Chapter 200: You really are a scoundrel

Zhong Kui did not go with Lu Xiu to the scene to see which prince had appeared.

Instead, he stood on the roof and looked out.

He saw a remarkably sturdy and tall man walking in, surrounded by a crowd.

He wore a robe meant to look scholarly, but could not hide his martial bearing, appearing rather incongruous.

His appearance was extremely ugly, but not the fearsome ugliness of Zhong Kui; it was pure ugliness: coarse features, prominent brow ridge, sunken nose bridge, thick lips, and several scars of varying depth on his face.

Zhong Kui keenly noticed that although the man seemed to have no guards, a few sturdy men resembling ordinary civilians stood outside the academy, and hidden in the shadows were several deep auras.

None of them were simple; even his own aura was quite profound, suggesting he had cultivated body refinement.

He then silently recited a formula to enhance his hearing, capturing all the conversation in the garden.

Li Yuanji strode to the center of the garden, turned to face the crowd, and grinned: "Everyone! Originally, my elder brother was supposed to come see you, to see the future pillars of the Tang!"

He looked around, his voice booming: "My elder brother often said, the future of the Tang lies in your hands. You have studied diligently for over ten years, all for the day you can top the examinations, assist a wise ruler, and benefit the masses!"

«The previous dynasty was corrupt and incompetent, leading to............... »

After he had repeated the long-winded argument prepared by his advisors.

Li Yuanji continued: "Especially this year's examinees, each one a talent selected from a hundred."

"My elder brother, whenever he reads your previous writings, praises them endlessly, saying that with such talent the Tang has nothing to fear from decline!"

He shifted his tone, sounding somewhat grave: "But my elder brother, when he went out a few days ago, unfortunately encountered bandits who robbed him on the road."

"Although he was unharmed, he deeply felt the difficulty of travel for the Tang populace."

"Therefore, upon returning to the city that day, he reported this to Father Emperor; now he personally leads troops to suppress the bandits and rid the people of harm!" Li Yuanji exclaimed excitedly:

"This is why I have come to see you on his behalf, and to offer my deepest apologies!"

He clasped his fists in salute: "When my elder brother returns from suppressing the bandits, I will surely hold another banquet to invite you all and share drinks and conversation!"

"I also wish you smooth sailing in your careers and success in your studies!"

As his words fell, the garden immediately erupted in voices of agreement:

"Your Highness, Prince of Qi, you speak too seriously!"

"The Crown Prince cares for the people; he is truly our model!"

"Suppressing bandits is a major matter; Your Highness need not worry!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanji's face broke into a satisfied smile, and he waved his hand:

"Thank you for your understanding!"

"Today I will be the host.............."

He stood among the crowd; although his appearance was ugly, he possessed an aura that could not be ignored.

Zhong Kui could see that he was deep in thought, not as rash as his outward appearance suggested.

A quite troublesome figure.

After watching him lead his people away.

Zhong Kui withdrew his gaze, came down from the roof, only to find an unexpected person inside his own room.

"Brother Zhang, you didn't go with the Prince of Qi?"

Zhang Haoxue stood at his door; seeing him come out, he first bowed, then shook his head:

"The Prince of Qi is different inside and out; ugly in appearance and evil at heart, his everyday conduct is truly unbearable to watch. Associating with such people leaves me uneasy."

"If it were the Crown Prince or the Prince of Qin who came today, I would be willing to go."

"Rather than leaving with him, I might as well come find Brother Zhong to discuss scholarship."

"I have a few friends waiting there; I wonder if Brother Zhong would be willing to go?"

Seeing him point to a nearby pavilion, Zhong Kui nodded and said: "Of course."

"Please."

"Please."

The two agreed to leave together.

By the time the banquet dispersed, it was already late at night.

Li Yuanji returned to the splendid Prince Qi's mansion, leaning lazily on a carved chair.

He stretched out his leg for a maid to kneel and massage, and casually beckoned to a middle-aged man nearby:

"Mr. Wang, who didn't attend the banquet today?"

Mr. Wang hurried forward and respectfully handed over a small booklet:

"Those who did not go are all listed here; please, Your Highness, take a look."

Li Yuanji took the booklet and flipped through it absentmindedly.

His gaze quickly swept over the list until a name made him pause: "Yo, Zhong Kui, you're quite ugly?"

A playful smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

Because he himself was ugly, he was especially sensitive to the word 'ugly'.

Now seeing another person described as ugly naturally piqued his interest—especially since this fellow hadn't come to his banquet tonight!

Li Yuanji continued reading: "Parents deceased, leaving a lovely sister...... Zhong Kui studies diligently, upright and unbending...... tsk tsk, he really is a fine fellow."

"Really makes me like him more and more."

"What a pity, what a pity!" he chuckled, shook his head, quickly finished the booklet, saw no one else who could catch his eye, and casually tossed the booklet back to Mr. Wang:

"Go and 'invite' his sister to come to the mansion as a guest."

Mr. Wang's face showed hesitation: "Your Highness, given that it is examination season, such an action might be................"

"Huh?" Li Yuanji frowned, his voice turning colder:

"Could it be that you, Mr. Wang, also wish to retire?"

As soon as the words were spoken, Mr. Wang broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead and hurriedly said:

"No, no, no, please forgive me, Your Highness, I'll take care of it right away."

He turned to leave, but suddenly discovered a hand pressing on his shoulder, rendering him immobile.

He turned his head to look, and saw only an unfamiliar youth's face appear in his field of view, the corners of his mouth bearing a hint of an insincere smile, as a voice sounded in his ears:

"Li Yuanji, you really are a good-for-nothing scoundrel."

Li Yuanji stared at the suddenly appearing youth, his expression instantly turning solemn.

Because he hadn't noticed the youth's presence at all, not even the many experts in his mansion had noticed!

This goes to show how strong the youth is—so strong as to be unmatched!

He asked, "Who are you, brother?"

The youth didn't answer, released Mr. Wang's shoulder, and walked toward him.

As he moved, dozens of figures instantly appeared around him—old men in Daoist robes, armored warriors wielding blades, and several black-clad figures with ghostly silhouettes.

Each exuded a deep aura, clearly experts that Li Yuanji had hired at great expense.

Yet strangely, although they clearly wanted to step forward to block him, they seemed blocked by an invisible wall, unable to come within three feet of the youth!

Their faces filled with shock, they could only watch helplessly as the youth calmly walked toward Li Yuanji.

In Li Yuanji's panicked gaze,

The youth reached out and grabbed his arm; the motion seemed casual, yet it left the proud martial artist, the Prince of Qi, powerless to resist.

With a light flick, Li Yuanji was thrown to the ground like a broken kite.

Afterward, the youth leisurely sat in the carved chair, spoke lightly; though his voice was soft, it clearly reached everyone's ears:

"My name is Yu Lin."