Su Chengyu quietly observed the reactions of the crowd upon hearing these words. The emotions were not as intense as before, but low whispers of conversation became more frequent.
The high-ranking officials and nobles present, more than half of them harbored grudges against Su Chengyu. A small portion genuinely believed that Su Chengyu was too young and inexperienced for the position, while the largest group was simply wary of a repeat of the past events involving Su Linyuan.
Su Linyuan was a hero; his accomplishments left people in awe, and the achievements he amassed instilled a lingering fear in others.
With connections like those and wielding such power and ability, Su Linyuan was truly extraordinary.
Although everyone knew Su Chengyu was not Su Linyuan, they couldn't help but worry that history might repeat itself.
After all, Su Chengyu was not Su Linyuan. Who could say that, once Su Chengyu attained a high position and equivalent influence as Su Linyuan did, he wouldn't do something even more outrageous than Yang Chengyin?
Su Chengyu understood this and thus gave most of them a chance.
To those with grudges, Su Chengyu offered an opportunity for them to owe him a favor, a chance to let go of the minor resentments Su Chengyu had long stopped caring about, they could finally be at ease with this favor.
The ones who were cautious of Su Chengyu found him more than willing to let them get to know him, to make it clear that while he wasn't Su Chengyu, he wouldn't compromise on certain principles.
Ultimately, the choice remained theirs; he extended the opportunity, and whether they became enemies or friends was up to them.
"Isn't it a good thing? If Su Saint Envoy is truly a dragon among men like Long Xuan from the Long family or Ye Qingci from the Ye family, then having him during such times of need is indeed a blessing, isn't it?"
Is this... the old master of the Zhuang family?
Su Chengyu peered through the gaps in the crowd and saw the elder speaking. Although this was the first time seeing him at such a close distance, he had some vague impressions of the figure.
Great-grandfather of Zhuang Yihan, the pillar of the Zhuang family, and one of the six ministers of the Xia Country.
Beside him, Xu Nanzhi, though not recognizing the elder, sensed something amiss. After all, even with a firm idea in mind, one typically didn't voice it so publicly, influencing the decisions of others. This was undoubtedly a preemptive show of alliance.
Su Chengyu smiled, certain that someone had leaked information to the Zhuang family, otherwise, the old master of the Zhuang family might not have appeared here.
Following the old master's words, a group of people chimed in.
"I think it's quite good too. Having Su Chengyu as Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment Department and Xu Zijing as Sect Master of the Demon Slayer Department, wouldn't that fulfill the wishes of many here?"
Apart from Su Chengyu, who else might become the Sect Master of the Demon Slayer Department?
Naturally, Xu Zijing and Ye Qingci come to mind. Ye Qingci of the Ye family had a status as sensitive as Su Chengyu's, hence the majority here supported Xu Zijing.
Demon Slayer Department, Huang Quan.
When Su Chengyu first arrived at the Demon Slayer Department, he had met Huang Quan, but subsequently, they had little interaction.
Yet soon, Su Chengyu understood why he appeared here. Nearby, a girl with a hood concealing her head silently watched the events unfold.
You Ming had also arrived.
"Actually, I think my sister Qingci is quite suitable. Has no one considered letting my sister manage the Demon Slayer Department?"
Ye Qingming's words instantly drew everyone's attention, as they did not expect the Sect Master like Ye Qingming to appear here. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI(F)ire.net
"Master Ye, you've already met the Sect Master, joining this fun too?"
Ye Qingming's playful words visibly lifted the atmosphere, prompting half-joking responses from the crowd.
"Why not? Can't I join in on this fun you're having? Besides, this duel of Jinglong against Tian Heng is no less thrilling than the Ye-Long dispute. How can I miss such a good show? Just a petition from all of you to Your Majesty should see no objections, right?"
Still joking, Ye Qingming had effectively made his stance clear to everyone present.
Unmistakably, he stood by Su Chengyu. However, Ye Qingming had no intention of disrupting Su Chengyu's self-initiated duel.
This made the crowd even more suspicious — could Su Chengyu truly remain unscathed? Or had he found a way to surpass Xu Zijing?
"Enough! This isn't just a husband selection for Lin An; it's also for electing a Sect Master for our Xia Country! How can you treat it so lightly?"
Princess Consort Chen was infuriated by the prevailing atmosphere, interrupting the conversations.
Watching Princess Consort Chen's angry demeanor, Feng Jie Yu chuckled, "Why are you getting so worked up? Isn't this the battle you orchestrated, Princess Consort Chen?"
Princess Consort Chen coldly replied, "Laugh while you can, let's see how long you find it amusing. Xu Zijing!"
Xu Zijing turned to Princess Consort Chen.
Squinting her phoenix eyes, Princess Consort Chen said, "Don't forget your master's instructions."
"Rest assured, Princess Consort,"
Bowing respectfully to Princess Consort Chen, Xu Zijing turned to Zhao Shijue.
"Everything's prepared. Although the space isn't large, hopefully, it'll suffice without causing much damage to my mansion."
Xu Zijing nodded, "Rest assured, Your Highness."
Led by servants, the group quickly arrived beside the Martial Arts Field of Jue King's Mansion.
Being Zhao Shijue's usual training ground, the area was naturally spacious. Yet when intended for the battle between Xu Zijing and Su Chengyu, it seemed a bit cramped.
Nonetheless, just as Xu Zijing mentioned, having been prepared in advance, numerous yellow talismans flew out from his sleeve. Forming countless lines in the air, the talismans landed, enclosing the entire Martial Arts Field.
The transparent talismans didn't hinder outsiders from viewing the events within, yet they were sufficient to shield most of the impact from reaching outside.
"Tian Heng Saint Envoy, please."
Su Chengyu nodded and walked alongside Xu Zijing toward the center of the Martial Arts Field. As they walked, Xu Zijing, though staring ahead, quietly asked.
"Su Chengyu, aren't you curious about what my master instructed me?"
Su Chengyu shook his head.
"Not curious? Or unimportant?"
Su Chengyu couldn't help but extend two fingers.
"Unimportant?" Xu Zijing pondered briefly and then shook his head, "No, you mean to say both, right?"
Su Chengyu nodded, proving that talking to a smart person was indeed convenient. Despite knowing little about him, Xu Zijing could comprehend his intent.
Reaching the center, after facing Xu Zijing, Su Chengyu suddenly drew a finger in the air several times.
"Fine, not just one detail, even three would be acceptable. Consider it a gift from me to you and Lin An."
After receiving a positive response, Su Chengyu nodded and took a few steps backward.
As the breaths of those around the field began to pause, two nearly identical Heavenly Dao Breaths simultaneously rose from their bodies, instantaneously covering the entire Martial Arts Field.