A Dulling Duel and a New Plan

Qing gently waved a hand and said, his voice flat and indifferent:

“Wait until the right time for the martial arts competition to discuss it further. For now, do not lift the seal on your inner energy.”

“Understood!”

With that reply, the shadowy figure vanished once more, stirring a few fallen leaves on the ground as if nothing had happened, as if no one had ever been there. Qing, his face devoid of expression, continued his walk, slowly stepping into the grand hall.

Bai Chen stood in the exact spot Bai Qiao had occupied yesterday, his expression serene as he observed the scene before him. The Red King’s sharp gaze swept over him repeatedly, eliciting a series of silent sneers from Bai Chen. ‘Reckless, just like the Black King. He doesn’t temper his nature in the slightest. Doesn’t this perfectly expose his involvement that night?’

“Ahem! White King.”

Hearing the Emperor’s voice, Bai Chen’s thoughts snapped back to the present. He bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty?”

“White King, I wonder what happened yesterday. Your poor condition necessitated the Green King stepping in to fight in your stead.”

‘Tch! That girl’s luck is truly terrible, to be chosen for this? But, Qing? Why would he fight in my place? I recall having little interaction with him. This recent behavior is too abnormal. Qing is certainly not benevolent; I must be cautious.’ These thoughts flashed through his mind, yet Bai Chen maintained his deferential demeanor, answering gently:

“Yesterday, I felt a slight indisposition, but I have recovered today. I thank Your Majesty for your concern, and… the Green King for his assistance…”

“Hmm, but the woman beside you did not come yesterday.”

The man seated at the highest position, revered by all as His Majesty, directed his gaze towards Bai Qiao as he spoke.

“Um… we both happened to fall ill yesterday, Your Majesty… you understand…”

“Oh?”

The man raised his voice slightly, a hint of playfulness in his tone, yet he did not press further, allowing Bai Qiao’s face to flush crimson. She awkwardly endured the gazes of the onlookers.

“Heh, in that case, today you shall take the Green King’s place and compete against the Red King.”

Bai Chen’s body trembled almost imperceptibly. ‘The Red King?’ He swiftly masked the fact that they had already crossed swords before this competition, and replied calmly:

“I shall heed your command, Your Majesty.”

Bai Chen stepped forward, and behind him, a translucent wall materialized. Bai Qiao involuntarily gasped. It was still this barrier, the same one where two kings had fallen yesterday. Bai Qiao looked on with a touch of apprehension, though she quickly reassured herself, dismissing her worry by thinking that it was merely because her ‘other self’ was fighting.

Sensing the gaze from behind him, Bai Chen turned and offered Bai Qiao a subtle smile, a gesture that instantly brought forth the warmth of spring.

“Hey, hey! Get on with it!”

The Red King, watching them exchange glances from the side, was truly displeased. ‘To openly disregard me, not just in front of me, but in front of everyone present! I’ll make you kneel at my feet in no time.’

Without waiting for Bai Chen’s reaction, the Red King directly charged forward, raising his blade to strike. His aura was menacing, his entire being bathed in a blood-red hue. Bai Chen looked on with a hint of disdain. ‘Such an attack right from the start? A barbaric, thoughtless approach, wouldn’t you say?’ He turned away indifferently, the Red King’s sword qi grazing past him, stirring the hem of his robes to flutter in the wind, an indescribable calm emanating from him.

The Red King turned around, vexed that his strike had been utterly useless. Bai Chen let out a soft scoff.

“Hiss!”

A longsword pierced through his chest. Bai Chen revealed a flicker of shock, watching the Red King’s expression shift from initial surprise to sheer ecstasy. As the blade was pulled free, blood spurted out, splattering onto the Red King’s robes. Yet, the Red King paid it no mind, instead watching Bai Chen’s slowly collapsing form with fervent excitement, then throwing his head back in laughter:

“Hahahaha…!”

His laughter abruptly ceased. The Red King stared in disbelief at the sword protruding from his own body. The once gleaming tip of the blade was now stained crimson. Stiffly, the Red King turned his head, only to see the handsome face of the man he had just struck down now standing behind him.

“Swish!”

Bai Chen drew his blade and quietly walked out. ‘Fighting against someone like this is truly dull!’

****

Qing’s body trembled slightly, but it was from excitement. ‘Such a person is perfect for my collection, to become a loyal servant… Hehehe. It seems the time to activate Number Thirteen is fast approaching!’