Chapter 496: Chapter 495 - A Big Gift
"Incredible, it’s truly incredible. They say the turnover in the martial world is faster than anywhere else, but today it really hit home."
Xuanwu State’s richest man, Fang Wanwan, abruptly slapped his thigh, his excitement evident. As if the unstoppable undefeated young man who dominated his peers was himself.
Huangfu Duan didn’t say a word, just staring at the unfolded paper in front of him, detailing the course of the previous battle, not missing a single detail.
On another piece of paper were many illustrations of the battle between Shi Xiaole and Yu Zhao.
"Brother Huangfu, hmm, could these two papers be sold to me? I’m willing to pay any price," Fang Wanwan said eagerly.
He could imagine that with the talents of Shi Xiaole and Yu Zhao, either of them would become an authoritative figure in the martial arts world. Information recorded on this paper was probably exclusive in the world, extremely valuable.
Of course, what Fang Wanwan wanted was not for selling, but pure collection.
Huangfu Duan smiled and shook his head, "I’m sorry, Lord Fang, this information has to be handed over to the academy intact."
In another ten days or so, the first issue of the "Martial World Collection" would be released.
He didn’t know what it was like in other places of the Flying Horse Dynasty, but Huangfu Duan could imagine the sensation that would be caused in Xuanwu State by revealing the specific details of today’s battle.
These two papers, he wouldn’t give it to anyone who came to ask!
Seeing Huangfu Duan’s resolute refusal, Fang Wanwan could only shake his head regretfully.
After several talents stepped on stage for their trials, the Linjiang Xian Association officially drew to a close.
Turning the bow of the ship, setting sail and returning, standing in the misty night, everyone felt a sense of reluctance to leave.
The geniuses are lonely, not because they look down on others, but because they lack common topics for conversation.
For them, being able to exchange views and have mutual promotion with people of the same level was a rare intersection of fate. One can imagine, after today, unless there is an appointment, they are unlikely to meet again.
"Looking forward to the next Xian Association, don’t know what kind of top-notch talents will emerge then."
"Brother Li, see you next time."
"Haha, Brother Zhao, I will personally defeat you next time."
On the ship, many people were bidding each other farewell from afar. Some people who had good relationships even privately agreed on the time to meet again.
On the ship Shi Xiaole was on.
Once he finished adjusting his breath, he saw a group of courtesans swaying attractively in the brightly lit hall, with musicians playing instruments and glancing at him from time to time with glowing eyes.
Ai Wenhong and two others were sitting on one side, raising their glasses and drinking.
"Brother Shi, you’re finally awake. You’ve kept me waiting for a long time," Ai Wenhong laughed out loud.
Shi Xiaole said, "Why is one missing?"
He noticed that Ren Mengzhen was missing. It wasn’t that he was concerned about her safety, but he had a bad feeling.
Ren Mengzhen was too calm at this meeting. Given her character that always loved to stir up trouble, it was implausible that she could refrain herself till the end of the festival.
"Tsk, tsk, and here I was worrying about you. You are such a friend who puts the fair sex before friendship! Little lady, comfort your brother for a bit," Ai Wenhong pretended to be hurt and flung himself into the arms of the beautiful woman serving him. Her giggles and movements to escape added more fun to their interactions.
Yang Feng kept silent, and said, "Xiaole, that woman said she had something todo, and left early."
Shi Xiaole nodded, his hunch of something bad happening became even stronger. His intuition told him that Ren Mengzhen might have some hidden agenda for attending the Linjiang Xian Festival, since she didn’t take any action.
"Young Hero Shi, have a drink."
A fragrant breeze veered, and the maid by Shi Xiaole’s side leaned forward, adjusted her smooth hand subtly, and poured a light drink in front of Shi Xiaole.
The nearby singing girls were all looking enviously at this maid.
Being selected by Fang Wanwan to serve these martial world prodigies, the women’s appearance, figure, and even voice, unquestionably, were the best of the best.
Usually, they were ordinary people who had a good eye for a bargain, and descendants of families vied to please them, hosting love in their heart, but this journey to the Xian meeting broadened their horizons.
These were the real talents, the future pillars of the martial world, guaranteed to be prosperous and influential, as long as they didn’t have any accidents.
Especially the green-robed lad sitting on the side, he had all the qualities that women could think of, and one couldn’t help but have an unforgettable impression of him.
"Thank you."
Nodding in thanks, Shi Xiaole drank the wine.
The maid was concerned at first that Shi Xiaole would not give her face, but seeing his acceptance, her little heart thumped and her face showed joy, "Young Hero Shi, let me pour a few more cups for you."
She didn’t assume that Shi Xiaole was interested in her, but having a moment of closeness with such a person was a rare experience.
A few days later, the ship returned to the banks of Linjiang.
By this time, news of the Linjiang Xian Festival had already spread through the mouths of martial artists who had left Guanxian Tower, to several major cities nearby. In businesses, inns, streets and alleyways, anywhere where martial artists were, they were discussing it.
Even the ordinary people, because of this hot topic, got to know the names of Shi Xiaole, Yu Zhao and others, becoming their topic of conversation after meals.
With this momentum, within a month, the news would spread throughout the entire Xuanwu State.
However, everyone was wrong.
When the Divine Strategy Academy released the Martial World Collection, the news did not radiate out, but spread out in countless points. All areas under the rule of the Flying Horse Dynasty could broadcast it in a very short time, and the news would be even more accurate.
Of course, this was all in retrospect.
With the help of the Ai Family, Shi Xiaole and the others had not been blocked by anyone. Back safely at Tianyi Inn, Shi Xiaole closed himself off for some time.
After battling with Yu Zhao, Li Zifeng and others, Shi Xiaole had gained some profound insights that required prompt assimilation.
In the following days, someone somehow leaked this information. Continuous martial art experts, as well as representatives from big sects, swarmed Tianyi Inn, all wishing to meet Shi Xiaole.
Some wanted to form alliances, challenge him, while others aimed to recruit him.
In the recent days, the news about Shi Xiaole was widely known. When it was discovered that the only martial world power Shi Xiaole had ever joined was but a minor obscure sect in Qingxue State which is already destroyed, all the significant powers in the martial world became like maniacs.
"I heard many first-rate forces, even a few exceeding the first-rate mobilised, sending elders to entice Shi Xiaole."
"Nonsense is that, considering Shi Xiaole’s abilities, given time, he will inevitably be one of the top fifty experts in Shuntian. He may even have a chance of challenging the status of the ’Great Lethal Star’ Xin Zhuliu. Whichever sect could get him to join would definitely reach greater heights."
All the major powers that came for recruitment had been politely turned away by the Ai family. Elders from a few exceed-first-rate powers were allowed into the inner chamber where the head of the Ai family in Tianyi City received them.
The Ai family, having learned from Ai Wenhong that Shi Xiaole has no intention to join any sect, naturally became his shield, thereby granting them a favour in return, to avoid him offending people.
Before long, the elders from several top-tier forces left in disappointment. Then, the relationship between Shi Xiaole and Ai Family’s beloved daughter Ai Wenqian was made public, with rumours of their passionate secret engagements painting a deep connection between them.
People sighed in envy.
What a cunning and strategic move by the Ai Family, they had moved early, using the beauty to ensnare a surefire genius.
...
In Tianyi City, within a mansion.
The Xiahou Clan’s disciples gathered.
Bang!
A middle-aged man crushed the table, his face sullen: "The Ai family and my Xiahou clan share an implacable enmity, any threat associated with them must be nipped in the bud!"
Standing next to Xiahou Liang, the square-faced young man, Xiahou Cheng, strode forward, "Third uncle, as far as my nephew is aware, the Ai family does not have many experts in Tianyi City, we can make a preemptive move, it’s only been six days."
As he spoke, his face showed a thick murderous intent.
Xiahou Duan waved his hand, "You don’t understand, the Ai family has let Ai Wenqian and her brother attend the Immortal Conference, how could they not have a backup plan? I have already received information, they are deliberately baiting us into making a move, at which point the Wine Beggar will settle accounts with us."
"Wine Beggar?"
The crowd gasped in surprise, he was among the top hundred experts in Xuanwu State, his power was beyond belief.
"Rest easy, if the Ai family can invite the Wine Beggar, my Xiahou clan is not without support, who can also arrive in a few days. And according to the information, the Ai family has a large number of experts secretly on their way. We have enough time."
A grin spread across the corner of Xiahou Duan’s mouth.
No one knew that his Xiahou Clan had planted a secret agent within the Ai family many years ago. These most secret pieces of information were passed on from there. The Ai Family wanted to lure them into action and then plan an ambush. They would simply set up a counter trap. See who will have the last laugh!
At the same time, at the Tianluo Sect’s place.
"I warn you all. From now on, avoid any conflict with Shi Xiaole, understood?"
The newly arrived elder of the Tianluo Sect spoke to the disciples who had just returned from the conference.
"But, that Shi guy is highly suspected in the deaths of Fifth Elder and Junior Brother Luo, he also cost us several Dragon Gate Realm Fifth Tier experts."
A disciple couldn’t help but say.
"People die and cannot be resurrected, offending a rising talent for the sake of the deceased is not worth it. Also, we have no evidence."
The elder of the Tianluo Sect shook his head.
He’d seen a lot, knew the severe consequences of offending a talent. It was okay if they could kill him, but if they couldn’t, it would lead to a cataclysmic disaster.
The main point was, losing several experts did not cripple the Tianluo Sect. Only a fool would assume an aggressive position.
Seeing the Elder’s determined attitude, and it being the Sect Master’s intention, the disciples decided not to argue any further.
"You don’t need to swallow your pride. Hehe, we may not take a hand, but perhaps others will."
The elder of the Tianluo Sect suddenly laughed, his eyes conveying a deep meaning.
...
In Tianyi Inn, inside the Tian (Heaven) Character Room.
Shi Xiaole slowly ceased his practice.
He had thoroughly assimilated the gains from his battles. Although his strength had not significantly improved, it was a proverbial journey of a thousand miles that began with the first step. Only by continuously accumulating bit by bit, can he progress little by little.
He was just planning to take a good rest when a knock sounded from the door. Shi Xiaole opened it to find not Ai Wenhong, the three of them, or one of the elders of the Ai family, but a friendly black-faced middle-aged man.
From him, Shi Xiaole could sense a powerful fluctuation; this was remarkably a Dragon Gate Realm Eight Tier expert.
"Young Master Shi, my master admires your capabilities and thus has a special gift for you."
The black-faced man said with a smile.
"Who is your master?"
"Fang Wanwan."
