Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 247: Gathering of Heroes
246. Gathering of Heroes
During the battle, their swords clashed continuously, radiating dazzling sparks. However, the three people sitting in the pavilion did not hear any sound of weapon collision. Ye Li leaned against a pillar in the pavilion with her eyes slightly closed, intently sensing the flow of energy in the air. Eventually, she picked up on the subtle but unmatched energy vibration. It was the vibration caused by the internal power collision when the two were fighting.
The fight lasted a full four hours. Yet, the three spectators, even though none of them could see the moves clearly, did not exhibit a shred of impatience. Suddenly, Ye Li felt a sharp impact from the air piercing her brain and quickly opened her eyes. Just in time, she saw two figures, one blue and one white, retreating to opposite sides.
"Big Brother!" Leng Liuyue cried softly and sprang forward to protect Ling Tiehan, who was swaying. Ling Tiehan released Leng Liuyue’s hand, waving to indicate that she didn’t need to worry. Then he looked back at Mo Xiuyao and smiled, "Prince Ding is indeed a prodigy. I am impressed." Mo Xiuyao stood straight, but his complexion was no better than Ling Tiehan’s. The two of them had joy in their eyes, and Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, "Pavilion Master Ling, your skills are exquisite, and I’m equally impressed. I’ve profited greatly from today’s battle. Thank you, Pavilion Master Ling."
Laughing heartily, Ling Tiehan said, "Enough with the pleasantries. I am grateful for the opportunity to battle with Prince Ding. I shall take my leave and will not bother you and the Princess Consort anymore."
"Farewell, Pavilion Master Ling," Ye Li softly stepped out of the pavilion and spoke. She walked over to Mo Xiuyao and examined him—he was exhausted, his internal power was severely depleted, and he had some minor internal injuries. But these were considered light in such an evenly matched experts’ competition. She breathed a sigh of relief.
After watching Ling Tiehan and his party leave the mountain, Ye Li helped Mo Xiuyao into the pavilion and asked, "How are you hurt? Can you go down the mountain now?"
Mo Xiuyao gave a bitter smile with some helplessness, "I’ve slacked off in my training these years. I seem to be more injured than Pavilion Master Ling."
In terms of diligence in cultivating martial arts, Mo Xiuyao was indeed inferior to Ling Tiehan. Having to oversee numerous military, political, and civilian affairs in the Northwest and as Prince, he was destined not to devote a lot of time to martial arts training. Ling Tiehan, on the other hand, had at least half a year for devoted cultivation. If Ling Tiehan’s current achievements were born from thirty percent talent and seventy percent devoted cultivation, Mo Xiuyao’s were the reverse: seventy percent talent and thirty percent devoted cultivation. It seemed that persistent cultivation indeed gave a more solid foundation. Mo Xiuyao had to admit that even if he didn’t lose to Ling Tiehan, he was still at a slight disadvantage.
"Do you also aspire to become the top martial artist even though you’re on a different path?" Ye Li said indifferently, without intending to console him. No matter how high Mo Xiuyao’s martial arts skills were, his primary focus should be on the Mo Family Army and the welfare of the Northwestern people. No one can sweep the world with personal power alone. Endeavoring to enhance one’s personal strength is certainly important, but neglecting the overall situation for the elevation of individual power is putting the cart before the horse.
Mo Xiuyao had no intention of lingering over this subject and was mainly seeking comfort in Ye Li’s words. He laughed with indifference on hearing her words, "This place is quite good, less interruptions than in the city. I’ll rest here for a while, will you wait for me, Ah-Li?" Ye Li nodded her approval, and Mo Xiuyao stopped talking, closed his eyes, and focused on healing his injuries by revolving his internal power.
Mo Xiuyao spent an entire half-day and night resting. It was unknown whether it was due to Miss Murong’s influence, but there were surprisingly no visitors to the mountain that day.
Ye Li did not disturb Mo Xiuyao and dined on some slightly unripe wild fruits that she picked from a spot near the pavilion. The next morning, when the sun rose from the sea of clouds in the east, Mo Xiuyao finally opened his eyes.
As he slowly opened his eyes, a glint appeared in them, and the aloofness that was once prominent seemed to have gained a touch of warmth. Mo Xiuyao’s gaze landed on the woman asleep against a pillar nearby, and boundless tenderness welled in his eyes. As Mo Xiuyao rose, Ye Li awakened and asked, "Are you okay now?"
"Ah-Li, you’ve worked hard. Why not sleep a little longer?" Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and suggested quietly. Ye Li shook her head and after leaning into him for a while said, "Let’s leave the mountain. I’m a little hungry, and you must be, too, after going all day without eating." A night, or even two of sleep deprivation, wasn’t a huge deal for them. Besides, she had managed to sleep for half the night, and Ye Li generally disliked going hungry unless absolutely necessary. Mo Xiuyao whispered with a gentle laugh, "Alright, let’s head down the mountain."
The fact that Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li hadn’t returned all night didn’t matter to anybody. Ren Qining did notice, but he was too busy to concern himself with a couple whose identities he hadn’t yet figured out. So the next morning, after the city gates opened, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li leisurely returned to the inn in the Capital City, without attracting any unwanted attention. They ordered breakfast in the inn’s lobby and listened to the chatter of the other patrons discussing yesterday’s happenings at Zhaoning Temple.
Miss Murong’s arrival at Zhaoning Temple was a grand spectacle that inevitably drew the attention of many. There were whispers about how a sudden gust had managed to lift Miss Murong’s veil right at the temple gates, revealing a woman of unparalleled beauty and grace underneath, which had intoxicated numerous heroes. Even a sacred Buddhist site seemed suddenly to have gained some enchanting allure.
Finding this interesting, Ye Li asked Mo Xiuyao, "Is Miss Murong really as stunning as they say?" She too had seen Miss Murong, and although the veil had only revealed her eyes, Ye Li didn’t think they compared with those of Su Zuidie, Noble Consort Liu, or even Yaoji. She felt that Miss Murong could hardly live up to the description of "unrivalled beauty" even if she were a great beauty.
Mo Xiuyao responded indifferently, "Just so-so." Ye Li looked at him and chuckled, "Your Highness is highly discerning." After all, Mo Xiuyao had seen almost all the renowned beauties of the world, so it was no wonder he wasn’t impressed by Miss Murong. Mo Xiuyao gave Ye Li an enigmatic smile and whispered, "Of course I have discerning taste. How else could I have a wonderful wife like you, Ah-Li?" Ye Li rolled her eyes. Was she his choice? But after all these years, Ye Li understood that if Mo Xiuyao had not wanted to marry her, there would have been plenty of ways to prevent it. "I should thank His Highness for his favor then?"
"No need for courtesies, my dear. I should thank you for not looking down upon me," he replied. Neither of them were easy to get along with; if they were dead set against the marriage, not even divine intervention would have made it happen. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂
"What is the Murong family trying to do?" Ye Li furrowed her eyebrows and asked softly. The inexplicable coincidence of a gust of wind lifting a veil right at the temple gate seemed too contrived. Only someone who’d used a veil would know how strong a gust had to be for it to be lifted.
Mo Xiuyao scoffed, "Choosing a husband, perhaps... Not everyone in the world is greedy for money. If few people showed up, wouldn’t the Murong family lose face? And the noble young men who do come forward to compete will certainly feel it enhances their own prestige." Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Mo Xiuyao, clearly unburdened and disinclined to ponder such matters, was being rather nonchalant. She shrugged, not too keen on dwelling on these issues herself. "Alright, let’s just enjoy the show. Overthinking gets us nowhere." Mo Xiuyao nodded contentedly, "Ah-Li, you finally understand my intentions."
「Before long, the highly anticipated Martial Arts Conference arrived, held in a vast space that could be converted into a large square outside the Murong family estate.」
On the day of the conference, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li arrived neither early nor late. When they reached the Murong family estate, the conference venue was already teeming with people. Among them were not only martial arts experts and the aristocracy, but also idle commoners from Ancheng City joining the crowd for fun.
To Ye Li’s surprise, even the Southern Garrison Prince and Mo Jingqi made personal appearances. The Southern Garrison Prince was to be expected– he was from Xiling and one of the Four Great Experts, so his presence at the Martial Arts Conference was only proper. But Mo Jingqi, not only had he seldom left the Capital of Great Chu as an emperor, he hardly ever left even when he was a prince. Could it be that the allure of the Murong family surpassed even the importance of his own life?
"Xiuyao?" On seeing Mo Jingqi, Ye Li’s immediate reaction was to look at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao gently reassured her with a calm smile, "No need to worry. I won’t lay a hand on him now."
If it had been six years ago and he suddenly encountered Mo Jingqi, Mo Xiuyao would have likely been impulsive enough to kill Mo Jingqi on the spot. But after six years, while his deep hatred was still there, that impulsiveness had gradually subsided. He wouldn’t let Mo Jingqi die so easily; instead, he wanted him to live in agony, unable to attain death even if he wished for it!
Seeing Mo Xiuyao remained calm, Ye Li felt reassured and carried on observing. She discovered that every individual accompanying Mo Jingqi was an exceptional expert. Although they were not as exceptional as Mo Xiuyao and his team, anyone of them would be a famous figure in the worldly society. It prompted Ye Li to question whether Mo Jingqi had rounded up all the best martial experts that the royal family of Great Chu could deploy. Despite causing tension among everyone, Mo Jingli seemed to be more reasonable than his emperor brother.
The foremost seating area was furnished with countless tables and chairs, and those tables were laden with fresh seasonal fruits, especially procured from the south of Great Chu. These seats were naturally reserved for the people of high status. As a humble and relatively unknown couple, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li weren’t privileged to take those seats.
The two stood by a large tree not far from the grandstand. If they wished to, they could rest against the tree trunk or even climb up into the tree. The Southern Garrison Prince, who had arrived earlier, was engaging in a cold war of wits with Lei Tengfeng and Mo Jingqi. Watching them, Ye Li curiously wondered, "Lei Tengfeng is already married to the Consort of Heir. Doesn’t the Southern Garrison Prince fancy Miss Murong too?"
Mo Xiuyao, leaning lazily against the tree trunk while holding Ye Li around her waist, replied, "What’s so surprising about that? The Southern Garrison Prince has been a widower for many years now. However, the Murong family may not fancy the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion." It wasn’t because Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion wasn’t powerful; in fact, it was too powerful. Since both the Southern Garrison Prince and the Murong family were in Xiling, if Miss Murong married anyone from the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, the Murong family could effectively be considered to have ceased to exist as an independent power.
Ye Li realized and said with a puzzled frown, "If I were in the Murong family, I would certainly keep a low profile, seek support from powerful and reliable people, and fortify the family position. With Murong Xiong’s strong presence, hardly anyone has the nerve to stir up trouble. Isn’t this situation like inviting wolves into one’s home, or has Murong Xiong developed the capability to contend with all the heroes of the realm?"
Mo Xiuyao laughed and said, "It’s like that saying of yours, my dear... Some people just love to flaunt their presence, don’t they?"
The majority of important guests at the front had arrived, making the few intentionally left empty seats quite noticeable. Casting a glance at a seat opposite to him, the Southern Garrison Prince raised an eyebrow and said, "This year’s Martial Arts Conference, isn’t it a shame that Prince Ding isn’t here to celebrate with us?"
Lei Tengfeng chuckled, "Prince Ding rushed back to the Northwest before Princess Anxi’s grand wedding. He must have been held up by some pressing matter."
Even the most cunning among those present wouldn’t have guessed that someone might even skip a country’s coronation to go on a leisurely tour with his wife. Thus, they all firmly believed that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding’s hasty return to the Northwest had something to do with an important matter.
"It’s a shame I won’t be able to battle Prince Ding again," mused the Southern Garrison Prince with a touch of regret, his mind already speculating about the recent developments in the Northwest. He had indeed received news of Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding returning to the Northwest. The movements of the Mo Family Army gave an impression of forthcoming action, but it didn’t seem like they were preparing for war. The Southern Garrison Prince couldn’t guess what Mo Xiuyao was up to. To be on the safe side, he secretly mobilized 200,000 soldiers and reinforced the border garrisons adjoining the Northwest.
"Prince Ding’s absence is indeed regrettable. However, since the Emperor of Great Chu is here in Xiling, as the host, I should arrange a grand welcome for him," said the Southern Garrison Prince, smiling at Mo Jingqi. Mo Jingqi replied with a laugh, "Your Highness is too kind, I am merely here to enjoy the excitement. Your Highness flatters me."
The Southern Garrison Prince laughed without saying anything. Indeed, Mo Jingqi was quite something. Even with his three thousand Golden Armor Guards, no one around him – from his personal bodyguards to the lower-class maids – were first-class martial arts experts like those accompanying Mo Jingqi. This signified an extreme fear of death! Did Mo Jingqi think so many first-class martial artists were at his disposal for free? Or did he think these experts were only too happy to play the part of low-class servants without any qualms? Recalling Mo Jingqi’s secretly relieved expression when he heard Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t be coming, the Southern Garrison Prince suddenly felt he understood. With an enemy like Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingqi truly did need to hire more competent bodyguards!
"Pavilion Master Ling of King of Hell Pavilion has arrived!" A loud announcement was made that echoed throughout the venue. It seemed that the announcer arranged by the Murong family was also an expert. Everyone turned to see Ling Tiehan, who was still wearing his usual blue clothes, along with Leng Liuyue and a sickly-looking scholar, arriving with a tiger-like aura. In contrast with many people at the venue who were dressed in their finest clothes while riding on their high horses, Ling Tiehan, as usual, appeared more impressive. Many young warriors present couldn’t help but look up to Ling Tiehan with respect and admiration.
The Southern Garrison Prince’s eyes twitched upon seeing Ling Tiehan approaching steadily. Ling Tiehan’s martial arts had actually improved since their last encounter. If he once felt confident in matching, if not surpassing, Ling Tiehan during their previous encounter in Licheng, now he had lost all confidence.
"Pavilion Master Ling." Although Ling Tiehan possessed an astonishing presence, due to his distinctive identity as the known chief assassin, not many greeted him. Those who did were acknowledged with a nod. His gaze swept over the seats in the hall, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.
The Southern Garrison Prince faintly smiled, "Pavilion Master Ling, are you looking for Prince Ding? It’s a pity, but Prince Ding was occupied and couldn’t attend the Martial Arts Conference this year." Ling Tiehan didn’t mention that he had seen Mo Xiuyao a few days ago, and replied indifferently, "Since Prince Ding isn’t here, I would appreciate some guidance from the Southern Garrison Prince." Since Prince Ding isn’t here, you’ll have to suffice as an opponent. Having just broken through his bottleneck, Ling Tiehan urgently needed an expert to spar with; otherwise, he wouldn’t attend this so-called Martial Arts Conference.
The Southern Garrison Prince choked. Despite being present, he had no intention of participating in the fights. As he grew older, he was no longer focused on cultivating his martial arts. No matter how invincible one’s martial arts are, how could it be comparable to the delight of ruling the world?
"The Murong Family Head and Miss Murong are here!" The announcement echoed again in the venue, causing the Southern Garrison Prince and others to scowl. These were all influential figures used to displaying their dominance, and they could not stand others having a grander show than their own. If the person was a worthy adversary, that would be acceptable. But if a merchant acted thus, it was intolerable. The sour faces of the Southern Garrison Prince and Lei Tengfeng were particularly noticeable. After all, the Murong family resided in Xiling and were considered to be its vassals.
Before long, the aged Murong Family Head, sporting white hair and mustache, walked out of the gates of the Murong family estate with Miss Murong, who was wearing a light purple dress embroidered with hibiscus patterns. As they walked to the middle of the venue, people naturally made way for them, giving the impression of a grand welcome.
Everyone quickly noticed that there was an old man who was about the same age as the Murong Family Head walking alongside him. His dress was not particularly splendid, nor were his looks striking. Most people probably didn’t feel much about him, but Ling Tiehan and the Southern Garrison Prince’s expressions changed as they exchanged glances. The old man’s presence was clearly vastly stronger than that of the Murong Family Head. Even though he didn’t stand out, he was walking shoulder to shoulder with the Murong Family Head. If one observed carefully, they would find that the Murong Family Head was being very respectful and cautious around him. Without much thought, they had already guessed his true identity.
The Murong Family Head greeted everyone and took a brief pause when his eyes lingered on the empty seat reserved for Prince Ding. His eyes slightly dimmed, but he still smiled and said, "I am the current head of the Murong family. Thanks to everyone for attending the Martial Arts Conference. To ensure fairness, the Murong family has specially invited the top expert of the martial arts world from fifty years ago, Senior Murong Xiong, to be the judge."
There was an immediate uproar in the hall when this news was announced. All eyes turned to the elderly man dressed in simple clothes who, upon arrival, had nonchalantly taken the foremost seat of honor. Those who were unsure of the old man’s identity before, were now engaged in a heated discussion.
The Murong Family Head was clearly pleased with the crowd’s astonishment, and nodded with a smile, "Senior Murong has been in seclusion for more than a dozen years, making his martial arts skills unparalleled in the world. He is more than suitable as a judge."
Ling Tiehan sneered and said indifferently, "I haven’t heard that a Martial Arts Conference needs a judge."
Between experts in the Martial Arts Conference, it was always a fight until one admitted to defeat, so there was no need for a so-called judge. The Murong Family Head’s face stiffened slightly. Looking at Ling Tiehan, his smile faded a little, "Since the conference is being held at the Murong family’s estate, and we abhor bloodshed, we’ve decided that the fights will stop at the first sign of advantage."
Ling Tiehan snorted softly, leaning back in his chair without speaking. He didn’t even spare a glance at Miss Murong who was standing behind the Murong Family Head. His discourteous actions undeniably disconcerted the Murong Family Head. Just as he was about to say something while glancing at Murong Xiong, who was sitting with his eyes closed in meditation, an announcement was made outside loudly, "Young Master Qingchen of Licheng has arrived!"
