The sword had yet to be drawn.
The people had yet to move.
Years of experience taught Shangguan Hong one principle: when dueling one-on-one with Zhou Li, you absolutely must not drag out the fight. It has to be swift and decisive. The longer it goes, the more Zhou Li's "tricks" will surface, presenting a dizzying array of tactics.
Nine swords.
The target Shangguan Hong set for herself was to resolve the fight against Zhou Li within nine moves.
And Zhou Li, of course, understood Shangguan Hong's intent.
A maximum of nine swords.
He knew Shangguan Hong intended to finish him within nine moves, denying him any opportunity to prolong the battle. But Zhou Li was no pushover either; he wouldn't simply allow Shangguan Hong to perform her Gongsun's Sword Dance.
"Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhou Li."
Zhou Li extended his hand, performing a standard bow.
"Loose Cultivator, Shangguan Hong."
