Mo Li

Amidst the fierce battle, the two swords clashed from time to time, sending dazzling sparks flying. Yet, the three people sitting in the pavilion strangely heard no sound of metal colliding. Ye Li leaned against a pillar of the pavilion, her eyes lightly closed as she carefully sensed the flow of inner force in the air. Gradually, she detected the subtle yet incomparable vibrations of energy—tremors caused by the collision of the two men's inner energies as they fought.

The duel lasted a full two hours. However, none of the three spectators showed the slightest impatience, even though none of them could clearly discern a single move. Suddenly, Ye Li felt a sharp surge of energy in the air, rushing straight toward her mind. She quickly opened her eyes just in time to see a blue and a white figure retreating in opposite directions.

"Big Brother!" Leng Liuyue exclaimed softly, darting forward to steady the swaying Ling Tiehan. Ling Tiehan gently pushed her hand away, signaling that he was fine, before turning to Mo Xiuyao with a smile. "Prince Ding is truly a prodigy of heaven. I am impressed."

Though Mo Xiuyao still stood tall and straight, his complexion was no better than Ling Tiehan's. Yet, both men's eyes shone with exhilaration. Mo Xiuyao laughed and said, "Ling Gezhu's mastery is profound. I, too, have learned much from today's battle. My thanks to you."

Ling Tiehan let out a hearty laugh. "Let’s skip the formalities. It was worth the trip just to cross swords with Prince Ding. I shall take my leave now and not disturb you and Wang Fei any further."

"Take care, Ling Gezhu," Ye Li said softly as she stepped out of the pavilion. She walked over to Mo Xiuyao and examined him. His energy was severely depleted, and he had sustained some minor internal injuries—relatively light for a duel between evenly matched masters. She sighed in quiet relief.

After watching Ling Tiehan and his companions descend the mountain, Ye Li helped Mo Xiuyao back into the pavilion to sit down. "How badly are you hurt? Can you make it down the mountain now?"

Mo Xiuyao gave a helpless, bitter smile. "I’ve neglected my training these past few years. It seems I’m injured a bit more seriously than Ling Gezhu."

In terms of diligence, Mo Xiuyao indeed fell short of Ling Tiehan. Between overseeing the military, governance, and livelihood of the Northwest, his duties as Prince Ding left him little time to devote to martial cultivation. In contrast, Ling Tiehan spent at least half of each year in secluded training. If Ling Tiehan’s achievements were three parts talent and seven parts hard work, Mo Xiuyao’s were the opposite—seven parts talent and three parts effort. Yet, it was now clear that consistent training laid a more solid foundation. Mo Xiuyao had to admit that, even if he wouldn’t lose to Ling Tiehan, he was still slightly inferior.

"You’re not even on the same path. Or does Wang Ye also aspire to become the number one martial artist in the world?" Ye Li had no intention of comforting him and spoke plainly. No matter how strong Mo Xiuyao’s martial skills were, his focus had to remain on the Mo Family Army and the welfare of the Northwest. Even if he became the strongest fighter in the world, he couldn’t single-handedly conquer the realm. Striving to improve one’s strength was not wrong, but neglecting the bigger picture for the sake of individual prowess was putting the cart before the horse.Mo Xiuyao hadn't really been dwelling on that matter to begin with. Speaking about it in front of Ye Li was more about seeking comfort. Hearing her response, he naturally didn't mind and smiled, "This place is nice. Going back to the city would just invite interruptions. I want to rest here for a while. Will you wait for me, A Li?" Ye Li nodded in agreement, and Mo Xiuyao said no more, sitting in the pavilion with his eyes closed as he circulated his inner energy to heal himself.

Mo Xiuyao remained seated like this for an entire half-day and night. Perhaps because of that Miss Murong, no one came up the mountain to visit that day.

Ye Li didn't disturb Mo Xiuyao either. In the evening, she casually picked a few still-unripe wild fruits from a spot not far from the pavilion to eat. Early the next morning, as the rising sun emerged from the sea of clouds in the east, Mo Xiuyao finally opened his eyes.

A sharp glint flashed in his newly opened eyes, and the coldness that had been apparent before seemed to carry a hint of warmth now. Turning his head, Mo Xiuyao saw the woman sleeping against one of the pavilion's pillars, and infinite tenderness welled up in his gaze. The moment he stood up, Ye Li opened her eyes. "All better?"

"You've worked hard, A Li. Sleep a little longer?" Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace and whispered. Ye Li shook her head, leaning against him for a moment before saying, "Let's go down the mountain instead. I'm a little hungry, and you must be too after not eating all day." Missing a night or two of sleep meant little to them, especially since she had slept half the night leaning against the pillar. However, Ye Li generally disliked going hungry unless absolutely necessary. Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly and held her closer. "Alright, let's go down then."

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li's absence overnight didn't affect anyone. Ren Qining had noticed, but with his own busy schedule, he naturally had no time to inquire about the whereabouts of these two people whose identities he hadn't even uncovered yet. Thus, when Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li strolled back into the capital at dawn after the city gates opened and returned to their inn, no one paid them any attention. The two sat in the inn's main hall, ordering breakfast while listening to the other diners discuss the events at Zhaoning Temple the previous day.

Miss Murong's grand procession at the temple had naturally drawn countless eyes. It was said that a sudden breeze at the temple gates had blown off her veil, revealing a face of unparalleled beauty and grace that left many martial heroes utterly enchanted. The sacred Buddhist site had inexplicably taken on a more romantic air.

Amused, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Is Miss Murong truly so breathtakingly beautiful?" She had seen the woman before—though veiled, she had caught a glimpse of her eyes. Yet Ye Li felt those eyes couldn't compare to Su Zuidie, Consort Liu, or even Yao Ji. Based on those eyes alone, she doubted Miss Murong could truly be called a peerless beauty.Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Just so-so." Ye Li tilted her head to look at him and smiled, "Wang Ye has high standards." Mo Xiuyao had seen almost all the famously beautiful women in the world, so it was no surprise he didn’t take a fancy to someone like Miss Murong. Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with a faint smile and said softly, "Of course, this prince has high standards. Otherwise, how could I have such a wonderful wife like A Li?" Ye Li pursed her lips. Had he really chosen her? But over the years, she had come to understand that if Mo Xiuyao had truly not wanted to marry her back then, he would have had plenty of ways to stop the marriage. "Then I should thank Wang Ye for your high regard?"

"Wife, no need to be polite. This husband should also thank you for not finding me unworthy." Neither of them was an easy person to deal with. If they had been determined to avoid that marriage, not even Mo Jingqi’s decree could have forced them—let alone some heavenly mandate.

"What is the Murong family up to?" Ye Li frowned and asked in a low voice. It was absurd that her veil had coincidentally been blown off by the wind right at the temple gate. Anyone who had worn a veil knew just how strong the wind would have to be to dislodge it.

Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly. "Choosing a son-in-law... Not everyone in the world is after wealth. If too few people showed up, the Murong family would lose face. And the noble sons vying for her hand would also feel humiliated." Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Mo Xiuyao, now free of responsibilities, wasn’t inclined to dwell on such matters. She shrugged—she wasn’t keen on thinking about it either. After all, her elder brother was handling things. "Fine, let’s just enjoy the show. Overthinking it won’t help." Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. "Wife, you’ve finally understood this husband’s intentions."

Soon, the long-awaited Martial Arts Tournament arrived. The event was held in the vast open space outside the Murong family estate, large enough to be turned into a grand plaza.

On the day of the tournament, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li arrived neither too early nor too late. By the time they reached the Murong estate, the venue was already packed with a bustling crowd. Among the attendees were not only martial arts masters and noble scions but also curious commoners from the city who had come to join the excitement.

To Ye Li’s surprise, even Zhennan Wang and Mo Jingqi had come in person. Zhennan Wang was understandable—he was from Western Liang and one of the top four martial artists, so his presence at the tournament was justified. But Mo Jingqi? Even as emperor, let alone as a prince, he had never left Chu Jing. Could the Murong family’s allure really be more important to him than his own life?

"Xiu Yao?" At the sight of Mo Jingqi, Ye Li’s first reaction was to turn and look at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and gave her a faint smile. "No need to worry. I won’t act against him now."

If Mo Xiuyao had suddenly encountered Mo Jingqi six years ago, he might have been impulsive enough to kill him on the spot. But now, though the deep-seated hatred remained, that kind of rashness had gradually faded. He wouldn’t let Mo Jingqi die so easily—he wanted him to suffer, unable to live or die!Seeing that Mo Xiuyao remained calm, Ye Li felt reassured and continued her observations. She then noticed that all the attendants around Mo Jingqi were first-rate experts without exception. Though they couldn’t compare to Mo Xiuyao and his peers, any one of them would undoubtedly be a renowned figure in the martial world. This made Ye Li suspect that Mo Jingqi had mobilized all the elite experts the Chu imperial family could muster. Although both Mo Jingqi and his brother were equally irritating, at least Mo Jingli’s courage was somewhat more commendable than his elder brother, the emperor.

The frontmost area was furnished with numerous tables and chairs, adorned with fresh seasonal fruits specially procured from the southern regions of Chu. These seats were naturally reserved for individuals of status and renown. As Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were merely an unknown young couple at the moment, they had no claim to such privileged seating.

The two stood beneath a large tree not far from the viewing platform, where they could lean against the trunk to rest or even climb up into the branches if they grew tired. Ahead of them, Zhennan Wang, who had arrived earlier, was engaged in a battle of wits with Mo Jingqi and his brother, accompanied by Lei Tengfeng. Ye Li remarked curiously, “Lei Tengfeng seems to have already married the heir’s consort. Could it be that Zhennan Wang also has an interest in Miss Murong?”

Mo Xiuyao lazily leaned against the tree trunk, his arm around her waist, and replied, “What’s so strange about that? Zhennan Wang’s Wang Fei passed away many years ago. However, the Murong family might not necessarily take a liking to Zhennan Wang’s household.” It wasn’t that Zhennan Wang’s household lacked influence—quite the opposite. The issue was that both Zhennan Wang and the Murong family were based in Western Liang. If Miss Murong were to marry anyone from Zhennan Wang’s household, the Murong family could effectively cease to exist as an independent entity.

Ye Li understood but frowned in confusion. “If I were from the Murong family, I’d keep a low profile and seek a capable and reliable ally to support the family. With Murong Xiong overseeing things, few would dare to cause trouble. But now, isn’t this like inviting wolves into the house? Or has Murong Xiong already gained the strength to defy the martial world’s elite?”

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. “As my wife once said… some people just love to flaunt their presence.”

Most of the important figures had already taken their seats, making the conspicuously empty spots stand out even more. Zhennan Wang glanced at the vacant seats opposite him and remarked with a raised brow, “Prince Ding hasn’t come to join this grand event at the Martial Arts Tournament this year?”

Lei Tengfeng smiled. “Prince Ding and Princess Ding returned to the northwest before Princess Anxi’s wedding. They must have been too occupied with urgent matters to attend.”

No matter how shrewd the attendees were, none would imagine that someone could be so audacious as to skip a monarch’s coronation just to accompany their wife on a leisurely trip. Thus, everyone firmly believed that Prince Ding and Princess Ding had rushed back to the northwest for some critical reason.

“Not being able to face Prince Ding in battle again is truly a lifelong regret for this prince,” Zhennan Wang said with a hint of disappointment, though his mind was already calculating the recent movements in the northwest. He had indeed received news of Prince Ding and Princess Ding’s return, and the Mo Family Army in the northwest showed signs of mobilization—though not in a way that suggested imminent military action. For the moment, Zhennan Wang couldn’t decipher Mo Xiuyao’s intentions, but to be safe, he secretly deployed an additional 200,000 troops to reinforce the border defenses adjacent to the northwest."Prince Ding's absence is indeed a great pity. However, since Emperor Chu has graced Western Liang with his presence, as the host, I should properly welcome Your Majesty." Zhennan Wang smiled at Mo Jingqi. Mo Jingqi returned the smile, "Wang Ye is too kind. I merely came to join the excitement. Please don't laugh at me."

Zhennan Wang smiled without speaking—indeed, it was laughable. Even with his three thousand Gold-Clad Guards, Zhennan Wang had never surrounded himself with first-class experts from personal guards down to lowly servants like Mo Jingqi had. This was fear of death taken to another level. Did Mo Jingqi really think so many top-tier experts came free? Or that they'd willingly serve as lowly maids without complaint? Recalling how Mo Jingqi had secretly sighed in relief upon hearing Mo Xiuyao wouldn't attend, Zhennan Wang suddenly understood. Having thoroughly offended someone like Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingqi truly needed more powerful bodyguards.

"King of Hell Pavilion's Ling Gezhu has arrived!" A loud announcement echoed through the venue—clearly, the Murong family had employed skilled heralds. The crowd turned to see Ling Tiehan dressed in his usual simple blue robes, followed by Leng Liuyue and Sick Scholar, striding forward with tiger-like vigor. Compared to the many present in lavish silks and finery, Ling Tiehan's unpretentious appearance instead commanded greater authority. Many young martial artists couldn't help but show admiration upon seeing him.

Zhennan Wang's eye twitched as he observed Ling Tiehan's approach—the man's martial prowess had clearly advanced since their last meeting. Whereas during their previous encounter in Li Cheng he'd been confident of at least matching Ling Tiehan, perhaps even gaining slight advantage, now he had no such certainty.

"Ling Gezhu." Despite Ling Tiehan's imposing aura, his notorious identity as leader of assassins meant few greeted him. Ling Tiehan nodded to those who did, then scanned the seating arrangements, disappointment flashing in his eyes.

Zhennan Wang smiled faintly, "Is Ling Gezhu looking for Prince Ding? Unfortunately, he seems occupied this year and didn't attend the Martial Arts Tournament." Ling Tiehan lowered his gaze, not mentioning he'd seen Mo Xiuyao just days before, replying calmly, "Since Prince Ding isn't here, I'll have to trouble Zhennan Wang for guidance later." With Prince Ding absent, you'll have to suffice as a sparring partner. Having recently broken through a bottleneck, Ling Tiehan urgently needed a worthy opponent—the only reason he'd bothered attending this so-called tournament.

Zhennan Wang choked back his words. While present, he'd never intended to participate in combat. With advancing age, his focus had long shifted from martial cultivation. What joy could supreme martial skill bring compared to wielding true worldly power?"The Murong Family Head arrives! Miss Murong arrives!" The announcement echoed through the venue once more, causing Zhennan Wang and others present to darken their expressions in displeasure. As dominant figures accustomed to flaunting their authority, they particularly despised seeing others display even greater ostentation. While they might tolerate such behavior from equals, mere merchants should know their place—none looked more displeased than Zhennan Wang and Lei Tengfeng. After all, the Murong family resided within Western Liang's borders and were technically its subjects.

Soon, the gray-haired Murong Family Head, appearing over sixty, emerged from the Murong estate gates with Miss Murong, who wore a pale purple brocade gown embroidered with hibiscus branches. The crowd naturally parted to make way, creating an almost ceremonial passage for their approach.

Observers quickly noticed another elderly man walking beside the Murong Family Head, similar in age but dressed plainly with unremarkable features. While ordinary attendees might overlook him, Ling Tiehan and Zhennan Wang immediately exchanged glances—this unassuming elder radiated an aura tenfold stronger than the Murong patriarch's. His inconspicuous appearance belied his status as he walked shoulder-to-shoulder with the family head, who actually displayed subtle deference toward him. The two leaders instantly deduced the elder's true identity.

Stepping forward, the Murong Family Head surveyed the assembly, pausing briefly at the empty seat reserved for Prince Ding before smiling graciously. "As current head of the Murong family, I thank you all for honoring our Martial Arts Tournament with your presence. To ensure fairness, we've specially invited Murong Xiong—the undisputed top martial artist from fifty years ago—to serve as judge."

The announcement sent waves of astonishment through the crowd. All eyes turned to the plainly-robed elder who had unceremoniously taken the foremost seat upon arrival. Speculation about his identity now gave way to fervent murmurs.

Clearly pleased by the reaction, the Murong Family Head nodded. "Having secluded himself for over a decade, Elder Murong's martial prowess stands unparalleled in our era. No one could be more qualified to judge."

Ling Tiehan responded with a cold laugh. "Since when does a Martial Arts Tournament require judges?" Traditionally, such tournaments continued until one combatant acknowledged defeat, rendering judges unnecessary. The Murong Family Head's smile stiffened as he glanced at Ling Tiehan. "As hosts, the Murong family prefers to avoid bloodshed. Participants shall stop at first contact."

With a dismissive snort, Ling Tiehan leaned back without another word, pointedly ignoring Miss Murong standing behind her father. This blatant disrespect visibly embarrassed the Murong Family Head, who looked toward the meditating Murong Xiong as if seeking support. Before he could speak, another announcement boomed from outside: "Qingchen Gongzi of Li Cheng arrives!"

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Ahem...yesterday's update didn't happen...definitely unexpected. My trusty laptop that served me faithfully for three years suddenly died last night. Technologically challenged me was helpless...