Chapter Twenty: Why Use a Broadsword to Slay a Chicken?

What happened next was something neither of them could have anticipated.

The masked woman behind the tall man raised her long, elegant leg and kicked him squarely in the back.

“Damn!”

With a loud crash, the towering masked man tumbled forward, landing flat on his face in a most undignified sprawl. Considering this was a city in the sky, perhaps it would be more apt to say he fell with his back to the heavens.

Gongsun Ce clapped rhythmically, applauding the splendid kick. “Excellent form.”

The woman with the long sword looked down at the man lying on the ground.

“Please refrain from disgracing the Empire in front of foreigners and students.”

“You dare kick your superior? Is this how your grandfather taught you?!”

She placed one hand on her hip, utterly unapologetic, every gesture radiating an air of righteous indignation. “Grandfather always said I’m a good child, so if something doesn’t sit right with me, the problem must lie with the other party. In such cases, violence is the best solution. I intended to kick your backside, but out of consideration for your dignity, I chose your back instead. Very thoughtful, don’t you think?”

A stifled laugh escaped Miss Alice at last; she couldn't help herself.

The tall man grumbled as he picked himself up from the ground. “You really are the old man’s granddaughter... And what are you all gawking at? Get lost already! Or have you gone deaf as well?”

The young man spread his hands. “Why should I obey your orders? This is the Sky City, go