Shi Lang and the four girls practiced in the Shi Family. Shi Yulong had gradually ‘recovered’. The Shi Family had come out of the lockdown. The young man had been working on improving the level of the family throughout with stable standardization.
The family disciples were also highly motivated because Shi Lang had introduced a reward and income scheme. Humans were an interest-seeking species. They will dedicate their efforts to the cause as long as they receive benefits.
The martial meeting proposed by Ling Tian would be held in one week. Shi Lang wanted to break through to the immortal core realm, so he has been working hard. However, he could not inscribe the way of martial arts on the core, but he had yet to succeed.
In discussion with Shi Yulong, he discovered that such an inscription was only possible when a person held a capable cultivation technique. The terran had been cultivating the ways of the Shura Sutra. However, the usefulness of that technique ended with his arrival in the upper realm.
Thinking about it, the young man sighed and decided not to think about it for the time being. He would consolidate his foundation and let the time take its course. The time of a week was not too long, and the day of the gathering was upon them quickly.
Shi Ning and Shi Yua were dressed in a sophisticated manner to head over. Shi Wei was not particularly strong in martial arts. Thus, she decided to abstain from the trip and would study pill refining. Shi Ting had yet to master a move in her sword skills, so she was grounded.
Shi Lang had worn a white hanfu with azure blue trims to it. He feared Raksha might draw unwanted attention, so he bought a long sword from the Tianxu Pavilion and tied it around his waist. The sword was a middle-level spirit weapon, which was good enough for him at the current level.
The three people did not bother taking the carriage or a mount and just traveled on foot. Shi Ning asked, “Big brother, why do you always walk around?”
Shi Lang smiled and said, “None of us have unlocked the spirit sense to detect any tails or sneak attacks. Inside a carriage, we are constricted, and on a mount, we cannot be sure if the animal would get hurt or go berserk hurting the pedestrians.”
Shi Yua nodded while Shi Ting said, “You always act like you are at war. You are very suited for the Imperial Army. We can surely use someone like you at the Northern front.”
Shi Lang smiled and shook his head. The three people quickly moved through the city to a fenced garden. Shi Ning clicked her tongue and said, “To think that Ling Tian would even rent out the Magpie pavilion for this facade.”
Shi Lang had not been to this place, but as natives, Shi Ning and Shi Yua had been here before. Shi Ning said, “Big brother, this place is called the magpie pavilion, and it is named after the favorite bird of the owner.”
Shi Lang asked, “What is so special about this bird? I have seen many women liking it.”
Shi Yua glared at him and said, “It is so cute and beautiful. Also, it is very fast.”
Shi Lang smiled and said, “Okay, Young Miss.”
The girls showed the invitation to the guard, and the person respectfully let them enter. However, before they could say anything, someone called for Shi Lang, “Shi Yua, wait for me.”
Shi Yua turned around with a grin and asked, “Sister Nan, you were also called here?”
The visitor was Xiao Nan. She had arrived at the place with Elder Chen. The old man nodded to Shi Lang, who greeted him with cupped fists. The five people entered the place, and Shi Lang walked half alongside Elder Chen. He was calm and composed while the three girls walked ahead.
Elder Chen said, “Young man, you do not have to worry. Ling Tian will not make things difficult for you today. The Tianxu Pavilion still has some power.”
Shi Lang smiled and thanked him lightly. He was not worried at all. The people came through a garden and arrived at the pavilion reserved by Ling Tian. Shi Ning said, “Big brother, this is the pavilion.”
The terran found himself gazing at a huge pavilion surrounded by water and lotus flowers. He spotted a few magpies flying around too. A few people had already arrived inside the pavilion and were all discussing with each other.
Xiao Nan sighed and said, “Ling Tian invited us to face his connections and pressure.”
Shi Lang clicked his tongue and said, “Good scheme, but it will be fun.”
They entered the place and attracted a lot of attention from the people. Ling Tian saw this but did not come forward to greet them. Shi Yua and Shi Ning frowned when Shi Lang sighed and said, “Miss Xiao, we shall leave.”
Xiao Nan caught his emotions by the look in his eyes and asked, “Why don’t you want to compete with these people?”
Shi Lang shook his head and said, “I came here after Young Master Ling invited us. I did not wish to offend his pride. Now that it is done, I will not stay in a place where I am not welcome.”
Xiao Nan was surprised and said, “I understand and shall also take my leave. Tianxu Pavilion is not idle.”
The people caught the words and were confused. Shi Lang and Xiao Nan did not intentionally lower their voices and humiliated Ling Tian and his friends. However, not everyone here was his friend. Some people had come over because they wanted to get close to the Prince.
Suddenly, loud laughter sounded in the pavilion, and everyone found the source to be a burly man. Sitting in a secluded place, this person said, “Good, brother, you have won my heart with those words. I am Xiang San. Third son of the Xiang Family from Lion Heart City. I wonder if I can know your name?”𝞸𝗏𝐿xt.𝒸𝑂𝑀
The man cupped his fist to Shi Lang. The terran was surprised to see this person wearing rugged, thick fabric trousers and a robust aura. Shi Lang cupped his fist and said, “Greetings, Brother Xiang. I am Shi Lang of the Shi Family.”
Xiang San nodded and said, “Since you are leaving, I shall also leave. Let us have some drinks.”
Shi Lang smiled and asked, “I would be obliged, but Brother Xiang, are you sure this early departure will not affect your visit?”
Xiang San picked up a war hammer and walked to his side, waving his hand, “Not at all. I am already familiar with the Fourth Prince. I shall introduce you to him later.”
Ling Tian heard this, and his brows jumped. He could not let Shi Lang garner the favor of the Prince. He hurried over and said, “Young Master Shi, I was dazed to see you arrive. I did not expect you will be here. Thus, I was late. Forgive me.”
Shi Lang smiled and did not say anything. Ling Tian turned around and apologized to Xiao Nan, who nodded amiably. They had already created a scene. If they kept pushing, it would look like they were deliberate and might offend the Prince too.
Ling Tian nodded and wanted to lead them to seats when Xiang San said, “It is alright, Young master Ling, you should take care of others. We can sit at my table.”
Ling Tian thanked Xiang San, this guy was crude, but he belonged to a powerful family that could crush the Ling Family in their sleep.
Xiang San and the rest sat at the same table, and Shi Lang introduced his people and Xiao Nan. Xiang San may look uncultured and rowdy, but his manners were top-notch. Even the sophisticated Ling Tian failed in comparison.
Xiang San said, “Brother Shi might not be familiar with this bunch of snakes. Allow me to identify them. I tell you, be careful of their toxins. Some of them can be cannibalistic too.”
Shi Lang thanked him and asked, “Brother Xiang, may I ask why you are so kind to me?”
Xiang San was surprised, but then he chuckled. He patted Shi Lang on the shoulder and said, “You are wise. At first, it was just a simple hunch that you were not easy. Now I am impressed. I am nice to you because I can use some help.”
Shi Lang raised his brow and asked, “What sort of help?”
Xiang San looked around and whispered, “This place is very crowded. Would you mind if we talked later?”
Shi Lang looked at Xiao Nan who nodded and said, “Very well, but Miss Xiao would have to be a part of this discussion too.”
Xiang San nodded and replied, “I have no problem.”
Suddenly, they all were attracted by a group of knights in armor walking over in neat formations. Xiang San said, “Fourth Prince is here.”