Martial Arts Gathering

"Young City Lord, if you have something to say, please speak directly," Shi Lan disliked beating around the bush.

The Young City Lord smiled, "Miss Shi, you may not know my name. I am Gu Deyuan, and my father is the City Lord of this Ancient Phoenix City."

Shi Lan did not speak, waiting for Gu Deyuan to continue.

"Forgive my rudeness, but you should not yet be of marriageable age, correct?" Gu Deyuan said solemnly.

Wu Lingkong beside her frowned. Who asks a woman her age right off the bat?

"Not yet."

Shi Lan shook her head. She was still a month shy of twenty, and four full years away from being of marriageable age.

"I heard that you have been challenging famous sects and martial arts masters along your journey. Is it to hone your martial arts, or is there another reason?"

Seeing Shi Lan seem to be considering her answer, Gu Deyuan waved his hand, "It was my mistake. Actually, I have a favor to ask. Since Miss Shi is unwilling to visit my residence, I have come to you. This place is crowded and conspicuous. Please, let us move to your inn to discuss it further."

"Please."

Seeing that Wang Ning and the others had dismantled all the Ironwood boards and stacked them neatly, Shi Lan gestured with her hand.

Gu Deyuan followed Shi Lan and the others back to the inn.

Upon entering the room, Shi Lan closed the door. Only she, Wu Lingkong, and Gu Deyuan were in the room.

"Young City Lord, please speak directly," Shi Lan said.

"I assume you know of Heavenly Thunder Hall?"

Shi Lan found the name vaguely familiar. She quickly recalled that Heavenly Thunder Hall was the largest power on the map she held, a fifth-rank force with