Jiang Wang was not just na-dropping to boast; those prominent figures he ntioned were indeed capable of standing up for him.
Zhongxuan Chuliang and Li Zhengyan, needless to say, were ready to help. Yi Xingchen had long been friendly with him, and adopting Shisi as his goddaughter was a heavy investnt in Jiang Wang’s future.
If you want to nullify his investnt now, even without ntioning Tu Anli, Yi Xingchen would surely oppose Pavilion Lord Si Yu’an to protect his interests.
Jiang Wang is now a top figure in Qi Country, eligible to participate in the deliberations of the Political Affairs Hall and a representative of the younger generation achieving distinguished military rits. Without personal connections, which of the Qi Country bigwigs would not stand up for him?
Upon hearing his words, Si Yu’an also remained silent.
He spoke out amidst the present circumstances to uphold the dignity of the Sword Pavilion. In addressing Jiang Wang, his actual audience was the Qi Court. His words were ant for Jiang Shu.
If Jiang Wang was excessively arrogant, as the Pavilion Master, he might have reprimanded him. However, after he spoke, Jiang Wang remained courteous and refused to ntion Jiang Shu, positioning himself as opposed to the Sword Pavilion.
His words were reasonable, and Si Yu’an found no fault. To speak further would risk being perceived as bullying.
Ultimately, the fault lay with Sikong Jingxiao’s arrogance and Tu Anli’s rudeness.
For a True Man to casually chastise a junior and encounter such strong opposition was unexpected.
This ti, only Tu Anli could step forward himself.
He gazed at Jiang Wang, his murderous intent dispersed, his tone sowhat calming: "The outco of your battle earlier was clear to any discerning eye. Sikong Jingxiao indeed could not match you, and I acknowledge that. You, being so young, need not be relentless in victory."
Jiang Wang, however, did not treat Tu Anli with much regard. He only said, "I stated that unless he was beaten to his knees, I lost. Today, does that an I lost?"
Tu Anli was once again stifled. He nearly drew his sword in frustration.
He could see the reality of the world but couldn’t comprehend the audacity of the youth today. Not only did they refuse the olive branch, but they even kicked it away.
When he was young, he had imnse respect for the senior cultivators. When had there been such defiance against a True Man?
Indeed, tis have changed, with no respect for the past.
As the Hermit of River Pass proclaid, the decay of morals stemd from the Official Way! (The Hermit of River Pass is referenced in the odd manuscript "Records of the Four Seas." The human body has Four Seas, and cultivators often say the inner world reflects the outer world, so the populace equates Four Seas with the world. This manuscript’s use of "Four Seas" rather than "Eight Desolations" or "World" indicates its focus on oddities.)
"I lost, I admit!" Sikong Jingxiao finally spoke up. He had slowly returned to so semblance of composure: "I have wasted my years, achieving little, and only now understand ’beyond mountains, there are mountains, beyond people, there are people.’ I am grateful to Marquis Wu’an for opening my eyes today!"
Sikong Jingxiao appeared sincerely apologetic.
But Jiang Wang did not show understanding.
Tu Anli conceded for the sake of Pavilion Master Si Yu’an’s face.
Sikong Jingxiao conceded for his master Tu Anli’s face.
In facing challenges, the younger faces the elder.
In apologizing, the elder hides behind the younger.
None truly believed they had erred.
Naturally, Jiang Wang was accustod to such matters. At the End of the World Platform, he already knew his logic resided solely within the three-foot range of his sword.
Without support from Qi Country or being Marquis Wu’an, he might now be neighbors with Xiang Qian, spending three to five months in the Sword Pavilion threshold.
If he had lost to Sikong Jingxiao, no status could prevent a shaful descent.
Hence, when faced with Sikong Jingxiao’s concession, Jiang Wang simply adjusted his sword at his waist, surveying the surroundings: "So, does the Sword Pavilion have any God Arrives?"
A tense silence enveloped the mountain platform square.
Young talents of the highest aptitude and strength had lost; although the Sword Pavilion had reclusive old cultivators, who dared to claim they could defeat this Jiang Wang?
"Enough." Si Yu’an’s voice resonated again: "Among the youth of the Sword Pavilion, no one is a match for you, Jiang Wuan. In this era, perhaps less than a handful of peers can stand alongside you. Thus, it shouldn’t reflect poorly on my teaching. You’ve visited the mountain to challenge swords, and finding no worthy opponent, please take a seat... Shuangrong, escort him to the Sword Pavilion of Ti."
This declared the end of the sword challenge, achieving the purpose of Jiang Wang’s visit, and his victories were thus confined to the younger generation.
The voice dissipated, and the invisible pressure covering the sky lted away.
Tu Anli gazed at Sikong Jingxiao, uttering no further words, then vanished from sight.
Ning Shuangrong, with a complex expression, stepped forward to greet Jiang Wang: "Please follow ."
Jiang Wang bowed earnestly in return: "Much appreciated."
But he pointed, saying, "My friends and disciple..."
Chu Yao had sensibly helped Xiang Qian up and stood along with Bai Yuxia. Only Bai Niu remained kneeling, his eyes wide with lingering fear.
"Ji Ming." Ning Shuangrong turned back: "See to the guests, ensure no discourtesy."
Tang Jiming, understanding her emphasis, nodded: "Understood, Sister Ning."
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