Chapter Eight: The Blade Leaves No Trace

With the great battle imminent, this autumn’s capital examinations abandoned the previous nearly real-combat military exercises in the form of hunting. The entire grand review now focused on assessing the martial skills of the army and selecting outstanding soldiers. Precisely because they anticipated war with the Xiongnu cavalry—where opportunities would be fleeting—General Li Guang’s earlier words counted as a preemptive mobilization. When the time came, the soldiers could be rushed straight onto the battlefield!

At this moment, the entire training ground was ablaze with assessments of martial skill and contests of prowess. The garrison of Shanggu commandery was divided into three main divisions. Aside from cavalry, the chariot and infantry divisions were further subdivided—for example, chariot troops included drivers, chariot warriors, and infantry attached to the chariots, while infantry was divided into light and heavy infantry. Each branch required examination of different primary skills.

Qin Cheng belonged to the heavy infantry, clad in iron armor. This type of soldier did not use bows in battle, but fought at close quarters with halberds, spears, axes, and polearms, also equipped with long swords (or short swords). Light infantry, on the other hand, either wore leather armor or none at all, and specialized in killing at range with bows and arrows. Since Qin Cheng’s archery was poor, he ultimately became a heavy infantryman.

It could be said that heavy infantry was the least promising branch, but suffered the greatest casualties in war.

For Qin Cheng and his fellow heavy infantry, the primary skills assessed were sword and polearm techniques, as well as hand-to-hand wrestling. Archery was also evaluated, as it was a foundational skill for the Han army, much as military posture would be for any branch in later times.

“Squad Leader, Squad Leader Dong, where are you headed?” Dong Chu, upon encountering Qin Cheng at their division’s assessment site, looked as if he’d seen a ghost, quickly veering away, but was still spotted by Qin Cheng’s sharp eyes.

“N-no, nowhere in particular. Haha. Qin Cheng, I heard you’ve already defeated every soldier in our division in hand-to-hand combat, and are about to represent us in the departmental contest. Truly impressive! Haha!” Dong Chu scratched his head sheepishly, looking somewhat awkward; it was almost pitiful to see such a burly man act like a child caught in mischief.

He must have already heard about Jiang He’s defeat.

“I’m not the only one representing our division—it’s nothing extraordinary,” Qin Cheng said, placing a hand on Dong Chu’s shoulder. “Squad Leader, are you off to compete in the long sword event?”

“Uh, yes.” Dong Chu glanced at the wooden long sword he had just received, and nodded.

“What a coincidence—I’m going as well. Shall we go together?” Qin Cheng revealed a special wooden long sword meant for the contest, waving it before Dong Chu.

“You’re also representing our division in the sword finals?” Dong Chu was astounded to see the special sword in Qin Cheng’s hand. He realized Qin Cheng must have claimed first place in sword skills within their division. Dong Chu, being last year’s sword champion for their division, had qualified directly for the finals and didn’t compete in the preliminary round this year. Understanding the situation, Dong Chu had no reason to refuse, and agreed immediately: “Alright, let’s go together!”

“Let’s.”

As Qin Cheng walked with his arm around Dong Chu, Dong Chu couldn’t help but wonder: What happened to Qin Cheng? Ever since he returned home for a visit, he seemed like a different man. He used to be merely an average soldier, but in recent days, he had not only beaten Dong Chu himself in hand-to-hand combat, and also Jiang He, Dong Chu’s backup, but now claimed first in sword skills as well. How was this possible?

Could he really have been struck by lightning? And somehow gained extraordinary abilities?

Dong Chu felt his worldview turning upside down.

Nevertheless, if he, as squad leader, lost again in sword skills, he might as well relinquish his position and let Qin Cheng take over. With the years he had spent honing his swordsmanship, Dong Chu remained confident. He resolved to surpass Qin Cheng in the sword contest! As he thought, a faint smile crept onto his face. He even hoped the army would pair him against Qin Cheng, so he might reclaim some dignity.

Swordsmanship was the proud skill of heavy infantry; traditionally, sword champions came from the heavy infantry or chariot divisions. Qin Cheng and Dong Chu’s appearance as representatives for the heavy infantry immediately drew the attention of many soldiers.

Noticing the mixture of admiration and curiosity directed at them, Dong Chu puffed up with pride, unconsciously lifting his chin, savoring the attention.

Qin Cheng observed this, inwardly amused, quietly noting Dong Chu’s characteristic.

“Squad Leader Dong!” A burly young man approached, greeting Dong Chu.

“Captain Liu!” Dong Chu saluted promptly.

“It’s been a while. How’s your swordsmanship? Today, we must have a good match!” Captain Liu laughed heartily, clapping Dong Chu on the shoulder, clearly a familiar gesture.

Dong Chu forced a smile, rare in its humility: “Captain Liu, I’m not your equal in swordsmanship—you needn’t tease me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You weren’t my equal last year, but does that mean you won’t be this year? How can you think that way? You deserve a scolding!” Captain Liu feigned annoyance.

“Yes, yes, Captain Liu, your lesson is well taken. I will give it my all,” Dong Chu replied earnestly.

“Haha!” Captain Liu laughed loudly. “That’s the spirit! That’s what a soldier should be!” With that, he went off to greet others.

Once Captain Liu departed, Dong Chu breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Qin Cheng, he explained, “His name is Liu Shanhe, from Chariot Division Two, last year’s sword champion. His swordsmanship is remarkable!”

Of course, Dong Chu left unsaid that he had been eliminated by Liu Shanhe in their first bout last year. His explanation was a way of saving face, for Qin Cheng had just learned about Dong Chu’s defeat.

Qin Cheng nodded slightly, keeping Liu Shanhe’s name in mind.

“He’s just a bit too outspoken,” Dong Chu muttered.

Since the sword contest involved the entire garrison and many participants, three temporary wooden platforms had been erected to expedite the matches.

Soon after—

“Platform One: Heavy Infantry Division One, Qin Cheng versus Chariot Division Two, Liu Shanhe!” With the loud announcement from a soldier, the contest officially began.

Hearing this, Dong Chu shot Qin Cheng a peculiar glance, the meaning clear: Sorry, you’re done for!

Qin Cheng ignored Dong Chu’s look, picked up his sword, and strode onto the platform.

Liu Shanhe, about to mount the stage, let out a boisterous laugh and leapt onto the platform, landing firmly opposite Qin Cheng, visibly excited.

“Hmm? You look unfamiliar!” Liu Shanhe exclaimed, then raised his voice, “Hey, youngster! My blows often lack restraint—if you can’t withstand them, be sure to call out, lest I injure you!”

Meant as kindness, his words came across as a blatant provocation.

Qin Cheng’s face remained calm; his right hand held the sword angled toward the floor, lips curling into a slight smile. He replied proudly, “Come!”

“You’re a new recruit—take the first strike. I won’t take advantage,” Liu Shanhe declared, generously.

To Liu Shanhe, who had fought on these platforms for years, Qin Cheng—who had never appeared before—was naturally a “new recruit.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Cheng’s body flashed forward, his sword still angled to his right side. In an instant, the soldiers below saw only a blur—Qin Cheng had already reached Liu Shanhe!

For over ten years, I have faced countless foes with my Tang blade, and no one has dared say, “You strike first.” Liu Shanhe, you’re courting disaster!

Qin Cheng’s pride, ignited by Liu Shanhe’s careless words, blazed forth. His arm moved; the sword was at Liu Shanhe’s chest in the blink of an eye.

From the moment Qin Cheng moved, Liu Shanhe dropped his earlier contempt and was fully alert. Even so, as Qin Cheng’s blade neared his chest, Liu Shanhe could only retreat and raise his sword to block!

Too fast!

Liu Shanhe had never seen such speed in swordplay!

But when the swords clashed, a sharp numbness shot through Liu Shanhe’s grip; his right hand trembled, and his sword nearly slipped. He realized Qin Cheng’s blade was not only swift, but forceful beyond compare!

Liu Shanhe prided himself on his strength, with few equals in the army, yet facing Qin Cheng, for the first time he found himself at a disadvantage in power.

The soldiers below watched the two men locked in combat, the speed of their blades making it impossible to follow the action, their hearts filled with awe.

Qin Cheng’s swordplay was deadly with every move, devoid of any flashy, useless flourishes. The long sword seemed alive in his hands, attacking from unexpected angles. Especially those bewildering strikes—Qin Cheng’s sword could perform chops, slashes, hooks, lifts, thrusts, spins, and draws, all in concert with agile footwork, leaving Liu Shanhe defenseless!

Liu Shanhe had never witnessed such uncanny swordsmanship—it defied all his understanding. He had never known a sword could be wielded in such ways!

For the first time, Liu Shanhe believed in the unity of man and blade.

Qin Cheng had embodied that realm before his very eyes!

After only a few exchanges, Liu Shanhe was drenched in sweat, barely coping. Qin Cheng, meanwhile, pressed the attack fiercely, yet remained poised, striking faster and harder with each move.

With a sharp sound, Liu Shanhe’s sword clattered onto the platform. Qin Cheng’s blade was already poised at his throat—not resting on his shoulder, but hovering just at his neck, without touching a single part of his body.

Brilliant!

The whole arena fell silent.

In just three or four breaths, last year’s sword champion of the chariot division had been forced into a desperate defense, only to have his throat pinned by his opponent’s blade.

A bead of sweat slid from Liu Shanhe’s chin; in this brief span, he was soaked.

On Liu Shanhe’s right wrist, a vivid red cut betrayed the reason his sword had fallen.

At that moment, Qin Cheng stood with imperious dignity, exuding an air reminiscent of a conquering hero.

“Excellent!” The soldiers below finally recovered, erupting in thunderous applause and cheers.

Dong Chu, too, returned to his senses, swallowing hard. He looked at his sword hand and saw it was slick with sweat.

Damn, what just happened?

Is this Qin Cheng? Is this really Qin Cheng? Is he still the same Qin Cheng?

Dong Chu kept asking himself, feeling the world had gone mad.

On the other side of the platform, a handsome youth wielding a special wooden longsword watched Qin Cheng with shining eyes.

Qin Cheng sheathed his sword, bent to pick up Liu Shanhe’s fallen blade, and held it out to him, saying calmly, “You lost.”

Liu Shanhe took the sword, looked at it, then at Qin Cheng, and suddenly burst out laughing. “Refreshing! Truly refreshing! I admit defeat wholeheartedly—damn it, this loss was worth it! Your swordsmanship commands my respect!”

With another hearty laugh, he jumped down from the stage.

“In this bout, Qin Cheng is victorious!”

Qin Cheng put away his sword and stepped down from the platform, accompanied by the fervent gaze of the soldiers.