Entering Danyang Commandery, Challenging Three Sides

So all the information that Yu Tunzhou spread along the way was paid for out of his own pocket, and in the end, the Qian Household will be the ones to pay the bill.

Despite having a thousand words to say, Qian Jinqing could only force a smile as the gazes gathered at the city gate grew ever stronger, her voice still sweet and gentle. "Young Hero Yu, shall we return to the Qian residence first?"

As she spoke, she stepped aside to make way for them to enter the city, gesturing with one hand in a gesture of respect, her manners impeccable.

Yu Tunzhou looked at her smiling face, which was crinkled with laughter, but with a hint of gritted teeth hidden in her eyes. He immediately smiled and said, "Miss Qian, isn't this putting you in a difficult position?"

A certain thought swirled in Qian Jinqing's mind seven or eight times, but in the end he could only swallow it down and said seriously, "Young Hero Yu, what are you saying? You are a distinguished guest of the Qian family of Danyang, and it is my honor to Jinqing you."

The two maids behind her smirked, never having seen their young mistress suffer such a great loss at the hands of anyone, and ultimately have to swallow it all herself.

Upon entering Danyang Commandery, the streets were lined with shops, bustling with traffic and noise, truly befitting its reputation as the most prosperous county in the Southeast Circuit.

Many people along the way may recognize Yu Tunzhou, but they all know Qian Jinqing. For Qian Jinqing to personally come out to greet them, there's no need to guess the former's identity.

Soon, the news spread like wildfire, and everyone craned their necks to look in this direction, pointing and whispering, their voices rising and falling.

"Is this the Young Hero Yu Tunzhou? He doesn't look very old!"

"I heard he withstood three moves from the Dragon Prince of the East Sea without spilling a drop of wine!"

"Did he really escape from the Incense-Smelling Demoness's clutches?"

"Tsk tsk, this one really came to Danyang Commandery. This is going to be interesting."

Hearing the surrounding chatter, Qian Jinqing's smile grew even more gentle and charming as she stepped aside to invite Yu Tunzhou into the carriage.

Once inside the carriage, the curtain fell, cutting off the sounds of people outside. Qian Jinqing's smile vanished instantly. She stretched out her hand in front of Yu Tunzhou and whispered, "Give it to me."

"What?"

"It is, of course, proof!"

"That's a bit early," Yu Tunzhou said with a smile.

Qian Jinqing glared at him. "You've already built up this much hype, are you still afraid that the Qian Household will cheat you?"

"Better safe than sorry," Yu Tunzhou remarked. "Tell me first, how does the Qian Household plan to handle this matter?"

Qian Jinqing took a deep breath, his sizable chest heaving, but he finally regained his composure. "Lu Huaiqing's bet is rather complicated, and can be roughly divided into two parts. One part is the military funds of the Northern Dark Continent;"

The other part concerns you; the Danyang Qian Household can provide all the cultivation resources you need before you arrive at the External Scenery.

Military spending in the Northern Dark Continent?

All the resources needed for cultivation before External Scenery?

Yu Tunzhou stood there, stunned, the smile on his face slowly fading.

This bet was something he had never imagined.

He had originally thought that Master Lu had staked a large sum of money and left it to him as travel expenses.

In Luofu Grotto-Heaven, Master Lu only taught him boxing techniques, never mentioning anything about what would happen after his death, nor did he ever tell him that he could go to the Northern Dark Continent to help him in the future, as if he wanted to sever ties with him.

But looking at it today, it's clear that this person still arranged most of the things for him.

If Yu Tunzhou is content with stability, then he can choose to stay at the Danyang Qian Household until he reaches the External Scenery level.

This profound care left the boy momentarily lost in thought.

Noticing the complicated expression on Yu Tunzhou's face, Qian Jinqing said knowingly, "Lu Huaiqing didn't tell you? No wonder you only came to Danyang Commandery now after leaving the cave."

"Actually, you don't need to go to such lengths to create this momentum. We won't breach the contract. I'm not lying to you; the Qian Household had already reached an agreement internally beforehand."

Actually, the person who should have come to welcome Yu Tunzhou today was an elder from the Qian Household.

As for why it ultimately fell to her, Qian Jinqing didn't need to guess; she knew exactly what that old ancestor was planning.

Qian Jinqing couldn't help but say, "This bet is truly the worst defeat my Qian Household has suffered in nearly two hundred years."

Even today, she still State of Mind it hard to calm down, especially when she thinks that the person who took on this bet was a fool from the second wife's side.

Losing to Yu Tunzhou's support is nothing serious, even if it continues until the External Scenery, it's not a crippling blow.

The real key point is that the Danyang Qian Household was forced to board the war chariot of the Northern Dark Continent, and they were even part of Lu Huaiqing's faction!

Therefore, during the time that Yu Tunzhou left the cave, the Qian Household was almost in turmoil, with some even suggesting that they pay someone to kill the boy.

The clan's ancestor asked, "If Yu Tunzhou Lu Huaiqing is eliminated, does that mean he hasn't won? Won't anyone from the Northern Dark Continent come to collect debts?"

Finally, the ancestor made the decision, which boiled down to just four words:

Accept the consequences of a bet.

If they don't accept it, the Qian Household's thousand-year-old reputation will be completely ruined by these unworthy descendants.

But if they admit defeat, they might not continue to lose.

The only thing that gives the Qian Household some comfort is that Jiang Wenxuan doesn't seem to have any intention of returning to the Jiang Household. He is still stationed at the Northern Shore Grand Formation, and his subordinates are all Lu Huaiqing's old troops.

If this person is willing to take on the responsibility after Lu Huaiqing's resignation, then the Qian Household's future does indeed still hold hope.

As for Qian Jinqing's statement, Yu Tunzhou only had four words: "Accept the loss."

Qian Jinqing suddenly fell silent, as if those four words had struck a nerve, and she inexplicably deflated. After a long while, she said softly, "You're right. A bet's a bet, there's nothing more to say."

"Speak, Young Hero Yu, what do you want?"

Yu Tunzhou pondered for a moment and said, "Find me a quiet house by the water, and provide me with various supplementary medicines to nourish my Qi and Blood and aid in refining my internal organs. I need to go into seclusion in Danyang Commandery for a month."

"You're going to stay in Danyang Commandery?" Qian Jinqing asked, puzzled. "You should be at the stage of Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment, nourishing your internal organs, right?"

Yu Tunzhou nodded.

During his journey, he had already activated the acupoints in his right eye.

Currently, the liver function is fully developed, both eyes have opened, and the kidney function is nearing completion.

He planned to spend a month in seclusion in Danyang Commandery, expecting to eventually achieve the perfection of at least three internal organs and open the five orifices.

Then, we headed to Northern Plains.

Qian Jinqing said meaningfully, "Cultivation supplies also include intelligence, so there's something I need to remind you: your propaganda along the way has also exposed your destination."

"Jiang Yunshang of the Luo River Jiang Household, Zhang Luyun of the Beiyun Zhang Household, and Wang Junmu from Li Fire Mountain have already arrived in Danyang Commandery and are waiting for you."

"If you stay in Danyang Commandery, you will inevitably be harassed by them, such as them coming to challenge you."

"The Beiyun Zhang Household, Li Fire Mountain." Yu Tunzhou wondered, "Could these two families be related to the Luofu Grotto-Heaven matter?"

He had killed six people with his fists in Luofu Grotto-Heaven. Afterwards, Xie Linchuan reviewed the incident with him, telling him that he should be careful of the sect behind those six people when he left the cave.

Even if he doesn't intentionally seek revenge, he still killed someone else's disciple. If they meet again in the martial world, he certainly can't expect the other party to treat him with courtesy.

"Perhaps. They're currently using the pretext of challenging for the top spot on the Dragon and Tiger Reserve Ranking."

Qian Jinqing stated frankly, "These two families, along with Jiang Yunshang from the Jiang Household, are all at the level of the Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment. It's hard to say exactly what their strength is, because these people haven't shown their skills much, and it's unclear whether they have any hidden abilities or Divine Ability cards. Be careful."

Yu Tunzhou rubbed his hands together, eager for a fight, and said, "I remember Jiang Yunshang Immortal Seed, is he? I haven't had a direct battle with Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment yet. Could you post a challenge for me to a duel?"

When he first entered the Heavenly Court, he briefly fought with Zhang Tianyang and others.

At that time, he had not yet reached the Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment, but Zhang Tianyang's strength left a deep impression on him.

Unlike An Ruyu, whose strength was difficult to fathom among the top five on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, Zhang Tianyang's power, which was at the Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment, was the most direct and intuitive to him.

He has made considerable progress in recent days, and this is a good opportunity to see if he can Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment of punching and kicking.

Qian Jinqing's eyes widened, and she said in disbelief, "I reminded you to avoid confrontation, and you still want to challenge them?"

Yu Tunzhou asked in surprise, "It's just a test, why would you avoid it?"

The next moment, he roughly understood Qian Jinqing's meaning and patiently explained, "It's normal that you don't understand because you don't practice martial arts. They have never been my match, and they themselves know this. Otherwise, they wouldn't have challenged me with the Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment. They understand better than anyone that this will be their only chance in this lifetime."

Qian Jinqing stared at him, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Does this guy dare to be any more arrogant?

"If your reliance is that defensive divine Divine Ability, forgive my bluntness, but although I don't understand Martial Dao, I have heard my elders mention that any defensive Divine Ability has its limits. They dare to come, so they must have something to rely on."

Yu Tunzhou smiles silently.

Qian Jinqing suddenly took a deep breath. She swore that this was the most infuriating expression she had ever seen in her life.

"I'll post the challenge for you. How do we decide on the time and place?" Qian Jinqing said decisively.

"Let's do it in a week, you can choose the location."

"I'd like a quiet place, or somewhere lively and crowded."

"Fine, let them choose," Yu Tunzhou said calmly. "If they're not afraid of losing face, I'll take whatever they want."

Qian Jinqing asked seriously, "Are you sure you're not being presumptuous?"

Yu Tunzhou glanced at her. "Why are you more worried about me than I am? Find someone to take me to the place of cultivation."

Qian Jinqing remained expressionless, turning to the two maids behind him. "Jin Ding, take Young Master Yu to the mansion in the east of the city. Yin Ding, prepare some resting pills for Young Master Yu and deliver them to the mansion."

"Also, Yin Ding, you will stay at the manor for the next few days. If Young Master Yu has any requests, please convey them to him."

"Yes, Miss." The two maids smiled.

Jin Ding and Yin Ding ----

Yu Tunzhou's eye twitched slightly. How greedy must this woman be to give her maid such a name?

In a mansion west of Danyang Commandery.

Jiang Yunshang dressed in a black martial arts outfit. His long sword rose and fell silently, the wind from the sword swirling the fallen leaves on the ground. Each slash contained the suppressed force of an impending thunderclap, and the sword light left a pale blue afterimage in the air.

"Young Master!"

Lei Yuan, a guard assigned by the clan, strode across the training ground with steady steps, his voice tinged with surprise, "The Yu Tunzhou has finally arrived in Danyang Commandery!"

Jiang Yunshang, however, seemed not to hear, his long sword continuing its unhurried slashes and retractions, the final move—

The "Racing Thunder Returns to the Sea" technique was followed by the sheathing of the long sword.

The entire sword technique was executed flawlessly, without even a lapse in breathing.

After sheathing his sword, Jiang Yunshang turned around, his face expressionless, and asked indifferently, "Have they arrived?"

"He's already been taken to the Qian Household." Lei Yuan glanced at the longsword beside him and praised, "Young Master's [Profound Thunder Saber Technique] is becoming increasingly refined; perhaps there's a chance to glimpse the principles behind the blade."

"Far from it." Jiang Yunshang shook his head. "Then, in my name, send a challenge letter."

"Excellent!" Lei Yuan's eyes gleamed. "With Young Master's current abilities, if we proceed steadily and surely, defeating a mere Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment shouldn't be difficult. After this battle, Young Master should be able to be ranked first on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking List!"

Jiang Yunshang walked to the stone table in the training ground, sat down, picked up his cool tea and took a sip. His face remained expressionless throughout.

Only he himself knew that his purpose in challenging Yu Tunzhou was not for any ranking on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking.

Long before he set off, his uncle Wentao from the clan had spoken frankly with him.

now.

Jiang Yunshang's thoughts drifted back to the side courtyard of the Jiang Household that day.

Jiang Yunshang stood with his hands at his sides below the hall, facing Jiang Wentao, the next head of the Jiang Household and his great-uncle.

"You, Jiang Yunshang, can basically forget about the top ten on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking. Your talent, fortuitous opportunity, and Root Bone are all lacking. As for the top twenty, that depends on your fortuitous opportunity. Don't force it."

Jiang Wentao's voice was calm, like the wind blowing through the courtyard, without any inflection, "If there's any hope, try your best to get first place on the Reserve Ranking. As long as you hold that position for three months, it will definitely be of some benefit when you reach the Divine Ability."

Jiang Yunshang bowed and replied, "Yes."

But he knew in his heart that if it were truly beneficial, he should have made it onto the main list much earlier; being number one on the Reserve Ranking was still just a reserve.

The key was to send him to challenge the Yu Tunzhou.

"Furthermore, the Yu Tunzhou— "

Jiang Wentao paused, tilted his head back, most of his face hidden in shadow, and murmured, "As long as this kid isn't dead, I always feel like Lu Huaiqing is still in this world, which makes me feel uneasy."

Jiang Yunshang understood.

If Yu Tunzhou not only doesn't die, but instead gradually rises higher, then his existence is like a reminder to certain people that Lu Huaiqing is both dead and alive.

He wasn't wrong; this was the main reason why his Uncle Wentao had ordered him to challenge the Yu Tunzhou.

Ideally, we should eliminate the threat of Yu Tunzhou; at the very least, we should dampen his arrogance and make him stumble in Danyang Commandery.

"The most difficult part of facing Yu Tunzhou is his defensive Divine Ability. To be able to withstand the Divine Ability of the East Sea Dragon Race head-on, his Immortal Foundation Divine Ability must be extremely extraordinary, far beyond the ordinary External Scenery level."

Jiang Wentao's voice rang out again, tossing a small white jade bottle in front of Jiang Yunshang. "These are two Aperture-Opening Pill, which will help you open the acupoints in your eyes. After opening the acupoints, your eyesight will be greatly enhanced, making it easier to find weaknesses in his Divine Ability abilities, and your opponent's movements will appear slower to you."

"Go, don't let the tribe down."

As his memories faded, a flicker of emotion finally appeared in Jiang Yunshang's eyes.

Outsiders only know that the children of the Aristocratic Clan are born without worries, living in luxury and having cultivation resources readily available, but they do not know that the infighting and competition within these Aristocratic Clan is no less intense than that outside.

Born into the Aristocratic Clan, and not being a peerless genius, it's difficult to receive preferential treatment in terms of Lineage resources, especially—

There is already a Immortal Seed in the clan.

Before he arrived, his cousin Yungu had already used the accumulated Profound Qi of the clan to forge Immortal Seed!

Now, if he wants to avoid being marginalized and continue to receive resources from the Lineage, he must demonstrate his value.

For example, with the help of the two Aperture-Opening Pill from his Wentao, he has opened the apertures of both eyes, greatly improving his strength.

To gain more, one must first fulfill Uncle Wentao's request.

So, don't blame me Yu Tunzhou.

I, Jiang Yunshang, still want to see the scenery from even higher places.

Jiang Yunshang's gaze gradually hardened and turned cold.

By dealing with Yu Tunzhou, he can also improve his relationship with his cousin Yungu, hoping to ease past conflicts.

At this moment.

A servant hurried over, bowed, and said, "Young Master, Steward Lei, someone from the Qian Household has arrived with a challenge letter. They say it's a challenge from Young Hero Yu Tunzhou!"

Upon hearing this, Lei Yuan was instantly stunned, his face filled with astonishment. "What?! We haven't even sent the invitation yet, and he's already sent it?!"

Jiang Yunshang were holding the teacup, paused slightly.

He had considered countless scenarios, such as Yu Tunzhou avoiding battle, or simply leaving Danyang Commandery as if he hadn't received the challenge.

But he never expected that Yu Tunzhou would send the challenge to him first!

"Bring it here." Jiang Yunshang's voice deepened.

The guard hurried over and handed over the envelope.

Jiang Yunshang opened the envelope and unfolded the letter. It contained only a single, concise sentence, devoid of any embellishment or sarcasm. "Seven days from now, I await your arrival. Choose your preferred location."

Jiang Yunshang narrowed his eyes; it seemed this person was quite confident as well.

That's good, it saves a lot of trouble.

Let's see if your Yu Tunzhou's defensive Divine Ability is impeccable, or if my Jiang Yunshang's "Profound Thunder Saber Technique" is superior!

"Lei Yuan." Jiang Yunshang placed the letter on the stone table, looked up, and ordered, "Reply to him for me. Seven days from now, the meeting place will be the top floor of River-Viewing Tower!"

"Yes!"

"Furthermore, send someone to Zhang Household and Li Fire Mountain to inquire whether they have also received the challenge."

At the same time.

The Zhang Household's place of residence.

Zhang Luyun sat quietly by the window, glanced at the challenge letter in his hand, and sneered, "My cousin Luzhou Zhou died a pathetic death, wasting a spot in the Luofu Dao Contention. But if he hadn't died, how would I, as his older cousin, have had a chance to advance further?"

"Yu Tunzhou, I want to Xie Xie you for giving me this opportunity."

"Someone, reply in my name. The location is the rooftop of River-Viewing Tower. Then you can start building momentum. I'm going to avenge my cousin Luzhou myself!"

The location Li Fire Mountain.

Wang Junmu, practiced the visualization technique [Ten Thousand Fires Burn the Body] from the sect.

He was broad-shouldered and burly, over eight feet tall, with a body Form Refinement Greater Accomplishment qi and Qi and Blood that steamed like a furnace, even distorting the surrounding air.

"Senior Brother Wang, the Qian Household has sent a challenge to Yu Tunzhou!"

Wang Junmu snapped open. He stood up, took the letter, glanced at it briefly, and then burst into laughter.

Like a resounding bell.

"What a Yu Tunzhou! It's got guts."

He crumpled the letter into a ball, threw it on the ground, and shouted, "Reply! Seven days from now, at River-Viewing Tower, Laozi be there to see you through to the end!"