Chapter 608: Comparing the Qin and Ning lords (1/2)
Chapter 608: Comparing the Qin and Ning lords
Ning Cheng finally stopped to study Han Yunxi, the first time he’d ever paid so much attention to any woman in his life. Unfortunately, he didn’t get any insights before Long Feiye pulled her behind him. His other hand unsheathed his sword as he asked, “Are you exchanging them or not?”
Just like multiple instances in the past, Long Feiye had quietly placed Han Yunxi behind himself again. He only stepped up to the plate when Han Yunxi’s usual display of brilliance and abilities weren’t enough to win the day, but this was his first time hiding her even when she wasn’t in any apparent danger.
Ning Cheng finally realized that his thoughts had been wandering just then. He immediately withdrew his gaze, disliking the sudden loss of control. Still, there was no time to entertain the thought when Long Feiye was already brandishing his weapon.
“We’ll exchange them! At least let my men bring Gu Beiyue over!” Ning Cheng replied.
“Lil Thing, step aside!” Han Yunxi beckoned to Lil Thing, who understood but was still reluctant to leave. But for the sake of getting the gentleman sooner, it relented. It carefully released its paws so that Gu Beiyue could lie down on the ground, then stepped a little ways away to watch. The people to deliver the hostage were none other than Chu Yunyi and General Chu.
They were distressed over Chu Tianyin’s sealed acupoints and would rather unseal Gu Beiyue’s acupoints on the spot, but Lil Thing was watching their each and every move. Its gaze was sharp and cold, enough to remind one of a wolf. Dreading the sight, both men couldn’t do anything beyond bringing Gu Beiyue to Ning Cheng’s side. At the same time, Tang Li brought Chu Tianyin to stand by Long Feiye.
Long Feiye rested one hand behind his back while the other pressed on Chu Tianyin’s shoulder to keep him in place. Ning Cheng stood up and cradled his wine cup in one hand while the other grabbed Gu Beiyue around the neck so he wouldn’t topple to the ground. The two men faced each other, separated by less than a foot. Their heights were similar, their bearing tall and proud. Both of their eyes exuded pure frost as they sized each other up. It was like a meeting of enemy kings, with the winner still uncertain. Everyone present was focused on the pair and marveling at the sight. These two young men were very similar, but minute differences kept them apart.
When it came to looks, Ning Cheng had strong features and deepset eyes. A heroic air surrounded him, making it hard for anyone to pick out any flaws. Long Feiye’s frozen features seemed to be carved out of solid ice and looked perfect from all angles even as it chilled his observers to the bone.
In terms of status, Ning Chen had the Cloud Realm Trade Consortium in his hands and controlled one third of the continent’s commerce. The jade crystal ring on his thumb was ten times more exquisite than the one with Northern Li’s emperor, a clear proof of his wealth. However, Long Feiye was by no means inferior. He disliked wearing jewelry himself, but the bracelet on his woman’s wrist defeated any other accessory in the world in an instant.
In terms of military strength, Ning Cheng was a notch ahead, especially after gaining the Chu Clan troops. But if Long Feiye added the mermaid soldiers to his ranks, then he might not lose, either. The Baili Navy didn’t just fight above the seas but throughout all of Cloud Realm Continent’s waterways, lakes, and streams.
In terms of martial prowess, Long Feiye was the better party. Celestial Mountain Sword Sect’s sword arts and his own skills with the whip weren’t to be underestimated.
In terms of air and bearing, Long Feiye won as well, because he was inherently inviolate. His consummate air of a sovereign was naturally domineering, a remnant of his royal East Qin blood. Even if Ning Cheng didn’t know this, he still felt a sliver of dread in his heart upon facing this man. Han Yunxi was looking at them both, but she didn’t make any comparisons. She would never compare Long Feiye to other men because there was simply no need. This man had both good and bad points in her heart, but she’d accepted them all. Did loving him in spite of his flaws count as true love? Or am I simply hopeless?
Abruptly, Ning Cheng set his wine cup down, earning everyone’s attention as the exchange of hostages was nigh. Seemingly at the same time, Long Feiye’s other hand came to rest on Gu Beiyue’s shoulder even as Ning Cheng’s rested on Chu Tianyin. Their respective free hands were still gripping their own hostage. It seemed like neither men had moved, but their measure of strength had already ended. Han Yunxi couldn’t tell what had happened, but she could guess at the results. She picked up the restless Lil Thing and held it lightly as she waited.
Long Feiye didn’t make her wait long. Very soon, the unconscious Gu Beiyue fell towards Long Feiye while Chu Tianyin was still in his grasp. Both Chu Yunyi and General Chu were martial arts experts, so they could tell that Long Feiye and Ning Cheng had been comparing their internal energy with each other. During the entire process, Gu Beiyue had been too unconscious to give Long Feiye any support, but Chu Tianyin had been working with Ning Cheng the entire time. Still, even the two of them combined wasn’t a match for Long Feiye. Just what is the extent of his inner strength? It made one wonder whether he had already surpassed his master, the Sword Sect master.
Gu Beiyue was now leaning against Long Feiye’s shoulder. Although Ning Cheng hadn’t let him go, the victor was already decided, so his actions were pointless! Meanwhile, Long Feiye still had a death grip on Chu Tianyin as he fought against Ning Cheng. Ning Cheng finally released Gu Beiyue and shrugged his shoulders, backing away to acknowledge his defeat. Long Feiye’s lips curved up in disdain before he pushed Chu Tianyin over.
Han Yunxi drew forward to look at Gu Beiyue, but Long Feiye simply handed the man over to Tang Li. Seeing this, the anxious Han Yunxi kept her mouth shut. Lil Thing immediately jumped onto Tang Li’s shoulder to examine its gentleman and wipe its tears at the same time. Its paws were stained with a mix of tears and blood, a pathetic sight. Han Yunxi went to take Gu Beiyue’s pulse and discovered that it was very weak, as if he’d suffered through a serious illness and had yet to recover. Just like before, she couldn’t determine the specific illness, only that he was weak. She couldn’t be sure whether Gu Beiyue had a unique pulse or her medical skills were simply too limited, because she couldn’t tell what was wrong.