Supreme Sword Exalt

Gu Han’s account rendered Jiang Feng speechless. For some reason, he felt a pang of sympathy for someone he’d never met. To be screwed over so ruthlessly and still survive, the fatty’s life was truly something else. If it were Jiang Feng, he’d probably have died eight times over.

Beside him, Chief Steward Li grew wary. He suddenly felt that His Highness’ situation had become even more perilous. After returning, he must warn His Highness to stay far away from this guy. Otherwise, he’d end up getting scammed to death one day.

Gu Han shook his head, asking, “Enough about him. That man earlier, was he an instructor from the Martial Academy?”

Jiang Feng nodded. “Indeed. His name is Yu Hua, one of the Martial Academy’s instructors. He is at the sixth stage of the Spirit Profound realm, placing him in the upper-middle tier among the instructors. Brother Gu, what exactly caused the conflict between you two, to the point where he chased you down in the streets in blind rage?”

Gu Han narrowed his eyes. “Actually, this was my first time meeting him too...”

He gave the two a rough account of his recent experiences. Naturally, he glossed over the secret of the token. Not because he distrusted them, but because if this secret were exposed, it’d bring immense trouble to both him and the Murong family.

The beast riot, Liu Tong, the Murong family, Yu Hua... The two listened, and were stunned. They could never have imagined that in just a month apart, Gu Han had gone through so much. The sheer intensity of it all was unheard of. They felt that the fatty’s life was nothing compared to Gu Han’s.

After a long pause, Chief Steward Li seemed to finally digest the information and said slowly, “Yu Hua is indeed an instructor at the Martial Academy. I’ve also heard that the Yu family only has a few descendants. You killed his nephew outside the city that day, no wonder he’s after your life.”

Jiang Feng sighed. “Actually, as the foundation of the Great Qi, the Martial Academy has its own rules to restrain behavior. A mere instructor like him wouldn’t dare to act recklessly in the open. Once you enter the Martial Academy, as long as you stay with me, nothing will happen...”

Chief Steward Li’s heart pounded in alarm. Your Highness, think twice! Sticking with this guy is like jumping into a pit of fire!

Gu Han was surprised. “You’re going too? Hmm? You... you’ve reached Meridian Opening?”

“Yup. That cultivation technique you taught me suits me perfectly. Coupled with the cold qi I’ve accumulated over the years, my progress was naturally faster. Speaking of which...” Jiang Feng nodded, but then his expression dimmed. “Before she passed away, my mother wished that I’d study at the Martial Academy and join the upper sect. It’s a pity that now that I have the chance, she can’t see it.”

Chief Steward Li quickly comforted him. “Your Highness, with your special physique and a Heaven-tier cultivation technique, your future is boundless. The imperial family will surely value you highly. Your mother would rest easy knowing this.”

Jiang Feng laughed self-deprecatingly. “Value? With my eldest brother around, how could they possibly value me?”

Gu Han got curious. “Your eldest brother? What kind of person is he?”

Jiang Feng felt complicated at the mention of his eldest brother. “Him? He was born with the Fire Spirit Physique. Years ago, he was taken as a disciple by a senior from the upper sect and is hailed as the top talent among Great Qi’s younger generation.”

Gu Han raised an eyebrow. “Top talent? Is he that capable?”

Chief Steward Li couldn’t hold back. “Whether he’s capable or not is beside the point. Do you know that the eldest prince has another identity?”

Gu Han was taken aback. “Identity? What identity?”

“That guy, Liu Tong, who knelt before you is the eldest prince’s cousin.”

Gu Han frowned. “Cousin? No wonder that guy acted so arrogantly. He had a big supporter. Our little grudge shouldn’t be enough to draw the eldest prince’s attention, right?”

Chief Steward Li was speechless. He knelt before you in public. Whether this grudge is little or not, do you really not have any self-awareness?

Thinking of this, his tone turned slightly mocking. “Tsk! Liu Ying is really no good! And yet, His Highness back then...”

Jiang Feng’s face reddened. “Ahem... Don’t spout nonsense. I was just appreciating her, appreciating!”

Beside them, Chief Steward Li and Gu Han exchanged a glance, their opinions aligning for once.

***

In the Martial Academy.

The place was unusually quiet, as it had yet to open. On a greenstone-paved path, an elderly, hunchbacked servant swept fallen leaves from the ground.

Suddenly, a ruthless shout startled him. “Move!”

Seeing the newcomer, he quickly bowed. “Instructor Yu? You’re back...”

Yu Hua didn’t even glance at him as he strode past. The old servant was angered.

He continued sweeping while muttering to himself, “Narrow-minded. Full of resentment. Your path of cultivation won’t take you far!”

Yu Hua, who was already some distance away, didn’t hear these words. His mind was wholly occupied with thoughts of how to deal with Gu Han.

Just then, someone called out to him. “Brother Yu? How did it go? Did you handle the matter?”

Yu Hua’s face darkened. “Don’t even mention it! I was about to strike when the Seventh Prince interfered...”

The man’s surname was Jiang, also an instructor at the Martial Academy and a close friend of Yu Hua’s. Naturally, Yu Hua didn’t hide anything and recounted the events briefly.

Instructor Jiang frowned slightly. “The Seventh Prince? If he’s protecting him, it’ll be difficult for you to act, Brother Yu.”

Yu Hua grinded his teeth in hatred. “I will have my revenge!”

“Actually... I might have a way.”

“What way?”

“Why not pay a visit to the eldest prince?”

Yu Hua was disappointed. “Him? The eldest prince is a figure of great stature. Whether he’d even see me is questionable, and even if he did, why would he side with an outsider against his own brother?”

Instructor Jiang chuckled. “Brothers? The imperial family is the most heartless of all. What brotherly affection exists there? If there were, why would all the other princes—save for the seventh—be sent to the borders, never to return to the capital? Brother Yu, you’ve been away these past few days, so you might not know. The eldest prince is coming to the Martial Academy.”

Yu Hua was puzzled. “What?! Wasn’t he already guaranteed a spot in the upper sect? Why would he come to the Martial Academy?”

Instructor Jiang glanced around and lowered his voice. “I’ve heard that the eldest prince wants to take full control of the Martial Academy before entering the upper sect. This might very well be the intention of that senior from the upper sect.”

“You mean...”

Instructor Jiang nodded. “Exactly! Now is the perfect time to pledge ourselves to him. If we assist him in taking control of the Martial Academy, how could the Seventh Prince dare to stop your revenge?”

Yu Hua’s eyes lit up with joy. “Excellent! Thank you for the reminder, Brother Jiang! I’ll go pay my respects to the eldest prince at once!”

***

At the center of the inner city, a magnificently constructed building stood out prominently. This was the residence of the eldest prince, Jiang Hong.

“Cousin, In all my life, I’ve never been humiliated like this. You must avenge me!” Liu Tong’s face was full of grievance and resentment.

“I know. Once the Martial Academy opens, I’ll teach him a lesson,” said the young man seated at the head of the hall.

He was the eldest prince, Jiang Hong. He had crimson hair and brows, and sharp, striking features. A faint, scorching aura swirled around him, noticeably raising the temperature in the hall.

Liu Tong was overjoyed. “Thank you, Cousin! Thank you!”

Beside Liu Tong, Liu Ying gave a slight bow, hinting, “Your Highness, Gu Han has the support of the Murong family. Won’t this...”

When it came to Liu Ying, Jiang Hong was noticeably more enthusiastic. This was hardly surprising. Nine out of ten men would be smitten by her beauty, and he was no exception.

“It’s fine. The Murong family may consider him a guest of honor, but outside of it, he’s nothing. Besides, with my master’s influence, the Murong family will surely give me some face.”

His tone made it clear he didn’t take Gu Han seriously.

Jiang Hong gazed at Liu Ying with undisguised admiration and fascination. “Miss Liu, would you be interested in joining the upper sect?”

Liu Ying was stunned, her voice trembling with excitement. “The upper sect? I... I have a chance to go?”

Her talent, while not insignificant, paled in comparison to geniuses like Jiang Hong. Getting into the Martial Academy through Liu Yan’s backing had already been a gamble, let alone joining the Yuqing Sect.

Seeing her interest, Jiang Hong smiled. “Of course! The normal path would indeed be hopeless, but Miss Liu, don’t forget that my master is in the upper sect! As long as he speaks up, taking one more disciple is nothing!”

Liu Ying’s face flushed, and her composure slipped. “Your Highness, if I can join the upper sect, I... I...”

Since Liu Tong was present, she didn’t dare to voice the rest in an attempt to maintain her dignity. However, Liu Tong wasn’t foolish. He understood from this moment on, the beauty beside him would never be his again. His heart momentarily ached with jealousy. Still, fearing Jiang Hong’s authority, he could only suppress his bitterness, afraid to show even a hint of it.

Jiang Hong was thoroughly satisfied. “Great! In that case, then—”

Just then, a servant arrived at the hall’s entrance. “Your Highness, Instructors Yu Hua and Jiang Yi from the Martial Academy request an audience.”

“Why are they...” Jiang Hong, initially displeased by the interruption, broke into a smile. “Never mind. They’ve already gotten the news.”

“Fine, let them in!” said the servant.

***

At the inn.

Qian Liu was distracted. The commotion caused by Yu Hua’s pursuit of Gu Han was huge, and he was eager to know the outcome. As he pondered, a figure walked in from outside.

He instinctively greeted them. “Esteemed guest—you... Hmm? Little Brother, it’s you? You... you’re alright?”

Gu Han’s clothes were stained with dried blood. Although his injuries were serious, they were far from fatal. Qian Liu was shocked. He had truly underestimated Gu Han!

Gu Han shook his head. “I’m fine. It’s just a pity that something came up, so I didn’t make it to the Treasure Pavilion.”

Qian Liu was speechless. That’s not the point! Shouldn’t you be talking about being chased down? Why are you so calm about it?

Just then, a figure appeared abruptly before them. It was Murong Chuan.

Gu Han clasped his hands in salute. “Senior, thank you for the warning today!”

This gratitude was sincere. If not for Qian Liu’s warning and Murong Chuan crippling Yu Hua, Gu Han wouldn’t have held out until Chief Steward Li intervened.

Murong Chuan smiled. “I thought you’d blame me.”

Gu Han shook his head. “I wouldn’t. We’ve only met once. You have no obligation to help me. Besides, you’ve already done me a great favor. My father once said that a person mustn’t be overly greedy.”

Murong Chuan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Your father sounds like quite the figure!”

“He... is no longer with us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Murong Chuan sighed, then changed the subject. “So, this man holds a deep grudge against you. Do you need me to act?”

“Free of charge?”

“The token would be used, of course!”

Gu Han refused without hesitation. “Then forget it. I think... I can still manage. Besides, using your strength to kill a Martial Academy instructor feels like a waste.”

Qian Liu was dumbfounded. But this is a matter of life and death! Why would you treat it like a business transaction? When your life’s at stake, who cares about waste!

Knowing that Gu Han had some cards up his sleeve, Murong Chuan didn’t press further. “Very well. If you need me, just ask.”

Gu Han thought for a moment. “Senior, actually, there is something I’d like to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“If I’m not around, I hope you can look after her.”

Today’s events had put him on guard. Inside the capital was one thing. But outside the city, he wouldn’t dare take Ah Sha with him.

Murong Chuan was curious. “Is that girl important to you?”

“More than my own life.”

Murong Chuan fell silent for a rare moment before smiling. “Rest assured. As long as that girl is in this inn, even the heavens themselves won’t lay a finger on her. This is my personal promise. No token required!”

Gu Han bowed solemnly. “Thank you, Senior! I won’t forget your kindness.”

“Your heart is in the right place.”

Murong Chuan didn’t mind. He had no idea how much weight Gu Han’s gratitude would become one day.

***

In the capital, the streets buzzed with discussions about the pursuit. Of course, only a handful knew the final outcome. The rest relied entirely on wild speculation.

“That youth was crushed into paste by Instructor Yu’s palm. It was a gruesome death!”

“Nonsense! He didn’t die. That fat man took the fall, and Instructor Yu lost him. He fled into the Wild Forest!”

“Really? Ahem... I was quite far away that day. I must’ve mistaken the fat man for paste.”

Such conversations were everywhere, nearly sweeping through the entire capital. However, when another explosive piece of news spread, the discussions about Gu Han came to an abrupt halt.

The eldest prince, Jian Hong, who’d long been absent, was coming to the Martial Academy!