Chapter 703

PS: Check out the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of 'Medical Dominion of the Rivers and Mountains', share your suggestions for the novel, follow our online public account (add us on WeChat, subscribe to the public account, enter qdread), and let me know quietly.

PS: Check out the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of 'Medical Dominion of the Rivers and Mountains', share your suggestions for the novel, follow our online public account (add us on WeChat, subscribe to the public account, enter qdread), and let me know quietly.

Translation: "PS: Check out the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the network public account (add friends on WeChat, add public account, input qdread), quietly tell me!"

PS: Check out the exclusive behind-the-scenes story of 'Medical Dominion of the Rivers and Mountains', share your suggestions for the novel, follow our online public account (add us on WeChat, subscribe to the public account, enter qdread), and let me know quietly.

Thus: "PS: Check out the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the online public account (add friends on WeChat, add public account, input qdread), and quietly tell me!"

But we need to keep the exclamation. We'll output: 【1】 PS: Check out the exclusive story behind Medical Unification, hear your more suggestions for the novel, follow the online public account (add friends on WeChat, add public account, input qdread), and quietly tell me!

Make sure no extra commentary.

After finishing the move, Hu Xiaotian stopped, picked up the towel hanging from the tree branch, and wiped his face. Only then did he realize that Huo Shengnan had already arrived, and she had been watching him practice swordsmanship for a while. Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "General Huo, when did you arrive?"

Translation: "After finishing the move, Hu Xiaotian stopped, picked up the towel hanging from the tree branch and wiped his face, only then realizing that Huo Shengnan had already arrived and had been watching him practice swordplay for a while. Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, 'General Huo, when did you come over?'"

We need to keep "General Huo" as "General Huo". Use "General Huo". Good.

Huo Shengnan said, "What sword technique is this move? It feels completely different from your previous sword styles, and it seems very powerful."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'What sword technique is this move? It feels completely different from your previous sword patterns, seems very powerful.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, "It's still the same sword technique. General Huo, are you interested in sparring with me?"

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's still the same sword technique; General Huo, are you interested in sparring with me?'"

Huo Shengnan actually nodded, drew her sword from her waist, and softly said, "Please let me learn your swordsmanship, Sir Hu."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan unexpectedly nodded, drew her long sword from her waist, and softly said, 'Let me learn your swordsmanship, Sir Hu.'"

Note: "Sir Hu" is "Sir Hu". Use "Sir Hu". Good.

Hu Xiaotian clasped his fist toward her, and both stepped back three steps. Hu Xiaotian suddenly sprang into action; as he stepped forward, his inner energy rose from his dantian, and he raised both hands holding the Hidden Edge Sword. His inner energy coordinated perfectly with his movements. At the instant of attack, his inner energy just penetrated both arms, the great sword flashed a cold light in the night, and as it danced, it faintly carried the sound of wind and thunder.

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian clasped his fist toward her, both stepped back three steps, then Hu Xiaotian suddenly sprang forward; as he stepped, his inner breath rose from his dantian, he lifted the Hidden Edge Sword with both hands, his inner breath perfectly coordinated with his movement, at the instant of attack the inner breath just suffused his arms, the great sword flashed a cold light in the night, and as it danced it carried a faint sound of wind and thunder."

We need to keep "Hidden Edge Sword" as "Hidden Edge Sword". Good.

Huo Shengnan's brows slightly furrowed; she had already judged the tremendous power of Hu Xiaotian's sword. With a flick of her arm, a "swish!" sounded as her long sword brushed against Hu Xiaotian's greatsword. As a seasoned warrior, she naturally would not choose to clash head‑on with him—his greatsword far outweighed her longsword, and he wielded it with both hands, seizing the initiative. In terms of brute strength, Hu Xiaotian is not inferior to her, so Huo Shengnan must win through skill. Her method is to use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds: she swings her sword, tracing a graceful arc, tilting the blade slightly—just this subtle change. It lets her sword meet Hu Xiaotian's heavy sword squarely; at the moment the blades touch, she turns her wrist downward, avoiding the edge and dissipating his force, then uses speed to overcome and defeat him.

Translation: "Huo Shengnan's brows slightly furrowed; she had already judged the tremendous power of Hu Xiaotian's sword. With a flick of her wrist, a soft 'swish' sounded as her long sword brushed against his great sword. Huo Shengnan, battle-hardened, certainly would not choose to clash head‑on with Hu Xiaotian, whose great sword far outweighed her long sword and who wielded it with both hands, seizing the initiative. Purely in terms of strength, Hu Xiaotian should not be inferior to her, so Huo Shengnan would win through skill; her method was to use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds—she swung her long sword to trace a graceful arc, tilting the blade slightly, just such a subtle change. This let her sword meet Hu Xiaotian's heavy sword squarely; at the moment the blades touched, Huo Shengnan sank her wrist downward, avoiding the sharp edge and discharging his force, then used speed to overcome the enemy and win."

We need to keep the sound effect "swish!". We'll translate as "swish". Keep exclamation.

Huo Shengnan had everything under control. She had a plan to deal with Hu Xiaotian, but when she tried to relieve the force of his sword, she felt the greatsword sink downward, a mighty surge like a great wave crashing toward her. Although her longsword did not clash head‑on with his, upon contact it became caught in a vortex—the vortex being the force generated by the greatsword's blade. Hu Xiaotian's inner energy passed through his greatsword onto her blade. Although Huo Shengnan had dispelled the initial force, an even stronger, overbearing power then transmitted to her sword, making it impossible for her to withdraw her longsword and launch a counterattack.

Translation: "Huo Shengnan had everything under control. She already had a strategy to deal with Hu Xiaotian, but when she tried to dispel the force from his sword blade, she felt the great sword sink downward, a mighty surge like a great wave crashing forth. Although her long sword did not clash head‑on with Hu Xiaotian's, once they stuck together she fell into a vortex—the vortex being the force generated by the heavy sword's blade. Hu Xiaotian's inner power transmitted through the heavy sword to her blade. Although Huo Shengnan had dispelled the initial force, immediately afterward an even stronger, overbearing power was transmitted to her sword, making it impossible for her to draw her long sword and launch a counterattack."

She stared wide‑eyed, somewhat bewildered, and had to step back one step to increase the distance from Hu Xiaotian—retreating to advance—breaking free from the greatsword's hold.

Translation: "She stared wide‑eyed, somewhat bewildered, and had to step back one pace to increase the distance from Hu Xiaotian—retreating to advance—so as to free herself from the heavy sword's constraint."

Hu Xiaotian, however, seemed to have seen through her intention. He pressed his greatsword forward; the force of the blade changed due to the shift in his inner energy. Huo Shengnan retreated three steps before she could draw her longsword free. She was genuinely shocked. Previously she had witnessed Hu Xiaotian's martial prowess and thought he was nowhere near her level. Yet she never expected that this single move would force her to step back three times, barely escaping his attack range. Though the move appears unremarkable in form, the transformation of his inner energy is intricate and complex. In a short time, while facing this move, she actually felt several entirely different kinds of power, like successive waves of a surging tide, layer upon layer, climax after climax.

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian, however, seemed to have seen through her intention; he pressed the great sword forward, and the force of the blade changed due to the shift of inner breath within his body. Huo Shengnan retreated three steps in succession before she could draw her long sword free. She was genuinely shocked. Previously she had witnessed Huo Xiaotian's martial prowess and thought he was nowhere near her level, yet she never expected this single sword of his to force her to retreat three steps before barely escaping his attack range. Though the move appeared unremarkable in form, the inner breath's transformation was intricate and complex. In a short time, while enduring this move of Hu Xiaotian's, she actually felt several entirely different kinds of power, like a surging tide, layer upon layer advancing, climax after climax."

Huo Shengnan dared to assert that this move of Hu Xiaotian's was completely different from the sword technique he had practiced that morning.

Translation: "Huo Shengnan dared to assert that this move of Hu Xiaotian's was completely different from the sword technique he had practiced that morning."

Hu Xiaotian discovered that he could actually force Huo Shengnan to retreat, and he couldn't help feeling a bit pleased, smiling and saying, "How was that move?"

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian discovered that he could actually repel Huo Shengnan, and he couldn't help feeling a little pleased, smiling and saying, 'Is this move all right?'"

Huo Shengnan nodded and said, "Not bad. If you fight Qiu Mubai at this level, even if you can't win, you won't lose too embarrassingly."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan nodded and said, 'Not bad; if you go up against Qiu Mubai with this level, even if you can't win, you won't lose too embarrassingly.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Too bad I only have mastered this one move."

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said, 'Too bad I only have mastered this one move.'"

Huo Shengnan blinked her beautiful eyes, not understanding what Hu Xiaotian meant.

There's a typo: "Hu Xiaotian" should be "Hu Xiaotian". Huo Shengnan blinked her beautiful eyes, not understanding what Hu Xiaotian meant.

We'll translate: "Huo Shengnan blinked her beautiful eyes, not understanding what Hu Xiaotian meant."

Hu Xiaotian said, "If this move cannot defeat him, then I will have to abandon my sword and admit defeat."

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said, 'If this move cannot defeat him, then I can only discard my sword and admit defeat.'"

Huo Shengnan said, "Sir Hu..." She seemed to have something to say, but when the words reached her lips she changed her mind, and softly said, "You should rest early; even if you practice harder now, it's probably too late."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'Sir Hu…' She seemed to have something to say, but upon reaching her lips she changed her mind, and softly said, 'You should rest early; even if you practice harder now, it's probably too late.'"

That night, Huo Shengnan did not stay at the Qixing Palace; after leaving alone, she went to the commander's residence in the western part of Yongdu. This is the mansion of the Grand Commander of Yong's armed forces, Wei Yichong. Late at night, with all quiet, the training hall remained brightly lit.

Translation: "That night Huo Shengnan did not stay in Qichen Palace to rest; after leaving alone, she went to the Marshal's Residence in the western part of Yongdu. This is the residence of Da Yong Grand Marshal Weichi Chong; deep into the night, with few people about, the Martial Arts Hall remained brightly lit."

A tall, white‑haired old man was polishing a twelve‑foot spear under the lamp; he was none other than the Grand Commander Wei Yichong of Yong's armed forces. For some reason he suddenly paused, his eyes fixed on the flickering candle flame, his expression showing a hint of bewilderment.

Translation: "A tall, white‑haired old man was polishing a twelve‑foot spear under the light; he was precisely Da Yong Grand Marshal Weichi Chong. For some reason he suddenly stopped, his eyes fixed on the flickering candle flame, his expression showing a hint of bewilderment."

After a while, Wei Yichong finally shook his head, sighed, and gazed toward the gate, asking, "Is that Shengnan?"

Translation: "After a while, Weichi Chong shook his head, sighed, and looked toward the gate, asking, 'Is that Shengnan?'"

Huo Shengnan entered the training hall with a smile and said softly, "Foster father, your hearing is still as sharp as ever; I tried to tread lightly, but I still can't escape your ears."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan walked into the Martial Arts Hall with a smile and said softly, 'Foster father, your hearing is still as sharp as ever; I tried to tread lightly, but I still can't escape your ears.'"

Note: "Foster father" -> "Foster father". Use "Foster father". Good.

Wei Yichong laughed and said, "You little girl, why aren't you on duty at the Qixing Palace, but came running to my place?"

Translation: "Weichi Chong chuckled and said, 'You little lass, why aren't you on guard at Qichen Palace but have come running to my place?'"

Huo Shengnan stepped behind Wei Yichong, placed both hands on his shoulders to massage them, and said, "Foster father, why did you sigh just now?"

Translation: "Huo Shengnan came behind Weichi Chong, placed both hands on his shoulders to massage them, and said, 'Foster father, why did you sigh just now?'"

Wei Yichong said, "I just received news that the capital of Dakang has suffered a major upheaval: the Dakang Emperor, Long Yelin, has gone mad with loss of reason, and can no longer handle state affairs. For now, the Crown Prince, Long Tingsheng, is temporarily presiding over the government, while Empress Jian rules from behind the curtain."

Translation: "Weichi Chong said, 'I just received news that Kangdu has suffered a major upheaval: the Dakang Emperor Long Yelin has gone mad with loss of reason, now unable to handle state affairs; for the time being the Eldest Prince Long Ting sheng is overseeing the government, while Empress Jian rules from behind the curtain.'"

Huo Shengnan exclaimed in surprise, "Long Yelin just became emperor—how could something like this happen so quickly?"

Translation: "Huo Shengnan exclaimed in surprise, 'Long Yelin just became emperor not long ago—how could something happen to him so quickly?'"

Wei Yichong sighed and said, "When a state is about to perish, there must be monsters. All of this is the doing of that eunuch, Ji Feihua. If this continues, the fall of Dakang is not far off." His words were filled with sorrow; although he is now the Grand Commander of Yong's armed forces, he was born in Dakang, so how could he have no feelings for his homeland?

Translation: "Weichi Chong sighed and said, 'When a state is about to perish, there must be monsters and villains. All of this is the doing of that eunuch Ji Feihua; if this continues, Dakang's days until ruin are few.' His words carried considerable sorrow; although he is now the Da Yong Grand Marshal, he was after all born in Dakang—how could he have no feeling for his homeland?"

Huo Shengnan said, "The emperor might be preparing to advance south."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'The Emperor may be preparing to advance southward.'"

A hint of a bitter smile appeared on Wei Yichong's lips as he said, "The purpose of allying with the Black Hu is to secure our rear; only when we have no rear worries can we focus our strength on attacking Dakang."

Translation: "Weichi Chong's lips curled into a faint bitter smile: 'The purpose of allying with the Black Hu is to secure our rear; only when we have no rear‑guard worries can we concentrate our strength to attack Dakang.'"

Huo Shengnan asked, "Will the emperor appoint you as commander-in-chief for a southern campaign?"

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'Will the Emperor appoint you to command the southern expedition?'"

Wei Yichong shook his head and said, "The emperor is a wise ruler; he sees everything clearly and would never let me attack Dakang. He should also know that even if he ordered me to go, I would not go."

Translation: "Weichi Chong shook his head and said, 'The Emperor is a wise ruler; he sees every matter clearly and will certainly not let me fight Dakang, and he should also know that even if he ordered me to go, I would not go.'"

Huo Shengnan whispered, "Foster father, the Black Hu people are not reliable; if the emperor launches a major southern invasion, won't the Black Hu take advantage and invade?"

Translation: "Huo Shengnan whispered, 'Foster father, the Black Hu people are not reliable; if the Emperor launches a large‑scale southern invasion, won't the Black Hu take advantage of the vacancy?'"

Wei Yichong said, "If I'm not mistaken, the emperor will have me personally lead troops to garrison the northern frontier; the emperor's intention is already decided, and Dakang is in peril."

Translation: "Weichi Chong said, 'If I'm not mistaken, the Emperor will have me personally lead troops to garrison Bei Jiang; this time the Emperor's intention is settled, Dakang is in peril.'"

Huo Shengnan said, "In just a few days, it will be the wedding day of Princess Anping and the Seventh Prince."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'In just a few days it will be the grand wedding of Princess Anping and the Seventh Prince.'"

Wei Yichong said, "A single marriage cannot change the fate of Dakang."

Translation: "Weichi Chong said, 'A single marriage cannot change Dakang's fate.'"

Huo Shengnan said, "The Sword Palace's Qiu Mubai has challenged Hu Xiaotian to a duel; they will meet at Happy Forest tomorrow at noon."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'Qiu Mubai of the Sword Palace has challenged Hu Xiaotian to a duel; they will meet at Happy Forest tomorrow at noon.'"

Wei Yichong's expression showed a hint of surprise as he furrowed his brows and asked, "What grudge do they have? That Qiu Mubai fellow is always arrogant and proud, yet his opponent is the Dakang marriage envoy, Marquis Qiu Xian'guang—why would he just sit by and do nothing about this?"

Translation: "Weichi Chong's expression showed a slight surprise; he furrowed his brows and asked, 'What grudge do they have? That brat Qiu Mubai is always arrogant and proud, yet his challenger is ultimately the Dakang marriage envoy—why would Qiu Xian guang sit by and do nothing about this?'"

Huo Shengnan said, "I've heard that this is actually his tacit approval."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'I've heard a piece of news that this matter is his tacit approval.'"

Wei Yichong keenly sensed that there must be some hidden motive behind this, and he whispered, "Who is pulling the strings behind the scenes?"

Translation: "Weichi Chong keenly sensed that there must be some hidden machination behind this, and he said in a low voice, 'Who is pulling the strings behind the scenes?'"

Huo Shengnan asked, "If Hu Xiaotian loses and is killed in the duel, who would be the ultimate beneficiary?"

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'If Hu Xiaotian loses and is killed in the duel, who would be the ultimate beneficiary?'"

Wei Yichong sighed and said, "Consort Shu has always been dissatisfied with the marriage alliance. Earlier she schemed to make things difficult for the Dakang envoy; now that the wedding is approaching, perhaps she still isn't resigned. Actually, even if you don't tell me, I know that the Sword Palace's recent development is inseparable from the support of the Dong family."

Translation: "Weichi Chong sighed and said, 'Consort Shu has always been dissatisfied with the marriage alliance; earlier she plotted to embarrass the Dakang envoy, and now that the wedding is approaching perhaps she still isn't resigned. Actually, even if you didn't tell me I would know—the Sword Palace's recent development is inseparable from the support of the Dong family.'"

Huo Shengnan whispered, "I've learned that Qiu Mubai is not only determined to win this duel, but he is also resolved to kill."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan whispered, 'I have received word that Qiu Mubai is not only determined to win this duel, but is also resolved to kill.'"

Wei Yichong's eyes flashed.

Translation: "Weichi Chong's eyes flashed."

Huo Shengnan said, "Hu Xiaotian is no ordinary eunuch; his father was the former Minister of Revenue of Dakang, Hu Buwei. While in the Dakang imperial palace, he gained the deep favor of Ji Feihua, and Ji Feihua's current position in the Dakang

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'Hu Xiaotian is no ordinary eunuch; his father was the former Dakang Minister of Revenue, Hu Buwei, and while in the Dakang palace he enjoyed the deep favor of Ji Feihua, whose position in the Dakang palace can truly be described as covering the sky with one hand.'"

Yuchi Chong encouraged her with his gaze to keep speaking.

Translation: "Weichi Chong encouraged her with his gaze to continue."

Huo Shengnan said, "Although Dakang couldn't possibly go to war with Da Yong over a eunuch's life, Hu Xiaotian remains the head of the Zilan Palace in the Dakang imperial palace and is the person Princess Anping trusts most. Their bond is deep; if he died, Princess Anping would certainly not sit idly by."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'Although Dakang would not go to war with Da Yong over the life of a mere eunuch, Hu Xiaotian is still the steward of Zilan Palace in the Dakang palace and the person Princess Anping trusts most; their feelings run deep, and if he died, Princess Anping would certainly not stand by idly.'"

Yuchi Chong said, "If she holds a grudge over this, then the Seventh Prince's position would be in danger."

Translation: "Weichi Chong said, 'If she therefore bears resentment, then the Seventh Prince's situation would hardly be safe.'"

Huo Shengnan said, "We can think of that. Others will surely think of it as well; perhaps dealing with Hu Xiaotian is just the beginning."

Translation: "Huo Shengnan said, 'We can think of that; others will surely think of it too—perhaps dealing with Hu Xiaotian is only the beginning.'"

Yuchi Chong sighed deeply: "Even if you see through it, what can be done? Shengnan, listen to your father—just do your duty. After you finish what you're doing, come with me to the northern frontier garrison. No matter what happens in the palace, it's none of our concern." His tone was filled with deep melancholy.

Translation: "Weichi Chong let out a long, sorrowful sigh: 'Even if we see through it, what can we do? Shengnan, listen to your father—just do your duty; after you finish what's at hand, come with me to garrison Bei Jiang. No matter what changes occur inside the palace, they have nothing to do with us.' His words carried a deep sense of desolation."

Huo Shengnan pressed her lips, unable to voice the thoughts she had kept inside. She had come to her foster father late at night hoping he would step in and use his influence to defuse the duel. Deep down, she did not want Hu Xiaotian to die like this, even though his move tonight had revealed astonishing skill—but that was not enough to ensure he could defeat Qiu Mubai.

Translation: "Huo Shengnan pressed her lips together; the words she had kept in her heart were still not spoken outright. The reason she came late at night to see her foster father was to have him intervene with his influence to defuse this duel; deep down she truly did not want Hu Xiaotian to die just like that, although his performance in tonight's move had shocked her with his strength, it was still not enough to guarantee he could defeat Qiu Mubai."

The foster father would surely understand her intention; his helpless affection mirrored his low spirits. Tomorrow's duel had already gone beyond a simple contest, with many powers plotting behind it—powers even he could not afford to antagonize.

Translation: "The foster father would not fail to see her meaning; his helpless affection is a true reflection of his present low spirits. Tomorrow's duel has long since surpassed the duel itself, with many powers behind the scenes scheming, and those powers are even ones the foster father dare not offend."

Seventh Prince Xue Daoming strode slowly up the Star-Picking Pavilion; this building, the tallest in Yongdu's inner city, has seven floors, all wooden, its main framework joined from fine golden-thread nanmu, and after a hundred years it still stands as before.

A burly man had already been waiting at the Star-Picking Pavilion; he stood there with his back turned, his eyes quietly gazing at the brilliant stars in the night sky, as if he could reach out and touch them. Lowering his head, he saw the myriad lights of Yongdu at night, too beautiful to take in, like the heavenly Milky Way. Such a beautiful and prosperous place, yet it did not belong to him; each time he thought of this, Wanyan Chixiong's inner heart felt as if being bitten by myriad insects, his hands involuntarily clenched tight, and then he heard footsteps behind him. (A good activity where pies fall from the sky, cool smartphones await you! Follow and click to the public account (add friends on WeChat → add public account → input qdread), join now! Everyone gets a prize, right now immediately follow the qdread WeChat public account!)(To be continued~^~)