Chapter 900: Chapter 899: Summoning Kirin to Battle_1
The feeling that Drunken Spring Breeze gave Shi Xiaole was terribly frightening.
Under his psychic senses, there were three presences, deep and abyssal like the ocean, unfathomable, and dozens more, each formidable in its own right.
Even more noteworthy was that since the day Shi Xiaole entered Plum Garden, the entire Array System of Drunken Spring Breeze had changed, fluctuating every moment.
It was conceivable that, with the combination of these experts and the Array System, Drunken Spring Breeze was nothing short of a dragon’s den and tiger’s lair, where perhaps even a Martial Emperor at the Void Origin Realm wouldn’t dare to forcefully intrude.
"That day, could someone have deliberately let me in?"
Shi Xiaole couldn’t help but speculate.
No matter what, he would not let go of the clue provided by Mei Junyi! Every time she mentioned Gui Nanyan, she seemed composed on the surface, yet her words were enigmatic, clearly indicating a serious problem!
On the streets, Martial World figures could be seen everywhere.
"Alas! Even the Mind Fire Master has been defeated, is this Fujiki Naotsugu really invincible?"
"You are behind with the news. Just now, by the pool in the western outskirts of Sky City, the Sky Mountain Six Heroes formed the Sky Mountain Array System and faced Fujiki Naoaki. After six hundred and thirty-two moves, four were gravely injured, and the Array System, which was said be invincible below the Void Origin, got broken!"
"This..."
Walking along the main street, one could hear the heated discussions of Martial World figures everywhere, yet the atmosphere was heavier at each mention.
Whether it was the Mind Fire Master or the Sky Mountain Six Heroes, they were legendary figures of the Martial World.
Especially the latter, each of them a peak Earth Immortal, their practiced Sky Mountain Array System was said to originate from a cave in Sky Mountain, left by ancient sages, undefeated below the Void Origin.
No one expected that Japan, a tiny country, would produce a master like Fujiki Naotsugu who crushed all in his path, toppling the monuments of the Central Plain’s martial arts scene one by one, with no one able to check his momentum.
If things continued like this, the entire prestige of the Central Plain Martial World would be trampled under his feet.
Yet among the assembled heroes, who could fight against him?
"Do you think Kirin, ranked first on the Earth Immortal List, could fight him?"
Someone, as if grasping at a lifesaver, slightly paused the conversation.
Indeed, since his debut, Kirin had never tasted defeat, and now no one knew the extent of his strength. Just a few days ago, it was said that he had defeated an elite of the martial institute with a single sword strike.
"Kirin is invincible, I believe that given a few more years, defeating Fujiki Naotsugu would be like plucking weeds."
"That’s right, he is only thirty-five years old, the future is limitless."
As monument after monument fell, people had to acknowledge a harsh truth; Kirin was perhaps one of the few remaining prides of the Central Plain Martial World.
The discussion about inviting him to fight emerged early on but was immediately suppressed by a greater volume of public opinion.
It was a protection for Kirin.
He is still too young now, and especially after Fujiki Naotsugu’s consecutive victories, his momentum had reached its peak, almost as if with a blade in hand, he was invincible in the world.
Neither Kirin as an individual nor the Central Plain Martial World could afford the consequences of failure. The only option was to wait, until he reached the half-step-to-Void-Origin stage, then, the Kirin, invincible at his level, would surely not disappoint!
"Hey, look at that person."
At that moment, inside a tavern, a man dressed as a carry-arm leaned toward an extraordinary figure in green among the crowd, his face showing bafflement.
But the people beside him were stunned; the man rubbed his eyes, the figure in green was nowhere to be seen. Strange, could he have been mistaken?
Clack.
Inside the private room, a wine cup was placed on the table.
"Heh, these fools. Kirin is in Sky City. If he were confident, why would he miss the chance to show himself? He is clearly afraid."
The speaker was an elderly man dressed in black, with a withered face and a sneering expression. Beside him were several men and women in similar attire who—all felt indignation and glee when Kirin was mentioned.
Only a youth with a peculiar, cold countenance, who sat there like a small mountain, continued to drink, oblivious to the commotion around him.
If someone knowledgeable were here, they would be astonished to find that this person was none other than Yao Mie Sheng, the young leader of the Destroying Saint sect in the Nine Heavenly Kings.
Compared to the past, the current Yao Mie Sheng seemed much more ordinary, not fitting the image of a ’noble expert.’ But this ordinariness was like flowers in a mirror, the moon on water, merely a disguise. Just like the seemingly calm but surging ocean, it concealed boundless strength.
Nowadays, speaking of Yao Mie Sheng, both the righteous and wicked paths trembled in fear.
This man, like a rising sun, had ascended with inconceivable speed. Not yet forty-five, he was already nearing the Ninth Tier Earth Immortal level, and no one doubted that he would be a future giant of the Martial World, dominating over all under heaven.
Yao Mie Sheng had also come to the Central Plain, attracted by Fujiki Naotsugu’s challenge, hoping to observe the fierce battle and gain insights to progress faster.
"He will make his move."
Yao Mie Sheng said abruptly.
But the experts of the Destroying Saint sect understood.
"He doesn’t want to make a move, but the situation will force him to. He cannot escape this battle."
Yao Mie Sheng spoke with conviction.
"Hahaha, that’s wonderful. Back in the day, Kirin, relying on luck, robbed our young leader of his unbeatable luck. What goes around comes around, now it’s his turn."
The black-clad elderly man and his companions laughed loudly, their faces eager with anticipation.
Yao Mie Sheng’s gaze fell upon the long street, his eyes filled with myriad scenes.
"The one who laughs last is the true victor, Kirin, I will definitely catch up to you!"
At the same time, at the General’s residence.
Feng Guoting sneered, "Brother, I’ve already ordered people to release the news, controlling the public opinion of Sky City, hehehe, that Shi guy won’t have a choice but to make a move."
Shentu Jue’s expression was impassive, as he leisurely sipped his tea.
With his influence, there were many ways to kill Kirin, but why bother making other plans when there’s a ready blade at hand?
When you can’t kill an enemy, you have to understand how to take advantage of the situation. And among the members of Six Righteous Alliance, which one isn’t a second-generation official? Playing the game of borrowing a knife to kill someone is just too easy.
Under the efforts of Feng Guoting, Tao Baishan, Zhang Baichuan, and others, in the streets and alleys, tea houses and taverns, and even brothels, Martial World figures continuously called for a petition, hoping that Kirin in Sky City would step forward to represent the Central Plain’s martial arts community in a battle against Fujiki Naotsugu.
This kind of public opinion, like a snowball gathering size, grew larger and larger under the invisible influence of official powers until it became a clamorous uproar. What’s more, even in front of Tailong Inn, where Shi Xiaole was staying, there was now a crowd of Martial World figures standing, jointly petitioning.
"Young Kirin, the warriors from Japan are arrogant and challenge our martial arts community’s face. Please take action and teach this official a lesson."
"As the undefeated legend of the Central Plain’s martial arts community, Young Kirin, please fight for our honor!"
"Please step forward..."
The numerous martial artists shouted loudly, attracting countless gazes, and many young ladies in their boudoirs secretly opened their windows.
However, to everyone’s disappointment, even though this group of martial arts masters screamed themselves hoarse, from start to finish, Tailong Inn made no response. It was only when Six Fan Gate intervened, citing a disturbance to Sky City’s public order as the reason, that the crowd was dispersed, and the farce concluded.
Reactions varied. Some people sneered, some shook their heads, and some expressed admiration.
What was consistent, however, was that almost everyone believed Kirin had no chance of defeating Fujiki Naotsugu, which is why he was avoiding the fight.
Indeed, the two were not at the same level to begin with, a gap that couldn’t be bridged by talent alone; knowingly outmatched, only a fool would take on the fight for the sake of pride and needlessly shatter one’s unbeaten stride.
While the outside world brewed a storm with mixed criticisms of Kirin,
inside a room of Tailong Inn, Sword Qi surged in all directions, like a miniature ocean. At the center of this ocean, Shi Xiaole sat serenely, assuming a meditative pose, becoming one with the heavens, his spirit roaming free.
No matter where he was or what situation he faced, he never slacked in his cultivation, because strength is the foundation of everything.
After a while, the Sword Qi retracted into his body.
The room’s door silently swung open.
The person outside was clearly taken aback but quickly regained composure, bowing their head, feet rooted to the spot, and with respectful hands, offered an invitation, "I’ve seen Young Hero Shi. Tonight His Highness has a grand banquet inviting many guests, and has dispatched me to extend an invitation and await your honored presence."
As they spoke, the invitation floated gently in front of Shi Xiaole.
Shi Xiaole gave the deliverer another glance. A mere messenger boy possessed the strength of Xuanqi Realm, which, outside of Sky City, would clearly mark him as among the Terrestrial Immortals.
But Terrestrial Immortals are not common as cabbages, so why would the prince intentionally send a strong man over? Was it to show power or respect?
He unfolded the invitation to find script as elegant as gold and silver thread, and the signatory surprised Shi Xiaole—it was indeed King Jin!
King Jin, the emperor’s fourth son, was also the only prince currently with the strength to contend with King Dai. With the emperor having forsaken morning court for three years and his health in decline, the struggle between the two major groups of princes had reached a critical stage.
"The Prince has especially instructed that for this banquet, the esteemed Mei family will also be in attendance," added the messenger outside.
A smile appeared on Shi Xiaole’s lips at this thoughtful person. He hesitated for a moment before responding, "I’ll attend."
Relief washed over the messenger’s face upon receiving the response. He bowed once more before taking his leave.
...
In the depths of the night, King Jin’s residence was bustling, the walkways of the square-shaped pavilion lined every few feet with palace lanterns, illuminating the massive courtyard as if it were daytime.
Along the pavilion, rows of tables were laid out, replete with a variety of exquisite delicacies and fine wines.
When Shi Xiaole, dressed in a plain green robe, arrived at the designated location, the venue was already filled with guests. With just a simple glance, he saw Feng Guoting and others imbiding on the east side, as well as other elegantly dressed young men and women, probably the offspring of officials.
King Huan and Princess Miaoyan were also present. Princess Miaoyan, clad in a pleated palace dress, her charming face shimmering in the candlelight, was casually chatting with several distinguished-looking men.
On the west side of the pavilion, the presence of several mighty figures, powerful yet restrained, betrayed their identity as Martial World experts who had been invited.
As if by some predestined connection, Shi Xiaole’s eyes were drawn instantly to a man seated in the front row of the west side.
This individual wore a white headband and donned a Japanese warrior’s attire embroidered with swords, differing from the others by keeping his weapon close at his waist, integrating man and sword into one indistinguishable entity.
Noticing Shi Xiaole’s gaze, the Japanese warrior glanced sideways at him, and in an instant, it was as if two peerless divine blades cut through the void, aiming straight for Shi Xiaole’s eyes, their sharp aura unstoppable. However, this was merely a look from the Japanese warrior.
Hiss.
As soon as that gaze met Shi Xiaole’s eyes, like hot soup meeting snow, the sharpness dissipated without a trace.
The Japanese warrior seemed somewhat surprised, his mouth twitching slightly. Regaining his composure, he continued drinking on his own, naturally distancing himself from others as if occupying a separate world.
Shi Xiaole knew who this man was.
There is no such thing as a peaceful banquet.
