Young hero, stay put and don't be reckless.

Chapter 95 Glutton

Jiang Xun didn't hold back and thrust out his sword.

The Spring Water Sword Technique was unleashed, the sword light as smooth as water, swirling around the target in circles.

Moisture spread from the tip of the sword, and a faint white mist rose from the glow of the lantern.

Zhang Chong's gaze sharpened, he dodged to the side, and struck out with a backhand palm.

His palm techniques were fierce and powerful, each strike carrying a strong internal force, the wind from his palms whistling, forcing Jiang Xun to retreat repeatedly.

Jiang Xun's Azure Lotus Divine Movement was not for nothing; his figure was elusive, dodging left and right, and his sword moves were faster and more ruthless than the last.

The two exchanged blows, and in the blink of an eye, thirty or forty moves had passed.

Jiang Xun gradually came to a conclusion.

Zhang Chong's martial arts skills were indeed far superior to Zhang Tao's; he possessed profound internal strength and his moves were highly skilled, making him not so easy to defeat.

Moreover, he vaguely sensed that every time he attacked a vital point, Zhang Chong would always manage to block it at just the right moment—it wasn't a coincidence, it was intentional.

The second master of the manor was giving way to him.

Could it be that he wasn't truly willing to risk his life for the Second Prince?

Jiang Xun seemed to understand something, and his moves became even more exaggerated. The sword flashed, and although it looked impressive, its actual power was reduced.

Zhang Chong countered each move with equal force, his palm strikes as sharp as knives, deflecting Jiang Xun's sword techniques one by one, his advances and retreats neither hurried nor slow.

The two fought for another twenty or so moves, but still couldn't determine who was superior.

"Excellent!" Duke Wei suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Both of you are masters, there's no need to continue the competition."

Zhang Chong withdrew his palm and stepped back, then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Jiang Xun.

His expression remained calm, but a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes—this young man knew when to advance and retreat.

Jiang Xun sheathed his sword, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If the fight continues, he doesn't know how to end it.

The Second Prince sat in the main seat, looking at the two people in the room. His expression remained unchanged, and he simply smiled faintly: "The Qi Prince's Mansion is indeed full of hidden talents. Even a guard has such skills."

He stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to the Duke of Wei, and said, "I apologize for disturbing you today. This prince will take his leave now."

The Duke of Wei rose and returned the greeting: "Second Prince, please take care."

The second prince left with his men.

The Dugu family followed behind, with Ling Xuan walking at the very back. As she left, she glanced back at Jiang Xun.

His eyes were deep and unfathomable, revealing no emotion. Jiang Xun stood there, but a chill ran down his spine.

The banquet ended.

Jiang Xun and Ajiu followed the crowd out.

Xu Chen saw you to the door, looking regretful: "I can't see you off. My father has given orders that you're not allowed to go out at night anymore."

"It's nothing." Jiang Xun patted his shoulder. "Thank you for the hospitality today."

"What are you thanking me for?" Xu Chen chuckled. "You played really well today. You didn't see it, the Second Prince's face turned gloomy."

Jiang Xun smiled but didn't reply.

He originally planned to secretly approach the Second Prince and Ling Xuan, but now that he has seen them, he fears that if he gets too close, he will be torn to pieces by them.

The three said goodbye, and Jiang Xun and Ajiu walked back along the street.

The night breeze was cool and breezy, dispelling the last trace of alcohol from my body.

The sound of water from the riverbank drifted from afar, and the moonlight shone on the bluestone path, giving it a cool glow.

Ajiu walked beside Jiang Xun and suddenly nudged his arm: "Jiang Xun, do you know whose sword that is?"

"Is it the Second Miss Xu Shan's?" Jiang Xun had already guessed.

The maid claimed to be her young mistress. Besides the eldest daughter who married out, who else could the Duke of Wei's mansion have?

This Miss Xu must have been watching everything in the courtyard from somewhere just now.

"Great!" Ajiu's eyebrows danced with excitement, her voice rising a half-octave. "Xu Chen told me that the sword was Xu Shan's favorite, and she had it delivered to her. And—it's a gift to you, so you don't need to return it."

Jiang Xun paused, "You gave it to me?"

"That's right!" Ajiu grinned. "Xu Chen said that his second sister has never lent her sword to anyone before, you're the first."

Jiang Xun looked down at the sword in his hand. The plain white scabbard gleamed faintly in the moonlight. It was still quite heavy in his hand, but now it felt a little hot.

"What does his second sister mean by this?" he asked.

Ajiu scratched his head: "Xu Chen said that the Second Prince came to Jiangning Prefecture this time to ask for his second sister's hand in marriage. But his second sister doesn't think much of the Second Prince, and his father doesn't want to marry into the royal family—his eldest daughter married the former Crown Prince and became a widow at a young age, how could he bear to push his second daughter into a fire pit?"

He paused, then continued, "Xu Chen also said that his second sister has a fiery temper. She grew up in the army with the Duke of Wei and looks down on those spoiled brats who only know how to talk big. Today you fought Dugu Hong in the arena and also drew with Zhang Chong. She must admire you quite a bit."

Jiang Xun remained silent for a while.

"This Xu Chen," he shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips, "seems carefree, but he's got quite a few tricks up his sleeve."

Ah Jiu didn't understand: "What are you thinking?"

Jiang Xun did not explain.

Xu Chen invited him to a banquet today and also arranged for him to compete with Zhang Chong. On the surface, he wanted to use him to suppress the arrogance of the Second Prince.

But when Xu Shan gave him the sword, the situation changed.

This kid brought me here to set up a blind date for his second sister!

"Let's go." Jiang Xun hung his sword at his waist. "Let's go back to sleep."

The two parted ways at the intersection.

Ajiu lived in the east side, while Jiang Xun's inn was in the west. Before leaving, she turned back and called out, "Jiang Xun, see you tomorrow!"

Jiang Xun waved his hand and turned to walk towards the inn.

The moonlight stretched his shadow long, and only his footsteps echoed on the bluestone road, empty and desolate, as if the whole street were asleep.

Pushing open the door of the inn, the lobby was pitch black; the innkeeper was already asleep.

Jiang Xun went upstairs in the dark and pushed open the door to his room—

My steps faltered.

There are people in the room.

A man sat in a chair by the window, his back to the door. Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting his shadow on the ground. He remained motionless, like a stone statue.

Jiang Xun placed his hand on the sword hilt, his mind racing with calculations.

The man slowly turned around.

The moonlight shone on his face—he was in his early forties, with an ordinary appearance and indifferent eyes, like a stagnant pool.

Ling Xuan.

Jiang Xun's heart sank.

"Vice Commander Ling, what brings you here?" He remained expressionless, but his hand did not leave the hilt of his sword; his thumb was already on the guard.

Ling Xuan didn't stand up, but simply looked at him calmly and said, "Sit."

Just one word, yet it carried an unquestionable command.

Jiang Xun hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the edge of the bed.

His eyes quickly swept across the window—it was open, and outside was the backyard; he could escape by climbing out the window.

But he wasn't sure if Ling Xuan had arranged for someone outside.

"No need to look anymore." Ling Xuan's voice was calm. "The outside is already surrounded. You can't escape."

Jiang Xun's heart skipped a beat, but he smiled and said, "Vice Commander Ling is joking. I haven't done anything wrong, why would I run away?"

Ling Xuan didn't respond to that.

He stared at Jiang Xun for a moment, his gaze sharp as a knife, and suddenly said, "From the very first day you had those thugs watching the government office, the Golden Feather Guard found you. Do you really think the Golden Feather Guard are useless?"

Jiang Xun's smile froze.

Ling Xuan continued, "Tonight, when you sparred with Zhang Chong, the lightness skill you used—the Azure Lotus Divine Movement—was the unique skill of the Thief Saint Liu Qing. You and the Thief Saint must have a great connection, right?"

Jiang Xun remained silent for a moment, but did not deny it.

"What have you done to my master?" he asked, his voice a few decibels deeper than before.

Ling Xuan raised an eyebrow slightly: "Is the Thief Saint your master?"