"What?" Ye Yang exclaimed, his mouth agape in shock. "You want me to participate in the Sword Seizing Tournament and even secure first place? How is that possible? If I do that, doesn't it mean I have to marry Yan Yao? I... I only came here to save Yan Yao, not to claim her for myself..."
Yan Yao's face turned crimson as she remained silent.
Yun Xiaoxi chuckled mischievously, looking at Ye Yang with a sly grin. "So what do you plan to do?"
"Well..." Ye Yang pondered for a moment, his eyes lighting up as he smiled. "It's simple. Why not let Tianhe or Zhao Yun participate in the Sword Seizing Tournament? That way, I can use my superior's orders to make them abandon the idea of marrying Yan Yao. Hmm, then Yan Yao won't have to marry anyone, and King Yan can save face."
Yun Xiaoxi couldn't help but laugh lightly. "Is that so? Zi Yu, do you know how many young talents will be participating in this martial arts tournament tomorrow? Hmph, there will be no shortage of Starry Sky Experts. It is said that many talented individuals who have trained for years are coming from all over. Can you guarantee that Zhang Tianhe or Zhao Yun can outshine everyone else?"
"Well..."
Ye Yang felt helpless again. Although Zhang Tianhe had already reached Starry Sky Level Two, securing first place in the Sword Seizing Tournament seemed challenging. As for Zhao Yun's Starry Sky Level, it was even less promising, considering how many strong contenders were waiting in the wings—something neither Ye Yang nor Yun Xiaoxi knew.
...
Yan Yao leaned against the windowsill, appearing somewhat fragile and helpless. She smiled gently and said, "Alright, Ye Yang brother, Sister Yun, thank you for coming to see me. Since the moment I was rescued as a hostage, I've accepted whatever fate awaits me. As for tomorrow's events, let fate decide..."
Yun Xiaoxi hesitated to speak.
Ye Yang clenched his fists and smiled slightly. "I have never believed in fate. Yan Yao, you don't need to worry; no matter what happens tomorrow, I'll take responsibility."
"Mm!" Yan Yao nodded firmly.
...
After much discussion among the three of them, they finally reached an agreement and went their separate ways. Yun Xiaoxi would disguise herself as Yan Yao's personal maid to ensure her safety while Ye Yang would participate in the Sword Seizing Tournament as a VIP from Qi State alongside Zhang Tianhe and Zhao Yun.
By the time Ye Yang left Pearl Pavilion, it was already late at night. After bidding farewell to the two lovely ladies, he vanished into the night sky.
Yan Yao gazed at the dim sky, her beautiful eyes filled with hope as she softly remarked, "I never expected that Ye Yang brother would be willing to come to Lower Capital for me..."
Yun Xiaoxi felt speechless. "How far is it from Linzi to Lower Capital? I traveled thousands of miles from Serene Gate just to find you, and yet you... sigh, it's truly heartbreaking..."
Yan Yao couldn't help but chuckle. She turned around and took Yun Xiaoxi's hand, smiling as she said, "Sister Yun, I realize my mistake. Both you and Ye Yang brother have been so good to me; I won't favor one over the other."
"This is more like it. Get some rest; you need to attend tomorrow's Sword Seizing Tournament."
"Mm."
...
In the Side Hall, where Ye Yang and others resided.
"Wow!"
Quietly entering the room, Ye Yang brushed off the snowflakes from his arms and immediately saw Zhang Tianhe sitting cross-legged on the bed, cultivating to heal his injuries. There was a very noticeable bloodstain on his arm, indicating that he had been wounded.
Furrowing his brows, Ye Yang asked, "What happened? Tianhe is injured? Is there really someone in Lower Capital who can hurt Tianhe?"
Zhao Yun nodded and said, "Tianhe infiltrated the Sword Hiding Pavilion but was ambushed by three top experts. One of them was the National Master Si Tu Wen Ruo. That old man actually possesses Starry Sky Level Two strength; we underestimated him. Tianhe let his guard down for a moment and failed to steal the Lingxi Sword!"
"Oh..."
Ye Yang nodded, stepped forward, and placed one hand on Zhang Tianhe's shoulder. A powerful surge of Fire God Fragment True Qi flowed in, combined with the righteous energy of the Hidden Dragon Technique, helping Zhang Tianhe to stabilize his chaotic True Qi and allowing his wounds to heal quickly.
Not long after, Zhang Tianhe exhaled deeply and finally opened his eyes, looking ashamed. "Zi Yu, I have let you down; I failed to complete the mission. I couldn't steal the Lingxi Sword. The Yan Kingdom has three Starry Sky Experts guarding it. Unless we kill Si Tu Wen Ruo, we won't be able to touch the Lingxi Sword at all."
Ye Yang smiled and said, "It's okay; I also failed. Yan Yao didn't want to come with us; she has her own responsibilities and mission. So, I've decided to personally participate in the Sword Seizing Tournament tomorrow and take Yan Yao and the Lingxi Sword for myself!"
"Good!"
The three laughed heartily.
Soon after, they all fell asleep, feeling carefree as if the recent night raid on the Sword Hiding Pavilion and their visit to the princess's residence had nothing to do with them.
...
The next morning, the heavy snow had stopped, and the morning light pierced through the clouds onto the earth. Finally, the Sword Seizing Tournament was about to begin.
After having breakfast, under the guidance of guards, Ye Yang and others headed to the Sword Seizing Tournament venue. The venue was right in the center of Lower Capital and was already packed with people. It was a large square with a high platform standing in the center, typically used for sacrificial ceremonies but now serving as a Dueling Platform.
Masters from various regions gathered in Lower Capital. Ye Yang walked calmly through the crowd, keenly sensing that most of the people here were from Earth Realm. However, there were also occasional Starry Sky Experts present. These Starry Sky Experts held their breath, revealing no trace of their presence, yet Ye Yang was able to perceive them all. After all, Ye Yang possessed the Hidden Dragon Technique, a remarkable Mind Method, allowing him to master his aura to a level comparable to that of a Starry Sky Seventh Level expert.
Opposite the Dueling Platform, in the distance stood a royal viewing platform reserved for the royal family. King Yan had already ascended the high platform amidst the throng of ministers, sitting majestically on his throne. To his right sat Yan Yao, accompanied by Yun Xiaoxi. Today, Yan Yao wore a Crimson Fur Cloak, looking elegant and extraordinary.
Yun Xiaoxi was still dressed in Exquisite Armor but had draped a Black Cloak over herself, obscuring her delicate features from view. Ye Yang knew that while everyone was captivated by Yan Yao's beauty, they were unaware that the beauty of the maid beside her was equally stunning, if not slightly more so.
“Look! That is Princess of Yan, Yan Yao! Truly a peerless beauty...”
Not far ahead on the viewing platform, several lecherous young nobles gazed at Yan Yao from a distance, their minds wandering as they drooled.
The crowd erupted in cheers. On the high platform behind King Yan lay the Lingxi Sword, a divine weapon radiating an awe-inspiring glow that drew the admiration of all present.
At this moment, a military general from Yan Kingdom stepped onto the high platform. His True Qi resonated in his voice as he proclaimed loudly: “King Yan is wise! Today we hold the Sword Seizing Tournament. Talented individuals from all nations may participate, provided they are under 50 years of age. Those who ascend the stage may accept challenges from experts across the land. Ultimately, those who remain standing will win the Lingxi Sword and be granted the title of royal son-in-law of Yan Kingdom. His Majesty will bestow treasures upon them and elevate them to General of Yan, serving in Lower Capital!”
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