Mo Li

"Qingchen Gongzi of Li Cheng has arrived!"

This simple announcement caused many faces to change color. The first to pale was Mo Jingqi. Although everyone knew the rift between the Northwest and Great Chu had long become an irreversible certainty, Mo Jingqi stubbornly refused to admit that his own failures had driven Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army to break with Great Chu. Instead, he insisted that Mo Xiuyao was an ambitious rebel who had defied his sovereign.

Thus, while public opinion was beyond control, court officials had no choice but to follow the emperor's preference and label Prince Ding a traitor—though their spines chilled every time they uttered the words. After all, they ate the emperor's rice.

Now, Xu Qingchen openly flaunted the title of Li Cheng, delivering a resounding slap to Mo Jingqi's face. More importantly, it wasn’t just Prince Ding's Estate and the Mo Family Army he had driven away—the Xu Family had also been forced out. By appearing here under Mo Xiuyao’s banner, Qingchen Gongzi was telling the world: What you, Mo Jingqi, dared not use, Mo Xiuyao dares. The Xu Family, suppressed in Great Chu, now wields great power in the Northwest. The comparison spoke for itself. It was no wonder Mo Jingqi’s expression darkened.

Next were Mo Jingli and Lei Tengfeng, along with other young talents whose true intentions lay elsewhere. After all, in Miss Murong’s selection of a husband, a man’s appearance and talent would naturally play a role. Among those present, few could rival Qingchen Gongzi in looks or intellect. Many could only console themselves with the fact that the young master lacked martial prowess—otherwise, the Murong family might have simply chosen him outright without further deliberation.

As for the other two key figures present, Ling Tiehan bore no conflicting interests with Xu Qingchen and even shared some camaraderie with him, so he nodded in greeting. Zhennan Wang, though aware of Qingchen Gongzi’s fame, had never crossed paths with him and belonged to a different generation. Among the younger generation, only Mo Xiuyao was worthy of Zhennan Wang’s regard as a rival, so he paid little attention to Xu Qingchen.

Xu Qingchen had cultivated an unshakable composure since his youth—how could such a minor scene unsettle him? Dressed in pristine white, Qingchen Gongzi strolled forward, his lips curved in a faint, spring-like smile reminiscent of pear blossoms on water. The sight drew sharp breaths and flushed cheeks from countless female martial artists in attendance. Even Miss Murong, standing beside her family’s patriarch, was momentarily stunned. Proud as she was, and despite having met many talented heroes these past days, she had never encountered such celestial grace before. The warnings from her grandfather and granduncles fled her mind—her heart pounded wildly.

"Esteemed guests, my apologies for the late arrival," Xu Qingchen clasped his hands and smiled.Zhennan Wang laughed heartily and said, "Qingchen Gongzi is too modest. Please, have a seat. I wonder if Prince Ding and Wang Fei might be joining us?" Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Zhennan Wang. The prince and princess are preoccupied with worldly affairs and cannot spare the time. Thus, they sent an idle person like myself to join the gathering. I hope you all won't mind."

The guests exchanged polite words, though everyone present—being dignitaries from various nations—knew full well that this ethereal-looking man was far from idle. Although the civil officials under Mo Xiuyao’s command still lacked formal titles, it was widely understood that Qingchen Gongzi wielded authority in the northwest no less than a prime minister of any kingdom.

"Hmph!" Amid the guests' polite exchanges, the host—the head of the Murong Family—wore a visibly displeased expression. The Murong and Xu Families were among the oldest aristocratic lineages in history. Yet, despite the Murong Family's immense wealth, they had long harbored resentment toward the Xu Family.

The reason was simple. The Xu Family had built their legacy on scholarship, producing generations of great scholars and ministers whose reputations resonated across nations, earning universal respect. The Murong Family, however, as merchants, had never been able to enter the imperial court. Their wealth rivaling nations only made them endure both overt and covert suppression from the royal family. Few doubted that the Xiling Emperor had played a role in the Murong Family's dwindling numbers.

Though both families faced royal suspicion and suppression, the Xu Family, even if they were to decline one day, would still be remembered for centuries. After all, erasing the Xu clan's contributions to two imperial dynasties would require rewriting history itself.

But the Murong Family? Once they perished, who would remember them? Worse still, the Xu Family had now gained a formidable son-in-law and a capable nephew. Once Prince Ding consolidated his power, the Xu Family would undoubtedly rise again, surpassing even their former glory. Meanwhile, the Murong Family had nothing left but money—how could one not sigh at the contrast?

That soft "hmph" sent a ripple of unease through the room. Xu Qingchen's expression shifted slightly. Though he didn’t feel it deeply himself, the reactions of Zhennan Wang and Ling Tiehan beside him told him this was no ordinary sound. Turning toward Murong Xiong seated at the head of the table, Xu Qingchen cupped his hands and said, "Senior Murong, this junior has been discourteous. I beg your forgiveness."

Murong Xiong's sound had been infused with a unique inner energy, effective only against those who also possessed it—the deeper one's cultivation, the stronger the impact. Unfortunately, he had been away from the martial world for too long and never considered that Xu Qingchen might lack martial skills. Moreover, Xu Qingchen carried himself with such grace and composure, standing his ground effortlessly alongside masters like Zhennan Wang and Ling Tiehan. Murong Xiong grew even more convinced that Xu Qingchen was using some special technique to conceal his martial prowess—such methods did exist in the martial world. Seeing Xu Qingchen remain unshaken and composed, Murong Xiong's expression darkened further."Why hasn't Prince Ding come?" Murong Xiong asked gruffly, his tone carrying an overbearing edge that immediately displeased many present. Figures like Zhennan Wang were those who wished they could grow seven cunning hearts, thinking ten or a hundred times more than ordinary people. Although most of them didn't get along with Mo Xiuyao, no one failed to acknowledge his capabilities and status. This old man's tone was full of arrogance, not only disregarding Mo Xiuyao but also showing no respect for them. Zhennan Wang's expression remained unchanged, but his gaze swept coldly over Ling Tiehan, Mo Jingli, and others. Did this old man think that after decades of absence, the whole world should now obey him upon his emergence? Foolish!

Xu Qingchen wasn't angry; his smile didn't diminish in the slightest. Calmly, he replied, "Prince Ding and Wang Fei are occupied with official duties and have no time to attend this year's Martial Arts Tournament. I have already apologized on their behalf to Zhennan Wang and Ling Gezhu, neither of whom took offense." Given Mo Xiuyao's martial prowess and status, the only ones who could challenge him were Zhennan Wang and Ling Tiehan.

If it were just the Martial Arts Tournament, as long as these two didn't mind, no one else had the right to comment. Besides, participation was voluntary—if Prince Ding didn't wish to come, who could force him?

But Murong Xiong was unsatisfied with this answer. He demanded sternly, "I sent an invitation to Prince Ding. Why hasn't he come?"

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping past Miss Murong standing beside the Murong family head. Instead of answering immediately, he turned and walked to an empty seat beside Ling Tiehan, sitting down. Only when Murong Xiong was nearly bursting with anger did he leisurely say, "Our Wang Ye has stated he has no interest in matters unrelated to the Martial Arts Tournament itself."

The hall fell silent. What did "matters unrelated to the tournament itself" mean? Almost everyone's eyes turned to Miss Murong. She had been gazing longingly at Qingchen Gongzi, but now she was flushed with shame and fury, wishing she could vanish into the ground.

"You insolent brat!" Murong Xiong roared, slamming a palm strike toward Xu Qingchen's seat. A suffocating surge of energy pressed down on him like a tidal wave.

"Qingchen Gongzi!" The two guards beside Xu Qingchen exclaimed in alarm, stepping forward to shield him. Ling Tiehan, seated beside him, simultaneously placed a hand on Xu Qingchen's shoulder. The two guards staggered but quickly steadied themselves. The one in front had a trickle of blood at the corner of his lips, yet he wiped it away as if unfazed, supported by his companion as they retreated behind Xu Qingchen. Ling Tiehan withdrew his hand discreetly but kept a vigilant eye on Murong Xiong, his sharp gaze revealing a hint of eagerness.

Xu Qingchen remained perfectly composed behind the table, not a single hair out of place, as if the deadly strike had never happened. Sipping his tea, Qingchen Gongzi gracefully said, "Thank you for your mercy, Elder Murong."Murong Xiong snorted lightly and sat back in his seat, no longer speaking, but his gaze at Xu Qingchen was filled with gloom and scrutiny. Of course, Murong Xiong couldn’t kill Xu Qingchen. Perhaps killing Xu Qingchen would be easy—he might even think that with his martial prowess, killing Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t be difficult either. But as long as he hadn’t gone mad, he would never do such a thing. He could kill Xu Qingchen and Mo Xiuyao, but he couldn’t slaughter the hundreds of thousands of the Mo Family Army. In the end, the likely outcome would be the Mo Family Army razing the Murong family to the ground. The so-called bargaining chips were only valuable when held in hand and unused. Once deployed, it would be a fight to the death.

Murong Xiong had been publicly humiliated by Xu Qingchen, and the Murong family head naturally didn’t look pleased either. The grand speech he had prepared was shelved, and he announced the start of the Martial Arts Tournament with a detached expression.

In truth, according to tradition, the first day of the Martial Arts Tournament held little excitement. The first day mostly featured fights between rising stars of the martial world. The real spectacle would come on the second and third days. Of course, sometimes the contests on the third day could end quickly, while other times they might extend to the fourth or fifth day, depending on the strength of the remaining experts. As the matches on the stage began, the crowd of onlookers grew fervent with excitement, but those seated below the stage were already somewhat distracted.

Under a nearby tree, Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao, frowning as she watched the people on the stage. Mo Xiuyao patted her gently and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Eldest Brother is fine.”

Xu Qingchen had clearly calculated long ago that Murong Xiong wouldn’t dare kill him. By choosing to sit beside Ling Tiehan, as long as Murong Xiong didn’t go all out, Ling Tiehan could block any attack for him. Regardless of whether Xu Qingchen was injured or not, Murong Xiong would be branded as someone who attacked a defenseless person. Ye Li nodded and asked, “How is Murong Xiong’s martial prowess?”

Mo Xiuyao frowned. “Far above mine and Ling Tiehan’s.” This conclusion wasn’t surprising. Murong Xiong was much older than them, and even if he had only average talent, his age alone would make him formidable, let alone the fact that he was a martial arts prodigy.

“What did Murong Xiong mean by his earlier words?” Ye Li asked with a furrowed brow.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled darkly. “What could he mean? He’s upset that I didn’t attend, thinking Prince Ding’s Estate didn’t give him face. Some people, as they grow older, love to flaunt their seniority and expect the whole world to cater to their whims, without considering whether they have the capability.”

Ye Li tilted her head to glance at the people on the stage and smiled faintly. “I think… Miss Murong might have a different opinion from Murong Xiong and the Murong family head. But… that Miss Murong won’t be able to enter the Xu Family’s doors.” Ever since Xu Qingchen appeared, Miss Murong’s eyes hadn’t left him. If not for her veil providing some concealment and the matches on the stage diverting the crowd’s attention, many would have noticed her infatuation.

Mo Xiuyao steadied Ye Li and asked in a low voice, “A Li doesn’t like her?” Ye Li smiled lightly. “It’s not about liking or disliking. Eldest Brother and the Xu Family wouldn’t like her either.”

Mo Xiuyao wasn’t particularly interested in who Xu Qingchen liked or disliked. Straightening up, he said, “It seems there’s nothing worth watching today. Let’s head back to the city first. Perhaps there’ll be something interesting to see in the next couple of days.”The two quietly withdrew without drawing much attention, but upon returning to Ancheng, the manager of Qingyuan Inn was quite surprised. After all, with such excitement happening outside the city, it was odd for these two to return so early. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and simply said his beloved wife wasn’t feeling well, so they had come back ahead of time. The manager immediately nodded understandingly and respectfully escorted them upstairs. No matter how handsome this young master was, he was already married—naturally, he had no connection with Miss Murong. So, whether he watched the Martial Arts Contest or not wasn’t that important, was it?

Neither Mo Xiuyao nor Ye Li personally attended the contest on the first or second day. As a master of Mo Xiuyao’s caliber, he naturally looked down on the so-called "skilled fighters" on the stage, dismissing their performances as mere child’s play. However, they heard that over those two days, several young talents had emerged and secured spots in the top ten, among them Ren Qining, whom they had coincidentally encountered several times. Meanwhile, the Murong family head announced at the end of the second day’s contest that he would select a husband for his granddaughter from among the top ten finalists. This declaration stirred up no small amount of gossip and speculation. At the same time, a letter from Xu Qingchen was delivered to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s room.

"Big Brother, do you have any plans?" In Xu Qingchen’s lodgings, Ye Li sat by the table sipping tea while Mo Xiuyao leaned leisurely against the window, admiring the distant scenery. Xu Qingchen sat composedly to the side, glancing at Ye Li before turning to Mo Xiuyao. "Wang Ye, what are your thoughts?" Mo Xiuyao turned his head lazily and replied, "Didn’t we leave this matter to Brother Qingchen to handle? Surely such a trivial matter isn’t beyond your capabilities, Brother Qingchen?"

Xu Qingchen neither agreed nor disagreed, speaking calmly instead. "Murong Xiong’s idea is indeed far-fetched, but there will undoubtedly be many who are interested. After all… the Murong family’s wealth rivaling a nation’s treasury is no exaggeration. Before today, Mo Jingqi had already sent someone to make contact with the Murong family head."

Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly. "Mo Jingqi is becoming less and less discerning, picking up anything, fragrant or foul." Xu Qingchen smiled helplessly. "Wang Ye, there’s no need to be so harsh. Regardless of Miss Murong’s qualities, the Murong family’s wealth alone is enough to make anyone take the gamble."

From the perspective of a loyal subject, Xu Qingchen would have advised Mo Xiuyao to marry a Murong girl—after all, gaining such an immense fortune by simply taking a wife was an opportunity not to be missed. But Mo Xiuyao was not only the man he served but also his brother-in-law. For Li'er’s sake, no one from the Murong family would ever set foot in Prince Ding’s Estate. However, what Prince Ding’s Estate didn’t want, no one else could have either! A cold glint flashed through Xu Qingchen’s gentle eyes.

"Big Brother?" Ye Li looked at him with concern. Xiu Yao had willfully dumped all responsibilities onto her elder brother. Though Xu Qingchen was exceptionally brilliant, the people he was dealing with now were martial artists—sometimes, those in the martial world acted with their fists before their brains, making the situation potentially dangerous.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "It’s fine, Li'er. Don’t worry—Big Brother will handle everything properly." No one would be allowed to threaten Li'er’s position or happiness. Not even the greatest martial artist from fifty years ago.

"Wang Ye, if we were to deal with Murong Xiong, are you confident?" Xu Qingchen asked.Mo Xiuyao frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "At most, there's only a thirty percent chance of success. Murong Xiong's inner energy far surpasses mine. If we can't end the battle quickly, I’ll likely lose in the end." Ordinary martial artists rely on techniques, inner energy, and stamina in fights. But for masters at their level, stamina is practically irrelevant. As long as Murong Xiong isn’t on the verge of death from old age, they wouldn’t even have the chance to exhaust him, because his inner energy alone would be enough to suppress them completely. Thus, his advanced age could hardly be considered a weakness anymore.

Xu Qingchen tapped the table absentmindedly before finally asking, "If one Wang Ye isn’t enough, what about two or three?"

"You mean..." Mo Xiuyao stood up, staring at Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen lowered his gaze and replied calmly, "The Murong family harbors great ambitions, and Murong Xiong is only growing more ruthless with age. That temperament... he’ll be a menace sooner or later." His tone was mild, yet laced with a faint killing intent. Mo Xiuyao studied him for a moment before saying, "Three won’t be necessary. This prince, along with either Ling Tiehan or Lei Zhenting, would be more than enough to deal with Murong Xiong."

"That would be ideal." Xu Qingchen nodded in satisfaction. "Then... perhaps Wang Ye need not even step forward." If Mo Xiuyao paired with Ling Tiehan or Lei Zhenting could handle Murong Xiong, then the same could be achieved without Mo Xiuyao.

"Elder Brother, Murong Xiong’s martial arts are too formidable, and the Murong family surely isn’t defenseless. You must be extremely careful," Ye Li said softly.

Xu Qingchen nodded, his smile gentle and warm, though a sharp edge lingered between his brows. "Li'er, don’t worry."

"Reporting to Qingchen Gongzi, Miss Murong requests an audience," a guard announced respectfully from outside the door.

Xu Qingchen composed his expression and replied indifferently, "Invite Miss Murong in."

Off-topic note:

Recommending a friend’s novel The Rural Medicinal Chef .

…

Expecting to have perished in a car accident, Jiang Yunyi closed her eyes only to open them again—she had transmigrated!

A shaky thatched hut, a destitute farmhouse, and two malnourished younger siblings.

Her mother was dead, her father incompetent, her grandfather indifferent, and her grandmother full of disdain.

To make matters worse, a pack of scheming relatives eyed their meager two acres of barren land and three ramshackle huts, plotting to sell her siblings for grain.

—

Jiang Yunyi’s fury ignited! The title of Number One Medicinal Chef wasn’t just for show!

Nursing her siblings back to health, propping up her useless father, and dealing with those vile relatives.

Shops sprouted everywhere, silver poured in, and handsome men stripped bare—only for her to recoil in shock.