Imperial Palace Imperial Guards

The news that Grand Tutor Jia Xun was snubbed by the envoy from the Cang Lan Kingdom spread rapidly, enraging countless commoners and cultivators, and casting a heavy atmosphere over the Royal Capital.

When the news reached Luoya Inn, Qin Jun clapped his hands in delight upon hearing it.

"Old fool Jia Xun, you kicked me when I was down before. Now you're getting yours too!"

Qin Jun felt a great sense of satisfaction. As time went on, he had completely merged with the memories of his past self, effectively becoming the Qin Jun of this body. The sixteen years of his predecessor's experiences made him empathize deeply. Back then, when he was falsely accused of embezzling the national treasury, that old fool Jia Xun had used him to gain prestige in court.

Recalling the scene at the time, Qin Jun felt indignant.

"However, the Cang Lan Kingdom is so arrogant, clearly not taking the Gan Yue Kingdom seriously. In a best-of-three duel, Gan Yue Kingdom has Nan Meng of the Mortal Transformation Realm. Finding two more peak Golden Core Realm experts shouldn't be difficult..."

The more Qin Jun thought about it, the more his brows furrowed. Nan Meng's reputation wasn't just confined to the Gan Yue Kingdom; he was well-known in surrounding kingdoms as well.

Could it be that the Cang Lan Kingdom could find two, or even three, experts at the Mortal Transformation Realm?

If Nan Meng also lost, even if Guan Yu won one match, it would be difficult to turn the tide.

It seems I need to make plans early!

Qin Jun stroked his chin, contemplating strategies. For this duel between the two kingdoms, he planned to reveal the strength he had accumulated to the public, to awe the court and prevent the emperor from acting rashly.

Then, he would gradually strip Qin Yu of his power, pushing him to despair!

Furthermore, he could also trigger various missions during the power struggle to strengthen himself!

He was still too weak at the moment.

That evening, Qin Jun and his companions were eating on the first floor. He was at a table with Daji, Guan Yu, and Yan Mo Bei, while Yan Mo Bei's three servants were with the children at two other tables.

"Passing through five barriers and slaying six generals! Well said!"

Guan Yu slammed the table and shouted loudly, startling Qin Jun so much that his chopsticks almost fell.

Of course you think it's good! The protagonist is you!

Qin Jun was speechless. Guan Yu, with his face as red as dates, as if he had drunk too much, suppressed his excitement and asked, "What happened next?"

Daji and Yan Mo Bei also stared at Qin Jun curiously. All the diners on the first floor were listening. They hadn't paid attention initially, but as they listened to Qin Jun narrating the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, they gradually became engrossed in the story.

Qin Jun had always maintained a friendly attitude towards the guests at Luoya Inn. Although most of them were only Qi Refining Realm cultivators, they still represented a considerable force.

It would be best if he could recruit them!

"The Fifth Prince has arrived!"

Just then, a sharp, crow-like voice from outside the inn announced the arrival, unmistakably that of a eunuch.

Qin Yu is here?

Qin Jun subconsciously frowned, then quickly snatched the white silk tied around Daji's waist and put it on her, much to Daji's resentful expression.

He didn't intend to reveal his identity before the duel between the two kingdoms.

The surrounding diners didn't find it strange, as it was Qin Yu, and photography didn't exist in this world.

Soon, Qin Yu, clad in brocade embroidered with pearls, entered Luoya Inn accompanied by the Imperial Guards. Unlike his previous visit in plain clothes, this time he was in his capacity as a prince. Two rows of Imperial Guards stood at the entrance, and the innkeeper had no choice but to bow.

"May I ask why the Fifth Prince has come this time?" the innkeeper asked nervously.

Facing royalty, Luoya Inn's rules had to be bent.

Qin Yu ignored him, his gaze sweeping across the room, directly locking onto Guan Yu.

Having lost face at Luoya Inn last time, he no longer cared about the innkeeper and directly used his status to invite someone.

"Senior, the decisive battle between the two kingdoms is imminent. I hope you will join me in battle!"

Qin Yu approached Guan Yu, cupped his fists, and spoke righteously as if he were fighting for the country and its people.

His words were full of subtle meaning. "Join me in battle" meant entering his command. Then, the merits Guan Yu earned would also be attributed to him, and the entire nation would believe Guan Yu was his subordinate.

"Not interested!"

Guan Yu said coldly. He was in a bad mood, and his enjoyment of "Passing through five barriers and slaying six generals" had been interrupted by Qin Yu.

In comparison, Qin Jun was more to his liking. To be able to create a novel with him as the protagonist was the mark of the wisest lord in the world.

Qin Yu was rebuffed again, and a surge of anger rose in his heart. His gaze involuntarily shifted to Qin Jun, who was clearly the leader among the three at the table with Guan Yu.

"Are you perhaps Young Master Jun?" Qin Yu asked, suppressing his anger.

These days, the name "Young Master Jun" had been causing a stir in the Royal Capital, and it was precisely by stepping on him that he had risen to prominence.

If not for his desire to befriend Guan Yu, how could Young Master Jun have become so popular?

Therefore, in his heart, Young Master Jun was nothing but a despicable scoundrel!

"Mm."

Qin Jun hummed lightly while sipping his tea. This demeanor, in the eyes of others, was one of utter disregard for the Fifth Prince.

The diners exchanged excited glances. Qin Jun had always treated them kindly. They had thought he was an easygoing young master, but now it seemed Young Master Jun also had his domineering side.

"Young Master Jun, would you allow Senior to join the duel between the two kingdoms?" Qin Yu asked through gritted teeth, his two rows of Imperial Guards subtly resting their hands on their sword hilts.

Qin Jun didn't answer, lest he reveal himself. Qin Yu was much harder to fool than Nan Yu Xin. Although his face was covered, if he spoke too much, Qin Yu would surely recognize him.

"For the sake of the kingdom, I hope Young Master Jun will act with great righteousness..."

Seeing Qin Jun remain silent, Qin Yu grew even more annoyed and continued to persuade him. However, before he could finish, Guan Yu interrupted him, "Enough! Get lost and don't disturb our drinking and chatting!"

Guan Yu usually paid attention to the politics of the Gan Yue Kingdom and knew that Qin Yu was Qin Jun's biggest rival for the throne. Naturally, he wouldn't give Qin Yu a good look.

After spending these days together, he found Qin Jun to be very outstanding. His conduct didn't match his age; he treated talented people with respect and could even mingle with ordinary cultivators at the Luoya Inn.

Where else could he find such a Lord?

Furthermore, Qin Jun's nominal mother had ancestral ties to him, so he had to be loyal to Qin Jun.

In his opinion, with his Void Transformation Realm cultivation, assisting Qin Jun to ascend the throne wouldn't be difficult.

His confidence stemmed from his strength!

"How dare you! You dare speak to the Fifth Prince like this? Today, I will have you all thrown into the imperial prison!"

A captain of the Imperial Guards behind Qin Yu roared in anger. Although Guan Yu's aura was imposing, in front of a group of Imperial Guards and within the Royal Capital, who would dare resist if the Imperial Guards wanted to apprehend someone?

"Noisy!"

Guan Yu shouted displeasedly. He stomped his foot, and instantly, Qin Yu and the Imperial Guards felt an unstoppable force surge from beneath their feet, sending them flying. They all fell ungracefully onto the street outside the Luoya Inn.

Boom!

All the diners on the first floor of the Luoya Inn erupted in an uproar. Guan Yu actually dared to attack the Imperial Guards in public!

The most crucial point was that Guan Yu had taken down a squad of Imperial Guards with a single stomp!

His strength was terrifyingly immense!

Happy New Year's Eve! The number of tips and votes is increasing, I'm grateful~ It seems I'll have to add more updates soon.