Chapter 428: Reunion
“The competition is about to begin. Let’s take our seats.”
Associate Magistrate Qin led the way toward the high platform, Xu Sanyan following half a step behind. His gaze swept across the arena, where the ground was already packed with people—roughly a hundred or so.
These hundred individuals had spontaneously formed small groups, some with over a dozen members, others standing alone. The lottery for the competition had already concluded, and everyone was waiting for the Prefectural Examination to begin.
Xu Sanyan frowned slightly and withdrew his gaze, his expression thoughtful. He thought he had just seen something…
A familiar face?
Xu Sanyan tilted his head slightly and scanned the crowd again. First, he spotted Qin Shutong, who was also looking at him. They exchanged smiles, and Xu Sanyan gave her an encouraging nod.
Then he saw He Wenshu, whose venomous gaze landed on Xu Sanyan, though his expression also carried a hint of confusion. What merit does this boy possess to be conversing so warmly with the Associate Prefect?
Xu Sanyan completely ignored him. He Wenshu was beneath his notice, unworthy of his attention.
As his gaze continued to sweep across the crowd, he suddenly froze, his footsteps halting abruptly.
Thud!
Xu Sanyan’s eyebrows shot up, his pupils widening with astonishment. Who was that?
A lone girl stood in a corner of the crowd, utterly out of place among the noble clan scions, like a hungry wolf among a flock of sheep.
Her bronze skin, etched with lines of strength, radiated the raw power of a cheetah prowling the wilderness, exuding an untamed, primal aura.
A fitted martial uniform clung to her frame, revealing scarred arms that spoke of countless battles.
But what truly drew the eye was the long, narrow scar that slashed across her jaw, stretching from her neck to the corner of her mouth. Had it been any deeper, her head might have been cleaved in two.
“Tang Huanhuan?”
Xu Sanyan knew this woman intimately. They had once reveled in burning, killing, and plundering together, raiding villages and ambushing travelers. They had spent every day intertwined, leaving him intimately familiar with every inch of her body.
He remembered her slightly rough skin, her slightly sagging breasts, her strong, shapely thighs, and the pungent, sour stench that filled the air when she finally removed her boots at night. After days of unwashed feet, sweat-soaked socks, and stifling leather boots, the stench of her feet, trapped all day, would assault his nostrils with unforgettable intensity.
He never smelled that scent again, and sometimes he found himself missing it…
Over the years, though he’d been through many women, Tang Huanhuan remained one of the longest-lasting companions in his life.
When he first arrived in this world, he was forced to become a bandit for six months. During that time, he and Tang Huanhuan supported each other, forging a ‘deep’ friendship. They later parted ways, never imagining they would meet again here today—truly a twist of fate.
Shan Zhoushan, standing beside him, followed his gaze and asked, “Martial nephew, do you know this woman?”
Xu Sanyan’s mind raced, trying to come up with an answer. Tang Huanhuan knew his true origins; a careless word could raise suspicion.
His current identity was ‘Liang Yongzhuo’—how could a respectable young master have been a bandit?
“Hmm… we met briefly once,” Xu Sanyan replied vaguely. Unfortunately, Tang Huanhuan was too far away; the Demonic Seed’s range wasn’t sufficient. If only he could implant the seed, all his problems would vanish.
“Heh, she certainly has some luck,” Shan Zhoushan nodded slightly, accepting the explanation without further question.
The group approached the high platform. The three chairs at the top were naturally reserved for Associate Magistrate Qin, Junior High Priest Li Wuxing of the Grand Temple of Sacrifices, and the Prefect of Qianzhou City.
As for the Prefectural Governor of Qianzhou, given his high status, he wouldn’t deign to attend such a competition.
Beside the arena,
He Wenshu had been watching intently. He watched Xu Sanyan ascend the platform, then watched them defer to each other.
Finally, he watched Xu Sanyan plop down in the second-row seat. Judging by the Associate Prefect and the others’ expressions, they seemed to think he was being slighted?
He Wenshu felt like the sky was collapsing. Fine beads of sweat broke out on his palms as a single thought flashed frantically through his mind: Who is this kid?
Could he be some young noble from the capital?
Why doesn’t someone of his status travel with guards? Is it fun playing the fool to catch people off guard?
He Wenshu’s face paled as he glared resentfully at Qin Shutong. If this guy is so important, why didn’t you introduce him earlier?
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. She must have set me up on purpose!
No wonder that little slut treated me with such disdain while shamelessly clinging to him. She’s finally made up her mind!
Bitch!
He Wenshu cursed and swore, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. You little bitch, if I ever meet you in the arena, I’ll beat you so badly your own mother won’t recognize you!
He Wenshu was a classic bully—picking on the weak while cowering before the strong. After learning Xu Sanyan’s extraordinary status, he didn’t dare contemplate revenge, instead redirecting his fury toward Qin Shutong.
Qin Shutong remained oblivious, interpreting He Wenshu’s hateful glares as the bitter resentment of unrequited love.
When Xu Sanyan and his companions ascended the high platform, they drew the attention of everyone present. Speculation ran rampant about the newcomer’s identity, wondering how he could possibly sit on equal footing with Master Danzhen.
Those seated on the second tier were individuals of exceptional status. For instance, He Wenshu’s father, Commander He, held the fourth-rank official position of Qianzhou City’s garrison commander, granting him the right to sit there.
Master Danzhen, a great cultivator in the Soul Refining Realm and a Grand Formation Master, also qualified for second-tier seating. What status does this kid have to sit alongside them?
Below the arena,
Tang Huanhuan gazed intently at the high platform, her expression doubtful. She couldn’t shake the feeling that one of the figures on the platform looked familiar, as if she recognized him…
“Fourth Brother?”
Tang Huanhuan’s heart jolted. She remembered now—that man looked exactly like Xu Sanyan!
Upon closer inspection, however, she realized it was merely a superficial resemblance. Their auras were completely different; they couldn’t possibly be the same person.
Tang Huanhuan chuckled at her own foolish thought. How could Xu Sanyan possibly be here? Even if it were him, what merit could he possibly possess to occupy such a position?
Every person seated on the dais was undoubtedly a high-ranking official. Xu Sanyan, a mere bandit by birth, wouldn’t even be fit to polish their shoes.
But he really does look so much like him… Tang Huanhuan thought silently.
As the dais filled, Shan Zhoushan introduced each dignitary to Xu Sanyan:
“This is Lord Zhao Wenshu, the Registrar…”
“This is Patriarch Huang. The city’s immortal artifact workshop is owned by the Huang clan…”
Xu Sanyan rose and bowed, and the others, not daring to be presumptuous, returned the courtesy. Though they didn’t know who this man was, anyone who could sit in such a prominent position must possess extraordinary abilities.
“This is Commander He, a man of unwavering loyalty and dedication, deeply trusted by the prefectural governor.”
“Heh heh, Master Shan, you flatter me. I’m merely fulfilling my duty—nothing worthy of praise.”
Commander He was a middle-aged man with a robust build and a dark complexion. His smile, however, carried a hint of joviality.
Xu Sanyan narrowed his eyes slightly, his smile enigmatic as he countered, “So you’re Commander He? May I ask, is He Wenshu your son?”
Commander He’s heart skipped a beat. He knew all too well what kind of person his son was—utterly incompetent and prone to causing trouble. Any mention of him could only spell disaster.
In the distance, He Wenshu watched his father chatting amiably with the man and immediately sensed something was amiss.
(End of the Chapter)