FIMA Ch127: The Convention

This day brought a mild, spring-like warmth to the early winter.

The sky was as clear and blue as if it had been washed clean. The wind was gentle, the sun was bright, and the river water rippled, sparkling with light.

Not far away, the reflection of Xuanqing Mountain rippled in the wind, looking just like a thousand-year-old black turtle lying lazily by the riverbank.

A light boat drifted on the surface of the river, stirring up fine ripples.

At the slightly upturned bow of the boat, a teapot was bubbling and boiling water on a pitch-black little stove.

This scene and setting were leisurely to the extreme.

Seeing that the tea was about done, Gu Siyuan lightly prodded the charcoal fire, lifted the teapot by the handle, poured a cup, and handed it to the person beside him: “Taste it.”

“Alright.” Xie Chenyun immediately tossed his fishing rod aside and happily accepted the cup with both hands.

This ceramic cup was a defective product the boatman had bought from a street stall, and it felt extremely rough to the touch. The tea, too, was wild winter tea growing on the nearby Xuanqing Mountain, roasted by the villagers themselves.

However, paired with this solitary little boat and the scenery where the river met the sky, it possessed an indescribable, rustic charm.

Gu Siyuan turned back and poured a cup for himself as well.

The tea touched his lips. The moment it entered his mouth, there was a shallow bitterness, but after two more light sips, a wildly vibrant and lively fragrance emerged, lingering like silk and leaving a sweet aftertaste in the mouth.

Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

Seeing his usually cold and stern face reveal such a rare, relaxed expression, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but puff his cheeks and tease: “Hmph, Your Majesty is certainly at ease on the river. At this moment, hundreds or thousands of people coveting your imperial throne have likely already gathered on Xuanqing Mountain.”

Today was Lidong (Start of Winter).

It was exactly the day the Outer Heaven Pavilion was convening the “Choosing a Ruler on Behalf of Heaven” assembly, located on the island of Xuanqing Mountain.

Xuanqing Mountain was situated in the western suburbs of Jiangcheng, right where the Yangtze and Han rivers intersected. Surrounded by water on all sides, its geographical location was excellent.

Gu Siyuan had diverted to Jiangcheng halfway through his journey to Huangzhou specifically for this assembly and the legendary Imperial Seal of the Realm; naturally, he wouldn’t miss it.

It was just that, compared to the people from most factions who had rushed over early in the morning to grab a spot, him renting a small pleasure boat to slowly eat, drink, and drift his way over indeed seemed excessively leisurely.

Gu Siyuan raised his eyes, glanced at the pouting Xie Chenyun, and said deliberately: “Not at all, not at all. How could Chenyun know? My current ease and calmness are merely forced acts to maintain imperial majesty and bluff others. Look at us now—aren’t we currently rushing toward Xuanqing Mountain with fiery urgency?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun looked down at their small boat, which had already been anchored in the middle of the river for over half a shichen (an hour), and the fully equipped tea-boiling sets and fishing gear at the bow.

A momentary blankness crossed his eyes before they snapped wide open, glaring fiercely at Gu Siyuan.

Do you take me for a fool?!

Seeing his incredibly vivid expression, Gu Siyuan had long been unable to hold back his laughter, a genuine joy rising in his chest.

He didn’t know why…

But recently, he seemed to have developed an inexplicably profound interest in teasing Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun’s anger hadn’t dissipated yet, but seeing Gu Siyuan’s hearty laughter, he couldn’t help but freeze slightly.

Gu Siyuan had always been cold, strict, and taciturn. On a normal day, one could barely see a hint of a smile on his face, let alone such unrestrained laughter. Therefore, at this moment, it truly felt like ice melting, snow thawing, spring returning to the earth, and all things turning lush and green.

Seeing such a sight, who in the world could remain truly angry?

Xie Chenyun, of course, was even less capable of it.

At this time, Gu Siyuan lifted the teapot again, refilled his own cup, and topped off Xie Chenyun’s.

He looked at the person before him, gave a knowing smile, and said: “Calm your anger. Zhen was just coaxing you playfully just now. But analyzing it carefully, arriving at Xuanqing Mountain too early is indeed useless. Since the assembly is scheduled for noon, the Outer Heaven Pavilion definitely won’t appear until the very last moment. Rather than going there to squeeze into a crowd and listen to nonsense, why not drift on the river, free and unfettered?”

“That’s true.” Xie Chenyun nodded, sneering: “That Outer Heaven Pavilion loves to hold onto their status. They definitely want to watch everyone sweat profusely with anxiety while begging for something they cannot have. Then, they will elegantly and leisurely flutter down at the very end. Only this way can they truly highlight their status as a martial arts holy land and show off their superiority in ‘choosing a ruler on behalf of Heaven’.”

Seeing the frosty, snowy coldness tinting his brow, Gu Siyuan didn’t sense any hostility; instead, he found it somewhat cute.

Like a little lion guarding its calf.

He couldn’t resist reaching out to pinch that soft cheek, saying faintly: “Since that is the case, we should naturally care even less. Furthermore, the so-called Imperial Seal is nothing but a lifeless object. If it makes you angry and endlessly tangled up, it truly isn’t worth it.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

A hint of crimson rose on the tips of Xie Chenyun’s ears. He lowered his eyes, showing a rare shyness.

This foolish ruler really knows how to coax people.

To actually say so bluntly that the rivers, mountains, and the Imperial Seal are not as important as me… truly makes one…

Gu Siyuan didn’t understand why Xie Chenyun would suddenly zone out and ignore him again.

However, his mindset was good, and he had gradually come to accept that the person beside him had a brain circuitry completely different from his own.

He sat back in front of the stove, added some water to the teapot the two of them had already half-emptied, and slightly stoked the charcoal fire to make it bigger.

Xie Chenyun hugged his knees, tilting his head to look at him.

He only felt that this person was truly beloved by heaven and earth. Whether he was strictly handling state affairs, playing the zither under the moon that night, or simply poking at a charcoal fire right now—he was always so charming and captivating.

Thus, when Gu Siyuan set down the tools.

He naturally felt a warmth on the side of his face—an incredibly familiar, warm breath.

Gu Siyuan hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should turn defense into offense like he did when playing the zither, even though he might end up getting pinched a few times again…

However, this time he wasn’t given the chance to think too much. The warmth decisively parted the moment it touched.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan turned his head to look at Xie Chenyun. He was already holding the small ceramic teacup with both hands, drinking his tea with intense focus.

His slender, pale fingers, contrasted against the rough ceramic, looked like cold jade. His cheeks puffed in and out like a little squirrel…

Gu Siyuan decided to forgive the man’s mischievous teasing.

Cute people always possess a few privileges within the rules.

With the river breeze brushing his face and hot tea in his hands, it was exceptionally pleasant.

Xie Chenyun took several shallow sips in a row. Thinking of something, he looked at the person beside him with a beaming smile: “Sure enough, I’ve witnessed another skill. Your Majesty’s tea-boiling is actually excellent as well.”

Gu Siyuan froze for a moment, then quickly understood the deeper meaning behind these words.

This was referring to what they had talked about under the moon a few nights ago.

He didn’t pay it much mind. However, catching sight of Xie Chenyun’s fishing rod, which had yet to yield any harvest, he stood up, sat beside him, and said: “Zhen might as well let Chenyun witness one more thing today.”

Xie Chenyun hadn’t spoken falsely.

Gu Siyuan’s primary purpose for this trip was likely indeed to tour the river; attending the ‘Choosing a Ruler’ assembly was merely secondary. There were more than two sets of fishing rods and hooks prepared on this small boat.

He carefully baited the hook and cast it into the water.

And then, Xie Chenyun didn’t know whether he should be happy or not.

He had been sitting here for half a shichen without even catching a strand of seaweed. Yet the moment Gu Siyuan took action, in less than half a cup of tea’s time, there were already two or three lively, jumping fish in his basket.

Hmph, even the fish discriminate!

He bent over, his round eyes wide open, engaging in a staring contest with the few fish in the basket.

Splash…

Right at this moment, Gu Siyuan reeled in another one.

This was intolerable!

Xie Chenyun’s anger immediately showed on his face. He threw his head back and glared fiercely at Gu Siyuan.

He couldn’t bear to take his anger out on the fish that were about to become food, so wasn’t it only natural to take it out on Gu Siyuan?

Seeing his appearance, Gu Siyuan immediately fought back a smile and asked: “Chenyun, do you know why this is?”

Xie Chenyun shook his head.

Gritting his teeth, he endured the humiliation to ask for guidance: “Does Your Majesty perhaps have some exclusive secret to fishing?”

Gu Siyuan gently shook his head.

Then, his expression turned solemn, and he explained with mysterious unpredictability: “This is actually related to a classical allusion. Has Chenyun heard of ‘a carp leaping over the Dragon Gate’? Fish are all very ambitious and always want to transform into dragons. Naturally, they are quite sensitive to the aura of a dragon…”

Xie Chenyun furrowed his beautiful brows, feeling that the upcoming answer was probably not the kind he wanted to hear.

Sure enough, the next moment, Gu Siyuan continued with absolute seriousness: “And as everyone knows, is Zhen not the only True Dragon Emperor in this mortal realm? For the fish to show a bit of preference and yearning is simply the natural, heaven-ordained way.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun was dumbfounded.

I suspect you are deliberately teasing me, and even more so, deliberately showing off.

Gu Siyuan once again couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

Teasing Xie Chenyun and watching his beautiful face take on all sorts of vivid expressions was truly an addictive thing to do.

After laughing.

Before Xie Chenyun could explode in anger, Gu Siyuan immediately reeled in the fishing rod. He pulled a gold-inlaid jade dagger from his sleeve, preparing to gut and descale the fish on the spot.

He asked with a natural expression: “Chenyun, how about we roast two and stew a fish soup?”

“Your Majesty knows how to cook?”

Seeing his crisp, efficient movements, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but feel curious and immediately trotted closer.

Whatever had just happened was already thrown to the back of his mind.

Gu Siyuan moved the teapot off the stove and replaced it with a small earthen pot.

He first extracted oil from the fatty bellies of the fish he had set aside earlier, then placed the whole fish in to pan-fry on both sides so they wouldn’t stick to the pot. Once both sides were golden brown, he added clear water, ginger, and a bit of salt.

Fish meat cooks extremely fast. Once the soup turned a milky white, Gu Siyuan moved the earthen pot aside. He then took the other two marinated whole fish, skewered them onto the blade of a sword, and suspended them over the stove’s fire to slowly roast.

“…”

Xie Chenyun watched as that priceless, iron-cutting precious sword was used for this purpose, smoked pitch-black.

Instantly, he understood the meaning of the ancients’ idiom: burning a zither to cook a crane (destroying something beautiful/valuable for a mundane purpose).

However, he smiled softly.

Since I’m with Gu Siyuan, no matter how much of an eyesore the action is, it is still top-tier, unbridled joy.

…

In the end, the two of them each ate a roasted fish, drank the fish soup, and supplemented it with some dry flatbread they had brought along.

Xie Chenyun felt that this was the most delicious and satisfying meal he had eaten in his entire life.

By this time, it was nearing noon. The sun had fully risen to its peak in the sky, shining directly onto the river surface.

Continuing to drift in the small boat would no longer be enjoyment, but suffering.

It was about time.

Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun stood at the stern of the boat, each holding a punting pole, pushing rhythmically and orderly. They accelerated their journey while taking the opportunity to digest their food.

In just the time it took an incense stick to burn, with a favorable wind and current, the small boat approached the shoreline of Xuanqing Mountain island.

Looking from afar at an angle, the mountain was covered in lush forests and fragrant grass, exceptionally quiet and beautiful, making one feel relaxed and happy at a single glance.

However, it was only after truly stepping onto the small island that one realized Xuanqing Mountain today had absolutely nothing to do with the word ‘quiet.’

At the front of the island was a shallow bay. Right now, it was filled with towering masts, with dozens of ships of various sizes anchored along the shoreline. One didn’t even need to think to know these were the flagship vessels of the major factions.

“Truly a fine bunch of rebellious ministers and treacherous thieves.” Standing on the small boat, Xie Chenyun’s face instantly turned freezing cold upon seeing this scene.

Gu Siyuan didn’t speak. He directly wrapped his arm around that slender waist and leaped ashore, bringing the person with him.

He casually tied the small boat to a massive boulder by the water, then turned his head to the person beside him. Deliberately putting on an annoyed expression, he said: “No need to be angry. Chenyun, come with me to the summit. Wait until the time is right, then we will slaughter them until blood flows like a river and the heavens and earth are turned upside down, making sure every single one of them has no return!”

Hearing this, Xie Chenyun turned back to glare at Gu Siyuan, giving an indignant hmph.

However, in the end, a radiant smile broke out. He was amused into laughing out loud, his anger completely dissipating.

Such a smile would make the blazing sun lose its color and the mountains bow their heads in shame.

Gu Siyuan’s heart stirred, and his large hand firmly grasped the man’s wrist.

Xie Chenyun’s fingers shifted, and the two changed to interlacing their fingers.

Afterward, they shared a smile and, following the rugged, rocky mountain path, walked with firm steps toward the summit.

…

As they ascended, the wooo-wooo sound of blowing horns occasionally reached their ears.

By the time the soles of their shoes stepped onto the summit, they could clearly see the major factions seated in a massive circle around three ancient pavilions. The banners of the various families fluttered in the wind. Acquaintances gathered together; though they smiled and chatted on the surface, hidden daggers laced their words.

Because Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun were only unhurriedly ascending the mountain now, they inevitably drew attention, especially since both possessed outstanding appearances and temperaments.

One in black, one in cyan—yet like the blazing sun and the bright moon, making people unable to tear their eyes away.

The people of the Song Clan and the Bathing Fire Cult were seated together. Song Zhengqing spotted them at a glance and immediately waved them over to sit.

Xie Chenyun was originally a member of the Bathing Fire Cult, so this was perfectly logical. Gu Siyuan simply tagged along.

The two sat down beside Song Zhengqing.

And just three steps away, next to the Bathing Fire Cult, judging by the banners, was exactly where the Thunderbolt Hall and the Wu Family Rebel Army were located.

Xie Chenyun frowned as he looked at the two figures sitting surrounded by the crowd. Tugging at Gu Siyuan’s sleeve, he lowered his voice and asked: “What is going on here? Why are those two here? And they’re with the Wu family rebels?”

Those two were a middle-aged man and a young man.

The middle-aged man was unmistakably the scholarly Thunderbolt Hall member Gu Siyuan had taken under his wing a few days prior, named Chu Yuan; and the young man was none other than the Thunderbolt Hall’s Young Master, Lei Yan, who was supposed to be locked up in the manor’s dungeon.

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged. He simply squeezed his slender, pale fingers and said softly: “I’ll tell you later.”

At this moment, Chu Yuan had already turned his face toward them, giving a slight nod to indicate that everything had been arranged according to orders.

Gu Siyuan didn’t speak. He merely turned sideways, casting a light, airy glance at the pale-faced Lei Yan beside him.

Chu Yuan chuckled softly and nodded with even greater determination.

The meaning was obvious: This guy is being very obedient.

Upon seeing Gu Siyuan, Lei Yan acted like a mouse seeing a cat. He immediately trembled and whispered fearfully to Chu Yuan: “Mister Chu, I’m being very sensible, I’m listening to everything you say. You must help me plead for mercy with His Majesty.”

Looking at his obedient, little-lamb-like appearance, Chu Yuan couldn’t see even a fraction of the arrogant swagger he usually displayed at the Thunderbolt Hall.

Yang Tai and Wu Man’er were sitting right beside Chu Yuan and Lei Yan.

Seeing them constantly looking next door, they asked curiously with a smile: “Young Hall Master Lei, Mister Chu, are you acquainted with those two from the Bathing Fire Cult?”

Lei Yan coughed lightly, trying his best to steady his voice and expression, and said carelessly: “Oh, those two are the ones who had a conflict with this Young Master and Big Brother Tang a few days ago. Although we had a fight, you could say we ‘didn’t know each other until we fought’ (became friends after a fight).”

Hearing this, Wu Man’er nodded lightly.

She naturally had some impression of this matter. That day when she and Yang Tai picked Tang Sheng up on the boat, he was being chased, and it turned out to have happened while he was with the Young Hall Master Lei.

However, it seemed nothing major had happened; otherwise, given Lei Yan’s arrogant and domineering personality, he would have jumped up the moment he saw his enemies. Furthermore, after Tang Sheng returned that day, he hadn’t mentioned the incident much and wasn’t injured. It was probably just people of the jianghu sparring for fun.

Thinking this, she also turned her head away.

She merely stretched her slender neck slightly, looking toward the mountain path, secretly anxious in her heart: Why hasn’t Big Brother Tang arrived yet?

However, Yang Tai, sitting beside her, covertly shot a glance at Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan likewise gave a slight nod.

Their eyes met and parted instantly, so quickly that no one else in the area noticed.

Of course, except for Xie Chenyun, who had been staring at Gu Siyuan the entire time.

He puffed his cheeks and glared at the man: “Hmph, you’re hiding quite a lot of things from me…”

Gu Siyuan pinched his cheek and said faintly: “I’ll tell you later.”

Hmph. Later, always later.

Xie Chenyun gave a little grunt.

However, although his face showed indignation, he already had a premonition in his heart, feeling that something interesting was probably going to happen soon.

Heroes gathered in multitudes; this was truly a grand assembly.

Beside them, Song Zhengqing had already enthusiastically begun introducing the major factions present, their respective representatives, the martial arts masters invited to assist, the capable and extraordinary individuals brought along, and so on. Upon a rough count, there were nearly three thousand people present.

Seeing this, Xie Chenyun lost all interest in worrying about the Thunderbolt Hall and Wu Family Army next to him. He only wore a freezing expression toward this chaotic mess of people in the venue.

Aside from a few rebel armies who had clearly raised the flag of rebellion, the representatives of the other factions were currently all still ministers of the Great Zhou court! Yet they dared to blatantly appear here. Truly unscrupulous.

Just as he was thinking this, a rather loud commotion could be heard from the mountain path.

The gazes of everyone in the venue shifted over, only to see two young men—one in blue, one in gold—fighting their way up from the base of the mountain, locked in an inseparable duel.

Although today was supposed to be a ruler-selection assembly, most people present were martial artists, and they instantly took a keen interest in the duel. Moreover, these two were in the prime of their youth, gracefully landing on treetops and branches. As they exchanged blows, their sleeves fluttered and their black hair flew in the wind; it truly possessed quite an aesthetic appeal.

However, after looking closer, they were greatly shocked.

That gold-clad young man was actually Zhao Tianzong, whose reputation had surged recently. Not only did he have a noble background—being the eldest son of the Zhao Clan, one of the four great aristocratic families—but he had also studied under Zhao Yunkong, the head of Cangyun Mountain and the number one master in the current world.

Since entering the jianghu a year ago, he had challenged the top masters of his generation and remained undefeated. It was even rumored that half a year ago, he had already touched the barrier to the Grandmaster realm.

Yet at this moment, there was actually a peer who could fight him to a standstill. It was truly shocking news.

But right at this moment, Wu Man’er next door stood up excitedly and shouted loudly at the blue-clad youth: “Big Brother Tang, you’re finally here!”

Instantly, the crowd erupted in shock.

“Look at where that young girl is seated—it’s the area for the Wu family and Thunderbolt Hall.”

“And she called him Big Brother Tang… could this blue-clad youth be Tang Sheng, one of the ‘Twin Dragons of Jiangdong’ whose name has shaken the Yangtze riverbanks recently?”

“It is indeed Tang Sheng himself. I had a brief encounter with him not long ago.”

The crowd nodded in realization and began discussing: “So that’s how it is. I wonder which of these two young heroes will ultimately prove superior?”

…

Watching people fight made Xie Chenyun’s hands itch as well. Resting his chin in his hand, he asked Gu Siyuan: “Who do you think is more formidable between these two?”

Gu Siyuan said faintly: “Naturally, it is Zhao Tianzong.”

In the original plot, Zhao Tianzong at this point in time was inferior to Tang Sheng, ultimately losing the duel by a single move. Tang Sheng then stepped on his reputation to reach the pinnacle in one stride, becoming famous throughout the world.

But now, because of Gu Siyuan’s appearance, the great male protagonist Tang Sheng failed to serendipitously obtain the second half of the Innate Heaven and Earth Cultivation Arts over three months ago. Naturally, his martial arts progress could not compare to the original plot.

Sure enough.

The moment Gu Siyuan’s words fell, Tang Sheng fell into a disadvantage on the field.

To end up fighting their way up under such coincidental circumstances, the two had naturally formed a deep grudge. Zhao Tianzong’s attacks were absolutely merciless. After striking and injuring Tang Sheng several times in succession, during another exchange of fists and palms, Zhao Tianzong aimed a direct, vicious strike at Tang Sheng’s face.

Wu Man’er’s beautiful face lost its color, and she screamed: “Big Brother Tang!”

But exactly at this moment, a slender figure shot out from the sidelines like an arrow released from a bow, charging straight toward Zhao Tianzong’s vitals.

If Zhao Tianzong didn’t withdraw to defend himself in time, although he could severely teach Tang Sheng a lesson, he himself would inevitably suffer heavy injuries.

Especially now, seeing clearly who was charging at him and knowing her martial arts were quite high, he grew even more furious, yet had no choice but to immediately retract his palm to block the incoming force.

However, upon their palms clashing, he withheld some of his strength. The two parted upon contact, each retreating a few steps.

As soon as Shen Luoshuang steadied herself, she didn’t care about anything else and hurriedly went to check on the injured Tang Sheng beside her.

Being rescued by a woman under the watchful eyes of the public made Tang Sheng feel utterly humiliated. He dodged Shen Luoshuang’s hand and said coldly: “Why did you come?”

Seeing his attitude, Shen Luoshuang was instantly both anxious and angry, but couldn’t bear to lash out at him.

Tang Sheng had already turned around, cupped his fists at Zhao Tianzong, and forced a magnanimous smile: “Brother Zhao, this little brother was lazy in his youth and did not master his skills well, losing by a notch. I can only await the next time to ask for your unreserved guidance again.”

Zhao Tianzong knew he was trying to claw back some face. He only sneered coldly and ignored him.

Seeing this, Shen Luoshuang’s heart ached for Tang Sheng even more. Her soft voice echoed across the venue: “Young Master Zhao, Luoshuang has told you many times not to pester me anymore, let alone hurt the person Luoshuang likes because of it. How is this behavior of yours the doing of a heroic man?!”

Zhao Tianzong was furious to the extreme: “Shen Luoshuang, you are my fiancée! Our two families have a marriage contract!”

Instantly, the crowd sitting around the venue erupted in an uproar. The discussions grew louder and louder, incredibly lively.

To think there was such a dramatic twist involved! Youthful passion, two men fighting over one woman…

Brilliant, brilliant! Interesting, interesting…

“Zhao Tianzong, cease your nonsense! Luoshuang and Big Brother Tang have mutual affection for one another!”

Ashamed and angry, Shen Luoshuang threw out a palm strike.

Zhao Tianzong rapidly dodged.

That palm strike landed on a nearby tree, snapping it directly in half. It was clear she hadn’t held back the slightest bit of strength.

Seeing this scene, the expressions of the people from both the Shen Clan and the Zhao Clan turned incredibly ugly. Each side sent out a few experts to bring their respective people back.

Only Tang Sheng was left in the center of the field. He looked around awkwardly. Spotting the Wu family’s area, he headed in that direction.

Looking at Tang Sheng’s state, Wu Man’er felt quite a bit of pity in her heart; but recalling Shen Luoshuang’s words about “mutual affection” just now, she also felt quite annoyed.

Thus, she stood hesitating in place, not going over to receive him.

Seeing this scene, Yang Tai let out a cold sneer.

After Tang Sheng walked closer to this side, his footsteps abruptly halted. His eyes widened as he stared at Lei Yan, then at Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun next door, feeling as if he were in a dream.

What is going on?

Under Chu Yuan’s eye signal, Lei Yan took the initiative to stand up: “Big Brother Tang, are you alright?”

“I-I’m fine.”

Tang Sheng’s voice trembled slightly. Staring at him in confusion, he asked softly: “Lei Yan, why are you here? Weren’t you that day…”

As he spoke, he pointed at Gu Siyuan and the other.

Lei Yan scoffed: “Hey, Big Brother Tang, you ran way too fast that day. Although we were defeated by Mister Gu and Mister Xie, aren’t friends in the jianghu just like this? You hit me, I hit you, everyone makes friends through martial arts. In the end, on account of our Thunderbolt Hall’s face, didn’t they honestly let my sister and me go?”

“Is that so…” Tang Sheng replied softly, but clearly didn’t quite believe it.

However, it wasn’t appropriate to ask further. After all, that day, in order to escape with his life, he had pushed Lei Linglong out with a palm strike.

In the jianghu, such behavior was naturally unrighteous to the extreme.

Therefore, even after reuniting with Wu Man’er and Yang Tai that day, he hadn’t mentioned what happened in between, nor had he brought up rescuing them. He had only wished that the Lei siblings would die at the hands of Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun.

That way, the events of that day would never spread.

Especially since the very next day, the people from the Outer Heaven Pavilion arrived in Jiangcheng. He went to meet them and saw Xiao Hanxin. And right after that, the people from the Shen Clan arrived, and he was busy secretly meeting with Shen Luoshuang, giving him even less time to care about the Thunderbolt Hall’s situation.

But he never expected that Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun, two such ruthless people, would actually let Lei Yan off so easily this time.

And during the few days he was absent, Lei Yan had actually managed to successfully link up the Thunderbolt Hall with Wu Man’er and Yang Tai.

There was definitely something fishy going on here.

But no matter what, this matter could not be blown up right now.

Otherwise, if the events of that day spread, the person most humiliated would inevitably be himself.

Today’s ruler-selection assembly would also be difficult to proceed with. He knew early on that Xiao Hanxin and the Outer Heaven Pavilion had already made the decision to hand the Imperial Seal of the Realm over to him.

It could be said that he was the true main character of today’s assembly!

Thinking of this, Tang Sheng even looked up, cupped his fists at Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun, and smiled faintly: “You two have certainly changed your usual temperaments. Many thanks for not holding a grudge against A-Yan and Linglong.”

Gu Siyuan nodded coldly.

Xie Chenyun crossed his arms and sneered coldly, ignoring him.

After Tang Sheng went over to Wu Man’er’s side and sat down.

No one knew what gentle and sweet words he spoke, but he managed to coax the originally pouting Wu Man’er back around.

Xie Chenyun cast a casual glance over, then tugged at Gu Siyuan’s sleeve, curling his lip: “You truly calculated human nature perfectly. Tang Sheng is a guy with such high pride and feels so good about himself. A few days ago he was shouting about beating and killing us, and in the end was chased by us until he was in a wretched state. Yet today, clearly knowing something is wrong, he actually met us with a smiling face…”

Gu Siyuan pinched his slender, cold white fingers, his expression apathetic: “Why do you love saying silly things so much? It is exactly because he has high pride and feels good about himself that he behaved this way today. Chenyun has inverted the cause and effect.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun glared at him with even greater annoyance.

I said that to get a rational analysis out of you?!

Wasn’t I just trying to take the opportunity to act spoiled, to express my dissatisfaction that you carried out so many things in secret without telling me?!

Right at this moment, the harmonious sound of zithers and flutes suddenly echoed from the mountain peak.

The crowd’s gaze focused. At some unknown point, four women in black had descended out of thin air like celestial deities, appearing on the roofs of the left and right ancient pavilions at the summit.

Two of them held Guqins in their hands, while the other two played along with flutes. Between the bamboo and silk strings, the music was clear, bright, and tranquil, its rhythm harmonious, mellow, and distant, ethereal as if coming from the heavens.

The crowd was dumbfounded, feeling as if they were in a dream.

And at this time, another crisp, clear, and pure female voice, sounding as if it lacked a single impurity, rang out: “For everyone to grace us with your presence today, the Outer Heaven Pavilion is endlessly honored.”

The end of a pure white sheer silk cloth abruptly appeared atop the roof of the centermost ancient pavilion. Following that, the crowd saw a dainty toe step lightly upon it. A slender figure in white, as if descending from beyond the heavens, fluttered down gently along the white silk.

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