Chapter 502: Chapter 501: Ai Renxiong’s Bet (Requesting Monthly Tickets!)
The headquarters of the Ai Family is located in Wanhua City, within the Canglan Domain of Xuanwu State.
Wanhua City is nestled amongst mountains, surrounded on all four sides with the middle being the highest. At a glance, one can see all the movements in the surroundings. Most remarkably, formidable natural barriers span on all sides, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Ai Family’s existence for over five hundred years is not unrelated to this geographical advantage.
Besides, the mountains on all four sides are blossoming with various kinds of flowers all year round, beautifully painted in purples and reds, creating an illusion of a spectacular flower sea. Whenever a breeze blew by, it would stir up the sea of flowers, and people in the city could smell the refreshing floral fragrance, making it hard for them to leave.
It is said that the initial feud between the Xiahou Clan and the Ai Family started over the desire to seize this precious land.
"So beautiful,"
As they neared Wanhua City, Crown Sword Marquis could not help but exclaim at the sight of the blooming flowers outside the carriage.
"Hahaha, this isn’t even the most beautiful part. In early spring, countless butterflies flutter amongst the sea of flowers. That scene is a sight one will never forget," Ai Wenhong proudly boasted.
Soon after, several carriages stopped in front of a narrow valley. The vertical cliffs on both sides were hundreds of meters high, each manned with sentries, one of the formidable natural barriers on the north side.
"Who goes there?"
Two figures appeared inside the valley.
The curtain of the carriage was opened, and Ai Wenhong replied with a smile, "It’s me, brother fifth, brother ninth."
"So it’s the young master,"
The two figures nodded kindly and disappeared into the valley.
Shi Xiaole observed carefully from inside the carriage. Apart from the natural barrier, a marvelous Array System should have been set up in the valley. Unless one’s spiritual power is as formidable as his or is a master of the Array System, it would be very difficult to detect.
The carriages passed through the valley and over a long stone arch bridge, these passing through five checkpoints before finally entering Wanhua City successfully.
Yang Feng looked at the street vendors and couldn’t help but exclaim, "It is said that Wanhua City is heavily guarded, and ordinary people can’t enter in their lifetime, I’ve finally seen it today."
Shi Xiaole nodded in agreement.
On their way, he had learned from Ai Wenhong that the residents of Wanhua City were either members of the Ai Family’s headquarters or its subordinate forces. In short, all of them had intricate connections with the Ai Family.
Without this connection, it would be extremely difficult for outsiders to enter Wanhua City. Even if they managed to get in, they would supposedly be under strict surveillance and lack freedom.
The large city only housed the local government offices that belonged to the court. In reality, the court’s orders were not effective in Wanhua City and were merely symbolic. The court was well aware of this problem but had taken no action for unknown reasons.
Upon arriving at his own territory, Ai Wenhong enthusiastically introduced the local customs of the city to the three. He pointed out things along the way and soon, the carriages stopped in front of a massive mansion.
This was the renowned Ai’s House in Xuanwu State.
The front of the Ai’s House was already full of people. As expected of a distinguished family, each had an extraordinary temperament and graceful manners. Even the servants standing by exuded an indescribable air of nobility.
Instinctively, Shi Xiaole looked at the old man being supported by people standing in the center.
This man had white hair, black spots on his face, and his eyes were a bit murky. He looked just like an ordinary old man, smiling gently at the sight of the children returning home.
"Grandfather,"
Ai Wenqian and Ai Wenhong both stepped forward in unison.
It was hard to believe that this unassuming old man was the Ai Family’s patriarch, Ai Renxiong, who had an irreconcilable feud with the Xiahou Clan and once stirred up a bloody storm in the Martial World.
"Good, haha, a single trip for experience has indeed matured you both quite a bit,"
Ai Renxiong laughed with pleasure. After nodding at the Wine Beggar, he turned to Shi Xiaole and the others, saying, "My unworthy grandson is young and naive. I thank you three for your help."
Crown Sword Marquis and Yang Feng were taken aback. Shi Xiaole also lowered his head in a fist salute, repeating, "You are respected and high ranking, Lord Ai. We apologize for troubling you to greet us."
All of Ai’s Family were watching Shi Xiaole intently. Their sharp gazes scanned him from head to toe as though they were spotlights.
A plain blue shirt, a head wrapped with a blue band.
Was this the unrivaled genius, Shi Xiaole, who had defeated Yu Zhao, the "Young Lord", at the Linjiang Immortal Meeting, making all the heroes bow their heads in admiration?
When the news first started to spread, the Ai Family, like everyone else, found it hard to believe their ears. It was only after triple confirmation that they were convinced the news was true.
During this period, rumors surrounding Shi Xiaole were rampant. There were various versions, but they all had one thing in common. They all exaggerated him as a rare talent.
Nevertheless, even after seeing him in person, the Ai Family members were still deeply shocked.
They had never seen such an indifferent temperament in any young man before, no, it was not just indifference, but a hint of transcendent aura.
A person’s temperament is closely related to their personality and experiences.
What on earth had this young man gone through? From his debut, had he not encountered a worthy opponent in his life?
Yet they had to admit that the transcendence that Shi Xiaole exuded was not feigned but a naturally emitted aura. It drew attention involuntarily, causing people to admire him.
"A dragon among men."
"Hearing about it a hundred times does not compare to seeing him once."
"Indeed, he is the unparalleled talent of Xuanwu State, quite impressive."
Many people cheered in their hearts.
"Master Shi seems to underestimate himself, a swordsman prodigy like you has never appeared in Xuanwu State. In front of you, the only thing I can boast about is eating more rice through the years."
Ai Renxiong joked.
Everyone burst into laughter.
That afternoon, the Ai Family held a grand banquet, the elder Ai Renxiong personally drank three cups of wine before retiring to his room with the help of his daughters-in-law.
The banquet continued with Ai Wenqian’s father taking over, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves amidst the clinking of glasses, it was quite lively.
Under the combined efforts of the younger generation of the Ai family, Crown Sword Marquis and Yang Feng were successively made drunk, thus making Shi Xiaole their new target. Troubled by their pestering, he had no choice but to pretend to be drunk to escape successfully.
Shi Xiaole knew that tonight’s banquet was not merely a welcome for the three of them, they didn’t weigh that much. It was most likely related to the action of heavily defeating the Xiahou Clan.
The days gradually calmed down.
In the first few days, the younger generation of the Ai family often sought out Shi Xiaole to exchange moves. Later on, probably due to elders’ words, they finally settled down, allowing Shi Xiaole to fully devote himself to training.
Besides his obsession with martial arts, another impetus for him to keep moving forward was revenge.
Shi Xiaole’s enemies were Lu Zixiong, the Assembly Master of Tianyuan Association and one of the top fifty masters in Shuntian Capital, and Zi Xiangbo, the Hell Master of Spring Night Hell, whose strength was not inferior to the former.
With his current strength, he could hardly compete even with their servants, let alone the two of them. Only by training could he keep improving and shorten the time for revenge.
He would not let his enemies gloat for long!
"My internal strength, true intent, and cultivation have all reached a bottleneck and it’s difficult to keep progressing, perhaps I can make efforts on the moves."
The system’s monthly free draw was still ongoing, perhaps due to his arrival in Xuanwu State, the probability of drawing second-rate martial arts had obviously increased a lot.
Although it was not necessarily swordsmanship, martial arts respected inclusiveness. Studying other martial arts could greatly enhance his comprehension and foundation, laying the groundwork for the future.
Of course, Shi Xiaole’s greatest hope was to obtain a first-rate or above swordsmanship. In that case, with his comprehension, his strength would definitely continue to leap forward!
The surprise always happens at unexpected moments.
A few days later, a master from the Ai family came and invited Shi Xiaole to the head of the family’s study.
"Master Shi, I know you are not a squeamish person, so let’s get straight to the point."
Ai Renxiong looked at Shi Xiaole, cleared his throat and said, "What do you think of my granddaughter, Ai Wenqian?"
"She’s beautiful, and very impressive, she stands out among her peers in every aspect."
After being startled, Shi Xiaole answered truthfully.
Ai Renxiong nodded satisfactorily and said, "In that case, how about I arrange for her to be married to you?"
Although he dimly guessed Ai Renxiong’s intention, Shi Xiaole found it somewhat absurd and calmly said, "Master Ai, I’ve only met your granddaughter a few times and there is no emotional foundation. I’m afraid it won’t work, and I believe she won’t agree either."
"Ah, you rejected so quickly, it seems you don’t think much of Wenqian."
Ai Renxiong waved him off, cutting off Shi Xiaole’s explanation and said with a wry smile, "Don’t worry, it was just a casual mention, there’s no pressure. Just that it’s Wenqian’s loss."
Shi Xiaole knew that this move might hurt his relationship with the Ai family, yet he had no choice but to do it. As for matters of the heart, they couldn’t be forced in the slightest, otherwise it would bring pain to both parties.
"Xiaole, I hope you don’t mind me addressing you this way. Over the years, I have seen all sorts of people, but never anyone like you."
"The Ai family may seem prosperous now, but the future is uncertain. I’m getting old and I can’t help but worry. If that time comes, I hope you can help."
Shi Xiaole said: "Master Ai, rest assured. Wenhong is my friend. I won’t stand by if he needs help."
Ai Renxiong laughed heartily and suddenly handed over a token, saying, "This is the badge of the Ai family’s Book Collection Building. With this badge you can freely read all secret manuals. I’m giving it to you."
"Master, this is out of the question!"
Shi Xiaole was shocked and quickly refused.
The secret manuals are the most precious and important resources of any power. Ai Renxiong’s action, treating him like the most direct descendant of the family, was extremely generous.
"Xiaole, you are a smart man. If you really consider the Ai family as your friends, then please accept this. Otherwise, let’s pretend our conversation today never happened."
Ai Renxiong placed the badge on the table, appearing indifferent.
There’s no such thing as easy favor in this world.
Granted, he believed that Shi Xiaole was a man of chivalry and would not be indifferent if the Ai family was in trouble in the future. However, he didn’t think the relationship between Shi Xiaole and Ai Wenqian was safe enough, hence today’s events.
As for whether Shi Xiaole would spread the secret manuals after reading them, there was no need to worry. Publicly revealing the Ai family’s secrets would not benefit him at all, but might instead incite the resentment of the Ai family. Nobody would be so silly.
In short, this was a bet by Ai Renxiong, betting on both Shi Xiaole’s achievements and character.
In the suffocating silence.
Shi Xiaole stood up, gave a salute, and said, "Since you insist, I dare not refuse your kindness, thank you, Master Ai, and you can rest assured, I will never disseminate any of the Ai family’s manuscripts."
