Chapter 280: Hard to Tell Who's Winning

"Of course not, then we'd better obey than show respect!" Qi Shihuai said.

Further postponing would also be inappropriate.

Others naturally understood this as well, so they didn't raise any further objections.

The purpose of this young emperor summoning them must be this, right?

Is it really to improve relations with their Great Zhou, or is there some ulterior motive?

However, this young emperor didn't mention the hostage matter at all, which is indeed respectful enough toward Great Zhou.

After leaving the palace gates, the Nine Thousand Years led the way: "Would you few honored guests like to first follow me to tour our imperial palace?"

"Sure!" Mu Yuanzhi agreed first.

They haven't even properly tested this Nine Thousand Years yet!

"But before that, I promised to spar with the Young Master." The Nine Thousand Years gave a teasing look toward Pei Di.

Pei Di: "We've been waiting a long time; please, Eunuch Yao, instruct us!"

The Nine Thousand Years chuckled, "Young Master, please."

Not far ahead is the training ground; the Nine Thousand Years asked Pei Di: "What weapon would the Young Master like to choose?"

"How about using silver needles?" Pei Di said.

The Nine Thousand Years' expression changed, then immediately broke into a smile: "When did the Young Master also learn to wield such a concealed weapon? Is it because you saw me using it, so you said that?"

"Just say whether it's good or not."

"Fine, we'll do as the Young Master says."

As soon as his words fell, several sharp silver needles appeared between the Nine Thousand Years' fingers.

Being too far away, the others couldn't clearly see whether the style of these silver needles was the same as the ones that had killed their guards.

But Pei Di spoke with absolute certainty, so it must be correct; even if it isn't this time, it's possible the Nine Thousand Years deliberately changed them.

"May I borrow Eunuch Yao's silver needles to take a look? I study medicine and have some knowledge of concealed weapons; your silver needles are quite unique." Mu Yuanzhi boldly spoke up.

The Nine Thousand Years was very generous: "Of course, Princess, please."

Is it really that easy to talk?

Mu Yuanzhi discovered that this Nine Thousand Years truly grants every request.

But Xiao Di said he is very cunning.

Mu Yuanzhi retained basic vigilance, took the silver needle handed by the Nine Thousand Years, and upon inspection, it was indeed exactly the same as the silver needle that had killed the guards in one strike last night!

She and Gu Rongjin exchanged a quick glance, and in that meeting of gazes they had already confirmed the information with each other.

Gu Rongjin also saw that it was indeed the same.

Should we say this Nine Thousand Years is highly skilled and bold? He seems completely unafraid of them recognizing him, perhaps thinking that even if they do, they can't do anything to him.

Mu Yuanzhi was about to return the silver needle to the Nine Thousand Years when Pei Di snatched it away, glaring at the Nine Thousand Years and demanding: "Please, Eunuch Yao, explain why your silver needle is exactly the same as the one lodged in the throats of the three guards who died at our mountain villa yesterday?"

"Oh? Is that so? There's actually such a thing? Really suspicious." The Nine Thousand Years' face showed no change, nor his gaze; after pondering a moment, he continued: "Could it be that someone is trying to frame me?"

Mu Yuanzhi truly admired Pei Di—how could he be so brave?

Pei Di snorted before saying: "Who would dare frame the Nine Thousand Years?"

"The Young Master may not know, but in court and countryside, many people want to topple me." The Nine Thousand Years reached out toward Pei Di: "Could you trouble yourself to return the silver needle to me so we can continue sparring?"

"If Eunuch Yao doesn't explain clearly, I dare not spar with you, after all I still cherish my life." Pei Di said.

The Nine Thousand Years just laughed: "How could the Young Master say such a thing? You were born and raised here; have I ever made things difficult for you? Or when have I ever harmed you?"

Pei Di: "You know it yourself."

"I don't understand; please, Young Master, instruct me."

Pei Di's chest rose and fell once, then he shoved the silver needle back to the Nine Thousand Years.

"Weapon? I won't use silver needles; I'll just fight barehanded." Pei Di said.

Originally he didn't know how to use silver needles either.

The Nine Thousand Years didn't mind; he reminded Pei Di: "Fists and feet are blind; if the Young Master doesn't pick a weapon, he might hurt himself."

"No problem, come on!"

Saying that, he made the first move.

Qi Shihuai nervously watched them fight, feeling certain that the Nine Thousand Years was holding back everywhere—he was pulling his punches!

Is he afraid they'll see how strong he is?

Pei Di naturally also realized the Nine Thousand Years was holding back; he gritted his teeth, launching fast, precise, vicious moves, fighting with all his might!

The Nine Thousand Years remained completely at ease, even the smile on his face unchanged.

Gu Rongjin had a sudden inspiration, leapt forward to stand between them: "I'm itching to try; Eunuch Yao, let me spar with you, your humble servant!"

Mu Yuanzhi worried one after another; this Nine Thousand Years has deep internal strength—could Rongjin be his match?

The Nine Thousand Years wasn't annoyed either: "Sure!"

Gu Rongjin directly struck with eighty percent of his strength!

The Nine Thousand Years could fully block it; when the two clashed palms in midair, they could shake the very heavens and earth!

He really was holding back just now!

Everyone agreed.

This Nine Thousand Years can trade blows with Rongjin just like at the Cloud Mirror Pavilion!

Mu Yuanzhi nervously clenched her palms, not daring to look away for a moment.

"Young Master Rongjin's martial arts are impressive—no wonder he's the leader of the emperor's independent assassination unit." The Nine Thousand Years, drawing near, laughed.

He knows?!

Gu Rongjin almost lost focus, but luckily he reacted quickly and dodged the Nine Thousand Years' palm.

This fake eunuch is no longer hiding his strength.

Gu Rongjin exerted himself fully, fighting the Chief Eunuch to a point where it was hard to tell who was winning.

They had already fully grasped the depth of the Chief Eunuch's abilities.

Qi Shi Huai couldn't help but say: "Alright, it's just a spar, don't fight so long!"

Whether they were just getting into it or not, Gu Rongjin and the Chief Eunuch neither gave up, continuing to trade blows.

Mu Yuanzhi was deeply worried, afraid that Gu Rongjin might get hurt if he wasn't careful, since the opponent was also very formidable.

"Alright, stop fighting!"

"The sky is getting dark!"

"If we keep fighting, everyone at the palace gate will be drawn over!"

That comment was quite timely; the two indeed stopped, and upon looking, they saw that at some point the vicinity was filled with nosy onlookers, all chatting excitedly.

"Who is the Chief Eunuch fighting with?"

"It looks like they're sparring with someone from Great Zhou."

"To be able to trade blows with the Chief Eunuch like that, this person is really formidable!"

Then the onlookers were silenced by a single glance from the Chief Eunuch, scattering away, fearful that if their faces were remembered they wouldn't be able to get away with it.

Gu Rongjin smoothed the creases in his sleeve and said: "Yao Gonggong, your martial arts are truly impressive; which school did you study under?"

"Young Master Jin is not lacking either." The Chief Eunuch smoothed his somewhat disheveled collar and said: "You might as well guess."

"Guess?"

"Could it be that he knows him?"

Gu Rongjin found it increasingly suspicious the more he thought about it.

"Alright, we've lost some time, honored guests—do you want to head back to rest or continue the tour?' the Chief Eunuch asked with a smile.

Mu Yuanzhi yawned, looking weary, and said: "Let's head back to rest first; thank you, Yao Gonggong, for showing us the way."