Chapter 404: Liu Wu, You've Gone Too Far (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 404 Liu Wu, You’ve Passed (Please Vote for the Moon)

She simply walked away.

Not even glancing back.

Chen Yi watched Xiao Jinghong’s form merge with his blade and fade into a stream of light, his voice caught in a dry chuckle.

He knew full well that Xiao Jinghong had come from Mengshui Pass, and no matter how late, he would not miss his appointed hour.

Yet just moments before, Xiao Jinghong had spoken of seeking him out, this “benefactor.”

Now, however, he offered not even a nod.

“My lady, you… you are truly being quite impertinent.”

When Xiao Jinghong had vanished beyond sight, Chen Yi set off upstream along the Chi River, cradling the young woman beside him.

Yuan Liu glanced up quietly, her voice a whisper: “Master, Xiao… Governor—does he not recognize you?”

Chen Yi understood she was inquiring about his present standing. He shook his head. “He may not know me, but he has surely heard of me.”

“How so?”

“The child plays at being clever—do not trouble yourself with such trivialities.”

“With that time, you might as well cultivate earnestly, and soon ease my burdens.”

“Oh…”

Yuan Liu lowered her gaze, her heart lightening rather than pouting at his admonition.

The bond between Master Chen and Master Nang seemed far more intricate than she had once supposed.

In her mind, Chen Yi was nearly omnipotent—far beyond her reckoning.

Likewise, Xiao Jinghong remained someone she deeply revered.

Naturally, they were a pair destined by fate.

Yet…

Now, observing their connection… something about it felt oddly discordant.

Chen Yi, unaware that Yuan Liu had judged their relationship as “peculiar,” turned his thoughts to the matter at hand.

How to conceal his forthcoming strategy against the Sword Master of Xue, lest Xiao Jinghong discern a flaw.

On the other side, Xiao Jinghong gave such concerns little thought.

These days in Mengshui, she had two purposes: to prepare for a period of secluded cultivation, and to seek her father, Li Wan-dong.

The former proceeded under her control.

The forces under Marshal Li Fu had sustained some wounds—Marshal Li Changqing and Marshal Pang Xuan’s troops had suffered fewer than a hundred casualties.

Additionally, the instructions Li Fu had promised her had arrived in writing.

The grain, armor, and supplies requisitioned by Zhu Hao Ke for the three prefectures would soon be transported.

As for the latter…

The venerable Sword Immortal remained silent, his whereabouts unknown.

Xiao Jinghong waited several days, only to find Li Wan-dong had not arrived.

She hastened downstream to the Chi River, hoping to receive the old sage’s guidance.

Not long after, she reached the stretch of the Chi River known as Da Liang Shan.

This was an extension of the Western Meng Mountains, from which the Chi’s spring source spilled forth, gradually converging into the river.

Not lofty, yet majestic in presence.

At its slopes, snow blanketed the earth.

Beneath, verdant trees swayed.

Occasionally, sunlight struck the peak, gleaming brightly, earning it the name “Golden Mountain.”

It was already the hour of Hai-Zheng.

Along the Chi below Da Liang Shan, boats adorneded with painted sails moored to the riverbank.

Lanterns hung suspended, casting shadows in the rain-soaked night.

Young nobles and beauties in flowing silk robes sat within the cabins, drinking and snacking, pointing and gesturing toward those outside.

The shore stretched nearly five li.

Carriages lined both sides, their lights flickering.

Hundreds pressed close, some even perched atop the vehicles.

Among them, cultivated martial artists of renown stood scattered along the trees and undergrowth, gazing toward the Chi River.

“The hour of Hai has passed—yet where are the elder brothers, the White Sage and Sword Master?”

“We who came to observe their duel need not complain. But to pay homage to their presence… is that not excessive?”

“Do not fret.”

“Have you seen those from Baihua Valley?”

“Zhao Xihe, the valiant lady, has confirmed she will witness the duel between the White Sage and Sword Master.”

“She can only stand on the shore and wait. We have no cause to rush.”

“Zhao, the daughter of Baihua Valley, Jiǎo Jiǎn—the young disciple of the White Sage—only twenty-one, her cultivation already reached the upper third grade, her martial arts long surpassed the Complete Realm.”

“They say once she struck down ‘Eagle Old Demon’ Xiu Kuang in Zhouzhou with Baihua’s Illusion Palm.”

Among the crowd, Zhao Xihe wore a flower-printed gown, a veil over her face, her eyes two dark pools of beauty.

All around, onlookers pointed and whispered, yet she never lifted her gaze.

Perhaps she had grown accustomed to such scenes.

The well-wishers, too, soon turned to discussing others.

“The disciple of the ‘Sword Ghost’ Han Jue has arrived.”

“The ‘East Sea Sword Master’ Tao Junhe—how unforgettable!”

“His sword techniques are said to inherit seven-ninths of the Sword Ghost’s legacy. His blade-work, they say, rivals the ghostly realm of Fengdu.”

“And others… eh?”

A middle-aged man in coarse hemp robes was about to name more martial heroes when a shadowy figure darted into view.

His words faltered mid-sentence.

Those around him noticed his gaze, followed it, and all were struck with surprise.

“The swordsman and the spearman, both extinct arts—Xiao Jinghong, she, she must have come too?”

“Indeed, she’s now the commander of the Dunyuan Army, long since departed from the mortal world, yet she’d still show up for this celebration.”

“Hahaha…… well, now it’s truly a lively affair.”

“Don’t just look at ‘East Island Sword Expert’ and the bold Zhao Lady—others with extraordinary talents—but compared to this one, they’re worlds apart.”

“That’s right……”

Xiao Jinghong scanned the crowd, her gaze settling on a painted boat on the Red River, slightly surprised.

Grandfather has come too?

And Qin Gong——

She was about to pay respects, when several young men in fine robes walked through the crowd.

Men and women alike, all had achieved the third grade or higher in cultivation.

“Zhao Xihe of the Hundred Flowers Valley has met General Xiao.”

“Tao Renhao, respectfully requests an audience with the General.”

“Gu Hanjin of the Azure Snow Mountain, respectfully bows to General Xiao……”

One by one, they offered their salutations.

Xiao Jinghong glanced at them, slightly nodding, “No need for such formalities.”

Gu Hanjin was a young man dressed in white, rising to shuffle his fan with a smile:

“To be able to meet the General today, it’s truly my honor.”

“I wonder if the General has accepted an invitation?”

“If the two seniors haven’t yet met the General, Gu, I humbly request to accompany the General to witness the event.”

Zhao Xihe and the others responded in the same manner.

Xiao Jinghong calmly watched them, “Not at all.”

“General……”

Zhao Xihe was about to continue speaking, when a slightly amused voice drifted from outside the crowd:

“Xiao Nüjie hasn’t been seen in the martial world for so long—this appearance still draws attention.”

Xiao Jinghong turned, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth beneath her armor, “Water Shoujun.”

The speaker was Water Shou, accompanied by Liu Lang, who stood close, neck drawn in.

Liu Lang had come after all.

No way out.

Though he’d exerted every ounce of strength and couldn’t move Water Shou an inch, his skin was thick enough.

By pestering and nagging, Water Shou, out of respect for Chen Yi, had reluctantly agreed.

But Liu Lang didn’t know that the White Elder and Snow Sword Master hadn’t yet arrived, so he spotted Xiao Jinghong first.

In his heart, he knew there was no pretending he wasn’t intimidated.

——Because of that night’s sword strike.

Up until now, the only two moves that had left a deep impression on Liu Lang were:

One was Xiao Jinghong’s breath like a gentle breeze.

The other was Chen Yi’s “Radiant Day.”

One sword, one spear—neither could he match. When Xiao Jinghong looked his way, Liu Lang smiled sheepishly and bowed, “Met you again, General Xiao.”

Xiao Jinghong glanced at him, then back at Water Shou, “Shoujun, where is Master?”

“There’s something the General wishes to discuss with him.”

“Master, the old man should still be on his way to Shuzhou—no need to rush.”

Water Shou knew his master well.

Most of the time, the White Elder wasn’t reliable, and such things as missing the hour also happened.

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhao Xihe and the others, then nodded in greeting, “I’m Water Shou of Fengyue Tower, pleased to meet you all.”

“Long time no see……”

Zhao Xihe fixed his gaze on Water Shou, eyes wide with surprise.

Not because Water Shou was equally handsome, but because he and Xiao Jinghong addressed each other as “brother and sister.”

Just that title alone was enough to send a shiver through them.

“Could it be that General Xiao was taught by the White Elder?”

“Some possibility…… if so, then this Shuzhou, this Xiao family—what would it become……”

“But I heard the General’s master is the ‘Sword Deity’ Li Wuqi, of the same generation……”

“If that’s the case, then…… could Li Sword Deity and the White Elder, both elders, have studied under the same master?”

“Jeez……”

Xiao Jinghong heard the murmurs around her, waved her hand toward Zhao Xihe and the others, and led Water Shou toward the painted boat on the Red River.

Liu Lang saw them depart, and without following, stood facing Water Shou’s gaze, letting out a dry laugh, “I’ll stay here and watch the spectacle—later I’ll ask you to help me.”

No way out.

He truly didn’t want to stay near Xiao Jinghong, lest she asked him questions he couldn’t answer—about what his boss had done, or where someone else was.

Liu Lang knew the answers, but dared not speak.

Xiao Jinghong and Water Shou didn’t mind him. The two of them entered the painted boat and reunited with Xiao Elder and Qin Gong.

Liu Lang watched them go, finally relaxed, lifting his head to scan Zhao Xihe and the others.

He could see their cultivation and techniques surpassed him.

Yet in recent days, Chen Yi had once dealt him a defeat, and Water Shou had been constantly sparring with him, leaving him with little respect for these so-called outstanding talents.

After all, he wasn’t one to be easily impressed.

Gu Hanjin withdrew his gaze, flicked his fan twice, and smiled at Liu Lang, “I am Gu Hanjin, what is your name?”

“Liu Lang.”

Liu Lang glanced at the fan in his hand, pouted, and said, "It's such a cold day, are you not afraid of catching a chill from fanning?"

Gu Hanjin's smile faltered slightly, "Brother Liu, you're joking."

The Tao Junhe beside him smirked inelegantly, "Brother Liu speaks true. Gu, there's no need to show off the dignity of the younger mistress of Bei Shang Zhai here."

Gu Hanjin's smile faded further, calmly said, "Forgive me."

"If it were someone else, Gu Mu would never bother showing off his prowess, but in front of you two, Gu Mu considers himself worthy of such confidence."

Upon hearing this,

Liu Lang didn't become angry at all; on the contrary, he laughed.

"Gu brother, I don't like to hear such words from you."

"When did we ever have a chance to spar? Let me give you a try at testing your skills—your mouth's toughness versus your skill."

Gu Hanjin put away his fan, slightly displeased, looked at him, "With me?"

"Just a two-flow practitioner, that's all."

Before Liu Lang could answer, Tao Junhe placed his palm on the hilt of his sword, seemingly smiling, asked, "If he's no match, what about me?"

"You..."

Liu Lang hurried forward, "Who the hell are you? Liu Mo doesn't care for anyone's challenge—why are you butting in?"

"Why? Do you also want to spar with Liu Mo?"

Tao Junhe, hearing this, tightened his grip on the sword hilt, staring at him with strange eyes.

"Liu Lang, is it?"

"Bold."

Some of the onlookers nearby at the scene began to laugh.

"‘The Knife Demon’ is bold, daring to challenge ‘East Sea Sword Master’ and the younger mistress of Bi Se Shan Zhai with just one person."

"Don't forget to add ‘Northern Border’ before 'Knife Demon'."

"By his appearance, his strength should be inferior to the East Sea Sword Master..."

Just as they were saying this, several people familiar with the situation in Shu Zhou xiaoed and said, "Heard that Liu Lang has met with ‘Long Hu’."

"Last time ‘Long Hu’ slew Lü Jiu Nan, he was also present and fought fiercely with him."

"Now Liu Lang is here, so ‘Long Hu’ must..."

Letting the surrounding chatter continue, Liu Lang still held the hilt of his knife, looking up at Gu Hanjin and Tao Junhe.

"Choosing a day is better than stumbling upon one. In my opinion, let's..."

A cold voice came from above, "What do you mean?"

"Just, just let's do it another day."

Liu Lang suddenly realized, looked up to the sky, immediately laughed and waved his hand, "Boss, it's been a while, your charm is still the same."

"Huh?"

"Is the one you're holding in your arms... your wife?"

"My name is Liu Lang, I have met..."

Click.

Before Liu Lang could finish, a terrifying divine sense instantly pressed down upon him, silencing his words, forcing him to blush with embarrassment.

The pressure even affected those nearby, Tao Junhe and Gu Hanjin.

They looked at the figure suspended in midair, their expressions slightly grave.

This kind of pressure was not far from their own level.

"'Long Hu' Liu Wu, renowned but unseen in person, truly extraordinary."

"Last time he slaughtered Du Cang and Yan Zhi Feng, those demons, he was no ordinary person."

"This one is truly fearsome."

"His cultivation is only fourth rank, yet he stands equal to the East Sea Sword Master and others—his talent is evident."

"Has the great elder White Da Sheng and Xue Jian Jun not yet begun their contest, and we're already supposed to watch some of these talented youths battle?"

"Hahaha... fighting, fighting..."

"Stop babbling!"

Chen Yi looked down from above, his internal energy subtly turning, his breath spreading out, exerting pressure over a radius of ten li.

At once,

All those whose cultivation hadn't reached the third tier below were silenced.

Those below the middle third tier were even pinned to the ground.

Even those inside the pavilion, Cui Qingwu and Prince Qian Gu, were the same.

At that moment, all present were amazed.

They never expected that someone would dare to act so arrogantly in such a setting.

Xiao Hong looked at Zhang Xuan, slightly frowned, took a step forward, spreading his breath to cover the pavilion with divine sense.

"Liu Wu, you've passed."

Though Liu Wu had helped Xiao's family, he was so brazen with the others,

All the others also displayed their own intentions, spreading their breath, the surrounding divine sense was stirred into chaos.

A wave of turmoil arose.

Dozens of high-level masters at the upper third tier were all drawn out by Chen Yi's single move.

His eyes had a faint glow, one by one recording these people's breath, then he suppressed his own breath, calmly said, "Forgive them."

Whether these people liked it or not, whether they were forgiven or not, he directly lifted Liu Luo'er and set her down beside Liu Lang.

Song Jinbian was not here.

Or perhaps hiding somewhere.

But in command, he was indeed not present.

Chen Yi released Liu Luo'er, disregarding Tao Junhe's displeased expression, then kicked Liu Lang with one foot, saying, "What did I tell you we'd talk about?"

Liu Lang smiled apologetically, patted his mouth, said, "Boss, forgive me, I, that rascal, spoke recklessly."

He looked at Liu Luo'er, "I wonder this young lady is..."

"My disciple."

Chen Yi glanced at Liu Luo'er, signaled to her not to speak, then headed toward the Red River.

Tao Junhe and others looked at each other, then suppressed their own breath.

Though somewhat displeased, they had at least shown some restraint, not as brazen as Chen Yi.

"Is it 'Longhu'?"

"If you have time later, I humbly beseech you to bestow your teachings upon me."

"Alright..."

(End of chapter)