Caught Up in Trouble

Si Ming and his group walked and looked around, and after an hour's walk, they finally arrived at their destination— Sun Wu University.

At the university gate, someone was holding up a wooden sign that read "Welcome Exchange Students from Linked Mountains University." They were clearly the people in charge of receiving students. Si Ming saw an acquaintance next to the person holding the sign.

"Your Excellency Thunder King, welcome to Sun Wu University!"

The sign-holder excitedly approached and immediately apologized to Xing Daozhuang, saying, "We originally planned to organize a team to welcome you at the port, but your ambassador said you wanted to keep it low-key and didn't want a big fuss that everyone would know about. So we had no choice but to use the current method. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, please feel free to criticize us."

Xing Daozhuang said seriously, "There's nothing to criticize. This is exactly what I meant. We're here to participate in the competition, not for a visit or exchange. There's no need to make us look like Monkey attracting a curious crowd."

If the other party were to put up a sign that read "Welcome Thunder King to our school," it would definitely attract a huge crowd. After all, Spirit Transformation expert is much more famous than a celebrity, especially considering the relationship between the two countries and the Nation of Valor's martial spirit and respect for martial arts. They might even know more about Su State's Spirit Transformation experts than the Su State.

Thunder King Xing Daozhuang is among the top-tier Spirit Transformation cultivators. Coupled with his incorruptible and impartial style, his reputation may not be comparable to that of a national hero like Yan Jinghong, but he is undoubtedly a world-class celebrity.

Fortunately, the media in this world is not well-developed, and most people only know his name but not his face. They don't know what Thunder King looks like. When they see the sign that says "Exchange Student of Linked Mountains University", their interest is reduced by nine-tenths.

Although relations Nation of Valor and the Su State were strained, they had never actually fought a war. While there might have been hostility among the common people, high-level exchanges had never ceased. Universities, being highly educated groups, were naturally somewhat aloof and unaffected, so their exchanges were quite normal. The students at Sun Wu University were already used to it, at most finding Xing Daozhuang imposing and impressive.

Of course, even if Thunder King himself disliked formalities and wanted to keep a low profile, if the Nation of Valor side didn't take it seriously and handled it perfunctorily, they would definitely be criticized for being arrogant and lacking manners once word got out. Therefore, they wouldn't dare to send someone to meet them casually.

The person holding the sign introduced the young man beside him, "This gentleman next to me is His Highness the Third Prince; he is the envoy responsible for receiving you all."

"Junior Huang Tu greets Your Excellency Thunder King."

The young man quickly stepped forward to introduce himself, adopting a very humble attitude. While his status as a grandson of the Nation of Valor royal family was certainly prestigious, this kind of prestige bestowed by birth could not compare to the prestige earned by a Spirit Transformation cultivator through their own strength.

Xing Daozhuang nodded and said, "Thank you for leading the way, Your Highness. We appreciate your kindness."

"No, esteemed guests, please follow me."

In the instant he turned around, Huang Tu gave Si Ming a provocative look, letting Si Ming know that he wasn't the only one who recognized him.

Huang Tu took on the role of tour guide, introducing the cultural and architectural aspects of Sun Wu University while leading everyone to the VIP reception room. It was clear that he was not very good at receiving guests, as he often paused during his introduction. After all, given his status, he did not need to do such things; on the contrary, he was often the one being received with great respect. However, from another perspective, this gesture better reflected the host's high regard for him, so Xing Daozhuang was quite satisfied.

After enjoying a lavish welcome banquet with the leaders of Sun Wu University, Si Ming was finally able to leave. Their attention was focused on Xing Daozhuang, and they didn't pay much attention to him and Yu Shuying, who were just "followers." They randomly picked two students and led the two to their dormitory to rest.

Halfway through the journey, Huang Tu came out and said to the student leading the way, "You go back first, leave the reception of guests to me."

The student clearly knew Huang Tu's identity, and without objection, nodded and left.

"Does Your Highness have anything to say?" Si Ming asked directly.

"When I first saw the list, I thought it was just someone with the same name. Just in case, I volunteered for the reception position. I never expected it to actually be you! You're amazing!"

Huang Tu revealed an eager expression and continued, "That defeat back then is still fresh in my memory. I've never been so thoroughly defeated by someone my own age before. After returning home, I studied and practiced diligently every day. Whenever I felt tired or weary, I would recall that incident to encourage myself and ignite my fighting spirit. I originally planned to challenge you again when I reached the Spirit Transformation Threshold, to fulfill my wish and break through the bottleneck. I didn't expect you to come to me on your own initiative."

Si Ming was also reminded of the time when he had fought with all his might to barely defeat his opponent by one move. Afterwards, he had to give up the Youth Martial Arts Tournament because of his serious injuries. In the end, it was a lose-lose situation for both of them.

Huang Tu's temples bulged high, his eyes blazing. His Internal Cultivation was undoubtedly above level ten, just a hair's breadth away from the Spirit Transformation Threshold. Moreover, his vital energy surged like a tiger, a lion, an elephant, or a dragon, exuding an aura of battle-hardened power. Clearly, he wasn't exaggerating; he had indeed endured hardship and humiliation, striving for improvement over the years, experiencing numerous battles. If one only considered the process, it was quite inspiring...

Si Ming thought for a moment. He had no grudge against the other party, so he decided to let him go. It would be too cruel to shatter the dream of a passionate young man.

Back then, during that battle, we really wanted to smash the enemy's brains out. But looking back on those childhood events now, it's not uncommon to laugh it off with the saying "no fight, no friendship." It's always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.

However, given the other party's "Laozi can finally get my revenge!" expression, a blunt refusal would likely backfire; a more tactful approach would be necessary.

"I've heard that Military School encourage public duels and severely punish private ones. It's rather beneath us, with our battle taking place in this remote corner, with no one watching."

Huang Tu thought about it and realized that it made sense. Avenging a humiliation in front of everyone would definitely be more exciting than a fight in private with no one to witness it.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

"I've come here to participate in the Martial King Cup Tournament. I imagine you, as a martial artist, wouldn't want to miss this grand event. If we both keep winning, we'll meet sooner or later, and then we can settle our score."

Si Ming thought to himself, there are so many masters in the world, and genius martial artists are emerging one after another. As long as Huang Tu is defeated halfway through, this duel can be postponed. As for Huang Tu refusing to give up... we'll deal with that later.

Huang Tu, clearly unable to guess Si Ming's true thoughts, was captivated by the idyllic scene he had described. Thinking that avenging his previous defeat in the finals would be a precious memory for life, he readily agreed, "Alright, let's settle this in the Martial King Tournament!"

Chapter 630 Getting into Trouble

The straightforwardness of the Military School Si Ming, Si Ming, was quickly witnessed. He didn't know what kind of scene this third prince had imagined, but after agreeing to meet him in the final of the Martial King Cup, he suddenly became enthusiastic and took the initiative to invite him to have a late-night snack. Si Ming couldn't refuse, and felt that it was better to resolve conflicts than to make them worse, so he nodded in agreement.

Although the two had just enjoyed a sumptuous feast, they had to strictly adhere to etiquette at such a formal banquet and not do anything out of line, so they didn't enjoy the meal very much, especially since they were the younger generation and had to behave themselves.

Huang Tu's royal status did not bring him any special privileges; on the contrary, it further constrained him. After all, others' rudeness only caused them to lose face, but his rudeness would tarnish the royal family's reputation. Therefore, every action had to conform to etiquette.

Si Ming didn't take these people seriously, but he also didn't intend to do anything sensational or cause unnecessary trouble. Those guys who wore baggy shorts and flip-flops to the party weren't so much unrestrained as they were people who didn't know how to respect others and were trying to create conflict.

If you don't like following other people's rules, you don't have to go. Since you're going, you should follow their rules. As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" or "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Or you can simply make it clear that Laozi 're there to cause trouble. That kind of straightforward approach is also good. If you have to use disgusting methods to provoke others, then you're showing a narrow-mindedness.

Si Ming followed Huang Tu to a tavern. This tavern had no signboard, only two wine flags, one blue and one white, fluttering in the wind in front of the door. Although it looked unremarkable from the outside, it was very lively inside. You could even see dancers dancing gracefully in the center of the room.

Taverns are different from bars. In Huaxia culture, bars are associated with nightlife and are different from roadside food stalls and barbecue stands. Bars always have a touch of bourgeois charm. In fact, bars are a foreign import. Traditional Chinese drinking places are called "taverns," which are the predecessors of modern hotels and restaurants. Therefore, taverns were not only used for drinking, but also for travelers to stay, for patrons of prostitutes, and for brewing and selling alcohol.

Of course, China's tavern culture developed step by step. Initially, it was a place that combined brewing and selling wine, rather than a gathering place for people to drink. It arose during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Until the Tang Dynasty, its function was mainly to brew and sell wine. If drinkers wanted to satisfy their cravings on the spot, they usually drank on an empty stomach, as taverns did not provide food or drinks.

During the Tang Dynasty, with the development of east-west transportation and the formation of urban society, taverns developed rapidly. Literati and poets often used taverns as places for banquets and farewells. Li Bai said, "A golden goblet of fine wine costs ten thousand coins, and a jade plate of delicacies is worth ten thousand coins." Wang Wei said, "The fine wine of Xinfeng costs ten thousand coins, and how many years have the knights of Xianyang roamed?" It is not difficult to see the development of wine culture in the Tang Dynasty.

Although Si Ming rarely went to taverns, preferring to stay home and bury himself in cultivation, he had seen the taverns of the Su State. They were mostly grand hotels with spacious buildings and elaborate furnishings, with archways bearing the inscription "Colorful Pavilion and Joyful Gate" at the entrance. At night, they were brightly lit, with wine flags hanging outside and inscriptions by School of Names calligraphers on the inner walls. Singing girls danced and entertained the guests, creating a scene resembling a fairyland. Compared to the taverns of ancient Celestial Empire, they were probably only missing prostitution services, but had everything else they needed.

Huang Tu explained, "Don't let the unassuming appearance of this tavern fool you; it has incredibly powerful connections and isn't afraid of alcohol restrictions. You can drink as much as you want inside. It's a 'lawless place' known only to seasoned drinkers."

Upon being reminded, Si Ming immediately recalled that the Nation of Valor has limited alcohol laws, which not only strictly prohibit minors from buying and drinking alcohol, but also regulate the hours when shops sell alcohol, such as not being allowed to sell it after 9 pm. In addition, there are restrictions on the quantity that each person can buy, with the higher the alcohol content, the less quantity they can purchase.

However, the Nation of Valor were already quite satisfied, because in the past, Nation of Valor issued not a restriction order but a prohibition order. In order to protect food, the government prohibited private brewing and selling of alcohol. It was only after the invention of the True Qi machine and the country's entry into the industrial age that productivity increased and food became abundant that these restrictions were gradually relaxed. Otherwise, if the Nation of Valor wanted to drink, they would have to wait for holidays; it was not allowed at other times. Anyone who did would be arrested, so some people simply made prison their home in order to drink.

As soon as Huang Tu and Si Ming stepped into the tavern, a waiter came up to greet them and invite them to sit down—or more accurately, a waiter.

The waiter set out paper towels and chopsticks while asking the two what they wanted to order. Huang Tu was clearly a regular customer, and he ordered about ten dishes as soon as he opened his mouth. The waiter didn't find it strange. Martial artists are all big-bellied men. Military School strategists value martial prowess, so eight out of ten disciples of Military School strategists are big-bellied men. How much food you order depends entirely on how much money you have in your pocket.