The first level was passed, so rash, so intriguing.

 

Li Ziye would not admit that he gave a gift.

 

Qin E'nuo would not admit that she let him pass because she received a gift.

 

At sunset, Qin E'nuo left and before leaving, she mentioned the second test.

 

Create a set of swordsmanship within a day.

 

"A freebie question."

 

After hearing this, Li Ziye only said three words.

 

Even the people of Yuzhou City are spreading the word that he created a set of swordsmanship named Tai Chi when he was ten years old. This question is a freebie.

 

Old Qin went to great lengths to let him pass.

 

"Son, are you confident?"

 

Li Baiwan saw his son's relaxed appearance and became excited.

 

"Ten out of ten."

 

Li Ziye casually waved his hand and then went to the backyard to continue fishing.

 

"Passed?"

 

In the backyard, by the lake, Slovenly Zhang was still meditating with his eyes closed. Sensing Li Ziye's arrival, he asked.

 

"Passed."

 

Li Ziye nodded.

 

"Just with that broken sword made of gold?"

 

This time, it was Slovenly Zhang who was surprised. Opening his eyes, he asked.

 

"Of course, it's impossible."

 

Li Ziye smirked and said, "Yesterday, Sister Youwei brought Old Qin an Eastern Sea Night Pearl, a Heavenly Silkworm Soft Armor, and that Fish Intestine Sword. My Old Li really went all out this time."

 

"Fish Intestine Sword?"

 

Slovenly Zhang sat up in shock and exclaimed, "The Fish Intestine Sword was actually in the Li Residence?"

 

"Of course."

 

Li Ziye picked up a stone and threw it into the lake, saying, "If we don't bring out some family treasures, how could Old Qin let him pass?"

 

"Admire, admire."

 

Slovenly Zhang truly admired this time and sighed, "Indeed, money can make the devil be the worker. Qin E'nuo, such an extraordinary and elegant person, can't escape the norm."

 

"We're all human, no need to pretend."

 

Li Ziye smiled and said, "Old Qin is indeed not an ordinary person, so the price we offered is also extraordinary."

 

"What about the second test?" Slovenly Zhang asked curiously.

 

"Create a set of swordsmanship within a day," Li Ziye said.

 

"…"

 

Slovenly Zhang was speechless. He may have had some doubts just now, but now he was certain that Qin E'nuo was letting him pass.

 

"I don't understand, I don't understand."

 

Slovenly Zhang looked at the shimmering lake in front of him and said, "Qin E'nuo has always cherished her reputation. Isn't she afraid of taking in a playboy as a disciple and ruining her reputation?"

 

"Of course she's afraid, otherwise why would she leave the Great Shang Dynasty for half a journey and still not make a decision?"

 

Li Ziye chuckled softly and said, "I went to great lengths to spread rumors. It's not just because I have a lot of money to burn."

 

"So what?"

 

Slovenly Zhang frowned and said, "Qin E'nuo won't believe that you're the legendary genius just based on rumors."

 

"She came, so she believed, at least, believed in part."

 

A strange smile appeared on Li Ziye's lips as he said, "Old Zhang, you don't understand. This is called psychological suggestion. Why were there so many foolish emperors throughout history? Were they really unable to distinguish right from wrong? Of course not. There were slanderous rumors from treacherous officials and guiding words from favored concubines. Many times, even if they didn't believe, they believed."

 

Speaking up to this point, Li Ziye picked up another stone and threw it into the lake, saying, "In fact, the test Old Qin gave today has already been influenced by rumors. Creating a set of swordsmanship within a day is difficult even for a swordsmanship grandmaster. Old Qin had doubts and naturally wanted to see if it was true. If it is true, a peerless genius like me, who is also so sensible, is worth taking as a disciple."

 

Beside him, Slovenly Zhang listened to the words of the young man beside him and fell silent. After a long time, he spoke, "Kid, I really underestimated you before. Your strengths are not just your appearance and family background."

 

This kid's ability to speculate on human hearts is truly terrifying.

 

It's not that Qin E'nuo is letting him pass, but this kid is guiding Qin E'nuo to let him pass.

 

"Actually, Old Zhang, you didn't underestimate me."

 

Li Ziye smiled and said, "Most things in the world can be solved with money. If money can't solve it, I still have this appearance. Look, with my appearance, don't I look intimidating? There's a saying, 'Good-looking people are not far from being bad-looking.' If I stand on the street and say that I'm a talentless waste without any cultivation talent, who would believe it?"

 

As he spoke, Li Ziye stood by the lake with his head held high and his chest puffed out. The breeze brushed past, his black hair fluttered, his eyebrows were like swords, his eyes were like stars. What a jade-like person, a young master without equal.

 

Slovenly Zhang fell silent. This kid was right. Judging from his appearance, this kid was truly intimidating. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been mistaken before.

 

Among cultivators, apart from those who focus on training their bodies, most of them are good-looking, especially those geniuses from the immortal sects. Even if their appearance is slightly lacking, the accumulated temperament over the years is enough to make up for it.

 

Just like him, when he was young, he was also a handsome young man who was adored by countless girls.

 

Slovenly Zhang took a sip of wine and felt a bit of schadenfreude.

 

Qin E'nuo is going to fall!

 

This is truly a delightful thing.

 

Who wouldn't want to see a fairy lose her composure and an emperor get beaten up?

 

It's really unimaginable what expression Qin E'nuo would have when she finds out that this kid can't cultivate martial arts."By the way, Old Zhang, what do you think about the matter I mentioned to you earlier?" Li Ziye changed the topic and asked.

 

"Entering the Li Residence and becoming an important guest of the Li Family?"

 

Slovenly Zhang smiled faintly and said, "Kid, the Li Residence does have a lot of silver and plenty of fine wine, but I'm used to being free. No matter how good a place is, I can't stay for long. Besides, your Li Family focuses on business and has enough henchmen to deal with most troubles. There's no need to spend a lot of money to keep an old slovenly guy like me."

 

"That was in the past."

 

A glimmer of coldness flashed in Li Ziye's calm eyes as he said, "The tallest tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Ten years ago, the Li Family was just a wealthier merchant family that no one cared about. But now, the wealth that the Li Residence possesses has made many people jealous, including the Lord of Great Shang in the capital. According to the latest information, the Third Prince Mu Yao has come to Yuzhou City. I estimate that he wants to find an opportunity to target our Li Family."

 

"Listening to what you're saying, the Li Residence is indeed in danger. In that case, this old man should consider it more carefully."

 

Slovenly Zhang took a sip of wine and said, "Being targeted by the royal family is not a good thing. Your old man is not young anymore, and you, as his son, are always idle and never take care of the family affairs. Once your old man encounters any trouble, it will be difficult for your seemingly innocent sworn sister to handle such a large Li Family."

 

"Innocent?"

 

Li Ziye was taken aback, then a strange expression appeared on his face.

 

Sister Youwei?

 

That's such an appropriate description!

 

Li Residence, study room.

 

Li Baiwan looked at the account books brought by Li Youwei, briefly glanced at them, and then put them down.

 

"You've done well."

 

Li Baiwan smiled and said, "These years, you have surpassed your adoptive father in your business acumen."

 

"It's all thanks to my younger brother."

 

Li Youwei said softly, "If it weren't for the inventions he made, such as perfume, soap, and mirrors, which are things that don't exist in this world, the Li Residence would still be just an ordinary merchant family."

 

"Unfortunately, Ziye's ambition lies elsewhere."

 

Li Baiwan sighed softly and said, "Since he was young, he has wanted to pursue the path of martial arts and has never been interested in business."

 

"As long as it's something my younger brother wants, even if it's a star in the sky, I will pick it for him." Li Youwei said slowly.

 

"You always spoil him like this."

 

Li Baiwan helplessly said, "Youwei, do you know about the Third Prince Mu Yao coming to Yuzhou City?"

 

"I know." Li Youwei nodded.

 

"He came, most likely on the orders of the Lord of Great Shang, to investigate our Li Family." Li Baiwan said.

 

"He won't find out anything." Li Youwei said calmly.

 

"Also."

 

Li Baiwan said slowly, "Mu Yao is skilled in swordsmanship. He probably wants to become a disciple of Qin E'nuo."

 

Upon hearing this, a strong chill filled Li Youwei's calm eyes, and she said word by word, "I will have someone kill him, ensuring that it's clean and leaving no trace."

 

"…"

 

Li Baiwan smiled bitterly and said, "Don't be so impulsive just because of Ziye. He must have already known about this matter. If he hasn't made a move, it means he is confident in defeating that Third Prince. What you need to do is be more cautious and not let this person find out things that we don't want the royal family to know."

 

"Yes, adoptive father."

 

Li Youwei nodded and did not argue further.

 

At night, under the bright moonlight, the night was enchanting.

 

At Yuelai Inn, a knocking sound was heard, followed by a young man dressed in a brocade robe and handsome appearance entering Qin E'nuo's room.

 

The person who came was the current Third Prince of Great Shang, Mu Yao.

 

Mu Yao held a wooden box in his hand, and inside the box was an ancient sword displayed. The sword was sheathed, but a cold aura could be felt.

 

"Fairy, this is my answer." Mu Yao said seriously.

 

"Cold Light, a famous sword."

 

Qin E'nuo glanced at the ancient sword in the box, didn't look any further, and calmly said, "You have passed this test."

 

Although Mu Yao was pleased to hear this, his face remained calm, showing no joy or anger.

 

This first test was not difficult, the key was the attitude of the Plum Blossom Sword Immortal.

 

If she was willing, even a piece of scrap iron could pass the test.

 

He was the Third Prince of Great Shang, and even the Plum Blossom Sword Immortal had to give him some face. The first test would not be too difficult.

 

As for him voluntarily offering the famous sword Cold Light, it was to leave a good impression on the Plum Blossom Sword Immortal and lay the foundation for the next two tests.

 

"You should also know about the second test."

 

Qin E'nuo looked at the Third Prince of Great Shang and calmly said, "Wait for me at the Li Residence before sunset tomorrow."

 

"The Li Residence?"

 

Mu Yao's expression froze upon hearing this. He wanted to say something but swallowed his words, bowed respectfully, and then left the room.

 

Inside the room, the candlelight flickered. Qin E'nuo stood by the window, looking at the quiet night of Yuzhou City, her peerless beauty devoid of any worldly aura.

 

Behind Qin E'nuo, two wooden boxes were quietly placed on the table. Inside the boxes were the swords Cold Light and Fish Intestine, two famous swords that emitted a strong cold aura under the candlelight.

 

***

 

The long night passed silently.

 

The next day, the sun rose, and thin clouds covered the sun.

 

The Li Residence welcomed the most distinguished guest in its history.The Third Prince of the Great Shang, Mu Yao.

 

"What a great honor, what a great honor indeed!"

 

In the front hall, Li Baiwan personally received him, his face blooming with joy, his big belly shaking with laughter.

 

Mu Yao looked at the richest man in the Great Shang Royal Dynasty before him, treating him with equal courtesy, responding with a smile on his face.

 

After chatting for a while, Mu Yao glanced outside and smiled, "I wonder if your son is at home?"

 

"My son?"

 

Upon hearing this, Li Baiwan's smile grew even brighter, "My son is a bit crude, I was afraid he might startle your highness, so I didn't let him come to the front yard. But since your highness wishes to see him, I will send someone to call him right away."

 

After saying this, Li Baiwan stood up and shouted outside, "Go and call the young master, tell him the Third Prince wishes to see him."

 

"Yes!"

 

Outside the hall, the servant took the order and quickly walked towards the back yard.

 

"The Third Prince wants to see me?"

 

In the backyard, by the lake, Li Ziye, who was fishing, heard the servant's report. The corners of his mouth curved up, his smile as brilliant as a blooming flower.