Chapter 705

Happy Forest lies southeast of the Sword Palace; it was once the training ground of the Red Feather Army, but fell into disuse after the camp relocated outward. Kind-hearted people planted saplings here, and as time flew by, those saplings have grown into towering trees. The woods surround a meadow of about two mu. Those who come daily to practice martial arts, strengthen their bodies, or carry cages for birdkeeping have long made this a well-known leisure spot in the area. Of course, scenes of fierce rivalry and brawls also frequently occur here.

Hu Xiaotian and Qiu Mubai's duel, deliberately promoted by the latter, has become known throughout the city in just two days. Hu Xiaotian is not a belligerent person; accepting Qiu Mubai's challenge this time is certainly not a momentary impulse, but because he sensed that someone might be pulling strings behind Qiu Mubai's back, and to uncover that hidden figure he must first defeat Qiu Mubai. Of course, a more important reason is that he now has confidence, having swallowed the Storm‑Cloud Fruit, his inner strength has advanced, and under the guidance of the Formless Divine Skill he improves almost every day. These past two days, Sumi Tian transmitted the Divine Serpent Nine Swords to him, and he also found a sword manual inside the Black Iron Plaque. Although Hu Xiaotian cannot be certain whether this manual is indeed the Slay‑Heaven Seven Swords, the method of controlling the sword with qi contained therein has benefited him greatly, raising his understanding of swordsmanship to an unprecedented level.

When he first accepted Qiu Mubai's challenge, Hu Xiaotian thought that even if he could not win, relying on the Dog‑Dodging Eighteen Steps he could at least save his life; now he possesses strong confidence, the confidence to defeat his opponent.

Hu Xiaotian arrived at Happy Forest half an hour early. Although it is a duel, the principle is the same as two armies clashing: one must know oneself and the enemy, and also possess favorable timing, terrain, and harmony among men. He used this early time to scout the terrain. The ground there is level; he noted where there were depressions, and even the softness, hardness, looseness, and tightness of the soil—he examined them all.

Zhou Mo and Xiong Tianba naturally accompanied him; at such a moment, urging Hu Xiaotian to give up would only disturb his mind, so Zhou Mo, upon reaching Happy Forest, finally remained silent, saying nothing.

After surveying the surroundings, Hu Xiaotian went to the shade of the trees, sat cross-legged, quietly regulated his breath, and embraced the primordial unity. The longer he practiced the Formless Divine Skill, the more he sensed its vast profundity; not only did he completely merge and make his own the ten years of inner force that Quan De'an had injected into his body, but he also eliminated any danger of deviation. Had it not been for the Formless Divine Skill, he would likely have suffered a ruptured meridian when Sumi Tian fed him the Crimson Yang Scorching Yin Pill, and he would have died long ago—how could he now have this miraculous fortune?

When Hu Xiaotian opened his eyes, he saw that quite a few people had already arrived at the scene. He smiled at the nearest Huo Shengnan, rose, walked over to her, and cupped his fists, saying, 'General Huo, you've arrived?'

Huo Shengnan said, 'I am acting on the Empress Dowager's order to ensure the safety of the envoy.' She always maintained a strictly businesslike demeanor, yet deep down she still cared for Hu Xiaotian, precisely because she had seen some of the inner details. Consequently, she worried all the more about Hu Xiaotian's fate.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Qiu Mubai hasn't arrived yet; I wonder if he's afraid?'

Huo Shengnan said, 'This place is very close to the Sword Palace; ordinarily many Sword Palace disciples come here to practice swordsmanship.' The implication was to tell Hu Xiaotian that Qiu Mubai must be far more familiar with the local terrain than he is.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'General Huo, what do you think my chances of victory are?'

Huo Shengnan said, 'Your move may be formidable, but if it ever comes to a true life‑and‑death struggle, I would never wait for you to unleash it.' The implication was to tell Hu Xiaotian that his sword‑drawing speed is insufficient. Qiu Mubai's swordsmanship is renowned for its swiftness, and he would certainly not hold back against Hu Xiaotian; sparring and a mortal combat are entirely different matters.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'When I want to come out, no one can stop me!' Actually, there is one thing Huo Shengnan does not know: when sparring with her, Hu Xiaotian still held back a considerable amount of inner force, because he could not freely release and restrain it, fearing he might accidentally injure Huo Shengnan.

Seeing his such confidence, Huo Shengnan felt it inappropriate to dampen his spirits at this moment, and softly said, 'Better to be cautious.'

At that moment, more people approached from afar—Zong Tang and Liu Yucheng. They got along well with Hu Xiaotian and had both previously received his favors. Hearing that Hu Xiaotian would duel today, they also came to watch.

Zong Tang had close ties with the Sword Palace; the weapons used by its disciples mostly came from his smithy. However, he himself was not deeply acquainted with Qiu Mubai, who relied on his talent, acted arrogantly, remained aloof, and had very few close friends.

Hu Xiaotian noticed that Liu Yucheng was also carrying a medicine box, apparently preparing to treat injuries at any moment; he could not help but wryly smile, guessing that no one today thought highly of him, and he greeted the two with a smile.

Zong Tang said, 'Brother Hu, don't forget that later we're going to have a drink.' Having reached this point, the duel was inevitable, so there was no need to say anything further.

Hu Xiaotian laughed, 'I'll be the host; I've already chosen the venue—still the Fragrant Condensation Pavilion!'

Zong Tang chuckled, 'That place is the most expensive spot in all of Yongdu.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Money can't easily buy happiness!'

Zong Tang secretly admired him, thinking that regardless of whether Hu Xiaotian could win this bout, maintaining such optimism before the great battle was already rare; only by relaxing oneself could one bring out one's best performance.

A group of people approached Happy Forest from afar; at the center was the Sword Palace's junior sect master, Qiu Mubai. Flanking him as his protectors were his two senior brothers: the eldest, Xu Jianchun, and the second, Zhou Jianming. Following behind were mostly his fellow senior and junior disciples, totalling thirty‑eight, all of them Sword Palace disciples. However, today Qiu Xian Guang did not appear—perhaps to avoid suspicion, or perhaps because he could not muster any interest in such a duel, sharing the view of most that the outcome of this match was beyond doubt.

Seeing the group beside Hu Xiaotian, Qiu Mubai blinked slightly, surprised that Hu Xiaotian's social connections were actually quite good. Many of those present were people he knew well; he nodded in acknowledgment, which counted as a greeting to them.

At that moment another group arrived—the three Dong brothers, who unquestionably stood on Qiu Mubai's side.

Before noon, many notables arrived one after another, including Li Chen Zhou and his wife, and even Prince Yan Xue Shengjing came with a retinue of attendants. He was not concerned about Hu Xiaotian's life or death; upon facing Hu Xiaotian he feigned concern, exchanged a couple of pleasantries, then lowered his voice and said, 'Brother, I haven't even had my stitches removed yet.'

Hu Xiaotian almost burst out laughing; this fellow was ultimately still looking out for himself, and he deliberately sighed, saying, 'Big brother, today's duel is a life‑and‑death showdown; if I go first, please trouble you to find a place to bury me.'

'What nonsense, brother—sparring isn't about taking lives,' Prince Yan Xue Shengjing said aloud, though he understood who was pulling the strings behind this matter. He then sighed and said, 'Let three parts be calm and retreat a step for vast skies and open seas; brother, as your elder brother I'm telling you not to act on impulse. That Qiu Mubai is a standout among the Sword Palace's younger generation, his swordsmanship is quite formidable—why make an enemy of him?'

Hu Xiaotian laughed, 'Big brother, do you think I'm surely doomed to lose?'

Xue Shengjing said, 'A true man can bend and stretch; brother, if you now regret it, I, as your elder brother, can intercede for you.'

Hu Xiaotian shook his head and said, 'Thank you for your kindness, big brother, but if I were to concede now I'd probably never be able to hold my head up again. Rest assured, I've already entrusted the matter of removing my stitches to Liu Yucheng; if I truly meet with misfortune today, you can find him.'

Xue Shengjing straightened his face and said, 'Nonsense, great luck and prosperity—you are my brother; you must not come to harm.'

At this moment Qiu Mubai stepped forward to pay his respects to Xue Shengjing; even though he was proud and arrogant, he dared not appear overly presumptuous in the presence of Prince Yan.

Xue Shengjing said, 'Mubai, today you are merely sparring, not fighting to the death—do you understand my words?'

Qiu Mubai smiled and said, 'Prince, rest assured; I will show mercy.'

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, 'Master Qiu, you're really amusing—do you think victory is already yours?'

Qiu Mubai coldly glared at Hu Xiaotian and said, 'I'm no match for Lord Hu in verbal sparring.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Then let me weigh your worth!'

Qiu Mubai, however, said, 'Hold on!'

Everyone's gaze fixed on their faces, wondering what else Qiu Mubai might have to say.

Qiu Mubai cupped his fists toward Prince Yan Xue Shengjing and said, 'Prince, Thousand Years, swords are blind; in a bout anything can change. I wish to first draw up a life‑and‑death contract to avoid unnecessary trouble.'

The smile on Xue Shengjing's face vanished instantly; the meaning of Qiu Mubai's words was already clear—today was not merely a spar, but a fight to the death. Xue Shengjing regretted coming here; if it weren't for his concern that Hu Xiaotian was treating his illness, what did this scoundrel's life or death have to do with him? Although they were sworn brothers, there was actually no brotherly feeling between them, and if his ailment were completely cured he would also wish Hu Xiaotian dead.

Xue Shengjing said, 'I, the Prince, am just here to have a look; don't drag me into this.'

A voice from afar said, 'Since no one wishes to act as witness, then only I, the old man, will come!' Everyone looked up and saw a soft‑sided palanquin arrive at the scene; from it stepped an elderly man—none other than the current Grand Tutor Xiang Liren. The Grand Tutor Xiang holds an extremely high position in Da Yong; his presence here is no coincidence. Xiang Liren has five daughters, three of whom are already married, leaving two younger daughters still in their chambers. His youngest daughter, Xiang Mo'er, was originally highly likely to marry the Seventh Prince Xue Daoming, and had even gained the tacit approval of the Virtuous Consort and the Dong family, but was blocked at the imperial gate. The Da Yong Emperor Xue Shengkang feared that if the Xiang and Dong families allied, their power would become too great, leaving no one in court able to oppose them, which would be highly detrimental to his rule. Therefore, Emperor Xue Shengkang decided to match his son with the Princess Anping of Dakang, a decision that shattered the Dong and Xiang families' marriage dreams and dealt a major blow to Grand Tutor Xiang. The Seventh Prince Xue Daoming is among the imperial princes most likely to become crown prince; if all goes as wished, his daughter would become the future crown princess, possibly even empress, making him Da Yong's father‑in‑law, and the Xiang clan would be most glorious—alas, the emperor's suspicions run too deep. (To be continued... ~^~)