Comprehending Myriad Techniques as Woodcutter

Seeing Peng Wei challenge him with a look of displeasure, an idea sparked in Xie Yuan’s mind.

To be honest, everything that had happened today was within his expectations, including this challenge to a duel. He had anticipated it all. Taking the blame, acting as a shield—these were necessary steps. If all he did was eat and drink without any trouble, how could he possibly accept Situ Qin’s cultivation technique formula in good conscience? He might as well have paid her for it.

To avoid feeling like he was accepting something for nothing, Xie Yuan had even hoped these young masters would be more aggressive. But most of them weren’t complete fools. Especially out of respect for Situ Qin, they were already being quite restrained.

However, what Peng Wei had just said was completely unexpected, and it caught his attention.

’So Yu Chunsheng’s hidden backer—or perhaps "backer" is too strong a word, maybe just a connection—is the Inspector General of Yunzhou.’ This high official was in charge of the entire province’s judicial system and public security.

’In my past life, that would be equivalent to a provincial chief of police—no, more than that. The Inspector General holds the entire justice system in his grip. It’s like being the head of the public security bureau, the procuratorate, and the courts all rolled into one.’

’A true heavyweight with actual power.’

If Yu Chunsheng had risen through the ranks by relying on this man, then stripping him of his official post would be extremely difficult.

’I wonder why Yu Chunsheng secretly came to the provincial capital to meet this powerful figure recently. What was it for?’

’A few days ago... but which day exactly?’

A sense of unease grew within Xie Yuan.

The most pressing issue troubling Yu Chunsheng recently had to be their Escort Agency.

The deathmatch they had arranged with the Vajra Sect was set to begin in just a few days.

’If Yu Chunsheng came to see the Inspector General recently, could he have been asking for help with this? Was he looking for reinforcements, or something else?’

’But would he need to bother his top superior for something like this...?’

A multitude of thoughts flashed through Xie Yuan’s mind in an instant. His gaze flickered as he looked at Peng Wei.

"So, Young Master Peng," Xie Yuan asked, "you wish to test my skills?"

Peng Wei replied arrogantly,

"Precisely! I may not be the most dedicated, but even with casual practice, I’ve reached the Third Training. My master even calls me exceptionally gifted. You people train bitterly day after day, yet you’re merely on the same level as me. With a cultivation like that, what right do you have to be by Miss Qin’s side? Are you just relying on that pretty face of yours?"

His voice grew indignant by the end, and many of the other young masters nodded in agreement, sharing his righteous anger.

Seeing Peng Wei’s look of absolute confidence, Xie Yuan smiled.

"And what if, by some chance, I win?"

"Impossible! If you win, then as I said, I’ll tell you anything you want to know without holding back! But if you lose..."

Peng Wei trailed off, suddenly hesitant.

He didn’t dare make decisions on Situ Qin’s behalf, even with her absent. The most he could do was give Xie Yuan a hard time.

But Xie Yuan just smiled and finished the thought for him.

"Then I will stay far away from Miss Qin from now on."

"Excellent!"

Peng Wei’s eyes lit up, and he hastily agreed.

"You said it yourself! If Miss Qin asks, remember that no one forced you!"

"Of course."

Xie Yuan nodded.

The surrounding guests were surprised. They hadn’t expected Xie Yuan to agree so readily.

’Does he think Peng Wei is a pushover?’ Although Peng Wei’s skills were average at best, he was still the scion of a great clan, taught by a famous master and possessing a proper heritage.

A Darts Master from the countryside probably didn’t know more than a few Cultivation Techniques, if any. He most likely didn’t even have Inner Strength.

The guests watched Xie Yuan, secretly delighted. ’The pretty boy can’t handle being provoked; he’s just asking to be humiliated.’ Once Miss Qin witnessed this, he surely wouldn’t have the face to pester her again.

Most of the young masters coveted Situ Qin for her talent, beauty, and family background. Though they knew their own chances were slim among the many rivals, one less competitor was always a good thing. This particular rival was unique—his only advantage was his appearance, but that seemed to be exactly what Miss Qin preferred, putting him a hundred steps ahead of them all...

"Then I must trouble the Crown Prince to clear a space for us to have a little spar," Peng Wei said quickly, afraid Xie Yuan might back out.

"No need to trouble him. Right here will be fine," Xie Yuan suddenly interjected.

Peng Wei froze for a second, his eyes shifting to the center of the banquet hall.

While it was spacious enough for a large troupe of singers and dancers to perform, it was hardly as expansive as a proper training ground.

He shot Xie Yuan a sidelong glance.

"It’ll be harder for you to run away in here. Besides, if we damage any of the Crown Prince’s decorations during an indoor match, can you afford to pay for it with your paltry Darts Master’s salary?"

"You needn’t worry, Young Master Peng. If a single item is damaged, I will pay for it twice over," Xie Yuan stated calmly.

Seeing Xie Yuan agree so decisively, Xue Yanwen’s expression grew profound. A smile played on his lips as he chuckled.

"Master Xie, you speak too gravely. Since you two prefer this spot, feel free to spar here. This Crown Prince is not without a taste for spirited entertainment."

News of the impending duel quickly reached the ladies in the garden.

"Sister Qin, is your companion really going to fight someone?" a young noblewoman asked in astonishment.

"What?"

Startled, Situ Qin shot up from her seat in the pavilion. She frowned, displeased.

"They’ve gone too far."

She had assumed Xie Yuan would face some light probing or verbal jabs at most, which he could easily handle with his sharp mind and eloquence. She never thought it would come to blows.

While some of the young masters were indeed ignorant and unskilled, many others were meticulously groomed by their families and were exceptional in knowledge, strategy, and their Martial Dao cultivation. If someone like that were to challenge Xie Yuan, he would likely be at a disadvantage...

Situ Qin immediately strode toward the banquet hall, intending to stop the fight.

"It’s Peng Wei! He was the one who challenged Young Master Xie!" another young woman added, hurrying after her.

"Peng Wei?"

Situ Qin paused, her steps slowing.

"Oh, then it’s fine."

’So it was him. No wonder. Only he would be so brainless.’