2024-08-06 09:06:58
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The Painting Beneath the Mansion
Before the challenge outside the Eastern Mansion required Guo Jiang’s answer, he had already spent time examining Kong Jin’s hidden residence beneath the estate.The underground retreat was far plainer than the chambers once used by Qin Qigang, with rough stone walls, simple furniture, and only practical furnishings.Air entered through concealed ventilation shafts cut somewhere beyond the visible chamber, keeping the space dry despite its depth beneath Yin Hua Hill.Guo Jiang moved through the room without hurry, paying more attention to what Kong Jin had chosen to keep than what he had chosen to display.The storage ring taken from the former Sage contained almost nothing, which had initially seemed absurd for someone who had lived for centuries.There were no valuable gemstones, no useful martial manuals, and no obvious inheritance worthy of a Banxiang swordsman&rs
Before the Challenge Was Answered
The challenge already hanging over Yin Hua Hill had drawn nearly every available gate guard toward the outer wall, where the black-clad swordsman still waited below.No one had seen him arrive, yet everyone had heard enough of his declaration to understand that he wanted formal recognition as a challenger.A younger guard leaned over the battlement and studied the stranger’s plain clothing, weathered scabbard, and restrained aura with obvious disappointment.“That is the man demanding the eastern seat, even though his visible cultivation is nowhere near Banxiang?”His companion laughed and answered that the challenger looked more suited to a provincial escort company than the Eastern Mansion.An older veteran kept both hands on the parapet and warned them not to judge sword skill from cultivation alone.“If realm determined every exchange by itself, nobody would bother studying timing, distance, intent, or the edge in his hand.”The younger guard remained unconvinced and asked whether
The First Law of the New Demigods
Patriarch Shangguan remained kneeling before Guo Jiang, while Madam Shangguan stayed beside him and Shangguan Rong sat injured several paces behind.Every rival clan understood how much commercial and political advantage could follow if Guo Jiang chose to destroy the Shangguan family completely.A business rival considered which trade routes and supplier relationships might become available if the clan lost its standing.Nearby, a man known for speaking about fairness said, “Justice must be done properly, because allowing such abuse to pass unpunished would encourage other heirs.”His companion knew him well enough to recognize that concern for justice had appeared only after Shangguan assets became potentially vulnerable.Guo Jiang looked across the hall before answering, noting which rivals watched eagerly and which experienced elders remained noticeably cautious.
Tell Them How We First Met
Silence settled across the reception hall after Guo Jiang asked whether Shangguan Rong knew him, and the lack of an answer invited immediate speculation.The guests had spent the entire morning measuring alliances and advantages, so even a vague possibility of prior friendship became valuable information.A political opportunist smiled toward Patriarch Shangguan. “Perhaps Young Master Shangguan is fortunate enough to be an old acquaintance of Lord Demigods.”Another guest looked openly envious. “That would explain why the Shangguan Clan brought such a generous gift despite arriving later than everyone else.”The shameless flatterer immediately joined them. “Patriarch Shangguan truly moves faster than ordinary men, if his son already knows the ruler personally.”For one brief moment, Patriarch Shangguan wondered whether his son had concealed som
The Heir Who Pretended Not to Hear
Guo Jiang’s voice carried across the reception hall without emphasis, yet Shangguan Rong reacted as though the words had struck the back of his neck.Only a few steps separated him from the side aisle, and instead of stopping, he quickened his pace as though he had genuinely failed to hear the ruler calling him back.The guests nearest the aisle noticed immediately, though none of them understood the history between the two men.From their perspective, the heir of one of Jinhung City’s six leading clans had just ignored a direct instruction from the newly recognized Demigods during his first formal reception.A woman from a rival clan lifted her brows and spoke loudly enough for several nearby tables to hear.“Young Master Shangguan has always possessed confidence beyond his cultivation, but I did not expect that confidence to extend to ignoring the eastern rule
The Young Master Who Wanted to Disappear
Shangguan Rong had almost reached the side passage when a mansion guard stepped across his path and prevented him from moving any farther.“Young Master Shangguan, where are you going while your family is still waiting for its formal presentation before Lord Demigods?”Shangguan Rong forced a weak smile and wiped one damp palm against his robe before offering the first excuse that came to mind.“I suddenly feel unwell, so I thought I should step outside rather than risk disturbing such an important reception.”“Leaving during your clan’s formal presentation without permission may be interpreted as disrespect, especially after your family has already registered its attendance.”“Remain until your clan completes its greeting, then request permission through the household attendants if you still need to leave.”
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