Chapter 202: The Bet

Dragon City, Royal Palace.

"What on earth is the Liu family up to?" Long Qingyun sat in the Diligence Hall, frowning as he looked at the latest intelligence reports sent from the Liu family. He rubbed his temples, unable to understand.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived," announced a palace maid at the door.

"Let her in."

Shortly after, Zhao Bingbing gracefully walked into the Diligence Hall. Seeing Long Qingyun's tired expression, she said with concern, "Your Majesty, you must take care of your health!"

Long Qingyun shook his head. "The Long family has ruled for a hundred years by being diligent and caring for the people. If I become negligent, the Long family will fall because of me."

"But you can't overwork yourself," Zhao Bingbing said, moving behind Long Qingyun. She let his head rest against her soft chest and gently massaged his temples with her delicate fingers. "You've been working too hard lately. Are you still missing the former emperor?"

Long Qingyun felt much more relaxed in Zhao Bingbing's embrace. He sighed, "Missing him won't help. Now, the only thing I want is for nothing to go wrong during my reign, so I can smoothly pass the power to Zongheng. That would ease my mind."

"It will certainly happen," Zhao Bingbing reassured him. "The current situation in Huaxia is stable, the people are living and working in peace, and Your Majesty is diligent and loved by everyone. There won't be any problems."

"Let's hope so," Long Qingyun sighed again. "Has Zongheng been diligently practicing martial arts lately?"

"Yes," Zhao Bingbing replied. "Since the former emperor sacrificed himself in front of him, Zongheng has been deeply affected. He's been training much harder than before. I'm sure he will surpass the former emperor in the future."

"That would be wonderful," Long Qingyun said, thinking about his two sons being at odds. It made him feel even more exhausted.

While massaging Long Qingyun, Zhao Bingbing noticed the documents on the desk. She saw the content and exclaimed, "Is there an earthquake in Tianfu?"

"Not yet," Long Qingyun shook his head. "I don't know what the Liu family is up to. Ten days ago, they claimed that there would be an earthquake in the western part of Tianfu and sent troops to help relocate the people to the east. Now, except for some stationed troops, only wild animals remain in the west. I don't know where the Liu family got their confidence from. If there's no earthquake in a few days, the Liu family will be discredited."

Zhao Bingbing was surprised. "The old master Liu and Shao Meiyun aren't foolish people. Why would they do something so foolish? I don't think it's that simple."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Long Qingyun said, feeling troubled. "If there really is an earthquake, it would only prove that the Liu family has some experts who can predict earthquakes. They would save countless lives and strengthen their control in Tianfu. But I'm worried that the Liu family has ulterior motives. I'd rather believe there's some treasure in the western part of Tianfu that they're after, something valuable enough to make them risk their reputation for a short time to search for it."

"Is that possible?" Zhao Bingbing frowned. "I think that no treasure in the world is worth such a high price. I'm more inclined to believe that there really will be an earthquake in Tianfu. Although experts who can predict earthquakes are rare, it's more plausible."

Long Qingyun thought for a moment and nodded. "The Empress is right. But when did the Liu family acquire such experts? I wish they were working for me."

"There are many talents in the world," Zhao Bingbing smiled. "Your Majesty need not worry about just one."

"Ah! The best talents are all in the hands of noble families. Even though the Long family has ruled for a hundred years, we can't make those families truly loyal. I hope to see Huaxia become a united force in my lifetime, so that America will no longer dare to covet us."

"It will happen," Zhao Bingbing comforted him. "Since we can't make a decision now, let's wait patiently for the result."

Long Qingyun thought for a while and nodded. "That's all we can do."

Jingchu, Xiang Family.

Xiang Qiong was on a call with Old Master Liu.

"Old Liu, what are you up to? Is there really going to be an earthquake in Tianfu?" Although Xiang Qiong was eleven years younger than Old Master Liu, they had a good relationship due to their equal status. Xiang Qiong spoke to Old Master Liu without much formality, like talking to a friend.

Old Master Liu chuckled. "I've lived for over seventy years. When have you seen me act crazy? I have reliable information proving that there will be an earthquake of over magnitude 8 in the western part of Tianfu. I had to take such big action. Do you think I would mobilize the entire Liu family to relocate the people for fun?"

"Oh?" Xiang Qiong asked. "Where did you get this information? Predicting earthquakes is a global challenge. And you're acting ten days in advance. Are you that confident?"

"Whether I'm confident or not, I've already acted. Since I've done it, I might as well see it through. If there's no earthquake, then my Liu family will be unlucky." Old Master Liu felt a bit worried himself, so his words lacked some confidence.

Xiang Qiong noticed Old Master Liu's worry and reassured him, "Don't worry! If the Liu family's reputation is ruined in Tianfu, the Xiang family will make sure you have enough places to live."

"Stop that nonsense. If there's really an earthquake, my Liu family's influence in Tianfu will be even stronger. Then, the whole Tianfu will be in our grasp, and anyone who comes will face certain death," Old Master Liu said angrily.

"Haha, I hope so! But where did you get this information? Could it be from that boy Menglong again?" Xiang Youyou had told Xiang Qiong about Li Nianlong saving Old Master Liu's life. This had shocked Xiang Qiong. With the Liu family's recent actions, Xiang Qiong immediately thought of Li Nianlong.

"Not this time," Old Master Liu smiled faintly. "Xiang Qiong, you don't need to pry. I won't tell you. But I can give you a hint. This person is a friend of Menglong. Guess the rest yourself!"

Xiang Qiong was helpless. "How can I guess that? Are you lying to me? It's not Menglong?"

"Menglong is exceptional, but he's not omniscient. His strength lies in martial arts. Your Xiang family should be careful. The position of the martial arts alliance leader in this martial arts tournament has already been reserved for Menglong."

"What a boastful statement," Xiang Qiong snorted. "The Xiang family hasn't let the martial arts alliance leader position slip for a century. My son Xiang Cangtian will personally compete this time. He will defeat all opponents and retain the title."

"What if you lose?" Old Master Liu sneered. "How about a bet?"

"I'm not afraid of you! What are we betting?" Xiang Qiong accepted the bet without hesitation.

"It's simple," Old Master Liu said calmly. "If the Xiang family retains the title of martial arts alliance leader, the Liu family will join forces with the Xiang family to overthrow the Long family's rule. How about that?"

Xiang Qiong's breathing quickened. After taking a few deep breaths, he was overjoyed. "It's a deal!"

"Don't celebrate too soon," Old Master Liu sneered. "If Menglong wins, what will the Xiang family do?"

"Hahaha, the Xiang family won't lose!" Xiang Qiong had never considered this possibility. The Xiang family's century-long honor gave him the confidence to be arrogant.

"Don't be so sure," Old Master Liu said calmly. "What will you do if the Xiang family loses?"

"Alright, alright," Xiang Qiong said with a bit of a dismissive smile. "If the Xiang family really loses to that boy Menglong, I'll teach the Xiang family's Overlord Art to the Liu family, so the Liu family will have the means to protect themselves. How about that?"

"No way!" Old Master Liu snorted. "The Overlord Art is powerful, but it's only temporary. After seventy, it becomes a death sentence. The Liu family doesn't need short-lived heroes."

"You..." Xiang Qiong was furious. "What's the use of living long like a tortoise?"

"Bah! I'm talking about humans. Keep the Overlord Art for yourselves. Menglong has already developed a set of top-notch martial arts, which will be the Liu family's heirloom martial arts in the future. Although it's not as powerful as the Overlord Art, it doesn't harm the meridians and is quite potent. After a hundred years, your Xiang family's juniors won't be a match."

Hearing Old Master Liu's boast, Xiang Qiong's eyes gleamed. "You're saying that Menglong has developed a set of heirloom martial arts for the Liu family?"

"Of course," Old Master Liu said proudly. "Menglong is a once-in-a-millennium genius for the Liu family. Under his leadership, the Liu family will shine even brighter."

Xiang Qiong chuckled. "Indeed, your Liu family finally has a successor. Since you don't want the Overlord Art, name your terms. I'll agree."

"That's the spirit," Old Master Liu laughed. "I don't want much. Just marry that girl Youyou to Menglong."

"Oh?" Xi

ang Qiong was slightly surprised. "Does Menglong like Youyou?"

"Menglong knows that Youyou is the eldest daughter of the Xiang family, but he hasn't seen her true face yet. He only sees her as a sister. But I like Youyou a lot. If she becomes the Liu family's mistress, it would be a great match." Old Master Liu chuckled. "What do you say, Xiang Qiong? Do you agree?"

"Alright! I agree," Xiang Qiong said. "Even if Menglong loses, as long as he performs well in the martial arts tournament, I'll marry Youyou to him."

"Oh?" Old Master Liu was curious. "That's surprising. When did you become so generous? Did you plan this from the start?"

"Haha, whether I did or not, the bet is set. You can't back out now," Xiang Qiong laughed joyfully.

"Damn it, you've tricked me!" Old Master Liu cursed, but Xiang Qiong couldn't see the smile on his face.