Chapter 529: Trumping up countercharges at the Grand Medicine Testing Convention (1/2)

Chapter 529: Trumping up countercharges at the Grand Medicine Testing Convention

The head of the Hundred Poisons Sect! Hearing this, chaos broken out at the convention. Mu Yingdong’s expression was the most sensational one of all. Jun Yixie had two identities—that of Northern Li’s Duke of Kang and the Hundred Poisons Sect leader. But the young apprentice had purposely called him by the latter name. Just what did that mean? Did he do it on purpose? Had Head Elder Xie discovered something?

Mu Yingdong looked doubtfully at Head Elder Xie, hestitating slightly. Finally, he shot a meaningful look at a nearby retainer, who quickly ran off to remind Jun Yixie that a trap might be afoot. Mu Yingdong had the courage to risk his plot, but he couldn’t afford any losses, so it was better to be prudent.

Currently, Jun Yixie was still outside and oblivious to all that had happened. He could only hear sounds of commotion from within, which caused his lips to curve into a cold smile. When I go announce the marriage news, it’ll probably be even more spectacular than now.

“The Hundred Poisons Sect has the gall to flaunt their atrocious attitude at our Medicine City? Bring him in, see what he’s up to!” Head Elder Xie proclaimed.

The apprentice was about to leave when Mu Yingdong hastened to stop him. “Hold it. Your Excellency Head Elder, we can’t stop the Grand Medicine Testing Convention here. No matter what the Duke of Kang is doing, we can discuss it once the competition is finished.”

Head Elder Xie glanced at Mu Yingdong’s departing retainer but let him go, then said rudely to Mu Yingdong, “Duke of Kang? What, is the Mu Clan head very familiar with this poison sect’s leader?”

Mu Yingdong didn’t want to acknowledge the comment, but in order to give his retainer more time, he smiled and said, “A few years ago, Northern Li’s Imperial Physician Courtyard sent the Duke of Kang to discuss business with the Council of Elders and our city’s three clans. Has Your Excellency Head Elder forgotten?”

Head Elder Xie ignored him and ordered the apprentice, “Hurry and get going!”

Mu Yingdong didn’t dare elaborate past that. Without knowing what was going on, saying too much would be a mistake. Who knows when a random comment could be turned and used against him? His retainer had been gone for awhile now, so Mu Yingdong could only hope that the man reached Jun Yixie in time. Once he and Head Elder Xie fell silent, the entire arena grew still as well. The ones who earned the right to be invited to this convention, along with the competitors themselves, were all impatient types. But since the first two rings of people were all quiet, no one else dared to speak.

Sitting amongst the crowd, Han Yunxi simply crossed her arms and leaned against her seat, looked with amusement at Mu Yingdong. Next to her, Long Feiye had his eyes shut in tranquil repose, cutting himself off from the tense atmosphere to create his own world. Still, everything happening outside was well within his grasp. Mu Yingdong’s retainer never made it out of the forest before he was stopped by the Xie Clan’s men. It was obvious that Head Elder Xie had made ample preparations long before the medical apprentice announced the arrival of the ‘Hundred Poisons Sect leader.’

Meanwhile, the aforementioned apprentice appeared at the entrance and made a show of respect by saying, “Your Highness Duke of Kang, Head Elder Xie invites you in.”

Jun Yixie waved a hand and the procession of servants dressed in celebratory robes strutted in after him through the entrance to the circular stage. Everyone present turned to witness their arrival. At first the crowd said nothing, but as Jun Yixie’s group drew closer, their mutterings grew. Jun Yixie himself was dressed in the formal robes of the Duke of Kang, looking proud and arrogantly domineering. It was very clear that he had come under the status of his other title. Behind him were ten or so retainers lined up in a row, each of them wearing red robes and carrying poles holding giftboxes between their shoulders. Each of the boxes were decorated with a large red 囍 character—xi, or double happiness—used in weddings.

He’s obviously here with betrothal gifts, but…what is going on?

Just then, the medical apprentice hadn’t mentioned any of these details. The whispers and murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Mu Yingdong’s expression looked ghastly. He could sensed that something was wrong, so he tried multiple times to send Jun Yixie meaningful looks to salvage the situation. Unfortunately, the man simply strode rampantly onto the stage.

“Head of the Hundred Poisons Sect, this is…” Head Elder Xie trailed off.

Jun Yixie heard the name but didn’t think much of it. He simply assumed that Head Elder Xie wanted to be more realistic in acting out his surprise. Making a bow with clasped hands, he replied, “This lord is representing Northern Li’s imperial clan today to pay my respects, Head Elder Xie!”

Head Elder Xie gave him a disdainful look as he replied rudely, “Northern Li’s Duke of Kang, is it? Heheh, what did you come for?”

“Head Elder Xie, this lord didn’t originally plan to disrupt the Grand Medicine Testing Convention, but our Northern Li crown prince entrusted me to entreat a favor!” Jun Yixie proclaimed loudly.

“Does it have anything to do with our Grand Medicine Testing Convention? You had to pick now of all times to come?” Head Elder Xie asked impatiently.

“It has nothing to do with the convention, but it is related to all of Medicine City. Therefore, this lord is taking the chance with all of Medicine City’s denizens here to make a request,” Jun Yixie replied.

Now everyone in the crowd was curious. How could a marriage proposal have anything to do with Medicine City?

“What is it?” Head Elder Xie asked, causing the crowd to quiet down nervously.

“My Northern Li’s crown prince has long loved the Mu Clan’s ninth young Miss. He strove to get approval from the emperor to cede Skypeak Mountain’s snowfields as a betrothal gift to wed ninth young Miss!”

Head Elder Xie was all astonishment at his words. “What did you say?!” he cried.

Mu Yingdong relaxed upon seeing this reaction. He inwardly smiled coldly and thought to himself, Xie Deyi, ah, Xie Deyi, you old skank. You certainly know how to put on an act!