Volume 2 Chapter 44 (1/2)
This chapter has been brought to you by me, and larkspur.
Chapter 44: Fight Over Position
”Word is it is Chen Liufeng, ranking thirty seven, and Fan Wuque, at thirty five.”
Zhang Yi was a gentleman. While he feared Xue w.a.n.gxu would be angry and was in a rush, after taking two steps, he still asked, ”Is there any matter with the shop? How about telling your aunt?”
Ding Ning shook his head and said, ”No need.”
With Zhangsun Qianxue's cultivation, nothing in this small alley could escape her perception. While the porridge on the stove had not boiled, this was fine.
The Xie Family was a tyc.o.o.n of Guanzhong, and Xie Changsheng usually threw gold around like it was dirt and cared greatly about appearances. So at this time, there were two grandiose carriages waiting in front of Xue w.a.n.gxu's small courtyard.
The horses were blue wind-chasing steeds bred in Longxi Commandery. Their hides shone, void of any impure color. The sides of the cabins that were adorned with white jade and gold foil looked grand and majestic.
Xue w.a.n.gxu and Shen Yi were already in one of the carriages. Seeing Zhang Yi impatiently pull Ding Ning over, Xue w.a.n.gxu laughed in pleasure.
His life was worth it to have such students in his old age, rus.h.i.+ng just for his momentary fancies.
Xie Changsheng had arranged well. The cabins had wine and food. Once Zhang Yi and Ding Ning boarded, the drivers of the two carriages immediately sent the carriages off at their fastest speed.
Ding Ning grabbed a piece of dried bread and tore it to eat. He asked Zhang Yi, ”Where are the two fighting?”
Zhang Yi said, ”Chrysanthemum Hill next to Little Zhou River.”
”That's not far.” Ding Ning asked, ”What feud do the two have?”
The Little Zhou River was a wild river in the south of Changling. The tall slopes on the river banks were like the hillsides. They were usually used for goat herding. In autumn, the two sh.o.r.es would bloom with wild chrysanthemums attract many admirers.
There were some old stone platforms that were used in the past by the military to pa.s.s on information.They were now serving as viewing platforms. For the cultivators of Changling, this place was a great setting for a public battle. People on both sh.o.r.es could have a clear view of the battle.
”I only know that Chen Liufeng is an exceptional student of Moon Sea Sword School and cultivates the Blue Sea Tide Sword. Fang Wuque's teacher is Tian Hanyang of Orthodox Heaven Sword School, and should cultivate the Stone Grotto Sword,” Zhang Yi said apologetically. ”I fear we will only know after arriving about the grudge between them.”
The book of talents created by the Hongyang Academy considered many factors in their ranking. The two sides fighting this time, Chen Liufeng and Fang Wuque, were only ranked thirty seventh and thirty fifth. However, Ding Ning, who had won the sword trial festival, gained attention along with Xue w.a.n.gxu, and also broken a cultivation record, only ranked seventy two. Nangong Caishu and the others did not rank within the top one hundred. This thirty seven and thirty five were existences that most young people of Changling looked up to usually.
Though it was early in the morning, numerous carriages were parked on the hills on either side of the Little Zhou River. The carriages that came in later were unable to get close towards the stone platforms.
Seeing that the carriages he had sent to get Ding Ning, Xue w.a.n.gxu and the others still nowhere in sight, Xue Changsheng, on the hill, became slightly restless. He said, ”So many people!”
Nangong Caishu glanced at him and said, ”It is because of Hongyang Academy's little book. If not for the little book, there would not be so many people watching the fight. With the appearance of this little book, many unrelated young geniuses suddenly seem to be related. The people on the book want to see what strength number thirty seven and thirty five possess. They want to understand more. The people not on the book want to see why they are not on the book, and the disparity.”
”They are here!” At this time, Xu Heshan's expression grew joyful when he saw the two carriages that had been sent to Falling Parasol.
”At least they are in time.” Xie Changsheng ignored others and shouted towards the two carriage drivers who could not get close. ”Over here!”
At this time, there were many young geniuses and people of prestigious families that had been sent to watch on both sh.o.r.es, but not many were as outstanding in appearance as Xie Changsheng. So Ding Ning easily heard Xie Changsheng's voice and spotted them.
”What is going on with these two to come here to fight?” Ding Ning asked when they reached Xie Changsheng's side and saw the two figures facing each other on the stone platform opposite him.
”Supposedly over a woman.” Xie Changsheng said with slight disdain. ”These two were once good friends. Chen Liufeng liked a girl and frequently asked Fang Wuque for ideas. But then Fang Wuque got together with the girl. Chen Liufeng was furious. He originally prepared to never interact with Fang Wuque again but with the appearance of this book, Chen Liufeng, who was under the impression that Fang Wuque is beneath him, saw himself ranked later, and could not accept it. So he sent a formal challenge to Fang Wuque.”
At these words, Zhang Yi couldn't help but say seriously, ”This Fang Wuque is wrong. A gentleman should not steal another's beloved thing, much less the woman his good friend is in love with.”
Ding Ning examined the two youths standing coldly opposite each other on the stone platform.
One of them was dressed in black robes, and his hair was tied up with a black tie. His features were cold and he looked as though he usually did not smile. The other was dressed in blue robes and looked slightly delicate and pretty.
”Which one is Chen Liufeng and Fang Wuque?” Ding Ning looked at Xie Changsheng and said, ”If they wanted many people to see this, there are enough people now. Why haven't they started? What are they waiting for?”