588 Crush (2/2)

”Huh, her business? King Kuari will use her to threaten you, and you are still taking this as 'business'?”

If he could make his own decisions, Gu Shenwei would rather stay out of it all. It was really ridiculous that King Kuari and Golden Roc Castle actually believed that they could coerce him with Luo Ningcha.

Time was running out but Tuo Sai was full of caution, so Gu Shenwei had to remind him. ”Luo Ningcha isn't a stubborn woman. There's no need to torture her, as putting her under house arrest for two or three days will be enough to get her to confess to everything. It's actually you who the Second Consort wants to save, not her.”

Tuo Sai gaped and realized he was as foolish as Kuo Zhen. He had only thought of the beauty of that woman and had ignored the crucial fact that Luo Ningcha's confession would kill him.

”Can you save her?”

”With your help.”

Once he found himself in danger, Tuo Sai's fiery love in his heart immediately cooled. ”Wouldn't it be better for the Second Consort to take up this matter herself? Luo Ningcha is her guest…”

”Luo Ningcha is also a young mistress of Golden Roc Castle. The Second Consort can't do anything if Shangguan Yun doesn't agree to her demands.” Gu Shenwei paused for a moment before continuing, ”It doesn't matter if you don't want to take risks. I also don't want to take risks, so forget it. King Kuari may not really force her, and she may not confess.”

Tuo Sai had given up all resistance before Gu Shenwei even turned around. ”Wait, I… I'll help.”

Gu Shenwei knew that King Riyao's son would be firmly controlled by the Second Consort from now on. In the past, he had only provided some trivial information but now he had to pour his heart out and take a stand.

Tuo Sai only had a general idea about King Kuari's plan, but the parts he did know were the most important parts.

”King Kuari doesn't want to kill you. He'll let you take Luo Ningcha away. When you two try to run away, he'll openly pursue you while making a great commotion. After that, he'll pretend it's just a misunderstanding, and then he'll tell everyone that you two … are having an affair.”

What would happen next was easy to guess. Shangguan Yun and Zhang Ji would show appropriate anger, and may even bring Shangguan Nu out to ask for justice as a husband, causing the Dragon King to lose his reputation.

King Kuari still wanted to drive the Dragon King away so that he could frame him up later.

”The Dragon King has to make a move now if you want to save her. King Kuari wasn't joking. He'll really play hard if the Dragon King doesn't agree to exchange hostages after dawn.” Tuo Sai trembled with fear. He couldn't believe such a beauty could endure being beaten.

Gu Shenwei didn't act at once; he didn't want to take risks for Luo Ningcha. He was telling the truth.

The Tournament of the Royal Court was more boisterous than ever today. The arenas where the warrior contest was held were crowded with spectators. Less than one percent of the audience could see what was going on inside, but that did not affect the enthusiasm of the crowd.

Gu Shenwei went to the viewing area for nobles with guards, and under the deliberate arrangement of the organizer, his seat was next to King Kuari's.

Gu Shenwei arrived first. The nobles around all looked askance and none of them greeted him. They all kept a low voice as they talked with each other.

About a quarter of an hour later, King Kuari showed up. He spread his arms and approached Gu Shenwei with unusual enthusiasm. ”Let us thank the Dragon King. If it weren't for him, how could today's warrior contest have such a large audience?”

His words were like a magic incantation. The nobles who were whispering suddenly had a mood change from dreary to boisterous. They laughed in unison and crowded around the Dragon King, subtly steering the conversation towards the real important figure, King Kuari.

”Is the Dragon King really from the Western Regions? You really know the customs of the Norland well. The warriors under King Kuari haven't met any worthy opponents for many years. Can the Dragon King open my eyes today?”

”What about the bet? Take them out for everyone to have a look. I heard that the Dragon King's saber and sword were made by a famous craftsman in the Western Regions. I don't know if they can be compared to any in King Kuari's collections.”

...

King Kuari ordered someone to lay out his ten weapons, seven sabers and three swords, all of which were placed in exquisite caskets of different styles. They were indeed the works of famous craftsmen from all over the world.

To the exclamations of the crowd, Gu Shenwei drew his Five Peaks Saber and Dragon Head Sword with both hands and stated, ”That's them.” Before the people around could see it clearly, he put them away again, causing discontent and complain.

While everyone was admiring the weapons, King Kuari came over and whispered, ”I haven't received your answer yet, do you agree or disagree?”

”It's up to the warrior contest. If your warriors win, I agree to ally. Otherwise, I'd rather find a more powerful king.”

King Kuari still wore his trademark friendly smile. ”Good idea. Don't let the audience down then. Let's send our warriors in the first game. Is the Dragon King going to play in person?”

”No.” Gu Shenwei waved at one of the guards behind him, ”This is my warrior.”

Shangguan Fei walked out, his face filled with terror. ”Dragon King, don't blame me if I lose,” he blurted out.