Hearing Xu Zimo’s words, Ji Jiucheng, who had been about to step off the platform, suddenly stopped.
His voice hoarse and low, he said, “Come.”
“Your Majesty, what do you think?” Xu Zimo turned and looked at Ji Yunzou, whose face looked rather unpleasant, and asked with a smile, “Will the emperor admit defeat again?”
“Father, in the Ji Clan, we only fall in battle. We never retreat or admit defeat,” Ji Jiucheng said from the platform. “This is my martial path.”
Wenren Jingshi smiled broadly at the side, clearly enjoying the drama.
To admit defeat, twice in a row, no less, would be a serious blow to the royal family's prestige.
People would talk about it for years.
“If you want to fight, then fight,” Ji Yunzou replied with a flat expression, though his brow was furrowed deeply. He said, “Young Master Xu, this is a sparring match, not a life-or-death battle.”
“I know. I’ll hold back. But sparring might still lead to injuries,” Xu Zimo said with a smile.
“No need to hold back,” Ji Jiucheng replied calmly.
“If I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll kill you,” Xu Zimo responded indifferently.
At that moment, a surge of Creation Power burst from Xu Zimo’s right hand.
He activated the Azure Dragon, and with it came an ancient, earth-shaking dragon’s roar that echoed through the skies.
Xu Zimo moved.
In most people’s eyes, they saw only a blur, then heard a deafening explosion.
A single punch shattered the platform beneath them.
Stone fragments flew in all directions, dust filled the air.
At Ji Jiucheng’s location, a deep pit appeared in the ground, bottomless.
This showed how terrifying that punch was.
As the dust slowly settled, everyone finally saw the scene clearly.
Ji Jiucheng was half-kneeling on the ground, clothes in tatters, his body bloodied with not a single uninjured spot.
He looked at Xu Zimo unsteadily, then collapsed face-first and passed out.
“Jiucheng!” Ji Yunzou called out.
The two other princes quickly rushed over to lift Ji Jiucheng and feed him healing medicine.
“You went too far, Young Master Xu,” Ji Yunzou said, eyes narrowed as he stared at Xu Zimo.
“An accident. I only used less than a third my strength,” Xu Zimo replied. “I just didn’t expect him to be so weak.”
“Shouldn’t Patriarch Wenren give us an explanation for this?” Ji Yunzou turned to Wenren Jingshi.
Ji Jiucheng was the son he valued most and had raised with care.
Not only because of his talent but also out of guilt, Ji Jiucheng had grown up alone outside the palace.
“What kind of explanation?” Wenren Jingshi replied coolly. “This is my birthday banquet. The sparring match was your idea. In a match, accidents happen. My grandson only used a third of his power, he was already holding back. Your royal family’s weakness is not our fault.”
“Fine. Fine,” Ji Yunzou took a deep breath. “I’ll remember what Patriarch Wenren said today.”
He then looked at Xu Zimo.
“Young Master Xu, I won’t deny your talent and strength. But the path of martial arts is long and full of twists. Many things can happen along the way. Until you reach the end, you'd better be careful.”
“Is that a threat?” Xu Zimo asked with a smile.
“Just a warning,” Ji Yunzou replied calmly.
“Thanks for the warning,” Xu Zimo said. “Then let me give Your Majesty a piece of advice as well, the Primordial Heartlands are vast. In my eyes, Phoenix Perch Empire is like a frog at the bottom of a well, ignorant and arrogant.”
Ji Yunzou narrowed his eyes but said nothing more.
After the match ended, the atmosphere grew slightly tense due to the conflict.
Ji Yunzou maintained the dignity of an emperor and didn’t leave early.
Near the end of the banquet, Master Wan Shounian from the Wan Clan approached Wenren Jingshi with a laugh.
“Wenren, drink with me,” he said, raising his cup.
“If you’ve got something to say, just say it. Don’t beat around the bush,” Wenren Jingshi replied in a good mood.
“This Xu Zimo, is he really your grandson?” Wan Shounian asked.
“If he’s not my grandson, is he yours?” Wenren Jingshi snapped back.
“I wish he was,” Wan Shounian muttered, then smiled. “Just wanted to confirm.”
“What are you up to?” Wenren Jingshi asked warily.
“Is your grandson engaged?” Wan Shounian asked, revealing his true intention.
“What’s that got to do with you?” Wenren Jingshi snorted.
“You’re asking even though you know,” Wan Shounian chuckled. “I have a granddaughter, talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. One of the top young women in the whole empire. How about letting them meet?”
“No need,” Wenren Jingshi rejected without hesitation.
“Why not?” Wan Shounian seemed unwilling to give up.
“My grandson has the potential to shoulder the Heaven’s Will and become a Grand Emperor. What does your granddaughter have to compare with that?” Wenren Jingshi said flatly. “She’s not worthy.”
Then he laughed and walked off proudly, clearly feeling vindicated.
“Old bastard,” Wan Shounian snorted coldly and finally left, unwillingly.
...
By dusk, the birthday banquet came to an end.
As guests left one by one, Wenren Yao and Wenren Zhao escorted them out.
The events of today would likely spread Phoenix Perch Empire within days.
Xu Zimo had appeared like a mysterious mist, no one could see through him.
The only thing bothering Xu Zimo now was that many people had suddenly started proposing marriages through his grandfather.
All of them recommended their granddaughters or daughters.
Even Wenren Jingshi started to consider it and asked Xu Zimo personally.
Xu Zimo had to find an excuse to dodge the topic.
After a few days of rest, it was time for Xu Zimo to leave.
He didn’t have time to waste here.
Before he left, Wenren Jingshi asked, “Where are you headed?”
“To the Sword Domain,” Xu Zimo replied.
Wenren Jingshi didn’t ask why. Instead, with some concern, he said, “You offended Ji Yunzou at the banquet the other day. This won’t be a simple matter. Let me send a few of your uncles with you.”
“It’s fine, Grandpa,” Xu Zimo shook his head.