Xu Fengnian had read widely, so of course he knew about it. Puzzled, he asked, "So you'll protect Huang Man'er?"
Zhao Xichuan replied firmly, "Of course. He's my disciple, so I have to protect him."
Xu Fengnian could see how sincere Zhao Xichuan was. His expression grew grave as he asked, "The Capital is keeping an eye on my younger brother. Dragon Tiger Mountain may be the greatest sect in the martial world, but can it really stand up to an imperial decree?"
Zhao Xichuan usually had no taste for borrowing someone else's banner to make a show of strength, but he knew it was necessary now. Smugly, he said, "That's why Jian Jiuhuang came to Dragon Tiger Mountain. This involves the Imperial Family, though, so I can only tell you."
Old Kui had been thoroughly enjoying the gossip, but at that, he left the room, looking rather put out.
Once Old Kui had gone, Zhao Xichuan said gravely, "Heir Apparent, why do you think my Dragon Tiger Mountain was named the greatest sect under heaven?"
Xu Fengnian was puzzled, and asked curiously, "Was it because you pledged your allegiance early?"
Zhao Xichuan wasn't bothered by Xu Fengnian's sarcasm in the slightest. Calmly, he replied, "Because someone is hidden away on Dragon Tiger Mountain. His surname is Zhao, too."
Xu Fengnian didn't understand. Irritated, he said, "Aren't everyone in the Celestial Masters' Residence surnamed Zhao?"
Zhao Xichuan shook his head, his expression grave. "Not a Celestial Master Zhao—the Zhao of the Imperial Family! By seniority, he's the ancestor of the Liyang Dynasty. That's why Dragon Tiger Mountain has to be the greatest sect under heaven."
Xu Fengnian's expression turned grave, too. He asked curiously, "Why is the Imperial Family's ancestor hiding on Dragon Tiger Mountain?"
Zhao Xichuan didn't elaborate. Instead,