Chapter Ten: The Second Divine Martial Contest Section Six: Reunion and Lasting Affection (Part One)

July hurriedly wiped away the moisture from her eyes and nodded firmly. "My master has never shed a tear in his life, and after this day, I will never disgrace him. I will not cry!"

"That's the spirit. Eat, drink!"

Bathed in the golden glow of the sunset and evening clouds, the two beautiful young women laughed and sang, dancing freely as they indulged in food and drink. Fortunately, no one was watching; otherwise, they would have appeared like celestial beings descending to earth when they danced, and their singing was like heavenly music. Yet, their manner of eating resembled that of starving ghosts returned to life.

The dusk and the evening glow painted a breathtaking scene.

Having been away from the Evening Glow Clan for many days, Bu Jingshen found himself reminded at times like this of the moon and star worship rituals.

After arriving in Zhengdu, Ao Pan felt somewhat reserved but managed to maintain composure.

As the caravan stopped, a voice rang out:

"Marquis of Zheng, Ling Luo, pays respects to His Majesty, greets the Northern Lord."

Bu Jingshen accompanied Ao Pan down from the carriage and, upon seeing Ling Luo leading the ministers of Zheng, was momentarily dazed.

Ling Luo had achieved mastery of divine power; now a natural white light radiated from him. Clad still in the pure white robes of the Divine Sect, he floated like an immortal, though the precious jade at his waist was nowhere to be seen.

"Rise."

"Please, Your Majesty. The King of Zheng has long prepared a banquet in the palace to welcome you."

The palace of Zheng was more splendid than the capital city of Zhou had ever been before it was burned down. The Northern Yin City was beyond comparison.

Every servant in the palace was clad in silk, a testament to Zheng’s immense wealth. This was unlike the Black Wolf Clan, where even having a silk garment was a precious rarity, seldom worn except on special occasions. The Black Wolf Clan did not produce silk and had to purchase it from outside at great expense—a true extravagance.

At the banquet, Bu Jingshen noticed the Princess of Heavenly Music accompanying the King of Zheng, as well as Zheng Linran herself.

She remained as flawlessly beautiful as ever, dressed in the robe of the Flying Immortal Sect’s sect master—a symbol of honor—which made her presence both graceful and dignified. She sat to the left of the King of Zheng, a position of great prestige, unmatched by any martial practitioners from other nations.

Bu Jingshen lifted his cup with the others and drank in one gulp.

Yet, the wine tasted bitter to him. Only then did he realize that despite the time passed, though he harbored no hatred for Zheng Linran, he had never truly let her go. She had once been the only innocent fantasy he held during his solitary days on Beiling Mountain.

Sensing his repeated glances, Zheng Linran smiled and asked, “Northern Lord, do you not favor the fine wine of Zheng?”

“With such a beauty before me, it matters little whether the cup holds the finest wine of Zheng or a wild brew from a roadside tavern—it would only enhance the flavor.”

“Your praise humbles this sect,” Zheng Linran replied, though inwardly uncertain of the Northern Lord’s true thoughts. “Perhaps you have stayed too long among the Black Wolf Clan, unaware that such words are considered quite rude in Zheng.”

“No matter. The sect master knows the Black Wolf Clan’s straightforward nature—saying what they think—and naturally will bear no offense.”

“Your frankness is refreshing. Come, I, the king, will toast the Northern Lord.”

The assembly raised their cups and drank deeply.

Zheng Linran noted that Bu Jingshen’s gaze on her was devoid of lust, and that even while standing in such a perilous place, he remained calm and dignified. She mused silently that it was no wonder the Princess of Baisi had fallen for such a man—he was indeed a remarkable character.

The meal concluded, and after the singing and dancing, the King of Zheng invited Ao Pan to join him.

“I hear the Northern Lord is among the martial cultivators? I imagine you would be interested in the Divine Martial Arena. Linran, the sect master, and the Marquis of Xin were to attend, but I ask you to accompany the Northern Lord to witness the martial contest.”

“If the Northern Lord wishes, I would be honored to guide the way.”

“It is my honor to lead the Northern Lord,” Ling Luo responded with a composed expression.

“In that case, many thanks to the King and to the sect master.”

Ao Pan was fearful, worried that after parting from Bu Jingshen he might be in danger. Yet seeing no objection from Bu Jingshen, he forced himself to follow the King.

Bu Jingshen rode with them to the Divine Martial Arena.

The arena was forged from refined iron, eighty yards in diameter. To the north stood a towering twenty-yard stone inscribed with three magnificent characters: Divine Martial Arena—a fitting title for the world’s foremost fighting ground.

To the left of the stone was a pavilion capable of seating several hundred spectators comfortably, while seats for five thousand encircled the east, south, and west sides. Beyond this, there were additional pavilions reserved for those awaiting their turn to compete. No wonder the construction had been so costly; such lavishness was a mark only the Zheng Kingdom could afford.

Ling Luo and Zheng Linran accompanied Bu Jingshen to the pavilion near the giant stone, where they surveyed the scene and explained the details with care.

At length, Ling Luo bowed deeply and said, “Since parting from the Northern Lord, I have often thought of you. I regret that when we first met, we were unable to forge a friendship. Fate has brought us together again today, and with sincere heart, I hope to become your close friend. Please do not refuse my earnest wish.”

“Marquis, you flatter me. I believed these feelings were mine alone, but I am glad to learn you feel the same. I have heard of your broad-mindedness, your clear sense of right and wrong, and your steadfast principles. To become your close friend would indeed be a great joy in life.”

“Then tonight, why not move to my residence to rest? We can drink and talk, making the most of this evening.”

“Nothing could be better!”

The two men smiled warmly at each other, each lost in thought. Ling Luo truly wished to befriend him, even knowing that soon they might be forced to fight. Bu Jingshen appreciated Ling Luo’s magnanimity and was grateful that, despite his transformation, he could still count the senior brother among his friends.

Nearby, Zheng Linran teased, “Marquis, how unfair—you toast the Northern Lord but not your sect master.”

“The sect master is always busy; I dare not delay her. Since she is free today, please do join us at the residence.”

“In that case, I shall not refuse.”

Hearing Zheng Linran’s response, Ling Luo’s suspicion grew. He noticed Bu Jingshen’s frequent glances toward Zheng Linran, and she was not oblivious to it either.

Ling Luo had heard last year rumors of Zheng Linran’s too-close relations with two princes and had warned her to be cautious. Though he was never so petty with the Princess of Heavenly Music, he could not tolerate any impropriety from his third junior brother’s wife. The princess often accused him of being harsh in this matter, and he admitted it himself, yet he could not relent.

He felt he had failed in his duties as senior brother that day. If his third junior brother were to pass away and his wife caused scandal unbearable to men, he would be ashamed to face Bu Jingshen even in the afterlife.

For this reason, Ling Luo had even dared to offend the two princes by visiting them, causing them to glare coldly whenever they met. Yet out of respect for the Left Chief and the Princess of Heavenly Music, they never openly opposed him.

Zheng Linran was furious at Ling Luo but felt helpless, knowing he held the upper hand.

At the Marquis of Xin’s residence, they found the Princess of Heavenly Music present. Bu Jingshen had thought they were already married, but the Black Wolf Clan had little news of Zheng Kingdom affairs.

The princess welcomed their arrival with wine but excused herself to return to the palace.

“I heard the Marquis and the princess have been betrothed for some time—have they not yet wed?”

“Northern Lord, you are unaware. I once had a junior brother, but alas, he passed away young. He was also the betrothed of Sect Master Linran. We mourned deeply and have observed three years of mourning to honor his spirit in heaven.”