397: ambushed on the road

Why did it sound like Duan Zhengchun knew her father very well?

"What's so difficult about that? I, this prince, know the news of all famous figures in the Jianghu. Moreover, your father, the Eastern Heretic, is known as one of the Five Greats in the Song Dynasty Martial Arts World. How could I not know about him?" Duan Zhengchun looked at Huang Rong with a beaming smile.

"Pfft, the way you say it makes it sound like there's nothing on this Nine Provinces Continent you don't know," Huang Rong pouted.

"Of course. For example, I, this prince, also know a thing or two about Miss Huang's purpose for coming here. Would you like to hear it?" Duan Zhengchun looked at Huang Rong with a mischievous grin.

Hearing Duan Zhengchun's words and seeing his smiling face, Huang Rong's heart inexplicably started beating faster.

'What does this guy mean? Could it be that he's already discovered I like him? How is that possible? Was I that obvious?'

'Impossible, absolutely impossible. I have perfectly legitimate reasons.'

"I came just to repay the favor I owe you, no other purpose," Huang Rong said, her eyes flickering slightly.

"Oh? So, Miss Huang, you didn't come because of me, this prince?"

"Since ancient times, beauties have admired heroes. Miss Huang has always held herself in high regard, looking down on most, believing few men in this world are worthy of your attention."

"Moreover, the man you admire most is none other than your own father."

"The man you seek, if not the strongest in the Nine Provinces Continent, must at least be stronger than your father."

"Only such a man is worthy of you, the resourceful and clever Huang Rong, the 'Zhuge Liang Among Women'."

"If I hadn't appeared, you might have met someone else. But my appearance piqued your interest. After our encounter at the Misty Rain Tower, I can be considered to have passed your test, right?"

"That's why you racked your brains to follow me."

"It's just that you have your own pride in your heart and are unwilling to lower your dignity to chase after a man."

"As for why you appeared here today, it should be because of my earlier feat of single-handedly annihilating an army of four hundred thousand. That made you resolve to come here. Is my analysis correct?" Duan Zhengchun looked at Huang Rong with a smile.

Upon hearing Duan Zhengchun's analysis, Huang Rong was completely dumbfounded.

If she hadn't heard it with her own ears, she would never have believed someone could understand her so well—not just her, but even her father.

Could he really be omniscient?

"What's wrong? Don't look at me with that expression. I'm just a legend," Duan Zhengchun said with a smug look.

"Pfft, so smug..." Huang Rong pouted.

"Whether I'm smug or not is irrelevant for now. Just tell me, was what I, this prince, said correct or not?"

"Actually, actively pursuing the happiness you desire is not strange at all."

"On the contrary, for a woman to be able to do this is quite admirable."

"But, do you really think the person you believe you can entrust your life to is truly worth you actively lowering your status to pursue?" Duan Zhengchun stared at Huang Rong, his expression serious.

Huang Rong was taken aback, not immediately understanding the meaning behind Duan Zhengchun's words.

After a moment, Huang Rong fell into deep thought.

She really hadn't thought carefully about this matter—exactly why she had decided to regard Duan Zhengchun as the man she must win over in this lifetime.

Seeing Huang Rong silent, Duan Zhengchun didn't disturb her. He closed his eyes to rest, extending his perception outward to observe the surroundings.

However, what surprised him was that within his perception were two figures. One was familiar, or more precisely, someone he had met once before.

The Saintess of the Vast Sail Quiet Temple, Shi Feixuan.

And who was the other beauty, whose figure and appearance surpassed hers?

In terms of looks, the two were evenly matched. But compared to the other, Shi Feixuan lacked a certain quality.

A mature quality. This quality, compared to Shi Feixuan's youthful innocence, was even more captivating.

Moreover, the other party's strength had actually reached the Middle Stage of the Great Grandmaster Realm. Such talent was no small matter either.

But, their direction... were they heading towards the Kingdom?

Seeing this, Duan Zhengchun instantly understood what was happening.

The Yinkui Sect and the Vast Sail Quiet Temple had been fighting for over a century. The two sects were mortal enemies, utterly incapable of tolerating each other's existence.

Wanwan and Shi Feixuan had been locked in an intense rivalry. Now that Wanwan had appeared in the Kingdom, it was normal for Shi Feixuan to appear here.

Furthermore, he had already discovered earlier that Wanwan was injured.

She must have clashed with Shi Feixuan outside. Originally, with Wanwan's strength at the Great Grandmaster level, Shi Feixuan was no match for her.

No wonder. So, Shi Feixuan had a Middle Stage Great Grandmaster expert by her side.

It seemed now that she was targeting Wanwan.

However, it didn't matter. With Xiao Meng at the Heavenly Human Realm and Li Qiushui currently at the residence, no one would dare cause trouble there.

Probably, their target was also me.

The Yinkui Sect and the Vast Sail Quiet Temple had been fighting for so many years. With Wanwan entering the residence, it was impossible for the Vast Sail Quiet Temple not to know.

Now, Shi Feixuan and the beauty beside her were heading towards the residence. They were probably resorting to their usual tactics again—the so-called 'using their bodies to feed the demon'—trying to bewitch me, this prince, with their beauty?

Fan Qinghui, you really have a clever plan.

But he didn't take it to heart. A mere Vast Sail Quiet Temple couldn't stir up any waves. If Fan Qinghui dared to do anything foolish, he would just eradicate her.

"Brother-in-law, there's a town ahead. It's also noon. Should we get something to eat?" Lei Wujie said.

"Eat? Let's deal with the trouble first," Duan Zhengchun said calmly, his eyes still closed.

This made Lei Wujie pause. He looked around but didn't notice anything unusual.

But since his brother-in-law said so, there must be a problem.

Immediately, Lei Wujie closed his eyes, channeling his Internal Energy to his ears, listening intently to the surroundings.

Soon, a faint whistling sound reached Lei Wujie's ears, and it was getting closer.

"Someone's coming. It looks like they're targeting us," Lei Wujie opened his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

Hearing this, Tang Lian's body instantly tensed, his Aura condensed but not released.

Xiao Se, however, showed no reaction, still leaning lazily against the carriage, his expression calm.

At this moment, Huang Rong sensed the atmosphere around her turning strange and looked at Duan Zhengchun with confusion.

"Has something happened?"

"Hmm, a few fools with no sense are coming to cause trouble. Don't worry," Duan Zhengchun said calmly.

He didn't take the impending danger seriously at all.

They were just some greedy people after money.

Soon, dozens of figures appeared in their field of vision, all dressed in black.

"Prince Duan, after waiting for so many days, you've finally decided to leave Prince Kaoshan's Residence."

The leading black-clad figure spoke in a hoarse voice, his gaze fixed intently on the carriage.

"Where did these scoundrels come from, daring to block my path? Get lost now if you know what's good for you, and I might give you a chance. If you don't scram, I'm going to start slaughtering!" Lei Wujie stood up, his eyes sweeping across the group.

At a glance, among the dozens of black-clad figures, the strongest was actually a Master at the Great Grandmaster Realm, with several other Grandmasters among them.