Trials 2

There was, of course, no answer. So Qin Feng merely grunted, and sat down again. The Second Ducal Prince gave him an apologetic look, but the younger man merely shrugged back at him. Then went on with his impression of a petulant schoolboy.

That got a sigh out of Li Changhai, and a weary chuckle from Lin Liushui. Honestly, Qin Feng was not too bothered by what they thought of his behavior. It didn't really matter, in the end. What he was frustrated about was the fact that he would not have a chance to fight, and to test the improvements to his martial arts.

The clash with the assassins back along the road had shown him that there were some places where he could make improvements to the same. But simple sparring sessions, and against opponents that he was already familiar with wasn't really going to help him to improve. Knowing that, he was hoping for a chance to stand in the Arena, and test himself against those so-called suitors, who were out to snatch Du Yan's bride-to-be.

At least, that was how they were likely to present themselves, if one believed Du Yan's father. That fellow was just as irritating as Lin Liushui!

But now, it looked as though he was going to have to sit out the entire fight altogether! How disappointing!

*

Du Yan was only informed of their plans the following morning, since he had spent the whole night talking with his parents. And not doubt, telling them about his achievements in alchemy, and his adventures with his two sworn brothers.

Which was probably why Du Chenyong and his wife were a lot warmer towards Li Changhai and Lin Liushui the morning after.

The Second Ducal Prince could definitely feel the change in the way that the old couple had towards him. As for Lin Liushui, he was carved from the same type of rock as Du Chenyong, so the two of them got along famously, even without the encouragement from the latter's brawny firstborn son!

"Wait a moment. Wasn't there another one from your party? Why isn't he here? Doesn't he wish to take part in the discussion that we will be having soon?"

Li Changhai bit down on his sigh, and offered Du Chenyong a sheepish smile. "I am afraid that our young friend Qin Feng had been a little too enthusiastic with his drinking last night. And had consumed a little more than his usual capacity. But he should be fine once he gets enough sleep. That is why we did not wake him up this morning," he managed to lie.

Even as he glared at Lin Liushui. It was the gallant's plan, after all, to render Qin Feng completely unable to show up for the discussion, so as to hide his level of cultivation. So long as it was not discovered, no one would dare to think that they were pulling a fast one. After all, he might be a true expert that they had found, that could match the Heaven-shaking arts of the Snow Swallow Palace.

Of course, all of that would depend on whether they were able to arrange it so that Du Yan's party got to pick their opponents, rather than the other way around. Lin Liushui had spoken to the Second Ducal Prince about, while they were sipping on wine the night before. And so got Qin Feng completely inebriated.

Li Changhai hid a sigh of regret when he thought about it. But it was all for his Brother Yan's sake. And to keep Qin Feng out of danger. If he suddenly jumped out and challenged someone from the opposite camp ... Well, that would be both dangerous for him, as well as disrupt Lin Liushui's plans, wouldn't it?

How could Lin Liushui, being who he was, miss the glare that Li Changhai was directing his way. So he simply laughed, and bowed at Du Yan's father. "I believe that it would be fine, if only us three brothers are present for the discussion. Brother Qin Feng is still rather young, and might behave rashly. So it might be to our advantage, if he did not appear for the moment. Otherwise, we might lose control of the situation.

"Don't you think so, Uncle?"

Du Chenyong merely smiled and agreed, before leading the trio to the Arena, where the discussion, and likely the fighting that was going to follow, was going to take place. Li Changhai did wonder at the choice of the site. Since this was supposed to be discussion, wouldn't a tea-house or a restaurant be more suitable? That is, if one wished to avoid a sense of oppression, to onlookers who were not involved.

Apparently, the ones who had arranged this had no intention of wrapping things up nicely in a neat and presentable package. And judging from the confident smile on Lin Liushui's face, their strategist was more than pleased to be presented with such a backdrop to the discussion ahead.

The Second Ducal Prince wanted to have a word with the handsome fellow, so that he could get a hint of what Lin Liushui was thinking, but the latter seemed busy briefing Du Yan on the results of their conference the night before. And judging from the angry look on Du Yan's face, it seemed that Qin Feng was not the only one offended by Lin Liushui's tricks.

Well, that was something that they would have to deal with later, when they got through all of this nonsense! Li Changhai had no doubts that Lin Liushui probably had his apologetic speeches all prepared, to cool those two down. That is, provided his plans did present them with the victory, as he was hoping for.

The ones who they were supposed to be having a discussion with were already there. And clad in garb that made it clear that they were there to fight, and not talk. Which had the Second Ducal Prince frowning immediately. Had Lin Liushui expected something like this too? Was that why he had instructed him to come in full armor, and with his helm and glaive?

Was that so that he would not give away his identity, so that he could surprise them later? So that he could take advantage of their surprise? Would that be enough for the enemy to adjust their battle-plans, and fall into Lin Liushui's trap?

Du Chenyong introduced the main players without any hesitation, and scowled when he noted the empty space in the front row of the enemy participants. "Oh? What has happened here? Wasn't Elder Ji from the Snow Swallow Mountain Palace supposed to be here, to join in the discussion? Why is she absent now? Perhaps, Elder Wu Batian, from the Black Eagle Mountain, can enlighten me?"

The one that Du Yan's father had picked out was a slightly younger man, but already with grey in his hair and beard. He was seated in the front of the enemy assemblage, but didn't bother to get up to answer the question. Instead, he merely glanced at one of the youngsters at his side, who half-shouted the reply in a sneering tone:

"Snow Swallow Palace's Elder Ji Lixue claimed that she had important matters to discuss with her disciple, and would only appear later. If it is necessary at all."

The mockery in those words were biting, and the rest of the contingent behind Wu Batian grinned as they felt the anger being roused in the Du Family. Especially in Du Yan, whose face had already gone bright red in response to the insult.

But Du Chenyong was still able to control himself, and in doing so, hold back his son. "In that case, I suppose that we shall have to begin the discussion without her," he sighed, his voice still neutral when he spoke. Which had even some of the opposition looking on with admiration. Clearly, this man was formidable, in his own way.

However, how could the ones opposing the Du Family not have another method, of triggering a flat-out skirmish, rather than a peaceful talk?

"Why bother to waste any time with words? Let's just start the whole thing off right now!" roared a young man from the Golden Shield School, as he jumped forward immediately, landing in the centre of the cleared Arena stage. Like all the others from that Martial School, he was dressed in brown and wore a golden yellow sash around his waist. And he was a burly fellow too, although not as wide in the shoulder as Du Yan.

"Which one of you is going to come forth and meet me? You? Do you dare to fight me?"

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