"Third Brother, let's go together."
With Xie Jingxing's words, Xie Changchao below the stage was stunned.
He had initially thought Xie Jingxing's sudden appearance was solely to help Shen Miao out of a tight spot—after all, this eldest brother of his never acted in ways ordinary people could predict. But now, Xie Jingxing's words left him dumbfounded. Only Xie Changwu had stepped up to challenge him—what did this have to do with him?
With Xie Ding also absent, Xie Changchao could only turn to Xie Changwu and ask in a low voice, "Second Brother, what's going on?"
Xie Changwu, usually sharper than Xie Changchao, grew furious upon hearing Xie Jingxing's words. Xie Jingxing wanted to challenge them, yet claimed one opponent wasn't enough—he had to include Xie Changchao as well? What was the meaning of this? It was nothing but humiliation, implying that even the two of them combined were no match for him. Such arrogance was beyond belief!
Provoked by Xie Jingxing's words, Xie Changwu lost his usual composure. His expression darkened, his tone laced with anger: "Eldest Brother speaks with such confidence, as if you don’t see us as worthy opponents at all."
On the stage, Xie Jingxing toyed with the Herb Fruit he had taken from the verification officer, his beautiful eyes narrowing lazily. "Indeed, I don’t."
"The two of you have trained in martial arts since childhood, yet never once sparred with me. I’ve heard you’re quite exceptional—why not let your elder brother see for himself today?" he continued.
The entire audience seemed to pick up on the discord among the Xie brothers. After all, the affairs of Marquis Lin'an Manor were practically common knowledge throughout Ming Qi. Speculations about the brothers' relationship had always varied, but Xie Jingxing had maintained an aloof attitude toward the manor, even refusing to speak to his two younger half-brothers. His indifference had never caused much of a stir—until today.
This was the first time Xie Jingxing had publicly humiliated his two half-brothers in front of a crowd. The spectators buzzed with chatter, some eager for drama, others curious about the outcome.
Shen Miao observed the casually poised, strikingly handsome youth. Xie Jingxing was truly an enigma—seemingly reckless and unrestrained, yet guided by an invisible thread of clarity. Right now, the two Xie brothers were being led by the nose without even realizing it. By the time this contest ended, they would lose face in every possible way.
Xie Changwu suddenly let out a cold laugh, enunciating each word: "A spar? Why not?" His shrewd eyes burned with complex emotions as he stared at Xie Jingxing. "Since Eldest Brother insists, Third Brother and I will oblige. Just don’t complain later that we ganged up on you."
His words were carefully chosen—if Xie Jingxing lost to them, it would be entirely his own fault for provoking them. He’d only have himself to blame for the humiliation.
Xie Changchao hesitated briefly, but after catching Xie Changwu’s meaningful glance, he quickly snapped back to attention. "We’ll gladly accompany you."
The "Challenge" round of the Verification allowed complete freedom—no restrictions on category, number of participants, or even gender. Thus, Xie Jingxing’s request violated no rules. With a smirk that drew the gazes of many young women, he teased, "Shall we sign a life-and-death contract too?"
Xie Changchao and Xie Changwu stiffened, their expressions darkening. But Xie Jingxing lazily added, "Just joking. A friendly spar between brothers need not be life-or-death."
Shen Miao’s lips curled slightly. Xie Jingxing’s words were truly venomous. Now that the Xie brothers had taken the stage, her role here was done. She smoothed her skirts and stepped down.
Upon returning to the women’s seating area, Shen Yue and Shen Qing kept their distance, but Feng Anning quickly rushed over. "Your mounted archery is incredible! Are you following in your father’s footsteps?"
Shen Miao’s heart stirred. With the imperial family eyeing the Shen family covetously, even her eldest brother was in grave danger. Back then, her brother’s life had been ruined by a woman. Now, with the Shen family still intact, she would protect it by any means necessary—just as she had on stage earlier. Anyone who dared disrespect the Shen family would pay a hundredfold.
"But of those three on stage, who do you think will win?" Feng Anning abruptly changed the subject, chattering away. "Young Marquis Xie may be renowned, but we’ve never seen him in action—maybe the rumors are exaggerated. Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao both earned First Class last year. Two against one—doesn’t that put the young marquis at a disadvantage?"
Xie Jingxing at a disadvantage? Shen Miao nearly laughed but merely shook her head lightly.
Meanwhile, on stage, Xie Changwu declared, "Two against one makes judging difficult. Let’s do horse spears instead."
At this, Shen Miao actually laughed aloud.
Xie Jingxing raised an eyebrow. "Horse spears? Fine by me."
The verification officers swiftly brought out three fine steeds. The elevated stage was spacious enough for the horses to gallop freely if handled well. Three ornate spears were tossed to the three men.
"Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao can wield dual spears!" Feng Anning gasped. The two brothers fought in perfect sync, merging two horse spears into one, a technique that had earned them First Class in mounted spears every year. By choosing this, Xie Changwu likely hoped to crush Xie Jingxing utterly.
But in reality? Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Others might not know, but she did. Among the Ming Qi imperial court’s reports was one detailing the Xie family’s battlefield formations. Xie Jingxing was extraordinary—because he could form a battle array alone.
The single-line serpent formation: one ornate spear, one steed, one man. Just three elements, yet enough to rout the enemy. This formation was designed for dueling enemy commanders—and Xie Jingxing had never lost.
How could the Xie brothers hope to rival a military commander? Today, they would only make fools of themselves.
The drummer struck the drum heavily. As the sound reverberated, the contest began.
Xie Changwu and Xie Changchao exchanged a glance. Their horses galloped side by side, their strides perfectly synchronized from rigorous training. Their spear techniques mirrored each other so precisely that, from a distance, it seemed as though one man had split into two—a terrifying sight.
The youth in purple robes lazily raised his hand. His black steed reared and abruptly charged in the opposite direction. The crowd gasped as he leveled his spear, his robes billowing like violet lightning, his aura erupting with killing intent. Paired with his striking features, he resembled a Jade Faced Shura.
Author's Note: Received notice from the editor—official release on the 19th! Hope for your continued support, mwah! (づ￣3￣)づ╭❤～
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