Feng Buyu's gaze turned to Xu Zimei, waiting for his orders.
"That's enough, what's the point of arguing with a little girl? Let's find a place to stay first," Xu Zimei smiled and turned to leave towards one side of the street.
"Hey, did I say you could leave?" Zhong Ling'er hurriedly grew anxious as she watched Xu Zimei and his companions about to depart.
"Little girl, you should know when to stop," Xu Zimei turned his head and said indifferently, "I don't want to argue with you. Otherwise, not to mention if your father is the City Lord, even the Monarch of the Zi Yang Empire would be of no use."
Zhong Ling'er's tone stalled, and she was actually frightened by Xu Zimei's words.
She quickly turned her head towards the black-robed elder and said, "Uncle Liang, this guy is bullying me."
However, the black-robed elder simply shook his head slightly at Zhong Ling'er and pondered as he watched the backs of Xu Zimei and his group leaving.
By this time, a pair of guards had already surrounded Xu Zimei and his people. When Xu Zimei was leaving, he was blocked by those guards.
"Step aside," Xu Zimei said indifferently.
But the guards remained unmoved, only glancing at Zhong Ling'er, as without the young lady's command, they would not let them pass.
At this moment, a dazzling slash of blade light flashed across the sky, and before the crowd even saw Xu Zimei draw his sword, the heads of several guards rolled onto the ground.
Feng Buyu's pupils contracted, "Sword Drawing Technique."
Even though it was just a Yellow Tier Vein Skill, he had not even seen clearly the movement of Xu Zimei drawing his sword.
Watching the retreating backs of Xu Zimei and his group, Zhong Ling'er stamped her foot in anger, and said to the elder, "Uncle Liang, why didn't you let me stop them just now?"
"There were a few people in there whom even I couldn't see through," the elder known as Uncle Liang pondered, "We don't yet know the identities of these people. It's best not to act rashly for now.
Just now, that person's tone showed some disdain for the entire Zi Yang Empire. Such a person is either pretending or has a significant background."
"So what should we do?" Zhong Ling'er asked.
Uncle Liang said to a guard beside him, "You go and secretly follow them, see where they will settle down."
Then he said to Zhong Ling'er, "Miss, don't worry, they're just within Heavenly Sword City, they won't be able to run far in a while."
Xu Zimei and his companions arrived at the Heavenly Sword City's branch hall, which was managed by Guan Zhenhai.
Generally speaking, disciples assigned by the True Martial Holy Sect to the various city branches are usually those with lower talents.
Guan Zhenhai was over forty years old this year but was still stuck at the peak of the Condensing Vein Realm, unable to break through.
According to the rules of the True Martial Holy Sect, if one did not break through to the True Vein Realm before the age of forty, they would be assigned to a branch hall in one of the cities.
Upon receiving news of Xu Zimei and his group's arrival, Guan Zhenhai hurriedly came out smiling.
"Several junior brothers have come from far away, and you didn't even notify your senior brother in advance," he said smiling to everyone, "If there is any negligence, I hope the junior brothers will be lenient."
"It's nothing; we are just passing through Heavenly Sword City and decided to drop by on a whim," Xu Zimei shook his head and said.
"Well, let's go inside to sit. I'll order people to prepare food and drinks to welcome and refresh you," Guan Zhenhai said eagerly to Xu Zimei.
After touring the branch hall for a while, most people assigned to a branch by the sect are in a semi-abandoned state.
These disciples seem to be aware of this as well, each looking like they are just passing the time, lacking the vitality and sharpness of martial artists.
Xu Zimei looked around and shook his head, one's innate talent cannot be chosen.
This depends on the luck you're born with, or having the powerful change your fate against the heavens.
But a lack of talent can be overcome by effort afterwards, and Empress Hongtian is a prime example of that.
However, if one's attitude and thoughts regarding martial cultivation are flawed, then a life of mediocrity is all they can hope for.
Guan Zhenhai quickly arranged the meal at the best restaurant in Heavenly Sword City, the Bright Moon Pavilion.
The Bright Moon Pavilion had an especially big reputation throughout Heavenly Sword City, and it was said that their dishes were unmatched.
All the private rooms were full, and after seeking Xu Zimei's opinion, Guan Zhenhai booked a seat by the window.
Once everyone was seated, Guan Zhenhai proved to be a master of conversation, and they all chatted quite happily.
But before long, they saw a young man ascend to the second floor.
The young man was clad in a richly embroidered brilliant robe, flanked by two extremely beautiful women, followed by a servant.
Without regard for the other patrons already dining, the young man yelled at the owner of the Bright Moon Pavilion, "Shopkeeper, I'm taking over the Bright Moon Pavilion today. Clear everyone out within half a quarter of an hour."
"Young Master Chang, please don't make this difficult for me," the shopkeeper said, "Some of the people here today are not to be trifled with."
"Who is it? Who dares to disrespect the Chang Family?" the young man said nonchalantly.
"People from the branch of the True Martial Holy Sect," the shopkeeper pointed towards Xu Zimei's table as he spoke.
Only then did the young man notice Guan Zhenhai and hurriedly walked over with a smile, saying, "Uncle Guan, you're here too! Just a few days ago, my father was mentioning that you should come over for a meal!"
"Wei," Guan Zhenhai smiled and replied, "I came here to have a meal with some fellow disciples."
"Uncle Guan, may I discuss something with you?" the young man spoke softly, "The Third Prince of the Purple Sun Empire has recently arrived at our Chang Family, and today, I would like to celebrate for His Highness here at the Bright Moon Pavilion.
If it's convenient for you, you could visit my father at our Chang Family to catch up, and perhaps leave the Bright Moon Pavilion for your nephew to use today?"
The young man continued to talk with Guan Zhenhai, never once glancing at Xu Zimei or the others from the beginning to the end.
In his eyes, someone like Guan Zhenhai who had been assigned to a branch would only know friends of little significance.
Probably just disciples with as little talent as he himself had.
"Wei, I'm afraid it won't be possible today. I need to host a welcome and cleansing feast for my fellow disciples," Guan Zhenhai said, while frantically signaling to the young man with his eyes.
"Damn, the Xu Zimei in front of him is the son of the Deputy Sect Master of the True Martial Holy Sect, the real Crown Prince.
If this young man could make a connection with Xu Zimei, what Third Prince of the Purple Sun Empire? They're all garbage, seriously."
However, the young man failed to catch Guan Zhenhai's hints, and instead, with a smile, said to Xu Zimei and the others, "Could the fellow disciples from the True Martial Holy Sect do me a favor? You will all be esteemed guests at our Chang Family in the future."
"Your name is Chang Wei?" Xu Zimei asked with interest.
The young man nodded hastily.
"Then do you know someone named Lai Fu?" Xu Zimei inquired.
"Are you looking for me?" The servant behind Chang Wei asked, puzzled.
Xu Zimei smiled and shook his head.
"I wonder how my fellow disciples feel about this?" Chang Wei asked.
"Really thinks he's the king of the land," Lin Ruhu replied impatiently from the side, "Get lost."