C121 An Earthshattering Battle!

"Yuejun, you mentioned earlier that a typical Shadow Level expert couldn't handle even one of your punches. I have to admit, that's got me intrigued."

Yang Ming took on the mission, which was shrouded in ambiguity. All it required was for him to head to Konoha in the Fire Country and take part in the Mid Level Ninja Test. His task was to breeze through the first stage and then await further instructions in the Death Forest during the second stage.

The mission was classified as level A, with a commission of 100,000 silver pieces!

Such a hefty sum was bound to turn heads, and it's no surprise the Grass Kage was tempted.

The nature of the mission was peculiar indeed. To the average person, it would be utterly baffling, but Yang Ming understood that he was likely to rendezvous with either Orochimaru or one of his underlings.

It was then that Chidzuru Koichi suddenly chimed in, his fighting spirit ignited by Yang Ming's earlier comment.

"Let's do it!"

At his words, Yang Ming nodded, accepting the challenge without a second thought.

He was eager to gauge his own abilities against the strength of Chidzuru Koichi. Just how far had he come?

"Remember, just a friendly spar—no going overboard," the Grass Kage interjected, unable to conceal his concern.

Despite Yang Ming's formidable reputation and proven strength, Chidzuru Koichi was a seasoned veteran, on par with the likes of Mifune and Hanzou, with hundreds of battles under his belt. He was not someone a prodigy like Yang Ming could easily surpass.

"One move will decide the outcome," declared Chidzuru Koichi, locking eyes with Yang Ming.

"Agreed," Yang Ming responded with a nod.

They stepped out of the Grass Kage's office, knowing full well that the room couldn't withstand the clash of their powers.

The Grass Kage and the others hurried after them.

The two combatants moved with incredible speed, evenly matched, and in no time, they reached the forest on the village's western edge.

As everyone came to a halt, the two stood facing each other, their expressions grave and their bodies tensed for the impending clash.

"I'll stand my ground right here. Go ahead and strike. If you can make me take even half a step back, then I'll concede defeat."

In that moment, Yang Ming stood before Chidzuru Koichi, a living legend in the world of swordsmanship, without a trace of nervousness. Instead, he surveyed the surrounding forest, a wild idea taking shape in his mind, and he spoke with a calm detachment.

"Hmm?"

Chidzuru Koichi's brow furrowed upon hearing Yang Ming's tone. He couldn't fathom how Yang Ming, who had been the epitome of politeness just seconds before, could suddenly exude such brazen arrogance.

"He's quite full of himself!"

At Hiraga Kodai's side, the others exchanged uneasy glances.

Yang Ming, though a formidable and prodigious young talent, was being recklessly arrogant to speak so boldly in the presence of a swordsmanship myth like Chidzuru Koichi.

"Make your move!"

Yang Ming, unfazed by the opinions of those around him, faced Chidzuru Koichi and repeated his challenge with an indifferent air.

"Very well!"

Without further thought, Chidzuru Koichi drew a sword as clear as water, which had appeared in his hand as if by magic. The blade's light coalesced, and in an instant, Chidzuru Koichi's essence fused with his sword as one.

Named Thousand Reaches, this sword was crafted by a master after Chidzuru Koichi's skills had matured. Its edge was so sharp it could slice through steel as easily as it could mud.

Now, with man and sword united, a fierce sword Qi radiated outward in all directions.

The wind picked up, sending several dry leaves tumbling down, only to be pulverized before they could touch the ground by the intense sword Qi swirling around him.

"Such formidable sword Qi!"

The display left Grass Kage and the others in awe, their concern for Yang Ming deepening.

"Killing God Slash!"

In the instant the leaves were obliterated, a towering sword Qi, imbued with the intent to annihilate all in its path and to cut down gods and buddhas alike, surged violently towards Yang Ming.

The sword Qi roared with intensity, a testament to the prowess of a true Sword God.

Such mastery had transcended the bounds of mere Ninja Technique!