Chapter 88

Being stared at by the two old men, Zhao Yun finally couldn't hold it any longer. He coughed dryly, got up, and walked away to a pavilion not far away. Liu Ruxin was sitting there quietly, and there was no sign of the little maid Yu'er, who must have run off to prepare tea and snacks.

"How come I don't have such good luck!"

The fat old man sighed repeatedly. A master of the Tianwu realm! Just this one connection alone would be enough to walk around the Great Xia with arrogance! Zhao Yun wasn't scary; what was scary was his master. No one would dare to provoke him.

Well... except for the lunatics from the Netherworld Gate. As long as they were paid, they might even kill their own parents.

"Can you let me down?"

Zhuge Xuandao's face turned dark, barely suppressing the urge to curse. Unfortunately, the fat old man had used a talisman, and the ropes binding him were specially refined, sealing his true essence, making it impossible to break free.

"What a talent, but he only has one arm left, affecting the aesthetics."

"His wife is blind?"

"But that little girl is quite pretty, she must have special bloodline."

The fat old man folded his arms, muttering to himself, completely ignoring Zhuge Xuandao's words. It was a rare opportunity to catch such a big fish, and he wasn't about to let go until it was dark.

"Fine, you just wait."

Zhuge Xuandao's face turned completely black, eager to find Zhao Yun, get all the cultivation techniques, and restore his fallen realm. Once done, he would chop up this old bastard and stew him.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yun had already arrived at the pavilion.

Feeling Zhao Yun's presence, Liu Ruxin hurriedly stood up. She had known Zhao Yun had returned earlier and could vaguely hear their conversation, but couldn't make out the details clearly.

"Are you comfortable?"

Zhao Yun smiled, gently helping Liu Ruxin sit down again. His tone was soft, careful not to scare the little girl who had lived in darkness since childhood. Her world must be cold and desolate, and she was overly sensitive to the outside world, especially after being bullied in the Liu family. Any slight disturbance could cause her to be frightened.

"Comfortable."

Liu Ruxin spoke softly, not daring to say more. As Zhao Yun had guessed, she was indeed used to being bullied. In the Liu family, saying even one extra word would result in scolding.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

Zhao Yun smiled, gently patting her small head. He treated her as both a wife and a younger sister, a vow from nine lifetimes. Initially, it might have been gratitude, but now it had gradually turned into love. She was his wife, and he would protect her until they were old and gray.

Crack!

As he spoke, a sudden sound of a jade plate breaking was heard. It was the maid Yu'er, who, upon seeing Zhao Yun, accidentally dropped the tray she was holding, causing Liu Ruxin to shudder.

"Master, where is your... left hand?"

Yu'er asked softly.

Left hand?

Liu Ruxin, upon hearing this, suddenly raised her hand and felt around in the darkness. She touched Zhao Yun's right hand, but when she reached the left side, she felt only an empty sleeve. Her face instantly turned pale.

"It will grow back."

Zhao Yun smiled, picked up a fruit, cut it into pieces, and gently fed them to his wife. He fed her piece by piece, and she ate them, her mouth full. Throughout, her small hands clung to Zhao Yun's empty sleeve, her eyes still lowered, misty with tears of pain.

Yu'er silently retreated.

This small pavilion became their private space, the scene quite warm and tender.

"Quite a match."

The fat old man watched with great interest.

He... tui.

Zhuge Xuandao's face was no longer a face, hanging from a tree, not very obedient.

After that, the fat old man took off his smelly socks, balled them up, and forcefully stuffed them into his mouth.

Tui... let you tui again.

Ugh...!

Tears welled up in Zhuge Xuandao's old eyes, whether from disgust or the smell.

Now, the whole world was quiet.

Here it was peaceful, but outside the city, it was still lively.

A group fight was getting more and more intense. Most of the young men from the major clans had joined in, one side like they had taken gunpowder, the other like they had been injected with adrenaline, fighting fiercely.

"Beauty brings disaster?"

Many old men stroked their beards, glancing at the city wall. Wang Gu's pride, the Heavenly Maiden, stood steadily, a spectator of the battle, like a celestial maiden from the heavens.

"If she were to throw a ball now, it would be even more fitting." Niu Hong sighed.

To be honest, he didn't particularly like Liu Ruyue either, due to the wedding swap. If she didn't want to marry, she could just say so. No one was forcing her, but pushing her sister forward was a different matter. That was a slap in the face to the Zhao family. Fortunately, it was Zhao Yun. If it were him, he would have blocked the Liu family's door and cursed every day, not allowing such bullying.

"One day, she will regret it."

The little money lover mumbled, continuing to count her money. She still had high hopes for Zhao Yun. That boy's talent was not just extraordinary but monstrous, enough to make up for the weakness of his bloodline.

She dared to say this because, in the entire Great Xia Dragon Dynasty, no one could match Zhao Yun in a battle of the same level. The young master of the Zhao family was not an ordinary person.

Boom! Bang! Boom!

As they spoke, the battle became even more intense. Some were injured, some retreated, and others joined, making the spectators' eyes dazzle. The cheers were overwhelming, as if they were hoping for more chaos.

"If this continues, something bad might happen." At one corner of the city wall, the city lord's steward coughed, using a disguise so no one could recognize him.

He was there, and the city lord of Wang Gu, Yang Xiong, was also there, similarly disguised, watching the show.

"As long as they don't fight in the city, it's fine."

Yang Xiong laughed. If something happened in the city, it would be his fault for not protecting them. Outside the city, it was free for all, and he wouldn't be held responsible if the major clans asked.

The city lord's steward shook his head and smiled, continuing to watch. He had seen many fights among the young men of the major clans, but never one as grand as this.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Liu Ruyue not far away. The reason for such a large-scale event was mostly due to her. So many people came to propose, and this was a rare opportunity to show off, so they were willing to risk their lives.

"Liu Cangkong must be delighted."

Yang Xiong stroked his beard, looking at another side.

Indeed, Liu Cangkong was there, and he would be the one to come. His back was straighter than ever.

So many talented young men, which one to choose?

Boom! Bang! Boom!

Amid the booms, the battle outside the city gate escalated again. Not only the young men but also the elders of the various clans joined in.

Face? What face?

Not just the city lord's steward, even Yang Xiong couldn't help but smirk. It had become a big mess.

In his view, these young brats and old bastards weren't there for the auction or to propose; they were there to fight.

A farce that only ended at night.

Looking at the people, whether old or young, none were in a good state. Many limped, and many cursed. If not for someone stopping them, they would have continued fighting.

The show was over, and the spectators dispersed, filing into the city, sighing and shaking their heads, not very satisfied.

Once in the city, everyone became obedient.

Everyone knew the rules; if you fought in the city, you would be invited to have tea with the city lord.

The same old saying: if you want to fight, go outside.

At night, Wang Gu was still bustling, with red lanterns hanging high, each as bright as a flower.

Due to the outsiders, the shops were still open, especially the taverns and teahouses. The Zhao family's armory was also one of them. Many people came to browse after watching the show, and some even picked out a couple of weapons.

"Damn, where is your hand?"

In the armory's back garden, a howl soon echoed, from Niu Hong, who had been out for a few days. How did he lose an arm?

The little money lover also widened her eyes. Everyone has two hands; you missing one is quite unsightly.

"No problem."

Zhao Yun smiled, not explaining much. Wait until the fifth level of True Spirit; it will grow back.

As he spoke, a visitor arrived at the armory.

It was a woman, and upon seeing her, Zhao Yun wanted to run.

Indeed, it was the red-clothed woman named Chi Yan, an acquaintance of the fat old man and Zhuge Xuandao, and a senior in terms of seniority.

She came, and the purple-haired child also came, still holding his waist, still with a bruised face, seemingly not having had a peaceful day since his rejuvenation, getting beaten every few days.

"Tsk tsk tsk..."

Seeing Zhuge Xuandao, their expressions were quite interesting. How did he drop in rank, get hung on a tree, and have a smelly sock in his mouth, which hadn't been washed for a month?

I put it there.

The fat old man didn't speak, but his smug expression said it all.

They understood.

Chi Yan and the purple-haired child looked at each other with deep meaning. Who else but you would have the nerve to do this?

Zhuge Xuandao was finally let down, too busy vomiting to curse.

"This is getting lively."

Zhao Yun coughed. On this trip, he had run into almost all his acquaintances, and they all came to his house, jumping over the walls.

"Master, the Zhao family has been sealed."

Old Sun whispered.

"Sealed? Why?"

"Unknown." Old Sun said, "It's said that it was the family head's order before he went into seclusion. The Zhao family will be sealed during the Wang Gu auction."

Zhao Yun didn't speak, not doubting that it was his father's style. During the Wang Gu auction, it was a time of many troubles. The Zhao family had been too prominent recently, and it was best to avoid trouble.

"Come, come, let's eat."

Lu Mang shouted, carrying a wine jar over.

Tonight's dinner had many people. The guards had one table, and Zhao Yun and his group had another. Only one person was missing: Zhuge Xuandao, who was still vomiting.

"Everyone says the Zhao family's young master is a broken lineage, but now, those people must be blind!"

The purple-haired child smirked, having observed Zhao Yun many times since he sat down. His bones were excellent, and his talent was extraordinary. Except for the missing arm, he was a perfect genius.

"Where did you get this small bag?"

The purple-haired child stroked his chin, having stared at Zhao Yun's spatial bag for a while. When he sold it, it was just a small, shabby bag. How did it change when Zhao Yun got it?

"Here, eat this."

Zhao Yun, being considerate, gave Liu Ruxin some food and then moved the spatial bag. If he wasn't careful, the purple-haired child might snatch it, and that would be a big loss.

"Why are you acting like I'm a thief?"

The purple-haired child pouted, looking at Liu Ruxin. Clearly, this blind girl had a special bloodline. As a fellow special bloodline, he could sense it. This girl, like the little black fat boy, had an unawakened bloodline. The fat boy was black due to his bloodline, and this girl was blind due to hers.

This was strange. Liu Cangkong was indeed talented; both his daughters had special bloodlines.

Zhao Yun had been surprised by this before. The Liu family's bloodline was indeed special. Ironically, until Liu Ruxin was pushed into the bridal sedan, the Liu family didn't know she had a special bloodline. If they had known, they wouldn't have let her marry into the Zhao family. It was also because Liu Ruyue's bloodline hadn't awakened at that time. If it had, they would have noticed.

As for whether Liu Cangkong knew now, that would depend on Liu Ruyue. Not all special bloodlines have such sensing abilities. For example, the Heavenly Spirit Body has a dominant bloodline but lacks this ability, making it less sensitive than Niu Hong and the purple-haired child.

"Have we met before?"

Chi Yan, like the purple-haired child, studied Zhao Yun thoroughly, finding him increasingly familiar.

"First time."

Zhao Yun dryly laughed, not daring to admit it. Otherwise, this woman would likely flip the table.

"Don't provoke him; his background is very strong." The fat old man used a secret technique to transmit this message to Chi Yan and the purple-haired child.

"How strong?"

Both looked at the fat old man.

"In terms of seniority, you two should call him Grandmaster." The fat old man didn't elaborate, thinking this analogy was vivid enough.

"Grand... master?"

Both looked at Zhao Yun again, their expressions changing.

Shocked, very shocked.

Where did this Grandmaster come from?

Zhao Yun felt quite uncomfortable.

Blowing such a big lie, he would have to give red envelopes to the younger generation during holidays!

"Hey, eating?"

The silence was broken by a laugh.

Another visitor arrived.

It was the old man from Wang Gu. The armory's door was closed, so he climbed over the wall, smiling. After all, no one present was an ordinary person. Not to mention Zhuge Xuandao and the fat old man, just Zhao Yun alone had a big reputation.

"Want to sit and have some?"

"No, I'm here to deliver an invitation." The old man from Wang Gu smiled, taking out an invitation and handing it to Zhao Yun. "Tomorrow, the city lord will host a banquet at the Moon Viewing Tower to entertain the guests from the major clans. No elders, only the young generation. Liu Ruyue will represent the city lord. Each family in Wang Gu will send one person to attend, limited to the young generation."

"Thank you, Senior."

Zhao Yun smiled, taking the invitation. It was clear the city lord wanted him to represent the Zhao family.

As for Liu Ruyue, representing the city lord meant representing Wang Gu. She indeed had the qualifications. Normally, this would be done by the young city lord of Wang Gu, but since Yang Xiong never married and had no children, he had to choose someone from the young generation of Wang Gu. Liu Ruyue was a perfect fit, being a Heavenly Spirit Body and a disciple of the Heavenly Sect. Who else would go?

In fact, Yang Xiong had chosen two people: Liu Ruyue and Zhao Yun. Liu Ruyue was a disciple of the Heavenly Sect, and Zhao Yun had a noble identity as a disciple of the royal family. Both had the qualifications to represent Wang Gu.

However, after much consideration, he chose Liu Ruyue. If Zhao Yun were to host, he would become the target of everyone's attention.

After all, many of the young men were there to propose, and given Zhao Yun's relationship with Liu Ruyue, it would be chaotic.

People who stand out too much become targets. Now that the invitation was delivered, whether to attend or not was up to Zhao Yun.