“Master Qingchen from Li City arrives!”
This simple announcement caused many to change expression, with Mo Jingqi being the first. Though everyone knew the Northwest’s split from Great Chu had become irreversible, Mo Jingqi stubbornly refused to acknowledge that his failures had forced Prince Ding and the Mo family army to break away. Instead, he claimed Mo Xiuyao was ambitious and rebellious.
So while public opinion couldn’t be controlled, court officials had to follow the emperor’s preference and call Prince Ding a traitor, even though it sent chills down their spines. But what could they do when they ate the emperor’s rice?
Now Xu Qingchen openly using the title “from Li City” was like a heavy slap across Mo Jingqi’s face. More importantly, not just Prince Ding’s household and the Mo family army, but the Xu family had also been forced away by him. Now Master Qingchen’s high-profile appearance under Mo Xiuyao’s banner told the world that those Mo Jingqi dared not use, Mo Xiuyao would. The Xu family, frozen out in Great Chu, immediately wielded great authority in the Northwest. Such comparison made the superiority clear at a glance. No wonder Mo Jingqi’s expression couldn’t look good.
Next were Mo Jingli and Lei Tengfeng, along with various young talents whose true interests lay elsewhere. After all, in Miss Murong’s spouse selection, a man’s appearance would certainly be advantageous. Among those present, perhaps only two or three could compare with Master Qingchen in looks and talent. Everyone could only be grateful that Master Qingchen knew no martial arts—otherwise, the Murong family might not have needed a competition at all.
As for the other two important figures present, Ling Tiehan had no conflicting interests with Xu Qingchen and shared quite a friendship with him, so he merely nodded in greeting. The Prince of Zhengnan, though Master Qingchen was world-renowned, had never crossed swords with him, and they weren’t even of the same generation. Among the younger generation, only Mo Xiuyao could be considered the Prince’s rival, so he didn’t think much of Xu Qingchen.
Having cultivated an unperturbed demeanor since youth, how could Xu Qingchen be bothered by such a minor scene? Master Qingchen approached in white robes, his lips carrying a smile as delicate as spring water and pear blossoms. Countless martial heroines in the audience couldn’t help but gasp, their cheeks flushing red. Even Miss Murong, standing beside the family head, was momentarily stunned. Despite her high self-regard and having met many talented heroes recently, she had never seen such ethereal bearing as Master Qingchen’s. She had completely forgotten her grandfather and grand-uncle’s instructions, her heart pounding wildly.
“Everyone, please forgive my late arrival,” Xu Qingchen smiled with clasped hands.
The Prince of Zhengnan laughed heartily, “Master Qingchen is too polite. Please, sit. Might Prince Ding and his Princess be coming?”
Xu Qingchen replied composedly, “Thank you for your concern, Prince. The Prince and Princess are too occupied with various matters to attend. So they sent this idle person to join the festivities—I hope you don’t mind.” Everyone exchanged pleasantries, all being nobles from various countries, they naturally knew this ethereal man was no mere idler. Though Mo Xiuyao’s civil officials still held no formal positions, everyone understood that Master Qingchen’s authority in the Northwest was no less than a prime minister’s.
“Hmph!” While the guests were enthusiastically exchanging courtesies, the Murong family head’s expression soured. The Murong and Xu families could be considered the two oldest surviving great houses. But though wealthy beyond measure, the Murong family had always harbored some resentment toward the Xu family.
The reason was simple: the Xu family, known for their scholarly tradition, had produced generations of renowned scholars and ministers, their name revered throughout all countries. The Murong family, being merchants, couldn’t even enter the imperial court. Despite being as wealthy as a nation, they had to endure various open and hidden attacks from the royal family. No one would believe the Xiling royal family hadn’t contributed to the Murong family’s current decline in numbers. Though both families suffered royal suspicion and attacks, even if the Xu family fell one day, they would be remembered forever—after all, if the Xu clan’s contributions to two royal dynasties were erased, historical records would need complete rewriting.
But the Murong family—once destroyed, who would remember them? Moreover, now the Xu family had found a formidable nephew-in-law, and Fifth Brother’s son showed great ability. Once Prince Ding’s power stabilized, the Xu family would rise again, greater than before. Looking at the Murong family now, rich only in money, how could one not sigh?
That single snort shocked everyone present. Xu Qingchen’s expression changed slightly—though he hadn’t felt much himself, seeing the reactions of the Prince of Zhengnan and Ling Tiehan made him realize this snort wasn’t simple. Turning toward Murong Xiong seated in the head position, Xu Qingchen clasped his hands, “Senior Murong, this junior was discourteous. Please forgive me.”
Murong Xiong’s snort, carrying special internal energy, only affected those who possessed internal energy themselves, more severely the stronger their power. Unfortunately, having retired from the martial world too long, he hadn’t even considered the possibility that Xu Qingchen might not know martial arts. Moreover, Xu Qingchen’s outstanding bearing and subtle refinement, along with his unintimidated interaction with masters like the Prince of Zhengnan and Ling Tiehan, only convinced Murong Xiong further that Xu Qingchen must be using some special technique to conceal his martial arts cultivation—such techniques did exist in the martial world. Seeing Xu Qingchen’s unchanged, composed expression now only darkened his own.
“Why didn’t Prince Ding come?” Murong Xiong asked sternly, his tone quite overbearing, immediately causing displeasure among many present. People like the Prince of Zhengnan all wished they had seven apertures of wisdom, thinking ten or a hundred times more than ordinary people. Though most were at odds with Mo Xiuyao, no one could deny his ability and status. This old man’s first words carried such a tone, full of commanding arrogance. Not only did he fail to show respect to Mo Xiuyao, but he also showed none to them. The Prince of Zhengnan’s expression remained unchanged as his gaze swept coolly over Ling Tiehan, Mo Jingli, and others. Did this old man think that after disappearing for decades, everyone would obey him upon his return? Foolish!
Xu Qingchen showed no anger, not even reducing his smile in the slightest. He calmly replied, “Prince Ding and his Princess are occupied with various matters and unable to attend this year’s gathering. I have already conveyed the Prince’s apologies to the Prince of Zhengnan and Pavilion Master Ling, and neither minded.” With Mo Xiuyao’s martial arts and status, only the Prince of Zhengnan and Ling Tiehan could face him in combat.
If it were just a martial arts gathering, with these two not minding, naturally no one else had the right to say anything. Moreover, attendance was voluntary—if Prince Ding didn’t wish to come, who could force him?
But Murong Xiong wasn’t satisfied with this answer and said sternly, “I sent an invitation to Prince Ding. Why didn’t he come?”
Xu Qingchen slightly furrowed his brow, his gaze sweeping faintly over Miss Murong standing beside the family head. Instead of immediately answering Murong Xiong, he turned and sat in the empty seat beside Ling Tiehan. Only when Murong Xiong was about to lose his temper did he drawl, “Our Prince said he has no interest in matters beyond the martial arts gathering itself.”
A silence fell over the crowd. What did he mean by “matters beyond the martial arts gathering”? Almost everyone’s gaze suddenly fell on Miss Murong. Originally staring enchantedly at Master Qingchen, she now felt both ashamed and angry, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to hide in.
“Impudent youth!” Murong Xiong flew into a rage, sending a palm strike through the air toward Xu Qingchen’s seat. Overwhelmingly powerful internal energy, almost suffocating, pressed down toward Xu Qingchen.
“Master Qingchen!” The two guards following Xu Qingchen cried out in alarm, simultaneously stepping forward to shield him front and back. Ling Tiehan, sitting beside Xu Qingchen, also placed a hand on his shoulder at the same moment. The two guards in front of Xu Qingchen swayed but quickly steadied themselves. The one in front had blood trickling from his lips but seemed to feel no pain, casually wiping it away before being supported back to his position behind Xu Qingchen by his companion. Ling Tiehan also quietly withdrew his hand, though his gaze remained vigilantly fixed on Murong Xiong, his sharp eyes revealing a hint of eagerness to fight.
Xu Qingchen sat calmly behind the table, not even a hair disturbed, as if that murderous palm strike had never happened. Taking a sip of tea, Master Qingchen gracefully said, “Thank you for showing mercy, Senior Murong.”
Murong Xiong snorted lightly and sat back down without another word, though his gaze remained dark and probing as he stared at Xu Qingchen. Murong Xiong certainly couldn’t kill Xu Qingchen—perhaps killing him would be easy, and Murong Xiong even felt that with his martial arts, killing Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t be difficult. But unless he had gone mad, he couldn’t do so. He might be able to kill Xu Qingchen and Mo Xiuyao, but he couldn’t kill several hundred thousand Mo family troops, and the result would likely be the Mo family army crushing the Murong family. A bargaining chip is only a bargaining chip while held—once used, it becomes a matter of life and death.
With Murong Xiong having lost face to Xu Qingchen, the Murong family head naturally looked displeased as well. He put away the grand speech he had prepared and announced the start of the martial arts gathering with a bland expression.
Actually, by tradition, the first day of a martial arts gathering held little excitement. It mostly featured new martial artists competing, with the real spectacles coming on the second and third days. Sometimes the third day’s matches would end quickly, extending to the fourth or fifth day, depending on the remaining masters’ abilities. Once the platform matches began, while the spectating crowd was enthusiastic, those seated in the viewing area had already grown somewhat distracted.
Under a nearby tree, Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao, frowning at those on the platform. Mo Xiuyao patted her, softly comforting, “Don’t worry, Brother is fine.”
Xu Qingchen had calculated that Murong Xiong wouldn’t dare kill him, and choosing to sit beside Ling Tiehan meant that unless Murong Xiong used his full power, Ling Tiehan could block for him. Whether Xu Qingchen was injured or not, Murong Xiong would certainly gain a reputation for attacking someone who couldn’t even bind a chicken. Ye Li nodded, asking, “How is Murong Xiong’s martial arts?”
Mo Xiuyao frowned, “Far above mine and Ling Tiehan’s.” This conclusion wasn’t surprising—Murong Xiong was many years their senior. Besides being naturally talented in martial arts, at his age, he wouldn’t be easy to deal with even with average aptitude.
“What did Murong Xiong mean earlier?” Ye Li asked with furrowed brows.
Mo Xiuyao laughed deeply, “What else could he mean? He felt our Prince Ding’s household didn’t give him face by not attending. Some people get old and like to trade on their age, thinking everyone should watch their expression before acting, without considering if they have that ability.”
Ye Li tilted her head to look at the people on the platform, smiling slightly, “I think… Miss Murong might have different opinions from Murong Xiong and the family head. However… that Miss Murong won’t enter the Xu family’s door.” Since Xu Qingchen’s appearance, Miss Murong’s eyes hadn’t left him. If not for her veil providing some cover, and the platform matches diverting attention, many present would have noticed her feelings.
Mo Xiuyao supported Ye Li, laughing softly, “A-Li doesn’t like her?” Ye Li smiled lightly, “It’s not about liking or disliking—Brother and the Xu family won’t like her.”
Mo Xiuyao had no interest in whom Xu Qingchen liked or disliked. Standing straight, he said, “Seems there’s nothing worth watching today. Let’s return to the city. Perhaps there’ll be good shows tomorrow or the day after.”
Their quiet departure didn’t attract much attention, though their early return surprised the Qingyuan Inn’s manager. After all, it seemed strange to leave such excitement outside the city so early. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, saying only that his beloved wife felt unwell. The manager immediately showed understanding as he respectfully saw them upstairs. After all, though this gentleman was exceptionally handsome, he was already married and naturally had no connection to Miss Murong. So watching the matches or not wasn’t so important, right?
Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li didn’t personally attend the first and second days’ matches. At Mo Xiuyao’s level, he naturally had no interest in watching the so-called masters’ minor scuffles on the platform. They only heard that several young masters had distinguished themselves and entered the top ten, including Ren Qining whom they had encountered several times. Meanwhile, the Murong family head announced after the second day’s matches that he would choose a son-in-law for his granddaughter from among the top ten masters. This statement stirred up countless waves. At the same time, a letter from Xu Qingchen was delivered to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s room.
“Brother, do you have any plans?” In Xu Qingchen’s room, Ye Li sat drinking tea while Mo Xiuyao lazily leaned against the window enjoying the distant view. Xu Qingchen sat properly, glancing at Ye Li before turning to Mo Xiuyao, “What does the Prince think?”
Mo Xiuyao turned back, saying languidly, “Hasn’t this matter been handed to Brother Qingchen? Just handle it as you see fit—surely such a small matter won’t stump Brother Qingchen?”
Xu Qingchen did not comment, saying coolly, “Murong Xiong’s thoughts are indeed fanciful, but those interested are certainly not few. After all… the Murong family’s wealth rivaling a nation isn’t just talk. Before today, Mo Jingqi had already sent people to contact the Murong family head.”
Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly, “Mo Jingqi is becoming less picky, picking up anything fragrant or foul.” Xu Qingchen smiled helplessly, “My Prince needn’t be so harsh. Whatever Miss Murong may be, at least the Murong family’s wealth is worth anyone’s attempt.”
As a minister, Xu Qingchen would similarly advise Mo Xiuyao to marry the Murong family’s daughter—after all, why not gain such enormous wealth by marrying one woman? But Mo Xiuyao wasn’t just the person he served, but also his brother-in-law. For Li’er’s sake, the Murong family shouldn’t even think of setting foot in Prince Ding’s household. But what Prince Ding’s household didn’t want, others couldn’t have either! A cold glint flashed through Xu Qingchen’s cultured eyes.
“Brother?” Ye Li looked worriedly at Xu Qingchen. Xiuyao was willfully pushing everything onto Brother. Though Brother was brilliant, he now had to deal with martial artists. Sometimes jianghu people acted faster than they thought, so there was still some danger.
Xu Qingchen smiled calmly, “It’s fine, Li’er, don’t worry. Brother will handle everything well.” No one could threaten Li’er’s position and happiness. Not even the number one master from fifty years ago.
“My Prince, if we must deal with Murong Xiong, are you confident?” Xu Qingchen asked.
Mo Xiuyao frowned, pondering for a moment before saying, “At most three chances in ten. Murong Xiong’s internal energy far surpasses mine. If we can’t end it quickly, I’ll likely lose.” Ordinary masters fought with techniques, internal energy, and stamina. But at their level, stamina hardly mattered—as long as Murong Xiong wasn’t near death from old age, they’d have no chance to compete in stamina because he could suppress them with internal energy alone. So his age was hardly even a weakness.
Xu Qingchen carelessly tapped the table, finally asking after a while, “If one prince isn’t enough, how about two or three?”
“You mean…” Mo Xiuyao stood up, staring at Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen lowered his gaze, saying calmly, “The Murong family’s ambition isn’t small, and Murong Xiong is crafty with age. That temperament… will be trouble sooner or later!” The bland tone carried a faint killing intent. Mo Xiuyao stared at him for a while before saying, “No need for three. This prince plus either Ling Tiehan or Lei Zhenting would be enough to handle Murong Xiong.”
“That’s excellent.” Xu Qingchen nodded satisfactorily, saying, “Then… perhaps the Prince needn’t appear personally.” If Mo Xiuyao plus Ling Tiehan or Lei Zhenting could handle Murong Xiong, then without Mo Xiuyao they could still handle him.
“Brother, Murong Xiong’s martial arts are too high, and the Murong family likely isn’t completely without martial preparation. Please be very careful,” Ye Li said softly.
Xu Qingchen nodded, his smile faint and warm though his brow carried a sharp edge, “Li’er need not worry.”
“Reporting to Master Qingchen, Miss Murong requests an audience,” a guard announced respectfully outside.
Xu Qingchen lowered his brows, saying coolly, “Please show Miss Murong up.”