"Lord Tian’s words are most apt. The battle back then was devastating for all three nations. Today, Penglai and Xianju Country enjoy peace and stability, while our three nations are in turmoil, which will inevitably invite unwanted covetousness," the Emperor of Great Zhou could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.
What a good cop, bad cop routine. What exactly is the intent of these two fellows from Hou Qin?
Yun Sheng silently observed from the shadows, not missing the schadenfreude on Xuan Wuji’s gloomy face.
"Does the Emperor of Great Zhou and the Dark Crown Prince remember how the peace treaty was signed after years of constant battles among the three nations eight years ago?" Tian Quezi provocatively asked, glancing at Yun Bahe.
Eight years ago, amidst the chaos of war among the three nations, the decisive battle that followed was not between the armies of the three nations, but between the Martial Saint Yun Bahe of Great Zhou and the Martial Saint Tian Quezi of Post Qin.
The duel, hailed by mainland Martial Artists as the pinnacle battle, ended in a draw between the two men, leading to the signing of a peace treaty that secured eight years of stability on the frontiers.
Who could forget such an event!
Tian Quezi, seizing the critical moment, proposed such an idea that neither the Emperor of Great Zhou nor the Dark Crown Prince could refuse.
Choosing a duel between two individuals over a battle involving two hundred thousand allied troops, the Emperor of Great Zhou had long made his decision.
Upon hearing this, Yun Bahe too breathed a sigh of relief.
So, this old geezer Tian Quezi came looking for a fight, still believing he could stand on equal footing with me as he did eight years ago.
Yun Bahe knew all too well that, eight years ago, in terms of real cultivation, he was not only no weaker than Tian Quezi, but it was only because he had expended a great deal of fighting spirit to save his second son Yun Canglang that he had barely managed a draw.
"If it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get. Tian Quezi, would I ever be afraid of you?"
However, several people inside the venue slightly changed their expressions.
Yun Cangxue’s hands and feet turned ice-cold; she had not expected that her father being poisoned for so long at Blood Hand Ditch had been intended for... this.
Uncle Yun also had a look of despair as only he had noticed the change in the old lord’s cultivation lately.
He wanted to remind his lordship, but the old master had already eagerly accepted the challenge.
So that’s how it is, Xia Wenxu thought, his heart shaking at the prospect of the Martial Saint Battle.
The Dark Crown Prince and Xuan Wuji exchanged glances; Xuan Wuji stepped forward, "Wuji is truly honored to witness the duel between two great Martial Saints. How about we have Emperor Hong City as the referee today? Since General Yun has raised no objections, let’s settle it : ten days from now, General Yun and Tian Quezi will hold a Martial Saint duel in the Great Zhou Imperial Palace. If Hou Qin wins, Great Zhou will, without complaint, hand over the Purple Gold Ore, but if Great Zhou wins, then Hou Qin will no longer pursue the whereabouts of the Purple Gold Vein."
Both the Emperor of Great Zhou and the Dark Crown Prince had no objections to this decision.
This imminent pinnacle battle between Martial Saints thus concluded Yun Bahe’s sixtieth birthday celebration in such a manner. For origınal chapters go to novel※fire.net
The guests were abuzz with conversation, and by morning, tales of it would surely send shockwaves throughout Great Zhou City.
"Minister Yun, the honor and disgrace of Great Zhou now rest solely upon your shoulders. Due to the pressing state affairs in the palace, I am unable to leave at this moment. Here is a five-hundred-year-old Blood Ginseng, which I bestow upon you for replenishment," said the Dark Crown Prince and others as they departed, and the Emperor of Great Zhou, with a face of feigned concern, commanded someone to present Yun Bahe with a Blood Ginseng.
A moment ago he had neglected the Yun Residence, now he was all concern and warm inquiries. Truly, the Emperor of Great Zhou is a duplicity-riddled scoundrel.
Yun Sheng stood to the side, sneering inwardly.
Compared to Night Fox, the Emperor of Great Zhou was even more deceitful with honeyed words masking a sword-hearted intent.
If Yun Bahe were to lose this contest...
What Yun Sheng was thinking was also what everyone in the Yun Residence was currently considering. Since the incident, Yun Canglang had remained silent.
Yun Cangxue made the excuse that she wasn’t feeling well, didn’t even see the guests off, and left the aftermath to Uncle Yun before leaving first.
Zhan Li and the others were escorted to the entrance as well. Uncle Yun hesitated for a moment, suddenly called out to stop Yun Sheng: "Miss Yun, please wait a moment, this old servant has something to discuss with you."
Yun Sheng stepped to the side, and Uncle Yun showed an urgent expression: "Miss Yun, you must persuade the master, he must not duel with Tian Quezi."
"Uncle Yun, why do you say this? Do you think that General Yun cannot beat Tian Quezi? Even if his cultivation has declined due to his age, his level in the Martial Realm should still be higher than Tian Quezi," Yun Sheng sensed something amiss, noting Uncle Yun’s worried expression.
She had observed today that Yun Bahe had given up drinking; he did not touch a drop of alcohol at the feast. If it were as per her previous instructions, even if Yun Bahe’s cultivation should decline, it would take years or even nearly a decade.
"Miss Yun, ever since your last diagnosis for the master, this old servant has been supervising him. But recently, when sparring with the General, I discovered that his Qi Power has weakened. Could you diagnose him again to see what exactly is wrong with the General’s health?" Originally, Uncle Yun did not intend to disclose this, but if the General were to duel with Tian Quezi, Yun Bahe’s strength would be in question.
"I’m afraid even if I am willing to check, the Old General might not appreciate it," Yun Sheng sighed.
"Divine Doctor Yun," Xia Wenxu, who had left Yun Residence with Yun Sheng and the others, returned and said, "You should still examine the Old General. I have divined for the Old General and he might face a bloody calamity soon."
"Junior Fate, how could you?" Yu Ji and Yu Mo’s expressions changed at the side.
How could Junior Fate reveal his divination? It’s an act of revealing the Heavenly Secret, which is detrimental to Junior Fate.
Xia Wenxu had originally only intended to hint to Yun Sheng, but the Dark Crown Prince and Tian Quezi appeared out of nowhere.
"It’s you, I remember now, you are that girl who stole our carriage! Goodness, whenever we encounter you, nothing good happens. Last time..." Yu Ji sized up Yun Sheng, got a shock, realizing that this female Mage was the same one they had encountered more than two years ago.
It had been over two years since they had seen her. Her appearance had noticeably changed, and what was even more shocking was her strength!
Yu Ji and Yu Mo both realized that Yun Sheng who was just an ordinary Magician two years ago, had now become a Magic Master.
Advancing through two Magic Realms in two years, such cultivation even gained attention within the Magic Temple.
"Yu Ji, shut your mouth," Xia Wenxu said sharply.
Yu Ji, who seldom saw Junior Fate angry, resented Yun Sheng even more in his heart.
Yu Mo, on the other hand, cast sidelong glances at Yun Sheng, recalling that last time, it was also because of her that Junior Fate had acted contrary to his usual behavior.
"Thank you for the reminder, Xia Siming. I’ll remember your favor," Yun Sheng said after hearing Xia Wenxu. She realized there might indeed be some hidden dangers concerning Yun Bahe’s health and knew she must examine him carefully.