No matter how one might try to conceal it with flowery words, defeat was simply defeat.

Among the multitude present, none were fools.

Who was Lei Zhangan?

He was the unparalleled prodigy of the Lei family, a talent unseen in a millennium. He commanded the divine ability of Lei Xi, was the esteemed cousin of the Eternal Life Palace Lord, Jiang Wuqi, and the future patriarch of the Lei clan. He was a figure of immense renown among the younger generation of the Great Qi.

Most crucially, he had long since opened his Second Aperture.

For Jiang Wang to defeat him was to overcome a gap of a minor realm.

What did this signify?

It signified a complete and utter dominance in terms of cultivation talent, combat prowess, and all other aspects!

This was a publicly arranged duel, the outcome of which could be said to be the focus of all Linzi. Otherwise, how could Chongxuan Sheng have possibly sold all the tickets at such a price, enough to afford a visit to one of the Four Great Pleasure Houses!

Though Lei Zhangan’s countenance was ashen, with Jiang Wuqi present, few dared to utter words of mockery.

Even Jiang Wuxie merely offered a smile filled with profound meaning. Adding fuel to the fire at such a moment was not a wise course of action.

Of course, while none spoke ill to his face, one could not say the same for whispers behind his back.

Back then, it was you, Lei Zhangan, who repeatedly claimed that your stumble in the Seven Stars Tower Secret Realm was a mere oversight, and that the Chongxuan family had paid a heavy price, allowing Jiang Wang to fortuitously claim the Heavenly Kui. Did you stumble again today?

In the words of Chongxuan Sheng – why not just change his name to Lei Bustumble!

The aftermath of the battle was left for Chongxuan Sheng to handle, while Jiang Wang himself had been summoned aside for a private conversation with Jiang Wuyou.

The location was readily available – the very restaurant Chongxuan Sheng had rented. It remained shuttered and barred, free from prying eyes.

The two ascended the stairs and sat opposite each other by the window.

Jiang Wuyou’s gaze lingered on the window crack that Chongxuan Sheng had earlier pushed open, her expression filled with unspoken meaning.

From this narrow opening, one could just catch a glimpse of the situation within the Unmatched Martial Arts Academy. To suggest that Jiang Wuyou couldn’t discern the reason behind it would be to imply she was unfit to contend for the imperial throne.

Though this was Chongxuan Sheng’s doing, Jiang Wuyou clearly viewed them as birds of a feather.

Jiang Wang reached out and pushed the entire window open.

This would preserve the privacy of their conversation while also preventing any untoward speculation. Of course, he wouldn’t admit he was doing it to mask his awkwardness…

“Might this one inquire what matter the Third Highness seeks to discuss?”

“Are you preparing for a distant journey?” Jiang Wuyou asked.

Jiang Wang was momentarily stunned, unsure how she had divined this, but he did not inquire further, merely stating: “Indeed, I am to temporarily leave the borders of Qi.”

Jiang Wuyou nodded, then changed the subject: “In today’s battle, Lei Zhangan’s strength was not inferior to yours. He was simply less prepared, which led to the entire fight being led by your nose.”

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

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

Jiang Wuyou sat opposite him, her face, possessing a striking, heroic beauty, bathed in the light from the window. She continued noncommittally: “This palace also had someone analyze your battle with Wang Yiwu. Looking at the entire fight, you only narrowly won. Furthermore, before your engagement, he had already battled Chongxuan Sheng and was somewhat depleted. Wang Yiwu is arrogant and proud; he will surely seek you out again eventually.”

Jiang Wang was growing somewhat impatient, but he still maintained respect for the Mistress of Huaying Palace.

He reached for the teapot, refilling both Jiang Wuyou’s cup and his own, while casually replying: “There are many stronger than me, but none whom I have surpassed have managed to catch up again.”

He set down the teapot and looked at Jiang Wuyou: “Has the Third Highness specially sought me out merely to speak of such things?”

What she said was indeed true, but it was also meaningless. Victory and defeat were simple matters; even Wang Yiwu himself would not offer any excuses.

Jiang Wuyou then smiled: “I shall speak plainly then. Sir Mo insisted I make proper preparations. Although the preparations seem to have been of little use, and you appear to be growing impatient, he is, after all, my chief strategist, and I must show him face. Shall we complete the formalities?”

Her frankness, in turn, left Jiang Wang with nothing to complain about.

He wondered in his heart who this “Sir Mo” might be, but he did not voice the question. Showing curiosity about Huaying Palace at this moment was not a wise choice.

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

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

“I have some understanding,” Jiang Wang’s words remained cautious.

“After today’s battle, you will become even more renowned. Chongxuan Sheng is also actively manipulating things in this direction. Some have advised me to tell you that Chongxuan Sheng needs your fame to counter Chongxuan Zun, and also of the principle that the tall tree is most vulnerable to the wind. But I refused. Because I know that you are actually very intelligent and are not unaware of your own situation. Speaking such divisive words would only be tiresome and irritating.”

Pausing here, she continued: “What is your view of the State of Qi?”

She seemed to have misunderstood the reason for Jiang Wang’s current departure from the borders of Qi, but Jiang Wang naturally would not explain himself.

He chuckled softly: “A mighty nation under heaven. What need is there for my view?”

Jiang Wuyou sat upright, her eyes sharp: “Here, many will seek to recruit you. But this lone one must say that throughout the entire State of Qi, there will be no better choice than Huaying Palace.”

“Jiang Wang is simple-minded and understands only cultivation. Matters of politics have always been of no concern to him, nor does he understand them. Whatever stance he might have is simply in lockstep with Chongxuan Sheng.”

Jiang Wang looked at her, his words gentle but his attitude clear: “I responded with the same words to the Ninth Highness in Daze Prefecture.”

Jiang Wuyou naturally understood his meaning.

“You have many troubles in Qi. If you do not seek trouble, trouble will find you. As you become more famous, your troubles will only increase. And some troubles are beyond Chongxuan Sheng’s ability to resolve.”

She was composed, confident, and full of conviction: “And Huaying Palace can spare you from all these troubles, allowing you to cultivate in peace. The resources you enjoy will undoubtedly be the highest tier, no less than anyone else’s.”

“These troubles, I dare not be rid of. For these, with sufficient effort, I can at least manage. As for some troubles, I dare not even contemplate them.” As Jiang Wang spoke, he intended to take his leave.

“These terms are valid long-term. You may consider them at length and need not rush to a decision. This palace is placing its wager on your future. The gates of Huaying Palace are always open for you. Furthermore, to express sincerity, this palace shall offer you a reminder.”

“I am eager to hear it.”

“Beware of… Bluestone Palace.”

Having said this, Jiang Wuyou smiled inexplicably, then rose and strode away.

Jiang Wang remained seated, merely furrowing his brow in puzzlement. He did not betray his inner emotions.

Among the princes of the Great Qi Jiang clan, leaving aside Jiang Wuyong, among the four princes with the greatest hope of claiming the dragon throne, only Jiang Wuhua remained unseen. Jiang Wuqi was magnanimous, and Jiang Wuyou possessed a heroic air, both exhibiting the aura of a ruler. Only Jiang Wuxie seemed like a dissolute fop wallowing in pleasure.

He did not understand the purpose of Jiang Wuyou’s sudden words.

However, he knew that a single expression or glance could potentially provide the other party with an answer, so he remained outwardly calm.

Xu Fang was someone he and Chongxuan Sheng had personally sought out, and that Seven-Fingered one had also taken his own life. Apart from him and Chongxuan Sheng, no one else should know.

Of course, if one were to deduce from the outcome, Chongxuan Sheng could not escape suspicion.

However, the deposed Crown Prince Jiang Wuliang was confined within Bluestone Palace, having not taken a single step outside for so many years. Logically, he should pose no threat to anyone, so what was there to be cautious of?

Was Jiang Wuyou truly offering a warning, or was she confirming something?

Or, as one of the contenders for the imperial throne, did she wish to use Chongxuan Sheng’s hand to test Jiang Wuliang once more?

Jiang Wang vaguely felt that Jiang Wuxie’s visit was merely a pretext for recruitment.

Her final words were her true objective.