I'm Already the Richest Man, Why Did My System Just Arrive?

Chapter 290: Chapter 176: Grand Occasion

After all, most Jianghu Knights were accustomed to roughing it and simple fare; they held little interest in the finer points of tea appreciation.

He never would have imagined that beneath Zheng Xiu’s handsome exterior lay such a refined soul.

They crossed an exquisite little bridge, the pleasant sound of gurgling water filling the air. As they followed the path up the mountain, they found it sparsely traveled. The young attendant explained that Hero Xiao was a late arrival. Of the two hundred people invited, one hundred sixty-seven martial arts masters had already reached Hidden Sword Manor. Zheng Xiu was the one hundred sixty-eighth.

Zheng Xiu hadn’t expected so many people to attend the Martial Arts Assembly.

Zheng Xiu knew just as little about this Dugu Xiang.

A sliver of worry bloomed in Zheng Xiu’s heart.

Worry for Xie Luohe.

Xie Luohe was definitely not here to attend the assembly for any legitimate reason; of that, Zheng Xiu was certain.

’As the saying goes, a dog... ahem, I mean, a leopard can’t change its spots, and a bandit can’t change her ways. Xie Luohe is definitely up to something. Does she think I won’t know just because she doesn’t say anything?’

’I hope she’ll be all right.’

Zheng Xiu thought silently.

Before long, under the guidance of Scholar’s Assistant Xiaozhuang, Zheng Xiu arrived at a clearing on the mountaintop.

This was Hidden Sword Manor’s forbidden ground—the Sword Inquiry Platform. Normally, only Patriarch Dugu Xiang and the manor’s elite disciples were permitted to come here to meditate and comprehend the Sword Dao. Xiaozhuang said that in all his thirteen years, this was the first time he had ever seen the Sword Inquiry Platform so lively.

When they were still about ten steps from the Sword Inquiry Platform,

Zheng Xiu saw towering stone pillars standing tall.

The pillars were long and narrow, with sharp tips, looking like colossal stone swords piercing the sky. Covered in cracks and moss, they bore the marks of great age.

”Hero Xiao, please.”

The high-pitched recitation of a middle-aged man drifted from within.

Scholar’s Assistant Xiaozhuang pointed into the Sword Inquiry Platform and lowered his voice. ”The Patriarch has begun the Heaven-Worshipping Ceremony to pray for Heaven’s protection. Please, Hero Xiao, do not disturb his recitation.”

Zheng Xiu nodded and led Xiaotao inside.

The sight that met his eyes was twelve stone pillars arranged like a clock face on the Sword Inquiry Platform. The platform was surrounded by circular, raised tiers, descending toward the center like an ancient arena.

The tiered platforms were crowded with people, as Martial Knights selected their seats. A long table was set before each person, holding several cups of fragrant tea. Acquaintances sat together in groups of two or three; some were silent, some were lost in thought, and others whispered amongst themselves. However, most eyes were fixed on the center of the Sword Inquiry Platform. There, a tall man wearing a feathered crown with a broadsword on his back faced a Bronze Tripod, holding three sticks of incense as he bowed in worship.

The Sword Inquiry Platform was spacious, and there were still many empty seats. Dugu Xiang had invited over two hundred people, but fewer had actually shown up than expected.

”Hero, this way please.”

As Zheng Xiu surveyed his surroundings from the entrance, Xiaozhuang bowed out, and another young man—a few years older than Xiaozhuang and with a Wooden Sword on his back—stepped forward to take his place.

Zheng Xiu guessed this person was from the younger generation of the Dugu Family. He had a gentle and courteous demeanor. He didn’t ask to see the Heroic Invitation or verify Zheng Xiu’s identity, simply welcoming him as he was. While leading the way, the young man first asked in a low voice if Zheng Xiu had any acquaintances he wished to join for tea.

Zheng Xiu was about to say no, but then he remembered the role he was playing. ”I was wondering, has Third Young Master Chu Chengfeng of Meihua Manor arrived yet?” he asked. ”He and I are old friends. It has been a long time, and I was hoping to see him.”

A look of understanding crossed the young man’s face. He closed his eyes in thought for a moment, as if he had memorized the identity of every guest. He soon confirmed that Chu Chengfeng had not arrived and offered a polite apology.

It wasn’t that Zheng Xiu was actually looking for Chu Chengfeng. He knew full well that Big-bearded Chu had fallen on such hard times that he was now playing bandit at Yunhe Village.

After they were seated, the young man quickly presented a pot of hot tea on a tray.

Zheng Xiu’s eyes lit up. Using the lid to hold back the tea leaves, he poured a cup for himself and another for Xiaotao.

Seeing how skillfully ”Xiao Buping” handled the tea, with a subtle air of nobility about him, a flicker of surprise showed in the young man’s eyes. He said nothing more, however, and quietly withdrew.

After savoring a sip, Zheng Xiu opened his eyes and praised, ”The rumors are true!”

The tea was fragrant and sweet with hidden floral notes. A faint, intoxicating honeyed sweetness bloomed on the tongue and filled the mouth, leaving a delightful, lingering aftertaste.

”Young Master, Young Master.”

At that moment, Xiaotao secretly tugged on Zheng Xiu’s sleeve. Blushing, she leaned close to his ear and said, ”Look over there.”

Whether by accident or on purpose, her lips brushed lightly against his earlobe. She quickly pulled back half an inch, then let out a sharp, warm, fragrant breath. Zheng Xiu laughed. ”That tickles.” He glanced down and saw Xiaotao’s hand pointing in a certain direction under the table.

Though Xiaotao was inexperienced in the ways of the Jianghu, she wasn’t stupid. To any observer, the ”Iron Fan Beast” was shamelessly flirting with a tender young lady in broad daylight, and quite enjoying himself. But secretly, Zheng Xiu understood Xiaotao’s true meaning and nonchalantly glanced over. There, on the tier above them, he spotted the figure of Xie Luohe and froze.

’When did she...’

Zheng Xiu was dumbfounded.

For a split second, he thought Feng Bei was standing right there.

She wore a set of black martial attire with a moon insignia on the sleeves. Her long, black hair was tied up high, with a lock falling naturally on the right side. The form-fitting outfit accentuated Xie Luohe’s curves, yet she didn’t seem delicate or coquettish. Instead, she radiated a sharp, heroic aura, like a drawn sword. A black, crow-shaped mask covered her face, lending her an air of ferocity and a touch of the Omen.

’She’s doing this on purpose!’

Having been messed with by Xie Luohe a few times, Zheng Xiu didn’t think it was an apparition of Feng Bei. He was certain that Xie Luohe was deliberately dressing this way just to provoke him.

He had more than enough experience with Xie Luohe’s pettiness; she held a grudge like no other.

Zheng Xiu’s gaze didn’t linger on Xie Luohe for long. He quickly looked away and, with a smile, playfully tousled Xiaotao’s hair. ”Don’t stare.”