Too Smooth

"If it were so easy, why would I need your help? As a Su State, I've traveled thousands of miles to France to support you. What kind of spirit is that? Don't you even show any appreciation for such a great act of humanitarian aid?" Si Ming retorted.

"Bringing people into the tomb isn't difficult; after all, I'm a prince and have the right to come and go freely. But I'm afraid my second brother will use this to his advantage."

Is this some kind of bargaining? Si Ming wasn't going to fall for it. "That's your problem to solve, it has nothing to do with me. If you find it difficult, I can go to the Second Prince. I think he'd be happy to make things difficult for you."

Han Hao smiled wryly, "Your Excellency is indeed quite forceful. Take this token; just show it to the tomb guardians, and they will let you pass. I will handle the rest."

"That's right. I like working with straightforward people. And ultimately, I'm doing this for the sake of your Han Clan. If the Four Heavenly Divine Pillars are really sealed near the tomb, the people of the Remote Heaven Society won't care if they disturb the dead. Don't blame them for digging up your graves and ruining the feng shui of your entire Han Clan."

"Is this organization called the Remote Heaven Society really so Wutian?"

"Behind their Wutian lies absolute confidence in their strength. They even dare to provoke the Mohist School, and the Mohist Knight Guard have yet to find any clues about them, which shows how mysterious their origins are. According to the Mohist Knight Guard's estimates, the number of Spirit Transformation experts in the Remote Heaven Society may not be less than that in France, and some of your France Spirit Transformation experts might even be members of the Remote Heaven Society."

"If it's really as you say, then we really can't afford to offend such an organization. Given my father's personality, if they send an envoy to threaten us, he will most likely choose to endure it. The only countries in the world that aren't afraid of their threats are probably the Su State, Germany, and Nation of Valor."

Refusing means you'll suffer, agreeing means the whole world will suffer. Faced with this choice, 99% of the world's population would choose the latter. Yang Zhu's saying, "I would not pluck a single hair to benefit the world," is not without reason.

"Don't worry, right now we're dealing with the Mohist Knight Guard. The difficulty is that they're in the dark while we're in the light. We can't find any clues because they haven't taken any action. Otherwise, it would only be a matter of time before they're exposed. Once we force them to the forefront, it will be their death."

Whether you're sure or not, you can't let your guard down. After all, bragging isn't illegal.

Han Hao nodded without questioning. He had been familiar with the strength of the Mohist Knight Guard since childhood and had more confidence in them than someone like Si Ming who knew the situation. So he took a golden token from his waist and handed it to Si Ming, saying, "I'll send someone with you later to lead the way and avoid any misunderstandings with the tomb guardians."

A moment later, a young man dressed in the Tiger Guard Army armor entered, clasped his hands in a military salute, and asked, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

Han Hao first introduced him to Si Ming: "He is the youngest Tiger General, Su Yingtao, the third son of the Su Clan. In terms of martial arts, he is one of the best among his peers. Last year, he won the Palace Competition and was commended by the Emperor. He has a very promising future."

Su Yingtao said, "Your Highness flatters me."

Although he spoke modestly, there was no trace of modesty in his tone; in fact, his face was full of confidence, exuding an air of self-assurance and clearly indicating his great confidence in his skills.

Han Hao then introduced, "This is the disciple of the Startling Rainbow Beyond the Heavens, whose surname is Si. You can call him Young Master Si. I have a favor to ask of you. I hope you can take Young Master Si to the royal tombs to assist him in his investigation. Please follow his instructions along the way."

Su Yingtao was taken aback, his eyes suddenly widening as he stared at Si Ming for a moment. Only after Han Hao reminded him did he snap out of it and hurriedly reply, "Your subordinate obeys."

Han Hao, being a perceptive person, noticed Su Yingtao's unusual behavior. Although he didn't understand the reason, to be on the safe side, he said, "If you find it difficult, I'll find someone else to do it for you. There's no need to force yourself."

"No, leave this matter to my subordinates; I guarantee I will complete the mission."

Han Hao felt there might be some hidden story behind it. At this moment, he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Si Ming because of some inexplicable accident. He shook his head and said, "Let's forget it. Let Commander Wu do it. It's a small matter of guiding the way. It's overkill for you to do it. I was inconsiderate and didn't think things through. I hope you won't take it to heart."

Su Yingtao hurriedly Fate Dao, "Your Highness, I am willing to volunteer and will certainly not fail your trust."

The more eager he was, the less Han Hao could agree. It was just a matter of showing him the way; it didn't matter who he asked, so why create a potential source of trouble? Just as he was about to refuse, he heard Si Ming, "No need to trouble the Third Prince, let's go with him."

Han Hao glanced at him. Since the guest had said so, he wouldn't be responsible for any problems that might arise. He nodded and instructed Su Yingtao, "Young Master Si is a distinguished guest I invited. You must not offend him in any way along the way. If you can't, call someone else. Once you've agreed, you can't go back on your word, or you'll be dealt with according to military law."

"Please rest assured, Your Highness."

Su Yingtao gestured to Si Ming to invite him to join them, and then led the group toward the royal mausoleum.

France royal tombs are built "in the mountains," rather than the earthen mounds dug into the ground like those of First Emperor of Qin. They utilize natural hills, constructing them at the foot of mountain peaks, commanding a high vantage point and forming a layout where "the south faces the emperor, and the north faces him," which conforms to the principles of the Five Elements and Feng Shui.

Although it was the burial place of the royal ancestors, the dead could not compare to the living. The security checks were not as strict as those in the palace. After showing the Third Prince's token, Si Ming and Su Yingtao successfully passed through two checkpoints. The tomb guardians' task was more to guard against those sneaky tomb raiders. Someone like Si Ming, who appeared so openly, was unlikely to be a tomb raider and was not within their main vigilance range.

Along the way, Si Ming noticed that Su Yingtao had cast provocative glances at him several times, but due to the Third Prince's orders, he hesitated to speak and did not break his promise. This fussy attitude made him somewhat impatient.

Just say what you have to say.

Su Yingtao wore an expression that said, "I've been waiting for you to say that," and asked without hesitation, "Are you really Yan Jinghong's disciple?"

Calling him by his full name, this guy clearly has a grudge against his master. Si Ming said irritably, "Is your brain filled with mush? Asking such a pointless question. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence should realize that there's no point in me telling such an easily exposed lie."

"Everyone says the Mohist Knight Guard has a rule not to interfere in other countries' internal affairs... What a hypocrite." Although Su Yingtao didn't say it explicitly, it was obvious who he was referring to.

"To insult someone else's master in front of their apprentice, it seems you're deliberately asking for a beating."

"Yes, I do want to challenge you, but since I've already agreed to Your Highness's request, then..."

"No, I don't have many merits. The only thing worth mentioning is that I usually don't refuse when someone makes a really shameless request. So, I'm the one who initiated the challenge. You haven't disobeyed the Third Prince's orders."

"Then what are we waiting for? Come on over! I want to see just how capable Yan Jinghong's disciple really is!"

Su Yingtao once again showed the expression he had been waiting for, leaped backward to create distance, and assumed a starting stance.

Si Ming glanced at him, still maintaining his relaxed demeanor, making no attempt to hide his disdain for the other party. He picked at his ear with his little finger and said, "Time is precious. I have many important matters to attend to, so I won't play games with you for too long. Besides, I have no desire to show off today, so let's not make any 'defeat you within three moves' agreements. Let's finish in two minutes. One minute is up to you, and the remaining minute will make you back down."

"You call that not having the desire to show off?! You're exaggerating the cow's worth!"

He had been holding back, but Su Yingtao still couldn't help but complain. He asked suspiciously, "Are you really Yan Jinghong's disciple? Although I despise his character, I know his personality perfectly well. There's no reason for him to take someone like you, who has no self-respect, as his disciple?"

Si Ming sighed, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle with melancholy eyes, and murmured in a lonely, snow-like tone, "Perhaps it's because I'm too handsome."

Chapter 487 Too Smooth

Su Yingtao couldn't help but suspect that Si Ming was impersonating Yan Jinghong's disciple. Although Yan Jinghong was currently in Faxian City, and it was impossible for a normal person to impersonate his disciple, the guy in front of him didn't seem like a normal person either, and it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't do something beyond normal logic.

But whether it's for his own pride or to teach the other party a lesson, he has to take action now, so the task remains the same.

"Watch out, lest you lose your life because of your arrogance!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Su Yingtao made his move. His action was very simple: he drew One Sword from his waist and thrust it straight out without any fancy moves or feints. It was all about speed.

However, to onlookers, it appeared as if Su Yingtao's shoulders slumped, then a flash of cold light appeared, and a rainbow of light shot out like a bolt of lightning. He was as still as a virgin and as swift as a rabbit, his One Sword strike as fast as lightning.

Si Ming, however, seemed to have anticipated this, and subtly shifted his body to the side, as if pushed aside by the wind of the opponent's sword, thus avoiding the One Sword without leaving a trace.

He moved almost nothing, remaining as still as a statue, giving the impression that the earth below was moving, rather than him. If Su Yingtao's sword was as fierce as thunder and lightning, his footwork was as gentle as spring rain.