by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
"There's no rush. My young master does not mind changing the time to tonight instead," said Ye Ye.
When Xiang Shaoyun saw how stubborn the old man was being, he hesitated slightly and then finally agreed out of respect for Yu Caidie. "Fine. I'll be there tonight."
"We look forward to meeting you tonight," said Ye Ye before stepping aside.
Xiang Shaoyun then continued heading toward the city hall. Unknown to him, a smile of someone whose scheme had succeeded formed on Ye Ye's face.
"Hold it! Who are you? How dare you intrude upon the city hall?” The city hall guards started berating Xiang Shaoyun when he approached.
"Xiang Shaoyun, requesting to meet the governor," Xiang Shaoyun replied calmly.
Chapter 534: Mockery
"So it's Young Master Xiang. Please come in." A deferential smile bloomed on the guard's face when he heard Xiang Shaoyun's name. Tang Longfei had given the order to allow Xiang Shaoyun entry upon his arrival. Also, his arrival was to be immediately reported.
Xiang Shaoyun nodded and entered the city hall. In large cities like the Bloodsin City, the city hall was an existence of great power. But this particular city hall looked neither fancy nor luxurious. Instead, it was spartan and spacious. Xiang Shaoyun walked along a path made of rare stone materials, and when he neared the main hall, Tang Longfei rushed out from inside.
"Shaoyun, you're finally here! You have been quite busy, huh?" said Tang Longfei cheerily.
"My apologies, Big Brother Tang. I had a lot of affairs to take care of for the past few days," said Xiang Shaoyun apologetically.
"Haha, I understand. Come on in, my father can't wait to meet you!" Tang Longfei grabbed Xiang Shaoyun's hand and dragged him into the hall.
The friendliness displayed filled Xiang Shaoyun's heart with warmth. The care shown here was one that would touch the heart and fill the heart with comfort. They entered the main hall. Inside, Tang Zhan was seated on a throne.
However, there were some other people in the hall as well. All of them focused on Xiang Shaoyun the moment he entered. They were curious as to what kind of person was worthy of being personally welcomed by the city hall's young master. They had never imagined that it would be a young man.
"Your nephew greets you, Uncle Tang," Xiang Shaoyun gave his respects.
"Your timing is impeccable, Shaoyun. Come, let me introduce you to a few friends of mine. This is Ning Chenba, you can call him Uncle Ning. That is his daughter, Ning Wenhuang. This is Uncle Yan Benkai and his son, Yan Shengqiu," Tang Zhan introduced the people to Xiang Shaoyun. He then said, "This is Xiang Shaoyun, the son of my sworn brother, Xiang Yangzhan."
Xiang Shaoyun greeted the four one after another. Ning Chenba looked to be the oldest person present. He might look like he was only about 50 years old, but in truth, he was a powerful cultivator who had lived over 1,000 years.
His daughter was beautiful, with a tall and supple figure. She wore a wreath on her head, her eyes were bright, and a sword hung on her back. She exuded a clear aura of a Skysoar Realm cultivator and emanated a valiant and carefree bearing.
Yan Benkai looked middle-aged. He was slim, with a conspicuous mustache above his lips and a pair of bright eyes that seemed capable of seeing through all secrets. As for his son, Yan Shengqiu, he was dressed gorgeously and emanated an aura of pride. He wore battle attire, with two swords hanging at his waist, and a pair of silver boots.
Ning Chenba responded to the greeting with indifference. As for Yan Benkai, he asked, "Is it the same Xiang Yangzhan who had met Shangguan Wusheng in battle?"
"Yes," Tang Zhan replied.
Yan Benkai continued, "I heard that the Ziling Sect is now in the hands of Di Batian? It was rumored that Xiang Yangzhan's son is a licentious person who never cultivates, a silkpants through and through. It seems like that is far from true?"
Xiang Shaoyun was somewhat embarrassed, and he said, "I wasn't sensible back then. But I will personally retake everything!"
"Hehe, it's always good to have confidence," said Yan Benkai with a tone indicating he didn't really mean his words. In his opinion, Xiang Shaoyun was only a seventh-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator. Sure, he would have a decent future, but regaining the Ziling Sect was simply a dream.
"Uncle Yan, Shaoyun is also heading to the Dragon Phoenix Academy with me," Tang Longfei said. He couldn't stand listening to the mocking tone Yan Benkai used when speaking to Xiang Shaoyun, and tried to regain some dignity for his friend.
As a response, Yan Shengqiu laughed, "Haha, Big Brother Tang, is someone with his strength even worthy of going there with us? Are you sure you're not playing a joke?"
It was clear he viewed Xiang Shaoyun's strength with scorn. In fact, he felt that having Xiang Shaoyun going with them was an insult. At this time, Ning Wenhuang also spoke, and her pleasant voice rang out, "Uncle Tang, Longfei, I don't think he is qualified to go to the Dragon Phoenix Academy with us."
She was direct and plainspoken, speaking her mind without hiding anything. Like Yan Shengqiu, she viewed Xiang Shaoyun with contempt. Xiang Shaoyun's relationship with Tang Zhan did not matter, as the process of joining the Dragon Phoenix Academy was not child's play. Without the strength of a peak King, one would only fail the test. In their opinion, having Xiang Shaoyun travel with them would only embarrass them.
"Oh? Do Uncle Ning and Uncle Yan think the same as well?" Tang Longfei raised his brow.
While fiddling with a jade bead in his hand, Ning Chenba replied indifferently, "You young people can make your own decision about this."
He then shut his eyes, evidently not wanting to be involved anymore.
As for Yan Benkai, he smiled and said, "Longfei, the Dragon Phoenix Academy is one of the Four Great Ancient Academies. Only the most outstanding of geniuses will be recruited. You, Wenhuang, and Shengqiu are all decent talents. It won't be hard for you to enter. But this Xiang Shaoyun is rather lacking. It will be too hard on him if he has to go with you. I suggest he wait for his next opportunity."
The Four Great Ancient Academies would only recruit one every 100 years. Thus, Yan Benkai was basically saying that Xiang Shaoyun was unqualified to join.
Tang Longfei was displeased. Just as he was about to speak, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Uncle Tang, I am only here to offer my greetings to you. Since you have some guests here, I will be taking my leave."
He then turned and left without hesitation. He couldn't be bothered to bicker pointlessly with Tang Zhan's guests. They were merely looking down on him due to his low cultivation level and his apparent lack of background. It was not like Tang Zhan was intentionally introducing them to him. After all, he had come today without notifying the city hall in advance. He had only encountered them by coincidence.
"There's no rush, Shaoyun. Get Longfei to accompany you for a bit. I still have something to talk with you about later," said Tang Zhan. "Although you are now a special-recruit of the Dragon Phoenix Academy, you still need to watch your temper before your uncle, alright?"
It might seem like Tang Zhan was speaking disapprovingly, but his selection of words were meant for his guests. Sure enough, the four guests were all stunned.
"Shaoyun, wait for me." Tang Longfei quickly chased after Xiang Shaoyun.
Yan Benkai finally recovered from his shock and said, "Brother Tang, d-did you just mention that he's a special-recruit disciple?"
"Yes. It's my fault for not mentioning that in advance. That kid killed an Emperor by himself at the fort above the Devil Domain. The recruiting elders of the four academies were there, and they all offered a special-recruit position to him. He ultimately chose the Dragon Phoenix Academy. He will be a guarantee for Longfei to enter the academy this time. Then again, he has quite a temper. Please don't mind him," said Tang Zhan.
Chapter 535: Apology
Tang Zhan might be speaking apologetically, but he did not look like he was apologizing at all. Rather, he seemed rather proud. Ning Chenba and Yan Benkai were old friends of his, but neither were
residents of this Bloodsin City. They had only arrived two days prior.
They had come so their children could head to the Dragon Phoenix Academy together. That way, the children could also help each other out. Tang Longfei's strength was above Ning Wenhuang's and Yan Shengqiu's. Thus, they naturally wished that Tang Longfei would be able to give their children some help.
Xiang Shaoyun's visit was a coincidence, and Tang Longfei had only mentioned that he would be traveling with them. It was natural that they would look down on Xiang Shaoyun's cultivation level of seventh-stage Skysoar Realm.
They were even worried that Xiang Shaoyun's participation would affect the future of their children and cause them shame. Coupled with the bad reputation Xiang Shaoyun had back at the Ziling Sect, they started speaking to him with mockery.
But now, they had indescribable expressions on their faces. Their eyes were opened wide, and their mouths were agape with disbelief. A disciple the four academies had fought to recruit was right before them, yet they had assumed that he was merely a burden, a kid that had yet to grow up. But now, it was clear they were the ones who were ignorant.
"Wenhuang, go spend some time with your Big Brother Tang. You mentioned that it has been a while since the two of you last met, right?" said Ning Chenba to his daughter.
"Yes, Father," said Ning Wenhuang. After excusing herself before Tang Zhan, she left.
After some hesitation, Yan Benkai said, "Shenqiu, you go as well. You youngsters should stick together. You have more topics in common anyway."
Yan Shengqiu also left without hesitation.
"Brother Tang, i-is that really Xiang Yangzhan's son?" Yan Benkai asked.
"Yes," said Tang Zhan.
Ning Chenba said, "A tiger father indeed begets a tiger son. Some rumors are not believable after all."
"True. Looks like I'm really getting old. Brother Tang, don't mind my earlier insolence," sighed Yan Benkai.
"There is no need to be so polite between us. I was planning to tell you of the two follower spots Shaoyun has. If any of the children happened to fail the test, we can get him to provide some help. But seems like I've messed it up," said Tang Zhan with a helpless smile.
"Brother Tang, I'm to blame for that. With the years of friendship we have, you need to speak to that child on my behalf. If Shengqiu fails to get through the test, he has to help. I thank you in advance," said Yan Benkai nervously.
Ning Chenba couldn't remain calm anymore. "Yes, Brother Tang, you gotta help us. We will never forget this favor."
The quotas to enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy were extremely valuable. From more than 100,000 young geniuses, less than 10 percent of them would end up recruited. Any youth managing to enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy was practically guaranteed to end up as a powerful individual capable of dominating vast swathes of land in the future.
Naturally, the two also wished that their respective child could be guaranteed a spot into the academy. Unfortunately for them, they had personally ruined the opportunity presented before them.
When Tang Zhan saw his friends admitting their faults, he agreed to their request as he thought, If Shaoyun wants to retake the sect in the future, he will need some helpers. I hope he can understand what I'm trying to do for him.
Tang Zhan was unaware that Xiang Shaoyun had promised the spots to the Han Clan sisters. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to promise his two friends he would help.
At the city hall's backyard, Xiang Shaoyun, Tang Longfei, Ning Wenhuang, and Yan Shengqiu were gathered. Xiang Shaoyun did not have a good opinion of Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu, but he did not show them his displeasure. He merely treated them with indifference.
After all, it did not matter if others looked down on him. He had confidence in himself, and for him, that was enough. Tang Longfei also knew that Xiang Shaoyun was unhappy with what had happened. Thus, he did not seem too enthusiastic when talking to Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu either.
Ultimately, Ning Wenhuang displayed his outspoken nature and raised her glass of liquor. She said, "Xiang Shaoyun, my words earlier were improper. I shouldn't have judged a person by mere appearances. I hope you wouldn't mind that. To show my regret, I will punish myself with three glasses of liquor."
She then downed three glasses of liquor in a row, displaying her gallant spirit.
With Ning Wenhuang taking the lead, Yan Shengqiu no longer dared to put on airs anymore. He quickly said, "Xiang Shaoyun, my apologies for my words earlier. I hope you can show me leniency."
After saying that, he did the same thing and downed three glasses of liquor in a row, showing ample sincerity in his apology. Even so, the two still couldn't understand how a seventh-stage Skysoar Realm was a War Emperor. In fact, they were still filled with disbelief. However, they did not think that someone like Tang Zhan would bother lying to them.
Perhaps he is using some secret technique to hide his true strength? the two concluded.
Xiang Shaoyun did not say anything, but he replied with action as he lifted his glass and started drinking as well. He downed six glasses of liquor in a row in a gallant manner.
"Don't let that bother you. I, Xiang Shaoyun, am a person with a big heart. Since you are Big Brother Tang's friends, you are also my friends," said Xiang Shaoyun in a straightforward manner.
He had noticed that Tang Longfei had been wearing an ashen expression. He understood that Tang Longfei was unhappy about the mockery he had received, but he also understood that being stuck between the two parties wasn't a pleasant experience for Tang Longfei to have either. Since they had already apologized, he couldn't be too petty. He would forgive them for the Tang Longfei's sake.
Sure enough, after hearing Xiang Shaoyun's words, Tang Longfei patted his shoulder and downed several glasses of liquor as well. He said, "Shaoyun is right. We are all friends. Don't let something so trifle harm our friendship."
He then looked at Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu and said, "You might not know, but Shaoyun is also the Yu Clan's son-in-law candidate. Although he is only a candidate with low priority, you should still know the importance of that identity."
Both Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu were left speechless. They had heard from Tang Longfei before about the Holy Maiden candidate's trip to the city. She had went went on an expedition to the Devil Domain for the yin devil wind, but in truth, it was a competition to select a son-in-law candidate.
Of course, those in the know would be aware that it was more a search for a follower than a search for a son-in-law. Regardless, that was enough of an identity to awe both Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu.
They both had considerable backgrounds, but compared to a massive organization like the Yu Clan, their backgrounds were far too lacking. On top of that, Xiang Shaoyun was now a special-recruit disciple of the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
After knowing all that, when they recalled how they had offended Xiang Shaoyun, they were filled with fear. A genius like Xiang Shaoyun would most definitely grow into an existence they could only look up at. Fortunately, Xiang Shaoyun did not seem to hold any grudge against them. They reached a decision to repair their relationship with him no matter what.
Chapter 536: Di Batian Has a Backer
After Ning Wenhuang and Yan Shengqiu changed their behavior, Xiang Shaoyun was able to maintain a harmonious relationship with them. At this time, he recalled the invitation he had received earlier, so he asked Tang Longfei, "Big Brother Tang, do you know anything about Yu Province's Ye Clan? The Ye Clan related to the Yu Clan."
He was all alone and did not have an effective network of information. However, he was confident Tang Longfei would know something.
"Yu Province's Ye Clan? I don't really know much about them, but Shengqiu might know more. His clan is also located in the Yu Clan's territory," said Tang Longfei.
Yan Shengqiu quickly explained, "Originally, the Ye Clan did not have much of a relationship with the Yu Clan. But about 10,000 years ago, a genius cultivator had emerged from the Ye Clan,
Ye Mohen. He became Yu Clan's son-in-law, and from then on, the Ye Clan has risen in power. Now, they are a powerful subordinate clan under the Yu Clan, a tier-8 organization."
"I see," Xiang Shaoyun said in realization.
"Shaoyun, why are you suddenly asking about the Ye Clan?" Tang Longfei asked.
"On my way here, I received an invitation from a Ye Clan member to meet at the Yu Moon Pavilion," said Xiang Shaoyun indifferently.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Tang Longfei asked.
Xiang Shaoyun was about to reply when Yan Shengqiu interjected in alarm, "I might know the reason for that."
"What do you know?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
"It must have something to do with their emerging genius, Ye Linshan. He is only 20 years old, yet he is already a peak King. Moreover, he is a Super War Emperor capable of battling a second-stage Emperor. He has dreadful combat prowess," said Yan Shengqiu gravely. It was as if just mentioning that genius would give him a massive pressure.
"Ye Linshan the Green Child," Tang Longfei and Ning Wenhuang exclaimed in alarm.
Evidently, they had both heard of the name Ye Linshan as well.
"He is now known as Green Youth," Yan Shengqiu corrected them. "The Ye Clan has grown to their current status due to their marriage alliance with the Yu Clan. Now, they are planning to repeat history and have a marriage between Ye Linshan and the Holy Maiden. That way, they can further consolidate their relationship with the Yu Clan. Brother Xiang, since you are now a son-in-law candidate, you have likely become someone he wants to erase."
Yan Shengqiu spoke plainly, and Xiang Shaoyun naturally understood what he meant. In other words, the invitation was laced with malice.
"If that is the case, you shouldn't go tonight," said Tang Longfei.
Xiang Shaoyun shook his head as he said boldly, "I don't care who he is, but I want to see him with my own eyes. Otherwise, how am I supposed to stand my ground in the Dragon Phoenix Academy? How am I supposed to make Caidie my woman?"