Chapter 49

In the mulberry grove.

Su Yi was calm and composed, his mind clear, as he repeatedly practiced the Songhe Body Strengthening Technique.

Cultivation.

It has always required one to endure hardship and accumulate experience with a calm mind.

Those with great perseverance can persist.

Those with great courage can advance boldly.

These two qualities are universally recognized as essential for cultivation.

Even if someone is a prodigy that astonishes the world, if they do not persistently and diligently cultivate, they will not achieve greatness.

After completing his practice, Su Yi turned and returned.

When he reached the city gate, he saw the vast Dacang River, a hundred feet wide, with thick black chains spanning its surface, extending all the way to the opposite bank.

On top of the chains, thick stone slabs were laid, forming a massive stone bridge a hundred feet wide, connecting both banks of the Dacang River.

This was the "Dragon Gate Bridge."

In the middle of the Dacang River, a huge platform stood, about three zhang high and ten zhang wide, entirely made of black refined iron.

Tonight's Dragon Gate Banquet would take place near this platform.

This platform was also known as the "Dragon Gate Arena," symbolizing the leap of a fish over the dragon gate.

At this moment, many people were walking on the river, bustling and noisy.

There were no shortage of ordinary people who came to watch the spectacle.

In the evening, whether in Guangling City or on the opposite bank of Luoyun City, only those with invitations could step onto the Dragon Gate Bridge.

"Su Yi."

Not far away, a group of people suddenly approached, led by Wen Shaobei.

Wen Shaobei, with his arms crossed, smiled and said, "Where is your friend? Why isn't he with you?"

Su Yi raised an eyebrow, realizing Wen Shaobei was referring to Huang Ganjun.

"Go to hell, who are you cursing?"

Suddenly, a voice of rebuke rang out.

From the other side of the crowd, a figure rushed over, grabbed Wen Shaobei by the collar, and slapped him hard.

Slap!

The sound of the slap echoed, and Wen Shaobei's face swelled visibly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, leaving him dazed.

"Huang... Huang Shao!?"

Wen Shaobei was stunned.

He hadn't seen Huang Ganjun earlier, which is why he dared to mock Su Yi in front of him.

Little did he expect that as soon as he finished speaking, Huang Ganjun would charge over!

The Wen family disciples behind Wen Shaobei were also taken aback, some of them panicking.

Huang Ganjun sneered, "You little punk, you never learn. Since that's the case, I'll break one of your dog legs first!"

He was about to make a move.

"Stop!"

Suddenly, a cold voice rang out. Wen Jueyuan, who had appeared at some point, hurried over, his handsome face cold.

Slap!

But Huang Ganjun still slapped Wen Shaobei, causing him to bleed from his nose and mouth, his face a mess of tears and snot.

"You..."

Cold light flashed in Wen Jueyuan's eyes, clearly enraged.

But then, he stiffened, sensing a cold gaze from afar.

He looked up and saw Huang Yunchong, the clan leader of the Huang family, standing in the crowd, wearing a purple robe and a stern expression, looking at them.

This made Wen Jueyuan calm down immediately.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said coldly, "Huang Ganjun, do you remember what I said that day? If you have the guts, let's have a match at tonight's Dragon Gate Banquet."

Huang Ganjun replied without hesitation, "Why not?"

With that, he threw Wen Shaobei aside, clapped his hands, and said with a grin, "Wen Jueyuan, I've been waiting for this day for a long time!"

His eyes were filled with fierce determination and fighting spirit.

Such a Huang Ganjun made Wen Jueyuan feel somewhat unfamiliar and uneasy, his brows furrowing.

After a moment, he said coldly, "See you tonight, let's go!"

Wen Jueyuan swept his sleeve and left.

Wen Shaobei and the others, their faces full of shame and anger, hurriedly followed.

"What a bunch of scum!"

Huang Ganjun spat, then turned to Su Yi with a smile, "Brother Su, did that guy upset you?"

Su Yi shook his head, "You should think about how to face Wen Jueyuan tonight. I'll go ahead."

He hadn't expected that a small incident would occur just by pausing for a moment.

Soon, Su Yi's figure disappeared into the city gate.

"How about it, will Lord Su attend tonight's banquet?"

Huang Yunchong approached from afar.

He had intended to greet Su Yi, but seeing him walk straight into the city gate, he wisely did not disturb him.

"I asked him a few days ago, and Brother Su doesn't think much of tonight's banquet."

Huang Ganjun shook his head.

Huang Yunchong couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, saying, "I was thinking of arranging a VIP seat for Lord Su."

Then, his expression turned serious, "Son, if you encounter Wen Jueyuan tonight, remember not to be reckless. If you lose, it's not shameful to admit defeat."

Huang Ganjun nodded, "Father, I am not afraid of winning or losing."

Huang Yunchong sighed, "From what I know, Li Moyaun from the Li family will not attend this Dragon Gate Banquet. In this situation, among all of Guangling City, only Wen Jueyuan has a great chance of winning the Dragon Gate Competition."

"Even if you are not his match, don't be discouraged. With the techniques taught by Lord Su, your future achievements are destined to surpass Wen Jueyuan!"

At this, Huang Yunchong's mood improved, a smile on his face.

Huang Ganjun nodded.

Back at the Apricot Yellow Cottage, Su Yi began practicing his sword techniques again.

Despite his past experiences and memories, he did not slack off in his cultivation.

Otherwise, how could he surpass his past sword achievements in this life?

As dusk fell, Su Yi finally left the courtyard.

"Sir, are you planning to attend the Dragon Gate Banquet?"

The steward, Hu Quan, asked with a smile.

"Yes."

Su Yi nodded.

"Perfect, we can go together. I've already rented a boat and will prepare some wine and snacks. Tonight, we can enjoy the river, the fishing lights, and the Dragon Gate Competition. It will be wonderful."

Hu Quan said with a chuckle.

Su Yi was taken aback, "Rent a boat?"

Hu Quan explained, "Without an invitation, you can't step onto the Dragon Gate Bridge tonight. To watch the competition, you have to be on a boat on the river, watching from a distance."

Su Yi took out a gilded invitation from his sleeve, "Is this the kind of invitation?"

Hu Quan's eyes lit up, his expression filled with surprise, "Sir, this is a VIP invitation, the most prestigious kind. It allows you to sit in the VIP section, right next to the city lord!"

Su Yi said, "Can I bring someone with this invitation?"

"Of course," Hu Quan replied without hesitation.

"Then come with me."

With that, Su Yi walked straight out.

Hu Quan was taken aback for a moment, then quickly followed, his heart filled with excitement. He hadn't expected to have the chance to go to the Dragon Gate Bridge tonight!

On the second floor of a tavern not far from the Apricot Yellow Clinic.

A fierce and brave man whispered, "Young Master, Su Yi has left the Apricot Yellow Clinic. It seems he plans to attend the Dragon Gate Banquet."

"He, a waste of a cultivator, still has the nerve to join in the festivities."

Li Moyaun's brows furrowed slightly.

These days, even many people in the Li family thought he had already set off for Yunhe County and did not plan to attend the Dragon Gate Banquet.

In reality, he had stayed in the city, secretly preparing to eliminate Su Yi.

For Li Moyaun, killing Su Yi was as easy as turning over his hand, not worth much attention.

What truly concerned him was how to kill Su Yi without leaving any traces.

Tonight, most of the important figures in the city would attend the Dragon Gate Banquet outside the city, making it an excellent opportunity to kill Su Yi without anyone knowing.

"Then we'll wait for him to return."

Li Moyaun's eyes were cold, "Send people to infiltrate the back of the Apricot Yellow Clinic and wait for my orders."

"Yes!"

The subordinate hurried off.

"Lingzhao, once I deal with this waste of a cultivator, I'll go to the Tianyuan Academy to find you. Then, you won't have to worry about this unfortunate marriage anymore..."

Li Moyaun took a sip of wine, muttering to himself.

...

Outside the city.

As dusk deepened, the night sky gradually darkened.

On the vast Dacang River, boats were densely packed, surrounding the Dragon Gate Bridge.

Each boat was lit with lanterns, filled with people.

From a distance, it looked like a thousand boats were floating, countless lanterns scattered on the river, like the Milky Way falling to earth, a stunning sight.

The evening breeze blew, and the lanterns swayed, their reflections on the river creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow, the flames twinkling like stars, making the night sky even more splendid.

This scene made Su Yi, who had just stepped out of the city gate, pause in admiration, "Even the beauty of the heavens cannot match the烟火气 of this world, truly a sight to behold."

Hu Quan was already in awe, "In the past, I've seen this scene several times, but every time, I am still amazed. This is the Dragon Gate Banquet, the most anticipated event of the year in Guangling City!"

Indeed, it was very lively.

Almost all the city's residents had come out with their families, crowding the riverbank, bustling and noisy.

They were watching the lanterns and the scenery.

After all, they were too far away to see the Dragon Gate Competition.

The wealthy and powerful had already hired boats to watch from the river, drinking and enjoying the scene, a delightful experience.

At the entrance of the Dragon Gate Bridge, a group of elite and fierce guards from the city lord's residence stood watch.

Only those with invitations could step onto the Dragon Gate Bridge and enter the main venue of the banquet.

When Su Yi arrived, he was about to take out his invitation, but a guard had already approached, smiling warmly, "Lord Su, the city lord has already instructed that you are a top guest today. Please come in!"

Hu Quan was taken aback, wondering when his son-in-law had gained such a high status, earning the respect of the city lord.

Even for the banquet, he didn't need an invitation!

"Thank you."

Su Yi nodded, not surprised.

At this moment, a surprised voice rang out:

"Brother Su, are you also planning to attend the banquet?"

Su Yi turned his head.

He saw Nan Ying standing not far away, her delicate face filled with surprise, clearly not expecting to see Su Yi here.

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