BXBX NOVEL Chapter 118 Deliberate
In the following days, Ikasa practiced his martial arts diligently. He enlisted the help of Feng Yan and Gu Dan to help him practice.
When sparring with the two of them, he came to understand how overpowered his techniques were. Even though his movements were not as smooth, one hit was all it took to end the session.
So when the day to visit arrived, he excitedly readied himself. As a last measure of protection, he commanded Feng Yan and Gu Dan.
"Old Man, Blacksmith Gu, stay on alert near the Hu Clan, okay? As soon as you see any signs of disturbance, don't hesitate to barge in. And keep half of your troops ready for battle."
Receiving their affirmative replies, Ikasa set off to the City Lord's Manor.
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While Ikasa was excited, Zhen Ya was anxious about their visit. She knew much more about what was happening in the background but she couldn't reveal it to her brother.
Hence, she tried to emphasize Ikasa's value by recounting the incident between Chu Kuang and Physician Leong. She explained how his timely arrival had prevented an uprising against the City Lord.
"Do you see how useful he is? And even so, you are willing to put him in danger knowing what lies for him in the Hu Clan?"
Zhen Ya coldly asked. Her heart may be anxious, but her face was impassive as ever.
If she had the cunning of Zhi Yang, she would've found a way to explain the happenings in the dark to City Lord anyway. But she had dedicated herself to the Martial Arts and left the political arena to her two brothers.
In such situations, one wrong word could mean incurring the wrath of the Absolutes.
"Calm down, Ya'er! It is just a Hu Clan. Even if they attack, I can escape."
"What about Ikasa?"
On her question, Zhen Wu's eyes narrowed. He suspiciously looked at her face and tried to see any hint of warmth or blush. Except for the slight worry in her eyes, he did not see anything.
Still, she was worried about a human she had no real attachment to. That in itself betrayed her care for Ikasa. While stroking his beard, City Lord had a strange look in his eyes.
'Did this girl fall for Ikasa?'
If Zhen Ya could hear his thoughts, she would definitely violate the rule set by the Absolutes and beat him up.
She was worried about the state of the economy in the City, not the man himself. If Ikasa falls, they would lose out on a major taxpayer.
In a single month, Ikasa had earned around 25,000 Gold coins. And his potential to grow did not end there!
His manuals had only been used by a tenth of the population. There were still more than thirteen thousand potential customers in this City!
With these calculations, it was no wonder Zhen Ya felt her brother was endangering a golden goose.
If a political noob like Zhen Ya could think this, a seasoned veteran like Zhen Wu naturally thought of it. And yet, he was going through with his plan.
Thus, she objected to the City Lord's reckless plan.
"Brother, think about all the losses you would incur if you lose him."
Her words once again reminded Zhen Wu of why Ikasa was a valuable asset.
Nonetheless, rather than the monetary benefits, he was more interested in ending this Battle as quickly as possible. Even if it meant endangering his partner.
With this determination, Zhen Wu replied, "Don't worry. I will do my best to bring him out of the Hu Clan alive."
After promising Zhen Ya, the City Lord donned his outer robe and exited the hall to join Ikasa in the carriage.
The journey to the Hu Clan barely took ten minutes. The occupants of the carriage spent this time in silence. They had done everything they could to prepare for this day. It was time to face the music.
When they got out of the carriage, Ikasa stared at the scabbard hanging by the City Lord's waist. Zhen Wu perceived his stare and curtly replied, "For emergency."
He looked at the sprawling estate before his eyes. His eyes were fixed on the courtyards to the Left. He subtly pointed out one of the courtyards to Ikasa and mouthed, "If a fight breaks out, you will find help there."
Ikasa memorized the location of the building and followed the City Lord inside. Just as they were about to enter the Clan Master's hall, he saw the City Lord pause and inhale deeply.
He noticed the hand of the muscular man tremble slightly as he pushed the door open. Whether it was from nervousness or anticipation, he would find out soon.
"Welcome, Lord of Birch City! How did you find time to visit our humble Hu Clan in the midst of your Battle?"
Clan Master Qing asked, getting up from his seat. He stood on the higher platform, looking down on the visitors. Ikasa perceived it as a deliberate action meant to insult the two of them.
The City Lord paid his disrespect no mind. Nonchalantly, he climbed up the platform with Ikasa and took a seat.
On the platform, Ikasa faced a dilemma. He noticed only two chairs; One occupied by the City Lord and another belonging to the Clan Master Qing.
He was sure that the Clan Master Qing knew of his arrival and that this arrangement was meant to humiliate him.
'If you don't want to give respect, don't expect any from me.'
He approached the Clan Master Qing's seat and made himself comfortable. His actions stunned the other two leaders present in the room.
The City Lord's eyes widened in response to his action while Clan Master Qing fumed. The old man's white eyebrows jumped as he coldly hissed, "What do you think you are doing?"
Ikasa innocently looked up at him and asked, "Taking a seat. Didn't you prepare two seats for the two of us?"
He indicated to the City Lord and himself.
Left speechless by his answer, Clan Master Qing couldn't find words to explain that this arrangement was meant as an insult. He silently glowered at the occupant of His chair.
Suddenly, Ikasa made a face as if he had realized something. Seeing his expression, Qing Mo sighed a breath of relief and was just about to retake his rightful seat when he heard Ikasa's query.
"Am I in the wrong seat? Was this chair prepared for the City Lord?"
His questions made the old man's blood pressure rise. His face flushed red, and the anger in his eyes became palpable. He was left speechless by the shameless behavior of this young man.
Ikasa silently observed the changing shades of his face while his mind went to the clips of Chinese Dramas his tech guys used to share with him.
'Isn't this the point where he should puke blood from anger? Guess he missed his cue. At least give me a (Junior, you are courting death!)'
The City Lord was torn between annoyed and amused while watching this exchange. He was annoyed that his plan to subtly test Hu Clan's stance was foiled. However, Ikasa's retaliation to deliberate insults was very satisfying to watch.
Clan Master Qing turned his attention to the City Lord. He loudly asked, "What kind of rude guest have you brought to my Hu Clan, City Lord?"
Ikasa also focused his attention on the muscular man. If City Lord did not back him up even after everything he had done for him, he would have no qualms in throwing the man under the bus when the time comes.
"This is a genuine misunderstanding, Clan Master Qing. Since you only prepared two chairs, it is natural to assume they are for the guests. The Hu Clan we know is not petty enough to keep their respected guests standing."
Clan Master Qing had expected the City Lord to side with him. Contrary to his expectations, the City Lord admonished him to his face!
Seeing the shade of purple appearing on Qing Mo's face, City Lord knew that any possibility of roping the Hu Clan to his side had gone down the drain.
With this, the primary purpose of bringing Ikasa along had also been defeated.
The Hu Clan's moves in the dark had not escaped his notice. If they were just doing it for some profits, he hoped to orchestrate some sort of agreement between Ikasa and the Hu Clan favoring the latter.
Thus, keeping them out of his Battle of Rights.
But Qing Mo's antagonistic attitude from the beginning made it clear that there was no room for reconciliation. So, when the time came to make a choice, he chose Ikasa and Feng Yan over the large Hu Clan that still had two Sense Trainers.
Clan Master Qing recovered from the insult quickly. He straightened his back and grabbed the saber hanging on his waist. His actions seemed to be a signal as two more Sense Trainers came out into the open.
Zhen Wu's face turned grave upon realizing the identity of the last Sense Trainer. He looked at Clan Master Qing, his eyes spitting fire.
"City Lord, it's good that you are here. Let's end the Battle of Rights today, shall we?"