novelraw Chapter 531 - 175: Tian Ji’s Horse Racing, Qingge Plays Chess
Chapter 531 - 175: Tian Ji’s Horse Racing, Qingge Plays Chess
"Although tonight’s banquet is hosted by Emperor Yuan to welcome us, just sitting around and drinking is rather dull. Why don’t we add some interesting activities to entertain Emperor Yuan?"
As soon as the envoy from Rong Country spoke, Lou Xuantie from the Refining Tower silently laughed.
Hei Mu frowned and said, "The Crown Prince Huan values that surname Mu highly, there might be some hidden reasons."
"Elder Hei Mu, you’re worrying too much," Lou Xuantie said disapprovingly.
However, Hei Mu didn’t think he was overthinking. He had crossed paths with Mu Qingge twice, and the endless tricks from the opponent left him uneasy.
"Great Elder, since the people from Rong Country jumped out themselves, we might as well take the chance to probe that surname Mu’s background," Taishi Gao added from the side.
He wished to personally deal with Mu Qingge, but currently had no opportunity.
Now that the people from Rong Country were stepping forth, how could he miss this chance?
"Oh? Rong Country envoy, how do you plan to entertain Us?" Emperor Yuan, seated high on the Dragon Chair, also cast his interested gaze on the Rong Country envoy.
The aura of authority that wasn’t angry but awe-inspiring instantly enveloped the Rong Country envoy, causing his face to change slightly and his shoulder and back muscles to tense.
"These people from Rong Country probably don’t have good intentions," Jiang Li leaned towards Mu Qingge and whispered secretly.
Mu Qingge, however, casually lifted the cup in front of her and took a light sip.
"Your Majesty, the Linchuan Continent has always respected strength. Tonight, elites from various nations are gathered; this is a rare opportunity. Why don’t we have three rounds of competition as a warm-up for the Linchuan Conference?" Despite Emperor Yuan’s strong aura, the Rong Country envoy voiced his pre-planned words.
From the start of the banquet, Emperor Yuan had frequently displayed admiration towards a little fellow from a Third-class Country. Everyone else’s attention was also focused on him.
This outcome slightly annoyed the Second-class Countries, especially Rong Country.
Thus, after pondering for a long time, the envoy from Rong Country finally came up with a method to turn the tables. That was why he suddenly proposed the competition, not as a result of rash impulse.
"How should we compete?" Emperor Yuan followed the conversation effortlessly, smoothly asking the Rong Country envoy.
It seems he was also somewhat interested in this competition.
"Since tonight’s banquet is hosted by Your Majesty, major commotion isn’t appropriate. Normal arena matches are too plain and dull. Recently, our nation has been favoring an educational yet entertaining game that is quite enjoyable. If Your Majesty has no objections, why not play this game?" the Rong Country envoy said.
"What kind of game?" This wasn’t a question from Emperor Yuan but from the Lan Family Head.
His timing was very inappropriate.
Not only did Emperor Yuan look at him, but everyone, including the Rong Country envoy, also looked at him.
He, however, was completely unaware, and instead felt smug from the attention.
"Was the Lan Family Head kicked in the head by a donkey? In such a public setting, he takes away Emperor Yuan’s face." Mu Qingge laughed mockingly.
Jiang Li replied, "It wasn’t a donkey’s kick; it’s because their family has a daughter who is both the most beautiful and extremely talented."
"What do you mean?" Mu Qingge turned back to look at her.
Jiang Li’s golden eyes, exposed beyond her veil, were filled with strong mockery. "It’s said that this Miss Lan swore from a young age to serve the Holy King for life. When this news spread, everyone assumed she was His Majesty’s woman, granting her and the Lan family some face."
"His Majesty’s woman?" Mu Qingge lowered her gaze, fingers lightly pinching, silently murmuring this phrase, making it hard to discern her true emotions at the moment.
Jiang Li didn’t notice Mu Qingge’s odd demeanor and continued, "Do you think a lie repeated often enough can make even the teller believe it’s true? In recent years, as Lan Feiyue got older, the attitude and conduct of the Lan family became increasingly arrogant. It seems as if Lan Feiyue has truly become His Majesty’s woman. Tonight, she gives no regard to Emperor Yuan’s face; it’s fortunate he is benevolent. If it were me, I would’ve sentenced their whole family to execution."
Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a smile with unclear meaning as she raised her eyes to look at the Lan family’s seats, ignoring the Lan Family Head and directly looking towards Lan Feiyue’s seat.
Clothed in blue, face covered by a light veil, her posture graceful. She is indeed a beauty, but... Would Si Mo like such a beauty?
It seems Lan Feiyue sensed Mu Qingge’s gaze and also looked over, maintaining her proud attitude.
Her gaze was indifferent, or rather, carried an air of superiority.
Regarding Mu Qingge’s gaze, she merely coldly glanced away, seeming disdainful of direct eye contact with her. Before averting her gaze, her brows slightly furrowed, showing a hint of dislike.
As if Mu Qingge’s gaze was a form of desecration to her.
Mu Qingge curved a light smile, calmly withdrawing her gaze and lowering her eyes to drink, internally lamenting: If Si Mo appreciates such a woman, he should really wash his eyes.
No matter her beauty, that self-important attitude alone is enough to deter affection.
The words from the head of the Lan Family brought a hush over the second-floor platform.
Emperor Yuan maintained his smile, but a subtle coldness had already surfaced in his eyes.
The envoy from Rong Country twitched his lips, secretly glancing at the exalted Dragon Chair.
At this moment, Huangfu Huan suddenly spoke, "What kind of game is popular in Rong Country?"
Huangfu Huan’s words successfully eased the awkwardness.
The envoy from Rong Country hurriedly said, "People of Rong Country have always enjoyed playing chess. Recently, there has arisen a game where Death Warriors replace the chess pieces, and the outcome of the contest between both sides is decided. It not only tests the courage, boldness, and cultivation of the Death Warriors but also the strategy and chess skills of the players."
This gameplay is indeed novel.
Once the envoy from Rong Country finished speaking, a murmur of interested discussions erupted.
Huangfu Huan pondered and also smiled, saying, "This kind of gameplay is unheard of. I am curious about the rules."
"The rules are simple, no different from playing chess. The only distinction is that when capturing a piece, the two must have a contest. During the contest, how the move is executed is solely directed by the player, and cannot be made arbitrarily."
After listening, Huangfu Huan looked towards Emperor Yuan, seemingly awaiting his father’s final decision.
Emperor Yuan said aloud, "What do all my ministers think?"
"We are willing to follow the orders of Emperor Yuan."
Everyone replied in unison.
Suddenly, Jiang Li softly spoke to Mu Qingge, "Hey, do you know how to play chess?"
Mu Qingge honestly answered, "No, I don’t."
Her honesty made Jiang Li gasp and widen her eyes, saying, "I have a feeling these people from Rong Country are aiming at you. What will you do if you don’t know how to play chess?"
Mu Qingge pressed her lips and remained silent.
Indeed, she didn’t know how to play chess; in her past life, she didn’t understand military chess, Chinese chess, or Go. The only games she could play were Gomoku and checkers.
In this life, she was constantly cultivating, learning various techniques, practicing alchemy and artifact refining, running about everywhere. How could she have leisurely learned chess? Not to mention, she didn’t even know what kind of chess this world played.
If Rong Country truly aimed this at her... Haha, she wouldn’t hesitate to quip, ’Congratulations on finding this lord’s weak point!’
However, now was not the time for banter.
Just as Jiang Li finished asking, Emperor Yuan spoke, "Since there are no objections, let’s have three matches. As for who competes against whom, I won’t interfere, you can issue challenges among yourselves."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, Emperor Yuan!"
Rong Country, which proposed the competition, was the first to express gratitude for Emperor Yuan’s approval.
Afterwards, they eagerly looked towards Mu Qingge.
When the envoy from Rong Country fixed his confident gaze on Mu Qingge, she inwardly exclaimed, "Not good!"
"Young Lord Mu, for the first match, how about between our two countries? I’m just not sure if Young Lord Mu dares to accept the challenge from Rong Country." As expected, the envoy from Rong Country spoke to Mu Qingge with ill intent.
Mu Qingge’s gently lowered eyes flickered slightly, and she slowly raised her eyes, her clear gaze piercing the envoy from Rong Country, revealing a faint smile, "Alright."
"How could you agree to that!" Jiang Li said urgently.
The fact that Mu Qingge could not play chess had already been heard by Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei in the conversation between her and Jiang Li just now.
At this time, seeing her agree, the two also broke into a cold sweat, nervously watching her.
"Very well! First match, Rong Country against Qin Country." Seeing both sides agree, Emperor Yuan decisively announced.
At this moment, Taishi Gao also suddenly stood up, ignoring Hei Mu’s objection, and looked at Mu Qingge with a sinister smile, stating bluntly, "Our Myriad Beasts Sect also wishes to learn from Young Lord Mu, how about letting us take the second match?"
"Hiss—!"
With both Rong Country and Myriad Beasts Sect issuing challenges to Mu Qingge, the perceptive people present already noticed the hidden meaning in all this.
A certain invisible tension seemed to spread silently across the second-floor platform.
The trigger among them was Mu Qingge, who had been in the spotlight before.
Taishi Gao looked at Mu Qingge with a provocative gaze, as if her refusal would be tantamount to admitting defeat.
Mu Qingge’s gaze softly shifted from the Rong Country envoy to Taishi Gao. Just when everyone thought she would refuse the match, she suddenly grinned, revealing her neat teeth, and said, "Alright."
Her acceptance was beyond everyone’s expectation.
Because playing two matches in succession is relatively unfair. Even if she truly refused, it would be understandable. However, she agreed nonetheless.
Moreover, she agreed so readily, without a hint of reluctance.
"In that case, I’m also not missing out. The Jing Family from Tiandu also wishes to learn a thing or two from Lord Mu," Jing Tian suddenly stood up from the Jing Family’s seats.
"Tian’er!" The Jing Family head was somewhat angry at his son’s unilateral decision, yet it was too late to stop him.
Words spoken are like water spilled.
Now, since Jing Tian had already spoken, the Jing Family head had no choice but to carry on, even if unwillingly. As for his son’s impulsive actions, he could only reprimand him later.
The Jing Family head’s eyes flashed, and his face turned slightly gloomier.
"What’s going on? Is the Jing Family also challenging Lord Mu?"
"Isn’t this essentially a three-against-one?"
"This is going to be interesting to watch."
"Mother, shouldn’t we lend a hand?" asked the young lady with enchanting eyes, tugging at her mother’s sleeve beside the Hua Family head.
The Hua Family head, however, just smiled full of charm, dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said in a voice barely audible, "No rush, we’ll just sit and watch the show."
Meanwhile, over at the Shen Family, the head poured himself a glass of wine, a bit of intoxication surfacing on his smiling, chubby face, and murmured, "Tonight’s palace banquet was worth attending."
"Why? Can’t Lord Mu speak, or does he look down on my Jing Family?" Jing Tian raised his voice, a cold smile appearing on his lips as Mu Qingge remained silent.
Mu Qingge looked at him, their gazes clashing mid-air, sparking intense flames.
Suddenly, Mu Qingge laughed, a laugh that reminded Jing Tian of her demeanor during their Dan fighting at the Medicine Tower Headquarters.
"Let’s go together then," Mu Qingge suddenly threw out this statement.
Her acceptance meant it became three matches, and she would have to participate in each.
Yet, knowing she didn’t know how to play chess, where should she go next?
If she lost, it wouldn’t just be embarrassing; she would face ridicule from enemies. Moreover, some factions who were on the fence might shift their stance.
"Heh heh, three against one, isn’t that a bit unfair?" The head of the Medicine Tower, who seemed rather drunk, suddenly remarked.
Seemingly drunken blabber, yet the words were in fact sympathizing with Mu Qingge.
Mu Qingge looked at him, her eyes full of amusement.
He was indeed amusing. When Mu Qingge glanced at him, he immediately wore an expression as if saying, ’Come on, thank me.’
"Indeed, this game tests not only mental fortitude but also physical stamina. Competing in all three rounds is indeed unfair to Lord Mu," Emperor Yuan also spoke up at this time.
This statement caused the three challenging factions to frown slightly.
While Mu Qingge laughed heartily in her mind.
She’d been waiting for Emperor Yuan to say this all along.
Initially, if she proposed it on her own, it wouldn’t have been as effective. The old man from the Medicine Tower did her a favor by steering the topic toward Emperor Yuan.
Thus, following his words, her subsequent arrangements would be perfectly logical.
"Emperor Yuan," Mu Qingge stood up from her seat and addressed Huangfu Haotian on the Dragon Chair: "Our Third-class Countries are of one mind, always suffering or prospering together. This time, Qingge, as the overall leader of the Third-class Countries, has accepted a challenge from Rong Country, the Myriad Beasts Sect, and the Jing Family. Therefore, the match will follow a two-out-of-three wins format. Chess pieces may be shared, but the person directing the board cannot be repeated. How about that?"
"Agreed!" Emperor Yuan agreed at once.
Because nothing in her words suggested an unfair advantage.
The only change was from leading three matches to leading one. And of course, what could be said about that? When you challenged her, weren’t you three forces?
Why should three people challenge one?
"Then, for this first match, Prince Zhao Nanxing will represent the Third-class Countries," Mu Qingge said with a smile.
Uh-oh, something seemed amiss?
After Mu Qingge’s words, Zhao Nanxing stood up.
He bore a gentle and modest smile on his face.
He had already guessed Mu Qingge’s intention.
Mu Qingge’s gaze swept across the Rong Country envoy, Taishi Gao, and Jing Tian, and she asked with a smile, "Who will represent you all in the first match?"
The challenger was so generous.
This momentum, it rose instantly!
The three forces hadn’t quite grasped what was happening, and they heard Mu Qingge’s words.
"We’ll go first!" Without much thought, the Rong Country envoy stood out.
Mu Qingge smiled faintly and turned to Zhao Nanxing, her expression becoming somewhat serious, whispering, "Let the Dragon Tooth Guards play. Remember, you must win, not lose."
Zhao Nanxing promised with a smile, "Don’t worry, I have some confidence in my chess skills."
He didn’t reject Mu Qingge’s suggestion to use the Dragon Tooth Guards because he knew how formidable they were. If his own trusted aides competed, they might not match the Rong Country’s Death Warriors.
Zhao Nanxing walked out with head held high, followed by the Dragon Tooth Guards.
As the five Dragon Tooth Guards, each with a fierce aura, emerged, they caught everyone’s attention, heightening anticipation for the match.
Zhao Nanxing, leading the Dragon Tooth Guards, and the Rong Country envoy, leading his Death Warriors, walked to the center of the platform, confronting each other.
Mu Qingge calmly swept her sleeves as she sat down.
"You’re so cunning!" As soon as she sat, Jiang Li’s voice came sneaking in.
Then, she whispered, "If I’m not mistaken, you’ll have the Crown Princess Feng in the second match. Prince Zhao and Crown Princess Feng, both members of the imperial family, have been trained in chess since childhood by excellent teachers. Plus, they are naturally talented, so winning won’t be difficult. Even if there’s any risk, your Dragon Tooth Guards can mitigate it, so these two rounds are guaranteed wins. Since they’ve won, there’s no need for the third match, and you, who know nothing about chess, remain mysterious in others’ eyes without revealing any shortcomings."
"If you know that, there’s no need to state it explicitly," Mu Qingge kept an incredibly composed demeanor, flicking a part of her brocade robe subtly with her fingers.
Jiang Li shook her head in amazement, "I must remind myself never to offend you in the future, or I’d be outmaneuvered without knowing how." She knew Mu Qingge didn’t know chess, so she could infer her real intention.
However, others did not know that, and Mu Qingge’s actions made them believe her chess skills were profound, saving her for last.
Such scheming, Jiang Li admitted she couldn’t compete with it.
"You’re flattering me, it’s just a simple trick of Tian Ji’s horse racing," Mu Qingge ’humbly’ said in response to Jiang Li’s ’praise’.
"Tian Ji’s horse racing? Who is Tian Ji? How did he race horses?" Jiang Li asked curiously.
Mu Qingge tugged at the corners of her mouth but didn’t satisfy her curiosity.
Mu Qingge looked towards the match platform, where the five Dragon Tooth Guards stood before Zhao Nanxing, aligning themselves as instructed by him. The Rong Country’s side did the same.
Seeing the formations set by both sides, Mu Qingge frowned slightly and pondered, "What kind of chess is this?"
Each person had only five pieces, how do you strategize and deploy this?
Mu Qingge had no idea that the chess in this world was played like this.
"Begin—!"
The eunuch’s voice came from on high, representing Emperor Yuan’s command.
Zhao Nanxing’s eyes gleamed, and he spoke calmly, "Left pawn leaps one step forward, capture."
As soon as his words fell, a Dragon Tooth Guard leapt in front of the others to confront the opponent’s piece face to face.
Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly as she seriously observed the chess game.
Next, it was a duel between two chess pieces.
"Fiery Flame Slash, attack," commanded the Rong Country envoy.
"Side step and block, attack the left flank," Zhao Nanxing reacted quickly.
The Dragon Teeth guard he was directing shifted their body to evade the opponent’s combat skill, while a fierce punch wind targeted the opponent’s left flank.
"Dodge, attack the back of the head," the Rong Country envoy’s voice followed promptly.
"Turn around and side kick, use the combat skill!" instructed Zhao Nanxing.
"Combat skill block."
The Rong Country death warrior crossed their arms in front, conjuring a faint cyan light, like a shield.
"Combat skill shatter!" Zhao Nanxing pointed at the Dragon Teeth guard, his tone sharp.
Setting off from the border of the third-class country, on the way to the Holy Yuan Empire, he had watched the training and battles of the Dragon Teeth guards, gaining some understanding of their combat skills.
Not only him, but Feng Yufei was the same, which was why Mu Qingge entrusted the Dragon Teeth to them.
As soon as he finished speaking, the Dragon Teeth guard swung a punch towards the Rong Country death warrior. To others, it seemed like a bright blue-green light burst from the Dragon Teeth guard’s fist, rushing towards the cyan shield.
However, in the eyes of the Rong Country death warrior, it appeared as if countless fist shadows assaulted him, unavoidable.
"Puff—!"
In an instant, the Rong Country death warrior was knocked out of the match, landing heavily on the ground. His chest caved in, spitting blood uncontrollably, lying on the ground near death. Meanwhile, the Dragon Teeth guard stood at the position on the chessboard where the Rong Country death warrior was, expression cold and severe.
"Just one step away from entering the Blue Realm, is this really a trusted aide from a third-class country? Even in our Holy Yuan Empire, guards with such cultivation are rare!"
The Dragon Teeth guard’s strength was revealed.
Indeed, currently, a third of the Dragon Teeth guards have already entered the Initial Rank of the Purple Realm, with the remaining two-thirds in the Blue Realm or on the verge of entering it.
The five who came with Mu Qingge did not have the highest prowess among the Dragon Teeth but were still impressive enough to shock.
It’s likely that families within the Holy Yuan Empire would never imagine that Mu Qingge would have a personal guard team with all members entering the Purple Realm and potentially higher realms!
The abilities of the Dragon Teeth made Mu Qingge even more unfathomable.
This competition also became increasingly intriguing.
The comings and goings of assessments did not catch Mu Qingge’s attention; she was only contemplating the chess match in this otherworld.
The death warrior from Rong Country was soon carried away by people from the Imperial Palace.
The Rong Country envoy’s face turned extremely gloomy; losing a piece brought him a step closer to failure.
This time it was his turn to strike first; no matter what, he needed to turn the tables.
"Pawn three, jump one, jump two, advance one!"
The death warrior at pawn three immediately moved, leaping over two companions to the frontmost position, standing opposite the Dragon Teeth guard holding their position.
"Python Entanglement, kill!" Zhao Nanxing muttered coldly.
The Dragon Teeth guard at one’s position unleashed a vigorous combat skill, golden light rising from his body, forming into a giant python in the air, roaring menacingly as it charged at the Rong Country death warrior.
"Combat skill Sky-breaking Slash!" the Rong Country envoy shouted, sweating from his forehead, his voice sharp.
Golden and cyan light clashed together, producing an earth-shattering sound. The combat skill from Rong Country was shattered by the golden python, which continued its assault on the death warrior, wrapping around him, tossing him into the air.
"Ah—!"
In mid-air, the desperate scream of the Rong Country death warrior sounded; before it faded, he crashed to the ground, spewing blood and falling unconscious.
After defeating the opponent, the golden python dissipated, and the Dragon Teeth guard restored his expression and stood resolutely at his post.
Mu Qingge calmly observed everything happening, as if she had foreseen it all.
With the Dragon Teeth guards’ once again enhanced abilities, Mu Qingge had taken out many combat skills from the Martial Arts Hall in her space for them to choose skills suited to themselves.
Thus, the fighting capability of the Dragon Teeth had transformed drastically.
"Pawn two, leap three, jump one, attack the king!" Zhao Nanxing pursued the victory relentlessly, opting not to slowly nibble away but directly strike at the opponent’s deepest monarch.
The Dragon Teeth guard at pawn two vanished instantly, reappearing at the position of the opponent’s king.
His appearance shocked the Rong Country envoy, widening his eyes.
And before the Rong Country death warrior could act, they were blasted away by the aura emanating from the Dragon Teeth guard, retreating from their position.
"King dead, first match, third-class country wins, Rong Country loses!"
The Rong Country envoy had no time to react before an eunuch overseeing the competition announced the result loudly, raising a flag.
"What!"
"Rong Country lost?!"
"Didn’t you see the strength of those pieces on the other side? Rong Country’s defeat was inevitable. Besides, that Crown Prince Zhao is a chess master, his moves decisive and ruthless, not allowing the opponent any room to adjust. Even if he hadn’t moved the king, I reckon, given the stalemate, Rong Country would still have lost!"
Voices of discussion emerged, Rong Country lost, and they lost disgracefully, their envoy’s face ashen like iron.
The competition was his proposal; he went first, intending to teach the third-class country a lesson, to put Mu Qingge in her place. Unexpectedly, it was he himself who was taught a lesson.
The most crucial point is, since when did the guards from a third-class country become more formidable than those from a second-class country?
The third person to make a move, even he couldn’t discern their strength!
Zhao Nanxing cupped his fists at everyone and gracefully returned to his seat.
Standing before Mu Qingge, he smiled and said, "Happy to not disgrace the task!"
"Thanks for your effort, Brother Zhao," Mu Qingge nodded and smiled.
Zhao Nanxing smiled with modesty, not displaying any pride from the win. "I just moved my lips, didn’t put in much effort. How is it effort? The hard work comes from the brothers of Dragon Teeth, doing all the physical labor."
Having said that, he walked back to his seat, turning his gaze to Feng Yufei beside him and smiled, "Next, it’s your turn."
Feng Yufei nodded seriously, standing up.
"In the second match, our side is fielding the Li Guofeng Crown Princess," Mu Qingge announced with a smile.
Feng Yufei had long made a name for herself in Li Country. Trained as a successor from a young age by Emperor Li, she remained composed even when facing a large audience. Upon returning to Li Country Palace, the feminine allure she once had faded, revealing a gallant and blood-and-iron charm.
Standing there, though she said nothing, she still appeared poised and dazzling.
This match successfully spotlighted both Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei, introducing the prince and crown princess from a third-class country to figures from the second-class, first-class countries, and various factions.
In their eyes, a third-class country was always an impoverished and backward place. No matter how exceptional its people, they couldn’t compare to their geniuses.
Yet this time, Mu Qingge demonstrated with facts a certain reality.
That is, the third-class country was no longer as they imagined, and in this Linchuan Conference, it was bound to shine brightly!
Feng Yufei stepped forward.
Yet on the other side, Taishi Gao and Jing Tian remained silent.
The ones they truly wished to face were Mu Qingge, not anyone else. But to contend with Mu Qingge, they must first defeat others, which was the game rule.
Ironically, this approach left them feeling a step beneath Mu Qingge, irking their hearts.
However, since they had proposed the challenge, backing down now might imply they feared Feng Yufei, deliberately avoiding the fight.
Conversely, Mu Qingge’s side, as the challenged, consistently displayed open-mindedness and actively engaged.
Just in momentum, they had already claimed an advantage!
Neither Taishi Gao nor Jing Tian wanted to go first, hoping the first to fight would defeat Feng Yufei, granting them a chance to face Mu Qingge.
Silence spread across the second-layer platform.
After a pause, Emperor Yuan spoke calmly, "What’s wrong? Not planning to continue the match?"
Not compete? How is that possible?
The defeated envoy of Rong Country was anxious. Although he lost, the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Jing Family were still there. Against a woman, they shouldn’t lose.
As long as Feng Yufei loses, Mu Qingge must step up next, and then they can teach him a lesson! Even if it’s not him who delivers the punishment, that’s fine!
The envoy of Rong Country turned his eyes to Huangfu Haotian and said, "Emperor Yuan, Taishi Young Sect Master and Jing Tian are both deferring to each other. Why not have Emperor Yuan designate one?"
His words made Taishi Gao and Jing Tian look towards Emperor Yuan.
Emperor Yuan pondered for a moment and nodded, "Alright. Then for the second round, the Myriad Beasts Sect shall step up." He casually followed the order of those who volunteered to challenge.
Taishi Gao’s face turned somewhat unpleasant, as he saw fighting Feng Yufei as an insult.
There was even a feeling of being a pawn.
However, Emperor Yuan’s face must not be disregarded, and with the arrow already on the string, he had to fire. He had no choice but to walk out from his seat with a cold face and brought his fellow sect members to replace the Rong Country’s position.
Feng Yufei also stepped out, standing where Zhao Nanxing had previously stood.
The Dragon Tooth Guards on the chessboard remained unchanged; it was still the five of them.
The chessboard reset, and the Dragon Tooth Guards returned to their starting positions, confronting the members of the Myriad Beasts Sect.
Taishi Gao looked at Feng Yufei, a sinister gleam appearing amidst his gloomy brows. He said coldly, "I never fight women. If you don’t want that pretty face ruined here, concede defeat automatically."
"Concede before fighting?" Feng Yufei remained unmoved, instead looking at him disdainfully.
"Hmph! Ignorant!" Taishi Gao snorted coldly, raised a hand, and his five chess pieces simultaneously slapped their waists. Several green lights flew out from their waists, landing beside them, transforming into various types of Spirit Beasts.
There were tiger-headed, wolf-bodied tiger wolves and even jackals with wings on their backs...
With the Spirit Beasts’ appearance, growls intertwined, spreading a terrifying atmosphere throughout the entire palace.
The beastly sounds reached the first layer, entering the ears of the officials of the Holy Yuan Empire, changing their expressions immediately and turning silent.
Feng Yufei’s eyes slightly tightened as she solemnly looked at the ferocious Spirit Beasts in the opponent’s hands, her lips tightly pressed.
Mu Qingge squinted her eyes, cold light suddenly flashed within.
Taishi Gao boasted, "Our Myriad Beasts Sect primarily focuses on Beast Taming. The tamed Spirit Beasts naturally belong to our combat power. This point is not against the rules, is it?"
Mu Qingge’s hand hidden in her sleeve emitted a faint glow, and the Beast Taming Flute she had snatched from Taishi Gao was held in her hand.
She silently toyed with it but didn’t bring it out.
However, when she raised her eyes, cold light filled her gaze. "Since that’s the case, for self-protection during the duel, if there are beasts opposing us, kill them all together."
Her words were an order to the Dragon Tooth Guards.
Since Taishi Gao wants to play dirty, she’ll accompany him to the end.
She wants Taishi Gao to taste losing both the lady and the soldiers!
Mu Qingge’s words filled with killing intent made Taishi Gao sharply turn to look at her, his eyes dark and terrifying.
"After all, this is something set up by Emperor Yuan. If lives are lost, even those of Spirit Beasts, it wouldn’t be good," Lou Xuantie, the head of the Refining Tower, suddenly interjected.
His words were clearly speaking on behalf of Taishi Gao and were a response to Mu Qingge’s previous order.
Mu Qingge’s smile flashed across her lips, teasingly saying, "Taishi Young Sect Master has earnestly brought out the Spirit Beasts. If we don’t respond with all our strength, wouldn’t that be disrespectful to the Myriad Beasts Sect?"
Saying this, she glanced at Lou Xuantie, her smile becoming more mocking, lazily saying, "The matter, Taishi Young Sect Master is magnanimous and didn’t object. Why is Dean Lou getting nervous? Could it be that you think Taishi Young Sect Master will surely lose?"
"You! When have I, He Cheng, ever said such a thing?" Lou Xuantie raged.
Mu Qingge gave a mocking smile.
Seemingly saying, although you didn’t say those words directly, your supportive words revealed your concern.
"Fine! Our Myriad Beasts Sect is never lacking Spirit Beasts. If you have the ability, just kill them!" Taishi Gao directly interrupted the duo’s quarrel and decided.
With his words, Lou Xuantie felt caught in an awkward position. He snorted sullenly and remained silent.
Hei Mu quietly advised from the side, "This young man is very cunning. The Young Sect Master was provoked by his tactics. Dean Lou, please don’t take it too seriously."
Lou Xuantie’s lips twitched, his expression did not improve, but he did not deliberately dwell on it.
After a moment of silence, he said to Hei Mu, "What is the background of this person surnamed Mu? How can someone from a mere third-class country have such formidable subordinates?"
Hei Mu’s demeanor darkened slightly and he replied to Lou Xuantie, "This person is very peculiar. Many things that defy common sense have happened around him."
The two exchanged thoughts in silence, yet found Mu Qingge increasingly inscrutable. They could only temporarily shift their focus to the upcoming competition.
At the Myriad Beasts Sect, each of the five chess pieces was guarded by a spirit beast, creating a daunting atmosphere that intimidated others.
Even the top four families of Tiandu looked at the Myriad Beasts Sect’s display and couldn’t help but take the situation a bit more seriously. After all, spirit beasts are not human beings; if they go berserk, who knows what kind of disaster might occur?
Though they weren’t concerned about middle-rank spirit beasts, if they were attacked by spirit beasts while attending the banquet, it would be quite displeasing.
However, when they looked at Mu Qingge’s Dragon Tooth Guards, they couldn’t help but show surprise in their eyes.
Those who should have been most affected, those who should have felt most threatened, still stood tall and indifferent, completely unaffected by the spirit beasts of the Myriad Beasts Sect, as if facing warm pets rather than murderous beasts.
Their calmness made the Myriad Beasts Sect seem unnecessarily aggressive.
This made Taishi Gao’s face darken in discomfort, the coldness in his eyes diminished somewhat.
Normally, the challenger should start the match, but Taishi Gao, perhaps too frustrated, seized Feng Yufei’s chess piece and abruptly ordered, "Pawn five advances three, kill him!"
Roar—!
Following Taishi Gao’s command, the disciple of the Myriad Beasts Sect on the pawn five position charged with his spirit beast towards the marked Dragon Tooth Guard.
Feng Yufei’s brows furrowed, and she sternly shouted, "Break! Battle Skill Wanren Flower!"
The spirit beast’s large bloodthirsty mouth was already over the Dragon Tooth Guard’s head. He abruptly lifted his gaze, eyes cold with no hint of panic. His hands swiftly formed magic formulas.
Suddenly, numerous sharp petal-like forms blossomed around him, those petal-like forms as silver-white blades swiftly rotating and rushing towards the diving spirit beast.
"Ten Thousand Ridges Flower!" Zhao Nanxing exclaimed, gasping in shock, feeling compelled to admire, "Feng Yufei truly acts decisively and smoothly!"
Seated upfront, Mu Qingge displayed a hint of appreciation in her eyes. Of course, this appreciation wasn’t directed at the Dragon Tooth Guards but towards Feng Yufei. At moments like this, commanding the Dragon Tooth Guards to perform the Wanren Flower battle skill to defend using offense was indeed different from ordinary women.
"What an impressive battle skill!" Jiang Li exclaimed in admiration.
As she voiced this sentiment, the Wanren Flower battle skill had already shredded the spirit beast’s incoming claws, splattering flesh and blood everywhere, causing it to wail in agony.
"God Destruction Emperor Fist! Kill!" Without giving the Myriad Beasts Sect’s disciple time to breathe, Feng Yufei issued another order.
The aura of battle skills changed around the Dragon Tooth Guard, transforming him into a towering mountain. Raising his fist, light flickered on the fist, seemingly carrying the might of thunder, accompanied by a fierce, god-slaying momentum, swinging forcefully towards the Myriad Beasts Sect’s disciple and his spirit beast.
The Myriad Beasts Sect’s disciple and his spirit beast were immediately enveloped by golden light.
The ensuing earth-shattering explosion shook the tables at the fore, along with the silk curtains hanging on the golden pillars.
This move was overwhelming, silencing the entire venue instantly.
As the golden light receded, the Dragon Tooth Guard who executed the move stood at the original spot, kneeling on one knee, fist vertical against the ground. Beneath his fist, the cold jade floor was shattered, covered with cracks.
Before him lay only a pool of blood and gore, where it was no longer possible to distinguish between man and beast.
Taishi Gao stared wide-eyed in shock, his entire being filled with fury, "You damned—!"
"Pawn five leaps three jumps one, Netherworld Ghost Kill, Suspended Phoenix Finger, kill kill kill—!" Feng Yufei interrupted him directly, her sharp attacks pouring down like a torrential rain.
The Dragon Tooth Guard at the pawn five position didn’t delay for a second, instantly slaughtering the Myriad Beasts Sect’s disciple and his spirit beast with blinding speed.
Once again, the ground was left covered in blood and gore.
In that instant, the Myriad Beasts Sect lost two people and two beasts.
The previously perceived advantage was now completely unexpressed. All that caught people’s eyes was the terrifying combat prowess of the Dragon Tooth Guards and the swift, resolute attack response of Feng Yufei.
Taishi Gao was furious to the point his eyes almost burst out, staring at Feng Yufei, suddenly leaping into the air, extending fierce tearing winds towards Feng Yufei as he attacked furtively, "I’ll kill you—!"