Chapter 203: Then It Is Worth It

Chapter 203 That Makes It Worthwhile

An ordinary Jianghu wanderer might not realize there was anything wrong here; in fact, they might even be delighted, for someone organizing such a martial debate truly scratched an itch for many warriors, since everyone had that need.

Look at that arrogant drunkard Situ Xiao just now—his eyes were sparkling, clearly tempted by the notion.

At most, they might think the Wang family was acting a bit like they were appointing themselves the leader of the martial world... but since it targeted only the young, the flavor wasn’t so pronounced, and with the Wang family’s qualifications, organizing a young warriors’ gathering was still somewhat acceptable.

However, Situ Xiao’s background was formidable too; he came from the Divine Flame Sect, the premier sect in the land, said to have inherited an extremely complete ancient system. The nature of this sect was quite similar to Zhao Changhe’s current disposition—leaning toward external techniques, focusing on body forging and tempering, supplemented by internal arts.

The Divine Flame Sect produced many experts; the current fifth on the Heavenly Ranking was their sect master, Li Shentong, while the Wang family head, Wang Daoning, was only tenth, at the bottom of the Heavenly Ranking. In terms of qualifications, the Divine Flame Sect could also organize such an event if they wished.

Organizing such a martial debate wasn’t difficult, but why had no one—whether aristocratic clans or lofty sects—done it in all these years, with only regional sects holding small-scale disciple competitions?

Because the official realm already had similar martial debates, known to all as the military examinations. They had a broader scope and, beyond sparring, carried clear selection purposes. Those with outstanding performances in the examinations, based on their traits, would join the army, the Demon Suppression Bureau, or the Imperial Guard, trained by the state—a crucial part of the national talent system.

Although few from major families or sects were willing to participate in the state military examinations, and even fewer from the Hidden Dragon Ranking, on the surface it seemed different from this dozens-strong Hidden Dragon sword debate... but no matter how you skirted the edges, the essence was similar—a declaration of organizational and leadership status.

Thus, the Divine Flame Sect had never thought to organize such a debate, nor had the Cui family or others.

The Wang family’s move was clearly testing the waters at the edge of seizing the court’s organizational role. Perhaps now it had no selection significance, but in the future? Especially since they directly called it the Langya Sword Debate...

And now it was only young Hidden Dragons; in the future, would it involve the martial world’s backbone at the eighth or ninth acupoint barrier? And later, the Human Ranking?

Even Xia Longyuan hadn’t done this!

“What do you think?” Zhao Changhe transmitted to Xia Chichi.

Xia Chichi said indifferently, “What’s it to me? I’m not competing. Let the Langya King do whatever he wants—if it throws the world into chaos, all the better. I thought their grand invitation meant something rare, and the Venerable told me to join and grasp the threads. If I’d known it was just this, I wouldn’t have come—wasting my time.”

Zhao Changhe nodded, then transmitted to Cui Yuanyang: “And you, Yangyang?”

As soon as he transmitted, he cursed himself for being an idiot again—Yangyang’s strength couldn’t transmit, could it?

But Cui Yuanyang replied naturally: “Father told me to bring only my eyes and ears. Aside from discussing my brother’s wedding rites, I’m not to take any stance. Let the Wang family do as they please—no support, no opposition.”

Zhao Changhe was shocked: “You can transmit!”

Cui Yuanyang muttered: “Brother Zhao underestimates my family’s Purple Qi Clear River... Though I feel the color’s a bit off, like it’s green, the power’s still strong.”

Zhao Changhe: “...Alright. But if the Wang family rebels, will you still marry into them?”

Cui Yuanyang said calmly: “That’s how it is with great families, Brother Zhao. If the Wangs gain power, we’re in-laws; if they fail, the Wang girl is either divorced or sent to the cold palace—it’s only up to my brother’s whim.”

Zhao Changhe: “...Aren’t you imperial loyalists?”

“That’s Father’s personal inclination. Family survival doesn’t work that way, Brother Zhao.”

Zhao Changhe fell silent.

Xia Chichi, who had been deliberately intercepting their conversation, sighed.

And you say the Cui family doesn’t teach the art of inner chambers!

But come to think of it, this little vixen, raised with such family education, probably wouldn’t care how many women he had—what she cared about was seniority...

No wonder her biggest worry was Tang Wanzhuang.

While the three were whispering, others were also chatting with acquaintances, and the scene was somewhat noisy for a while, but soon it quieted down.

After all, there wasn’t much to discuss; the matter was actually simple.

Even the reason for the “weighing” and closing the doors beforehand was obvious—it was to test these people’s spirit. Who would fear the Wang family, who would go along, who were the troublemakers—the Wangs had a clear picture now. The lobbying, persuasion, or coercion and bribery were likely already done in private...

That was why Wang Zhaoling treated Zhao Changhe as a “protagonist.” With Zhao Changhe’s sensitive identity, his stance would be crucial.

Seeing everyone calm down, Wang Zhaoling smiled slightly: “My Wang family organizing such a grand event isn’t just about talking. Everyone who participates in the sword debate will receive a gift from us. And for those who excel, there will be additional treasures as prizes.”

Someone said: “Cui Yuanyong isn’t here. Brother Situ is second on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, and Brother Wang is third, both at the eighth acupoint barrier... Though the Hidden Dragon Ranking doesn’t fully represent strength, at this level, those of us at the seventh barrier or even fifth or sixth can hardly surpass you two. Doesn’t that mean the prizes are already decided between you two?”

Wang Zhaoling laughed: “I naturally won’t compete, and I see Brother Situ has no interest either.”

Brother Situ raised his head and downed a large bowl of wine, laughing heartily: “I don’t care what your Wang family is plotting, nor do I want any treasures. Fighting with the crowd is what I desire. Whatever consequences come after, do as you please—don’t expect me to take a stand.”

Wang Zhaoling cupped his hands: “That’s enough.”

He paused, his gaze falling on Zhao Changhe, but he continued to address everyone: “So the actual prizes are prepared for those at the sixth and seventh barriers. Do you think you have a chance to win?”

Zhao Changhe sipped his wine leisurely and asked casually: “What prizes? Let’s hear them.”

Wang Zhaoling smiled slightly: “A rare sea treasure; consuming it can slightly expand the meridians.”

Zhao Changhe’s sipping motion froze, and Xia Chichi and Cui Yuanyang both instinctively held their breath.

The Wang family had come prepared indeed, hitting the weak spot precisely.

Then Wang Zhaoling asked with a smile: “What do you think, Brother Zhao? Any interest?”

Zhao Changhe was silent for a long moment, then suddenly smiled: “Zhao... will not participate. I’ll just watch everyone perform. I came to celebrate Brother Wang’s birthday—am I welcome?”

Wang Zhaoling’s ever-confident, warm smile abruptly stiffened.

Whether others recognized this competition wasn’t that important; with Situ Xiao agreeing and dozens of Hidden Dragons participating, it was already prestigious enough.

But whether Zhao Changhe recognized it carried a significance unknown to outsiders.

Zhao Changhe’s “prince” identity was already considered confirmed in the eyes of the Cui, Wang, and Tang families, and the consensus was that he “hated his father’s abandonment, refused to return to the capital, and roamed the Jianghu,” fitting the template of the real Xia Chichi nine times out of ten.

It didn’t matter that outsiders didn’t know this Jianghu idler’s identity. If he acknowledged this competition and participated in person, the message to those in the know would be crucial: first, it proved the surviving prince had no intention of continuing the dynasty; second, it proved this “rare commodity” at least didn’t oppose the Wang family replacing the Xia.

Don’t underestimate this significance—the legal principle was right here, and many would recognize it, making future matters much easier. That was why, on the canal boat, the Wang family’s servants were rude to Xuan Chong but practically begged Zhao Changhe to attend the feast.

The Wangs knew Zhao Changhe was proud; coercion would backfire and might even anger the Cui family, so they could only bribe him.

The treasure to expand meridians was extremely rare for them too; they had bled themselves to offer it, expecting that Zhao Changhe, long troubled by this, would flock to it. Surely Zhao Changhe wasn’t stupid—he knew this was meant for him; just participating would get it... Who would have thought he’d refuse!

He actually refused!

Not only Wang Zhaoling, who was questioning his life at that moment, but even Xia Chichi and Cui Yuanyang were somewhat shocked by Zhao Changhe’s choice.

Could it be that he pretended to roam the Jianghu but had actually reached an understanding with Xia Longyuan?

Zhao Changhe seemed to know what they were thinking. He took another light sip of wine and said in a low voice: “Some people exhaust their hearts to protect this land; others scheme and scramble for private gain in chaos. Zhao Changhe, a bandit from the wilds, still knows what is worthy of respect.”

He was still calling himself a bandit from the wilds, meaning he was telling them he wasn’t after the throne—he simply despised the Wang family’s actions, not a conflict of interest.

Wang Zhaoling understood. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he said coolly: “Brother Zhao, do you know what you’ve missed? Perhaps you’ll never find such a chance again in this life—just for a reason like that?”

Zhao Changhe drained his cup in one gulp and smiled freely: “If it means someone can cough a few times less, then that makes it worthwhile.”