“What? Josie of the Frostlanders?”
As those words were spoken, the crowd was in an uproar. Boulderthorn was already one of the top major guilds in Balerno. As the chief of the subsidiary guild, Josie was renowned in the martial world.
She stood out among her peers with her unfathomable cultivation skills and outstanding swordsmanship. “I’ve heard that Josie is cold and ruthless. She never hesitates to kill others. Those brats are in trouble now.’
“Serves them right. A disciple from some third-rate guild dares to compare himself to a young grandmaster? He’s really ignorant and arrogant!”
The crowd began to whisper as if they were preparing for a show. In martial arts, strength spoke for itself, and the strongest was in charge.
“So, you’re Josie. I’ve heard so much about you,” Lyn greeted Josie respectfully. At that moment, Lyn tried to defuse the tension.
However, Josie ignored her and glanced at Toddy. She said coldly, “You just claimed to have extraordinary talents and strength, right? Well, show me. Then, she drew her long sword and threw the scabbard at Toddy’s feet.
This action was considered a challenge in the martial arts world. It would be a fair fight if the other person accepted. But if they refused, they would be mocked, and their reputation would take a hit.
“Josie, Toddy was just joking. Please don’t take it seriously.” Lyn quickly interjected. She continued, “Everyone is here today to witness a duel between the two grandmasters. There is no need for hostility. Josie, please let it slide.”
“Hmph! The young grandmaster is my idol. How dare you brag so shamelessly here?” Josie said coldly. She added, “I’ll give you two options. Kneel down and apologize, or accept the challenge, and I’ll break your leg.”
“Josie, don’t be so arrogant.” Toddy couldn’t hold back any longer. He retorted angrily, “You’re only confident because Boulderthorn has your back, right? What’s so special about that? In a one-on-one fight, I wouldn’t lose to you!”
“Toddy, what are you saying?” Lyn became agitated. Josie was the chief of the Frostlanders, a subsidiary guild of Boulderthorn. Her reputation preceded her.
Lyn knew that Toddy hadn’t even reached the threshold of the divine level. So, how would he be able to challenge Josie?
“Lyn, don’t worry. Josie is just some chief. Step aside and watch me defeat her.” Toddy brimmed with confidence.
He thought defeating Josie was his best chance to gain fame and become a prominent martial artist in Balerno.
“Toddy, she’s in a different league. Don’t do it!” Lyn pleaded anxiously. There was a great difference in strength between a lowly martial artist and one at the divine level. This challenge amounted to self- destruction.
“Lyn, although Josie is strong, I’m not inferior to her. If I can’t defeat someone like her, there’s no point in me staying in the martial arts world.” Toddy dismissed her advice.
“Toddy-”
“Stop!” Lyn wanted to say more but was cut off by Toddy.
“Lyn, step aside and watch me. Today, I, Toddy Yarnes, will take the opportunity to make a name for myself in this battle!”
He confidently walked toward Josie as if he would win the battle. “Lyn, don’t worry about it. Toddy wouldn’t enter blindly. He always has a plan.”
“Exactly! He’s made a breakthrough lately. So, dealing with Josie is a piece of cake.”
Several disciples of the Moonlight Reverence had unwavering faith in Toddy. “Not bad. You actually dare to accept my challenge?” Josie shot Toddy a hostile glare.
“Hmph! I’m seven feet tall. Why would I be afraid to accept your challenge?” Toddy said proudly, clasping his hands behind his back.
He continued, “Josie, you wanted to fight me, right? Attack me with everything you’ve got. I want to see what you can do.”
“Alright, I’m not going to hold back. Today, I won’t use my sword. I’ll fight you with my bare hands. If you can withstand my attacks for ten moves, I’ll admit defeat.”
With that, Josie stepped forward and charged ahead at top speed.
