“He is indeed the most outstanding martial arts prodigy in all of Bei Li. Your Highness's martial arts and spirit are truly admirable!”
Suddenly, a middle-aged man with flowing black hair, wearing a white robe with a green-and-yellow lining, appeared at the entrance of the Gu Mansion.
Tall and upright, he exuded an air of confidence and authority.
He carried a wine gourd in his hand, giving off the impression of a worldly hermit.
However, the three prominent black characters "Poison You" on the back of his clothes were somewhat incongruous, causing a chuckle.
“Wen Hu Jiu of the Wen family in Lingnan, pays respects to Your Highness, the Martial King!”
The newcomer was Wen Hu Jiu, the only son of Wen Lin, the head of the venerable Wen family in Lingnan, and Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn's uncle.
Wen Hu Jiu’s expression was one of respectful deference, with a hint of constraint and apprehension, a far cry from his usual flippant demeanor.
Though he was the second-highest martial artist in the Wen family, a rare individual possessing mastery in both poison and martial arts.
He was also a member of the previous generation’s illustrious Four Rankings, a master of the Xiāoyáo Tiān Jìng realm, specifically the Fúyáo Jìng.
Outside the Wen family, his presence would strike fear into the hearts of many, earning him the title of “Poison Bodhisattva” and the status of a formidable poison martial arts master.
But at this moment.
Wen Hu Jiu dared not be the slightest bit arrogant.
He had witnessed from the shadows the terrifying golden eagle mount of the Martial King, a behemoth that was at least of the Xiāoyáo Tiān Jìng realm.
Even more daunting was the figure in black robes behind the Prince.
Even Wen Hu Jiu couldn’t discern their true nature.
There was only one possibility, and it was…
Sword Immortal!
This Martial King, himself, was a peerless prodigy of the Xiao royal family.
Now, he was guarded by a Xiāoyáo Tiān Jìng great demon and a Sword Immortal.
How could Wen Hu Jiu not be respectful!
“Uncle, how come you’re here?”
Upon seeing Wen Hu Jiu, Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn rushed forward with a joyous smile.
Although he was an elder, he and his uncle had a close bond, almost like brothers.
“Little Bǎi Lǐ, show some decorum in front of His Highness. You’ve snuck out for so long, only I can bring you back. That's why I came.”
Wen Hu Jiu patted Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn's head, a touch of affection in his voice.
“Haha, Uncle, you came just in time! Let me tell you, I’ve seen the charm of the Jiāng Hú (martial world) this time. To live a life of freedom, seeking revenge and justice, sword in hand, wandering the world, it’s truly magnificent.”
“The brotherhood of the Eight Princes of Bei Li fills me with envy!”
“As for the Martial King, he resolved the chaos in Southwest Road with his own strength, stole a bride and won her heart, I truly admire and long to be like him.”
Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn’s eyes sparkled with longing as he spoke.
Wen Hu Jiu, slightly apprehensive, glanced at Xiāo Chéng Xuán, intending to reprimand his nephew, but Xiāo Chéng Xuán waved his hand:
“Alright, Mr. Wen, since you’re here, I’ve already asked Sī Kōng to prepare fine wine. Please, enter the mansion, tonight we’ll drink till we fall!”
Wen Hu Jiu was taken aback, this Martial King, revered as a cold immortal, was unexpectedly approachable.
“That’s right, Uncle, I’ve brought all the finest wines from my treasured collection for tonight's wedding feast for the Prince!”
Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn hastily spoke, afraid his uncle would take him away.
Wen Hu Jiu, a lover of fine wine himself.
At the mention of delicious wine, his eyes lit up.
He licked his lips like a gourmand, instantly forgetting what his sister, Wen Luò Yù, had instructed him to do.
“Hahaha, in that case, I’ll gladly accept!”
Gu Luò Lǐ, the head of the Gu family, was also beaming with enthusiasm, eager to welcome everyone into the mansion for the feast.
At this moment, Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng, standing alone, felt lost and confused.
He had never known his parents, raised on the kindness of strangers, he had slept in dilapidated temples and had never had a family name, nor had anyone given him a name. A blank slate at birth, and he would depart as a blank slate, it wasn’t so bad.
He had even taken the name Sī Kōng, wishing to become like the wind, untethered and free.
Now, as he looked at the Martial King, surrounded by a throng of people about to enter, and at Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn, so cheerful and carefree.
A sense of helplessness and sorrow welled up in Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng’s heart.
His eyes, reflecting a loneliness that tugged at the heartstrings, spoke of a soul without kin or companions.
Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng raised his spear, ready to leave this place.
“Sī Kōng, are you really going to leave after everything, hiding your name and identity? You helped me today to steal this bride, at least you must join me for the wedding feast, and drink till we fall!”
Suddenly, a warm voice addressed Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng.
Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng’s lifeless eyes instantly regained their shine. His departing footsteps stopped, and he turned his head.
He saw that Xiāo Chéng Xuán, the Martial King, who was supposed to be revered by all, was now holding the hand of his new bride, Yàn Liú Lí, and had walked behind him, earnestly inviting him.
“That’s right, Sī Kōng, you’re really just going to leave without a word?”
“Don’t you like drinking? Come, come, tonight, we’ll drink with the Prince, see who falls first, and who’s the champion, and then we'll go crash the wedding!”
Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn also frowned and pouted.
Xiāo Chéng Xuán smiled, Bǎi Lǐ Dōng Jūn laughed, and on Sī Kōng Cháng Fēng’s face, a radiant smile bloomed.
He understood that something had stirred within him, a warmth he had never known before!
He raised his long spear and declared, “Let's go! Drink until we fall, and crash the wedding!”
.................
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