A Request
Although the dispute between Li Shoulin and Lu Jianqiu remained unsettled, the target of their animosity had been transferred from Tang Ye to Ming Feizhen.
He Xiang called Tang Ye back into the manor before he could make heads and tails of the situation and outcome. Equally as puzzling was Song Yanluo’s drastic attitude adjustment towards him. She could not care less about the dispute between the two, yet she suddenly stopped them to help him. Of course, had he run away, then it was uncertain who would have to pay the price for her aid.
“Please take a seat, Mr. Tang.”
Tang Ye snapped out of his thoughts. For whatever reason, Song Yanluo no longer sported her sweet smile. Instead, there was a hint of deviousness and proudness. It was his first time seeing the look of hers, but it fit her like a glove.
Song Yanluo did not mind the gaze on her red robe and the thin golden belt she wore no matter if it implied adoration or any negative thoughts, which was not to suggest that she enjoyed it. She simply did not care enough about any man.
“I believe you have identified me without me saying anything else.”
Tang Ye, though surprised, held his hands up in a propitious salute. “This one has heard the Miss Song and Miss Ling take up 70% of the Seven Jade Goddesses.”
The contents he verbalised and his thoughts kept to himself contradicted each other. He did not mean to, but he had already compared Bronze Mask with Song Yanluo. Without even getting to compare their appearances, the mere memory of Bronze Mask’s cold glance was enough to send him on a trip down memory lane.
Song Yanluo pursed her lips into a smile. “Rumours are exaggerations. Please do not let them mislead you.”
“I understand.”
Word on the streets was that Song Yanluo was an uncontrollably wilful maiden and that she would have been a walking disaster had it not been for Patriarch Song’s interventions. Thus, it was surprising to see her behave so modestly.
Smiling, Song Yanluo continued, “Ling Jialan cannot compare to me. The rumours are only partially true once she is erased from the equation.”
Needless to say, the statement gave Tang Ye the chills. Rumours in the pugilistic world tended to be true once your doubt for them peaked.
“May this one ask what business you have with him?” As they were alone in the room, Tang Ye avoided making eye contact.
“That is not most urgent. This one has heard you gained your nickname when you had everyone on the edge of their seats during the imperial martial arts tournament. Is it true that His Majesty bestowed upon you the nickname and the ‘Heaven Shocker’ sword?”
“… Yes.”
“Would this one be able to see it for herself?”
“See what?”
Song Yanluo communicated through her facial expressions. With a flick of her sleeve, a sweet scent accompanied by a feint spiral energy blew. Tang Ye cancelled his original intent of blocking and leaned back, using his hands to catch himself on the ground behind him, avoiding a big rock that would have blasted him straight in the face.
Smiling behind her hand, Song Yanluo said, “Great evasion. Let us try again.”
As she started her next flick, Tang Ye had to stand up and deflect the twelve consecutive shots for a breath. The fact established was that she possessed overwhelming mastery of her internal energy. She forced him to the cusp of his limit with just two flicks.
Contrary to her personality, Song Yanluo employed a style without sophistication or special effects. Every motion was textbook and thought out. The apex of Song Clan’s Sundering the Nine Heavens palm techniques was using their hands as sharp weapons, while her techniques were akin to shooting boulders from her hands. This led Tang Ye to the only logical conclusion – she was the strongest among her three other siblings!
If they were to fight without reservations, Tang Ye was not Song Yanluo’s match. Instead of being able to think of a counter, his focus was on escaping, believing the Night Fortress elites would be able to drive her away if he could just make it to the inn.
Song Yanluo ceased her hands and returned to a conversational posture. “You have proven yourself worthy of working for this one.”
Tang Ye returned to his seat. “I do not work for anyone. I act according to my standards. I would not help anyone if it were not for Liu Shan Men.”
“Are you mad?” Song Yanluo charmed with the upward curve on her lips. “Please have a drink of tea first while you hear her out.”
Tang Ye wagged his hand. “I am at fault in the first place for seeking refuge here whilst hiding my identity. Therefore, I have no right to be mad at you. Had I known you were more than capable of protecting yourself, I would not have made a fool of myself in intervening.”
“Admittedly, it was a setup to have you two aid this one. Her goal has been to find a trustworthy man. Your character is upright, and your skills need no mention. She was glad to see you have the courage to confront Li Shoulin and Lu Jianqiu, which is why she asked to speak to you. Please forgive the endless tests before today.”
Tang Ye expected her to ask for his support, but seeing as he had his hands full enough already, he wanted to refuse.
“What if she had a way to resolve the two conflicting true qis within you? Would that convince you to hear her out?”
“You…”
“This one noticed your internal energies’ disruption. If it were not for it, she would not have had such an easy time against you. Her father has a manual that can resolve your challenge. There is no doubt he will share it if she asks. It is merely a question of what your thoughts are.”
It was a fatal problem waiting to explode in his face if Tang Ye left it unresolved in his line of work, not to mention the grudge he had yet to avenge.
“Let’s hear what you have to say.”
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