He Lian saw that I was silent, and felt a little uneasy, but also worried about misunderstanding me, so she still mustered up the courage to ask.
"Demon King, are you unhappy with what I said?"
I was slightly stunned, and only then did I snap out of my argument with the Ten Thousand Ghost King. Seeing her worried expression, I quickly explained, "No, I just remembered someone."
"What kind of person was he?" she asked curiously.
"Him," I paused, remembering the Ten Thousand Ghost King's cunning, shamelessness, and trickery. Suddenly, I didn't know how to describe him, so I could only say, "He was very dark, like a ball, but not quite."
He Lian covered her mouth and chuckled, as if understanding my thoughts, she said, "Then he must be very important to you."
I thought about it and replied, "You could say that."
Unknowingly, we had arrived at the entrance of the sleeping quarters. Looking at the magnificent and ornate sleeping quarters with carved beams and painted pillars, a trace of unease rose in my heart. Since ancient times, people have always acted for the people and the country, but in the end, they all got lost in the illusion of extravagance. If I were to become like that, it would be the greatest disaster for everyone.
I sighed, always feeling that this vast Yixuan Hall was not suitable for me. Shaking my head helplessly, I invited Qiu Yu, "I see it's getting late, you should sleep here with me."
She covered her face and giggled, shaking her head repeatedly.
Entering the sleeping quarters and reaching the large bed in the center, I casually took off my shoes and jumped onto the bed, beckoning her over. "Come here, your bed must not be as comfortable as this. Come up and sleep."
Qiu Yu was very shy and still didn't dare to take off her shoes.
I propped my head on my hand and looked at her, smiling, "Are you afraid I'll eat you? Come here quickly."
She then slowly took off her shoes and climbed up. I turned over and fell asleep shortly after. She had wanted to say something, but when she got up and looked over, she saw my peaceful sleeping face and swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue. She secretly smiled and lay down to sleep.
The next morning, Lin'er had already cleared a space on the training ground early, setting up two goalposts within a few hundred meters.
After breakfast, he summoned Liu Shinian's team and Zuo Men's team to the training ground to await orders.
When I woke up, someone was already calling from outside the door.
"Demon King, the elders and several adults are already waiting for you on the training ground."
Hearing the voice, I hurriedly got out of bed. I looked back and saw Qiu Yu sleeping peacefully. Without disturbing her, I went out alone.
Upon arriving at the training ground, I saw the twenty-four people standing in two lines in the center, with a crowd of onlookers gathered on both sides.
Lin'er walked up to me when he saw me and asked, "Demon King, do you think this is okay?"
I nodded with satisfaction, but I felt that if they were to compete, they would also need an opponent for training before the competition. So I leaned in and said, "We also need a pair of opponents for them to train with each other."
Lin'er suggested, "Why don't we take this opportunity to see if any of the mountain lords have any ulterior motives?"
I nodded, that was what I was thinking too. "Bring Hei Feng along, he's been idle lately."
"Okay, I'll go arrange it now."
"Go ahead."
After he hurried away, I walked to the field and stood among them to explain.
"This competition is called Cuju. The principle is very simple: whoever kicks the ball into the opponent's goal more times within the allotted time wins.
Although it's simple, there are still some rules to ensure fairness. Some things are not yet ready, so you can go back and prepare. I will explain the specifics to you tomorrow.
Zuo Men's team can stay on the ground. For fairness, you will stay in the houses opposite Liu Shinian's team. That's all, you can disperse now."
As I was about to leave, Ye Changfeng suddenly called out to me and asked, "Demon King, is football really that fun?"
"It's definitely fun, don't worry."
He squinted, showing disbelief. I said, "You'll know tomorrow."
After saying that, I walked away alone. I thought that if I wanted to distinguish them, I would need red and blue teams, and simple uniforms, preferably like sportswear.
With this thought, I entered the main hall and asked someone to bring paper and pen to draw two sets of crooked red and blue sportswear, loose shorts, casual short-sleeved shirts, and the boots were also shortened, cut in half.
Thinking of how handsome they would look wearing them, I couldn't help but drool, (*v*) hehehe.
Then, I handed the design to the maid and asked her to find the best tailor to rush a hundred sets of these clothes.
As soon as the guard left the main hall, Lin'er entered the hall with the twenty-four people in a hurry.
"Demon King, all twenty-four people are here. I've already spoken to them."
"Good, I'll briefly explain to you. You are the reserves, to be opponents for Liu Shinian and Zuo Men's teams.
For the next few days, I will personally lead your training. I'll have Hei Feng lead the team on your left, and Feng Xiaoyi, the lord of Qiling Mountain, lead the team on your right."
"Yes."
"Get a good rest tonight, and gather at the training ground tomorrow morning."
"Yes."
"You may be dismissed."
After everyone left, Lin'er told me some news, "The elders, Tianlong, Biyao, Yue Jiuceng, and Liu Mei have arrived at Nanhai City."
"Oh, where are they?"
He smiled and clapped his hands, and several figures walked out from outside the hall one after another.
"Demon King, we missed you so much," Tianlong joked.
"Hahaha, I thought you wouldn't arrive for a few more days, but I didn't expect you to be here so soon. Did you encounter any trouble on the way?"
"No, we are all safe and sound."
"It's good that you're here. I'll take you to see the Nanhai Royal Palace."
Saying that, I led them out, introducing them as we walked. Finally, we arrived at the training ground, where Liu Shinian and Zuo Men and others were still exercising.
As soon as Yue Yao saw Liu Shinian, her heart was filled with excitement, and she joyfully shouted.
"Brother Liu, we're here." Then, like a gust of wind, she ran over and threw herself into his arms. Liu Shinian stroked her hair and comforted her, "It's good that you're here, it's good that you're here."
"Four elders, Tianlong, Jiuceng, Liu Mei, you're here," Xue Gucheng stepped forward to greet them.
Mo Xuefu asked with a smile, "We were very worried about you during the battle in Nanhai City. Now that we see you alive and kicking, we are relieved."
Xue Gucheng replied somewhat embarrassed, "We made you worry. This time, it's all thanks to the Demon King and the elders for arranging everything in advance, which allowed us to take Nanhai City with ease."
"Yes, the Demon King is indeed a rare genius of the ages. I, this old man, absolutely recognize this." Elder Hei Yi praised.
It was my turn to feel embarrassed. "Oh, you can say what you want. Why are you praising me? I can't handle praise, hahaha."
"That's the truth, hahaha."
After the pleasantries, I took them to their respective residences and arranged for a gathering that evening.
At night, in the colorful garden, in the flower pavilion standing before the hundred flowers, a long table was set, with people sitting on both sides, all familiar faces from Heishan.
I stood up and toasted everyone, "Tonight is our family banquet, so don't be reserved, drink boldly."
Liu Mei was the first to stand up and toast me, "Then I must first invite the Demon King for a drink."
"Good, good, good, cheers." I downed a cup, and she followed closely. Then everyone started to eat and drink.
Halfway through the drinking, Tianlong suggested, "How about we have a sword dance? Is anyone willing to join me?"
Ye Changfeng volunteered, "I'll do it."
"Good."
Tianlong drew his sword and walked to the front of the crowd. Ye Changfeng also drew his sword. Tianlong swung his sword and performed a set of "Tianlong Sword Technique" and "Gui Xu Jian Ying."
After Tianlong, Ye Changfeng also performed a dance, "Jing Tao Hai Lang" and "Ning Que Wu Lan."
Then the two stood facing each other, their swords circling their bodies. Tianlong picked up a wine cup, tossed it into the air, and then swung his sword.
Ye Changfeng spun and caught the wine, returning his sword to meet Tianlong's. Then he lifted his left foot, grounded his right foot, and assumed a semi-slanted stance.
Then he drank the wine, turned around, and danced with Tianlong, one sword breaking through the sky, one sword pointing at the sun and moon, and finally, they exchanged about a dozen blows before sheathing their swords and returning to their seats.
Thunderous applause erupted, and everyone clapped and shouted, "Good, good, good!" They were surprised that two people who had never met before could cooperate so tacitly.
Yan Wushuang raised her cup and praised them, "Your swordsmanship is exquisite, with distinct characteristics. You are truly top-tier masters. I toast you." After saying that, she drank it all down.
Ye Changfeng and Tianlong quickly stood up to return the toast.
I said to them, "You've come at just the right time. In a few days, there will be a competition at the Nanhai Royal Palace called football. You can come and watch."
The four elders nodded thoughtfully.
Biyao was also very excited, "Great, I want to come too, I want to come too!"
Just then, someone bowed to pour me wine. I looked up and saw that it was Qiu Yu. I was surprised and thought that I hadn't invited any maids to this gathering, so why was she here?
She smiled at me slightly, as if guessing my doubts, but didn't explain, just poured wine for them one by one.
After three rounds of drinks, it was late at night. The four elders, being old and weak, started to feel sleepy.
After the crowd dispersed late at night, Liu Shinian and Xue Gucheng unceremoniously escorted Hei Feng back. Dao Lang and Fei Xiong, happening to be going the same way, left with them. Yan Wushuang took Biyao, Tianlong, Liu Mei, and Yue Jiuceng back to their residences.
The Four Evils, not knowing when they had become close to the Four Elders, proactively escorted them back. Lin'er escorted me and Qiu Yu back to the sleeping quarters together.
Lin'er looked thoughtfully at the maid who had been following me. He then spoke to Qiu Yu, "Your name is Qiu Yu, isn't it?"
"Replying to the elder, yes."
"I heard from others that you are quite talented. I'd like to test you."
I smiled and praised Qiu Yu, "Don't say it, she is indeed talented, a rare talent among women."
"Then I must test you. Let's compose a poem with the theme of wind. My first line is: 'Wind comes and goes, wind has no shadow.'"
She pondered for a moment and replied, "Hidden and visible, like no form."
Lin'er asked her with some confusion, "I gave you wind, and your line doesn't match."
Qiu Yu chuckled lightly, "The elder said the theme is wind, and the line 'Wind comes and goes, wind has no shadow' describes the essence of wind. My reply 'Hidden and visible, like no form' describes the hidden aspect of wind."
Lin'er suddenly realized, "Oh, indeed talented, truly admirable."
I was also a little proud, "See, she's truly a talented woman."
"Indeed she is."
Unknowingly, we reached the entrance of the sleeping quarters. Lin'er bid us farewell and returned to his residence alone.
I looked at He Lian and also invited her to stay overnight. After much thought, I found it troublesome and decided to let her stay in Yixuan Hall.
The next morning, I arrived at the training ground early, waiting. Liu Shinian, Xue Gucheng, and the others arrived one after another. Zuo Men's team also rushed to the scene. Lin'er also led two teams to the training ground.
When everyone was present, I called them to the ground in front of the central goalposts and said to everyone, "Today, I will demonstrate to you what kicking a football is. Elder, my ball."
I looked at Lin'er. He took out the prepared rattan ball and handed it to me. I took the ball and signaled Hei Feng and Feng Xiaoyi's team to come out as examples. The two teams stood on my left and right sides respectively.
I explained.
"A complete football team must have the following players: center forward, forward, winger, attacking midfielder, midfielder, wide midfielder, defensive midfielder, full-back, center-back, sweeper, and goalkeeper, a total of eleven people.
Now, each of our teams has twelve people. The extra person can be a substitute. If a teammate is injured or too tired, they can be replaced by him."
I looked at the two teams on the left and right and said to them, "Which of your two teams is willing to be a substitute?"
"I," "I'll do it." Ye Nanyun, the lord of Yelai Mountain from Hei Feng's team, stepped forward. Gu Simiao, the lord of Dongpan Mountain from Feng Xiaoyi's team, also stepped forward.
"Good. Now you two have important responsibilities. First, observe and learn each position. Now, your two teams will line up in a 3-3-4-1 formation, with 3 people in front, 3 in the middle, 4 in the back, and one goalkeeper."
Hearing my words, they quickly lined up according to my instructions.
I felt that it was about time. The purpose of this competition was not to play skillfully, but to win people's hearts, so it didn't need to be too complicated. It was enough to be happy.
I coughed twice and continued, "After I toss the ball, the captain at the very front will snatch the ball and pass it to their teammates, and then the teammates will kick it into the opponent's goal."
I then tossed the ball into the air and shouted, "Start!" I then elegantly dodged and turned away. Hei Feng was quick and agile, jumping up to snatch the ball and pass it to his teammates behind him.
"Stop, stop, stop!"
They looked at me with confusion. I walked forward, took the ball from the previous teammate, and explained.
"You can't directly hand the ball to your teammate. After receiving the ball, you have to kick it to your teammate. Also, you can't run with the ball in your arms, you can only pass it to your teammate. Do you understand?"
"Understood!"
"Good, continue!"
I returned the ball to Hei Feng. Hei Feng quickly kicked it to his teammate. Feng Xiaoyi's team was in a panic and didn't know what to do, so Hei Feng's team scored a goal.
I said helplessly, "If you can't snatch it, then block the person kicking the ball to prevent them from scoring."
Hearing my words, a group of people surrounded the winger in Hei Feng's team, forming a human wall.
I pondered in my mind whether this was a foul. It should be, so I shouted.
"Two people are enough to block. The others should guard other people. If you all crowd together, when will you kick the ball out?"
They then slowly dispersed. After a while, Feng Xiaoyi caught up and, with his left and right hands, rushed into Hei Feng's team's territory and successfully scored a goal.
For a moment, they seemed to see the dawn of victory and shouted excitedly, "It's in! It's in! We scored!"
I really wanted to pretend I didn't know them.