NOVPUBHearing Xu Zimei’s words, Ji Jiucheng’s steps to step down suddenly halted.
His voice was somewhat hoarse and low as he responded, "Let’s go."
"Sovereign, what do you think?" Xu Zimei turned around, looking at Ji Yunzhou with a slightly embarrassed expression below, and asked with a smile.
"Does the Sovereign still want to admit defeat?"
"Father, in our Ji Family, we have only those who fall, never those who shrink back and admit defeat."
Ji Jiucheng declared onstage, "This is my Martial Path."
Wanren Jingshi was beside him, his face flush with laughter and excitement, as if he relished the spectacle.
To actively admit defeat, and to do so twice in succession, would do great damage to the majesty of the Imperial Dynasty.
It might even become a topic for the common people to discuss and make light of after their meals.
"If you want to fight, then let’s fight," Ji Yunzhou said, his expression returning to one of calm.
But his brows were deeply furrowed as he added, "Young Master Xu, this is just a sparring match, not a duel to the death."
"I know, I will hold back, but injuries are inevitable in a sparring match, right?" Xu Zimei said with a smile.
"You don’t need to go easy on me," Ji Jiucheng interjected indifferently.
"I’m afraid of killing you if I don’t hold back."
Xu Zimei replied nonchalantly.
At that moment, the Creation Force enveloped his right hand.
The Cang Dragon Seventh Transformation was directly activated, accompanied by an ancient and soul-shaking dragon’s roar, as if emanating from the vast and empty land.
Xu Zimei made his move.
To most people, only a residual image flashed by, followed by a thunderous "boom".
With that punch, he completely shattered the platform beneath his feet into fragments.
Debris flew wildly, and dust filled the sky.
At the spot where Ji Jiucheng had stood, a deep hole appeared in the ground.
The formidable power of this punch was terrifying indeed!
As the dust slowly settled, the spectators could finally see the situation in the center of the arena.
Ji Jiucheng was half-kneeling on the ground, his clothes in tatters, with no part of his body unscathed.
He was virtually dyed in blood, with a large pool of it before him.
His body swayed as he looked at Xu Zimei, and finally, he collapsed to the ground, fainting away.
"Jiucheng," Ji Yunzhou called out in alarm.
The other two princes hurried over to help Ji Jiucheng up and fed him Holy Medicine for healing.
"Young Master Xu, isn’t this too much?" Ji Yunzhou said, narrowing his eyes at Xu Zimei.
"An accident. I only used less than half my strength," Xu Zimei replied.
"I just didn’t expect him to be so weak."
"Shouldn’t Senior Wenren give an explanation for this?" Ji Yunzhou turned his head, looking at Wanren Jingshi and spoke.
The Seventh Prince was his most valued son, the one he had always vigorously nurtured.
In addition to his natural talent, there was also a sense of guilt in his heart.
After all, the Seventh Prince had been wandering outside since he was a child.
"What explanation should I give?
Today is my birthday celebration, and you proposed the contest.
If it’s a contest, accidents are normal.
Moreover, my grandson only used half his strength, which is already quite restrained. Who’s to blame if the people of your Imperial Dynasty are so weak?"
Wanren Jingshi said indifferently.
"Very well," Ji Yunzhou took a deep breath.
Eventually, he said, "Senior Wenren, I will remember what you’ve done today."
After he spoke, his gaze shifted back to Xu Zimei and added.
"Young Master Xu, I do not deny your talent and strength.
But the journey of the Martial Path is long and arduous, full of endless inquiry.
On this path, there are many accidents awaiting!
Until you reach the end, you had better be careful."
...…
"Is that a threat?" Xu Zimei asked with a laugh.
""It was just some cautionary advice," Ji Yunzhou replied indifferently.
"Thanks for the advice," Xu Zimei said with a smile.
"Then let me give the Sovereign some advice as well, Yuan Central Continent is vast, and to me, the Phoenix Perching Empire is like a frog at the bottom of a well.
Ignorant and arrogant!"
Ji Yunzhou narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing more.
After the competition ended, perhaps due to the conflict that had erupted, the atmosphere among everyone became somewhat subtle.
Ji Yunzhou maintained the composure befitting of a Sovereign and did not leave early.
When the birthday banquet was nearing its end, Wan Shounian, the old patriarch of the Wan Family, approached Wenren Jingshi with a hearty laugh.
"Senior Wenren, let’s have a drink."
He lifted his cup and said with a smile.
"Old man Wan, just say what you want to say, no need to beat around the bush," Wenren Jingshi replied in a good mood, still smiling.
"Is this Xu Zimei really your grandson?" Wan Shounian asked.
"If he’s not my grandson, could he be your grandson?" Wenren Jingshi responded with irritation.
"I do wish he were my grandson," Wan Shounian muttered under his breath before smiling and saying, "I’m just confirming, that’s all."
"Old man Wan, what are you up to?" Wenren Jingshi asked warily.
"Does your grandson have a betrothed?" Wan Shounian asked, revealing his intentions with a smile.
"Whether he has one or not, what’s it to you?" Wenren Jingshi retorted with a cold snort.
"You’re asking knowingly," Wan Shounian said with a laugh.
"I have a granddaughter who is proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
In the entire Phoenix Perching Empire, she is considered top-notch talent.
How about arranging a meeting between your grandson and my granddaughter? Get to know each other!"
"Let’s not," Wenren Jingshi declined without a second thought.
"Why not?" Wan Shounian seemed unwilling to give up.
"My grandson has the makings of a Great Emperor, but your granddaughter, what can she compare with?"
Wenren Jingshi stated indifferently.
"She’s not worthy!"
After saying this, Wenren Jingshi left, laughing heartily, with a sense of triumph.
"Old fool," Wan Shounian also huffed coldly.
He eventually left with his sleeves flicking in discontent.
...
As dusk fell, the birthday feast finally came to an end.
As guests bid their farewells one by one, Wenren Yao and Wenren Zhao saw off each guest in turn.
It was likely that the day’s events would soon spread throughout the entire Phoenix Perching Empire.
Xu Zimei appeared as if shrouded in a mist, suddenly materializing out of nowhere.
Almost no one could see through him.
The only thing that troubled Xu Zimei himself was probably that the number of people approaching his grandfather to propose marriage alliances had suddenly increased.
Everyone was recommending their own granddaughters and daughters.
In the end, even Wenren Jingshi was somewhat tempted and went as far as to discuss the matter with Xu Zimei.
Xu Zimei could only make up an excuse and brush it off casually.
With his grandfather’s birthday banquet concluded, it was time for Xu Zimei to depart.
He did not have much time to waste here.
After resting for two days, Xu Zimei ultimately decided to take his leave.
Before leaving, Wenren Jingshi looked at Xu Zimei and asked, "Where do you plan to go?"
"To the Sword Domain," Xu Zimei replied.
Wenren Jingshi didn’t inquire about Xu Zimei’s purpose there but expressed some concern.
"During the birthday banquet a few days ago, you offended Ji Yunzhou.
The matter is not as simple as it seems; let your uncles accompany you on your journey."
"No need to worry, Grandfather," Xu Zimei said, shaking his head slightly.
