One After Another

A deathly silence met Ming He's challenge. Nobody dared to move or make a sound. It was one thing for a Spirit Lord like Chen Wentian to talk back to a Spirit King. At least he wouldn't be smashed into dust in an instant. It was almost unheard of for a mere mortal to make such brazen statements in the face of certain death.

Who cared if Ming He was at the lesser realm of Spiritual Awakening? If Abbotess Liang so much as breathed too hard in his direction, his body would have been ripped to shreds.

Yet despite the risks, Ming He stood tall, his face stoic and without fear. He didn't back down; he did not waver. Many in the crowd silently praised him. Many more ridiculed his stupidity, his willingness to throw away everything for Long Yifei. What everyone had to admit was that it was an incredible display of dedication.

It was a moment that was bound to go down in the annals of the Eastern Sanmu Metropolis as the day a single Spirit Initiate Realm mortal defied the will of a Spirit King for the sake of a woman. Even Abbotess Liang couldn't help but give the handsome man some consideration.

What they all didn't know was that Ming He was no longer Ming He. Otherwise, there was absolutely no chance of him jumping out to seek death. He was still the son of a Spirit Lord and the descendant of a Spirit King, a younger master of the Eastern Light Clan. Ming He was Ming He. But at the same time, he was also Chen Wentian. His soul was now Chen Wentian's soul and when he spoke, it was Chen Wentian speaking.

Ming He turned towards Long Yifei and flashed her a quick smile. She recognized that look, slightly apologetic but also teasing. She recognized the intimate familiarity in his eyes that roved over her body; touching, searing, and piercing into her core.

She let out a tiny gasp in realization and heat rose in her cheeks. She clutched Chen Wentian's arm and gave him another discreet pinch to voice her displeasure and embarrassment.

"Heh, Fei'er is too smart." Chen Wentian said into her ear, "Don't worry. The useless guy is part of the plan we came up with to deal with Abbotess Liang. It's not just him but a few others. But keep alert, that crazy woman won't be dissuaded with just this."

Long Yifei pinched him again to ask what was going on.

"Your fellow sisters and I... We've known about the plot to kidnap you for a few weeks and barely managed to come up with a workable and relatively safe plan. They all pitched in to help, even if they aren't here right now. Which is good because things are about to get a little dangerous."

She didn't say anything or show any reaction but she rubbed his arm gently as a way of thanks. He gave a reassuring squeeze in return.

They then turned back to the tense scene before them just in time to catch a second man step out from the crowd.

"Greetings everyone, brave heroes from across the land! I am Tian Yunhao, young house master of the House of Armament. I think Brother Ming has the right intentions but sadly, lacks courage and resolve. As a man, mere words are not enough. Mere words cannot force a Spirit King to listen. Mere words cannot sway the Snow Fairy's heart! As a true man, I shall show you the way!"

Hushed whispers swept over the gathering of suitors. They didn't know what was going on or why these two had both lost their minds.

Ming He and Tian Yunhao faced each other, ignoring everyone else around them. Neither backed down, neither was willing to see the other one marry Long Yifei.

Ming He's brow furrowed slightly as he observed his opponent. His chiseled jawline became even sharper, enough to slice through the morning light. His piercing eyes were bright like beacons. His outfit exuded consummate class, his features more perfect than a painting. He was an existence that made women swoon, to make them scream in desperation and cry out in desire. With a single pose, he declared to everyone that he was the best man here and only he was suited to obtain Long Yifei's heart.

Tian Yunhao brushed off the silent challenge. He squared his broad shoulders and took up a powerful stance. The polished gray armor that covered his muscular build gleamed, expressing a martial aura that was unmatched among his peers. His face was not pretty or handsome but he had the rugged look fitting of a warrior prince. He inspired women's instincts that sought protection, safety, and reliability. He was a bastion, an indomitable castle where Long Yifei could reside in peace.

It was a battle of two different ideals, two different but equally great examples of what it meant to be a man.

"Snow Fairy Long!" Tian Yunhao's voice boomed out, "Do not fear. I will protect you no matter what. If you do not wish to go with this strange woman, then I will stop her. She cannot hurt you as long as I draw breath. And even if I die, the House of Armament will protect you. I swear to this!"

A ball of spiritual energy gathered in his palm before he slammed it into his chest. It was a crude but effective spiritual oath. He meant his words and he showed everyone exactly how much. In one instant, he committed not just himself but his sect.

"Hahaha! Ming He!" Tian Yunhao said, "Your words are cheap by my words are like iron. What are you going to do now?"

Before Ming He could respond, another man stepped in between them.

"Crude and loud, just as usual. Brother Tian, you really need to work on that or you'll never get any beauties to like you." The newcomer laughed but nobody else did.

Everyone's eyes fell on him and his unique attire. He wore a simple loose white robe that was tied casually around his waist. His upper chest was exposed, revealing smooth skin and sculpted muscles like jade. His sleek black hair was tied up a messy knot, allowing most of it to flow behind him. He carried a golden fan in one hand and a gourd bottle filled with wine in the other.

Dashingly attractive, he was someone who enjoyed good wine, good food, and good times with countless women. He was a playboy, a rogue, a devilish man capable of seducing any woman with charm and guile. He was, in other words, the enemy of all men!

"Surnamed Duan! You little bastard!" Tian Yunhao shouted, "This is no place for scum like you. Go back to the whorehouses where you belong! I will die before letting someone like you get close to Snow Fairy Long!"

"So noisy! Snow Fairy is a gentle creature, she can't stand your brutish shouting and neither can I!"

The one surnamed Duan flicked his hair, flipped open his fan, and took a long drink from his gourd, ignoring both Ming He and the enraged Tian Yunhao.

"Interesting, interesting!" Another voice called out.

A tall man wearing furs joined the fray. His handsomeness was on par with Ming He while his ferocity was equal to Tian Yunhao. He had a wild mane of red hair and looked like a beast or a bird of prey. He was Qu Jing, a direct descendant of the Eagle Lord Qu Shen, and had placed fourth in the monster-fighting competition. He was confident in his ability and he was unwilling to let his rivals hog the stage. He was a proud disciple of the Beast God Sanctum and he was going to let his voice be heard.

"Protecting the weak and standing up to the strong, this is what I stand for. Beast God Sanctum is behind me, who dares make trouble here? Snow Fairy Long isn't going anywhere!" He declared.

"That's right!" Shouted Yang Cang, the closed-door disciple of Qiu Chuyi and member of the Lion faction. "Beast God Sanctum won't stand for idle threats from an outsider. This is the Eastern Sanmu Subcontinent. This is our turf!"

Emboldened by the stirring scene, more brave men joined the fray. Nobody seemed to care that Abbotess Liang was still standing there. It was as if she had suddenly become insignificant.

One after another, they promised their lives, their sects, their family, and everything in between in the name of the Snow Fairy. One became two. Two became four. Four became a deluge. Everyone was caught up in the moment and what had been a tense situation turned into chaos.

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