Chapter 1136 - 8: Defeated by a Clone? The Shocked Prince and the Happy Ji Che!
The [Dojo] of Dao Yuan Continent is an open and even little world, the largest place for debating Dao in the world.
It is located at the center of Dao Yuan Continent; some say it formed naturally, while others believe it was crafted by an ancient great being.
The region of the dojo can be divided by rank into Heavenly Earth Xuanhuang.
Heavenly, Earth, and Xuan are provided for first-grade, second-grade, and third-grade experts respectively, while Huang-level dojo is provided for cultivators below higher grades.
The Earth-level Thirty-Nine [Debating Arena] radiates a hundred miles around, with observation platforms both in the sky and underground.
The observation platforms in the sky are naturally the best observation points.
Floating islands hover in the air.
Each island is protected by a boundary stone formation, absolutely impenetrable by second-grade.
Sometimes, combatants might even rest on the protective barrier, allowing observers to closely view both parties’ states.
Some floating islands can even fly, adjusting positions like a battleship.
The island where Ji Che resides is famously called the Panlong Observation Platform, and it has the largest occupied space on the island.
Leisure and entertainment include large-scale beast arenas, Heavenly Horse Racecourses, aquatic beast games, and small-scale indoor Six Bo, Chupu, Ge Five, herb fights, hot springs, drinks, and gourmet food — all available.
Zhao Xing ascended via a dedicated cloud path ship.
Because the Thirty-Nine [Debating Arena] is hosting a duel.
"Boom boom~"
Two martial artists, one clad in black armor, wielding a blue curved blade, aggressively attacking the other, a sword dancer in flowing white clothes.
Yet, their duel in the sky lasted only four breaths before quickly vanishing into the underground wind tunnel.
"The Earth-level Debating Arena is truly worthy; the battlefield’s terrain is varied, allowing any profession to find an environment suitable for displaying their abilities." Zhao Xing pondered.
Earlier, he passed by a wind tunnel terrain, an underground cave with a radius of about a hundred meters, occasionally spewing fierce winds and sometimes spinning inward, generating massive attraction.
The two recently dueling were just expelled by the wind tunnel, but the repulsive and gravitational forces of the tunnel switch in mere moments.
Without time to stabilize their footing or cast spells or martial skills, they’d be scattered by the wind tunnel, thus challenging the combatants’ adaptability greatly.
"In this dojo, it is never a simple flat field exchange; the environment is complex, and encountering an unfamiliar terrain might mean one’s power doesn’t demonstrate fully, leading to defeat by the opponent."
Zhao Xing opened his Heavenly Eye to carefully inspect the surroundings: "The focus for both new eras is pacifying the barbarians; many terrains, heavenly times, and even vegetation here mimic the environment of the Southern Barbarians."
Though it’s a sparring debate, political inclination is quite evident; unable to defeat opponents in the complex and harsh environment of the Southern Desolate, how can one be called strong?
Great Zhou seeks experts who aren’t just showy displays.
"Duke Divine Might, we’ve arrived." As the ship stabilized at the palace square, a fair-skinned maid approached quietly to remind.
"Hmm, lead the way." Zhao Xing nodded.
Two beautiful maids led him off the ship, heading towards the palace.
Upon stepping on the stairs, before crossing the threshold, a hearty voice reached his ears.
"Brother, you finally came!"
Ji Che rose from the Hall Master’s seat, lifting his robe hem, swiftly running down. His head’s pearl curtain crown swayed, emanating a gentle milky white glow all over.
"I pay respects to Your Highness." Zhao Xing was about to bow in ceremony, as all Princes’ identities were publicly revealed in the 70th year of Yongzhi, having completed all phases of training, with Ji Che directly established as Crown Prince.
"Brother, what are you doing?" Ji Che held Zhao Xing’s hands, preventing him from bowing. "Isn’t it a private occasion?"
At this time, an elderly man with a white beard behind Ji Che reminded: "The Crown Prince requires Duke Divine Might to bow; Your Highness should return the courtesy, as fitting the royal etiquette. How can you be so informal?"
Zhao Xing glanced at this Ritual Repairer, named Ji Wen Chang, a [Minister of Rites] responsible for managing royal ceremony.
Ji Che still held Zhao Xing, dismissively saying: "The purpose of etiquette conforms to human sentiment; Lord Sheng when among villagers, appears reserved as if unable to speak. In ancestral temples and the court, he speaks clearly and cautiously; among lower officials, he is hearty; with higher officials, he is reserved."
"Thus etiquette must consider the occasion and relationships between people; today, meeting privately with Brother, being informal is our courtesy."
Zhao Xing’s heart smiled inwardly.
Ji Wen Chang bowed: "Your Highness omitted a line: In the presence of the monarch, one must be respectful and reserved."
Ji Che, upon hearing, looked displeased.
For though Ji Wen Chang dared not dispute with Emperor Wu, the latter phrase implied that Zhao Xing, as a minister, should observe ministerial etiquette.
Zhao Xing, hearing this, gently freed himself from Emperor Wu’s hold, dusted his sleeve, still bowing: "Greetings, Your Highness."
With no choice, Ji Che returned the courtesy, then pulled Zhao Xing to a guest seat.
Nonetheless, Ji Che was not one to yield easily; as soon as he sat, he addressed Ji Wen Chang and other ritual officers: "I have confidential matters to discuss with Duke Divine Might; please, Minister of Rites, self retreat with your men."
Ji Wen Chang showed helplessness, as discussing confidentiality, naturally, those managing etiquette could not be present.
It seemed he underestimated Duke Divine Might’s place in His Highness’s heart.
Even commenting on such matters was unfit.
Ji Wen Chang and three ritual officers rose respectfully to salute: "As commanded."
Then they led the Ritual Repairers out.