“Has Sihuai City been receiving many visitors lately?” In a courtyard of Wushuang City, Lu Yudi asked quietly while polishing his spear.

Standing beside him was Lord Haoyue, the current manager of Tianxia House. He nodded, “Countless people from major sects across the realm have flooded into Sihuai City. Many seek to obtain the Wushuang Command at Tianxia House.”

“Quite a profitable venture,” Lu Yudi raised an eyebrow.

Lord Haoyue sighed softly, “It was profitable at first, but now even sect leaders and renowned first-class swordsmen are coming. Selling so many Wushuang Commands will surely cause chaos, and we… will be exposed. Moreover, fewer skilled masters are coming to request the Command now.”

“Why?” Lu Yudi asked.

“Because…” Lord Haoyue frowned slightly, “they think there are simply too many people—too many for Wushuang City to stop. These people could simply storm the city if they wanted; why bother with a Command? It could become quite chaotic.”

“Let me think…” Lu Yudi gripped his spear suddenly and shook his head. “Who’s there!”

“Me.” A deep voice responded.

With a clang, Lu Yudi’s spear fell to the ground. His expression turned fearful: “Mas… Master.”

Song Yanhui pushed open the door, wearing a white cloth band around his forehead—still in mourning attire. Behind him followed Wushang, eating a candied haw. Lord Haoyue’s expression changed as his hand instinctively gripped the blade hidden in his sleeve.

“Best keep that hidden,” Song Yanhui’s voice was ice-cold. “Now that you’re within Wushuang City’s territory, if you draw that blade before me, I cannot let you live.”

“Haoyue, show respect before my master,” Lu Yudi said sternly.

Lord Haoyue took a deep breath, shook his sleeves, and bowed: “Greetings, City Lord Song.”

“So you’re the current master of Tianxia House?” Song Yanhui stepped forward, picked up the fallen spear, and thrust it firmly into the ground.

Lord Haoyue nodded, “Indeed, indeed.”

“I know about all your dealings with my disciple,” Song Yanhui said slowly. “I choose not to interfere, not because I approve, but because these matters are too trivial. Making a fuss over such things isn’t worth my time.”

Lu Yudi knelt on one knee, head bowed, feeling somewhat afraid. His master had always been kindhearted, but often it was such kindhearted people whose anger, once roused, proved unbearable for ordinary folk.

“Worthless!” Song Yanhui kicked Lu Yudi to the ground. “I know you’re useless. But you’re still my first disciple, and even if your martial arts can’t support this city in the future, you could at least help it in other ways. Don’t waste what little wit you have on greed and corruption.”

“Disciple understands, disciple understands,” Lu Yudi repeated hastily.

“Do you remember how you came to be my disciple?” Song Yanhui asked.

Lu Yudi quickly replied, “Of course. That year, my village was destroyed by floods, and everyone died except for me—I survived by clinging to a tree. Master, you were passing by and saved me. Though I was slow to learn martial arts, you still kept me by your side. I’ve followed you ever since.”

“You were born in the countryside and never grew comfortable with life in Wushuang City; I’ve always known this. But since I saved your life, you must repay me,” Song Yanhui patted Wushang’s head beside him. “Take good care of your junior brother.”

Lu Yudi was stunned momentarily, then nodded: “I’ve always treated him well…”

“By ‘well,’ I mean absolute loyalty when he becomes City Lord!” Song Yanhui thought for a moment and repeated, “Swear to serve him unto death!”

Lu Yudi dared not question this, bowing his head: “Disciple will remember!”

“Spread the word: for the sword trial on the back mountain that day, Wushuang City welcomes heroes from across the realm. Those who wish to watch may register—they’re welcome to observe. But sword light is blind to friend or foe, and we bear no responsibility for life or death,” Song Yanhui said gravely.

“This…” Lu Yudi exclaimed, “There’s never been such a precedent…”

“They want to witness Wushuang City’s decline? Then let them come! I’ll show them that what they desire will never come to pass.” Song Yanhui turned and walked out. “Though my Wushuang City may not match Xueyue City now, we’re still not to be underestimated by anyone.”

Wushang followed, eating his candied haw, and added: “Not to be underestimated!”

After they left, Lu Yudi wiped his cold sweat: “That was terrifying. What’s gotten into Master today?”

Lord Haoyue whispered, “Is the City Lord bluffing? How has he already chosen the next City Lord—and a child at that?”

“Don’t underestimate that child. Though Master is already the most talented disciple Wushuang City has seen in generations, he says the child’s talent for swordsmanship far exceeds his own.” Lu Yudi sighed softly. “Unlike me—I’m completely unsuited for martial arts, barely worthy of the title of Senior Brother, actually useless.”

“If the position of City Lord passes to this child, then we…” Lord Haoyue’s expression brightened as he made a throat-cutting gesture. “Couldn’t we… then the entire city would be…”

“Fool.” Lu Yudi slapped him. “At least I know I’m useless—you don’t even know your limitations. People like us can only rely on the strong, doing underhanded things. We cannot control the strong. If you don’t understand this principle, Tianxia House won’t need you anymore.”

Meanwhile, Song Yanhui looked down at Wushang: “What do you think of your Senior Brother?”

“A bit slow,” Wushang replied after some thought.

“Slow in martial arts, yes.” Song Yanhui smiled bitterly. “But in dealing with people, he’s quite cunning—even more so than me.”

“Master, you’re acting strange today.” Wushang looked up.

“I’m only thirty this year,” Song Yanhui gazed at the setting sun. “Yet before Bai Li Dongjun and the others, I feel like I’m from an older generation. I don’t have their spirit, their pride. In the coming battle with Zhuo Yue’an, I’m not confident of victory—I even fear I might die. So I must make some arrangements to put my mind at ease.”

“Master,” Wushang suddenly called out.

“Hmm?” Song Yanhui looked at him.

Wushang stared up with innocent eyes, biting off the last candied haw: “The candied haws are so sweet. Can we buy another?”