Dragon Canon

As night fell, the sound of string and wind instruments filled King Wei’s residence. Not only was the main hall brightly lit, but two rows of glass palace lanterns had also been set up on the plaza in front of the hall, illuminating the entire area as if it were broad daylight.

As the doorman announced in a drawn-out voice, “Lord Wei, Military Commissioner of Western Pacification, has arrived~!” The main hall, which had been bustling with noise and activity until this point, suddenly fell silent, and everyone’s gaze turned toward the entrance.

Wei Yuan had put on a casual outfit for this banquet. He entered the residence while accompanied by Cui Yu and Hsu Yi.

Moments later, Wei Yuan took his seat in front of the hall on the main dais to King Wei’s right as a matter of course. There were five people in total on the main dais. Surprisingly, the Princess of Ning was sitting to King Wei’s left. Sitting upright and dignified, she did not so much as glance at Wei Yuan.

King Wei turned a blind eye to the Princess of Ning’s unusual behavior and, with a smile, introduced each guest at the banquet to Wei Yuan one by one. They were, without exception, either the youngest sons of various kings and the heir apparent of some duke and marquis. A handful or so held official posts, but they were all very young. There probably wasn’t a single guest in the room who was over thirty-five.

As officials holding official ranks, Cui Yu and Hsu Yi were also permitted to take their seats in the hall. However, as they listened to the young nobles and seniors’ illustrious titles, they couldn’t help but feel a hint of disdain. After all, these titles belonged to their grandparents, fathers, and uncles, not themselves.

As the core scions of top-tier distinguished clans, Cui Yu and Hsu Yi viewed these so-called young noblemen and ladies as nothing more than nouveau riche. Who would even remember them when a few generations had passed? In fact, it wouldn’t even take that long. Once they had lost their official positions, they would immediately be reduced to their true status.

However, after several months of bloody battles and fierce combat, the trials they had endured were equivalent to a decade of training elsewhere. For now, they chose not to reveal their identities and simply sit quietly at the banquet. The Great Tang valued martial prowess, and martial contests to liven up banquets were a common occurrence. They would have their chance to shine then.

Wei Yuan was currently weakened, so Cui Yu felt he should step in. None of the immortal foundations such as Ji Liuli or Feng Tingyu had come to the capital because, well, that would just be plain bullying, wouldn’t it? The realm also needed their presence, just in case the Shamans decided to attack while Wei Yuan was gone.

The coachman driving Wei Yuan’s carriage was now leaning against the carriage, taking out a pipe, lighting it, and puffing away. The flickering smoke secretly mirrored the constellations in the sky.

After the introductions were complete, King Wei smiled and said, “You are both young and a prodigy, Lord Wei! Since the founding of our Great Jin, we have never seen a second-rank official under the age of twenty. In your presence, I feel as though I have lived a wasted life. The young heroes gathered here today are all the rising stars of our Great Jin; this is the perfect opportunity for you all to get to know one another.”

What followed was the customary exchange of courtesies and the usual three rounds of toasts. King Wei conducted himself with decisiveness and efficiency, so this part of the proceedings was over quickly.

At that moment, a young nobleman cleared his throat and declared in a loud voice, “I have long heard that Lord Wei hails from the Palace of Absolute Beginning and possesses Dao techniques so extraordinary that they astonish the world. It is said that you have few rivals among your peers! I come from the Clear Gem Grotto-Heaven, and I would like to exchange some pointers with you, Lord Wei.”

The main event had finally arrived.

All the young noblemen and ladies at the banquet perked up, turning their gaze toward Wei Yuan.

Cui Yu furrowed his brows and was about to leap to his feet, but Hsu Yi grabbed him by the arm. Cui Yu asked via a sound transmission, “Why are you stopping me? I can cut that good-for-nothing down in just three sword strikes!”

Hsu Yi said, “We’re just Lord Wei’s subordinates right now. If we step forward before he’s spoken, it’ll only make it seem like he lacks the ability to discipline his subordinates or keep them in line!”

“So what? It’s not like his reputation can plummet any lower than it already is!”

Hsu Yu’s heart stirred. “Sure Lord Wei has heard of his nickname, ‘Three Thrusts Wei’?”

Cui Yu looked thoughtful. “I don’t think so. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be sitting so comfortably.”

Although Wei Yuan was weakened at the moment, his insight remained as sharp as ever. At a glance, he could tell that this young nobleman possessed a Heaven-tier Dao Foundation and was close to entering the late-stage. The Clear Gem Grotto-Heaven was also a prestigious sect with four True Lords presiding over it. Their Dao teachings could likewise lead to the attainment of Ultimate Unity—though, they only had exactly one Dao path.

Wei Yuan turned to look at King Wei, and King Wei gave him a smile. “Such is the custom of Great Jin. You’ll grow accustomed to it, Lord Wei. Feel free to spar—win or lose, it won’t affect our friendship.”

By then, the young nobleman had already walked to the center of the hall and declared in a clear voice, “I dedicate this duel to the Princess of Ning!”

The Princess of Ning lowered her eyes with a somewhat bashful expression and unconsciously clutched the sleeves of her robe.

King Wei laughed heartily and said, “How about this: The Princess of Ning will award the winner a personal item of hers as a prize. How does that sound?”

The Princess of Ning shot Wei Yuan a glare that was both angry and shy. Biting her lips, she whispered, “All right!”

Internally, Wei Yuan sighed. When he first met her, her carriage had been adorned with swords, sabers, spears and halberds, and her desk were filled with a sand table and battle formations. Who did she think she was fooling with this delicate, frail young lady act?

The princess reached up and removed a hairpin from her head. Half her lustrous hair immediately cascaded down like a waterfall. In that instant, she looked so strikingly beautiful that everyone was left gazing at her in awe.

The Princess of Ning truly grew more beautiful the more one looked at her. It was almost as if her beauty knew no bounds. Moreover, she was plump and rounded in all the right places despite her slender figure. In fact, she could not move lightly, or she would risk setting off a devastating domino effect.

Several moments later, the young noblemen finally snapped out of their trance and cheered loudly. Several of them were brimming with energy, eager to join the martial contest as well.

At this point, Wei Yuan was in a no-win situation. If he didn’t accept the duel, his reputation would be ruined just like that.

The young nobleman at the center of the hall glanced at Cui Yu and Hsu Yi and said, “If Lord Wei doesn’t dare to step into the ring, you can send one of your subordinates instead! Either one is fine.”

Cui Yu flew into a rage. “Who do you think you—”

Hsu Yi grabbed Cui Yu and pinned him down with all she got. She also took the opportunity to cover his mouth.

Hsu Yi was a sister who had originally followed him to Qingming at the very beginning. Although he was so furious that he was jabbing fingers at the young nobleman and yelling muffled curses at him, he still gave her face and did not use his Dao energy to force himself free.

It was at this moment Wei Yuan finally spoke up, “What is this young man’s name again, King Wei?”

Surprised, King Wei replied, “I just introduced him a moment ago....”

“I forgot.”

The young nobleman below the dais immediately flushed with anger, barely suppressing the rage that threatened to boil over.

King Wei was a veteran of many storms. He took all this in stride and reintroduced the young nobleman, “This is Liu Jin, eldest son of the Attendant Gentleman Liu of the Ministry of Rites. He has been a disciple of the Clear Gem Grotto-Heaven since childhood.”

Wei Yuan furrowed his brow slightly and asked, “Attendant Gentleman—isn’t that a third-rank position?”

King Wei replied smilingly, “That it is.”

“I see. Third rank.” Wei Yuan repeated before finally turning his gaze toward the young nobleman at the center of the hall. It was also the first time he was looking at him properly. He then said, “Liu Jin, is it? What tier is your Dao Foundation, and what stage are you at? Report it to me.”

Liu Jin’s jaw twitched as he gritted his teeth and said, “I’m Heaven-tier, and I’m on the verge of reaching the spirit nurturing stage! What’s wrong? Are you scared?”

Wei Yuan slowly rose to his feet and said calmly, “No, I just feel a tad uncomfortable about bullying the weak. After all, I still have a bit of Earth-tier Dao energy left in me. But since you’re sincerely asking for pointers, I shall pass on some experience to you.”

Wei Yuan walked to the center of the hall. Li uJin was already seething with rage by then, so without further ado, he waved his hand and summoned a massive cyan hawk. Its sharp talons lunged straight toward Wei Yuan’s face.

But just one inch away from Wei Yuan’s face, the hawk’s talons could go no further—it was because Wei Yuan had already seized it by the neck. Not a single one of the young noblemen or ladies present had seen how he had made his move.

Liu Jin was furious. The hawk suddenly lunged sideways, reached out, and grew its talons out a few inches longer. It was just enough distance for it to savagely claw at Wei Yuan’s face!

But to everyone’s surprise, sparks instead of blood flew off the realm lord’s face when they made contact. At the same time, Wei Yuan clenched his fist and crushed the massive hawk into a lump of Dao energy with a bang. He then appeared in front of Liu Jin in a single stride and lightly punched him in the abdomen with his right hand.

Liu Jin felt his mind go completely blank. Not only had the punch sent his Dao energy spiraling completely out of control, it had nearly destroyed his Dao Foundation as well! The punch wasn’t imbued with Dao energy or special power. It was just heavy; indescribably heavy. Moreover, the force of the blow had spread evenly throughout his body as if every part of him had also taken a punch!

Liu Jin slowly bent over as his knees buckled.

Wei Yuan patted him on the shoulder and said, “Although Dao energy is important, the physical body is a precious raft everyone relies upon to navigate this world. It must not be neglected. When you return, you must train your physical body diligently. Your frail physique isn’t going to get you very far on the path to immortality otherwise.”

Liu Jin’s knees finally hit the floor with a thud, and he slowly curled into a ball. He was unable to utter a single retort.

Wei Yuan had just put on a powerful display of his physical prowess, but as he slowly raised his head, he saw that everyone was staring intently at his left cheek with a wide-eyed, speechless expression. He instinctively wanted to touch his face wondering if he had accidentally gotten something on it, but after sensing it was completely clean, he held back.

Liu Jin’s Dao Foundation—the cyan eagle—was quite well-known among the young aristocrats of the Jin capital. It moved as swiftly as lightning, and its talons were capable of splitting metal and stone. However, its claw hadn’t even left a white mark on Wei Yuan’s face despite scoring a solid blow! The skin was so thick that perhaps only an immortal sword could cut through it!

A momentary silence fell over the banquet. After waiting for a bit but finding no one else who wished to exchange pointers with him, Wei Yuan returned to his seat—or at least, he tried to. He was just turning around when he suddenly felt a faint, stinging pain between his eyebrows—someone had actually locked onto his sea of consciousness directly with their killing intent!

A young swordsman kneeling behind the Princess of Ning slowly rose to his feet, his aura surging steadily. He made no attempt to conceal his murderous intent as he stared intently at Wei Yuan and enunciated each word clearly, “The princess’ belonging isn’t so easy to take.”

Wei Yuan’s expression darkened once more. To blatantly lock onto one’s vital point with one’s killing intent was like pointing a finger at their nose while shouting insults. It was an act of extreme rudeness. Worse, Wei Yuan had no intention of claiming that hairpin in the first place, but because of the way the young swordsman had put it, it now looked as though he were exerting every ounce of his strength just to snatch a personal accessory from the Princess of Ning.

The swordsman slowly stepped forward and said, “I am Xin Ji[1] of Zhao, disciple of the Sword Palace, with an immortal foundation at the peak of the spirit nurturing stage. I wish to test my skills against you. Should you lose, all I ask is that you offer the princess an apology, Lord Wei.”

Wei Yuan gave King Wei a cold look, but the man simply sat upright with a smile as if nothing was happening.

Suddenly, Wei Yuan burst into laughter and said, “Since when have people in my cultivation level dared to challenge me? I must have been too merciful and lenient—that’s why so many jesters are making a fool of themselves in front of me!”

Every young nobleman present was wearing an ugly expression on their faces. None of them had expected such arrogance from Wei Yuan, yet there seemed to be nothing wrong with what he said.

Wei Yuan then turned his gaze to the swordsman Xin Ji and declared in a cold voice, “I need only one strike[2] to defeat you.”

The swordsman, overcame with rage, burst into a mocking laugh. An immortal sword that rippled like water then appeared in his hand as he declared, “Show me how you’ll defeat me in one strike then!”

Farther back, the Princess of Ning’s eyes suddenly flickered with a hint of mischief. Just like before, Wei Yuan couldn’t keep his cool. A single provocation had lured him right into her trap.

“Bring me my spear!” Wei Yuan barked, and his subordinate immediately brought the Immaculate Pure Land to him. At the moment, the spear was fitted with a spearhead but contained no gunpowder. It had been specifically arranged for this banquet’s martial contest.

Grabbing his spear, Wei Yuan beckoned the swordsman to come to him with a finger.

Furious, a cyan glow flared before the swordsman as countless layers of sword qi swirled together, rising slowly like a sun formed entirely of sword qi!

However, the sword qi was still halfway through its build-up when suddenly, the entire hall trembled. It was Wei Yuan pushing against the floor with strength and appearing in front of the swordsman in a single stride. The force of that single step was so great that even the great array shielding the entire residence had wavered slightly!

Wei Yuan thrust his spear into the “sun” of sword qi. His physical strength was so terrifying that it instantly shattered the countless layers of sword qi to nothing. Not only that, the few remaining sword qi that struck him left nothing more than a few red marks.

Wei Yuan had actually shattered the Sword Palace’s supreme art, Cyan Sun Shines Upon Three Provinces, with nothing more than his physical strength! It was only after blocking the spear thrust that Xin Ji realized just how terrifying Wei Yuan’s physique was—even a fully grown, bloodthirsty Mountain Giant would likely be no match for him!

Xin Ji staggered backward unsteadily after his Cyan Sun sword energy shattered. Suddenly, he saw Wei Yuan swinging his long spear again and bringing it down on his head like a club!

The swing was as powerful as a falling star. He had no choice but to hold his sword horizontally to block it. There was a thunderous boom, and countless wisp of sword qi were sent flying in all directions. The immortal sword in his hand snapped in two, signifying that his Dao Foundation had been damaged.

Xin Ji collapsed to the floor, his face twisted by grief and fury as he pointed a finger at Wei Yuan. However, blood was spurting out of his mouth and leaving him momentarily unable to speak.

Wei Yuan immediately declared, “I’ll tell you exactly why you’ve lost. This spear technique is called: Lightning Strikes Twice!”

Setting aside whether the spear technique counted as one spear strike or two, it remained a fact that Wei Yuan had fought two battles and defeated—no, crushed both his opponents without expending a single ounce of Dao energy. His physical body was so monstrous it seemed impossible that he was human. Surely even a demon god or a devil king in the legends could only be so strong!

Wei Yuan let out a long laugh and said to King Wei, “I’ve had my fill of fun for the day, so I shan’t disturb you any longer. If you’re still in the mood, then let us meet again during the autumn hunt! Farewell!”

Without waiting for King Wei to see him off, Wei Yuan strode out of the main hall. Even after he was gone, they could still faintly hear his voice coming from outside: “From now on, throw out any calling card that comes from King Wei!”

Someone remarked, “Lord Wei, isn’t that a bit... inappropriate?”

“He’s just a kindred king with no real power. What is there to fear from him?”

1. Shinji? You’re so fucked, bro. ☜

2. Snort chortle. ☜