Chapter 87: Snatching the Blade Barehanded

Gu Xiangnan moved like a flash, pulling Taoyao aside and rolling away. The sword tip struck the ground like lightning, piercing a hole through the hard wooden floor, sending splinters flying everywhere.

“General Han, there’s no need to be so angry. You and I—” Gu Xiangnan began earnestly.

But before he could finish, Han Fei had already drawn his sword and declared, “Let’s test it first—no need for words!”

Han Fei had spent his life in the ranks, his heart devoted to his country. He knew well that these vast lands were constantly eyed and encroached upon by foreign enemies. Guarding the homeland required true talent and skill; he would never lightly entrust his sword to a mediocre man.

With a cold snort, Han Fei’s sword flashed toward Gu Xiangnan’s throat.

“General Han, please calm yourself, allow me to speak!” Gu Xiangnan remained composed, waving his hand lightly, and the sword was pushed aside.

Han Fei was shocked. He had practiced martial arts since childhood, born with great strength, able to draw a bow of three hundred jin and open a crossbow of eighty stones. Yet this young man before him had effortlessly deflected his attack. Could it be that his strength surpassed Han Fei’s own? Or was it just coincidence? He would try again.

His sword moves grew fiercer, stabbing once more at Gu Xiangnan. This time, Gu Xiangnan neither dodged nor flinched. He pressed his palms together and suddenly pushed forward.

Bang!

The sword was caught barehanded, its tip halting just an inch from Gu Xiangnan’s chest.

“That… that’s barehanded blade-catching!” Taoyao cried out in astonishment.

Han Fei’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Gu Xiangnan.

“General Han, could you pause and listen to me?” Gu Xiangnan asked.

Han Fei tried to pull back his sword, but no matter how much force he applied, it wouldn’t budge. Helpless, he let go.

“General Han, I am also a patriot. Now, as our country faces another crisis, would you stand beside me to defend our homeland together?” Gu Xiangnan asked sincerely.

Han Fei paused in surprise. “Tell me, does China face calamity today? I wish to hear it in detail.”

“Yes, indeed.”

“What kind of crisis?”

“From the east, Fusang and the Korean Peninsula; from the west, the United States—all covet our land.”

Han Fei frowned deeply. “How do you defend the nation today? Your valor seems less than ours of old—truly lamentable.”

Gu Xiangnan clasped his hands. “Exactly because of this, I earnestly ask General Han to lend me your strength, so we may resist the enemy together!”

Han Fei pondered a moment, then finally spoke. “Very well, I am willing to join you, to fulfill that unfinished wish.”

His heart stirred, and he asked Gu Xiangnan,

“May I ask, what year is it tonight?”

“It’s now the year 2024, New China.”

Han Fei’s eyes widened, his body trembling slightly.

Gu Xiangnan said, “General Han, the year you were killed was 1142, which was 882 years ago.”

Gu Xiangnan had grown up practicing on the mountain, and history had always been his passion. He knew the tales of national heroes by heart, cherishing their legendary deeds.

“2024—nearly a thousand years! Then, the Jin soldiers…?”

Gu Xiangnan knew what he wanted to ask. He looked Han Fei in the eye and said,

“Now, they have become one of China’s minority groups, writing new chapters alongside all the peoples of our land, and are an inseparable part of it.”

Han Fei was stunned for a moment, then fell into deep thought. His expression was complex—relief mingled with emotion.

“Are there still wars?”

“No more battles; the country is prosperous and the people at peace.”

His hand trembled slightly. “Good, very good!”

Gu Xiangnan shifted the topic and continued, “Though peace reigns within, the surrounding small countries often provoke us, seeking to infringe on our interests. Should we tolerate such behavior?”

“Never!” Han Fei’s eyes gleamed.

“General Han, you and I share the same ideals. I look forward to our cooperation.” Gu Xiangnan extended his hand, ready for a congratulatory high five.

Han Fei stared blankly at Gu Xiangnan’s palm.

Gu Xiangnan awkwardly withdrew his hand and said, “From now on, you’ll need to quickly adapt to modern life. Spend twenty-four hours a day watching TV to learn how this world works.”

“Oh, and I’ll get you a first-grade language textbook. Your classical speech is really hard to follow.”

“What is television? A day has twelve hours—what are twenty-four?” Han Fei, isolated from the world for over eight centuries, was bewildered and curious about everything modern.

Gu Xiangnan’s head spun with confusion, and he simply turned on the TV.

Suddenly, the black screen burst into images and sound.

Han Fei, amazed, rushed to the TV and stroked the screen with trembling hands. “How miraculous! This painting dances, and its melody flows—such a rare sight in the world.”

Gu Xiangnan explained, “That’s television.” He picked up the remote and demonstrated how to change channels.

He switched to a station where a young girl, scantily clad, appeared on screen:

[Be a woman—be beautiful!]

Han Fei recoiled, turning his head away in horror. “One should not gaze upon impropriety—such disgraceful conduct!”

Taoyao laughed heartily from the side.

Han Fei snatched the remote and hurriedly changed the channel, imitating Gu Xiangnan.

Gu Xiangnan praised him, “You learn things pretty fast!”

“Too kind!” Han Fei cupped his hands in gratitude.

The variety of programs dazzled Han Fei, so many strange and wonderful things that he couldn’t help clicking his tongue in wonder. Once he landed on the military channel, he became so absorbed he refused to switch again.

Seeing Han Fei engrossed, Gu Xiangnan left him to it and went upstairs to sleep.

Early the next morning.

When Gu Xiangnan awoke, Taoyao was nestled in his arms, sleeping soundly. He rolled over gently, accidentally waking her.

She squinted lazily, stretching on the bed like a fox, her hips raised.

“You’ve taken human form, yet your fox habits remain?” Gu Xiangnan patted her rear.

Taoyao clung to him coyly, her voice soft and sweet. “It’s so nice to have moved in—I never have to hide anymore. Hey, what’s this? It feels hard.” She curiously reached out and grabbed.

“Master, do you want me to help you?”

Gu Xiangnan hurriedly covered himself. “It’s normal in the morning.”

Taoyao deliberately wriggled, teasing, “Are you sure you don’t want help?”

“Uh… alright then.” Gu Xiangnan surrendered.

Half an hour later, Taoyao, drenched in sweat, rushed to the bathroom.

Gu Xiangnan rose cheerfully to wash up.

When they went downstairs, they found Han Fei still sitting in front of the TV, eyes glued to the military channel.

“Good morning!” Gu Xiangnan called out.

“Morning!” Han Fei didn’t blink.

Gu Xiangnan asked, “I have classes today. Would you like to come along and see the world?”

Han Fei grew excited. “Can I? Really?”

“Hey, you’re not speaking in classical phrases anymore.”

“I learned from the television.”

Gu Xiangnan was amazed at his rapid progress.

He thought for a moment. “You can come, but if you go out like this, you’ll attract a lot of trouble.”

Taoyao suggested, “Why not dress him up like me—put him in modern clothes?”

Gu Xiangnan considered and led Han Fei upstairs.

He opened the wardrobe, packed with all sorts of brand-name clothes, many never worn.

“General Han, choose whatever you like—wear anything you please.” Gu Xiangnan was generous.

He and Taoyao stepped out to wait.

After about ten minutes, Han Fei opened the door and came out.

The two were dumbstruck—what kind of outfit was this?