FIMA Ch128: Verbal Battle

Such a mysterious and grand entrance naturally captured everyone’s attention and even took their breath away.

As the white gauze was retracted, her petite feet landed gracefully on the top of the central pavilion.

The cliff’s wind, carrying moisture, lightly brushed past, causing her white dress to dance. The scene was like a fairy descending from the heavens, ethereal and untouchable.

This woman in white was Xiao Hanxin, whom Gu Siyuan had once met briefly at the Xie Family Manor in Jinling.

Compared to that day’s simple attire, today’s carefully designed appearance and grand entrance highlighted her beauty and elegance, making her unforgettable and captivating.

Wu Man’er, seeing Tang Sheng staring at her in a daze, immediately pouted unhappily, “Brother Tang!”

Xie Chenyun glanced at Gu Siyuan, recalling his usual reputation for being a philanderer, and deliberately asked, “Is she pretty?”

“Not bad,” Gu Siyuan nodded honestly.

Xie Chenyun was about to get angry.

However, the next moment, he heard the person beside him continue, “Judging by her entrance just now, this woman’s skill is quite formidable. Even Zhao Tianzong, who recently made a name for himself as the top young expert, probably wouldn’t be her match.”

Gu Siyuan then looked at Xie Chenyun and said indifferently, “Do you think you can take her on?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun, feeling both amused and exasperated, ultimately felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He nodded, speaking honestly, “I’m about evenly matched with Zhao Tianzong, so I probably wouldn’t be able to beat her either. But I’ve only been practicing the ‘Nirvana Sacred Manual’ for a bit over three months. Give me three more months, and who knows.”

Gu Siyuan looked at him and nodded, “It’s good to know you’re striving to improve.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Your attitude is like you could beat her yourself.

At that moment, Gu Siyuan glanced at him again and said indifferently, “Not as good-looking as you.”

Xie Chenyun was stunned, “Huh…”

What are you saying all of a sudden?

However, Gu Siyuan had already turned his head, seeming somewhat flustered from behind.

Xie Chenyun rested his chin on his hand, blinking once, then again.

Then, a blush slowly spread across his cheeks and behind his ears as he finally realized what Gu Siyuan’s sudden words meant.

This rogue… Although he likes to put on airs, he sure knows how to sweet-talk!

Meanwhile, Xiao Hanxin had already begun to speak.

She looked down from the top of the ancient pavilion at the people below, her voice as gentle and melodious as spring water, “As the current successor of Tianwai Hall, I am honored to host this martial arts assembly and witness so many heroes…”

“Oh, there’s no need for so many unnecessary words. Who here doesn’t know why everyone has come today? It’s for the Imperial Jade Seal. I wonder if Miss Hanxin has brought it?”

At this moment, a discordant voice abruptly interrupted her.

All eyes turned to the speaker, feeling both agreeing with the point—let’s get the Jade Seal out quickly—and disapproving of the rudeness.

As they saw the speaker was a burly man with a wine jug sitting with the Yuhuo Sect and the Song clan, they reluctantly withdrew their gaze.

It wasn’t just the illustrious Song family; the Yuhuo Sect’s leader, Song Wudi, was one of the three great innate grandmasters of the current age, not someone they could afford to offend.

Being interrupted so abruptly, Xiao Hanxin naturally wasn’t in a good mood.

However, she was not an ordinary woman. After a moment of silence, she smiled slightly, her voice clear, “As a newcomer to the mundane world, I was intrigued and wanted to greet the many heroes here. But since this hero is so eager, how can I say more?”

With these words, knife-like gazes swept towards the wine-drinking man, sternly reprimanding him for his rudeness towards such a delicate lady.

However, this man, evidently indifferent to these looks, continued boldly, “It’s good that Miss Hanxin understands. So, let’s get to the point. Who will the Jade Seal go to and how? Let’s get a decision. All of us here are notable figures who’ve been waiting since early today. We didn’t come just to watch your little performance.”

While the earlier words might have been seen as straightforward, these remarks were clearly antagonistic.

Everyone present, all shrewd and experienced, immediately deduced that this man likely had a deep grudge against Tianwai Hall and Xiao Hanxin.

Could it be that the Yuhuo Sect and the Song caln weren’t interested in the Jade Seal?

It had long been rumored that the Song clan was the most loyal to the Zhou dynasty. So, today, had they come specifically to cause trouble?

The four black-clad maidens with zithers and flutes accompanying Xiao Hanxin’s entourage had already darkened their expressions.

Xiao Hanxin, however, made no move. She merely glanced lightly at the wine-drinking man, her clear, beautiful eyes seeming to sparkle under the sunlight.

The man suddenly shuddered uncontrollably, feeling as if an invisible hammer had struck his brain, turning his face deathly pale.

The members of the Yuhuo Sect by his side immediately rushed to him, anxiously checking on him.

At this moment, a clear, melodious tune rang out, bright and soothing.

Though faint, it seemed to come from the heavens, purifying the soul and healing pain.

The middle-aged man soon felt much better and quickly regained his senses, though a thin layer of sweat covered his forehead. He was safe and sound, breathing a sigh of relief.

Xiao Hanxin frowned slightly and looked towards the source of the music.

It was an acquaintance.

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced over.

Gu Siyuan, with keen perception, raised his brows.

Attempting the same old trick?

This should be a strange eye technique affecting the mind, similar to the rumored ‘sonic killing’ techniques.

Over the years, Tianwai Hall had maintained its mysterious and superior position, likely due to the aid of such techniques.

However, Gu Siyuan’s mental fortitude naturally surpassed all others.

He stood tall, unwavering, his gaze unflinching, a wintergreen leaf still at his lips. As he moved his mouth and fingers, a fresh, leisurely country tune gradually took shape even under immense pressure.

Although not as dramatic as the zithers and flutes played by the four black-clad maidens earlier, in terms of technique, it was even superior.

Listening to such a wonderful melody, many people present even began tapping their feet to the beat.

However, Xiao Hanxin suddenly felt a shock in her mind and had to close her eyes for a moment to gradually recover.

She looked at Gu Siyuan, now truly somewhat annoyed and angry.

The spiritual eye technique of their Tianwai Hall, which had always been invincible, actually failed this time.

Moreover, she remembered that just a few months ago, the person in front of her was merely an ordinary man who knew nothing of martial arts.

After a moment of silence, she smiled faintly and said, “Indeed, heroes are gathered here today. For a young man like you to play such a meaningful tune, you must be a leading figure among the younger generation?”

As the saying goes: In literature, there is no first place; in martial arts, there is no second.

These words not only invited jealousy but also drew almost all the young people’s discontented gazes.

Gu Siyuan, however, seemed oblivious, still fully immersed in the leisurely melody.

Xie Chenyun’s mouth curved slightly, sneering as he glanced at Xiao Hanxin and the crowd.

These fools, are they even worthy of being compared to his Gu Siyuan?

Tang Sheng, looking at Gu Siyuan’s cold and aloof demeanor, felt a boundless anger. Xiao Hanxin was a woman he cherished deeply, and this person dared to ignore her.

Didn’t this make him seem inferior?

What he hated most was Gu Siyuan’s constant high-and-mighty attitude.

With a darkened expression, he deliberately raised his voice and criticized, “Brother Gu, Miss Hanxin is speaking to you. Ignoring her like this is too rude, isn’t it?”

As the tune ended.

Gu Siyuan held the leaf, rubbing it slowly in his hand. His expression remained cold, and he said indifferently, “Please forgive me. I’ve had a delicate and precious neck since I was a child, so I’ve never raised my head to speak to anyone.”

As an emperor, he always sat high above, only ever looking down on others.

Hearing this, everyone else felt a bit uncomfortable.

Since they were all here, vying for the Imperial Jade Seal and even the world, who among them wasn’t of noble status?

Why did these people from Tianwai Hall insist on standing so high in the pavilion, as if they were making everyone else look like mere pawns, unworthy of comparison?

Xiao Hanxin felt the many gazes upon her, a sense of indescribable frustration welling up inside.

But at this moment, there was no choice but to come down.

She looked deeply at Gu Siyuan, tapped her toes lightly, and descended gracefully from the pavilion to the center of the field, landing beautifully like a fairy walking on waves.

Such elegance.

It was indeed indescribably beautiful.

Once again, everyone was captivated by her, forgetting their previous displeasure.

Xiao Hanxin was quite satisfied with this effect.

She looked at Gu Siyuan with bright eyes, her red lips slightly parted, and said with apparent grievance, “Is this satisfactory for you, sir?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at her, his expression extremely cold, “It’s not about my satisfaction. Thank you, Miss, for considering those of us with delicate necks. Tianwai Hall truly lives up to its reputation, understanding the principles of respecting the old and pitying the weak.”

“…” Xiao Hanxin.

Could she just kill this person?

Xie Chenyun lowered his head to stifle his laughter.

After all, those who were vexed to death by Gu Siyuan’s words were certainly not limited to himself and that old dog Wei Zhengping.

Gu Siyuan continued coldly, “As for Miss’s earlier question, I have no teacher; I played as I pleased. But there’s no need for you to worry about such trivial matters. Today, everyone here is only concerned with the Imperial Jade Seal. It would be best if Miss could clarify the rules regarding the Jade Seal.”

Upon hearing this, others also nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, if Miss Hanxin wants to discuss music, there’s plenty of time later. For now, let’s talk about the Jade Seal. What are the plans?”

“Since we’re all martial artists, why not settle it with a fight?” someone suggested.

“How many fights would that be?”

“Who should fight?”

“In that case, wouldn’t the Jade Seal end up with one of the big sects?”

…

Xiao Hanxin, seeing the chaotic scene, frowned slightly.

With a stern expression, she said clearly, “Since its founding, Tianwai Hall has always aimed to choose a wise and virtuous ruler to bring welfare to the people. If it were solely based on martial prowess, why would our hall master need others’ help?”

Her words brought immediate silence to the scene.

Given Xiao Hanxin’s earlier display of master-level strength, it was clear that the hall master must be an even greater expert, likely an innate grandmaster, or even one of the most senior ones.

Xie Chenyun crossed his arms and sneered, “If it’s not a martial contest, then it must be a scholarly one. What are the standards? Will we all be given some paper to write essays on governance and the principles of kingship? Whoever writes the best will be considered the wise ruler?”

Hearing this, the crowd buzzed again.

They were martial artists; asking them to write governance essays was a joke.

Xiao Hanxin glanced at Xie Chenyun, a hint of pride in her eyes, and said calmly, “You are overthinking. The Holy Land would not be so hasty. True wisdom lies in the unity of knowledge and action. We will not only listen to your thoughts on governance but also observe your daily conduct. Only by combining the two can we find a wise ruler.”

Gu Siyuan raised his eyes and said lightly, “As the saying goes, ‘You know a person by their face but not by their heart.’ It’s not easy to judge daily conduct. Can you guarantee no mistakes?”

Xiao Hanxin laughed softly and firmly replied, “The Holy Land has secretly observed for a long time. There will be no mistakes. The Holy Land has never been wrong in all these years.”

“Since the Holy Land guarantees it, we can rest assured.” Gu Siyuan nodded and agreed readily.

Xiao Hanxin also felt a sense of relief, thinking she had finally gotten past this hurdle.

These two were always entangled and extremely annoying.

However, at this moment, Gu Siyuan’s cold voice rang out again: “Indeed, given Tianwai Hall’s cautious approach, evaluating someone’s character is not something that can be done hastily. The investigation into the leaders and heroes here must have started long ago. So, before today’s assembly… Tianwai Hall, and you, Miss, must already have a preferred candidate for the Imperial Jade Seal, right?”

Upon hearing this, the crowd first fell silent, then burst into an uproar.

“What?”

“They’ve already chosen?”

“Is this true?”

Almost everyone frowned deeply, their expressions changing dramatically, looking extremely displeased.

Tianwai Hall had gone too far.

If they had already chosen someone, they could have privately handed the Imperial Jade Seal to that person. Why bother holding this assembly, making all of them travel from afar just to be stepping stones and a laughing stock?

Everyone present was either the head or heir of a prominent family, the leader of a righteous army, or a high-ranking member of a major martial arts sect. Who among them wasn’t surrounded by thousands of followers and held in high regard?

Today, they were being so cooperative and peaceful, all for the sake of the Imperial Jade Seal.

But now, it turned out they were being deceived?

This time, the crowd’s gaze at Xiao Hanxin was devoid of respect for the so-called Holy Land’s emissary, and even appreciation for her beauty was replaced by endless suspicion and hostility.

At this moment, Xiao Hanxin was nearly enraged.

She stared fiercely at Gu Siyuan.

This man, seemingly cold and aloof, didn’t speak much, but every word was like a knife, piercing the most critical points, repeatedly putting Tianwai Hall and her in an extremely awkward position.

“You are too impatient,” Xiao Hanxin said after a moment of silence, calming herself and explaining with a faint smile, “Choosing a ruler on behalf of the heavens is a significant matter. Tianwai Hall endures hardships for the sake of the people. But who among those present is not a first-class hero? Everyone’s character surpasses that of ordinary people, making it difficult for the Holy Land to decide. Therefore, we convened this assembly to understand your governance and leadership philosophies, ultimately selecting the most respected and admired hero to take the Imperial Jade Seal.”

These words improved the atmosphere considerably.

Tang Sheng even sneaked a glance at Gu Siyuan, as if expecting to see him embarrassed.

However, Gu Siyuan remained unfazed, his expression unchanged.

Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but sneer, “So, after all that talk, it comes down to judging who is most suited to be emperor based on eloquence and rhetoric. Hmph, that’s overly hasty. Anyone can talk big, but not everyone can govern a country.”

Xiao Hanxin, having lived for many years, had never encountered such troublesome individuals.

Her gaze turned cold, and she said icily, “I was just about to say, do the two gentlemen repeatedly challenging me mean they disapprove of the Holy Land’s long-standing rules? Do you not respect the name of Tianwai Hall?”

Tang Sheng immediately joined in, arrogantly rebuking the two, “You two are being excessively harsh on Miss Hanxin. If you are dissatisfied, you can leave instead of stubbornly staying here and causing trouble.”

“You misunderstand,” Gu Siyuan replied, his expression as cold as ever, his tone steady and firm, “Tianwai Hall stands high and acts for the people. I greatly admire that.”

He looked at Xiao Hanxin and Tang Sheng, his expression still cold, his tone even and firm, “Moreover, I fully support the Holy Land’s right to choose a ruler. I only wish for the Holy Land’s name to be revered for generations, always selecting capable rulers for the people. Anyone who opposes the Holy Land opposes me and Chenyun, and we cannot allow that.”

Xie Chenyun wasn’t sure what Gu Siyuan’s intentions were, but he nodded in agreement, “I have immense respect for the Holy Land.”

Xiao Hanxin’s eyes flickered.

Before such a large audience, these words were indeed impressive. If someone else had said them, she would have been pleased. But coming from these two, she only sensed endless scheming.

Nevertheless, she couldn’t back down from this sudden challenge.

She smiled broadly and played along, saying firmly, “The gentlemen’s thoughts are truly a blessing for the people, and Tianwai Hall thanks you for your noble intentions. A gentleman’s promise is enduring. Perhaps later, Tianwai Hall will indeed need your support.”

Were they already starting to give orders?

Xie Chenyun sneered.

“Miss, you exaggerate. As they say, when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Contributing to the world is also contributing to ourselves.”

Gu Siyuan remained calm, but midway through his speech, his tone suddenly shifted. He looked at Xiao Hanxin with genuine sincerity and said, “Precisely because it concerns us, although I firmly support Tianwai Hall, there are still some areas where I need your guidance.”

Xiao Hanxin’s face darkened.

She knew this person wouldn’t let things go so easily.

He spoke as if each word were a calculated scheme, each sentence potentially hiding a trap.

However…

She, Xiao Hanxin, refused to believe he was truly that formidable, capable of ensnaring her.

She was determined to make him pay for his scheming.

With a faint smile, she said softly, “If you have questions, I dare not decline. I just hope you won’t take too much time, as there are many heroes present, and I cannot spend all my time with you.”

The crowd watched the two, their expressions inscrutable.

Though both were young, they were anything but ordinary… Their back-and-forth was relentless and uncompromising.

Truly, the younger generation is pushing the older aside.

Gu Siyuan remained unfazed by Xiao Hanxin’s sarcastic remark, his expression still cold and indifferent.

He calmly asked, “From our previous conversation, I can roughly conclude that the chosen holder of the Imperial Jade Seal from the Holy Land should be a personal hero capable of unifying the world and being wise and benevolent. However… one must know that human life is but a brief century, and most do not even live that long. For instance, our Great Zhou’s previous emperor was such a hero, repelling foreign invaders, unifying the nation, ending three hundred years of chaos in the Central Plains. He then instituted the imperial examination system and opened avenues for expression. Once, who in the world did not revere him?”

Hearing this, there was some commotion among the major families.

Their ancestors had mostly followed the former emperor to establish the nation, and they naturally knew of his personal charisma. At that time, he commanded universal respect, and no one in the world dared not bow to him.

And thinking carefully, it had only been a mere four years since the former emperor passed…

“No matter how heroic, the former emperor did not live to the age of seventy before he passed away and handed the throne to the current emperor, who is foolish and incompetent, leading to the current situation?” Gu Siyuan continued.

Xie Chenyun glanced at him.

Ha.

When one becomes engrossed in a role, they criticize even their own. Impressive!

“So, even if the chosen ruler from the Holy Land is indeed a wise king, how can one ensure the wisdom of their successors? If the successor is just another foolish ruler like the current one, and we have another Great Zhou dynasty, another repeat of today’s chaos, what then? Or, after the world is at peace and the chosen wise king ascends and passes away, will the Holy Land still be able to influence the succession? If not, what is the point of all this today?”

These words made Xiao Hanxin’s face turn extremely ugly, her eyes filled with icy swords aimed at Gu Siyuan, almost ready to kill him on the spot.

The Holy Land’s high standing was precisely because they never interfered in worldly affairs during times of peace. Thus, the royal family and those prominent families were willing to respect them.

Once they repeatedly intervened in state affairs, even in the succession, the Holy Land would immediately become a major threat to the dynasty.

Otherwise, it would imply that the dynasty was merely a puppet of the Holy Land…

Gu Siyuan’s words were extremely malicious, aiming to fundamentally shake the Holy Land’s reputation and status!

“The Holy Land walks the earth only in times of chaos and naturally does not interfere in the succession of heirs,” Xiao Hanxin gritted her teeth and said decisively.

Hearing this, the crowd’s gaze gradually became friendly again.

Xie Chenyun smirked, tilting his head playfully, “So, in the end, no questions are being answered. What happens if the new dynasty’s successor is another foolish ruler who leads the country to ruin?”

Xiao Hanxin almost bit through her lip.

She directly avoided Xie Chenyun’s gaze, turning to Gu Siyuan, a look of undisguised mockery appearing on her pure and beautiful face for the first time, “Since this is Gu Gongzi’s question, what do you think should be done? Should we just let the world be, no matter what happens?”

Gu Siyuan nonchalantly lifted his eyes, replying calmly, “Of course, we must care, which is why I firmly support the Holy Land’s right to choose a wise ruler.”

Xiao Hanxin sneered coldly, “And how should it be done?”

She simply didn’t believe anyone could control the future.

“Before that, I need to verify one more thing.” Gu Siyuan’s expression remained calm, “Just now, Miss Hanxin stated that after investigation, the Holy Land has proven that all the heroes present are of excellent character and integrity, certainly better than the current foolish ruler of the Great Zhou, correct?”

Naturally, Xiao Hanxin wouldn’t reject a statement that could win the favor of the crowd.

She nodded gracefully, “Exactly. All of you heroes are first-class figures, far better than the foolish ruler of the Great Zhou. Therefore, our Holy Land is carrying out this task of choosing a ruler on behalf of the heavens.”

Tang Sheng immediately sneered, mocking, “Gu Gongzi’s question is laughably ignorant. How can you compare the heroes here to that foolish ruler? Are you deliberately trying to insult us?”

Xie Chenyun raised his brows, looking at the two, his eyes sharp as swords.

Gu Siyuan remained calm, staring directly at the outspoken Tang Sheng, and asked intentionally, “So, if Brother Tang is chosen as the holder of the Imperial Jade Seal today, he will definitely do better than the current foolish ruler of the Great Zhou?”

Tang Sheng’s eyes almost lit up.

“Of course.”

The answer had been swirling in his mind for so long, ready to burst forth at any moment.

He instinctively replied, “If I were the ruler, I would definitely…”

At that moment, the crowd’s gaze gathered instantly.

Tang Sheng paused, his face paling slightly, realizing he had been too eager.

This was not good.

Gu Siyuan gave a cold smile, spreading his hands and encouraging, “Brother Tang, feel free to speak your mind. Doing better than the foolish ruler on the throne now is not something to be ashamed of.”

Xie Chenyun was already rolling his eyes inwardly.

Criticizing oneself can become addictive, it seems!

Xiao Hanxin glanced at Gu Siyuan.

Was it a coincidence? Or intentional?

Did he already know of the Holy Land’s choice?

However, seeing his overly calm demeanor, Xiao Hanxin wondered if she was being overly suspicious.

She pressed her lips together, turned to look at Tang Sheng, and saw his eyes filled with anticipation.

After a moment’s hesitation.

Xiao Hanxin finally made up her mind, giving Tang Sheng a slight nod.

Tang Sheng immediately felt relieved, followed by a surge of joy.

This was a great opportunity to build momentum for himself. After all, the Imperial Jade Seal was meant for him.

He stood up, facing the crowd, and said loudly, “I am willing to clear things up for Gu Gongzi. Just now, I blurted out that I would do better than the current foolish ruler, not because I am desperate for the jade seal or the throne. Since I followed my foster father to rebel against the Zhou last month, my only wish has been for world peace, for everyone to be well-fed and live good lives.”

“As for becoming the emperor, that’s secondary! This world does not belong to any one person, but to all people. If the foolish ruler in the palace could achieve these things, I would be more than willing to live peacefully as a common dog, rather than coming out to risk my life and bloodshed!”

His voice was loud and clear, his stance firm and resolute.

However, despite this passionate and sincere speech, the crowd remained indifferent.

They were all old foxes who knew each other well.

Who couldn’t say pretty words?

But Gu Siyuan seemed not to notice, instead lightly clapping his hands in approval, “Brother Tang is noble; I greatly admire you. Presumably, the Holy Land’s idea of a wise ruler should indeed be like this.”

Xiao Hanxin nodded immediately, her voice soft and gentle, “Indeed. Our Holy Land usually does not meddle in worldly affairs, but this time our disciples have walked the earth, enduring hardships because we cannot bear to see the common people suffering from harsh governance and war. We wish to support a wise ruler, entrust them with the Imperial Jade Seal, command the righteous armies of the world, and bring peace and happiness to the people!”

Gu Siyuan nodded, “That is excellent. Since the Holy Land and Brother Tang both have such intentions, things become simple.”

“What do you mean?”

Tang Sheng and Xiao Hanxin both frowned slightly.

They sensed something bad was about to happen.

“Since Brother Tang does not value the throne highly, and the Holy Land believes it can choose a wise ruler, this is wonderful.”

“This time, the Holy Land will entrust the Imperial Jade Seal to Brother Tang, and after Brother Tang reigns for about twenty years and grows old and senile, he will voluntarily abdicate. Then the Holy Land will again step forward and select another wise ruler from among the people. Wouldn’t this be better? Choosing a ruler from among millions is naturally more convincing than selecting from Brother Tang’s few descendants…”

“And henceforth, each generation of rulers can be chosen this way. Although it would trouble the Holy Land to descend from the mountains every twenty years, the rulers chosen this way would always be wise, ensuring eternal peace for the people, making it all worthwhile!”

Gu Siyuan’s expression was indifferent, his voice calm.

But his words were powerful, almost exploding in the hearts of everyone present.

“What!”

The crowd was in an uproar.

Wouldn’t this turn a hereditary monarchy into a republic of the people?

“How can this be?” Tang Sheng’s face changed dramatically.

The world he had worked so hard to conquer, how could he hand it over to others?

Gu Siyuan looked at him questioningly, “Why not? Didn’t Brother Tang just say he didn’t care about the throne? In that case, do your descendants not inherit any of your virtues?”

“And besides, Brother Tang’s earlier words, that the world belongs to the people, were truly enlightening. In that case, those who govern the world should always be chosen from among the people, not just from one family. Otherwise, it would still be just one family’s world, and how would that be different from now?”

…