Xiao Qinghe still refused to move.
The city lord hesitated slightly. "Daughter, this young hero doesn't seem interested in entering the contest. Why not find yourself another worthy husband?"
Xie Jun remained unmoved, her slender, well-defined finger pointing straight at Xiao Qinghe, as though she would marry no one else.
Xiao Qinghe: "..."
Junior brother, what the hell are you doing?!
Then he kicked Yan Yunhe onto the stage.
Xie Jun: "..."
Yan Yunhe froze for a moment, then gently waved his folding fan, looking refined and elegant. "Since I'm already here, would any young hero care to come up and fight me?"
The entire crowd fell silent.
Xie Jun looked at Xiao Qinghe.
Xiao Qinghe stared at the sky.
He wanted no part of this goddamn mess.
Yan Yunhe chuckled and looked toward a certain spot in the crowd. "So you're all conceding without a fight, admitting you're no match for me?"
No sooner had he spoken than a black-clad figure flew onto the stage.
The newcomer wore long black robes, with sharp brows, bright eyes, and murder written all over his face. Drawing his longsword, he pointed it at Yan Yunhe. "Yan Yunhe, today I'll settle the score between us once and for all!"
He ground out every word through clenched teeth.
Xiao Qinghe jolted.
Was this guy the third person who'd been following them all along?
Wasn't he Wen Changgeng, the Azure Cloud Sect's senior disciple?
Wen Changgeng turned and gave him a cold look. "Once I've killed Yan Yunhe, you're next!"
Xiao Qinghe: "..."
Remembering how he had toyed with Wen Changgeng back at the Nine Ridges and Eighteen Peaks, Xiao Qinghe broke into a cold sweat.
Compared to having Wen Changgeng settle scores with him, marrying Xie Jun suddenly didn't seem so unacceptable.
After all,