and forget to be on guard against the man.
-
Looking at the man's face so close to him, he felt that his dull saber had touched Fang Yi's extremely sharp knife and was about to be cut off.

Besides feeling slightly depressed, Esdeath also had a strange thought in her mind.

"It's over. My sword is about to break. If I lose in front of so many people, I'll lose face too."

[But why am I not angry? Is it because the other party is Fang Yi? ]

[If I were to be conquered by him, wouldn't that be a bad feeling?]

Just as the female general was about to voluntarily become Fang Yi's "fish on the chopping board" and let him slaughter her and accept the consequences of the broken sword, she felt that the touch of the saber in her hand was a little wrong.

The blade in the man's hand, which was emitting "momentum" and becoming extremely hot, suddenly turned when it touched the "fragile" saber of the female general, turning the edge into a blade.

The 'momentum' emanating from it seemed to be swallowed up by an invisible existence and disappeared without a trace.

Then, the unstoppable knife and the female general's knife back, which was aimed at Fang Yi and trying to drive the man out of the field, collided softly, making a dull collision sound.

The sword fight should have ended with the saber being cut in two, but it ended abnormally with the ice on the woman's sword back fusing with the man's sword body in a stalemate where neither of them gave in.

【This is? 】

Where did he hide or release his power?

"Why didn't you cut off my sword? Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for him to become famous? He must really need it."

The female general, sensing what was happening, was stunned at first when she saw the 'evil' smile on the corner of the man's mouth.

Then, from the man's lips moving "You owe me one", I understood the intention of his action.

The man withdrew his hand to save some face in front of everyone.

But this favor obviously comes at a price.

*
The female general brainstormed quickly, thinking from the man's perspective, and came up with the following requests:
For example, some strange clothing requirements, some strange posture requirements, some strange service items, etc.

Then, some pornographic scenes that the female general had previously fantasized about began to flash through her mind.

After changing her master-slave relationship with the man, the female general felt her legs trembling involuntarily.

There was only one thought left in her mind:
「Gu, why don’t you just cut off my sword? 」

However, the next moment, she heard a slight sound of ice cracking.

[His vanishing 'momentum' did something like that, really.]

After knowing where the man's disappearing 'momentum' had spread, the female general looked at the man with a look of panic in her eyes, as if she was about to be 'demanded'.

A kind of submission gradually arose after the body and mind were completely dominated.

There was only one thought left in her mind.

[I lost this battle, no matter which aspect, this is a complete victory.]

【And I was the one he 'conquered' and the 'trophy' he captured. 】

The female general has already decided what to do for the man.

At this moment, the silence in the female general's ears also came to an end, replaced by the noise that was previously everywhere in the field.

The female general's secret of pausing time has ended.

The people on the sidelines are about to get a glimpse of the outcome of this battle.
-
After [Secret] ended, everyone's brains were a little overwhelmed when they saw the scene of two people fighting with swords in close combat.

It's like some movies where they just put up the dragon emblem and the list of actors, and the next moment the screen jumps to the credits, which is hard to accept.

Not everyone can detect the female general's 'weakened version' of 'time stop'.

At least one needs to master the rudiments of the "realm" like Bud, or have the ability to adapt to frozen soil like Fang Yi's [Evil Ghost Haunting], in order to adapt to or become immune to this [mystery].

Therefore, the audience's discussion mainly focused on the two people in the field.

Amidst questions like "Why don't you continue fighting?", "Who won?", "Is it time to settle the accounts?", a soldier asked his colleague.

“Are we missing something?
"I remember that after Lord Fang Yi swung his sword with that indescribable force that cleared the snow and wind from the field, General Esdeath had no choice but to strengthen her 'Winter' to counter it, and then..."

A quick-witted officer coughed and reminded.

"First of all, I want to correct your address. Now you should call me General Fang Yi.

“Secondly, I think the battle is already decided.

"Look, General Fang Yi is using the blade, and General Esdeath is using the back of the blade. They are evenly matched.

"Isn't it obvious that General Esdeath showed mercy? But I think Lord Fang Yi is not bad at all."

Most of the soldiers came to this conclusion after seeing that the two men in the field had a stalemate and the sword fight ended in a stalemate without a clear winner.

The [Minister] who was watching the fight from the side was delighted when he saw the two men fighting with their swords 'gently'.

"Well, these two are quite good at acting. If they continue to fight a few more rounds as planned, and Fang Yi wins, my bet will pay off."

[I didn't open a win/loss bet, only a win-or-lose bet option. This was a long-planned sweep.]

However, the next moment, the words spoken by the female general shattered the minister's dream.

"I completely lost, Fang Yi.

"You are the winner of this battle."

Hearing Esdeath's words, the [Minister's] eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

The anger in his heart suddenly burst out.

"You unfaithful woman, what are you doing? Why don't you cooperate with Fang Yi?"

[Can't you even act out a match-fixing act? Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me? Or...]

However, the increasingly loud sound of ice cracking interrupted the Minister's anger and exposed Fang Yi's feat to everyone.
-
"Where does the sound of ice cracking come from?"

"Look! That solid ice!"

"Was it General Fang Yi who did this?"

Everyone in the field immediately turned their eyes to the pool surrounding the venue, and then they saw an incredible scene.

The unbreakable ice that was transferred from the air to the pool by Esdeath with a snap of her fingers and a wave of her hand was now "reversing time" at an incredible speed.

The pool, originally frozen solid, was instantly transformed by some kind of shockwave into countless ice crystals. Then, they transformed back into droplets in the air, becoming flowing water once again. The bitter winter and ice that had accompanied the female general faded in an instant, like a dream forgotten upon awakening.

Bud, who was standing by, marveled at Fang Yi's behavior. His words of revealing Fang Yi's true identity to the audience to 'boost his prestige' made the [Minister] feel a chill in his heart.

"Fang Yi, you've actually been able to utilize 'momentum' to such an extent! This is truly unprecedented and will never be surpassed!
“No wonder General Esdeath is willing to admit defeat!
"You've actually accomplished a feat far beyond simply striking a bull through a mountain with your fist. While maintaining the site intact, you've also transmitted the 'momentum' through your body!

"Then he meticulously and precisely shattered all the ice, quickly turning it back into flowing water!!!"

Less affected by the female general's [Secret Skill], Bud witnessed the entire fight between the two. The powerful Bud immediately saw through Fang Yi's true colors.

After observing Fang Yi's skill in using momentum, this [Strongest in the Empire] suddenly became excited.

"Fang Yi, your talent is beyond words. In just a few days, you've gone from a warrior who hasn't mastered 'momentum' to the strength you have today.

"Perhaps you yourself are the embodiment of the possibilities of [Martial Arts]!
"The new path you've opened up for utilizing 'potential' will save countless people, including me, the hard work of exploring."

After listening to Bud's explanation and realizing how earth-shaking Fang Yi's actions were and how beyond imagination his use of "momentum" was.

The discussions of the surrounding audience gradually died down and then gathered into deafening cheers.

Even those who had originally doubted the man's victory had to admit that Fang Yi had indeed won the battle.

Bud was also ready to announce the result of this 'extra game' in due time.

"I declare the winner of the [Martial Arts Tournament] to be..."

Before Bud started to announce the winner, the female general next to him made a move that shocked everyone.
-
The female general first took a step back, ready to take the initiative to break the stalemate with Fang Yi.

Then, in front of everyone's incredulous gaze, he bent his back, which had been straight and unyielding before, and then leaned over and made a 90-degree bow to Fang Yi, as if a subordinate was begging for alms from a superior.

Then the female general uttered words that shocked everyone present.

"I lost, completely lost.

"You are far stronger than me, capable of conquering me and making me serve you."

Esdeath's unexpected actions and words made the atmosphere in the entire venue suddenly stagnant.

Her bow was undoubtedly unprecedented - this female general, known for her iron-bloodedness, ruthlessness and indomitable spirit, actually chose to express her respect to Fang Yi in such a humble way.

Bud was also stunned, with complex emotions flashing in his eyes.

Then he nodded slowly and said with emotion.

"General Esdeath's actions are probably more convincing than any words I could use to declare victory."

The silence at the scene lasted only a moment, and then the crowd burst into thunderous applause.

Fang Yi stood in the center of the venue and enjoyed the cheers before he raised his hand slightly, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then looked at Esdeath calmly.

"General Esdeath, I admire your strength and grace."

Fang Yi's voice was not loud, but it revealed unparalleled confidence.

“However, as I said to General Liva before.

"This battle is not to prove my strength, but to let everyone see the unique spirit of martial arts that belongs to me and that I want to show you.

"Battles have winners and losers, but for warriors and the Empire, there are no losers in this battle."
-
Esdeath slowly stood up, her eyes filled with endless admiration mixed with an embarrassment that was difficult for ordinary people to detect.

But in the end, the female general smiled, as if relieved. She leaned close to Fang Yi's ear and whispered something else.

"Fang Yi, you not only won this battle, but also won my 'respect'.

“Tonight, as agreed, I am ready.

"However, I will prioritize helping you complete your 'anti-hunting plan'."

After saying that, the female general walked out of the venue.

This is the praise and cheers that Fang Yi should enjoy alone as a winner. She should not share a man's things.

Budd on the side took a deep breath and announced loudly again.

"The winner of the martial arts competition—Fang Yi!"

The applause sounded like thunder.

Fang Yi stood in the center of the venue, feeling the gazes and praise coming from all directions, but he did not indulge in them.

The battle is not over yet.

The mission is almost halfway through, and the battle between him and Yuan Qi is about to come to an end.
-
After a few minutes, he had dealt with the enthusiastic soldiers and officers.

He also promised to give priority to these people when he formed his army, and after greeting the captain of the guards that Bud was going to assign to him, Fang Yi finally secured some gains that could be gained from the [Martial Arts Conference].

The support level of the only remaining [Imperial Army Camp] in the [Initial Napkin I] mission has increased significantly, and it is only one step away from completion.

This [Talent Retention Task] should be completed after the battle between him and Yuan Qi is over.

He just listened to the words of the crowd: "I agree with Lord Fang Yi's [Martial Arts]." "This is martial virtue." "Such virtue is truly admirable, and he truly lives up to the title of [Wall of the Empire]."

Fang Yi walked out of the [Martial Arts Tournament] venue and headed towards the [Imperial Weapon Recasting Workshop] to repair [Evil Ghost Haunting]. After recalling what he had said before, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

"That was just a lie to deceive everyone. I have long since discarded the so-called 'martial virtue', just like the 'benevolence' in my name."

I spent decades practicing and developing the White Eyebrow Fist, and then, armed with the Five Emperors' Coins, I voluntarily entered this death game, simply to repay the Mountain for taking me in and supporting me, and to gain the power to avenge my murderers.

Just in a trance, Fang Yi seemed to have returned to that day many years ago.

He also remembered the words that the owner of the martial arts gym, Shan, said the day Fang Renyi first met him.

[A person with superb martial arts skills and strong martial virtues will force his opponent to retreat and defeat him without fighting.]

[Fang Renyi, you are a natural.]

Fang Yi shook his head and drove out the boring memories that were surging from his mind.

Memory is like a loyal dog. As long as you throw something, it will always bring back something, even though it may be something the owner wants to throw away.

Now he needs to check the gains of [Victory to the End] and the attributes of [Flag of Sincerity] as soon as possible.

The function of the [Flag of Sincerity] that was finally unlocked did not exceed his expectations.

This strange item comes with the [Inherent Barrier] similar to the [Field] that Fang Yi has longed for, although it is a bit weak as he expected.
-
【Flag of Sincerity】

Category: Strange Objects

Quality: Second-level Legend

Durability: +∞

Origin: Unspeakable

Conditions of use: Only available to the reincarnator who has established the great cause of "Demon Slayer", created the legend of "Death in the Mist", and is known as the "Wall of the Empire".

Equipment effect:

【Victory Glory】

Those who fight alongside the holder of the rare item will receive additional blessings depending on their trust and recognition of the holder of the rare item.

Specific blessing directions include but are not limited to physical fitness, mental state, ability to resist curses, luck, body recovery speed, and the ability to break through one's own limits.
-
【A trace of emptiness】

If the holder of the rare item conceals his identity, the battle traces he produces will be distorted and deformed, making it difficult for others to record and observe.

If the holder of a rare item conceals his strength and methods in battle, it will be difficult for the enemy to detect him.
-
【Boxin Oath】

The words spoken by the holder of the rare item will be extremely credible among humanoid creatures.

When the holder of a rare item signs a contract or treaty with others, he or she will be able to easily identify the traps and disadvantages involved.

If you sign a contract or treaty with a rare item holder and then choose to betray it, or try to use the contract or treaty to harm the rare item holder, you will suffer backlash to varying degrees.

Greatly increases the resistance of the holder of a rare item to abilities and skills such as contracts, treaties, and mind control.
-
[Inherent Barrier: Flag of Sincerity]

After the holder of the magic item recites the chant and consumes a certain amount of mana, an [Inherent Barrier] can appear in the space within a certain range around him.

After activating [Inherent Barrier], it can amplify one's own abilities and counter [Barrier-type] skills, and can summon several spiritualized members of the [Shinsengumi].

The appearance and personality of the summoned team members will change according to the mental image and memory of the holder of the magic item.

Each team member's [Attributes], [Abilities], and [Skills] will fluctuate depending on their maximum strength.

The summoned team members all have normal intelligence and the ability to act independently, and can move around even if they are not within the [Inherent Barrier] for a short period of time.

Summary:
This is a banner that will never fade.

The flags are written and buried with the names and memories of many people, recording the great achievements that Fang Yi led them to build.

Occasionally, some words buried deep in the hearts of those who followed him would emerge.

[The courage, faith, sword skills I learned from him... and these precious memories will never disappear from this world.]

[Although the light from the torch is weak, it can still dispel some of the darkness.]

Evaluation:

【Parting is for tomorrow's meeting, and every encounter has its beautiful meaning.】

Although everyone will find their own ways in their own lives, the journeys they have taken together and the stories they have created together are extremely important and cannot be discarded.

Please don't forget it.
-
Looking at the properties of this strange object, Fang Yi, who was heading to the [Imperial Weapon Recasting Workshop], shook his head and fell into a rare silence.
-
At the same time, Bud, who had gained something from observing Fang Yi's technique of using "momentum", stepped into the palace.

But the general felt something was wrong.

He sniffed and instantly grasped the reason for this abnormality - the usually solemn and magnificent imperial palace was rarely filled with a smell of blood.

Bud's eyes suddenly became sharp and he turned his head to look to the left.

He had already noticed the man hiding in the shadows.

He asked somewhat hesitantly.

"Yuan Qi?"

　I shortened the content and quickly switched to the battle.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)