Chapter 49: Wodun's Predicament

The city gate of Chiyan City in the Didu stood especially majestic under the afternoon sun.

Two rows of guards in full armor stood straight on both sides of the gate arch, their long spears flashing with cold light in the sunlight. Merchants and pedestrians coming and going were endless, with carriages and horses making a clamor, presenting a scene of capital prosperity.

Linlei and his group of four rode into the city on horseback, immediately drawing the attention of many. The reason was nothing else—Diliya was simply too beautiful. Her golden long hair shimmered in the sunlight, her moon-white long skirt fluttered gently with the horse's movement, and her beautiful face made passersby on the roadside unable to resist glancing a few more times. She rode a snow-white horse, her waist slender, her temperament elegant, like a figure stepping out of a painting.

"What are you looking at?" Linlei coughed lightly, his gaze sweeping around with ill intent.

Those passersby immediately averted their eyes, pretending nothing had happened. A young man, pulled by a companion, was still looking back reluctantly, but shrank his neck under Linlei's glare.

Aikesi couldn't help but laugh out loud behind them. Linlei turned and glared at him, and he quickly held it in, though his shoulders still trembled involuntarily. Aikesi rode a chestnut warhorse, tall in stature, with a resolute face, and his fiery red short hair was especially eye-catching in the sunlight.

Diliya, however, was quite dignified, lifting her chin slightly, quite pleased with Linlei's "protecting his food" behavior. She turned her head to look at Linlei, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly, a hint of cunning smile flashing in her eyes. This man, usually steady and calm, was especially cute at such times.

"Boss, where does Wodun live?" Beibei lay on Linlei's shoulder, his small eyes rolling around, surveying this strange city.

"Fushi Lu," Linlei replied. "The letter sent by the Dawson Chamber of Commerce said Wodun was made a Count, and his mansion is on that road."

The Dawson Chamber of Commerce's intelligence was always accurate; Linlei had no doubt about this. Thinking of soon meeting his younger brother after a separation of seventeen years, a warm current surged in his heart. When he left the Fenlai Kingdom back then, Wodun was just a toddler, yet now he had become a Count of the O'Brien Empire and even fallen in love with the empire's seventh princess. Time really flies.

The four asked for directions and soon arrived at Fushi Lu. This street was about three zhang wide, the road paved with neat bluestone slabs, with tall paulownia trees planted on both sides, their shade covering half the street. The street was lined with the mansions of high officials and nobles, one imposing gatehouse after another standing close together. Vermilion red gates, bronze beast-head door knockers, and stone lions squatting before the doors, all without exception highlighting the owner's status and position. Linlei walked while identifying, finally stopping before a certain mansion.

The main gate of this mansion was even more imposing than those around it. Four guards stood at the entrance, wearing uniform blue uniforms, swords at their waists, looking spirited and vigorous.

"This is the place." He swung off his horse.

The guards at the gate saw the newcomers and were about to step forward to ask, when suddenly their eyes widened, their mouths opening wide enough to stuff an egg in: "Y-you are Lord Linlei?"

"You know me?" Linlei was somewhat surprised. He asked himself he had no fame in Chiyan City; how did this guard know him?

"Lord Wodun has your portrait hanging in his room!" the guard said. "The Lord looks at it every day; we brothers have all seen it! I'll go report immediately!"

As he spoke, he was about to run inside, but Linlei grabbed him.

"No need to report; I'll go in myself."

The guard nodded repeatedly, stepped aside to let him pass, and even obligingly held Linlei's horse.

Linlei, leading Aikesi, Diliya, and Beibei, walked into the mansion, and right in front of them saw a tall youth running out from inside.

That youth was fully two meters and twenty centimeters tall, his broad shoulders stretching his shirt tight, his slender body with excellent proportions, a square face with regular features, sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, brimming with heroic spirit. He wore a deep blue warrior outfit, a long sword hanging at his waist, bringing a gust of wind as he ran. The instant he saw Linlei, his eyes turned red, tears swirling in his eye sockets.

"Brother!"

Wodun rushed over in big strides and hugged Linlei. He was a whole head taller than Linlei, yet at this moment he buried his face in Linlei's shoulder like a child, his shoulders trembling slightly.

"Brother, you finally came!"

Linlei patted his back, his own eye sockets feeling a bit hot. The youth in his arms was no longer the little one who used to chase him calling "brother" back then, but a man standing tall between heaven and earth. Yet in his heart, Wodun would forever be that younger brother needing protection.

"Seventeen years, and you've grown so big."

"Brother, I think of you every single day." Wodun let go, stepped back a pace, and carefully sized up Linlei, his gaze moving from Linlei's face to his body, as if trying to carve his brother's image into his heart. "You're thinner than before; have you suffered a lot?"

"Enough, don't just focus on being happy." Linlei patted his shoulder, moved by emotion but unaccustomed to such sentimental scenes, and stepped aside to reveal the people behind him. "Let me introduce you. This is Aikesi, my brother, a Fire Saint Magus."

"Saint Magus?" Wodun was startled again, his gaze toward Aikesi filled with admiration. A Saint Magus was an existence standing at the peak of Mofa Shishi; there were only a few in the entire O'Brien Empire. He quickly bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Big Brother Aikesi!"

Aikesi nodded with a smile, reached out to pat Wodun's shoulder, feeling the other's solid muscles, and praised, "I've heard Linlei mention you long ago; you are indeed a fine specimen. This physique, this temperament, truly worthy of the Baruch Clan's bloodline."

"This is Diliya, your sister-in-law." Linlei's voice was very natural, as if stating an undeniable fact.

Diliya's face instantly turned red, from her cheeks all the way to her ears. She hadn't expected Linlei to introduce her so directly, feeling both shy and happy in her heart. But she was after all from the Yunluo noble family, and soon regained her composure, nodding gracefully to Wodun with a gentle voice: "Hello. I've heard Linlei speak of you long ago; seeing you today, you are indeed heroic and extraordinary."

"Greetings, Sister-in-law!" Wodun was very sweet-mouthed; this "Sister-in-law" came out clear and loud, making Diliya's heart feel as sweet as eating honey, her smile in her eyes impossible to hide.

Beibei "chirped chirped" twice and waved his small paw, as a greeting.

Wodun greeted everyone one by one, then excitedly pulled Linlei inside, his steps big and urgent: "Brother, come in quickly! Grandpa Xili and Uncle Xierman will be overjoyed knowing you're here! They talk about you every day."

Sure enough, the butler Xili and Xierman, upon hearing the news, immediately came out from inside to welcome them.

Xili was already over seventy years old, his hair gray, his back slightly hunched, but his spirit was vigorous and his steps steady. He wore a neat gray long robe, leaning on a cane in his hand, and the instant he saw Linlei, his cloudy old eyes instantly welled with tears.

"Young Master Linlei!" Xili looked at the even more steady youth before him, his voice choked. He had watched Linlei grow up from childhood, and after Linlei's father Huo Ge passed away, he had taken care of everything of the Baruch Clan with all his heart and soul. Now seeing Linlei grow to such a level, the old man's heart was full of gratification.

Mentioning his father, a pang of pain struck Linlei's heart, and Huo Ge's stern yet loving face floated in his mind. His father had spent his whole life striving to revive the family, yet never saw this day. But he quickly suppressed his emotions, stepped forward to support Xili's arm, and smiled: "Grandpa Xili, is your health still good?"

"Good, good!" Xili nodded repeatedly, tears streaming down his old face, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Seeing you, this old body of mine is even better! Young Master, you have grown up, exactly like your father when he was young; no, even more outstanding than your father!"

Xierman also walked over and patted Linlei's shoulder forcefully.

Everyone talked and laughed together, entering the living room. The living room was decorated elegantly and grandly, with a huge oil painting hanging in the center. Redwood furniture, crystal chandeliers, thick carpets, everywhere exuding the grandeur of the Earl Mansion.

Wodun ordered servants to prepare wine and dishes, and soon a table was fully set. Roasted suckling pig, braised beef steak, steamed sea bass, various seasonal fresh vegetables, and several bottles of fine red wine. Everyone sat around together, the atmosphere lively, toasting and drinking, full of joy.

After three rounds of wine, Linlei finally asked about the main matter: "Wodun, how is the matter between you and the seventh princess now?"

The smile on Wodun's face immediately faded a bit; he put down his wine glass and sighed: "Not very well."

"What happened?" Linlei put down his wine glass, his gaze becoming serious.

Wodun recounted the whole story from beginning to end. From his first meeting with Nina at the royal hunting ground, where the two fell in love at first sight, to their later secret meetings and privately pledging their lives to each other, to Blumer suddenly stepping in. After Blumer was made a Wushen Chichuan Dizi, he even proposed publicly in the Wugong Hall, putting Emperor Qiaoan in a difficult position. And the Emperor's attitude has remained ambiguous, with no conclusion yet, just dragging on like this.

"Blumer?" Aikesi frowned, his fingers lightly tapping the table. "The younger brother of that genius Sword Saint Aoliweiya?"

"That's him." Wodun nodded, a hint of unwillingness flashing in his eyes. "His brother Aoliweiya defeated the Starry Sky Sword Saint Tilong ten years ago and was hailed as a genius Sword Saint once in a thousand years for the empire. Now Blumer has become a Wushen Chichuan Dizi, so naturally the Emperor favors him more. After all, in the O'Brien Empire, the Wushen Sect's voice carries more weight than anything else."

Linlei fell silent for a moment, his fingers tapping the table rhythmically, and asked: "What does Nina say?"

Mentioning Nina, a gentle smile appeared on Wodun's face, and the gloom in his eyes vanished completely: "Of course she is willing to marry me. She even went to find Kailan and asked Kailan to give up voluntarily. Nina said she will marry no one but me in this life."

"Kailan?"

"The son of the empire's Left Prime Minister, also a suitor." Wodun explained. "Nina grew up with him since childhood and treated him like a brother. Although Kailan liked Nina, after knowing Nina's feelings, he voluntarily withdrew. He is a sensible person who didn't want to make things difficult for Nina."

"This Kailan is indeed a sensible person." Aikesi praised, lifting his wine glass to take a sip. "To be able to do this, one must either have a broad heart or love deeply."

"Yes." Wodun nodded, then immediately gave a bitter smile. "But Blumer is different. He isn't doing it for Nina; purely to fight for a breath of pride. This person of his wants to be number one in everything. He wants to win the selection for the honorary disciple, and he also wants to win in pursuing Nina. In his view, losing to me would be an utter humiliation."

"So that's why he proposed publicly in the Wugong Hall?" Diliya frowned, putting down her chopsticks. "Isn't this forcing the Emperor to make a decision?"

"Exactly forcing." Wodun sighed, clenching his fist. "He is betting that the Emperor dares not offend the Wushen Sect. After all, the identity of a Wushen Chichuan Dizi is more useful than anything else in the O'Brien Empire. Blumer is relying on this identity to be so arrogant."

Linlei's fingers lightly tapped the table, lost in thought. His gaze was deep, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Aikesi knew what he was thinking. The Wushen Sect's status in the O'Brien Empire was transcendent, almost surpassing imperial power. The disciples of Wushen Aobulaien were spread throughout the empire's military and political circles; Blumer had precisely counted on this point to be so reckless.

"What does the Emperor say?" Linlei asked.

"He's stalling," Wodun said helplessly. "He claims Nina is still young and there's no rush. But Nina is already twenty-one; how is she young? Anyone with eyes can see he just can't make up his mind—he neither wants to offend the Wushen Sect nor chill my heart."

"So you're just going to wait?" Linlei looked at his younger brother, his gaze scrutinizing.

Wodun straightened his spine, his eyes firm: "Of course not. I have already formally submitted a proposal letter to the Emperor and prepared myself for a duel with Blumer. Regardless of the outcome, I will never give up on Nina. Even if I die, I will die on the dueling grounds; I will not retreat a single step."

Seeing the determination in his brother's eyes, Linlei nodded inwardly. This was the stuff of Baruch Clan men. Men of the Baruch Clan never bowed their heads before difficulties, nor did they retreat before love. Years ago, his father Huo Ge had been just as reckless for his mother's sake.

"Good!" He slapped the table and rose, his voice resonant. "Since we're fighting, let's fight to the end. Blumer has the Wushen Sect backing him; you have your big brother backing you!"

Wodun's eyes lit up, and he stood up excitedly: "Brother, you're willing to help me?"

"You're my brother; if I don't help you, who will?" Linlei laughed, patting Wodun's shoulder. "Besides, your big brother is now a Saint Domain expert. That Wushen Chichuan Dizi, Blumer, is nothing before your big brother. He's merely a Level 9 Warrior who hasn't even touched the threshold of the Saint Domain; what does he have to be arrogant about?"

These words were vulgar, but hearing them made Wodun feel his blood boiling throughout his body, his eyes turning red again. With his big brother here, what did he have to fear?

"By the way," Aikesi suddenly spoke up, his expression turning serious, "how is Blumer's swordsmanship? Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you remain undefeated in a hundred battles."

Wodun recalled, his brows knitting slightly: "He excels at the Light Shadow Sword; his speed is extremely fast, and the angles of his strikes are very tricky. During the selection for registered disciples back then, I lost precisely to that fast sword of his. My Strength Profound Mystery is greater than his, but I simply couldn't keep up with his speed; I was completely led around by the nose."

"Fast sword?" Aikesi curled the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile of complete confidence. "Then that's easy to handle. Your brother's Earth Profound Mystery happens to counter speed-type opponents. The Earth Pulse emphasizes using stillness to control motion, responding to ten thousand changes with unchanging principles. As long as you can grasp its essence, Blumer's fast sword will be mere flower fists before you."

Linlei nodded: "During this period, I will personally train with you. I will use the Earth Profound Mystery to simulate Blumer's attack rhythm, allowing you to adapt to the style of the fast sword in actual combat."

Wodun was overjoyed, nearly jumping up: "Excellent! With Big Brother teaching me, I'll definitely beat Blumer until he's searching for his teeth on the ground!"

Just as they were speaking, a clamor suddenly came from outside, mixed with hurried footsteps and the shouts of guards demanding identification.

"Lord Count!" A guard rushed in, panting heavily, his face pale. "Marquis Blumer has arrived and says he wishes to see you!"

Wodun's complexion changed; he stood up abruptly: "What has he come for?"

The guard hesitated, stole a glance at Linlei, and said cautiously: "He says he wants to see your 'helper,' and also that..."

"Also what?" Linlei asked lightly.

The guard swallowed hard, his voice growing quieter: "He also said not to think that a few country bumpkins arriving can change anything. In the O'Brien Empire, the Wushen Sect is heaven itself."

The living room instantly fell silent; one could hear a pin drop.

Wodun's face flushed crimson, veins bulging on his forehead; he grabbed the longsword on the table and was about to rush out. Linlei pressed down on his shoulder, his palm as firm as an iron clamp, and said lightly, "I'll go take a look."

He rose and walked outward, his pace neither hurried nor slow. Aikesi and Beibei followed behind; Diliya was somewhat worried and wanted to follow, but Linlei calmed her with a single glance.

At the entrance of the residence, a young man dressed in a luxurious robe stood with his hands behind his back. He had handsome features, fair skin, and long black hair tied up with a golden crown. His figure was slender, and a gem-encrusted longsword hung at his waist; his entire being exuded an innate arrogance. He held his chin slightly raised, his gaze sweeping over everything as if nothing in this world was worthy of his eyes.

Blumer.

Behind him followed two guards, both Level 7 Warriors, burly and imposing. They stood one on the left and one on the right behind Blumer, hands resting on their sword hilts, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

Linlei walked out of the residence gate, looking at him calmly, his face showing no expression. He stood there casually, yet gave people a feeling of stability akin to a mountain range.

Blumer also looked over, his originally arrogant expression changing slightly. He felt it—the young man before him, who appeared little older than himself, emitted an aura that made his heart palpitate. It was an aura he had only felt from several Saint Domain senior brothers within the Wushen Sect.

Linlei looked at him lightly: "What have you come for?"

Blumer curled the corner of his mouth, barely maintaining his surface composure: "I heard that Count Wodun's big brother has arrived, so I came specifically to pay my respects. After all, here in Didu, we nobles ought to observe some propriety among ourselves."

"Pay respects?" Linlei smiled ambiguously. "Finished paying respects?"

Blumer's complexion changed slightly, but he forced a smile: "Regarding my marriage to Princess Nina, I assume Wodun has already told you. Although it hasn't been finalized yet, His Majesty will sooner or later make a wise choice."

Linlei stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled. The smile was faint, yet it inexplicably sent a chill through Blumer's heart.

"Blumer, I have heard of you."

Blumer was slightly stunned, unsure of what Linlei was about to say.

"Your brother, Aoliweiya, is a true genius," Linlei said unhurriedly, his tone as calm as if stating a fact. "He relied on his own strength to reach where he is today; I admire him. As for you..."

He did not continue, but that meaningful pause was more hurtful than any words. The implication was clear enough—you were not worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as your brother.

Blumer's complexion changed, flushing red then turning pale; his hand unconsciously gripped his sword hilt. The two guards behind him also grew tense, readying themselves to act.

Linlei, however, seemed not to notice their reactions; he turned around and walked back inside, leaving Blumer with only his back view.

"Go back and tell your brother I await a spar with him," Linlei said without turning his head, his voice calm yet clearly entering everyone's ears. "As for you, better refine your swordsmanship first. Relying on the title of a Wushen disciple to borrow power from others is ultimately not the righteous path."

The residence gate slammed shut with a "Bang." Blumer stood rooted to the spot, his facial expression a spectacular mix. Shame, fury, unwillingness, and a trace of fear he himself was unwilling to admit played across his face.

"Arrogant!" He gritted his teeth, the words squeezed out through clenched jaws. "Just a country noble, yet he dares..."

Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly stopped. Because he recalled that when Linlei had stood there just now, he had actually been unable to sense any aura from the other party. That feeling of unfathomable depth was something he had only experienced with several senior brothers in the Wushen Sect. And those people were all Saint Domain experts.

Could it be... that Linlei was also Saint Domain?

Blumer's face turned ugly; without saying a word, he turned and departed, his footsteps much faster than when he had arrived.

Inside the residence, Wodun came forward to meet him: "Brother, has he left?"

"He's gone." Linlei patted his shoulder, his tone relaxed. "People like that aren't worth worrying about. He's just a spoiled young master, flaunting his power based on his brother's and master's reputations. Train hard; defeating him in the duel will speak louder than anything else."

Wodun nodded heavily, fierce fighting spirit burning in his eyes: "Brother, I will definitely not let you down!"

In the days that followed, Linlei and Aikesi took turns training Wodun. Every day before dawn, Wodun would rise to practice swordsmanship in the courtyard, resting only late at night.

Linlei taught Wodun the defensive methods of the Earth Pulse, helping him accustom himself to the attack rhythm of the fast sword. He had Wodun close his eyes to feel the vibrations of the ground and judge the direction of attacks through the flow of air, cultivating his perception. Over and over again, tirelessly.

Aikesi, meanwhile, used fire to simulate Blumer's speed, forcing Wodun to adapt in actual combat. His flame sword was fast and urgent, with tricky angles, compelling Wodun to go all out. In every training session, Wodun would be beaten black and blue, but he never complained of hardship; he would get up and continue fighting.

Wodun was already gifted by nature, and under their careful guidance, his strength improved by leaps and bounds. His mastery of the Earth Pulse grew increasingly proficient, and his reaction speed became faster and faster; from initially barely blocking, he progressed to being able to spar with Aikesi for dozens of moves without falling behind.

Diliya, meanwhile, became good friends with Nina. The two girls often chatted together; every time Nina came, she brought the latest news about Emperor Qiaoan. She was a lively and cheerful girl; when she smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons, looking very beautiful. Her feelings for Wodun were sincere and passionate, making no attempt to conceal her intentions.

"Father Emperor is still hesitating," Nina said, frowning, her chin propped in her hands. "Blumer enters the palace every day and even gets senior brothers from the Wushen Sect to speak on his behalf. Father Emperor is under great pressure; he hasn't slept well these past few days."

"Don't worry," Diliya comforted her, taking her hand. "Linlei has arrived; matters will surely be resolved. He never lets those around him down."

Nina looked at Wodun, who was training in the distance, her eyes full of tenderness and trust: "I believe in him. No matter what happens, I will wait for him."

As days passed, the atmosphere in Didu grew increasingly tense. People on the streets and in the alleys were all discussing the Seventh Princess's marriage; some favored Blumer, others supported Wodun, arguing endlessly.

Everyone knew that the duel concerning the Seventh Princess's marriage would begin soon. Linlei's arrival, moreover, added several variables to this duel, making the originally one-sided situation become intricate and unpredictable.