The young man snapped the folding fan shut, gently tapped it on his palm, and continued the conversation:
"I heard that the Master of Divine Martial Mansion disappeared in the Western Regions after accomplishing such great deeds?"
Beside him, a simple young man was busy eating, but upon hearing this, he raised his head and said while chewing: "That's right. Many planned to meet this newly-risen master, but there hasn't been any news at all. I'm afraid he really got trapped."
The young man chuckled and asked: "Oh? Trapped? How so?"
The simple man replied:
"The Master of Divine Martial once used a military formation to kill the great Jiangnan Road hero of Jiangdong. Although it's rumored he used some dubious methods to barely become a grandmaster, his Qi Mechanism was powerful and not inferior."
"The top-tier Iron Cavalry, being able to kill a grandmaster, is not just talk."
"The Dichi Iron Cavalry is definitely stronger than the newly formed Divine Martial Mansion. The Master of Divine Martial fought hard once and was indeed impulsive. As a result, he himself got trapped in the military formation. Although he fought his way out, killing three thousand riders, he was undoubtedly seriously injured."
"The extent of his injuries is likely enough to keep him stuck in the Western Regions. Alas, he doesn't understand that such actions must have offended the Xiongnu's interests. Not to mention, even the people from Dichi would certainly be determined to take his life."
The young man with the White Jade Fan, Feng Ji, seemed to agree and said:
"What you said is true. Thus, a gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall. It's clear that the Master of Divine Martial has good martial arts but lacks in strategic planning. Relying solely on personal martial prowess is inadequate. To serve the nation, one must have the strategy and insight beyond just brute force. Otherwise, what's the difference between him and the Xiongnu?"
"A true hero should have an army of millions in his embrace, invincible in battle, yet also capable of producing articles off the battlefield and understanding the subtleties of life."
"What a pity, what a pity."
"His recklessness will inevitably strain the relations between the two countries. The world has been peaceful for more than twenty years; if border wars break out again, it would harm the nation, causing many soldiers to die."
The simple young man nodded and said:
"Speaking of the Thirty-six Kingdoms of the Western Regions, though they can't compare to our Great Qin, people of the Jianghu never care about principles. There are many experts, and the Xiongnu, with gold and beautiful women, will surely find someone willing to risk testing the Master of Divine Martial's worth despite his injuries."
"As strong as he is, he's just one man. Succeeding would mean wealth and fame."
"In these times, among the peerless masters, the Xiongnu and we hold almost forty percent of the names, and there are many experts."
Feng Ji stopped tapping his folding fan and said:
"But can such matters truly alarm the ultimate experts?"
"It's difficult, but below the supreme level, there won't be a shortage of experts. Just beneath the top tier, there are layers of danger. By the way, Mingyuan, why aren't you saying anything and just drinking?"
A cold-featured young man with a fair complexion sat nearby, dressed in black vigorous attire, focused on drinking. Hearing this, he said:
"Still asking what to say? Aren't you secretly fond of Princess Qi Wu? Everyone knows the Emperor once intended to betroth her to the Master of Divine Martial."
"If he dies in battle there, wouldn't that fulfill your wish?"
Wu Mingyuan took a sip of wine and said:
"Even so, he is still a martial artist of our Great Qin."
Feng Ji paused, shaking his head:
"Now's not the time to talk about the Northern Frontier of Great Qin."
"I somehow feel that Wang Anfeng is doomed this time..."
Upstairs, a black-clad swordsman was walking down, while the shopkeeper, who resembled a beauty intoxicated by peonies, perked up, lazily tidying her hair, and greeted him with a radiant smile. The swordsman remained courteous, moving with poise, only hesitating slightly upon hearing the conversation, before striding over decisively.
Feng Ji, who had been speaking, heard footsteps, turned to see a young man he didn't recognize, then curtailed his conversation and nodded politely:
"And who might this young hero be...?"
The black-clad swordsman looked calm and said:
"Were you talking about Wang Anfeng?"
Feng Ji shook his folding fan with a smile, saying: "I see, the young hero overheard something. But the Master of Divine Martial has become quite famous these past two days in Heavenly Capital City. In this world, with so many people talking, are we not allowed to speak?"
"Or perhaps you have a different perspective on this matter?"
The swordsman spoke concisely: "Wang Anfeng will not lose."
Though Feng Ji appeared gentle, he was actually from a prominent family. Feeling displeased, he smiled and said:
"Oh? Quite an insightful opinion."
"Since you're so interested, how about a wager with me? If I lose, you can select any gold, silver, or jewels you like. My family does have some spare wealth." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel✦fire.net
Feng Ji said: "Oh, so you're not betting?"
The swordsman replied: "Bet, but only to prove you're wrong."
Feng Ji's smile gradually faded as he looked at the plainly dressed swordsman in front of him. The latter carried two swords on his back and another at his waist. Although the longsword on his back seemed sharper, from the marks on the hilt of the three swords, it was apparent that the sword at his waist was used more frequently. Judging from his attire and demeanor, he was recognized as a Jianghu person. Feng Ji felt a slight contempt in his heart and said casually:
"Very well, if you lose, leave your arm."
He had deliberately spoken, hoping to intimidate him, but the swordsman's response was without hesitation.