Chen Qingyuan couldn't be bothered with the man, lifting his gaze towards the battlefield, he took out a flask of fine wine and took a few sips.
At some point, Chen Qingyuan found himself hoping Wu Junyan would lose. That way, he could witness the scene of Wu Junyan accompanying Zhangsun Qian to enjoy the scenery and the moon.
Imagining such a scene, Chen Qingyuan was unusually excited, filled with intense anticipation.
"Young Master Zhangsun, you've arrived."
At this moment, the young man from before walked over to the betting area, immediately drawing everyone's attention as they stood up to pay their respects.
Hearing the commotion, Chen Qingyuan glanced back.
"Young Master Zhangsun, our betting is purely for entertainment, we mean no disrespect to the Piao Miao Palace, please forgive us."
The group of cultivators managing the bets were sweating profusely, their attitude respectful.
"It's fine, I'm not here to hold anyone accountable." The young man was Zhangsun Fengye, Zhangsun Qian's elder brother and the Holy Son of Piao Miao Palace.
Both siblings were direct descendants of the Piao Miao Palace, with terrifyingly strong talents.
In addition, Zhangsun Fengye was also one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, a prestigious title held by both siblings.
"Where do I place my bet? What are the odds?"
Zhangsun Fengye had been observing the crowd and noticed this was the liveliest spot, so he came over to join in.
"Ah?" The bookie was taken aback: "Young Master, you want to place a bet?"
"Nonsense." Zhangsun Fengye took out a thousand high-quality spirit stones, as a token gesture: "Bet on my sister to win."
"Alright!"
As long as he wasn't here to cause trouble, everything was negotiable.
The bookie breathed a sigh of relief and respectfully handed the betting slip to Zhangsun Fengye.
Listening to the surrounding discussions, Chen Qingyuan roughly understood Zhangsun Fengye's background.
Good thing I disguised myself.
Chen Qingyuan was glad for his foresight, standing aside and drinking his wine with an air of indifference.
"Brother, may I have a drink with you?"
Zhangsun Fengye seemed interested in Chen Qingyuan, approaching him after placing his bet with a smile.
"Hmm?" Chen Qingyuan turned and met Zhangsun Fengye's gaze, hesitated for a moment, but still took out a flask of wine and handed it over: "Take it."
"Thank you." Zhangsun Fengye uncorked the flask and smelled the aroma of the wine. Although it was ordinary wine, what he was really after was a chance to talk: "How may I address you, brother?"
"May I refrain from answering?"
Chen Qingyuan said.
"Of course." Zhangsun Fengye liked Chen Qingyuan's demeanor, his interest piqued: "I am Zhangsun Fengye, elder brother of Zhangsun Qian."
"So you're the Holy Son of Piao Miao Palace, my apologies."
Chen Qingyuan feigned a bow.
"No need for pretense, brother. Your eyes don't show the flattery others have. Despite your plain clothes and hidden origins, your demeanor is not ordinary."
Zhangsun Fengye held a folding fan in his right hand and the wine in his left, drinking a sip after speaking, his gaze fixed on Chen Qingyuan, showing little interest in the changes on the battlefield.
"The Holy Son must be mistaken, I'm just a commoner."
Chen Qingyuan vehemently denied, fearing any more words would reveal his identity.
Brother, I'm begging you, please leave!
If possible, Chen Qingyuan wanted to slip away. But doing so would mean missing out on the spectacle.
Due to Zhangsun Fengye's presence, many turned their attention to Chen Qingyuan, full of curiosity.
"It's good to be a commoner, I wish I could be one too."
Zhangsun Fengye was known for his gentle and scholarly demeanor, that is unless he was offended. Those who crossed him would understand what it meant to face a smiling scholar with ruthless methods.
Rumor had it that some high-ranking officials of Piao Miao Palace wanted to strip Zhangsun Qian of her title as Holy Daughter, but had not succeeded due to Zhangsun Fengye's intervention.
Those who proposed the idea were all remembered by Zhangsun Fengye, who then beat their descendants black and blue.
Moreover, Zhangsun Fengye declared that if his sister's position was revoked, he would renounce his title as Holy Son.
Thus, the officials dared not speak of it again, troubled.
Piao Miao Palace wanted to maintain its image by appointing a Holy Daughter with a better reputation, which was understandable.
Zhangsun Fengye's desire to protect his sister's dignity and status was also justified.
It was a matter of who had the more ruthless methods and the stronger fist.
Clearly, Zhangsun Fengye might look like a gentle scholar, but he was decisive and ruthless in his actions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to secure his position as Holy Son, forcing the high-ranking officials to compromise.
"Boom!"
The great battle raged on, surpassing a thousand exchanges.
Chen Qingyuan watched the situation on the battlefield, feeling that the fight was about to reach a conclusion.
For some reason, watching Wu Junyan's sword intent, Chen Qingyuan found it somewhat familiar, yet hard to describe.
"Could it be that Old Wu once learned the Dao Techniques of the Mystic Azure Sect?"
Chen Qingyuan muttered to himself.
Impossible!
He had never heard of such a thing.
Forget it, I'll just ask Old Wu later!
On the battlefield, Wu Junyan's sword sent Zhangsun Qian's axe flying and dodged her supernatural power attack.
In the blink of an eye, Wu Junyan appeared beside Zhangsun Qian and slashed fiercely with his sword.
"Bang!"
A loud crash echoed as Zhangsun Qian's body was sent flying, crashing into the ground and creating a hundred-meter-wide crater.
A long sword wound was visible on Zhangsun Qian's shoulder, her internal energy roiling, clearly wounded.
The next moment, Wu Junyan stood above Zhangsun Qian, his treasured sword already released, hovering at her brow, its sword intent powerful and sharp.
"You've lost. From now on, don't bother me."
Wu Junyan sheathed his sword, hands behind his back, speaking coldly.
Despite the loss, Zhangsun Qian's face bore no sign of dejection. Her eyes fixed on Wu Junyan, admiration gradually growing within her.
I'm not one to keep promises; I'll definitely cling to you in this life. Wu Junyan, you can't escape.
Zhangsun Qian felt a slight loss, having failed to make Wu Junyan accompany her. But there was plenty of time in life for opportunities.
Wu Junyan left, like a streak of white light, his destination unknown.
"Let's go! Don't stand here and embarrass yourself."
Zhangsun Fengye wasn't surprised by the outcome and stepped forward to speak.
"Brother, I must catch up to him!"
Zhangsun Qian set a goal for herself, her voice melodious like a musical instrument, though her figure seemed disproportionate.
"With your current appearance, who would spare you a glance?"
Zhangsun Fengye said helplessly.
"Brother, Wu Junyan's gaze towards me is calm, different from others. As long as I can touch his heart, he surely won't care about my looks. Moreover, once my cultivation level advances further, I can return to my former appearance and won't be a disgrace to him."
Zhangsun Qian said.
"If you're not ashamed, I am. Let's go."
Under the watchful eyes of many, Zhangsun Fengye grabbed Zhangsun Qian's shoulder and led her away from Baiyu Mountain.
Following this battle, Wu Junyan's reputation soared even higher, with regions far and wide discussing the event, admiring him greatly.
"Wu Junyan's swordsmanship is unmatched among his peers."
"Miss Zhangsun, so fierce, yet she lost."
"The outcome of this battle proves that only a man like Master Wu could tame such a person as Miss Zhangsun."
Various forces began to search for Wu Junyan's whereabouts, hoping to extend an olive branch and form a good relationship.
Meanwhile, Chen Qingyuan cashed in his betting slip, pocketing the won spirit stones in his Heaven and Earth Bag, and hurriedly contacted Wu Junyan using a Sound Transmission Jade Talisman.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas