Chapter 485 - 467: Sparring Wager
After chatting for a while, the three of them went to the Government Office in the Inner Courtyard to collect their Waist Tokens and complete their registration.
"You two Great Commanders, according to the rules, you must complete the dredging works in your respective river jurisdictions before the Martial Examination in a month. Upon completion, you will earn fifty points," the official explained. "However, I must remind you that these river jurisdictions are not permanently assigned. Within the next three days, the Great Commanders are free to exchange their territories at any time."
Su Yu thought to himself, "Does this mean they want us to fight over the jurisdictions during these three days?"
A significant amount of work had already been done on the river jurisdictions. The closer one was to the Hanging Mirror Gate, the faster the progress. Naturally, everyone wanted to secure a better territory. Take Su Yu, for instance. The jurisdiction he was assigned wasn’t far from the Hanging Mirror Gate, and a third of the construction was already finished. As long as he didn’t slack off, he could easily complete it within a month. This kind of prime territory would naturally attract the covetous eyes of others.
"Additionally, you may head to Tiger Roar Mountain for the assessment at any time. Lord Manor Master has decreed that for every Black Lotus Sect Demon at or above the Martial Artist Realm you kill, you will earn one point! The stronger the enemy, the more points you receive!"
"This assessment suits me perfectly! I will slaughter my way through the Black Lotus Sect strongholds and claim first place!" Li Jingfeng declared. He turned his face to the side in a Skilled manner, his black clothes fluttering in the wind as he exuded absolute confidence.
Su Yu and Li Jingxuan exchanged a glance and silently distanced themselves from him.
"Wow, it’s Mr. Li Jingfeng! He is one of the three Great Dragon Tendon experts participating in the assessment. He will definitely secure the Nomination Order!"
"He’s so handsome! Is this the aura of a top expert? That side profile, paired with his black outfit... it’s so enviable."
In the distance, a few members of the younger generation praised him without hesitation.
The corners of Li Jingfeng’s mouth immediately curled upward into a slight smirk. However, he remained standing completely motionless, putting on the facade of a lonely, unmatched master.
Su Yu and Li Jingxuan left in silence, making their way to the entrance of the River Management Bureau. They had only taken a few steps when the crisp, synchronized sound of approaching footsteps echoed toward them.
A squad of Martial Artists clad in crimson martial attire approached slowly, projecting a chilling and oppressive aura. Wherever they passed, the chatting crowds instinctively fell silent and parted to make way. The man leading them had a tall, slender build and appeared to be in his late twenties. He wore a long robe as vivid as fresh blood. As he walked, his flowing sleeves whipped through the air, making him look like a blazing mass of crimson flame.
At his waist hung two Treasure Sabers. One was long, slender, and as pitch-black as ink, radiating a bone-piercing chill. The other was broad and heavy, its blade etched with ancient patterns, its murderous intent deeply concealed.
Su Yu took a closer look. The man’s face was stern and cold, his eyebrows sharp like blades. With every step, he exuded a fierce and domineering presence.
"It’s the Blood Robe Commander, Tiemu Xiaoyun!"
Someone instinctively shrank their neck, whispering a warning to their companions as they backed away. Tiemu Xiaoyun hailed from the Tiemu family. Though he was not from the direct bloodline, his fearsome reputation had long spread throughout the Inner City. His Martial Arts prowess was staggering. The twin sabers at his waist had slain countless formidable foes, and he commanded the powerful Blood Slaughter Guard, earning the awe and fear of many.
Su Yu and Li Jingxuan did not step aside but simply continued walking forward. The hall was spacious enough that the two groups didn’t directly collide, brushing past each other without incident.
Once they walked out of the River Management Bureau, Li Jingxuan whispered, "Brother Su, be careful of this man. He’s a top expert of the Tiemu family and has killed many people. His strength is also terrifying. Rumor has it that he once used his twin sabers to slay an Exotic Beast comparable to the Profound Bone Realm. His strength might even slightly surpass my cousin Jingfeng’s."
The Tiemu family again. Su Yu felt a ripple of emotion in his heart. He and the Tiemu family were now practical enemies. Having lost three Profound Bone Realm experts to him, the family would undoubtedly strike against him if given the chance. Fortunately, he was now a Great Commander of Zhenwu Mansion, so no one would dare attack him openly. However, it was highly possible that Tiemu Xiaoyun might try to provoke or suppress him.
To be capable of slaying a Profound Bone Realm Exotic Beast with Great Dragon Tendon strength meant his power was likely greater than that of an ordinary Profound Bone Realm cultivator! Against such a formidable opponent, he might not be a match in a direct, head-on confrontation. Of course, if it came down to a true life-and-death struggle where he unleashed all his trump cards, the one to die would definitely be the other party. Setting everything else aside, just the White Ape Transformation and the Taibai Primordial Magnetic Gold Qi alone were enough. If he used either of them, his opponent wouldn’t stand a chance.
The two waited at the entrance for a while until Li Jingfeng came out. Then, the three of them headed toward their jurisdictions together. Su Yu’s jurisdiction was right next to Liu Wu and Li Jingfeng’s, making it one of the very best assigned areas.
The trio soon arrived at their designated territories. Su Yu took a tour to inspect his area and saw that much of the river dredging was indeed already finished. For the remaining work, as long as he continued the work-for-relief program, it would take less than ten days to complete.
But things were rarely that simple. Su Yu had barely finished his inspection when someone came looking for trouble.
"Commander Su, I am Cao Yanqing, a Great Commander under Master Gu."
Cao Yanqing wore a full set of black armor and carried a long spear on his back, his bearing imposing and majestic.
"Commander Cao, what can I do for you?" Su Yu asked.
"Since we are both Martial Artists, I won’t beat around the bush. Commander Su, the jurisdiction you govern is one of the four best territories."
"Oh? And so what?"
"Hahaha, don’t play dumb, Commander Su. Among the Great Commanders competing for the Nomination Order, Great Commander Gu Changfeng is the strongest. As a True Dragon Pride, he is naturally beyond our comparison.
"Below Commander Gu are the three experts in the Great Dragon Tendon Realm: Zhao Daoran, Tiemu Xiaoyun, and Li Jingfeng! I have no objections to those three occupying the prime jurisdictions. But for you, a mere Jiao Tendon cultivator, to hold such an excellent territory—that is something the rest of us simply cannot accept!"
With that, he drew the long spear from his back. His aura erupted, and a powerful Spear Stance manifested with a fierce, whistling intensity.
"Look over there! It’s Great Commander Cao Yanqing. He’s making a move against Su Yu!"
"That Su Yu is merely at the Jiao Tendon stage, yet he seized such a prime piece of jurisdiction. It’s no surprise someone challenged him."
Today was the day all the Great Commanders came to report for duty, meaning a large crowd was present. The commotion quickly attracted people from various factions to gather and watch.
"Cousin, this Cao Yanqing is as reckless as ever. Someone must have goaded him from behind the scenes to directly provoke Younger Brother Su." A fierce glint appeared on Li Jingxuan’s chubby round face. He genuinely considered Su Yu a friend now, and seeing him so blatantly looked down upon filled him with anger.
"Although that guy Cao Yanqing is only at the Middle Dragon Tendon stage, he’s a standout among his peers. He’s someone capable of withstanding my Six Swords! With his strength, he could even kill a Middle Dragon Tendon Incense Master of the Black Lotus Sect. Naturally, he wants to test his mettle against Brother Su," Li Jingfeng commented.
Having found the perfect angle at some unknown point, Li Jingfeng stood on a slightly protruding bluestone, facing them in profile. He wore a look of keen anticipation as he added, "I wonder how strong Brother Su truly is, and whether he can defeat this Cao Yanqing."
"Haha, Younger Brother Su’s strength has never disappointed. Just wait and see," Li Jingxuan replied.
Su Yu currently did not have Mo Yuan with him; he only carried an ordinary Treasure Saber. Originally, he had no desire to fight, but since the trouble had been brought straight to his doorstep, backing down was out of the question.
"Commander Cao, you challenge me simply because you want my jurisdiction. If I lose, the jurisdiction is yours. But what if I win?"
Seeing that Su Yu didn’t outright refuse, a flash of delight crossed Cao Yanqing’s eyes. Within Zhenwu Mansion, martial strength had always reigned supreme. The fact that three days were allotted for jurisdiction disputes meant the higher-ups tacitly approved of such conflicts. As long as he defeated Su Yu, he could claim this prime jurisdiction, freeing up all his energy to focus solely on Tiger Roar Mountain. If he managed to kill enough Black Lotus Sect Demons at Tiger Roar Mountain, he might just rank in the top four and secure a Nomination Order!
"Commander Su, if I lose, I will give you a Dragon Tendon Pill!"
"A Dragon Tendon Pill! What a grand gesture. Is Commander Cao confident or just arrogant? To actually offer such a wager," someone in the distance immediately exclaimed in shock.
The value of a Dragon Tendon Pill went without saying. When Su Yu asked the Medicine King Pavilion to refine one, just the processing fee alone cost thirty thousand taels of silver. Not to mention the current scarcity of Dragon Sinew Grass and the monopoly held by Pharmacists. Nowadays, obtaining a Dragon Tendon Pill was incredibly difficult!
"Very well, I accept your challenge!" Su Yu declared.
He slowly drew the long saber from his back. His Evil Qi began to rise, spreading in all directions like a crashing tide. Several weeping willows on the riverbank bore the brunt of it. Their branches moved without wind, flying backward and producing a loud RUSTLE.
The previously noisy crowd instantly quieted down. They marveled at the terrifying Evil Qi, realizing that Su Yu was actually a true God of Slaughter. Even if he possessed a special physique, he must have killed an untold number of people to cultivate an aura like this.
The ancient sword on Li Jingfeng’s back let out a clear HUM, and a surging battle intent rose in his eyes. He thought, "What terrifying Evil Qi. It seems Brother Su’s reputation isn’t built on nothing. Perhaps he can withstand my seventh sword!"