If Lin Shanhe had only been red-faced before, now even his eyes were red, and his complexion had turned a purplish-black.
“Too much! This is too much! Scum, every single one of you is scum!” His last shred of rationality was completely overshadowed by extreme anger; he drew his blade and roared, cursing loudly.
“Chief Mo, the person you brought today seems a bit agitated.”
“I see he’s even drawn his blade. What’s going on?”
Mo Yingshuo’s expression was rather grim. Today, Han Qianhu was hosting colleagues and subordinates. The people sitting around were either high-ranking officials and nobles or fellow soldiers. In such an occasion, once one lost face, the entire Gu City would know by the next day.
Moreover, today was the Han Family’s home ground and a joyous occasion. For the sake of the Buddha, if not the monk, he did not wish to stir up more trouble. Who knew this son-in-law brother-in-law would be so disrespectful?
Yet, he couldn’t help but feel a bit strange. Lin Shanhe didn’t seem like someone easily intimidated; he was usually good at scheming and backstabbing. But today, he was being pushed into a corner he couldn't get out of?!
He rose from his seat and headed straight for the scene, “Brother-in-law, don’t be impulsive, sit down first.”
Lin Shanhe was so angry at this moment that his hands were trembling: “Big Brother, they… they are truly going too far!”
“I told you to sit down first!” Mo Yingshuo’s eyes widened, and his right hand rested on his brother-in-law’s shoulder. Without any apparent force, Lin Shanhe smoothly slumped into the chair.
“What happened?” Xue Ren also rushed over. Ning Yue immediately stepped forward and truthfully recounted the situation, without bias.
Xue Ren nodded upon hearing this. It was just a minor dispute, not worth mentioning. Besides, the Mo Family had started it.
Mo Yingshuo was a bit indignant. It was true that his family had started it, but his family had also received the harshest curses.
Pah, the curses were truly foul. His brother-in-law’s ‘glorious deeds’ would probably spread throughout Gu City by tomorrow.
What a disgraceful fellow!
Mo Yingshuo turned and glared fiercely at Lin Shanhe again!
However… this Ning Yue, who had been unknown before, suddenly emerged and unexpectedly possessed quite a talent for debate, completely unlike the roughnecks in the army.
“Ning Xiaoqi, they used to say you excelled in both Qinggong and archery. I never knew your eloquence was also superb.”
“Ning Yue thanks the Lord for his praise!” Ning Yue cupped his hands in a respectful bow, neither humble nor arrogant.
“Was I praising you? And you just thank me?” Mo Yingshuo’s expression grew even uglier. He snorted, noncommittally.
Lin Shanhe’s face was like a shoe pad; losing it wasn’t a big deal, but the Mo Family’s honor could not be stained, not even a little.
This Xiaoqi officer didn't seem easy to deal with, and Mo Yingshuo was at a loss for words for a moment.
Many guests at the banquet had gathered around.
Seeing this, Xue Ren instructed: “Today is Han Qianhu’s joyous day of promotion. Both of you behave yourselves and don’t cause trouble.”
“Yes!” Both men nodded in agreement.
“No harm done!”
The crowd parted like a tide, and a middle-aged man, his face beaming, walked out. He wore a bright red, gold-embroidered flying fish robe and red satin upturned boots. Zhao Zongqi followed, peeking out from behind his second brother, curiously trailing.
The person who arrived was today’s protagonist, Han Yu, Han Qianhu.
Seeing him, everyone saluted.
Han Yu simply waved his hand dismissively and said, “These are all young talents from our guard station, full of youthful spirit. It’s normal to have small frictions at such a vigorous age.”
“But it’s better to resolve enmity than to deepen it. How about… we set up a ring right here in the hall and have a match? Everyone is tired of drinking anyway.
Would a few of you be willing to compete in front of these gentlemen in the hall?”
“Good, I think so! Drinking is boring, why not have a martial arts competition!”
“If you can use your hands, try not to use your mouth.” The crowd cheered loudly.
Xue Ren’s expression remained calm, but his heart sank.
Military drills were common, but Xue Ren and Mo Yingshuo both knew the combat strength of the individuals involved.
Han Yu’s words seemed fair, a battle to resolve grievances, but in reality, it was already favoring the Mo Family. He wondered if Han Yu was doing it intentionally or unintentionally?
Then he heard Han Yu say again, “Someone, bring my saber!”
A nearby servant quickly returned, bringing forward a long saber wrapped in dark sharkskin.
Most military officers were equipped with ring-hilted sabers, which were easy to wear at the waist and were standard military issue. The scabbards were mostly iron.
But this saber, just by looking at its scabbard, was clearly no ordinary item. The hilt was inlaid with seven red agates of the same size, forming the Big Dipper constellation, with profound symbolism. Perhaps due to being stained with blood over the years, its color had already darkened somewhat.
Han Yu drew the saber from its scabbard to show everyone. The blade was straight, the tip upturned, and a very deep and long blood groove ran along the entire back of the blade. Under the light, it reflected a chilling gleam.
Ning Yue, just by looking at it through the crowd, felt as if his gaze was being cut, clearly a razor-sharp, peerless weapon.
“Although this saber is not a treasure, it is a rare and precious item. It has accompanied me in battle for three years, slaying countless enemies. Unfortunately, for me now, it is still a bit too light.”
“How about we use this saber as a prize? The winner takes it. What do you all think?”
Upon hearing Han Yu’s suggestion, everyone’s eyes immediately lit up, and they cheered loudly.
A few hotheads, hearing this, were eager to try their luck, but their elders firmly held them back.
Xue Youwei’s eyes also brightened. If he wore this saber, his ranking in this year’s military field competition might improve significantly, perhaps even surpassing that son-in-law.
The Da Yuan Dynasty’s weapons were divided into three grades. First-grade divine weapons were few and far between, and second-grade treasure weapons were beyond the reach of ordinary people. Even third-grade sharp blades were valuable, often costing thousands or tens of thousands of taels of silver, and were hard to find even with money.
Moreover, this was Han Qianhu’s personal saber. Winning this saber would also create a bond with the Qianhu, and in the future, there might be an opportunity for him to receive some assistance.
Listening to the discussions of the crowd, Ning Yue realized the precious value of this saber, and his eyes lit up.
If he could sell this saber, would he also be able to reach the Yi Jin Realm and look down upon three thousand Xiaoqi?
After careful calculation, he felt it would probably be more than enough!
Zhao Silu, seeing this, couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle softly again, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Although the process was a bit convoluted, Lin Shanhe finally secured this opportunity.
He walked up to Han Qianhu, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and after completing the proper etiquette, he said, “Since Lord Qianhu has such an elegant interest, we martial artists have nothing to be shy about. I, Lin, am willing to perform a demonstration for all the Lords first, also as a congratulation to Lord Qianhu!”
“I just don’t know if the two on the opposite side will fight in a relay or together; I, Lin, will take on all comers!” Lin Shanhe finished speaking, casting his gaze towards the opposite side, his fighting spirit evident.
“Good, well done!”
“Xiaoqi Lin has great spirit!”
More and more people gathered, cheering loudly.
At Han Qianhu’s signal, dozens of servants immediately stepped forward to clear the space. The crowd formed a large circle, eagerly awaiting.
Taking this opportunity, Xue Ren quickly called the two aside. Xue Youwei held his saber silently, while Ning Yue remained calm and composed.
Xue Ren looked directly at his cousin and asked seriously, “Youwei, if you were to enter the arena today, do you have absolute confidence in victory?”
“I…” Xue Youwei was about to agree, but then he thought of the strength gap between himself and his opponent, and his words caught in his throat again.
If he lost today, the Xue Family’s face would truly be lost because of him, so he hesitated and dared not answer.
Xue Ren didn’t give his cousin much time. He patted Xue Youwei’s shoulder to reassure him, then turned and said, “Later, Ning Yue, you go!”
Xue Youwei’s face instantly flushed. He stiffened his neck and asked in confusion, “Cousin, if I’m not capable, wouldn’t Ning Yue be even less capable? Why not… why not let the two of us go together, even if it’s a relay battle?”
Xue Ren glanced at his cousin and said, “To be timid before battle is a great taboo for soldiers. Lin Shanhe’s cultivation is not weak. If both of you go up and still lose, it will only invite more ridicule and give people something to talk about.”
“Since things have come to this, it’s better to lose a little less face. Ning Yue!”
“This subordinate is here!” Ning Yue’s expression became a bit more serious. He hadn’t expected this task to actually fall to him, and for a moment, he felt a little excited.
Then he heard Xue Ren reassure him, “Later, if things go awry, I will allow you to concede after ten rounds. Since this matter arose because of the Xue Family, I will certainly not treat you unfairly in the future.”
“Then… what if I win?!” Ning Yue asked.
At these words, both Xue Ren and his cousin laughed.
Xue Youwei wasn’t confident, yet he dared to speak of victory. Xue Ren was growing more and more appreciative of this young subordinate of his.
Putting everything else aside, his courage was probably unmatched.
So he laughed and said, “If you win, I will grant you one condition, as long as it’s not too outrageous.”
“Then this subordinate wishes to fulfill this condition now, my Lord. Rest assured, I will not put you in a difficult position.”
Xue Ren’s smile faded, and Xue Youwei also wisely held his breath. The atmosphere became a bit awkward.
Xue Ren’s gaze was piercing, as if trying to see through the person opposite him. He stared in silence for a long time before finally speaking, “Speak.”
Ning Yue withstood the pressure and spoke with difficulty, “Lend me some money!”