Chapter 011: Let Me Keep You Company

To interrupt someone abruptly without any prior indication is considered highly disrespectful—especially when one dares to cut off the words of a venerable elder. Therefore, all eyes turned toward Gu Lingyun, each person curious to see what play he intended to stage. Even as the Young Lord of the city, it was unbecoming to show such discourtesy to an elder, let alone to the patriarch of the Mu family. If he could not present a convincing reason, it was certain the Mu family would not let the matter rest easily.

Mu Qianyuan’s face showed a trace of displeasure, but he quickly composed himself. He looked at Gu Lingyun and smiled, “Oh? I wonder what guidance the Young Lord wishes to offer?”

“I would not dare presume to instruct,” Gu Lingyun replied with a respectful bow. “On the occasion of Old Master Mu’s birthday, how could we juniors afford any disrespect? It’s just that, at such a grand feast, to rely solely on formalities seems rather monotonous.”

“Therefore, I venture to propose a modest activity to enliven the festivities, and to fulfill Old Master Mu’s expectations of us juniors.”

Upon hearing this, the crowd’s tension dissipated instantly. Far from finding Gu Lingyun arrogant or rude, they now thought him clever and tactful, bringing delight to all. The guests were eager to see what performance the Young Lord would provide to enliven the banquet.

Yet some remained skeptical, suspecting Gu Lingyun had ulterior motives beyond mere entertainment, though they kept their thoughts to themselves, waiting to see what he would say next.

Mu Qianyuan stroked his beard and chuckled, “It is rare for the Young Lord to be so attentive. Please, do tell us—what activity do you propose?”

Gu Lingyun smiled. “We are all martial practitioners, so naturally, some contests of skill would be most fitting. Such displays would both enliven the feast and foster friendships among us. Perhaps Old Master Mu might offer us some guidance as well.”

At these words, the guests’ attitudes shifted once more. It seemed Gu Lingyun’s intentions were not so innocent after all; he was here to stir up trouble, though he spoke with such elegance.

Of course, everyone was intrigued. Today, all the city’s outstanding talents were gathered—the Four Great Prodigies, the Three Beauties—all present. If not for Mu Tianyou’s absence on account of injury, the assembly would be complete. Since Gu Lingyun suggested a martial contest, it would mean a duel among the Four Prodigies—a rare spectacle, perhaps once in a lifetime.

People were eager to see which of these prodigies now stood at the summit, and especially whether Mu Tianhen, who had languished in obscurity for four years, had truly regained his former dominance.

As anticipation mounted, Mu Qianyuan looked toward Mu Tianhen, the meaning in his gaze unmistakable.

Mu Tianhen knew that this idea had not originated with Gu Lingyun, but with Huang Xiaoshan. As for their purpose, he did not yet know, nor did he care to guess. If they wished to seize glory publicly and trample others beneath their feet, then he would simply play along and let them court their own humiliation.

So, Mu Tianhen merely nodded slightly, offering no words.

Not far away, Dai Ling’er felt a wave of displeasure but could not voice it; she could only wait to see how the Mu patriarch would respond.

Receiving Mu Tianhen’s approval, Mu Qianyuan hesitated no longer and announced in a sonorous voice, “Since the Young Lord is so considerate, how could I dampen the mood? As he suggests, we shall have friendly matches—any young person present may participate. Let this old man witness the brilliance of your generation.”

“However, let me lay down a rule: no deliberate harm is to be inflicted. Stop when the point is made.”

With that, Mu Qianyuan left the center of the grounds, had chairs brought in, and prepared to spectate.

Permission granted, Gu Lingyun’s face shone with satisfaction. He immediately called out, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are all here to celebrate Old Master Mu’s birthday; anyone may join in these friendly contests to add excitement to the occasion. Registration begins now—I shall be the first to participate!”

He swept his gaze across the crowd, casting a subtle threat toward members of the lesser families, which immediately discouraged those who had considered joining for amusement.

“Count me in!” Huang Xiaoshan stood, raising her fair hand with a smile. “To liven Old Master Mu’s birthday, how could I not participate?”

She turned to Dai Ling’er, her tone light: “Miss Dai, wouldn’t you agree?”

Dai Ling’er had long discerned Huang Xiaoshan’s animosity toward her, realizing this was a deliberate provocation. As for Gu Lingyun, he was but a pawn in her scheme.

Huang Xiaoshan’s ultimate aim was to outshine Dai Ling’er, to seize the city’s attention, and to become the object of everyone’s admiration.

But Dai Ling’er was not impulsive; she knew that if she accepted now, she would walk straight into Huang Xiaoshan’s trap, a move most disadvantageous to herself.

Huang Xiaoshan was already at the fourth level of the Blood Ignition Realm, while she herself was only at the third—a whole minor realm apart. Should they truly come to blows, it would be an uphill battle.

It was even likely she would be injured, perhaps severely, which would be a grave loss. The real contest would be the selection at the Celestial Pavilion in six months’ time.

Until then, no missteps could be afforded.

There was simply no need to vie with Huang Xiaoshan at this moment.

With these thoughts, Dai Ling’er offered a gentle smile and replied, “Miss Huang is absolutely right, but I have not been in the best of health lately and am not fit for a match. I can only watch as a spectator.”

At this, some in the crowd could not believe their ears—some even felt Dai Ling’er had lost her composure, and their opinion of her diminished. Yet others understood: there are times when a woman should refrain from strenuous activity, and to choose observation at such times is the wisest course.

Huang Xiaoshan, being a woman herself, was well aware of this, but she cared little for propriety. Her purpose was to embarrass Dai Ling’er in public and highlight her own excellence.

Thus, she sneered, “Miss Dai, are you not spoiling the fun? It’s just a friendly contest—what is there to fear?”

Seeing Huang Xiaoshan press so aggressively, Mu Tianhen could no longer abide it. “Miss Huang, it is only for entertainment—must you take it so seriously? Since Miss Dai is unwell, there’s no need to force her.”

“If Miss Huang finds sparring with the Young Lord uninteresting, then I shall participate instead.”

Hearing Mu Tianhen speak on Dai Ling’er’s behalf only angered Huang Xiaoshan further; she wished nothing more than to crush these two underfoot and grind them to dust.

But here, she had to restrain herself. After shooting Dai Ling’er a fierce glare, she turned to Mu Tianhen and said, “Since Young Master Mu insists, then let the three of us provide the entertainment. It is only a pity Miss Dai will not be joining us.”

Dai Ling’er smiled again. “Miss Huang, I, too, regret not being able to witness your skill today due to ill health. But the future is long and filled with opportunity.”

“Indeed!” Huang Xiaoshan raised her voice, “At the grand selection of the Celestial Pavilion in six months, we shall certainly compete. I hope you will not be indisposed then, Miss Dai.”

Dai Ling’er replied with another smile, “I shall not disappoint you, Miss Huang.”

Hearing their exchange, everyone realized the two had already set their sights on one another, making an informal challenge—heightening anticipation for the day to come.

Thus, Huang Xiaoshan could only stifle her frustration, biding her time until the next great event, when she would properly humiliate Dai Ling’er.

She turned to Mu Tianhen. “Young Master Mu, I have heard you have gained great fortune and advanced your cultivation markedly. Allow me the honor of learning from you.”

“Very well,” Mu Tianhen replied, not wishing to waste words. With a single syllable, he signaled those in the arena to clear the space.

Huang Xiaoshan stepped forward, secretly circulating her energy and projecting an invisible aura of pressure toward Mu Tianhen at the center of the field.