Regardless of how one might try to conceal it with words, defeat is defeat.

Among the numerous onlookers present, few were fools.

Who was Lei Zhangan?

The Lei Clan’s prodigy, unseen in a millennium, master of the Thunder Seal Divine Ability, cousin of the Eternal Palace Lord Jiang Wuqi, future head of the Lei Clan, and a figure of great renown among the younger generation of the Great Qi Dynasty.

Most importantly, he had already opened his Second Palace.

For Jiang Wang to defeat him was to overcome the disparity of an entire minor realm.

What did this signify?

It signified a comprehensive and utter crushing in all aspects of cultivation talent and martial prowess!

This was a publicly arranged duel, and it could be said that the entire Linzi was paying attention to the outcome. Otherwise, Chong Xuansheng would never have been able to sell out all the viewing tokens, especially at prices that could have paid for a trip to one of the Four Famous Pavilions!

While Lei Zhangan’s expression was undoubtedly unsightly, with Jiang Wuqi present, few dared to utter words of mockery.

Even Jiang Wuxie merely offered a knowing smile. Adding fuel to the fire at such a time was hardly a wise move.

Of course, while no one said anything to his face, what was spoken behind his back was another matter entirely.

Wasn’t it Lei Zhangan himself who had repeatedly claimed that Jiang Wang only managed to seize the Heavenly Pivot in the Seven Stars Tower Secret Realm due to carelessness and the enormous price paid by the Chongxuan Family? Why was it carelessness again today?

In Chong Xuansheng’s words, he might as well change his name to Lei Careless!

The aftermath of the battle was left to Chong Xuansheng to handle, while Jiang Wang himself was summoned aside by Jiang Wuyou for a private discussion.

The location was readily available, in the tavern booked by Chong Xuansheng, which remained closed and shuttered, free from any idle bystanders.

The two ascended to the upper floor and sat facing each other by the window.

Jiang Wuyou glanced at the crack in the window that Chong Xuansheng had previously pried open, her expression meaningful.

From that opening, one could just barely glimpse the situation at the Invincible Martial Arts Hall. If Jiang Wuyou couldn’t guess the reason for this, then she wouldn’t have bothered vying for the imperial throne.

Although it was Chong Xuansheng who had done it, Jiang Wuyou clearly regarded them as birds of a feather.

Jiang Wang reached out and pushed the entire window open.

This way, he could maintain the privacy of their conversation while avoiding any suspicion. Of course, he wouldn’t admit that he was doing it to cover up his embarrassment…

“I wonder why Third Highness sought me out?”

“Are you leaving on a journey?” Jiang Wuyou asked.

Jiang Wang paused, unsure how she had discerned his intentions, but he didn’t inquire, simply replying, “Indeed, I plan to temporarily depart from the Qi territory.”

Jiang Wuyou nodded and changed the subject: “In today’s battle, Lei Zhangan’s strength was not inferior to yours; it was merely that his preparations were less thorough, leading to him being led by the nose throughout the entire fight.”

“Your Highness,” Jiang Wang smiled, “From the time I left Daze County until today’s battle, Lei Zhangan had ample time to prepare.”

His meaning was clear – if that wasn’t sufficient preparation, then who was to blame?

Jiang Wuyou sat across from him, her face of striking and heroic beauty bathed in the light from the window, and continued noncommittally, “I also had people review your battle with Wang Yiwu in its entirety. Taking the whole scene into account, you only narrowly won. Furthermore, he had already fought with Chong Xuansheng and been somewhat depleted before your battle. Wang Yiwu is arrogant and proud; he will come looking for you again sooner or later.”

Jiang Wang was actually growing somewhat impatient, but he still maintained his respect for the Lord of the Hua Ying Palace.

He reached out to lift the teapot, refilling water for both Jiang Wuyou and himself, and casually replied, “There are many people stronger than me, but those whom I have overtaken have never managed to catch back up.”

He put down the teapot and looked at Jiang Wuyou: “Did Third Highness specifically seek me out just to say these things?”

What she said was, of course, the truth, but it was also pointless. Victory and defeat were simple matters, and even Wang Yiwu himself wouldn’t seek any excuses.

Jiang Wuyou then smiled: “I thought I would get straight to the point, but Mister Mo insisted that I lay sufficient groundwork. Although the groundwork doesn’t seem to be of much use, and you seem to be growing impatient, he is, after all, my chief strategist, and I must give him face. Shall we complete the formalities?”

Her candor made it difficult for Jiang Wang to complain.

He was wondering who this “Mister Mo” was, but he didn’t ask. Expressing curiosity towards the Hua Ying Palace at this time was not a wise choice.

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

“Do you know how famous you are right now?” Jiang Wuyou asked.

“I have some idea,” Jiang Wang’s wording remained cautious.

“After today’s battle, you will be even more famous, and Chong Xuansheng is working hard to make that happen. Some have advised me to tell you that Chong Xuansheng needs your fame to contend with Chong Xuanzun, as well as the saying ‘a tree that stands too tall in the forest will be felled by the wind.’ But I refused, because I know that you are actually very intelligent and are well aware of your own situation. Such divisive words would only be futile and irritating.”

She paused, then continued, “What do you think of the Qi Dynasty?”

She seemed to have misunderstood Jiang Wang’s reason for leaving the Qi territory at this time, but Jiang Wang naturally wouldn’t explain it to her.

He chuckled: “A powerful nation under heaven. What need is there for me to think of it?”

Jiang Wuyou sat up straight, her gaze sharp: “Here, there will be many who wish to recruit you. But what I want to say is that in the entire Qi Dynasty, there will be no better choice than the Hua Ying Palace.”

“Jiang Wang is simple-minded and only understands cultivation. He has never cared about or understood matters of politics. Any attitude he might have is merely aligned with Chong Xuansheng.”

Jiang Wang looked at her, his words gentle but his attitude firm: “I gave the same response to Ninth Highness back in Daze County.”

Jiang Wuyou naturally understood his meaning.

“You have many troubles in the Qi Dynasty. If you don’t seek trouble, trouble will seek you. As you become more famous, those troubles will only multiply. And some troubles are beyond even Chong Xuansheng’s ability to resolve.”

She was calm, confident, and full of assurance: “But the Hua Ying Palace can spare you all of these troubles and allow you to cultivate in peace. The resources you will enjoy will certainly be of the highest quality, second to none.”

“I dare not avoid these troubles. Because at least I can cope with them with some effort. But there are some troubles that I dare not even imagine,” Jiang Wang said, preparing to take his leave.

“This offer remains valid for the long term; you can consider it further and need not rush to make a decision. What I am betting on is your future. The doors of the Hua Ying Palace are always open to you. Furthermore, to express my sincerity, I will give you a reminder.”

“I am all ears.”

“Be careful… of the Azure Stone Palace.”

After Jiang Wuyou spoke, she smiled inexplicably, rose, and strode away.

Jiang Wang sat in his seat, merely furrowing his brow in confusion, not revealing the emotions in his heart.

Among the imperial princes of the Great Qi Dynasty, not to mention Jiang Wuyong, the four princes most likely to seize the Dragon Throne – he had now met all but Jiang Wuhua. Jiang Wuqi possessed an aura of magnanimity, and Jiang Wuyou an air of heroism, both resembling true rulers. Only Jiang Wuxie seemed like a dissolute playboy indulging in pleasures.

He didn’t know what Jiang Wuyou’s purpose was in saying those words so suddenly.

But he knew that a single expression or a single glance from him could provide her with an answer, so he remained impassive.

He and Chong Xuansheng had personally sought out Xu Fang, and that Seven Fingers had already taken his own life. Aside from him and Chong Xuansheng, no one else should know.

Of course, reasoning backward from the result, Chong Xuansheng certainly couldn’t escape suspicion.

However, the deposed crown prince Jiang Wuliang had been confined within the Azure Stone Palace for so many years, never taking a single step outside. Logically speaking, he shouldn’t pose a threat to anyone. What was there to be careful of?

Was Jiang Wuyou truly offering a reminder, or was she trying to confirm something?

Or, as one of the candidates for the imperial throne, did she want to use Chong Xuansheng’s hand to test Jiang Wuliang once again?

Jiang Wang faintly felt that Jiang Wuxie’s visit was merely a perfunctory attempt to recruit him.

Those final words were her true objective.