Catching Monsters

Chapter 496 The Number One Sword Under Heaven

The once bustling backyard of the Marquis's mansion now had eight tables and chairs set up, with food served exactly the same as in the front yard. The servants busy serving the dishes were all very polite.

They showed no slackness whatsoever just because the guests in the backyard were there to eat for free.

After all, everyone who comes today is a guest of the host family, and no one can be neglected in the slightest. Otherwise, if word gets out, it might affect the reputation of the Jiang family.

Chang Wuming sat at the table and said with a smile to one of the maids who was busy serving dishes, "Little girl, since we've come all this way, I think we should invite Lord Jiang over so we can offer him a toast and congratulations."

Upon hearing this, the maidservant looked somewhat troubled. There were so many distinguished guests waiting for Master Jiang to entertain them in the front courtyard, how could he possibly find the time to come to the back courtyard?

However, the other guests, having already drunk several rounds of wine, laughed and said with their wine cups, "Yes, yes, everyone says that Marquis Weinan is only in his early twenties, yet he has repeatedly made great contributions in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. We have admired him for a long time..."

"I'll go tell Steward Yun about this." After saying that, the maid hurried off to find Steward Yun. Such a big matter was certainly beyond the authority of a mere maid like her.

Meanwhile, the front courtyard was even more lively, as the three major opera troupes in the capital were invited to perform. Of course, the highlight was the opera about Xu Dingwu's great victory over the Northern Hu.

The play tells the story of Xu Dingwu, who joined the army at a young age, then defeated the Hu army, and finally served his country with utmost loyalty, sacrificing his life for his country.

This is the most widely circulated and beloved opera in the capital after Xu Dingwu's death in battle. Now that Xu Dingwu's daughter is getting married, this opera is performed to showcase the heritage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and the principle of loyalty to the country.

Xu Xiaogang and Tao Yuelan, who were sitting below watching the play, couldn't help but think to themselves that if the old Duke were still here, today would probably be even more lively.

Xiao Yuzheng and Xu Dingwu are also longtime friends. While watching the play, they also fell into deep thought.

At this moment, Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen had changed into another set of red robes and came to each table to offer toasts.

Normally, one should first show respect to Tao Yuelan, the elder.

However, things were different when Xiao Yuzheng arrived. Jiang Yun, with Xu Suwen in tow, scanned the room before finally spotting Xiao Yuzheng at the back. She quickly pulled Xu Suwen towards the back.

The six ministers were sitting at a table with Tao Yuelan and others when they saw this. They all frowned slightly. The Minister of Rites said in a low voice, "Could it be that another distinguished guest has arrived?"

The implication was that, according to their status, they should have been at their table first, as the Minister of Rites valued etiquette above all else.

But when they all looked behind them, their expressions changed, and they suddenly realized that His Majesty had actually arrived!
Everyone present looked somewhat shocked, because Xiao Yuzheng rarely attended the wedding banquets of those below him.

Normally, Xiao Yuzheng would only formally attend the weddings of the nine princes of the Great Zhou Dynasty, or the princes under them, in the capital. At other times, there was no record of Xiao Yuzheng attending other people's weddings.

At most, they would send congratulatory gifts via palace eunuchs.

When Zhao Gongcheng saw Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen walking towards him, he was slightly taken aback. As a wealthy businessman, he knew the rules, so why were his in-laws coming directly towards him?

Just as he was about to speak, Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen respectfully bowed to Xiao Yuzheng, who was sitting next to him.

Jiang Yun raised his wine cup and said, "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Majesty. I am deeply honored."

His Majesty?

Upon hearing those two words, Zhao Gongcheng's mind went blank for a moment. He stared at the middle-aged man beside him in disbelief: "This, this, Your Majesty, just now, I, I..."

Zhao Gongcheng wanted to slap himself twice. Damn it, what was he doing? He had just said that the other party was a eunuch from the palace.

In that instant, he felt that his entire clan was on the verge of extinction.

Xiao Yuzheng remained calm and slowly said, "Alright, Jiang Yun, I'm here today in a private capacity, so you don't need to worry about it."

"Yes." Jiang Yun nodded slightly, but she understood that Xiao Yuzheng's personal presence was a sign of his support.

Soon, Jiang Yun went around to each table to offer toasts, and the atmosphere was quite cheerful.

However, they soon arrived at the banquet where Feng Huan and Feng Beier were sitting. Jiang Yun was also a little surprised, not expecting that Feng Beier would come in person.

Feng Beier picked up her wine glass and looked intently at Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen. Feng Huan, who was next to her, quickly nudged her with his elbow, afraid that his infatuated and silly sister would say something nonsense, and said first, "I have long heard that the Marquis of Weinan is young and handsome."

"Now that I've seen it for myself, I can see that it truly lives up to its reputation."

"As for Miss Xu, we've known each other for many years." Feng Huan paused for a moment, then could only manage to utter the words "Congratulations."

Because he had been beaten by Xu Suwen many times. When Xu Xiaogang was young, he often had conflicts with Feng Huan, and he could never beat Feng Huan.

After Xu Suwen found out, she would always come to his door and beat him up. At this moment, when Xu Suwen looked at him, he felt a chill run down his spine...

Xu Suwen smiled generously and said, "Thank you. If Miss Feng has time in the future, you are welcome to visit our Marquis's residence more often."

Feng Beier nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on Jiang Yun: "Definitely."

Soon, after toasting all the distinguished guests in front, Yun Pingchuan, who was waiting by the banquet, quickly walked over and said in a low voice, "Master, Madam, we would also like you to go and toast the guests in the backyard as well, to share in the joy. What do you think?"

Xu Suwen nodded without hesitation and said with a smile, "Alright, everyone who comes today is a guest, and we can't neglect them, otherwise people will say that our family is snobbish."

"Let's go."

Xu Suwen took Jiang Yun's hand and followed Yun Pingchuan to the backyard.

Meanwhile, the backyard was also bustling with activity, and in some ways, the drinking was even more enjoyable.

After all, this wine was not something ordinary people could drink on a daily basis, so they drank it from large bowls and ate meat from large bowls.

Chang Wuming, on the other hand, was slowly eating peanuts on the table with his chopsticks, showing no interest in the wine.

Meanwhile, a drunkard suddenly appeared at the table and started drinking with the others, having a great time.

Qu Lanyu was squatting on the table, holding a wine bowl, playing a drinking game with the person next to her. After losing, she drank the wine in one big gulp.

He has already lost ten punches in a row.

"Hey, hey, big brother, at least win one punch! You've almost drunk all the good wine on our table." The middle-aged man sitting opposite couldn't help but lick his lips when he saw this. He hadn't been able to drink a drop of wine since Qu Lanyu came over.

He couldn't help but suspect that this bastard had deliberately lost in order to win more alcohol.

Qu Lanyu burst into laughter. This was the real drinking atmosphere. All those high-ranking officials and nobles in front of them were pretending to be reserved, only taking small sips of their drinks.

What's the point?

Qu Lanyu quickly put her arm around Chang Wuming's shoulder and said, "Brother, such good wine, you're not going to drink it? That's such a waste."

"I don't drink alcohol." Chang Wuming waved his hand, indicating that he had no interest in alcohol.

Just then, Yun Pingchuan's voice rang out from not far behind: "The Marquis has arrived!"

Immediately, many eyes turned to look ahead as Jiang Yun, holding Xu Suwen's hand, walked over with a smile on her face. In an instant, many people present couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"They really are a perfect match."

"Lord Jiang is so young, yet he has become the commander of the Eastern Garrison."

Another person whispered, "So what? He's the son-in-law of the Duke of Zhenguo's family. Does that mean he can't hold a high-ranking official position?"

"Hey, if you didn't have some ability, how could you be ennobled at such a young age? Aren't there plenty of sons-in-law in wealthy families? How many people can achieve this?"

Many people were whispering among themselves. Jiang Yun smiled, picked up a wine glass, and said, "Those who have come today are guests. Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. I would like to propose a toast to you all."

After saying that, he took a sip of wine from his glass.

Those present also raised their glasses.

After finishing his drink, Jiang Yun was about to leave when he soon saw Qu Lanyu. He asked in confusion, "Senior Qu, what brings you here?"

"Hey, drinking up there isn't nearly as enjoyable as here," Qu Lanyu said with a smile. "Besides, I came empty-handed for your wedding to Xu Suwen, so shouldn't I prepare a gift for you?"

Preparing a gift?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun's eyes immediately became somewhat confused, as if she didn't understand.

At this moment, Chang Wuming was only two zhang away from Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen. He was a first-grade Heavenly Demon Realm expert, and he could take the lives of Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen as soon as he made a move.

He was well aware that there were many experts in the capital, and that there were quite a few experts among the guests who came this time.

But as long as he takes their lives now, he is confident that he can escape from the capital.

Afterwards, he also didn't believe that the Zhou court would dare to come to the demon kingdom to cause him trouble for the sake of two dead people.

Thinking of this, a hint of ruthlessness couldn't help but show in Chang Wuming's eyes.

You should know that because of Jiang Yun, a full second-grade Earth Demon Realm and more than a dozen third-grade Demon King Realm monsters were lost!
With such a huge loss, if we don't get rid of Jiang Yun, then we can't even talk about what outsiders will think of the Snake Clan.

Even within the Light Serpent Clan, there is likely to be unrest among the serpents.

At this moment, seeing Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen turn to leave, Chang Wuming slowly spoke.

"Please wait a moment, my lord and my lady. I have come from afar with a special gift for you. Would you like to take a look?"

Jiang Yun turned around in surprise, and suddenly, a terrifying aura rushed towards her.

This is a biological instinctive reaction to danger, just like how a person's legs would go weak when encountering a tiger or lion.

Chang Wuming moved with unpredictable speed, instantly appearing before Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen, and said calmly, "Second-Rank True Monarch Realm?"

"Young man, the difference between the second rank and the first rank is like an insurmountable chasm."

In an instant, Chang Wuming struck out with both palms, ready to take their lives.

The speed was so fast that Jiang Yun didn't even have time to react, and he could only think to himself, "Oh no!"

At the critical moment, a figure rushed out and stood in front of Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen.

These two palms landed hard on Qu Lanyu's body.

In an instant, Qu Lanyu was blasted away by the power of the two palms, knocking Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen to the ground. She then rolled several times before slowly coming to a stop.

"Senior Qu." Jiang Yun's expression changed, and he quickly got up and looked at Qu Lanyu. Qu Lanyu was lying on the ground, but he didn't move at all. After a moment...

"belch……"

Qu Lanyu let out a burp and slowly stood up, spitting out quite a bit of wine. He wiped the wine off his clothes and said, "It's such a waste of all this wine."

"Who goes there?" Chang Wuming narrowed his eyes, looking at Qu Lanyu warily. This guy was also quite fast, appearing instantly and blocking Jiang Yun and Xu Suwen.

Chang Wuming said coldly, "Do you know what the consequences will be if you stop my snake clan from killing someone?"

"Just a nobody." Qu Lanyu stood up and said to Jiang Yun, "Kid, taking those two blows for you is quite a generous gift, isn't it?"

"Thank you so much for saving my life, senior." Jiang Yun quickly shielded Xu Suwen behind him and said gratefully to Qu Lanyu, "Senior, please hold them off for a while while I activate the formation to deal with this demon..."

It should be noted that Jiang Yun had already set up a mountain-guarding formation in this house, and its power was considerable.

Of course, Jiang Yun didn't know if it would be effective against Chang Wuming, who was at the first-grade Heavenly Demon Realm.

"Don't bother. Since it's a gift, let's give a big one: a snake demon of the first-grade Heavenly Demon Realm. It might taste good as a snake soup to go with wine."

Upon hearing this, Chang Wuming was so angry that he couldn't help but laugh out loud and turned himself into snake soup.
For many years, Chang Wuming, as the patriarch of the snake clan, had not heard such arrogant words.

He said slowly, "You drunkard, you look like you've had too much to drink. Even the current Demon Emperor wouldn't dare to boast that he can kill me with certainty."

"The Demon Emperor is the Demon Emperor, and I am me," Qu Lanyu said slowly. "I really liked what you said just now. What was it again?"

Qu Lanyu thought for a moment and said, "The difference between the second rank and the first rank is like a chasm, right? I think that's what it's called."

"Then do you know that there are differences between even the highest-ranking grades?"

"What an arrogant tone." Upon hearing this, Chang Wuming snorted coldly: "Since that's the case, state your name. I don't kill nameless nobodies."

Qu Lanyu patted her clothes, slowly walked forward, and said, "Qu Wushang."

Upon hearing those three words, Chang Wuming narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he were thinking about something. But then, his pupils contracted slightly, and he stared at the other person in disbelief.

She even subconsciously took two steps back, her eyes filled with shock as she looked at Qu Wushang.

"Qu Wushang."

"Qu Wushang."

"The greatest swordsman in the world!"

"Someone who was once infinitely close to the Saint Realm!"

"You, weren't you supposed to have failed to break through to the Saint Realm and died? How are you still alive?"

(End of this chapter)