A purple blob is turning into a purple puddle. /o/ Enjoy the action!
Everyone paid their gratitudes and took their seats. The Emperor of Liang ordered maids to fill each table with fragrant wine and favoured everyone with three cups. He waited until everyone drank their wine, then said, This banquet is graced by the presence of gallant warriors and great fighters. Everyone here must be gallant gentlen to be able to claim final victory. My intention for hosting todays banquet is to honour your accomplishnts and congratulate you. Heroes are great drinkers. Everyone may drink another cup.
The ten candidates hastily raised their cups and stood up. They drained their cups.
The Emperor of Liang then turned towards the two Head Ambassadors at the guest table and said, The Yan and Yu empires are truly birthplaces for gallant heroes. These young heroes have travelled from afar, and are all exceptionally skilled. However, I fear that I am not well acquainted with them. I would be glad if you could introduce them to .
The two ambassadors hastily stood up and bowed, saying Yes, Your Majesty! Yet, just as they straightened up and were about to speak, they discovered a problem. The two empires both have representing candidates in the final champions. However, the Emperor of Liang had only said to introduce them, and never specified who should introduce first and who should introduce after. Honestly speaking, who spoke first and who spoke second was not such a big deal, but everyone needed to try to co out on top during such a grand banquet. Besides, the Yan and Yu were not so friendly neighbouring empires. Disputes and quarrels were frequent between them, so neither party wanted to yield ground for no reason.
After a montary lapse, the two head ambassadors realized that this deadlock needed a solution. Together, they turned their eyes towards the host. They found the old Emperor to be wearing an unkind smile. He clearly wanted them to resolve this issue of sequence amongst themselves.
There are two warriors from our Yu empire within final candidates began the Head Ambassador of Yu imdiately, implying that we have two and you guys only have one, so we should speak first.
Its unfortunate that these ten candidates do not have an opportunity to compete further amongst themselves. Our warrior Baili is still eager for more, said the Head Ambassador of Yan, unwilling to concede. His words implied that both of yours together cant compare with the one of ours, so why should you speak first.
Actually, there are many other brave warriors within our empire who are able to compete. However, considering that this is to request the Princesss hand in marriage, the candidate should possess both good looks and talent. Thus, we made a careful selection beforehand. The eyes of the head ambassador of Yu were filled with disdain, clearly mocking Baili Qi for his ugly looks, which the Princess will definitely find disdainful.
All that glitters is not gold. It is better to judge people by their character rather than their appearance. Such a remarkable person as the Princess would never give her attention to people who are rely useless ornants retorted the Head Ambassador of Yan, who had an equally sharp tongue.
The Emperor of Liang finally gave a laugh and diated, Our three empires are friends today, which should be a joyous affair. Lets not bury our head in the details. Please take a seat, ambassadors. Lets have ng Zhi take over the duty of introductions.
ng Zhi shot out imdiately. After a Yes, Your Majesty, he turned back went next to candidate from the Yu empire first. He indicated the man politely with his palm and said, This warrior from the Yu empire is nad You Guangzhi[1], age twenty-eight. His father is a Second Rank Official within the Central Records. He had once been engaged with a Ms. Hu, which had been cancelled three months ago. Following that, he went next to the Yan table and said, This warrior from the Yan empire is nad Baili Qi, age thirty. He is a soldier serving under the Fourth Prince of Yan. Apart from this tournant, he had never left the side of His Highness. He had never been married. After that, he returned back to the side of Yu and said, This warrior from the Yu empire is nad Zheng Cheng, age twenty-seven. He is the brother-in-law to the Second Prince of Yu. He had once been married to a lady with the surna Zeng[2], who he expelled half a year ago under the cri of malicious language.
The Emperor of Liang listened quietly. Mhmm.
The Yu ambassador didnt expect for Liang to actually investigate the backgrounds of these candidates so thoroughly, and was rather unnerved. He rushed to explain, Your Majesty, these two are both outstanding young n of my empire, in possession of both good looks and character. Any previous engagents have absolutely been properly resolved. We dare not mistreat the Princess.
The Yan ambassador chuckled coldly, Theyve really been resolved in ti!
Its still better than your esteed empire sending over a servant. Dont you know that this is to request the Princesss hand in marriage? retorted the Head Ambassador of Yu angrily.
The Princess is marrying a person, not his family background. Besides, with the Princesss honourable status, why would she need to mind sothing like soones family background?
There had always been a distinction between the noble and the common since ancient tis. How can it be ignored?
Our warrior Baili had beco sworn brothers with the Fourth Prince prior to leaving. The noble and common change with the tides of ti and fate.
You The Yu ambassador was about to retort, but soone by his side tugged his sleeves discreetly and said quietly, There is already a process in place for how the Princess will choose her husband. There is no benefit in this quarrel.
The Head Ambassador of Yu wasnt dumb either. He comprehended imdiately with the slight reminder. Besides, the person who spoke to stop him was his Vice Ambassador, the famous martial artist on the Langya Ranking, Jindiao Chaiming. How could he ignore him? He gave a Humph! and sat down.
The Emperor of Liang watched their quarrel with cold eyes. He remained silent until both sides montarily doused their fire, then said slowly, Everyone here is exceptional. There is no need for a quarrel. Unfortunately, I have been busy with governnt affairs and have not been able to see every match. Im afraid that Im still rather unfamiliar with these warriors.
I have a suggestion, Father. Prince Yu had a quick wit by nature, and with the addition of his speedy information gathering, he already knew the intention of his royal fathers. He jumped on the opportunity and said, Why dont we take advantage of the banquet today and have these ten warriors spar with each other? It would make for a great tale.
The Emperor of Liang made a soft sound of approval. He brushed his beard and asked, What is the opinion of everyone else?
Father, I believe that this suggestion by Prince Yu is rather lacking in consideration, responded the Crown Prince hurriedly. Your Majestys royal figure is here. How can we allow knives and swords in the hall? If they sohow At that part in his speech, he suddenly saw sothing at the corner of his eyes. i Changsu had raised his cup and was gazing at it, all the while shaking his head gently. The Crown Princes heart gave a thump, and he imdiately changed his speech, These are rely so concerns I hold for Father But now that I think about it, I rember Fathers heroics that year while quelling the rebellion. Plus, we have Commander ng standing guard, so there shouldnt be any major issues. Hence, I have a suggestion, Father. Sparring is fine, but everyone must hold back in their attacks, as it is inauspicious to see blood.
He changed his tone halfway through, which rather showed so quick wit. Prince Yu did not see i Changsus hint, so he didnt understand how this person suddenly wised up. He was a bit disappointed, and gave a cold Hmph!.
Both of my sons suggestions please greatly, chuckled the Emperor of Liang. Then, everyone may challenge any other candidates at their will. There is no need to set any rules.
His words clearly exposed that he really did want to see everyone spar. The Crown Prince silently lanted over the danger he avoided, and couldnt help but send a grateful look at i Changsu. However, the latter was leaning over and listening to Princess Nihuangs whispers, and didnt see him at all.
Even though everyone was allowed to freely challenge others, everyone there had endured thousands of hardships to earn their positions. Plus, nobody wanted to rashly challenge soone in front of the Princess, in fear of making a fool out of themselves rather than earning prestige. For a ti, everyone tried to asure each other out, and there was an awkward stillness.
Ill go first, then. The person who gave a long laugh and stood up, clothes rustling, was of course the carefree Yan Yujin. He walked to the middle of the hall and bowed to the Emperor, then turned around leisurely and tilted his chin up, I, Yan Yujin, would like to challenge the young master Mr. Xiao.
Xiao Jingrui looked at him with a pained yet amused smile, but he had no choice but to stand up. Quite a few people in the hall couldnt help but chuckle while they watched the two stand face to face and hug their fists in greeting. These two rascals had scuffled with each other since their childhood, and had left teeth marks on each others little cheeks before they could even walk. However, nobody had actually seen them in a proper duel.
Just as everyone watched the match begin with eyes filled with expectancy, they couldnt resist an internal Psh after a few moves. How was that an important duel? It was clearly a performance competition. Never mind Xiao Jingrui, who was acting properly as usual. However, Yan Yujin was dead set on showing off. He perford all of his coolest and prettiest moves, and fluttered around the hall like a colourful butterfly. Sotis, when Xiao Jingruis attack would accidentally block the move he was about to display, he would even glare at him. During all that hassle, he didnt forget to choose the best angle to give charming smiles at the Princess. It made Princess Nihuang bowl over in laughter. She waved her hand while trying to catch her breath and said, Littlelittle Jin Enough, enough I knowyouve always been the most handso
After that opening, the atmosphere was, as expected, imdiately relaxed to the extre. Soon after, people began to challenge others one after the other. For a ti, there was an unending stream of spectacular matches. Everybody was certainly spectacularly skilled, each with their strengths.
About four or five rounds later, the biggest dark horse Baili Qi finally stood up. He hugged his fists at a Liang candidate who had already won one round, but who had also rested for a round as well. During such an occasion, it was impossible to hesitate. The opponent stood up imdiately and ca forward.
This person isnt from the capital. Do you know him? asked Yan Yujin, leaning in his good friends ear.
Li Xiao is the most outstanding disciple in the current generation of the Wudang Sect[3]. My Zhuo dad often has high praises for him. His inner energy has is very solid with great foundation. He could actually be considered an opponent for Baili Qi, answered Xiao Jingrui quietly.
While the two were whispering amongst themselves, the duel had already begun. The Wudang Sect had great martial artists from every generation. Its inner energy mantra and combat techniques naturally had their superior aspects. Li Xiao was very appropriate in his attacks and defences against a great fighter like Baili Qi. Every move and every technique was filled with power. In the blink of an eye, dozens of moves have been exchanged, and he actually showed no sign of defeat.
Still, just when everyone was exclaiming over a spectacular move from Li Xiao called Win So Lose So, Princess Nihuang suddenly sucked in her breath. At the sa ti, ng Zhi summoned his inner energy and shouted loudly, No! Before the remnants of his voice faded away, Li Xiaos body had already flown out. ng Zhi darted out and caught him, then supported him to sit on the ground. When ng Zhi looked at Li Xiao again, the young mans forehead was filled with cold sweat, and his face was ashen. ng Zhi held his limp right arm for an inspection, then his brows locked together. The young man was luckily shielded when ng Zhi shouted with 10% of his inner energy, which prevented Baili Qi from shattering all of the energy channels in his arm. However, the bone was broken, and the major tendon was severely damaged. The young man had gritted his teeth and did not make any sounds. Still, one can see from his sorrowful eyes that he understood that with his injury, it would be almost impossible to advance his martial arts further hereafter.
This is the Fracture Restoration Balm made by Dr. Xun. Use it for three consecutive days, then refrain from using power for half a month, and you will be able to make a perfect recovery. i Changsu had circled around quietly at so point. He shoved a box of balm into Li Xiaos pocket and continued softly, You need to believe in Dr. Xun. Dont worry and rest well. You will not have any lingering problems.
Dr. Xuns Fracture Restoration Balm was an incredible dicine that one can seldom chance upon, and so unfamiliar young man actually gifted a whole box of it to himself. Li Xiao was so startled and thankful that he forgot all about his pain. He stared dumbly at i Changsu, unable to speak.
ng Zhi gave a slight nod to i Changsu and summoned servants to carry Li Xiao off. At that ti, Baili Qi had already returned to his seat. He looked on with indifference, as if his destructive move just now wasnt anything much.
Mr. Ambassador, started the Crown Prince angrily, Everyone had decided to spar in goodwill. How could your fighter be so cruel? Its too much! He felt really humiliated as he had just suggested for the candidates to hold back in their attacks, and was the first to speak.
The other candidates shot over angry looks as well. The Head Ambassador of Yan stood up and said haughtily, We did obey the Crown Princes orders and did not show blood. Besides, it is impossible to avoid injury in competitions of strength. It is well-known that our empire has always respected the strong. The Princess is a courageous lady of the military and should know that the word kindness does not exist on the battlefield. What wrongs has our warrior Baili committed?
The Emperor of Liang said with apparent displeasure, The Royal Court is not the battlefield. Your warrior has been rash. It must not be repeated.
Even though he said that, it was a duel after all. The Emperor of Liang couldnt exactly get angry and administer punishnt, thereby allowing for criticism in the future. Thus, he could reprimand him a little. After the other party respectfully agreed, he let it pass and did not ntion it further.
Still, from the subsequent cold smile of the Yan ambassador, everyone discovered that Baili Qis objective was nothing using this opportunity to display his combat abilities. He went on to challenge seven opponents, two of which were from Yu. He did not use any more cruel moves like breaking bones, but he still gave his opponents quite a few hidden injuries. In the end, he only left Yan Yujin and Xiao Jingrui alone, ignoring them completely. Who knows if it was because he thought too little of them, or if it was because he thought too highly of them?
[1] Fun fact: His na ans well-travelled
[2] Fun fact: The character of her surna can also be read as ceng, which ans ans once, e.g. they were married once, but not anymore.
[3] A fictional sect with so historical roots, popular in Chinese wuxia stories. See sen.wikipedia/wiki/Wudang_Sect.
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