Chapter 56: Dragon Raises Its Head on the Second Day of the Second Lunar Month

No one dared to step onto the arena to challenge for a long time.

Su Yi didn't wait any longer and walked down the platform with his hands behind his back.

The gazes of everyone at the banquet also fell on him, their expressions varied—some were shocked, some were dazed, some were blank...

A vivid portrayal of the various faces of human life unfolded before them.

"Mr. Su, please take a seat!"

Fu Shan took the initiative to step forward and greeted him with respect.

"It turns out that the empty seat next to Lord Fu was prepared for Su Yi."

As if suddenly realizing, some important figures showed an enlightened expression.

Others also understood, and their expressions became even more complex.

Although it was just a seat, it revealed how highly Fu Shan regarded Su Yi!

"No need. Since the matter has been resolved, I'll take my leave."

Su Yi shook his head and declined.

He had never liked such lively and noisy atmospheres.

Fu Shan didn't dare to persuade him and ordered, "Escort Mr. Su back."

"Lord Fu, let me handle this."

Huang Qianjun, who was not far away, suddenly stood up and approached them.

Nie Ting hesitated for a moment but also walked over.

Seeing this, Nie Beihu felt doubly relieved.

He knew that his usually proud son had been won over by Su Yi's previous display of brilliance.

Su Yi didn't say anything more and walked straight ahead towards the distance.

Huang Qianjun and Nie Ting followed closely behind.

This scene caused the emotions of the important figures in attendance to churn once again.

Huang Qianjun was the eldest son of Huang Yunchong, the patriarch of the Huang clan, while Nie Ting was the son of Nie Beihu, the commander of the City Lord's Mansion Guard.

Now, the two of them voluntarily followed behind Su Yi like attendants, and the significance of this was completely different!

"Not good!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Li Tianhan recalled something, his heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed slightly.

During the birthday banquet of the Lady Wen in the Wen family, Fu Shan, Nie Beihu, Huang Yunchong, and others confronted him, Li Tianhan, to prevent the annulment of Su Yi's marriage. In that matter, both he and his son, Li Moyun, believed that it was because of Wen Lingzhao's status as a "Grand Disciple" that Fu Shan and the others stood on the Wen family's side.

But now it seemed that things were not as they had assumed!

"What could be the reason that makes Fu Shan and the others value Su Yi so much?"

Li Tianhan's expression fluctuated, and he felt heavy in his heart.

He was well aware that even though Su Yi had performed exceptionally tonight, he was still just a young cultivator at the Blood Moving Realm. There was no way Fu Shan, Huang Yunchong, and the others, who were old foxes, would respect him to that extent.

This meant that there was another unknown secret about Su Yi!

And it was this secret that truly earned Fu Shan and the others' respect for Su Yi!

With these thoughts in mind, Li Tianhan didn't dare to hesitate any longer. He whispered instructions to the old servant by his side.

Soon, the old servant hurriedly left.

"Sigh!"

As Su Yi's figure gradually receded into the distance, Zhou Huaiqiu hesitated for a long time but ultimately sighed and didn't chase after him.

He already had a premonition that even if he were to throw away his old face and invite Su Yi to return to the Qinghe Sword Mansion to cultivate, Su Yi probably wouldn't agree.

However, he couldn't help but feel regret and sadness in his heart.

"In the past, when he fell into the mortal world and no one cared about him, he even distanced himself from me."

"And now, as he returns to the martial path, revealing an even more dazzling brilliance than before, how could he possibly return to the Qinghe Sword Mansion, the place that caused him so much sadness?"

"Well, let's just leave it at that."

Zhou Huaiqiu took a deep breath, suppressing the regret that filled his heart.

"Sister Nanying, it seems that you are reluctant to see Su Yi leave."

At this moment, when Nie Hao noticed Nan Ying's absent-minded expression, he couldn't help but speak coldly, his anger rising.

Nan Ying was suddenly startled, her jade-like face changing, and then she sighed softly, feeling wronged as she said, "Senior Brother Nie Hao, you also know that I accompanied Senior Brother Su Yi for three years, thinking that in this lifetime, we would have no connection. Who would have thought that I would witness all these scenes today?"

As she spoke like this, Nie Hao's expression became increasingly gloomy, and a raging jealousy surged in his chest.

Nan Ying clearly noticed it too, and the direction of her words suddenly changed as she said, "But in my heart, Senior Brother, you are irreplaceable. Moreover, if I still had lingering feelings for Su Yi, how could I have ignored him in the past year?"

As she spoke, she gently rested her jade-like head on Nie Hao's broad shoulder, her voice filled with tenderness. "Senior Brother Nie Hao, I'm actually delighted to see you get angry about this, at least it proves that you care about me."

Nie Hao's expression immediately softened, and as he smelled the fragrance emanating from the woman beside him, his tone also became gentler. He said, "Junior sister, I was a bit too excited earlier."

Nan Ying reached out her jade-like hand and held onto Nie Hao's arm, speaking sweetly, "Senior brother, there's no need to explain. I understand."

However, in her heart, she was contemplating whether she should meet Su Yi before leaving Guangling City.

"Cousin, Su Yi is simply despicable. He actually hid his cultivation level all this time, and we have all been deceived by him this past year!"

Wen Shaobei complained indignantly, only daring to speak in a low voice next to Wen Jueyuan.

"He has never deceived us. It was us who had always overlooked him before."

Wen Jueyuan's expression was filled with sorrow.

Today, he should have risen to fame and received all the attention.

But who would have thought that things could change so quickly, and he had become the most laughable failure at this Dragon Gate Banquet.

He had become Su Yi's stepping stone!

"Cousin, is it really going to end like this?"

Wen Shaobei unwillingly asked.

"Or, why don't you go and fight him?"

Wen Jueyuan's gaze turned cold as he looked at Wen Shaobei as if he were an idiot. "Don't you understand? Su Yi's cultivation has not only recovered, but he is also highly regarded by the Lord of the City! From now on, he is no longer a pitiful worm that our Wen family can trample upon at will!"

His voice seemed to squeeze out from his chest, filled with anger, unwillingness, as well as deep bitterness and regret.

Wen Shaobei was scolded until he couldn't speak.

"Li Jianyu, have you prepared the reward for the first place in the Dragon Gate Tournament?"

Fu Shan had a smile on his face as he spoke loudly.

Winning the first place meant obtaining a reward of one thousand gold taels, three spiritual herbs, ten catties of pearls, and a top-grade martial arts manual of the Yellow rank!

This was the most anticipated reward.

All eyes at the banquet turned towards Li Jianyu.

Li Jianyu's expression froze for a moment, and he coldly snorted, "Why do I need Fu Shan to remind me about these trivial rewards? Tomorrow morning, I will personally send the rewards to Guangling City."

Initially, he thought with Mo Tianling present, victory was guaranteed, so he didn't bother preparing the rewards.

But now, Su Yi's appearance had directly shattered his plans. Not only did he lose Lingzhu Island, but he also had to start considering the preparation of these items...

To say he wasn't angry would be a lie.

"Don't forget, there's still Lingzhu Island, which will now be controlled by the Guangling City Lord's Mansion. If I discover anyone else approaching the island, I will kill them without hesitation!"

Fu Shan smiled again and spoke with a murderous intent in his words.

"Hmph!"

Li Jianyu couldn't sit still any longer. He stood up and left, his robe fluttering.

If he stayed any longer, he would be infuriated by Fu Shan!

Following suit, other important figures of Luoyun City also started to leave one after another.

On the Guangling City side, the atmosphere became lively. The guests were chatting and laughing, toasting and mingling.

After all, in this Dragon Gate Tournament, Su Yi represented Guangling City and won first place, bringing honor to the city. This made the important figures present feel proud.

Haven't you seen that the defeated can only leave the scene in embarrassment?

Under the night sky, the Great Cangjiang River was filled with countless sailing boats, and the lights were like dragons.

The news of Su Yi winning first place in the Dragon Gate Tournament spread at an astonishing speed along both banks of the Great Cangjiang River and was known to the common people of the two cities.

For a while, the sound of commotion echoed in the night.

...

At the city gate.

"You can go back now, no need to see me off."

Su Yi stood firm and looked at Huang Qianjun and Nie Teng.

Huang Qianjun was very sensible and nodded with a smile.

Nie Teng hesitated for a moment, then bowed to Su Yi and said, "Su Ge, thank you for your guidance before! I, Nie Teng, will never forget this favor!"

During the Dragon Gate Tournament, Su Yi borrowed the duel with Mo Tianling to showcase the essence and charm of the "Bird Catching Hand," allowing Nie Teng to finally comprehend the true essence of this martial art.

Now, when facing Su Yi again, there was already a sense of admiration and reverence in his heart.

"Remember what you once said."

Su Yi nodded, turned around, and walked into the city gate alone.

"What did you say back then?"

Huang Qianjun couldn't help but ask curiously.

"It's none of your business."

Nie Teng turned and left.

Huang Qianjun quickly caught up and said, "Brother Nie, wait for me! Speaking of which, we can consider ourselves part of Su Ge's group now. Let's get closer in the future. How about we go to the Qinglou Painting Boat tonight? I know a talented and famous girl named Miaoyu. She is skilled in all forms of entertainment and is considered a gem of Guangling City..."

The two figures gradually moved away, becoming more distant.

Inside the city gate, Su Yi walked leisurely alone.

Most of the city's residents had gone outside to watch the excitement, leaving the bustling streets deserted and the lights dim.

Occasionally, a few people who had gone to watch the spectacle returned to the city, excitedly discussing the events of the Dragon Gate Tournament. However, when passing by Su Yi, no one recognized the young man who had just effortlessly won first place.

It was not until he arrived at the Xinghuang Clinic that Su Yi turned around and glanced at the night sky.

The moon was bright, the stars sparse, and wispy clouds drifted by.

From the outskirts of the city, faint sounds of excitement could be heard, becoming ethereal in the stillness of the night.

"When will the worldly troubles cease? True tranquility is found after the prosperity has faded."

Speaking to himself, Su Yi headed towards the small residence of Xinghuang, his tall figure standing out in the night.

This day marked the 399th year of the Da Zhou calendar, the second day of the second month, early spring.

As the awakening of nature began, everything came back to life.

From an astrological perspective, among the 28 constellations, the head of the Azure Dragon, the first of the seven mansions, appeared in the eastern sky on this day, while the rest of the Azure Dragon's body remained hidden in the darkness.

Therefore, this day was also known as "the Dragon Raises Its Head."

On this day, one year after Su Yi lost his cultivation and entered the Wen family, he ascended the Dragon Gate platform, astonishing everyone with his skills and charisma.

The world was in an uproar.

Yet, almost no one knew that on this day, it was also Su Yi's birthday in this lifetime.

In Su Yi's memory, his mother, Lady Ye Yu, also passed away from illness on this day, leaving him alone in the world at the tender age of four.