Chapter Thirty: Trouble Erupts

And so, in the days that followed, Liu Ji spent most of his time immersed in the cultivation of his movement technique, striving relentlessly to hone his skills. At first, he did not overestimate himself; the jade pillars in the seventy-two column Formless Array beneath his feet remained unmoving. He only needed to contend with pillars charging at him from three directions, yet even so, the challenge was considerable.

Unlike before, he now faced simultaneous attacks from three directions, and the speed at which the pillars crashed toward him was far from slow. This taxed both his stamina and his focus. In the early days of the training, even when he gave his all to fend off the jade pillars rushing him from three sides, it was a strenuous ordeal, leaving him battered and bruised.

Each day ended with aches and bruises, and upon returning home, he desired nothing more than to sleep soundly. Yet he had to diligently memorize boxing techniques and the methods of martial cultivation, for he could not rely solely on the Heavenly Firmament Qi, however formidable its power might be.

Thus, for several days, Liu Ji was either soaking in the training grounds or at home, and life was no longer as carefree and joyful as it had been before. Still, he did not slacken in his cultivation; he understood deeply that both he and the Prince of South's manor were surrounded by formidable enemies.

Not for others, but for himself, he knew he must work hard to strengthen his skills and safeguard his own life. Only then could he enjoy the freedom of a young lord; without strength, neither pleasure nor safety were assured.

His diligence was not without reward. After several days of rigorous training, Liu Ji could clearly sense that his movement technique had significantly improved. As for martial moves, he practiced the most basic boxing forms taught within the manor. They were not advanced, but at least he would not fight like a shrew, flailing wildly and inviting ridicule.

Regarding Liu Ji, under the discreet manipulation of the Prince of South's manor, the public's attention gradually shifted away from him, ensuring he was not constantly at the center of controversy. Although a few perceptive individuals sensed something was amiss, they were clever enough to understand the wisdom of self-preservation. It was plain to see: the Prince of South's manor had indeed rendered many services to the empire, yet Liu Heng's existence was a thorn in the side for some.

Especially since the Prince of South's manor commanded the mighty South Tiger Cavalry—one of the strongest armies of the era—a single regiment was worth tens of thousands of ordinary troops. Even the royal family regarded this force with caution.

And so, in political struggles of this scale, the shrewd kept their distance, unwilling and unable to participate. The waves stirred up by such conflict could easily crush them to dust.

Whether Liu Ji was a failure at cultivation had little to do with them. They simply wished to watch the drama unfold quietly from the sidelines.

So the days passed thus.

...

Spring Night Pavilion.

On the stage ahead, seven or eight alluring women, scantily clad as though only a few scraps of cloth covered their bodies, were dancing. Their waists were as supple as water serpents, their chests heaving in waves, their seductive movements and the expanses of tender, exposed skin made the audience’s eyes glitter.

Occasionally, a glimpse of spring would flash, and their coy, half-veiled gestures stirred throats and set men swallowing eagerly, wishing they could rush forward that very instant.

"Young lord, here, open your mouth~"

A slender, delicate finger offered a fiery red fruit, the size of a grape, to Liu Ji’s lips, her laughter thick with temptation.

When the dancing stopped, Liu Ji applauded and called out, "Excellent!"

He tossed a purse from his waist onto the stage. "This is three hundred thousand coins for you all. Keep going, give me another dance! If you do well, there will be more rewards!"

"Yes, certainly!" The madam, dressed in flamboyant splendor, smiled so broadly her face nearly split, clutching the heavy purse. "Girls, hurry up! If the young lord is pleased tonight, you might even be chosen to serve him in his chambers!"

Thus, the dancers on stage redoubled their efforts, showing even more of themselves, unbothered by the exposure.

"Hehe, young lord, how are these dishes? Do they suit your taste?" The madam approached Liu Ji, her face full of ingratiating smiles.

"They're adequate," Liu Ji nodded.

"You, girl, what are you doing? Serve him properly!" The madam pushed the woman beside Liu Ji—a young lady with long, ice-blue hair—and scolded, "Smile! Put some joy on your face. If the young lord is delighted, he might reward you generously!"

The woman appeared to be twenty-one or twenty-two, slender and tall, her ice-blue hair cascading like a waterfall over her fair, delicate back. Her oval face, high nose, and refined features gave her a sculpted beauty, and her eyes shimmered like crystalline ice.

Her skin was paler than snow, soft and tender to the touch.

She glanced at the madam, then reached out her lovely hand and offered a morsel to Liu Ji. Liu Ji looked at her and casually asked, "She’s the one you brought here from the Northern Region?"

The madam nodded eagerly. "Yes, how do you find her?"

Liu Ji nodded, "She’s quite attractive, but is she still untouched?"

The madam smiled, "You need not worry, young lord. When we brought her here from the Northern Region, we kept her protected all along." She seemed to recall something. "Just recently, Young Master Sun Ang from the Sun family asked for Little Blue by name, but I refused! She’s reserved especially for you, young lord. She’s pure, inside and out!"

Liu Ji reached out to touch Little Blue’s cheek, but as soon as his fingers brushed her skin, she turned her head away, her face full of disdain.

He was momentarily surprised, then gripped her chin.

He laughed lightly, "You’ve got some spirit."

Little Blue remained silent, staring at him. The fierceness in her gaze was harmless, only fueling a man’s desire to conquer.

Liu Ji chuckled and released her chin, turning to the madam with a cool tone, "Wash her clean tonight and send her to the manor."

The madam was overjoyed, "Certainly!"

"I won’t go!"

Little Blue fixed her gaze coldly on Liu Ji, her expression unyielding.

Liu Ji paused, turning to her with a sudden chuckle. "It’s not up to you. In South King City, my word is law."

"You!" Little Blue trembled with anger.

Liu Ji stroked her pale cheek, feeling its softness and warmth. He said, "Would you rather be pressed beneath the rough men here, or beneath someone as handsome as me?"

He smiled faintly, "Believe me, if I don’t want you tonight, these men will make sure you don’t get a moment’s rest!"

Hearing this, Little Blue’s delicate body trembled and her face dimmed.

Just then, a servant from the manor hurried over to Liu Ji, glancing at Xiao Ya before whispering in Liu Ji’s ear.

After listening, Liu Ji frowned.

"Send her over tonight," he said, releasing Little Blue and instructing the madam again before turning to leave. "Xiao Ya, let’s go!"

Watching Liu Ji leave hastily, Xiao Ya was full of confusion.

When Liu Ji and his party arrived outside the Prince of South's manor, they saw an ordinary-looking man standing there, his expression anxious as he paced back and forth, clearly having waited a long time.

Seeing Liu Ji and Xiao Ya approach, the man’s face brightened and he hurried toward them. As he drew near, blood stains could be seen on him.

"Third... Third Uncle?!"

Xiao Ya, beside him, exclaimed in surprise, her face filled with worry. "Third Uncle, what’s happened to you? Why are you covered in blood?"

The man wept, "Xiao Ya, it’s terrible! Your father and mother are in trouble!"

Xiao Ya was stunned. "What happened to my father and mother?"

"They’re in trouble! No, it’s not just them—everyone in our village is in trouble!" Third Uncle’s tears streamed down, sobbing like a child.

Liu Ji barked coldly, "Speak slowly!"

The man glanced at Liu Ji, wiped his tears, and explained, "It’s like this—I came to South King City early yesterday to buy supplies..."

...

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