(SOTR)
Chapter 26: Jiang Feng Erupts
A sparring match between the heirs of the dukedoms had ended
with this outcome. With her identity, Princess Gouyu was naturally safe from
suspicion that she was on Jiang Chen’s side.
After all, whether in terms of identity or position, Jiang
Chen did not merit such favoritism from Princess Gouyu.
Besides, who didn’t know that Princess Gouyu was renowned
for being cold and impartial? If that wasn’t the case, how would His Majesty
the King have been willing to let Princess Gouyu govern over an event as
important as the Hidden Dragon Trials?
At the same time, although it was miraculous that Jiang Chen
had defeated Bai Zhanyun, it had happened right in front of the audience’s very
eyes. Even if they wanted to suspect foul play, they were unable to find an
excuse to do so.
Back to the banquet, in which wine and food flowed in
copious amounts. The atmosphere hadn’t fully recovered yet thanks to the events
of the day.
For better or worse, everyone had their own internal
worries.
Particularly those dukes whom had been at odds with the duke
of Jiang Han - they still couldn’t quite place a finger on it, had Jiang Chen’s
win been a fluke?
Or was he a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and the father son duo
had finally started to reveal their hideous fangs in the last segment of the Hidden
Dragon Trials?
To say that someone in the initial realm of true qi could
hone in on the weaknesses of someone with eight meridians true qi after one
demonstration from the latter; even martial dao masters would be hard pressed
to believe it.
How was it possible to find flaws after one viewing, and
then defeat one’s opponent in actual battle?
If it was so easy for the weak to triumph over the strong,
then what was everyone training so hard for?
But, to say that Jiang Chen had been pretending to be a wolf
in sheep’s clothing - wasn’t his act just a bit too real?
The key thing was, farting during the Rites of Heavenly
Worship wasn’t in the playbook of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing! This was a
mortal sin, and extreme punishment was a given.
Unless... had King Eastern Lu played along with Jiang Chen?
This was even more ridiculous! Surely the king wasn’t so
bored as to do something like this? Plus, surely the Jiang family did not
command so much face as to have the king wholeheartedly act along with their
playbook?
Only the duke of Tianshui and several other officials could
faintly guess at what was truly going on, because they had been eyewitnesses to
the happenings that night in the Jiang Han manor.
“Perhaps the divine patron has not yet left Jiang Chen,
allowing this kid to benefit from sheer, dumb luck?” The duke of Tianshui
explained things this way to himself.
This kind of speculation was the most logical. The duke of
Tianshui had concluded something after observing Jiang Feng’s expressions and
actions. Jiang Feng, at least, had no prior knowledge of this matter.
With Jiang Feng’s level of shrewdness, his acting skills
wouldn’t be up to par if he was pretending to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He
would quickly reveal his flaws.
Fatty Xuan and the others walked around socializing when the
banquet started, and were quite friendly with Jiang Chen. They hung out with
Jiang Chen before because he was generous, had a sense of justice, and was
willing to speak up for a friend.
Now, with Jiang Chen’s strength, they had an even greater
mutual sense of pride.
“Damn straight! Brother Chen, I, fatty Xuan, have hung out
with you for two or three years but never knew that brother Chen was the true
genius! World class acting skills, world class potential, and definitely world
class strength. Little brother is in awe, awe!”
Fatty Xuan wore a look of extreme excitement and spittle
flew as he gesticulated. He was more excited than a kid at Christmas - as if
Jiang Chen being awesome was the same as him being awesome.
Bai Zhanyun was white faced at the other table, and he kept
his head down as he found solace in the bottom of his wine cup.
Yan Yiming, who had been one hit ko’ed by Jiang Chen
earlier, had finally regained his senses and muttered fiercely. “That Jiang
Chen must have used a sinister trick! He’s merely got three meridians true qi,
how could he have beaten me!”
Hong Tiantong, on the other hand, was secretly relieved.
Good thing he was smart enough to avoid seeking the spotlight after Bai Zhanyun
had demonstrated the Eastern King Point.
Think about it! If he’d been the one to spar with Jiang
Chen, then the person shamed in front of everyone today would not be those two,
but him, Hong Tiantong.
Hong Tiantong’s thoughts churned as he saw Bai Zhanyun drown
his sorrows in alcohol, he wanted to continue to provoke the latter. “Brother
Bai, don’t be despondent. In terms of strength, he’s in the initial realm of
true qi. How could he possibly be your opponent? Eastern King Point is but a
basic technique. This kid was lucky and has practiced it more, that’s all. If
we were to compete in terms of family history, how could that duke of Jiang Han
even think to vie with your family of White Tiger’s heritage?”
Bai Zhanyun only ducked his head and smiled wryly, altering
from his usual style of domineering pride. He shook his head lightly, but
didn’t say anything. He wasn’t a stupid man.
The previous times in which he’d picked on Jiang Chen were
purely to gain Long Juxue’s favor.
Except, he had suddenly seen the light after Jiang Chen’s
enlightening words, and his thoughts had been cleared up.
Indeed, he was in the prime of his life. Was it worth it to
go to such lengths for a woman who would never seriously consider him? And,
though Hong Tiantong had picked on Jiang Chen several times with Bai Zhanyun,
the former had never suffered any loss, whereas Bai Zhanyun had always been the
one to deal with the consequences.
What did that mean?
This meant that Hong Tiantong was a devious sort who always
used Bai Zhanyun as cannon fodder!
“Do you really think I’m that dumb?” Bai Zhanyun flicked a
glance at Hong Tiantong as his heart grew more than a few traces of wariness
and disgust for this calculating character.
At the head table, and as the host of today’s proceedings,
although Long Zhaofeng was rather surprised at what had just happened, he
thought no more of it.
Even if this Jiang Chen had some plots in mind and possessed
some potential, there was an insurmountable gap between him and his daughter’s
innate constitution.
Therefore, Long Zhaofeng’s machinations on the Jiang Han
land with the spirit vein did not abate, but rather, he decided to step things
up.
After several rounds of drinks had been poured, Long
Zhaofeng raised his glass towards Jiang Feng. “Old brother Jiang Feng, I’m
truly astounded by your son’s performance today. He has broadened my worldview.
I have long since wished to become friends with old brother Jiang. Why don’t we
make use of this opportunity today? I stick by my words, what are your thoughts
regarding my proposal?
Why not go with the flow today and happily put a seal of
approval on it? Old brother, you’ve seen my sincerity. As long as you nod your
head, you won’t have to do anything anymore and will receive three hundred
thousand silver from me every year. Our two families will be united as brothers
forever, how does that sound?”
Long Zhaofeng’s tone was magnanimous, as if he was actually
giving great face to the duke of Jiang Han when forcefully seizing the Jiang
property at a rock bottom price.
Jiang Feng knew that this seat would be tough to sit in when
Long Zhaofeng led him to this table. The gloves were off, and Long Zhaofeng had
come straight to the point.
He could only put a bold face on it and say, “Duke Long, my
Jiang Han territory is situated in the south and is a destitute place with not
many sources of income. The entire household budget stems mostly from the
revenue from that piece of land with the spirit vein. Duke Long’s proposal is
to cut off the main avenue of money for my Jiang Han territory. Little brother
here truly finds it hard to agree.”
One had to say, with Jiang Feng’s temper, it was already an
uncommon sight to see him speak with such a low posture. If it was any other
occasion, Jiang Feng would’ve likely long since pounded the table and left with
a wave of his sleeves.
“Jiang old brother, you’re making things difficult for me.”
The duke of Soaring Dragon’s tone hardened.
“Heh heh, duke Jiang, receiving three hundred thousand per
annum without doing anything is pure profit with no skin in the game. Why do
you resist?” Another duke pretended to persuade Jiang Feng.
“Indeed! If it was me, I wouldn’t even frown at the thought
of sitting on land and taking in money for doing nothing.”
“Duke Jiang, Duke Long is the most preeminent duke and
wishes to become friends with you. How many people would give their heads for
such an opportunity? And you don’t even know how to cherish this?”
“Right? The duke of Soaring Dragon is the first duke of the
kingdom, and a hidden sect has claimed Miss Juxue. The Long family is destined
for a life of unlimited riches. You’ve rebuffed Duke Long’s good intentions and
brushed away his face, aren’t you making your future road more narrow?”
These people were all dependant on the duke of Soaring
Dragon. It sounded like they had Jiang Feng’s best interests at heart, but in
reality they were threatening him, persecuting him, and being an accessory to a
tyrant’s crimes.
There were many things that the duke of Soaring Dragon
couldn’t voice frankly, and they were here to be the villain.
One had to give it to him - if it was any other duke, they
would’ve probably capitulated by now. But Jiang Feng was a tough old bird and
shook his head decisively. “Speak no further. Anyone can mouth pretty words,
but you wouldn’t be so generous if you were the ones asked to cut off a piece
of yourself.”
The representative of the Pill King Garden was also in
attendance and had not spoken yet. He was the Grand Courtmaster of the Pill
King Garden, and chuckled at this time. “Duke Jiang, throughout the course of
the multiple deals my Pill King Garden has conducted with Jiang Han, we’ve
discovered that your skill in cultivating spirit ingredients is not up to our
Garden’s standards. Therefore, after the unanimous decision of the Garden’s
internal officials, we’ve decided that we will no longer accept any spirit
ingredients from the Jiang Han territory. Let this conclude our partnership
from henceforth on.”
Jiang Feng’s expression changed radically after these words.
He had refused to crack and had been unwilling to rent out
the land with the spirit vein because of this business relationship with the
Pill King Garden.
Through this partnership, the Jiang Han territory could
receive five million silver a year.
But, the head of the Pill King Garden had spoken and had
terminated their partnership, banning all Jiang Han spirit ingredients in the
future!
This was cutting the ground in which someone stood on.
Jiang Feng asked raspily, “Grand Court Master, must you be so
heartless?”
The Grand Court Master replied lightly, “He who observes the
greater picture and takes action accordingly is the clever one. Duke Jiang, you
have erred in not realizing how the currents of power have shifted.”
What kind of persuasion was this? This was another attempt
to rip off Jiang Feng.
Jiang Feng had held back the anger in his belly for quite a
while, and the Grand Courtmaster’s words were the spark that lit the flame.
His long repressed rage erupted in a second as Jiang Feng
shot to his feet, laughing loudly. “Good. Good! Each of you pretend to be the
good guy, but all of you are savage robbers!
Let me tell you something, I, Jiang Feng, am not a Buddha
formed from clay! I can earn less money, and even not earn any at all, but I
will not give away the slightest ounce of the backbone of being a man!
Pill King Garden is it? Ban my Jiang Han territory will you?
Doesn’t matter! I’d rather raise pigs on that land than allow you highwaymen to
profit off of it!”
Jiang Feng had erupted. He had erupted suddenly, and very
thoroughly.
So it felt this damn good to explode. Jiang Feng felt that
the enraged emotions in his belly had been completely vented in this moment.
As for the banquet, all became silent again following Jiang
Feng’s eruption.
All the gazes settled on Jiang Feng, looking at him
strangely. They were all thinking, this Jiang father and son duo have made a
scene one after another, and become the center of attention. What was their
purpose? Did they seriously want to create trouble for the Soaring Dragon duchy
and be at odds with them?
Chapter 27: Scolding the Elite
Utter silence! A deathly silence descended!
No one had anticipated that Jiang Feng would suddenly erupt
so thoroughly. This was thoroughly destroying all their relations with Soaring
Dragon, and starting a feud with the first duke in the kingdom!
In just that single moment, even those friendly with the
duke of Jiang Han broke out in a cold sweat on his behalf.
As for the neutral parties, they didn’t even dare to look at
Jiang Feng. To do so might cause the duke of Soaring Dragon to misunderstand
and think that they too supported Jiang Feng.
The banquet’s atmosphere was bizarrely still.
It was at this moment that an ear piercing round of applause
started sounding.
Jiang Chen stood up lazily, “Good scolding, aptly done!
You’re my old man alright. I’m curious about one thing though. Isn’t there a
single backbone to be found amongst you so-called dukes - so-called elite
nobles?
Do we need to rely on you weak-willed, sycophant, mediocre
layabouts to defend the frontiers of our Eastern Kingdom?
Do your only remaining capabilities lie in suppressing your
peers, seizing land from your peers and robbing your peers of their profits?
As for you, Pill King Garden is it? For a mere businessman,
do you have any achievements to your name? Have you rendered any services to
the kingdom? Where do you get the courage to lecture a duke of the second rank
with that sort of tone?
Who gave you that courage? Does the king know how cocky you
are? He who observes the greater picture and takes action accordingly is the
clever one, is it? See the bigger picture, is it? Alright, I’d like to see what
kind of bigger picture is the picture that you, Pill King Garden, are referring
to. Partnership termination? I spit upon that. This young duke tells you
clearly now, the Pill King Garden has been banned by my Jiang family!”
The grand courtmaster snickered coldly. “Banned? Who do you
think you’re fooling? Your Jiang family is but a dispirited duchy. Ban my Pill
King Garden? Your family’s land with the spirit vein can only be used to raise
pigs without my Garden’s support, to say nothing of anything else.”
Jiang Chen smiled faintly. “Is that so? Third hallmaster of
the Hall of Healing, this Grand Courtmaster says my family’s land can be only
used to raise swine. What say you?”
The third hallmaster chuckled and rubbed his nose. “It would
be a pity to raise livestock on a piece of land with a spirit vein. Our Hall of
Healing is willing to offer ten million silver and sign a five year contract
with the Jiang family. No, ten years, twenty years… you determine the length of
the contract!”
What? Everyone present, including the duke of Soaring
Dragon, all thought that they had heard incorrectly. The third hallmaster from
the Hall of Healing had offered ten million silver to sign a contract with the
Jiang family under these circumstances?
If it was any other time, and they were signing a contract
for purely business dealings, then it wouldn’t be such a big deal.
But with these happenings, the Hall of Healing’s actions
were publicly supporting the Jiang family, and ran the risk of antagonizing the
duke of Soaring Dragon.
This was odd.
Who didn’t know how dominant the Hall of Healing was?
Who didn’t know how crafty the Hall of Healing was?
It wouldn’t be a surprise for the Hall of Healing to not
have an opinion in these circumstances. But, it was truly odd thing for a
hallmaster from the Hall to step forth and express their opinion.
When had the Jiang family connected with the Hall of
Healing, and formed such strong ties?
No one felt that the Jiang family commanded so much face as
to cause the Hall of Healing to publicly declare its support for them.
The grand courtmaster’s expression changed, “Hallmaster
Qiao, this isn’t the thing to do?”
Out of the three market incumbents in the capital for spirit
ingredients, the Hall of Healing was the leader of the market, and held fifty
percent of the market share.
The Temple of the Farmer God and Pill King Garden shared the
remaining half of the market.
Although the three parties engaged in fierce competition,
they also respected a hidden rule of avoiding stealing each other’s business
maliciously.
This was a principle that no one voiced, but a line that
everyone toed.
The third hallmaster smiled faintly. “Courtmaster Wang, I
clearly heard you declare the end of your business relationship with the Jiang
family just now. If this wasn’t the case, how would my Hall possibly intervene?
We all understand the rules of business. You no longer wish to pursue this
deal, and thus we picked it up. There’s nothing untoward here, is there?”
The Hall of Healing wasn’t in the wrong whether it came to
the defined rules or hidden rules.
The grand courtmaster wore an ugly expression on his face.
He had put himself forward so publicly and destroyed his relationship with the
Jiang family because he wished to curry favor with the duke of Soaring Dragon.
Conducting business was all the same, regardless of who they
did it with. If the Long family controlled the land with the spirit vein, then they
would do business with the duke of Soaring Dragon. There wasn’t a single bit of
downside for the Pill King Garden, and they could in fact use this opportunity
to pave the way for a relationship with Soaring Dragon. There was only good to
be gained, and no bad.
Plus, he had calculated that even if he said that the Garden
had banned the Jiang family, the Hall and Temple wouldn’t step forward to take
the business.
After all, a business deal worth five million silver a year
wasn’t worth the risk of offending the duke of Soaring Dragon.
The grand courtmaster hadn’t counted on things spiraling
beyond his control.
Not only had the Hall of Healing stepped forward, but they
had upped the ante and doubled the partnership rate. Their attitude was clear,
they would support the Jiang family!
The grand courtmaster didn’t understand, he really didn’t
understand. The Hall of Healing was so shrewd... was it worth that little bit
of profit to offend the duke of Soaring Dragon at this time?
Could the Hall of Healing be unable to understand even the
tiniest hint of the bigger picture?
It was obviously difficult for the banquet to continue now
that things had progressed to this point.
Many guests knowingly took their leave, upon seeing the duke
of Soaring Dragon’s face darken in anger. The duke had intended to use this
banquet to flaunt his wealth and power.
But now, thanks to the Jiang father son duo and additional
participation from the Hall of Healing, it had turned into the Jiang family
striking down the face of Soaring Dragon.
The situation was exceedingly odd.
No matter what, the peace of Eastern Kingdom was likely to
be broken.
Because, the duke of Soaring Dragon was quite enraged!
The consequences from the anger of the first duke of the
kingdom would be quite severe.
As the representative of the royal family, Princess Gouyu
was feeling complicated emotions. She had been biased against Jiang Chen, but
had suddenly realized that this insufferably cocky, venom tongued fellow really
did have a few traces of a dominant aura and a hint of a backbone!
Jiang Chen’s aggressive lecture, his ease in facing off with
all sorts of noble elites, the mysteriousness of the Hall of Healing’s intervention
-- all of this forced Princess Gouyu to privately admit --
Even she had been wrong about this Jiang Chen kid before!
When the banquet was over, the grand courtmaster stood
outside the door and smiled coldly at Jiang Feng. “Jiang Feng, it’s over for
you and your son. Offending the duke of Soaring Dragon means the future for the
Jiang family will be so arduous that it will be difficult to even take a single
step forward.”
“Courtmaster Wang, I’m actually curious. As a business
person, is it so fascinating to be a dog for others and eagerly make the way
for others?”
Jiang Chen chuckled as he swept past the Grand Courtmaster
with a disdainful look.
“Jiang Chen, you brat, keep strutting. Time is running out.”
Courtmaster Wang grit his teeth.
“You’re correct, time is running out. Pill King Garden, heh
heh… the kingdom may be vast, but there doesn’t seem to be a need for three
market participants in the field of spirit medicine.”
Jiang Chen dug in with his heels after delivering his words
and galloped away.
To suffer such impudence from Jiang Chen’s arrogant
attitude, Courtmaster Wang was so incensed that he wanted to spit blood. It was
a depressing day.
His business deal with the Jiang family was over for
nothing, and he’d played the role of a villain for free. No benefits had been
forthcoming at the end of the day, just a thorough lecture.
Except, even if Courtmaster Wang was the slightest bit
displeased, he dared not take it out on the duke of Soaring Dragon. Even if
Duke Long had been the main culprit in the Pill King Garden losing this
partnership.
“Ah, forget it. A business deal is a small matter. Losing it
doesn’t harm the foundations of my Pill King Garden. As for this Hall of
Healing, some good can still be salvaged from the situation if the Garden takes
advantage of them offending Duke Long. We can make use of this opportunity to
oppress them.”
Courtmaster Wang’s thoughts were exceedingly flexible as he
thought of Duke Long’s great reach, and some barely voiced rumors within
several circles.
The greater Soaring Dragon’s influence grew, the bigger of a
threat they would become to the Eastern Kingdom. And now, Miss Juxue had
garnered the attentions of a hidden sect.
In time, the possibility of the Long family replacing the
Eastern family and becoming king was not inconceivable.
“Duke Long has grand aspirations. I hope this day can soon
be materialized. At that moment, the Garden can take advantage of the change in
fortunes to strongly beat down on the Hall of Healing and seize the premier
position for spirit medicine within the kingdom. This is inevitable…”
Courtmaster Wang’s mood abruptly lightened as he thought of this.
Jiang Feng’s emotions had slowly calmed down after they’d
returned to the Jiang Han manor. Although it had felt good to erupt like that
today, there were still bound to be serious consequences.
If they were just speaking of their respective territories,
the lands of Jiang Han and Soaring Dragon were spaced far apart and thus there
was no need to fear Soaring Dragon.
After all, without royal order, war could not be declared
casually between dukes.
But now that everyone was gathered in the capital, everyone
knew that Duke Long’s eyes and men were placed everywhere. He also had dealings
with all the various powers in the capital.
Many of the officials at court also hailed the duke of
Soaring Dragon as their brother.
Jiang Feng smiled upon seeing Jiang Chen’s serious
expression. “Kid, you’ve got guts. You’ve brought great face to your old man
today.”
“They say that a tiger father doesn’t give birth to a dog
son. Old man, your performance today was pretty strong too.”
Jiang Feng stared at Jiang Chen with a meaningful smile.
“Kid, stop pretending and speak truthfully. Why did the Hall of Healing step
out and prop us up under those circumstances?”
“All underneath the heavens congregate for profit. All
underneath the heavens disperse for profit. The Hall of Healing naturally has
their reasons for doing so.” Jiang Chen smiled. “Father, I only have one line.
The days of our Jiang family being jeered and mocked by others, strung up like
sheep led to slaughter are gone, forever!”
Jiang Feng’s eyes lit up as he heard those words. “Chen’er,
many dukes have said today that we’ve hidden our true strength and were wolves
in sheep’s clothing. Have you truly been hiding your strength, and even conned
your old man?”
“Wolf in sheep’s clothing?” Jiang Chen smirked. “I think
they’re thinking too much. Our Jiang family doesn’t need sheep's clothing, and
they’re no wolves themselves!”
A sense of unquestionable pride could be gleaned from Jiang
Chen’s words. His confident smile made Jiang Feng suddenly feel that he
suddenly couldn’t see through his son.
Chapter 28: Turmoil in the Capital
What Jiang Chen hadn’t thought of was that the ruckus raised
at the Soaring Dragon manor would create currents and eddies beneath the calm
surface of the capital.
The Duke of Soaring Dragon, Long Zhaofeng, was naturally
feeling the most out of sorts. He might have been able to contain himself
because of the greater picture, if Jiang Feng had only turned him down.
But to be declined in such a haughty manner, he felt that he
had lost face.
Although Duke Long hadn’t immediately erupted or flown into
a rage during the banquet, that wasn’t because he had a forgiving nature, but
that he understood that as one in a position of power, he had to control his
temper at such a gathering.
When all the guests had left and only his confidantes
remained, his first sentence was, “Those who adhere to me prosper, those who
defy me die. I don’t care what you do, the Jiang family must fail out of the
Hidden Dragon Trials!
Let’s see how presumptuous this father and son duo can be
when they lose their dukedom, including that land with the spirit vein!
And someone run an investigation into what’s going on with
the Hall of Healing!” He was incredibly infuriated that the Hall of Healing had
openly stood out at such an occasion to bolster the Jiang family. No one had
anticipated that scene.
Those confidantes and buddies who yet remained all nodded
their heads.
“That Jiang father and son duo are truly ridiculous! Duke
Long’s prestige is bound to be damaged if we don’t suppress them and beat them
down this time!
There must be something going on between the Hall of Healing
and this Jiang Chen. When I was at the Hall of Healing the other day…” Long
Juxue described the events that had happened at the Hall that day; how the
third hallmaster had declined to do business with all the heirs of the
preeminent dukedoms, and had sold the Dragonbone Sun Grass to Jiang Chen. He’d
even honored Jiang Chen as an esteemed guest.
Even Long Juxue felt that these happenings were rather odd
when she recalled them.
Long Zhaofeng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when he heard
about them. “Xue’er, why didn’t you mention such an important matter when it
happened?”
Long Juxue was similarly regretful. “Xue’er only felt then
that a mere dandy wasn’t worth bothering father about. Who would have known
that the Hall of Healing…”
To be honest, Long Juxue’s words made sense. At the end of
the day, the day that they’d all fought for the Dragonbone Sun Grass was merely
a small matter - an interlude in the lives of all the heirs. Although Long
Juxue intensely disliked Jiang Chen because of it, she felt there was no need
to bring such a small issue to her father’s attention.
But, within the capital, many subtleties could be gleaned
from a small matter, and each small ripple encompassed great meaning.
If Duke Long had known of this beforehand, he would’ve been
prepared when he invited the Hall of the Healing to the banquet, and would’ve
avoided such a loss.
The unexpected showing from the Hall of Healing immediately
removed the power that Soaring Dragon had gained from taking the initiative.
“Right! Duke Long, have you discovered that another thing is
rather odd?” The person speaking was the duke of Yanmen, Yan Jiuzhuang.
Apart from the duke of Yanmen, there were tens of other
dukes still present. Everyone who was left were the trusted confidantes of Duke
Long.
That was to say, out of the 108 dukes in the Eastern
Kingdom, more than ten of them had secretly thrown in their lot with Duke Long.
This was already an incredibly frightening power.
The duke of Yanmen was ranked in the top ten out of the 108
dukes. He therefore spoke with more authority out any of the other dukes who
had sided with Duke Long.
“Duke Yan, what have you discovered?” Long Zhaofeng asked.
“There were two points of strangeness in tonight’s banquet.
One, why were Princess Gouyu and Princess Eastern Zhiruo so familiar with Jiang
Chen? Two, why was the duke of Tianshui’s performance so abnormal? Everyone
please remember that the duke of Tianshui and Jiang Feng are hated rivals. He
would been the first to strike out against the duke of Jiang Han normally, but
did he even speak up today?
Not only him, but his son Shui Qingshu would bully Jiang
Chen whenever the two met in the capital. Did he express any opinion at all
tonight?”
His words reminded everyone of the obvious.
This was true, the Tianshui father and son duo had behaved
rather oddly tonight.
The duke of Soaring Dragon oppressed Jiang Feng because of
the land with the spirit vein, the former actually had no prior enmity with
Jiang Feng.
But the duke of Tianshui were hated enemies with the duke of
Jiang Han. The two territories were neighbors and fought openly and under the
table over land, resources, ranking, and achievements. They were
enemies-unto-we-die.
But, the duke of Tianshui hadn’t indicated anything tonight,
and didn’t make use of this opportunity to suppress Jiang Feng!
Something was amiss here!
“I remember that the duke of Tianshui accompanied the king
to pay their respects when Jiang Chen was caned to death for what happened at
the Rites. Why did Jiang Chen come back from the dead? What on earth happened
that night? This matter has never been able to be investigated fully. The old
farts that went that day are keeping an extremely tight seal on their lips.”
All sorts of bizarre points were being unearthed.
Long Zhaofeng sank into deep thought. He too felt it was
odd. King Eastern Lu had greatly capable and outstanding men; there was no
reason for them to be unable to cane a good-for-nothing to death.
But Jiang Chen had survived the ordeal, and from the looks
of things, not only had Jiang family’s relations with the royal family not
soured, they had actually grown closer.
“Everyone’s information is quite useful. It seems the
conclusion here is that I have underestimated Jiang Feng. Has this person
latched himself onto the King Eastern Lu’s coattails?”
Although the duke of Soaring Dragon said Eastern Lu’s title,
there was a certain lack of respect in his tone.
“Slot the duke of Tianshui into my schedule; it looks like
clues of this matter must be gleaned from this person.” Long Zhaofeng ordered.
“In addition, tell Du Ruhai to use all necessary methods
possible, in order to block Jiang Chen in the Trials. No matter how much
backing they have, the Jiang family will be nothing as soon as they lose their
dukedom!”
This was tackling a problem at its foundation. No matter how
strong someone’s backing was, or how many crafty schemes they had, losing the
dukedom meant they had lost the right to control their territory.
On what basis could the Jiang family talk, once they lost
control?
This method was simple and crude, but direct and effective!
Schemes and seizure, schemes and seizure. Since scheming
hadn’t worked, then seizure would have to do.
The duke of Soaring Dragon wasn’t a kind soul. His methods
towards achieving his desires were diabolical and without a bottom line.
In his eyes, treating someone courteously before resorting
to force wasn’t because he feared the Jiang family power. But rather, he wished
to build a reputation of overcoming others through morals and ethics. But since
the Jiang family was ignorant and dense, rendering these hypocritical methods
ineffective, then all bets were off and violence was the only way!
Just as the duke of Soaring Dragon was holding a meeting
late into the night, so were the senior executives in the Hall of Healing.
The four hallmasters and ten elders. The highest levels of
the Hall’s power, were all in attendance.
The third hallmaster, Qiao Baishi, fully conveyed all the
happenings that had occurred in the banquet.
In the Hall of Healing, the lord hallmaster Song Tianxing
held the absolute right to speak. It wouldn’t be a hyperbole to say that he was
the main pillar of the Hall.
When the third hallmaster had finished describing the
situation, all eyes swivelled smoothly to Lord hallmaster Song. It was apparent
that no one dared rashly venture forth an opinion before understanding the lord
hallmaster’s thoughts.
Song Tianxing chuckled, “I’ll refrain from speaking first.
Everyone share your thoughts!”
“Even elder Shun has vouched for the Heavenly Karma Pill
with 90% surety, it must be reliable. I think the third hallmaster has made the
correct decision.” One of the elders spoke first.
“I too support the third hallmaster. The Hall of Healing has
been established in the capital for hundreds of years; it would be impossible
to please all and offend none. Offending a few for the profits of the Hall is
unavoidable.”
“Indeed, and since the Heavenly Karma Pill has such a bright
future and such market potential, we have no choice if we have to offend even
more dukes, not just the duke of Soaring Dragon.”
It was apparent that there were more senior executives who
supported Qiao Baishi. Everyone weighed in on the issue from the perspective of
future profit to the Hall, and all felt that there was no problem with Qiao
Baishi’s decision.
“Number two, say something as well.” Song Tianxing looked at
second hallmaster with a congenial smile.
“I agree with everyone’s opinions. Anything that benefits
the Hall is commendable.” These words were quite slippery and didn’t say much.
Elder Blue spoke up suddenly, “Lord hallmaster, I have a few
words.”
“Alright, everyone is welcome to speak their mind. Elder
Blue, go ahead.” Song Tianxing encouraged her.
“I feel that the Jiang father and son are not too
dependable. Has everyone thought about the consequences if Elder Shun is in the
wrong? Wouldn’t the Hall become a great laughingstock? If rumors of this
travels, what of our credibility? If the Heavenly Karma Pill is pure bluster,
then haven’t we offended Soaring Dragon for nothing? I’ve heard that Long
Juxue, the beloved daughter of Duke Long, possesses an azure phoenix
constitution and has attracted the attentions of one of the hidden sects. Her
future in martial dao is incredibly promising. This way, wouldn’t Soaring
Dragon rise in her wake as well? Could a change in the landscape of kingdom
ownership occur in the future?”
The Hall of Healing wasn’t a governmental agency, and thus
was less reserved, more bold about discussing matters of power. People’s
expressions didn’t even flicker when discussing potential changes in rulers.
“Elder Blue, you worry too much. Firstly, it’s impossible
for elder Shun to be wrong. And another thing, changes in ruling families
follow the laws of nature, and will not be suddenly upended by the emergence of
one or two people. The duke of Soaring Dragon is filling out his wings, sure,
but the Eastern royal family will not idly sit by.”
Qiao Baishi immediately refuted elder Blue’s words.
“Besides, even if the duke of Soaring Dragon was able to, he would not openly declare
war against our Hall over one business deal. Our Hall has been established for
hundreds of years, and will not be easily trifled with. Ignoring profits at
hand to consider details that will not happen, has never been the way our Hall
has conducted business.”
No one could deny that the future profits they could gain
from the Heavenly Karma Pill were simply too tempting. If the pill was supplied
in large quantities to the market, then none of the other medicines currently
in the market for bodily injuries would be the slightest bit competitive.
They said that inferior goods would be discarded after
comparison. The Heavenly Karma Pill was a superior good that would sweep away
its peers.
This market was practically a treasure bowl. If leveraged
appropriately, the profits from this single pill medicine would be enough to
support the operations of the entire Hall of Healing.
After rounds of debating, everyone’s gazes finally landed on
Lord hallmaster Song Tianxing again.
“It seems that most still agree with number three’s
decision. I’m sure you can deduce my attitude as well. I confidently left
things in number three’s hands when I ventured out. This also meant that I
trusted his judgement and abilities.”
Song Tianxing’s attitude was quite apparent by this point.
“I also must remind everyone that our Hall of Healing
pursues the greatest profits. Although we avoid the battles of politics, we
need not fear involvement. It’s impossible to keep one foot on both sides of
the fence forever. When a side needs to be picked, there’s only one side for us,
and that’s profit. The Heavenly Karma Pill will bring us profit, so we choose
it! As for who wins or loses, our Hall has survived for so long, do we lack
even this little bit of adaptability?”
Chapter 29: Changes in Attitudes from All Sides
Qiao Baishi heaved a sigh of relief at Song Tianxing’s
clear-cut attitude. To be honest, he had been rather stressed out by the
decisions he’d made lately, and had pushed through purely on the basis of his
own daring and resolution.
He could tell that his choices had been correct based on the
lord hallmaster’s attitude.
“Number three, you’ve been the one to strike up the
relationships with Jiang Chen from the Jiang household. You’ll be in charge of
maintaining the relationship. It would seem from various bits and pieces of
info, that this young man’s shadow has been cast over all of the large
happenings in the capital lately. This young man is one to keep an eye on.”
Song Tianxing had never seen Jiang Chen before, but had been
able to deduce such an astounding conclusion from the details of the numerous
reports he’d received.
Even the normally steady second hallmaster, Yue Qun,
exclaimed involuntarily, “Lord hallmaster, isn’t this evaluation of Jiang Chen
a bit of an overstatement?”
Song Tianxing smiled faintly, “I have yet to meet Jiang
Chen, but I have met Jiang Feng of the Jiang Han dukedom. If the source of all
the unexpected is from the Jiang father and son, my money would be on Jiang
Chen and not Jiang Feng.”
Qiao Baishi was moved. He knew that the lord hallmaster’s
position was lofty, and his worldview cynical. His standards were high, and he
basically never made an error when judging people and matters.
For the lord hallmaster to give such high praise to a
teenager he had never met before - Qiao Baishi rejoiced more than a little that
he had made the right choice.
“Heh heh, I, old Yue, have always admired the lord
hallmaster’s eye for assessing things. This time however, I’m curious as to the
possibility of the lord hallmaster being mistaken?” Yue Qun chuckled. With his
status and position, it wouldn’t be an overreach if he cracked a few lines of a
tame joke.
The convention of the senior executives ended with the lord
hallmaster’s conclusion.
Song Tianxing pulled Qiao Baishi aside for a private meeting
afterwards and patted Qiao Baishi’s shoulder. “Baishi, you have handled this
matter with quite a bit of boldness. I am proud of you.”
Although their relationship was one of the lord hallmaster
and the third hallmaster, Song Tianxing far outstripped Qiao Baishi in both age
and experience, as well as status and standards.
One could say that Song Tianxing had intended to groom Qiao
Baishi as his successor.
Qiao Baishi was gobsmacked and flattered, and he hastened to
offer a few humble words.
“Baishi, you must not slight Jiang Chen. Have you tallied up
the number of amazing things that have happened around Jiang Chen?”
“Your subordinate is dense, and awaits the lord hallmaster’s
enlightenment.” Qiao Baishi was exceedingly humble.
“For one, this youth was caned to death at the Rites of
Heavenly Worship, but why was he caned and still alive?
For two, the king has caned this youth, but why has the king
personally bestowed the engraved dragon medallion to the latter’s keeping?
For three, this youth is a mere son of a duke - from whence
did he obtain this ancient pill recipe for the Heavenly Karma pill?
Four, this youth’s martial dao level is insufficient to pass
even the three foundational exams, but why was he able to first defeat Yan Yiming
with one stroke, and then effortlessly toy with Bai Zhanyun afterwards?
Five, why are the royal princesses of two generations so
familiar with this youth?
Six, this youth is wholly unafraid in front of the duke of
Soaring Dragon, and denounced a room of elites. His performance was wholly not
in agreement with the character of a young man. Where is his surety coming
from?”
Qiao Baishi’s expression became more serious with every
point that Song Tianxing listed. He had more or less also considered these
points.
But, his considerations were not as well thought out or as
comprehensive as the lord hallmaster’s.
Suddenly, Qiao Baishi connected the dots between the hints
dropped by Song Tianxing. He exclaimed in astonishment. “Is this to say that
the Jiang family is backed by the king? And that dispirited, dejected demeanor
before was an act to confound opponents? This father and son could be pawns set
into motion by the king? Even possibly pawns with the ability to enact change
in the greater picture?”
Song Tianxing remarked lightly, “If not this, what other
reasons do you think could explain all that has happened thus far?”
Being caned, but not to death, was revealing enough, to
speak of none of the others. If it wasn’t for secret instructions from His
Majesty, would the king’s men really not have the ability to beat a mere youth
to death?
“No wonder, no wonder.” Qiao Baishi suddenly recalled the
events surrounding the purchase of the Dragonbone Sun Grass. Hadn’t Jiang Chen
told him then that he’d made the correct decision?
Hadn’t Jiang Chen told him then that the Dragonbone Sun
Grass had been purchased for the royal family?
Qiao Baishi had felt the Dragonbone Sun Grass’ familiar
spirit aura from Princess Zhiruo that night at Duke Long’s banquet.
Then, the Dragonbone Sun Grass had indeed been purchased by
the royal family. Jiang Chen had not been blustering about this matter.
Qiao Baishi reaffirmed the lord hallmaster’s judgement even
more firmly when his thoughts traveled to this point.
It was no wonder that Song Tianxing would conclude this.
From all aspects, none of this would be explainable if it wasn’t for the fact
that the Jiang family had long since reached an agreement with the royal
family.
And with Princess Gouyu’s identity, how would she so
unabashedly laud a youth’s martial dao performance?
It was obviously to use Jiang Chen’s performance as an
excuse to offset the impact of Long Juxue’s azure phoenix constitution.
“Baishi, if the Jiang family is a pawn that the royal family
laid down a long time ago, what does this indicate? This means that the royal
family started their preparations a long time ago.
The duke of Soaring Dragon is hotly ambitious, but more of
his power shines day by day.
One side with early preparations, one side with unconcealed
ambition. If these two sides really were to become embroiled in conflict, to be
honest, I would not bet on Duke Long. Unless --” Song Tianxing stopped at this
point. It was obvious that the possibilities behind this “unless” caused even
him to fear speaking it, as if it was taboo.
“Unless what?” Qiao Baishi couldn’t resist asking.
“Unless the heavyweight of that hidden sect makes a personal
appearance and intervenes in the fight for power between kings. However, with
said heavyweight’s status, it would be much too demeaning for them to involve
themselves with the power struggle in a common kingdom. Besides, the Eastern
family has controlled the kingdom for at least a thousand years, and hold many
aces up their sleeves, as well as a rich and unknown heritage. Other than the
wildcard Long Juxue, I simply cannot think of what other advantages Duke Long
may hold in a fight between a subject and king?
Therefore, no matter if it’s from the perspective of profits
or from politics, your decision today was an extraordinarily wise decision!”
Song Tianxing complimented Qiao Baishi once again.
A similarly sleepless night passed by in the inner courtyard
of the palace.
Princess Gouyu’s news also caused Eastern Lu to sink deep in
thought.
“Royal brother, the duke of Soaring Dragon is no longer
bothering to completely conceal his ambitions.” Princess Gouyu was the only one
who dared to speak thusly to Eastern Lu.
“It’s understandable that he would become tired of his
position as first duke in the lands after being in it for so long. It’s only
natural progression that he would seek to advance another step forward.”
Eastern Lu’s tone seemed calm, but it was suffused with a heart pounding sense
of killing intent.
“Thankfully, he tried to dictate terms to the tough old bird
Jiang Feng today. If it was any other, somewhat weaker willed duke, they would
have likely capitulated by now.”
Princess Gouyu was also exceedingly displeased with the duke
of Soaring Dragon when she recalled how it all had unfolded in that moment. He
had schemed against another duke’s territory in front of a royal
representative. This looked like a clash between dukes, but was an affront to
royal face in reality.
Eastern Lu sighed lightly. “All things change. Even just a
few days ago, who would’ve thought that the Jiang family would be my generals
of good luck?”
Eastern Lu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when thinking
of the current situation in the capital. “Perhaps many powers will now think
that the Jiang family is one of my Eastern clan’s men, and a pawn that I had
long since set in motion?”
Princess Gouyu also laughed with a smile. “Gouyu might have
thought the same if I hadn’t known the internal proceedings.”
“Have you discovered that every change, every twist in the
situation in the capital, has been closely tied with a shadow?”
“Jiang Chen?” Princess Gouyu’s beautiful eyes shifted
slightly as she spoke involuntarily.
“Have you also discovered it, royal sister?” Eastern Lu
smiled meaningfully.
Come to think of it, the current situation in the capital
had indeed evolved from Jiang Chen’s fart during the Rites.
Ever since that moment, each event that had occurred in the
capital had seemed to be tied to that person’s shadow.
“I had originally believed without a doubt that he had had a
divine visitation in his dreams. But after tonight, I can’t help but suspect
that perhaps this youth has falsely borrowed the name of the gods from the very
beginning?”
To be honest, Eastern Lu felt that it was quite headache
inducing when he thought of this matter.
Logically speaking, a son of a duke shouldn’t be so uncanny.
Caned, but not dead, identifying the root source of Zhiruo’s illness, handling
the Hall of Healing, defeating an opponent of the advanced realm of true qi
with the strength of the initial realm…
Multiple abnormal circumstances had happened to the same
person. To say that there were no secrets about this youth -- there was no way
that Eastern Lu would believe this.
Of course, as the ruler of a nation, he wouldn’t pursue
these matters - at least not yet.
After all, Eastern Lu would not only avoid thoroughly
investigating the valued assistance of the Jiang family unintentionally
clouting Duke Long’s influence, but he would reward them instead!
“Gouyu, visit the Jiang Han manor on my behalf tomorrow.”
A visit to the Jiang Han manor was naturally to reward the
Jiang father and son. She could also declare their intentions at the same time,
and as a matter of course, bring the Jiang family into the royal camp.
It was absolutely effortless for Eastern Lu when it came to
means of power.
“In addition, you must guarantee that Jiang Chen can pass
the Hidden Dragon Trials.” Eastern Lu’s attitude had subtly shifted from what
it had been before.
Previously, his thoughts regarding Jiang Chen had merely
stopped at the idea that this youth could heal Eastern Zhiruo’s illness.
Therefore, Eastern Lu thought nothing much of the possibility that the Jiang
family could lose their dukedom. Staying in the capital as a wealthy official
with no power would actually benefit Zhiruo’s illness.
But now, after tonight’s events, the strategic importance of
the Jiang father and son had instantaneously risen a hundredfold. Now, the
matter of whether or not the Jiang family kept their dukedom was a small issue
that could greatly impact the greater picture.
If the Jiang family lost their dukedom, then it was possible
that Soaring Dragon could encroach on the Jiang Han land with the spirit vein,
to speak nothing of anything else.
This was what Eastern Lu truly didn’t wish to see.
The fact that a duke could seize another duke’s lands
without abandon meant that a problem had developed within the royal family’s
control of power.
And the Jiang family’s vow of contending with Soaring Dragon
unto the death was in actuality an indirect way of protecting Eastern Lu’s
grasp over the kingdom!
Therefore, the Jiang family’s dukedom must be kept!
Chapter 30: Having Fun with Yan Yiming, Again
The next day, Princess Gouyu personally visited the Jiang
Han manor with an imperial summons and a large amount of rewards to commend the
Jiang father and son.
The reason given: the Jiang father and son had accomplished
an achievement in helping fight Princess Zhiruo’s illness.
This reason was a still bit unclear. Apart from the few
witnesses in the know, no one could figure out how the Jiang father and son
could’ve helped Princess Zhiruo’s illness.
But those who had attended the banquet at the Soaring Dragon
had discovered that Princess Zhiruo had talked and laughed gently and her
appearance was more healthy looking. It was a far cry from her previous sickly
state.
Could it be that the Jiang father and son really had
accomplished something on the subject of Princess Zhiruo’s illness?
Rumors flew wildly as the outside world speculated.
One thing was certain, the Jiang father and son were
destined to become famous figures in the capital spotlight in the near future.
As for the protagonist of the matter, Jiang Chen, he had
never been concerned about the reactions from the outside world. What he cared
more about was improving his own strength.
As time went on, the deadline for the month end examination
approached.
Jiang Chen had no reason to panic. The contents of the three
foundational exams were a piece of a cake for him now.
Three days passed very quickly.
In these three days, Jiang Chen committed himself to
strengthening his fifth meridian. After three days of forging, the toughness of
his fifth meridian was basically the same as the previous four.
This way, the five meridians would advance side by side and
were on the same level.
On that day in the Soaring Dragon manor, Jiang Chen had only
used the strength of three meridians true qi and he hadn’t even touched the
true strength of five meridians true qi.
Of course, he was well aware that there were many elements
of luck behind his complete restriction of Bai Zhan Yun at eight meridians true
qi.
One, his level of martial dao knowledge was eons ahead of a
practitioner in the true qi realm.
Two, the two had agreed to spar to using Eastern King Point.
With regards to a common technique like the Eastern King Point, Jiang Chen had
indeed reached the legendary realm and thus, he could naturally suppress Bai
Zhan Yun of the flawless realm.
Third, and the most important point, was that Bai Zhan Yun
had already demonstrated the Eastern King Point previously. Jiang Chen had
completely seen through his version of Eastern King Point.
At the end of it all, Bai Zhan Yun had actually lost all
initiative before the battle had even begun. It was normal for him to be
countered at every turn.
Of course, Bai Zhan Yun was also extremely unlucky. How
could he have known that his opponent would be a deviant, whose knowledge of
martial dao far surpassed this world?
If both sides had brought their strongest techniques and
given it their all in an actual match, it would have been difficult to
determine who would’ve won if Jiang Chen had matched up against Bai Zhan Yun’s
strongest firepower.
After all, Jiang Chen’s true strength was at five meridians
true qi, and Bai Zhan Yun was at eight meridians. The three levels of
difference between the two encompassed an entire realm.
But, Jiang Chen also believed that if he was able to take or
avoid thirty of Bai Zhan Yun’s hits, then he, Jiang Chen, would be the final
victor
After simulating the battle, Jiang Chen had a further
understanding of the real fighting strength of a practitioner in the realm of
true qi.
“Speaking a thousand lines and theorizing ten thousand
lines, that is all fake. A martial dao battle is constantly shifting and
changing. I can sit here and run simulations, but the many unexpected twists of
battle can’t be simulated. At the heart of it all, I need to continue to
improve myself. Thankfully, my fifth meridian has gone through the initial
steps of strengthening. The next step is to use the True Acupoint Resonance and
locate the sixth acupoint.”
He had come to this world and he only used half a month to
train from three meridians true qi to five meridians. Even top notch geniuses
would have needed three to five months.
But Jiang Chen had only used half a month.
However, this was far from enough. Five meridians true qi
were still a bit too weak. Jiang Chen would likely fall victim to many small
defeats in skirmishes against other heirs, not to mention fighting against the
truly powerful cultivators in the kingdom.
“The final examinations of the Hidden Dragon Trials are fast
approaching. Judging from the atmosphere in the capital, it seems that winds
are whipping the clouds into a funnel. It would seem that even in a small
kingdom, a large vortex would still be formed when the winds and clouds are
turbulent. My current strength is still vastly insufficient to navigate the
vortex with ease.”
The end of the month had arrived quickly.
On the last day of the month, Jiang Chen arrived at the
testing site with Jiang Zheng in tow, he felt completely at ease.
If it wasn’t for those who knew otherwise, who would’ve
thought that such a carefree person had yet to pass even the three foundational
exams?
Because of his performance at the Soaring Dragon manor that
night, Jiang Chen’s appearance attracted quite a bit of a attention. The only
difference was that in comparison to that day in the Hall of Healing, those who
had pointed and stared without abandon then were more reserved and wary today.
Jiang Chen naturally didn’t give a fig about what the
outside world thought about him and he made a beeline straight for the building
of the testing site.
Someone was walking out just as he walked in. It was the
Yanmen heir, Yan Yiming
“Jiang Chen!” Yan Yiming’s eyes spat fire upon seeing Jiang
Chen.
His defeat at the hands of Jiang Chen’s singular poke in the
Soaring Dragon manor last time was the shame of his life for Yan Yiming. Not
only did he lose all face in front of his peers, but more importantly, he had
been made a fool in front of Long Juxue. Even now, Long Juxue was rather
stand-offish towards him.
Yan Yiming felt that it was all Jiang Chen’s fault. If it
wasn’t for that bastard, Jiang Chen, how could he, Yan Yiming, be relegated as
a joke for the entire capital?
“You’re that Yan monkey who stole my seat?” Jiang Chen first
drew a blank, but then recognized the person in front of him.
Except, his sudden epiphany was even more of an insult in
Yan Yiming’s eyes.
“Jiang Chen, how dare you treat me this way! If if wasn’t
for your evil trick, do you think you could’ve beaten me with a mere three
meridians true qi?!” Yan Yiming yelled hoarsely as he paid no heed to what sort
of occasion it was.
“This means that you don’t accept your defeat?” Jiang Chen
smiled faintly.
“Accept? Who do you think you are for me to concede to you?
Is your Jiang Han duchy ranked higher than my Yanmen duchy? Or is your level of
training higher than mine?”
“Then, what do you want to do?” Jiang Chen remained cool and
collected.
“I… I want to fight you!” Yan Yiming roared. He did not
accept his defeat, he had not conceded! He was going to gain back his lost
prestige and more!
And the most direct way was to defeat the culprit, Jiang
Chen, humiliate him severely, tyrannize him and stomp him firmly into the
ground!
“Fight? I have no time and no interest for you!” Jiang Chen
smiled carelessly as he shook his head and walked past Yan Yiming like he was
air.
“Jiang Chen, you coward! You won by a fluke and no longer
have the guts to fight me? Alright! I’ve long since known that your Jiang
family is a clan of cowards. You don’t fight? Fine! I will let you go as long
as you admit in front of everyone that you’re a coward!”
Jiang Chen ignoring him was, in Yan Yimin’s eyes, a guilty
act. This bolstered Yan Yiming’s confidence even more and made him firmly
believe that Jiang Chen had won through luck.
Suddenly, Jiang Chen’s steps froze.
Whether it was the label of coward or the insult to his
father, they were both acts that crossed his bottom line.
Those who cross my bottom line cannot be forgiven!
“Three moves!” Jiang Chen glared at Yan Yiming coldly. “You
have no qualification to fight with me! I will concede if you aren’t flat on
your back in three moves!”
“Hahaha! You are very cocky indeed! I don’t want your three
moves! I am the exalted heir of Yanmen…” Yan Yiming was about to continue his
boasts and bluster when the words abruptly died in his throat.
He dared not speak further and he could not speak further
because in front of him, Jiang Chen had become like a cocked arrow, emitting a
strange kind of aura and locking onto Yan Yiming.
“First move, watch carefully!”
Jiang Chen had no flowery moves and merely took one step
forward. His arm lifted slightly as he took one step.
Except that when he raised his arm, it gave others a heart
pounding feeling.
“Thunder!”
An aura as sharp as a sword spread out, from his fingertip,
and lanced through the air. It had an incredible path, it was as if it would
cleave the heavens as it shot towards Yan Yiming!
Yan Yiming only felt that his eardrums were going numb as
thunder roiled. This astonishing point was speeding towards his weaknesses like
a loosed arrow.
“Huh. Same old tricks. Trying to harm me with this Eastern
King Point?”
Although Yan Yiming had been surprised by the suddenness of
this point, he was still confident that he could evade it.
His body dashed away like the waving movements of willow
tree branches.
“Willow Step, waves without wind!”
Yan Yiming’s body moved like dandelions soaring through the
air. The rhythm of the movement was like water ripples caused by the wind, it
had an indescribable elegance.
This was Yanmen’s exclusive heritage -- “Willow Step”.
Yan Yiming was very confident. He firmly believed that that
day’s defeat was a result of method restriction. He was going to fully
demonstrate his family’s heritage today and beat the shit out of Jiang Chen!
However, his moment of pride didn’t last long. Jiang Chen
took another step forward, but the movement of his arm had somewhat increased
in speed.
“Second point, Starburst!”
Jiang Chen’s moves were simple, fast and without
embellishment. It may have seemed to be overly simple and crude to outsiders.
But, only Jiang Chen himself could understand the true
meaning of his seemingly clumsy moves.
It was easy for all techniques under heaven to become more
complex, but it was difficult for the complicated to become simple.
Jiang Chen’s two points had actually already reached the
level of simplifying the complex. All complications were concentrated into the
move.
Seeking change in the midst of constancy.
Of course, a trace of a proud smile found its way to Yan
Yiming’s face. “Jiang Chen, although your Eastern King Point is not bad, but
you’ve run out of tricks haven’t you? You want to hurt me? Keep dreaming!”
But, it was as if he hadn’t spoken.
Jiang Chen’s entire posture sudden changed drastically. His
finger moved slightly and the rhythm changed again.
“Third point, Nameless!”
This point caused flowers to not be flowers and fog to not
be fog. It was indescribable and unexplainable. It obviously hailed from the
Eastern King Point, but it far surpassed the meaning that the Point should
have.
An incredible line, an incredible curve, an incredible
point.
A shocking hit.
Yan Yiming only felt a sharp pain under his rib cage in the
same position as last time, but he felt more than ten times that power. It
ripped apart all his moves and defenses mercilessly like it was paper. Another
hit!
Yan Yiming’s body fell heavily to the ground again, his
status unknown!
