117: You think you can cripple me? You dare to challenge me?

The latter half of the Hidden Dragon Banquet ultimately seemed a bit lackluster after the earth-shattering duel between Chen Linsheng and Yan Chen.

The arena matches continued.

Another Flesh Refining Realm Perfection Disciple from the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall took the stage and won two consecutive matches, but was forced into a draw in the third match by a sturdy man from the "Iron Bone Sect" in the west of the city who used a fearless fighting style. Both sides suffered minor injuries, and the Prefectural Governor ultimately ruled it a draw, allowing both to advance.

A female Disciple from the Qiushui Sword Sect also took the stage. Her sword technique was light and swift, defeating three people in a row and drawing bursts of applause. However, with Mu Qingxue's brilliance preceding her, although the sword technique was wonderful, it ultimately lacked that awe-inspiring Sword Intent that could freeze rivers and mountains.

Unable to suppress his heroic spirit, Lei Hao also leaped onto the arena. His pair of "Thundering Hands" were fierce and violent, and he won two consecutive matches. In the third match, his opponent was a young Martial Artist from a guard background in the Prefectural Governor's Mansion, whose Moves were rigorous and full of resilience. Although Lei Hao ultimately won, he also consumed a lot of strength and was hit by a hidden force on his shoulder; his steps were slightly heavy as he left the stage.

Chen Linsheng sat quietly in his seat, having already changed his dark green martial outfit for a spare outer robe brought by a martial arts hall Disciple. He silently regulated his breathing, repairing the scorching fire poison that had invaded his Meridians during the battle with Yan Chen. After reaching Minor Achievement in the Jade Marrow Guiding Technique, his bone marrow burgeoned with vitality, and his efficiency in purifying foreign energy was far superior to before. In less than an hour, those wisps of dry heat had mostly dissipated.

Although he did not take the stage again, no one dared to ignore his presence.

Whenever someone went up to challenge or successfully defended the stage, their gaze would unconsciously sweep toward the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall, lingering for a moment on that calm figure. Whispers would occasionally rise:

"If Chen Linsheng were to take the stage, these people would likely find it hard to hold out for three matches..."

"He fought to a draw with Yan Chen; his strength is definitely above the ordinary Flood Dragon Tendon Realm, Initial Stage!"

"A pity, he seems to have no intention of fighting again."

"Nonsense, after just fighting Yan Chen, who wouldn't need to regulate their breathing and recover? Besides, with the strength he showed today, his qualification to enter the Refining Pool is already set in stone. Why take more risks?"

These discussions reached Chen Linsheng's ears. His expression was calm, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

The Prefectural Governor's ruling of a "draw" was both to save the face of the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall and a disguised form of recognition for him, wasn't it? Everyone present was discerning and naturally understood the weight of it.

The arena battles lasted for nearly two hours.

In the end, besides Chen Linsheng and Yan Chen, eight others successfully defended the stage for three matches or advanced because no one dared to challenge them, making a total of ten people who qualified for the next round of competition.

The Prefectural Governor then announced that due to time constraints, the final ranking matches would be postponed to be held publicly at the city's Drill Ground in three days.

At that time, the ten people would draw lots for duels to determine the final rankings, and the first place would exclusively enjoy the opportunity to Cultivate in the "Jiuqu Refining Pool" for one day.

Although the first place was not decided on the spot, today's performance was undoubtedly an important reference.

The banquet gradually drew to a close.

The music slowed, and the guests were slightly tipsy. They began to take their leave in twos and threes, either talking in low voices about what they had seen today or already planning to watch the matches at the Drill Ground in three days.

Chen Linsheng was about to get up to join Lei Hao, Shi Poyue, and the others to leave when a young man in black martial attire with an ordinary face quietly approached and whispered to him, "Young Hero Chen, Special Envoy Ling requests an audience in the 'Listening Bamboo Pavilion' in the back garden of Lanyue Tower."

Chen Linsheng's heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface. After whispering a few words to Shi Poyue beside him, he followed the young man away from the noisy main hall, through several winding corridors, and arrived at a quiet and elegant small courtyard.

The courtyard was screened by cultivated bamboo, and the moonlight was like water, spilling onto the bluestone path. Only a single lantern was lit inside the Listening Bamboo Pavilion. Ling Feng stood by the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the swaying bamboo shadows outside.

"Lord Special Envoy," Chen Linsheng bowed in greeting.

Ling Feng turned around, his face showing a hint of fatigue, but his eyes were still as sharp as a hawk's. He waved his hand to dismiss the young man who led the way, and only after there were only two people left in the pavilion did he lower his voice and get straight to the point:

"The news has been confirmed. There is a problem with Steward Wang."

Chen Linsheng's gaze narrowed.

Ling Feng continued, speaking very fast: "After you passed on the information, my people immediately monitored him in secret. After Steward Wang left his seat, he didn't go to wash his hands but circled to a deserted side courtyard in the building. There, he had brief contact with someone disguised as a servant and passed a wax pill. Our people have already controlled that servant. Inside the wax pill is encrypted text, which is being deciphered. As for Steward Wang himself, we haven't moved against him for the time being to avoid alerting the enemy."

He looked at Chen Linsheng with undisguised admiration in his eyes: "You have performed a great service. If it weren't for your keen sense of smell capturing that almost imperceptible strange fragrance, we wouldn't have focused our attention on a seemingly harmless Grain and Forage Steward at all. The White Lotus Sect's infiltration is deeper than we expected, even reaching the middle-level officials of the Prefectural Mansion. This matter is of great importance and involves many people; it must be investigated thoroughly in secret. I will record your contribution, but it is not suitable to make it public for now."

Chen Linsheng said in a deep voice, "I understand. But since Steward Wang has been exposed, the people behind him..."

"That's exactly what I want to remind you of." Ling Feng's expression was solemn as he took a step forward, his voice even lower. "Steward Wang is just the tip of the iceberg. The White Lotus Sect's lurking this time is for no small purpose. Today, you not only shone brilliantly but also ruined a certain plot they might have had against the Hidden Dragon Banquet—though what it specifically was is not yet clear, judging from their haste to pass information, some action must have been interrupted. You have entered their sight and may even be held in a grudge."

His gaze was like a torch as he stared at Chen Linsheng: "Open attacks are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. The White Lotus Sect acts deviously, using poison, assassination, and mind-control by any means necessary. Although your Foundation is thick, you are not immune to all poisons or indestructible. When walking in the city in the future, you must be doubly careful; pay attention to your food, drink, and daily life. Especially the match at the Drill Ground in three days; with so many people around, it's a time when they might strike."

Chen Linsheng nodded solemnly: "Thank you for the reminder, Special Envoy. I will certainly keep it in mind."

Ling Feng patted his shoulder, his tone softening a bit: "However, you don't need to be overly fearful. The city is not a place where the White Lotus Sect can act willfully, and the Army Breaker Manor and the Prefectural Governor's Mansion are not for show. After today, your reputation will soar, and many will be watching you; they won't dare to use overly drastic means easily. But your own vigilance must not slacken."

"Yes."

"Additionally," Ling Feng paused, "your qualification for the Jiuqu Refining Pool is basically a certainty. Even if there are setbacks in the matches at the Drill Ground in three days, with your contribution today and the potential you've shown, I will ensure you get an entry opportunity. This pool will be of great benefit to consolidating your Foundation. Make the most of it."

"Thank you for the cultivation, Special Envoy!" Chen Linsheng bowed sincerely.

"Go. Leave through the side door; don't walk with too many people." Ling Feng waved his hand and turned back to the window, his back looking somewhat heavy under the lone lamp.

Chen Linsheng said no more and quietly exited the Listening Bamboo Pavilion. Following the bluestone path he came from, he quickly circled to a secluded side door of Lanyue Tower.

Just as the door was pushed open, a hot and oppressive figure happened to turn from the direction of the main entrance, almost brushing past him.

Yan Chen.

He had clearly finished regulating his breathing, and his face had returned to normal, but the fire in those eyes was even deeper than at the banquet, as if suppressing a volcano.

At the moment their figures crossed, Yan Chen did not stop. His lips moved slightly, and a voice as cold as iron rubbing together condensed into a line, clearly drilling into Chen Linsheng's ears:

"Consider yourself lucky today. During the Martial Examination, on the arena, no one will be able to stop me again. I will... completely ruin you."

As the words fell, he had already strode out of the side door, his fiery red figure quickly disappearing into the shadows of the street, leaving only a trace of undissipated heat and chilling killing intent in the air.

Chen Linsheng stood still for a moment, looking in the direction where Yan Chen had disappeared, his gaze calm and rippleless.

Threats? He was already used to them.

From the life-and-death struggle in the Black Water Ravine to the secret spying of the White Lotus Sect, and now to the open hostility of the city's geniuses... his path had never been smooth.

But so what?

He clenched his fist, feeling the surging blood in his body and the burgeoning vitality deep within his bone marrow.

Ruin me? That depends on whether you have the ability... The night was deep, and the small courtyard in Yuqian Lane lay quietly in the moonlight.

When Chen Linsheng pushed open the courtyard gate, the light in the main hall was still on.

Su Wan sat under the lamp. Although she held needlework in her hands, her gaze had been fixed on the door. Seeing him return safely, she clearly breathed a sigh of relief, put down her work, and came to meet him.

"A Sheng, you're back," she said softly, her gaze carefully sweeping over him. Noticing the changed outer robe and the faint scent of ointment from his shoulder, a hint of heartache flashed in her eyes. "Are you injured?"

"A minor flesh wound, it's nothing." Chen Linsheng smiled and took her hand, his palm warm. "Have you been waiting long?"

Su Wan shook her head and led him to sit down, bringing over the ginseng soup that had been kept warm. "Was the banquet successful today? I heard... you went up against Yan Chen from the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall?" The news had clearly spread.

Chen Linsheng took the ginseng soup and drank it slowly, recounting the events of the banquet, picking out what could be told.

When talking about the battle with Yan Chen, his tone was flat, only saying it was a contest of skills and that the Prefectural Governor ultimately ruled it a draw.

He talked about Lei Hao's frankness, Mu Qingxue's stunning sword skills, the miraculous sword strike of Young Master Yu's attendant, and the wonderful performances of other young talents.

He omitted the clues about the White Lotus Sect, the secret talk with Ling Feng, and Yan Chen's final threat.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Su Wan, but rather that he didn't want her to worry unnecessarily. Some storms were better borne by him alone.

Su Wan listened quietly, occasionally marvelling or smiling, and finally said softly, "A Sheng, you did very well. No matter what others are like, in my heart, you were the most dazzling one today."

Chen Linsheng felt a warmth in his heart. He put down the soup bowl and gently pulled her into his arms.

The faint fragrance of the woman's hair lingered at the tip of his nose, and outside the window were the distant sounds of the prosperous city that could be heard faintly in the deep night.

At this moment, the tranquility of the small courtyard felt exceptionally precious.

After a moment of tenderness, Chen Linsheng let go of her hand, took out the leather waist pouch from his bosom, and pulled out the hollow wax pill the size of a mung bean, sealed with beeswax, and placed it in his palm.

The wax pill was cool, giving off a faint oily sheen under the lamp.

Su Wan looked at it curiously. "This is?"

"A bit of... evidence." Chen Linsheng didn't say much, only carefully putting the wax pill into a smaller iron box lined with soft velvet, locking it, and placing it close to his body in his bosom.

Wrapped inside was not just a few drops of suspicious wine stains, but also the flickering tongue of a poisonous snake lurking beneath the prosperous age, a corner of a massive conspiracy he had accidentally touched.

At today's Hidden Dragon Banquet, his name had become known throughout the city. He had obtained the long-awaited qualification for the "Jiuqu Refining Pool," gained Ling Feng's recognition and promise, made friends with heroes like Lei Hao, and seen unfathomable figures like Mu Qingxue and Young Master Yu.

But beneath the halo, the shadows followed.