Chapter 291 - 176: Grand Occasion

Chapter 291: Chapter 176: Grand Occasion

Xiaotao lowered her head, understanding his intent. She knew Zheng Xiu was being deliberately forward, but the intimate gesture still sent a surging tide through her heart, one that took a long time to calm.

The circular Sword Inquiry Platform building, surrounded by twelve Sword Pillars. ’It’s clearly a type of ancient sundial, used for telling time.’ Zheng Xiu stroked his chin, sizing it up. He guessed this historical ruin wasn’t built by the Dugu Family’s ancestors. It had long since existed, and the Dugu Family had merely discovered and occupied it before anyone else.

Sipping his "Northern Sword Travel" and seeing Xie Luohe, Zheng Xiu felt at ease. Just like Feng Bei in the past, Xie Luohe had, over time, built up an image of "invincibility" in Zheng Xiu’s mind. He truly found it hard to imagine what kind of opponent a god-like figure such as her could possibly encounter in this era.

He wasn’t worried about Xie Luohe, but about himself and Xiaotao.

No wonder Xie Luohe was pretending not to know them. If she stirred up any trouble, he and Xiaotao wouldn’t be implicated.

’Let’s just watch for now.’

Although Zheng Xiu often forgot he was in a false memory world because it felt so real, he would always remember at critical moments. The waves that had just begun to stir in his heart quickly calmed, and he sipped his tea, waiting to see what would happen.

’Mm, good tea.’

Before long, Zheng Xiu shamelessly asked for another pot.

’Expensive? That’s the point. I should drink more.’

Zheng Xiu noticed a few Knights dressed in uniform attire, looking like they were from the same sect.

For instance, across from him were three women in peach-colored floral blouses. Their waists were bulked up in a circle, which seemed to mark them as belonging to that all-female sect skilled with Soft Swords that Chu Chengfeng had mentioned.

After a few glances, Zheng Xiu realized he couldn’t recognize the origins of most of the Knights, so he gave up.

In the center of the Sword Inquiry Platform, Dugu Xiang finished the ritual worship. Several men came down and carried the Bronze Tripod away.

The heavy Bronze Tripod suddenly lifted off the ground under the combined effort of the four men. Their stances were solid, and this casual display of strength earned a few cries of approval from the high platforms.

"I am honored that you all have graced Hidden Sword Manor with your presence for this martial arts tournament. I, Dugu, am unworthy, but have taken the liberty of hosting this event. I hope you will all spar and exchange pointers, but I implore you, brave warriors, not to fight to the death and harm the spirit of camaraderie."

Although Dugu Xiang was hailed as the World’s Number One Sword, his words and actions showed no excessive arrogance. After his brief opening remarks, he clapped his hands.

At this, many young men carrying Wooden Swords on their backs filed in, each heading toward a different level of the high platforms.

They each held a tray in their hands.

"Uh, sorry to trouble you, but another pot, please."

The one who came to Zheng Xiu’s table was the same unnamed youth who had led him in. The youth made a "KRAK" sound, as if grinding his teeth. But his face held a warm smile as he nodded in acknowledgment. Then he asked, "May I ask for your esteemed name, Senior?"

"Xiao Buping."

"Hiss."

"What is it?"

The youth lowered his head and forcefully wrote the two words "Xiao Buping" on the wooden tablet.

Zheng Xiu frowned. "I never said I wanted to participate in the martial arts tournament."

"You need not worry, Senior. If Senior Xiao does not wish to reveal his strength, you may simply wait quietly for the Copper Gong to sound three times when it is your turn. This will count as a default victory for your opponent. Of course, with Senior Xiao’s status in the Jianghu, you naturally have no desire for a meaningless title on the Weapon Manual. However, the Patriarch has given these orders, so I hope you will not make things difficult for this humble junior."

The youth smiled as he wrote the two words "Xiao Buping" on the wooden tablet. While he still spoke in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing, Zheng Xiu shrewdly sensed that his own frequent requests for more tea had angered the young man, who was now waiting to see him made a fool of.

’Heh.’

A faint smile appeared on Zheng Xiu’s face.

’How embarrassing. But it’s Xiao Buping who’s losing face, what does that have to do with me, Zheng Xiu?’

The proceedings were orderly. Dugu Xiang left the center of the Sword Inquiry Platform and ascended the stairs step by step to the highest level. Soon, someone brought out a huge board covered by a red curtain.

Dugu Xiang took a seat in the highest row. Seated with him were four white-haired old men, who appeared to be senior elders of the Dugu Family.

"Wait! I have a question!"

In the silence, the unexpected happened, as expected.

Someone stood up and shouted toward Dugu Xiang on the high platform, voicing an objection.

"Patriarch Dugu, on what grounds does your Dugu Family presume to re-rank the Weapon Manual? Don’t tell me you think the Dugu Family is truly the Martial Arts Venerable, capable of commanding the entire Martial World?"

’Oh?’

Zheng Xiu immediately sat up straight, his eyes shining.

’Here comes the drama.’