Minglong

Chapter 173 Hero's Invitation

Hoof-tapping hoof-tapping...

The convoy traveled along White Stone Street and soon arrived at Zheng'an Street.

Inside the spacious carriage, three young women sat side by side in the main seat, with the princess dressed in mourning clothes at the center, each holding up two fingers on either side and maintaining a smile.

Xie Jinhuan sat on the floor at the entrance of the carriage, with a small table on which he sketched a group photo of the three of them with a pen.

Although limited by ink and paper, and in black and white, Xie Jinhuan started drawing at the age of three and managed to create a comic book feel.

The princess and Naiduo's voluptuous figures are stunning, and Momo's slender figure is also clearly displayed, even capturing the reflective effect of the embroidery on the horse-face skirt under the lamplight.

The only downside is that it's not easy to have the three of them stand close together and make a "V" sign with their hands.

rustling...

To avoid keeping the three figures in the same pose for too long, Xie Jinhuan painted quite quickly. However, just as he was about to finish, he suddenly noticed the imposing ghost wife, dressed in a fiery red dress and adorned with a golden dragon headdress, sitting to the side like an empress on a mountain peak, observing the scene. The composition of her profile was extremely beautiful...

?

Xie Jinhuan paused, wanting to draw it in, but then realized it would turn into a supernatural event, so he could only feel apologetic and quickly finished the three-person group photo.

Seeing Xie Jinhuan finish his work, Linghu Qingmo quickly withdrew his fingers, came forward, took the scroll, examined it, and then nodded slightly with approval in his eyes, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Why did you paint me so beautifully?

"You're naturally so beautiful, I've only managed to capture about 70% of your beauty in this drawing."

Princess Changning approached and examined the painting closely. For some reason, she felt the style was somewhat erotic, emphasizing voluptuousness and sexiness, even depicting the subtle folds of full bodices. She looked down at it:

“Am I that big? And look at Qingmo’s butt…”

Duoduo's eyes sparkled: "Yes, exactly! Young Master Xie's eyes are like a ruler!"

Xie Jinhuan humbly replied, "I am a martial artist, so it's normal for me to have exceptional eyesight."

Princess Changning liked the painting very much, carefully put it away, and then glanced out the window:
"We've arrived. Duoduo, take Young Master Xie to see the new house."

"Okay~" Duoduo quickly got up.

Linghu Qingmo had been busy with official business these days and hadn't had a chance to visit, but she was too embarrassed to stick to the man's back, so she interjected:
"You go ahead first. I'll escort the princess back to her residence and come over later."

"Row."
-
The new residence is only a few hundred meters away from the Prince's Mansion. It has been almost finished, with a gilded plaque bearing the name "Marquis of Danyang" hanging at the entrance. Two stone lions stand guard on either side of the vermilion gate. Although it is not as grand as the Prince's Mansion, it is far larger than that of an ordinary household.

Xie Jinhuan walked along the street toward the new house. He was quite surprised to see the large house in the distance. After all, according to the standards of the imperial court's bestowal, the house would not be this big, nor would it be located on Zheng'an Street, where dukes and marquises gathered. The landlady probably put in extra money to get a better one.

Xie Jinhuan used to live in a two-courtyard house and was still wondering where to find servants and a steward when the sweet-smelling Duoduo came over, hugging his arm like a concubine supporting her master.

"My lord, I've taken care of all the chores in the new house. I hope you won't find fault with me in the future..."

?

Xie Jinhuan glanced back and, seeing that the line had already entered, breathed a sigh of relief and took out a small purse from his pocket:

"You've worked hard. Here, this is for you, please don't mind it."

"Oh~"

Duo Duo's eyes lit up with surprise. She wanted to reach out and take it, but after a moment's thought, she crossed her arms and straightened her clothes.
“When the Marquis rewards a maid, how can he hand her the food with his hands? From now on, the Marquis must be more assertive.”

Xie Jinhuan looked around at the street:
"Isn't this appropriate?"

"Then I'll help the Marquis pull it open..."

"Eh!"

Seeing that Duoduo was pulling at his collar to show him her pubic hair without warning, Xie Jinhuan quickly stuffed his purse inside.
"Okay, okay, we're on the street. What if someone sees us..."

"Hehe~ Thank you for the reward, Lord Marquis~"

……

The two continued walking in this manner and soon arrived outside the main gate.

Xie Jinhuan originally wanted to give a red envelope to the soldiers who were helping to guard the gate, but when he looked up, he saw a figure standing in front of the gate, talking to the soldiers.

Xie Jinhuan glanced at him briefly and saw that the newcomer was dressed in a black robe with a sword at his waist. He was Wei Wuyi's grandson, Wei Lu. Now, he had the air of a cool and aloof young swordsman. Xie Jinhuan wondered how long he had been practicing at home...

Xie Jinhuan and Wei Lu were strangers who had met by chance, and while they had a mutual acquaintance who needed his help, they weren't exactly friends. Judging from Wei Lu's demeanor, it seemed she had been waiting for him specifically. Xie Jinhuan handed the umbrella to Duoduo, then bowed respectfully at the door.
"Brother Wei, what are you doing waiting here?"

Wei Lu came to the capital to pay respects to the Empress on her birthday, but he died midway through the ceremony. A hint of sorrow lingered in his expression as he returned the greeting with clasped hands.
"I received news from the mountain today, asking me to deliver a note to Brother Xie. I don't know where Brother Xie lives, so I came to inquire..."

Post?

Xie Jinhuan was a little puzzled, and raised his hand to say:
"Brother Wei, please come inside."

"Hey, we're all from the same martial arts world, no need to be so polite."

As Wei Lu spoke, he took out a gold invitation card from his sleeve:
"My grandfather is getting old and is preparing to hold a 'Heroes' Gathering' at the confluence of the three rivers this month, on the day of the Beginning of Winter. He invites many heroes from the martial arts world to attend and discuss the selection of the next leader of the alliance. Young Master Xie is a martial artist and a man of great talent. I hope you can do me the honor of attending."

Duoduo stood beside him, her eyes brightening slightly upon hearing the sound:
"A martial arts tournament?"

Wei Lu nodded: "Yes, when the major sects hold a martial arts competition, my grandfather will use a 'Tiger Bone Vine' as a prize!"

"Wow……"

Duoduo thought that the princess would like this lively atmosphere.

Xie Jinhuan looked at the 'Invitation to Heroes' and felt a little puzzled.

After all, Emperor Qian had just passed away during the day, and the Heroes' Gathering was being organized at Snow Eagle Ridge that very night; there must have been a purpose behind it.

Wei Wuyi, as the number one martial artist in the Great Qian Dynasty, has always been revered as the 'Martial Arts Alliance Leader' of the Southern Jianghu.

In reality, however, sects such as Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Mohism completely disregarded Wei Wuyi's feelings, and martial arts sects only gave him face. When it came to real matters, they still listened to Lu Wuzhen, since he was the righteous leader authorized by the imperial court, and his supervision of the world was based on law. Disobeying him was considered evil and heretical.

Wei Wuyi certainly wanted to become a leader of the righteous path, like Lu Wuzhen, to oversee all religions and schools of thought, and to be on equal footing with the Daoist sect. However, Emperor Qian ruled for twenty years, respecting the Daoist sect, and did not grant Wei Wuyi this power. Even now, when he had delegated power to the monk Wuxin, he still hadn't given him that power.

Now that Emperor Qian has passed away and the Crown Prince has ascended to the throne, there is clearly an opportunity.

Upon hearing the news, Wei Wuyi immediately organized a gathering of heroes at the confluence of the three rivers. Whether his aim was to demonstrate his influence to the new emperor or to put pressure on Taoism and Buddhism, he wanted the right to be the leader and hoped for a three-way co-governance.

Normally, only the sect leader is qualified to receive a 'hero's invitation' at a gathering of this caliber in the martial arts world.

Xie Jinhuan was a haphazard martial artist, yet Wei Lu sent him a special invitation, which showed the extent of her respect for him.

And he really wanted to go on such a good opportunity.

Putting aside their reputations, Tiger Bone Vine and Phoenix Feather Grass are sister immortal herbs, the main ingredients for refining the 'Evil-Breaking Pill'. A Grade One vine that consumes it will surely advance to a Super Grade, and a Super Grade vine that consumes it will cleanse the bones and marrow. The difference between Tiger Bone Vine and Phoenix Feather Grass is that one focuses on the physical body, while the other focuses on the soul.

Its value can be glimpsed by the fierce battle between Zihui Mountain and Queyue Manor over a single Phoenix Feather Grass.

Wei Wuyi's pretext was to discuss the next leader of the alliance. With the Super Grade Ancestor present, he couldn't very well lose face and personally go down to fight for the materials and treasures.

Therefore, those who can snatch this item are either junior sect leaders below the highest grade or outstanding disciples of various sects.

Xie Jinhuan's martial arts skills are specifically designed to kill martial artists. With his current 'all-demon body', he is confident that he can suppress martial artists in the early to mid-stages of the first rank. However, if he encounters an opponent in the late stage of the first rank, he will be overwhelmed by 'one force overcoming ten techniques'.

To achieve this, I need to improve my cultivation level, at least to the point of reaching the first rank, or even to enter the first rank...

The Beginning of Winter falls in mid-to-late September, so there are still nine days left...

Nine days...

Xie Jinhuan pondered for a moment, realizing it would be quite difficult, and put the invitation away.
"If there is no official business, Mr. Xie will definitely be there."

Wei Lu clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then I will turn back first and personally host a welcome dinner for Brother Xie."

"polite."
-
Shortly after.

Xie Jinhuan saw Wei Lu off and followed Nai Duo into the new house. Looking around, he could see that the interior had everything from artificial hills and pavilions to lakes. The scenery changed with every step, and the architecture was exquisite. The privacy of the back house was impeccable.

After sending her best friend home, Linghu Qingmo also rushed over, walking beside her and examining the invitation in her hand.

"I've never been to an event like this before..."

"I've never participated before, shall we go together?"

"Hmm...we'll see when the time comes..."

……

Duoduo walked to the back. Because Miss Linghu was there, she couldn't take advantage of her. After following her around for a while, perhaps not wanting to disturb the master's visit to the tall and aloof second wife, she quietly slowed down and stopped at the corner of the corridor.

Xie Jinhuan looked back and thought that Naiduo was really sensible, so he accompanied her to the main house in the back courtyard.

The main house has two floors, with a spacious, open hall in the middle. A plaque inscribed with "Upright Gentleman" hangs in the central hall. To the left and right are studies, bedrooms, side rooms, etc. There are also east and west wing rooms outside. Such a mansion could not even accommodate three wives, four concubines, and five maids...

Xie Jinhuan looked around, very satisfied. Seeing that Momo was still looking at the invitation of heroes, he walked to the display shelf, picked up a bamboo flute, and brought it to his lips:

"Beep beep~~beep~~..."

A tune brimming with the spirit of the martial arts world suddenly rang out from the quiet new house.

Linghu Qingmo was pondering what the scene would be like at the confluence of the three rivers when he heard the flute music and was clearly taken aback.

Looking up, one can see the cool night rain outside the window, and the dim yellow light of a fire illuminating the spacious hall.

A cold and aloof young man in white robes stood at the entrance of the hall, holding a jade flute. Behind him was a plaque that read "A Gentleman of the Righteousness." Outside, the rain pattered down, revealing a landscape of mountains and courtyards. He exuded an air of carefree solitude, like a wandering swordsman in the night rain...

Linghu Qingmo knew Xie Jinhuan was posing, but she still thought he looked handsome. She tiptoed over and secretly glanced at Xie Jinhuan's profile.

Noticing Xie Jinhuan glancing at her, she quickly looked away, put her hands behind her back holding the invitation, and lightly tapped her toes, pretending to be bored while waiting.

"Beep beep~..."

Xie Jinhuan finished playing a piece of music and nodded slightly:

"This flute is nice, it must be expensive. How about I teach you to play it?"

Linghu Qingmo, having grown up listening to Su Baiyu's zither music because her master greatly admired it, actually knew a little bit of it, though not as obstinate as Xie Jinhuan. Seeing this, she blinked.

"Hmm...that works too. Eh? What are you doing?"

The words had barely left his lips when he was pulled in front of her, his arms wrapped around her sides, a flute brought to her lips, and a clear, melodious voice rang in her ear:

"Take it."

Is that all you're bragging about?

Linghu Qingmo's face flushed red with nervousness, but Xie Jinhuan stopped her from running away. In the end, she picked up the bamboo flute and brought it to her red lips, trying to learn the tune from before.

"Beep beep~~"

"Wow, you have such a good memory. No wonder you're my smart and clever Momo..."

"..."

Linghu Qingmo blushed, gently nudged the person behind him with his shoulder, and only turned around after the song ended:
"How... ugh?"

A single lamp flickered dimly in the spacious courtyard, where a man and a woman stood.

The woman, holding a bamboo flute, leaned back against her chest, her head tilted back, and the man kissed her lips. Her chin was also held by the man, so she couldn't pull herself back. Her waist was held tightly, and she couldn't break free. Only her flowing horse-face skirt swayed a few times.

zizi~
After a moment, the woman raised her bamboo flute and lightly tapped the man's head.

thump~
Unfortunately, the man remained unmoved, and the woman, helpless, could only close her eyes, feign anger, and silently endure it...

(End of this chapter)