There were two days left until the Zixia Grand Ceremony at Tianxuan Sect.
Xu Ming was alone in his courtyard, practicing his martial arts.
Over the past few days, Wu Yanhan had been busy condensing her martial qi and attempting a breakthrough to the Golden Body Realm. Mo Zhuer had gone off to arrange her plans, Wangxuan was notifying the other elders, and Qin Qingwan was confined to the Wanhua Valley.
For Xu Ming, this ant a rare period of peace and quiet.
“Impressive technique.”
But so people simply couldn’t let him enjoy that peace.
Outside the courtyard ca a voice Xu Ming had no fondness for.
Xu Ming stopped his practice, stood up, and looked toward the source of the voice.
Walking into the courtyard, clapping as he approached, was Xia Donghua.
As always, Xia Donghua looked as punchable as ever.
“Greetings, Brother Xu.” Xia Donghua gave a polite bow, his deanor appearing gentle and refined, like that of a true gentleman.
But in reality, he was just as hypocritical as his father—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Xu Ming studied Xia Donghua, his mind running through various possibilities.
He suspected Xia Donghua was here to investigate him, likely still uncertain if Xu Ming was the one present at Sanshi Peak. Otherwise, Xia He wouldn’t have sent his son to test the waters—he’d have just found an opportunity to kill him outright.
But Xu Ming was different.
His reputation was too well-known to be dealt with so easily. Killing him would cause a stir, especially with his na on the Qingyun List.
Not to ntion that both Qingwan and Yanhan had taken an interest in him. If sothing happened to him, Wangxuan and Wuguo (Wu Kingdom) wouldn’t take it lightly.
“Brother Xia, have you ever heard this saying?” Xu Ming asked slowly, fixing his gaze on Xia Donghua.
“Oh? I am all ears,” Xia Donghua replied, lowering himself humbly. But even so, he still exuded an air of superiority—like a man confident he held Xu Ming’s life in his hands.
“The weasel paying respect to the chicken—it’s never with good intentions,” Xu Ming said bluntly, without bothering to show Xia Donghua any courtesy.
After all, there was no point.
In just a few days, they’d be at each other’s throats. Why bother saving face now?
“…”
Xia Donghua’s brow twitched slightly.
Though he badly wanted to crush Xu Ming underfoot and tear him to pieces, he forced himself to remain calm and composed.
‘Not yet. Just endure him a little longer. He won’t be so arrogant for much longer,’ Xia Donghua told himself, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions.
“Brother Xu, there’s no need to be so harsh. True, there was so unpleasantness between us in the past, but doesn’t the saying go, ‘no fight, no friendship’? I was young and reckless then, but now I have nothing but admiration for you, Brother Xu,” Xia Donghua said with a smile. ꭆÀΝ𝐨βÈS̩
Xu Ming glanced at him but showed no intention of inviting him into the courtyard. “I don’t see what there is about to admire. Just tell what you want, Brother Xia—I’m not a fan of beating around the bush.”
“In that case, I’ll be direct.” Xia Donghua smiled, keeping his tone polite. “My father, the Sect Master of Tianxuan Sect, learned about the… misunderstandings between us in the Baiwa Secret Realm. He’s asked to co and apologize on his behalf.
Furthermore, my father holds great respect for young talents like you, Brother Xu, and would like to invite you for a drink.
Would you honor him with your presence?”
Xia Donghua’s words were exceptionally courteous.
But the more polite Xia Donghua was, the more uneasy Xu Ming felt.
“The Sect Master is too kind, but I already have so matters to attend to today, so I’ll have to decline,” Xu Ming replied decisively.
What a joke.
The Sect Master of Tianxuan Sect was an Immortal Realm cultivator and possessed countless magical treasures. He could easily uncover Xu Ming’s secrets.
Going to the main peak of Tianxuan Sect could very well an dying without a trace.
But here? Let him try a direct assault. Let’s see how big a commotion I can stir up—and whether he can suppress it.
“Brother Xu, even though you may have grievances against , my father’s invitation is genuinely sincere,” Xia Donghua said, though his tone clearly implied: Don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by the esteed Sect Master, but I genuinely have pressing matters to attend to. I hope you’ll understand,” Xu Ming replied firmly.
Xia Donghua stared at Xu Ming intently, his expression betraying his growing frustration.
But Xu Ming stared back, unwavering, without the slightest hint of retreat in his eyes.
“Why is Junior Nephew Xia here?”
Just as the tension between the two reached its peak, a voice echoed from above.
Both turned their gaze skyward to see Wangxuan descending from the clouds, walking as if on solid ground.
“Greetings, Martial Aunt.”
“Greetings, Senior.”
Xu Ming and Xia Donghua both bowed in respect.
“What brings you here?” Wangxuan asked.
“Martial Aunt, my father has long admired Brother Xu’s reputation and wished to invite him for a eting. I also ca to personally apologize for the misunderstanding in the Baiwa Secret Realm,” Xia Donghua explained.
“But I truly have no ti these days,” Xu Ming added, “though Brother Xia seems particularly insistent.”
“Xu Ming has indeed been busy lately,” Wangxuan said with a nod, siding with Xu Ming without hesitation. “You can tell the Sect Master to arrange it for another day.”
“What matter does Martial Aunt have with Brother Xu?” Xia Donghua asked.
Wangxuan’s gaze turned cold, her voice carrying a natural authority: “Since when does what I do require your knowledge?”
“Forgive , Martial Aunt. That was out of line,” Xia Donghua quickly corrected himself. “In that case, it seems we’ll have to arrange another ti.”
He turned to Xu Ming and bowed slightly. “Brother Xu, I won’t disturb you further. I hope we’ll have the chance to et properly next ti.”
Xu Ming nodded, choosing not to escalate the situation. “I won’t see you out, then.”
“Farewell.”
As Xia Donghua turned to leave, a flicker of malice passed through his eyes.
“It seems Xia He has started to suspect you,” Wangxuan said, watching him go.
“Indeed,” Xu Ming replied.
“Fortunately, it’s only suspicion. Xia He still has to weigh his options carefully.” Wangxuan turned to Xu Ming. “Co along.”
“Where to?” Xu Ming asked.
“As of today, you’ll move to the Wanhua Valley. You’ll live there with Qingwan and ,” Wangxuan said matter-of-factly.
Reviews
All reviews (0)