Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 245 - 244. The Top Master in the World

244. The World’s No.1 Expert

Ye Li wasn’t too surprised to run into Ren Qining at the same inn once again. However, it also confirmed that this Young Master Ren was not as harmless as his appearance suggested, and his family background was probably not ordinary. Yet, even so, this did not really attract the attention of Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. To put it bluntly, apart from the royal families of various countries, nobody else had the status to command Mo Xiuyao’s attention. Therefore, his attitude towards Ren Qining remained cold and distant.

This really vexed Young Master Ren. He had always been high and mighty his whole life. His amiable and elegant demeanor naturally attracted people to get close to and trust him. He never thought there would be such a hard-nosed person. If it wasn’t too rude, Ren Qining would have liked to ask Mo Xiuyao if he had offended him in any way.

"Young Master Ye, are you here to attend the Martial Arts Conference as well?" Ren Qining asked cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to Mo Xiuyao’s coldness.

His voice was not low, so once the words left his mouth, most people on the second floor turned their gazes towards Mo Xiuyao. Their eyes were filled with alertness and hostility. After all, disregarding Mo Xiuyao’s hidden identity and martial arts skills, his handsome appearance alone was enough to engender hostility from most men.

Mo Xiuyao lifted his eyelids, seemingly oblivious to the hostile stares from the crowd. He smiled faintly and said, "We just happened to be passing by, and my wife wanted to join in the fun. However, given your status, Young Master Ren, shouldn’t you be staying at the Murong family’s guest house instead of at this inn?"

Upon hearing this, the hostility in the surrounding atmosphere disappeared instantly. It was unsurprising; after all, the handsome young man had a gorgeous, elegant woman sitting next to him. Although the Murong family was wealthy beyond comparison, this young lady was clearly an elegant beauty from a scholarly family. Even Miss Murong might not surpass this woman in terms of appearance and temperament. Perhaps the young master preferred beauty over wealth? On the other hand, that young man in the blue silk shirt had an extraordinary appearance and obviously came from a noble family. Most importantly, he was single!

Ren Qining’s eyes flickered, and he laughed, "Brother Ye is jesting. How could someone of my status have the privilege of staying in the Murong family’s guest house? Like Brother Ye, I also came here to join in the fun. May I join your table?" Mo Xiuyao was noncommittal, so Ren Qining took it as his agreement and sat down across from them.

The atmosphere at the table felt a bit cold since Mo Xiuyao was not willing to converse with Ren Qining as they sipped their tea. Ye Li sipped from her teacup and casually said, "This Martial Arts Conference seems rather odd this time. Isn’t it said that the venue for the tournament is usually chosen by the champion from the previous conference? Did the champions this time choose the Murong family as the venue for the contest?" Typically, the champions would choose a relatively remote area with scenic mountains. It is said that the most challenging one even selected the top of a snowy mountain in the northern part of Xiling, resulting in the lowest turnout because most people were unable to reach the summit.

Ren Qining laughed, "Does Madam know who the Four Great Experts in the worldly society are?"

Ye Li nodded, "I’ve heard a thing or two."

Ren Qining laughed, "Interestingly, these Four Great Experts weren’t the champions from the last conference but the champions from the one before that. In fact, one could say that the last Martial Arts Conference didn’t conclude properly at all."

Ye Li asked curiously, "How so?"

Ren Qining explained, "During the last Martial Arts Conference, Prince Ding was unable to participate due to an injury, and in response, Pavilion Master Ling from the King of Hell Pavilion also withdrew his participation. The Southern Garrison Prince from Xiling Town was tied up with state affairs... Hence, the only champion that time was Mu Qingcang. Nonetheless, no one who challenged him succeeded or even managed a draw. As a result, the Martial Arts Conference that was supposed to last for three days ended in half a day."

Ye Li gave Mo Xiuyao a surreptitious glance and laughed, "So such a thing happened?"

Ren Qining sighed, "Indeed. If one were to really count, the rankings of the top experts in the worldly society haven’t changed for eighteen years. Naturally, many rising talents can’t help but want to test their skills."

"What does this have to do with the Murong family?" Ye Li asked, aware that the Murong family was a business clan without any significant ties to the people of the worldly society.

Ren Qining explained with a smile, "Madam might not be aware, but it’s rumored that the Murong clan is home to a mysterious martial arts expert who was once the world’s greatest master fifty years ago—Murong Xiong."

Ye Li unreservedly displayed her cluelessness. She didn’t even know much about the current martial arts experts, let alone the greatest one from fifty years ago. Mo Xiuyao, on the other hand, was both familiar with and interested in this figure. "Is Murong Xiong still alive?" he asked.

Ren Qining’s eyes flickered with thoughtfulness. He spoke to Mo Xiuyao, "Indeed, the rumors suggest so, but nobody has seen him. It’s said that this Martial Arts Conference was called in Murong Xiong’s name. Allegedly, Murong Xiong sees the martial path in the worldly society in decline and hopes to meet the present generation of skilled martial artists, possibly even taking on a disciple. Also..." he smiled meaningfully at the couple, "it’s rumored that the Murong family’s only descendant, Second Miss Murong, who is seventeen years old—well, Old Master Murong wants to find a reliable husband for his young descendant."

"Young Master Ren is truly well-informed," Mo Xiuyao said, retreating to his former aloof demeanor upon getting the information he wanted. Ren Qining, having grasped that he had said too much, smiled without offering any further words.

"What are they doing here?" Ye Li glanced at the crowd on the street below and furrowed her eyebrows.

Mo Xiuyao raised his head to look down and found several familiar faces among the crowd—Mo Jingli, Lei Tengfeng, and even Xu Qingchen.

Noticing the several distinguished figures amidst the masses, Ren Qining asked, "Madam recognizes them?"

Ye Li shook her head, "Can’t say I do. I’ve only crossed paths with Young Master Qingchen a few times. As for the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince, I’ve met him in Nanzhao. Don’t you recognize them, Young Master Ren?"

These individuals were certainly among the most prominent young talents of their time. Denying knowledge of them would be hardly credible. Ren Qining admitted, "I’ve also met Heir Lei and Prince Li a few times. However, it’s my first time seeing Young Master Qingchen. He certainly has a refined demeanor. It’s no surprise seeing them here. They were all in Nanzhao for Princess Anxi’s wedding and coronation ceremony; they must have come straight here to attend the Martial Arts Conference. If only... if Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding had not returned to the Northwest early, I wonder whether they would have come. If they were here, this year’s Martial Arts Conference would undoubtedly be more lively."

"Young Master Qingchen is not a martial artist," Ye Li pointed out.

Ren Qining laughed, "This isn’t exactly your standard Martial Arts Conference. Given Young Master Qingchen’s reputation, even if he lacked martial skills, he would still surpass any usual martial artist. However... I’m not sure Miss Murong is someone Young Master Qingchen would be particularly interested in."

Ye Li inwardly agreed with Ren Qining’s assessment. Leaving aside Xu Qingchen, her uncle and aunt would hardly approve of this match. The Xu Family wasn’t snobbish, but the gap between a merchant family and a scholarly one was, in their eyes, more significant than any disparity in wealth. The Xu Family would rather their son marry a girl from a destitute scholarly family than the daughter of a merchant. If a merchant family were known for its charity and good deeds, it might be a different story. However, the Murong family, so wealthy it could rival a nation and monopolizing much of Xiling’s commerce, was precisely the kind that wouldn’t pass muster with the Xu Family. Selecting their daughter-in-law was, in a way, stricter than the emperor’s selection of concubines. While the emperor might need the wealth of rich merchants and thus accept their daughters as consorts, the Xu Family had no such need and therefore felt no compulsion to marry into a merchant family. Despite the constant worry over her eldest brother’s marriage, Ye Li, for once, had no expectations in this case.

「Late at night, Xu Qingchen sat alone in his room at the inn, savoring a cup of tea.」Even though he had received an invitation from the Murong Family, unlike Mo Jingli and Lei Tengfeng, he had chosen to stay at a good inn in Ancheng City instead of the separate courtyard prepared by the Murong Family. A slight rustle at the window drew his attention. Finding Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao standing there, he teased, "So you’ve decided to show up."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood by the window, amused at the sight of Xu Qingchen appearing as if he had been waiting for them. Ye Li joked, "Eldest Brother, you’ve had a hard time these past days."

Xu Qingchen casually sipped his tea, smiling faintly. "Li’er is aware of her eldest brother’s hardships. When she eloped with the Prince, it was quite exhilarating."

Ye Li looked guiltily at Xu Qingchen, speechless. Mo Xiuyao, unable to bear seeing his beloved wife upset, led Ye Li to sit across from Xu Qingchen. "Even the affairs of Nanzhao couldn’t trouble you. Besides, our involvement might have made it even more inconvenient for you." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, then picked up the teapot and poured tea for Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Ye Li felt a slight relief in her heart. Her eldest brother was no longer angry.

Xu Qingchen looked at Mo Xiuyao, his expression a mix of sarcasm and amusement. "It seems the Prince encounters trouble wherever he goes. Weren’t you supposed to go sightseeing? How did you end up at the Martial Arts Conference? Moreover, this seems to be Miss Murong’s matchmaking conference. Are you sure it’s okay to bring Li’er here?"

Mo Xiuyao clenched his teeth. He wished he could slap Xu Qingchen to death for stirring up trouble. Wouldn’t he die if he didn’t sow discord? But, with Ye Li present, he had to maintain his composure and addressed Xu Qingchen politely, "Brother Qingchen, you’re overthinking. Ah-Li and I are just an ordinary married couple joining in on the fun. As for you, I’ve heard Miss Murong is quite attractive. Since you’re of age, you should consider settling down. After all, old age... might make one less desirable. Most importantly... Miss Murong comes with a substantial dowry. Why don’t you marry her and contribute to the economy of our Northwest region?"

Xu Qingchen remained composed, casually saying, "I believe I heard a rumor that I have no interest in women. I’m afraid I will have to disappoint the Prince."

Ye Li felt helpless; these two could never peacefully coexist. She wondered if she should be relieved that her eldest brother doesn’t know martial arts and Mo Xiuyao doesn’t have a habit of attacking those who can’t defend themselves? Otherwise, their meetings would likely escalate from sarcastic banter to full-blown combat.

"Eldest Brother, why did you come to join in the fun?" Ye Li subtly changed the subject.

Xu Qingchen glanced at her with a nonchalant smile. "Prince Li and the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince invited me fervently, and it was an offer I couldn’t refuse."

Ye Li blinked, disbelief filling her eyes. Would there be an invitation that Young Master Qingchen couldn’t turn down? If he wasn’t willing, even if you were ten or a hundred times more enthusiastic, he could push you a hundred thousand li away in the blink of an eye.

"Eldest Brother, are there any issues with this Martial Arts Conference?" asked Ye Li, her brows furrowed.

Xu Qingchen shifted his gaze to Mo Xiuyao. "What does the Prince know about the mysterious expert from the Murong family?"

Mo Xiuyao contemplated for a moment. "He’s not really a mystery. Murong Xiong is the only Murong family member who practices martial arts instead of doing business. He was not regarded highly in his family due to his lack of interest in business. But when he was eighteen, he started to make a name for himself in the worldly society. By the time he was twenty, a notorious outlaw faction caused trouble for the Murong family, and there were signs of the Xiling imperial family intending to take advantage of the situation. Murong Xiong, all by himself, wiped out the entire offending clan overnight, leaving no survivors. His merciless actions gave him a terrible reputation in the worldly society. From time to time, various factions came challenging the Murong family under different pretexts, but they were all soundly defeated by Murong Xiong. By the time he was thirty, he had claimed the title of the world’s number one expert, his skills suppressing all other heroes. For three consecutive conferences, no one could match him. Then, a year before the fourth Martial Arts Conference, he suddenly disappeared. Since then, no one in the worldly society has seen him. Many speculated that he was dead, but those who later challenged the Murong family also met gruesome ends. Among them were two of the Four Great Experts who rose after Murong Xiong. So... for many years, people in the worldly society have rarely dared to stir up trouble with the Murong family. What is it? Is it really Murong Xiong this time?"

Xu Qingchen nodded, pulling out a dazzling golden invitation and placing it before them. The name signed at the end was indeed Murong Xiong. Mo Xiuyao examined the invitation for a while, frowning. "Murong Xiong is the uncle of the current Murong Family Head. He should be at least in his eighties by now. What does he want to achieve by showing up at this time?"

"Who knows? Perhaps, as everyone guesses, he wants to select a suitable husband for Miss Murong to prevent the Murong family line from ending?" Xu Qingchen didn’t seem too concerned about this. If Mo Jingli and Lei Tengfeng hadn’t decided to participate, and with rumors of even the Capital of Great Chu showing interest, Xu Qingchen wouldn’t have bothered to come. Even though the Xu Family and Prince Ding’s Mansion disdained the Murong family’s assets, if such a massive fortune fell into the wrong hands, it would definitely create significant trouble.

Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly, a trace of mockery at the corners of his lips. "Gathering the world’s heroes for him to choose from? Murong Xiong thinks too highly of his Murong family."

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "However, many are eagerly rushing over."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, earnestly saying to Xu Qingchen, "As before, I’ll have to trouble Eldest Brother with the affairs here."

Xu Qingchen was speechless. He had figured it out. When Mo Xiuyao needed something from him or wanted him to do something, he was ’Eldest Brother’. When there was nothing needed, he was Brother Qingchen, Young Master Qingchen, or Eldest Young Master Xu.

"Aren’t you planning to participate?" Xu Qingchen asked.

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "If it were just a simple Martial Arts Conference, I might go and spar with Ling Tiehan. But I guess Ling Tiehan won’t participate in this kind of event, so I don’t think I need to show up either. On that day, Ah-Li and I will just join the fun. As for everything else, you can handle it, Eldest Brother. Why wouldn’t I trust you?" If Eldest Young Master Xu truly wanted to do something, he would do it so impeccably that others would feel inadequate. Since Xu Qingchen had already come, it meant he had taken this matter to heart. Mo Xiuyao was naturally happy to wash his hands of it.

Xu Qingchen looked at Mo Xiuyao speaking calmly, without the slightest reluctance or sign of being pressured to participate, and finally nodded. Regardless of how Mo Xiuyao wheedled, made mischief, or shirked responsibility, at least he was absolutely serious and sincere towards Li’er. The Murong family’s wealth was not something just anyone could resist. After all, the silver reserves in any nation’s treasury might not even measure up to the Murong family’s assets. What did ’wealth that could rival a country’ mean? The Murong family was the true embodiment of that. Mo Xiuyao could reject the opportunity to gain the Murong family’s fortune without hesitation for Li’er’s sake. Just for this alone, Xu Qingchen was willing to help him settle this matter.

After further discussion with Xu Qingchen, noticing it was getting late, Mo Xiuyao finally bid goodbye with Ye Li. Before leaving, he said, "We are staying at the Qingyuan Inn in the city. If there’s anything, have someone come find me there." Xu Qingchen nodded and saw them off.

「At this time, in a quiet suite in the harem of Qingyuan Inn, Ren Qining stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, lost in thought.」This was an independent courtyard; Qingyuan Inn only had three such courtyards, which were even better and more expensive than the ’Heaven’ tier suites. While Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li could only afford to stay in the ’Earth’ tier rooms, Ren Qining, who arrived later, could stay in such a courtyard, which demonstrated his extraordinary status.

"Have you lost them?" Ren Qining turned around, looking at the middle-aged man standing at the door. His face was devoid of its usual gentle and refined demeanor, his handsome features now etched with coldness and displeasure. The middle-aged man at the door couldn’t help but tremble, replying in a quivering voice, "Forgive me, Young Master. That Young Master Ye and Madam Ye are highly skilled. Our men lost sight of them after following for only a short while."

Ren Qining’s brows furrowed tightly, but he didn’t blame him. After all, even he couldn’t gauge the depth of the martial cultivation of the young man who called himself Ye. It was natural that his subordinates couldn’t keep up. "Have their identities been ascertained?"

The middle-aged man’s face turned pale. "Those two seem to have appeared out of nowhere in that small town. Your subordinate is incompetent and couldn’t find out where they came from, nor ascertain their identities."

"Useless! Wait... their surname is Ye?" Ren Qining mused.

The middle-aged man cautiously asked, "Young Master, have you thought of something?"

Ren Qining said gravely, "I remember Prince Ding’s wife is also surnamed Ye..." There weren’t many people in the world of that age with such high martial cultivation, so he couldn’t help but suspect.

The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, then said, "Prince Ding has white hair, and the appearances of these two don’t quite match the descriptions we have of Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding. Besides, I received information that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding have indeed returned to Licheng."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Ren Qining’s eyes. So, that couple really wasn’t Prince Ding and his consort? When did such a couple appear in the worldly society, and most importantly, why did they appear at this critical juncture?

"Investigate further. Their identities must be ascertained before the Martial Arts Conference," Ren Qining ordered.

"Yes, Young Master."