Book 12: Chapter 42

Owing to external forces he was hopeless against, Emperor Yuansheng failed to leave the palace and search for his Zifang. If he stepped out of the palace doors, he’d discover his destination was the same as the five emissaries who paid him a visit.

“Thank you, Princ.i.p.al.”

“There’s no need to thank this old one for respecting the rules. Let us make it clear that, even with your family heads’ recommendations, the four of you are only family of faculty members. You are permitted to listen in to cla.s.ses for two months, after which you must leave the academy.”

The first thing the emissaries did upon leaving was follow Song Chi to Daren Academy. Jin Zhaoying didn’t need to meet with Huang Yuzao given she was already a member of the academy.

“We are the ones who invited ourselves, so we understand we are imposing on you. Even if we cannot attend cla.s.ses, it is an honour to meet Xuanduan Tingshuo Princ.i.p.al Huang in person.”

Huang Yuzao stared at Song Chi with an unshakeable gaze. “So you knew that, yet you chose to come here now of all times. The capital must not be in enough turmoil for you.” As a faculty member during Song Ou’s time in Daren Academy, Huang Yuzao knew Song Ou’s character, so he could see how the younger brother polarised his elder brother – both good and bad facets.

“Please pardon Zi Li’s ignorance. Is there something you are trying to suggest?”

“With the special examinations coming up, people from every corner of the pugilistic world are coming here for an opportunity. The heart of the Qilin Guards is by the northern border, far from anyone’s reach. To keep a pulse on you White Princes and to prevent Demon Sect’s resurrection, especially in light of the active status, Emperor’s Entourage are also out and about. As a consequence, Liu Shan Men is the only office available to handle matters in the martial world. However, they are but a sh.e.l.l of their former self. All they can do is have Song Ou send information. Shen Yiren has been holding everything together on her own. They’ve only started to rise again, and they’re on their own with a full plate. You chose to come in this situation to catch His Majesty before he could prepare, which makes it easier for you to stir the pot in the capital. This old one is no fool.”

Bai Yumo and Ling Shaoxuan had, “Really?” written on their faces, while Song Chi maintained his friendly smile without batting an eye and replied, “Zi Li’s loyalties are not veiled. You need not be paranoid, Princ.i.p.al.”

“Young man.” Huang Yuzao stared straight into Song Chi’s eyes.

Song Chi felt suffocated, weak and immobile as golden energy enveloped him similarly to an anaconda wreathing around him. Once he was completely shrouded, the energy a.s.sumed a spherical form. Despite his best efforts to resist, he would be shut down straight away until his mind was shut down before signals from his brain could reach his limbs. It happened faster than the time it took to blink, yet he was only a few breaths away from death.

“You have several misunderstandings. In the last three decades, more than 1300 sc.u.ms of the martial world have died to these old hands. This old one hates nothing more than scoundrels who try to incite trouble. None of them he has encountered lives to tell the tale. Has he made himself clear?”

Blood quickly faded from Song Chi’s face when his eyes glowed. A trail of transparent purple energy from his stomach split the golden ball, granting him an oxygen supply again. Gripping his blade whilst breathing laboriously, he choked out, “Zi Li… is… is grateful for the lesson…” He should’ve said, “Princ.i.p.al”, but he needed to convey the words as fast as he could in a breathless state.

Even if Huang Yuzao wasn’t the elder one and Song Chi didn’t concede, Huang Yuzao had no intention of continuing since he never intended to kill. His goals were to warn them and to see what Song Chi’s capacity was.

To escape Huang Yuzao’s “Grand Undertaking” at 60% of his full capacity was brag worthy, let alone being able to speak. When he sparred with Yu Feiyuan in the past, he believed she was qualified to start her own school. While Huang Yuzao didn’t possess knowledge on every discipline in existence, he did know enough to tell whether someone practiced an orthodox discipline or not. Song Chi was on the same level as Yu Feiyuan, and he didn’t rely on someone transferring energy, using supplements or unorthodox methods; he earned his skills through dedication.

“Who did you learn your broadswordplay from? Song Clan wouldn’t have that technique in their syllabus.”

Song Chi inhaled, then smiled once again. “This one’s teacher does not wish to be named, so please forgive him.”

Song Chi only needed three breaths to return to normal. If he really was close to Lian Zhuiyue in abilities, then the current generation was already replacing the previous generation. If Song Chi practiced an unorthodox discipline, Huang Yuzao would’ve killed him on the spot if not crippled him.

“So be it. Howbeit, you must explicate why you came to the capital with the other families.”

“Uncle Huang, that is enough, do you not think?” The monk with a phoenix tattoo on his face stepped in between them.

“Indeed, this old one should be your uncle based on his relations.h.i.+p with Venerable Monk. However, this old one doesn’t like you, so you don’t need to address him as ‘Uncle’.”

“But this one was told to address you as ‘Uncle’ no matter what.” Xun Feng burped mid speech.

Huang Yuzao covered his nose. “It’s disgraceful to be this intoxicated in broad daylight. What part of you says you’re a monk?”

Xun Feng patted his bald head. “Haha, this one nearly forgot he was a monk. He shall spend the night reciting sutras and reflecting. Uncle, it shall be goodbye for now.” He strolled off as though he was strolling through a brothel.

“Wait.”

Xun Feng casually looked over his shoulder. “Yes, Uncle?”

“… No matter what plans you have, leave the people out of it, or I’ll be the first one to stop you.”

Xun Feng’s eyes shut as he smiled. “Of course. This one shall visit again another day.” He bobbed his head slightly as a salute, then dragged Song Chi along.

Bai Yumo and Ling Shaoxuan hurriedly saluted Huang Yuzao before following after the two.

Not long after exiting Huang Yuzao’s room, Song Chi stated, “This is good enough, Brother Feng.”

Xun Feng stepped away from Song Chi. Song Chi took a deliberate breath, slowly bringing some normal colour back to his face. “The head of Confucius is no joke. I am ashamed I could not withstand even one exchange.”

“My uncle is good enough to go t.i.t for tat with my monastery’s abbot. You should be proud you didn’t get hurt.”

Song Chi shook his head. “… We have seen His Majesty and Princ.i.p.al Huang; we can say the first step is a success. We have no time to waste. Let us begin the next step right away. Everyone has a task; do we all know where we need to go?”

The three nodded.

“There is someone I’d like to see, too, so I shall take my leave now. See you at the academy tomorrow.” Song Chi saluted them with his hands prior to heading off to his destination.