Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: The First Killing—Execution of the Mongol Empire's Imperial Preceptor

“What! Kill me! Hahaha... Zhang Sanfeng, if you say you killed me, I would accept it wholeheartedly. But to say I would be killed by this blond kid is a grave insult to me. Even if you gave him two years, or twenty years, he still couldn’t kill me. I have practiced martial arts for over fifty years and defeated countless opponents. You are known as the number one martial artist, the greatest master under heaven. If I can defeat and kill you, then I will truly be the best in the world.” The Mongol imperial advisor said angrily.

Xia Jingtian could see clearly that this Mongol advisor looked down on him and did not take him seriously at all. He was obsessed with being number one in the world. In his eyes, Zhang Sanfeng was the unrivaled champion. Only by defeating or even killing Zhang Sanfeng could he claim the title of the greatest warrior.

It is said there is no first in literature, nor a second in martial arts. For those who practice martial arts, becoming the best in the world is the ultimate dream.

“If you want to be the best in the world, go ahead and try. I, a humble Taoist, don’t care about such titles,” Zhang Sanfeng replied indifferently.

“Hmph! Only by defeating you and killing you can I truly become the greatest,” the Mongol advisor said hysterically.

Xia Jingtian could tell this Mongol advisor was extremely troublesome. Not only was he highly skilled and powerful in combat, but he was also someone who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Such a person was truly terrifying.

“My master’s eyes just recently recovered, and given his age, he doesn’t wish to spar with you anymore. He has already shown you enough respect. I will spar with you instead. Are you afraid? Afraid of losing to me? Afraid word will get out that even Zhang Sanfeng’s disciple can’t beat you?” Xia Jingtian said with a smile.

With the demeanor of Empress Ma, the strategic brilliance of Liu Bowen, and the valor of Xu Da, Xia Jingtian was no longer a novice. He was now a clever, calculating, and resourceful figure, both brave and cunning.

He could see the Mongol advisor was very concerned about his dignity and reputation. If it came to a real fight, he would be no match for the advisor. Continuing to fight would mean either death or serious injury.

The Mongol advisor hadn’t used his true lethal moves yet, but Xia Jingtian had already provoked him.

“You’re trying to provoke me, aren’t you? Want me to attack you so you can find an opportunity to kill me with your firearms? Too bad, I’m prepared. My armor is impenetrable by blades or bullets; your guns won’t harm me,” the Mongol advisor said proudly.

During their earlier clash, the Mongol advisor was very cunning and never gave Xia Jingtian a chance to draw his handgun.

Xia Jingtian held a Tai Chi sword in one hand and the pistol in the other. He had only been practicing martial arts for a few days. If not for the fact that he had injured the Mongol advisor with his gun before, he wouldn’t have had the chance to fight him now.

“Then let me show you my marksmanship again!” Xia Jingtian said, raising his hand and firing a shot.

Bang!

Xia Jingtian fired another shot; the bullet sliced through the air at lightning speed toward the Mongol advisor.

Smack!

The Mongol advisor raised his arm; the bullet struck his forearm and was deflected.

He wore a wrist guard made of refined steel that deflected the bullet.

Whoosh!

Xia Jingtian rushed to the Mongol advisor’s front and swung two sword strikes at his body.

Clang!

The sword struck metal on the Mongol advisor’s body, producing a sharp metallic clang.

“Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill!” the Mongol advisor shouted, throwing two punches as a powerful surge of true energy erupted from him.

The true energy transformed into two energy dragons that charged toward Xia Jingtian.

Boom!

Xia Jingtian was shocked by the approaching energy dragons and quickly dropped to the ground.

The energy dragons smashed through a wooden stake and charged toward Zhang Sanfeng, who sat motionless inside the pavilion.

Boom!

Zhang Sanfeng raised his hand, manifesting a surge of true energy. The Tai Chi symbol appeared suspended in midair, surrounded by the Bagua diagrams.

The Tai Chi Bagua diagram formed by true energy froze the two energy dragons and dissolved them.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Seizing the opportunity, Xia Jingtian lay on the ground and fired his gun at the Mongol advisor.

Two bullets whizzed past the Mongol advisor; one struck him squarely between the eyebrows.

“No...impossible...” the Mongol advisor’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Thud!

The Mongol advisor’s body collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

“Looks like I need to practice my shooting more! I’m really terrible at this!” Xia Jingtian said, shaking his head helplessly.

His hands trembled as he held the gun. This was his first time killing someone—and with a gun at that.

For a moment, Xia Jingtian struggled to calm his emotions. As a doctor, he was a healer, a savior of lives. But now, he had taken a life with his own hands.

Zhang Sanfeng stepped out from the pavilion, looking down at the lifeless body of the Mongol advisor on the ground.

“This guy is finally dead! Jingtian, this was your first kill, wasn’t it?” Zhang Sanfeng asked.

“Yes, Master. This is my first time killing someone. I’m a bit scared,” Xia Jingtian replied nervously.

“Remember, as a martial artist, you must never kill the innocent recklessly, nor kill those who have no means to defend themselves. But this man was different. Many masters have died by his hand, and he once even kidnapped a princess. His death is justly deserved,” Zhang Sanfeng said.

At that moment, Empress Ma came down from the second floor and looked at the corpse of the Mongol advisor.

She sighed, “Divine Doctor Xia, your firearm is indeed formidable. It is a divine weapon with tremendous destructive power. You should not use it lightly. If it is wielded on the battlefield, many soldiers will perish.”

Kind-hearted Empress Ma, upon seeing the pistol in Xia Jingtian’s hand, worried not about using it against the enemies of Ming, but insisted he keep it safe and not use it recklessly.

“Empress Ma, I understand. This is a weapon from several hundred years in the future, not suitable for the Ming era,” Xia Jingtian explained.

“After the sparring, change your clothes and calm yourself. I will take care of the body,” Zhang Sanfeng instructed.

With that, Zhang Sanfeng carried the Mongol advisor’s body and pushed open the Moon Gate, disappearing into the Wudang Sect’s master’s villa.

Creak!

The Moon Gate opened again. Zhu Yuanzhang walked inside and saw signs of a recent fight in the courtyard, with bloodstains on the ground, as if a battle had just taken place.

“Divine Doctor Xia, there was a fight here just now!” he said.

“The Mongol advisor who kidnapped Yingrao has come again but was killed by Divine Doctor Xia,” Empress Ma said.

Xia Jingtian hurriedly put away his pistol, knowing that if Zhu Yuanzhang saw it, he would surely try to obtain it by any means.

“Divine Doctor Xia, you truly are from six hundred years in the future. Not only are your medical skills extraordinary, but your martial arts are also exceptional. I have long wanted to ask you, how will the future of our great Ming dynasty unfold?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked with concern.

In his heart, Xia Jingtian sighed, knowing that the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived.