Chapter 567: Chapter 582: Trade
Due to the difference in status.
When a high-ranking noble proposes a duel to a lower-ranking noble, it’s generally not refused by the latter.
A refusal.
Indicates implicit acceptance of alternative methods by the opponent.
Lower-ranking nobles, when faced with high-ranking nobles in such situations, can hardly resist.
A duel is relatively fair and is also an opportunity, as the winner can inherit the opponent’s title.
This is stipulated in the Dueling Technique.
Of course.
This regulation was actually introduced by the Imperial to reduce noble titles.
The title obtained by high-ranking nobles in a duel can only be granted or gifted to others.
However.
This gifted title cannot be inherited.
Therefore, in the noble circle, dueling is generally avoided unless the enmity between two parties becomes irreconcilable.
Indeed.
Even in the case of mortal enemies, they’d rather not employ this restrictive and cumbersome dueling technique.
And instead prefer resolving matters privately.
Thus, when Baiyu proposed this legislation.
Many nobles momentarily didn’t react.
Some even began asking their friends around what the Dueling Technique was.
These nobles indulge in pleasure, each fearing death and treasuring their lives immensely; who would bother to understand such legislation?
Nevertheless, there were still some informed about it on-site.
After a few explanations, most nobles understood the dueling technique Baiyu proposed.
After understanding it.
Everyone looked at Baiyu as if they were looking at a madman.
The title is their lifeline. To use it as a stake, isn’t that sheer madness?
"So, Marquis Shuta, Marquis Xue An, do you dare to accept?"
Baiyu looked at the two.
By now, most people had learned of his identity.
Even those who didn’t understand were informed of Baiyu by the explanation of those around them.
The Count of Mountain City.
The heir found by the Qiong Family out of the ten leading families.
Although these years, the ten leading families have gradually withdrawn from the Imperial’s view, with declining influence, no longer having their former glory.
However.
Some families still retain considerable influence.
The name of the Qiong Family.
They are still aware of it.
"Are you certain?"
After a brief shock, Xue An squinted, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Words spoken before so many people are like water splashed out."
"Of course."
Baiyu readily agreed.
Xue An and Marquis Shuta exchanged a glance, a look of joy simultaneously flashing deep in their eyes.
This kid.
Truly ignorant of the heights of heaven and depths of the earth.
Of course, youthful vigor is like that.
They too had been young once and naturally understood what it’s like to be young.
Thus, this is a rare opportunity.
As long as they win the duel.
The titles on Baiyu will belong to them.
It’s a chance, a chance to elevate their status from Marquis to Count, a qualitative leap.
"Alright, the Duke is present here as well; we have just the witness. The time and place of the duel, you choose."
Xue An said with a sneer.
The two seemed confident of their victory.
Indeed.
They didn’t take Baiyu seriously at all.
One doesn’t need to participate personally in a duel.
Among these nobles, there’s no thrill in dueling.
The dueling technique stipulates.
Participants in a duel.
Can be the nobles’ confidants, relatives, or subordinates.
As long as you can invite someone to fight on your behalf in life or death, then it’s all right.
As Marquises, and being in Villiduo, their well-established base, how could they not find experts?
A Tier Two Grandmaster might be difficult.
But they can certainly invite a Tier Three Martial Arts Grandmaster to support them.
And their opponent?
The Qiong Family has been waning over the years.
The strongest martial artist was that old freak Qiong Yue.
However.
He is now deceased.
The top expert in the Qiong Family is only the Tier Four Qiong Jiu, an older generation figure.
Among the new generation.
The Qiong Family is short on talented successors and lacks someone to uphold the banner, otherwise, they wouldn’t need an outsider to inherit the title.
Thus, they were confident.
In the duel, Baiyu can at most summon a Tier Four martial artist.
After all, in such life-risking matters, unless you have certain ties, no one would risk their life for you.
Just interest alone is insufficient.
You also need familiarity, favors, and relations.
"Three days later at noon, in the open area outside Villiduo City."
Baiyu casually selected a time and place.
The two had no objections, confirming the duel in front of everyone.
The entire process was witnessed by Long Shanyun and many nobles.
No fear of anyone denying it.
...
Inside the office.
With a smile, Long Shanyun looked at Baiyu: "You must have seen the faces of these nobles by now.
Over the years.
I’ve been constantly reducing Villiduo’s aristocratic power, but haven’t managed to suppress them."
Baiyu glanced at him: "So you decided to let me take the lead?"
Long Shanyun chuckled dryly.
Though the dueling method was Baiyu’s idea.
Earlier in the building, Long Shanyun had been secretly hinting at it.
Others might not notice.
But Baiyu could feel it.
This individual has long been displeased with the aristocratic forces, wishing to use this opportunity to properly sort them out.
Of course.
Baiyu is willing to be Long Shanyun’s blade, helping him tidy up Villiduo’s aristocratic forces, naturally not without reward.
Although not explicitly stated, the two are tacitly aware.
At this moment.
They’re carrying out a sinister exchange between friends.
"You’re quite fortunate; those two Marquises happen to be narrow-hearted and shortsighted.
Lacking ability yet obstinate.
I didn’t even need to stir conflict; they themselves came forward.
Do you need me to call someone for you?"
Long Shanyun inquired.
Baiyu sat on the sofa in the office, casually picked up a bottle of Spiritual Spring Water, and gulped it down, making Long Shanyun feel heartache.
This stuff.
Is indeed the finest Spiritual Spring Water.
Drinking it daily, the body’s Blood Qi would keep growing, prolonging life.
He usually wouldn’t drink it.
Only when receiving distinguished guests, he brings it out.
Now half a bottle has been gulped down in a mouthful by Baiyu, it’s his few months’ supply.
"Lord Shanyun, with our relationship, still talking about this?"
Baiyu put down the cup, speaking easily: "To deal with two Marquises, doesn’t need Lord Shanyun’s assistance.
Moreover.
If your people act and accidentally reveal a trace to the aristocrats, it would be hard to clear up.
Just have Lord Shanyun facilitate something for me; solving this matter will be easy."
"What kind of facilitation?"
"Help me apply for a pass, allowing my Legendary Ship to freely enter and exit the cities of East Prosperity Imperial."
Baiyu said.
Hearing him speak that, Long Shanyun’s face gradually turned serious.
This is no small matter.
Every Legendary Ship in the Imperial is strictly managed; the impact of freely entering and exiting cities is too great.
"If Lord Shanyun can’t manage it, I’ll simply back out and return to Mountain City, and you can seek someone else for this matter."
Baiyu continued.
Long Shanyun frowned, saying: "It’s not impossible, primarily because the impact of a Legendary Ship is too massive.
However.
Your situation should be eligible for this privilege.
But.
Once I grant you the permission, you absolutely must get the job done.
If any in this aristocratic faction have colluded with foreign races, I must root them out entirely!"
