"You also said that I am the foremost of the five Martial Gods. I came of my own volition, without any prompting,"
Despite his words, his expression told a different story.
Kashima, this straightforward Martial God, was displaying an unmistakable "I'm lying" face.
Seeing Kashima's troubled expression under the moonlight, Chen Fan smiled helplessly and said to him,
"Alright, if you're unwilling to say, I won't press you. You may go. I will definitely be there in three days."
As Chen Fan finished speaking, Kashima's expression instantly turned to one of shock.
Because at that moment, he clearly sensed that Chen Fan already knew that this duel was a trap!
But... if he knew it was a trap, why did he still agree?
Kashima couldn't understand this at all.
However, he couldn't directly ask.
So, he continued to wear that "I'm lying" expression and said to Chen Fan, "Your Excellency had best be punctual. I shall await your esteemed presence!"
Chen Fan looked at Kashima's expression and found him rather amusing. It would be a pity to kill him.
However, their positions were different, and Chen Fan merely thought about it.
When the day of the duel came, he would still have to kill him.
After all, this Kashima was his enemy.
And for now, regardless of whether Kashima's words were sincere or not, Chen Fan could not lose in terms of his aura.
Thus, Chen Fan nodded, his tone laced with playful mockery and provocation, and replied,
"Hmm, you'd best bring more people. Just your head alone won't be enough for me to wipe my sword."
Chen Fan's words startled Kashima greatly.
Chen Fan had said it casually, but Kashima could not simply take it as such!
For Kashima, Chen Fan's strength meant he could indeed do as he said!
To him, the outcome of the duel seemed to be already decided!
Therefore, Kashima felt fear. He bowed to Chen Fan, turned around with an embarrassed expression, and prepared to leave.
"Your Excellency... you jest. Farewell!"
The reason for his haste to leave was entirely due to the aura of a strong individual emanating from Chen Fan, which made Kashima not dare to linger any longer!
Not even for a moment!
However, Chen Fan, on the other hand, was somewhat bewildered.
After all, he hadn't done anything.
But since the other party wanted to leave, he still had to show the proper courtesy.
"Farewell," Chen Fan waved his hand at Kashima's retreating back and said.
Kashima dared not delay his steps, hurrying out more than ten paces, intending to leave the place as quickly as possible.
However, after taking those dozen or so steps, he suddenly stopped.
Seeing him stop, Chen Fan looked puzzled, finding this person truly strange.
But a few seconds later, Kashima turned back.
He stood before Chen Fan, his expression no longer the "I'm lying" one.
Kashima said to Chen Fan, "By the way, there's one more thing!"
"Hmm?" Chen Fan frowned slightly, watching Kashima warily, waiting for him to state his business.
"Did Your Excellency give away Miyamoto Shinmaru?" Kashima suddenly asked Chen Fan in a low voice.
Upon hearing Kashima's words, Chen Fan's face changed instantly!
After all, mentioning Miyamoto Shinmaru at this moment was equivalent to directly naming the prophet Xiang Jingzhu and the others!
Chen Fan's eyes were immediately filled with killing intent!
Regarding his true objective, Chen Fan did not mind eliminating Kashima prematurely.
Kashima naturally sensed the killing intent in Chen Fan's gaze.
So, he quickly waved his hands at Chen Fan, indicating he meant no harm.
Then, he began to explain,
"It's like this. According to the information I've gathered, it seems that the official Sakura Country has calculated the location and route of that ship and is preparing to use a military exercise as an excuse to take action against it."
The news Kashima delivered was undoubtedly crucial to Chen Fan!
After all, both his current risk-taking and his agreement to the duel in three days were aimed not only at verifying the answer in his heart but also at ensuring Xiang Jingzhu and the others could leave Sakura Country safely!
But now, the official Sakura Country was making a move!
How could Chen Fan not be alarmed? How could he not be anxious for Xiang Jingzhu and the others?
However, even though he was burning with anxiety, Chen Fan could not show weakness here.
Because he still didn't know Kashima's motive for revealing this information.
"Why are you telling me this?" Chen Fan asked Kashima back, his expressionless face and calm tone.
"There's no particular reason. I simply feel I have no chance of winning, and I hope that on the day of the duel, Your Excellency will show me some leniency in consideration of this information." Facing Chen Fan's question, the straightforward Kashima answered without any concealment.
This was indeed his true purpose!
He told Chen Fan this news solely to exchange it for a chance of survival!
Because he knew very well that the sword Chen Fan displayed during the day was unstoppable by anyone in this world!
And he, Kashima, did not wish to die!
Of course, Kashima did not believe his side had absolutely no chance of winning.
But he knew clearly that the probability of his side winning was not high.
Therefore, he wanted to leave himself a fallback, just in case.
After hearing Kashima's words, Chen Fan's expression remained unchanged.
He simply waved his hand at Kashima and replied, following Kashima's lead, "The information you've brought is quite good. I think it's worth inviting you to visit my homeland after the duel."
Upon hearing Chen Fan's words, Kashima felt an immense sense of relief!
In Kashima's eyes, Chen Fan's willingness to speak this meant that his life was essentially saved!
"It's better to obey than decline! Farewell!" Thus, Kashima, with a joyful expression, bowed to Chen Fan with clasped hands in the style of Great Xia people and bid him farewell.
Then, he strode away.
However, Chen Fan was still pondering.
Did he really want to spare this Kashima's life?
The information he brought was worth saving his life.
But if he spared his life, and showed him some leniency during the duel that day...