Confession

Liu Yi stood up and bowed slightly in the direction of Yan Capital, saying solemnly, "As the saying goes, within the territory of Great Yan, all land belongs to the King, and all people are the King's subjects. Your Highness, are you perhaps trying to rebel against His Majesty!"

Instantly.

The hall was enveloped in a deathly silence that permeated every corner.

"Crack!"

A crisp sound shattered the suffocating silence. A porcelain plate, held by an unknown maid, fell to the ground and shattered into several pieces.

Following this, a series of muffled thuds could be heard. Several attendants collapsed limply onto the ground, their faces ashen.

Mu Rongyi frowned, his sharp, hawk-like eyes scanning the entire hall.

He raised his hand and waved gently. The guards who had been waiting outside immediately rushed in, helping the distraught servants out one by one.

The entire process was swift and quiet, with only the sound of hurried footsteps and heavy breathing echoing in the hall.

After the last guard exited and closed the heavy, carved wooden door, only four people remained in the grand banquet hall: Mu Rongyi, Liu Yi, Mu Bai, and the ever-calm Langya Xing.

Mu Rongyi turned to face Liu Yi, his gaze burning like a torch, the unspoken reprimand evident within it.

He had hosted this banquet today precisely to preserve the last shred of dignity for both sides. Who would have thought that Liu Yi would utter such astonishing words in full view of everyone?

Facing the Prince's angry gaze, Liu Yi merely shrugged indifferently. A hint of helplessness flickered across his face, weathered by years of wind and sun.

"Your Highness, it is better to speak plainly."

His voice was deep and firm.

After all...

His peripheral vision swept towards Langya Xing, who was leisurely sipping tea nearby. The Prince must also be aware of the powerful backing His Majesty has.

Mu Rongyi's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly. He walked slowly towards the main seat. The silver patterns on his dark brocade robe flowed like a coiled dragon under the candlelight.

After taking his seat, he picked up his wine cup but did not drink. He merely gazed at the swirling amber liquid within.

Seeing that Mu Rongyi did not reply, Liu Yi's lips curved into a smile. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Mu Bai, and said with a half-smile, "That is a powerful force that even Grandmasters of Martial Arts cannot contend with!"

Mu Rongyi's expression instantly turned extremely grim. He gripped the wine cup tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hand, revealing his inner turmoil.

As the younger brother of His Majesty, he was naturally privy to the secrets of the royal family.

He was especially well aware that the actual rulers of Great Yan and its surrounding nations were the reclusive Langya Family.

However, what he never expected was that after his son, Mu Bai, had already displayed the strength of a Houtian Limit Martial Grandmaster, Liu Yi, the Minister of War representing Yan Capital, would still be so aggressive.

This was completely beyond his expectations and left him somewhat flustered.

Mu Rongyi's expression shifted repeatedly. Finally, he took a deep breath, attempting to calm his inner turmoil. He took a slow sip of the red wine in his hand and then slowly began to speak, "I naturally have no intention of opposing His Majesty. However, the current situation is that His Majesty desires my head, Mu Rongyi's. All I can do is defend myself."

Mu Rongyi sighed inwardly, feeling deeply wronged.

His Majesty's health was deteriorating rapidly, reaching a state of extreme frailty. To ensure the smooth succession of the Crown Prince, His Majesty had no choice but to take action against the regional princes to eliminate any potential threats.

Mu Rongyi, as one of them, understood the helplessness of His Majesty's situation, but he had no other choice but to be prepared for war.

Just as Mu Rongyi was lost in thought, Langya Xing, who had been sitting to the side, leisurely drinking tea under the alias "Liu Xing," suddenly spoke.

His voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority. "Carefree Prince, Minister Liu, let's discuss this matter again in ten days."

Mu Rongyi's heart jolted upon hearing this. He hadn't expected "Liu Xing" to interject at this moment, and his words were rather peculiar. As Liu Yi's junior, he addressed Liu Yi as "Minister Liu."

Liu Yi was even more caught off guard. He had initially thought this negotiation would proceed according to the established plan, but he hadn't anticipated Langya Xing changing it at the last minute.

After all, Mu Rongyi was a prince who had held power for many years. Although surprised, he quickly regained his composure and smiled, saying, "This young brother speaks wisely. That would be excellent."

His tone was very polite, completely devoid of the arrogance of a prince.

Seeing this, Liu Yi, though displeased, could not directly refute.

After all, he knew "Liu Xing's" true identity. This was a young master of the Langya Family, and it was rumored he was a contender for the future head of the family.

How could he dare to offend such a person lightly?

Thus, Liu Yi could only agree for the time being, saying, "Since Liu Xing has said so, then we shall proceed accordingly."

Mu Bai, standing nearby, understood the situation best. Ten days was precisely the day Langya Xing had agreed to fight him. Clearly, the attitude towards the Carefree Prince's Estate would be decided by the outcome of this battle.

With that said, the banquet could naturally not continue.

As the sun set, two rows of guards stood like pines in front of the Carefree Prince's Estate.

"Farewell, Minister Liu." Mu Rongyi's voice was neither high nor low, just enough for Liu Yi, who was already boarding his carriage, to hear.

Liu Yi turned in the carriage and cupped his hands: "Your Highness, please stay. This subordinate takes his leave."

At the very front, Langya Xing glanced back, his gaze briefly meeting Mu Bai's.

In the sunlight, a faint smile played on Langya Xing's lips. He then turned and rode away.

After the convoy disappeared around the street corner, Mu Rongyi turned and said, "Mu Bai, come with me to the study."

"Yes, Father." Mu Bai responded and followed his father through the winding corridors of the estate.

His steps were steady, but upon closer observation, one could notice the slight stiffness in his chest's movement—the lingering injury from his battle with Master Dehua two days prior.

The study was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood.

Mu Rongyi gestured for Mu Bai to sit, while he stood by the window, his back to his son.

"Who exactly was that person?" Mu Rongyi asked directly.

Mu Bai knew he couldn't hide anything from his father's keen eyes and replied truthfully, "He is a young master from the Langya Family, Langya Xing."

Mu Rongyi spun around abruptly, a flicker of shock in his eyes. "The Langya Family? That reclusive family, the Langya Family?"

"Precisely," Mu Bai nodded. "Moreover, he is also a Grandmaster of Martial Arts."

Mu Rongyi's expression instantly turned grim.

"Your injuries aren't fully healed, how could you spar with a Grandmaster of Martial Arts?" Mu Rongyi's voice was low. "Let alone someone from the Langya Family! Every generation, their family cultivates several peerless geniuses. This Langya Xing is likely more troublesome than Master Dehua."

Mu Bai gave a wry smile. "Father, you needn't worry too much. Langya Xing gave me a Nine Revolutions Heavenly Pill. With this divine medicine's help, my injuries will heal in a few days."

"Nine Revolutions Heavenly Pill? Mu Rongyi's brow furrowed. Why would Langya Xing help you? He could have easily defeated you while you were still injured."

Mu Bai recalled the pure lotus that bloomed at Langya Xing's fingertip in the mountain pavilion that morning.

Within that pure, flawless radiance lay a martial intent that surpassed even Master Dehua's.

"He wants a fair duel," Mu Bai said softly. "Ten days from now, outside the city."

"Ten days..."

Mu Rongyi fell silent for a long time, finally asking, "What are your chances? If you don't have confidence, we'll proceed with the original plan. You can leave on your own first."

He paused and continued, "You are a Grandmaster of Martial Arts, the most important person in the entire Prince's Estate who needs to survive."

"Wait until you reach the Innate stage, then come back and avenge us!"

Mu Bai didn't answer immediately.

He stood and walked to the center of the study, his right hand forming a fist as if holding an invisible sword.

In an instant, the air in the study seemed to freeze, and a sharp sword intent emanated from him.

"Lightness Sword Style, Fifth Sword—Tornado Rain Strike," Mu Bai's eyes flashed with brilliance. "If I can master this sword technique, I will have a chance of winning."