Volume 1, Chapter 35: The Merchant Clan

Xingtian Dafeng spurred his mount and took off at a gallop, shouting, "Brothers, let's head to the palace to catch the action. Maybe we'll get a chance to join in on the fun."

Xiahou urged his black steed forward, swiftly following Xingtian Dafeng. He called out, "Can we even get inside?"

Xingtian Dafeng glanced back at Xiahou, raising an eyebrow and grinning confidently. "Don't forget our ranks. As commanders of the Heiyan Cavalry and the Dark Horse Brigade, we're high-ranking generals in the Grand Xia army. Escorting foreign envoys into the palace is part of our duty, especially if those envoys pose a threat to the king."

Xiangliu Rou, riding his massive three-headed serpent, quickly caught up, chuckling. "Exactly. Missing out on this excitement is not an option. I'm the palace gatekeeper now, after all. Guarding the palace gates is my responsibility." The Xingtian clan members burst into laughter. Xiangliu Rou had barely shown up at the palace gates during his month-long tenure.

Without further delay, those with official duties rallied their closest followers and charged through the palace gates. Those who couldn't join them stood outside, grumbling and pounding their chests in frustration.

Xingtian E stood on the first grand platform leading to the palace's main hall, his stony face slowly forming a grim smile as he watched Xingtian Dafeng and his entourage arrive. He spoke in a low, commanding voice, "Keep your composure. Your seats are ready in the plaza outside the main hall. Stay vigilant; we might need you to intimidate those Atlantean envoys." His fists clenched, emitting a series of sharp cracking sounds.

Xiangliu Rou dismounted and, almost groveling, greeted Xingtian E. "Elder, your words are too kind. If you intervened, those envoys would be nothing but dust."

Xingtian E raised his head proudly. "They aren't worth our effort. Let you youngsters handle them. The king decreed that any injuries or deaths inflicted upon them will count as military achievements."

Xingtian Pan and Xiangliu Rou exchanged excited high-fives. Xiahou nodded inwardly, impressed by the solidarity of the Grand Xia nobility. Despite their internal conflicts, they united against external threats. However, he couldn't help but pity the Atlantean envoys. This was clearly a trap.

The group proceeded through the vast plaza. As Xiahou passed one of the Nine Provinces Cauldrons, he discreetly touched its bronze surface. Instantly, a surge of energy resonated with his own, flooding into him. This influx of pure energy surpassed a month's worth of cultivation, enhancing his physical capabilities.

"Marvelous," Xiahou mused, "If only I could train with the Nine Provinces Cauldrons. But that's impossible; they're symbols of the Grand Xia's royal authority."

Climbing a final platform, Xingtian E pointed to Bai and said, "Chihu Baolong, keep a close watch on this pixiu. Don't let it harm anyone unless the king orders it. Once the king gives the signal, it can tear those envoys apart. Remember, you need military merit to advance in the Heiyan Cavalry. Don't miss this chance; it's easier than earning it on the battlefield."

Xiahou nodded, indicating his understanding. He held tightly to the silver wire around Bai's neck, following Xingtian Dafeng to the entrance of the grand hall.

The hall was a monumental structure, built from massive stone blocks, standing over thirty feet tall like a black colossus. As they stood outside the hall's entrance, the wind howled fiercely, with clouds seemingly grazing the roof, creating a sensation of being atop the heavens.

Hundreds of stone benches were neatly arranged in the plaza outside the hall, leaving a central aisle. Under the guidance of palace attendants, the officials took their seats according to rank, each with a jug of wine and a bronze goblet placed before them.

Xiahou knelt behind Xingtian Dafeng, positioned alongside several high-ranking officers of the Heiyan Army. One of them, a commander with two cauldron insignias on his chest, smiled at Xiahou and nodded politely. "Brother Chihu Baolong, if there's any action today, you should take the credit. We won't be of much use."

Ahead, Xingtian Dafeng shifted and smiled. Xiahou, showing his gratitude, bowed to the commander. "Thank you, Commander. I just hope my skills are enough to handle those Atlantean envoys."

The commander chuckled, sharing a knowing look with the other officers. They seemed to dismiss the Atlanteans. These powerful officers, remnants of the old Heiyan Army formed by Xingtian Dafeng's father's generation, were not entirely under Dafeng's command. Thus, Xiahou was the only one truly loyal to him.

Understanding the nuances of power, the officers intentionally offered potential glory to Xiahou, aiding his rise within the Heiyan Army. Xiahou suspected this was orchestrated by Dafeng's elders to help him build a loyal following. After all, Dafeng's previous loyalists had been severely injured in the battles against Xiangliu Rou's allies, leaving them unable to serve in the military.

As Xiahou pondered, Bai, sitting beside him, grinned mischievously. With lightning speed, Bai grabbed the jug of aged wine in front of Xiahou, broke the seal with a single swipe, and gulped it down. In no time, Bai had emptied the jug and comfortably lay down, resting his head on Xiahou's lap, watching the clouds drift by.

Xiahou indulgently scratched Bai's scaly belly, causing him to purr contentedly.

Nearly a thousand people waited outside the great hall for about an hour before Xiangliu Hu finally arrived, leading the Atlantean envoy into the palace. Hu, aware that many of Anyi's nobles had already gathered, wore a peculiar smile as he guided the envoy inside. Xiahou noticed Hu subtly signaling Xiangliu Rou as he passed by.

Xiahou mused to himself, "They're already scheming before the envoy even steps inside. This should be interesting." He observed as the palace attendants seated the Atlantean escort opposite the Grand Xia nobles, anticipating the drama to unfold.

After the Atlantean envoy and several officers entered the great hall, a booming noise resonated. The walls obstructing Xiahou's view began to move. Hundreds of massive stones floated into the air, revealing the hall's interior.

Sitting on a colossal black stone at the far end of the hall was the majestic King of Grand Xia, his eyes shimmering with the light of countless stars. He glanced at the seated nobles outside with a satisfied smile. The Atlantean envoy, head held high, approached the throne guided by a rotund court minister. Stopping three yards from the king, the envoy lowered his head slightly and roared his introduction, "From the Holy Atlantean Empire, a member of the noble Twelve Golden Families, of the Thera-Loskeu lineage, General of the Empire's First Legion, Vyr Shaquel Thera-Loskeu, greets the King of Grand Xia."

Xiahou, sipping his wine, suddenly choked and spewed it from his nose, nearly collapsing from the shock. He felt he was on the verge of madness. Atlantean Empire? What kind of absurdity was this?

A sudden flash of inspiration struck Xiahou's mind, recalling an ancient text he had once stumbled upon during a mission and later donated to a historical research institute. It was said to be handwritten by the first librarian of the Library of Alexandria: "Before the time of documented history, it was said that Earth's night sky did not have a moon."

For some reason, this nearly forgotten memory resurfaced in Xiahou's mind without any apparent cause. Interestingly, the Grand Xia sky also lacked a moon.

The King of Grand Xia lazily waved his hand, his tone insincere, "Envoy, you've traveled a great distance and endured hardships. The direct distance from your eastern territories to Anyi is over two hundred thousand miles. Your journey here in just two months is commendable."

As if rehearsed, the over two thousand high-ranking officials and nobles present, whether standing, sitting, or kneeling, emitted three simultaneous, disdainful laughs, "Heh, heh, heh!" The chilling murderous intent was palpable, despite the unpleasant tone.

Xiahou wiped his face with his sleeve, noticing the Atlantean knights opposite him. Their faces turned pale, muscles tensed, and many had their hands on their sword hilts.

Gently scratching Bai's ear, Xiahou couldn't help but pity the Atlantean knights. He quickly assessed that none of them had surpassed the third rank of martial prowess, just slightly stronger than ordinary people. In contrast, most of the Anyi nobles were at least at the level of a first-rank grand sorcerer, with many of their guards being second or third-rank grand sorcerers. Among the palace guards and attendants standing around the square, some bore the insignia of five bronze cauldrons on their chests!

"If they dare move, they won't even get the chance for a fair duel before being overwhelmed and slaughtered," Xiahou thought, feeling a rare pang of sympathy. The power disparity was so vast that it was baffling how these Atlanteans had stood against Grand Xia for millennia.

Xiahou, having recently formed his golden core, knew he was far from the prowess of a first-rank grand sorcerer like Xingtian Dafeng. The power of those with two, three, or even eight or nine cauldrons was unimaginable—perhaps akin to nuclear explosions. What kind of weapons did the Atlanteans possess to contend with such sorcerers? And if they hadn't brought any weapons, as Dafeng mentioned, what hope did they have?

Shaking his head, Xiahou murmured to the commander beside him, "I almost feel embarrassed to fight them."

The commander glanced at Xiahou, his smile peculiar, "You noticed? Fighting these unarmed Atlanteans is indeed dull."

Inside the grand hall, the Atlantean envoy, Vyr, shouted, "It is no hardship! By the will of the sacred and supreme Twelve High Priests, I bring a request to the King of Grand Xia."

The King of Grand Xia shook his head and waved dismissively, "Your priests' will holds no power in our lands." The hall erupted in laughter again, especially among the heads of the grand sorcerer families, who nearly choked with mirth. The king continued, "However, hospitality demands we treat our guests with respect. Bring the feast!"

Green light flashed, and countless jade tables materialized, each set with a jug of wine, a plate of meat, a dish of millet cakes, and a cauldron of soup.

Vyr, with no other choice, bowed slightly to the king and, guided by a court minister, took a seat closest to the king's black stone throne.

Seeing Vyr seated, the King of Grand Xia raised his bronze goblet and laughed, "Let us drink! Although Grand Xia and the Atlanteans are enemies, we do not dishonor a nation's envoy. Even our enemies deserve a hearty meal!"

The hall erupted in laughter once more, with the nobles outside doubling over in amusement, feeling a cat-and-mouse satisfaction.

Vyr, his face dark, drained his goblet and shouted, "Great King, please listen to me."

Seeing Vyr seated, the King of Grand Xia raised his bronze goblet and laughed, "Let us drink! Although Grand Xia and the Atlanteans are enemies, we do not dishonor a nation's envoy. Even our enemies deserve a hearty meal!"

The hall erupted in laughter once more, with the nobles outside doubling over in amusement, feeling a cat-and-mouse satisfaction.

Vyr, his face dark, drained his goblet and shouted, "Great King, please listen to me."

The King of Grand Xia ignored him, leisurely drinking his wine before clapping his hands and calling out, "Music and dance, let's have some entertainment! Hahaha, I've heard that the Atlantean nation knows nothing of music and dance. Is that true?"

Amid the rumbling sound, a row of enormous jade chimes appeared at the back of the hall. Nine musicians holding jade hammers lightly struck the white jade chimes, producing a unique, soul-stirring melody. Beneath the golden frames of the chimes, eighty-one musicians played drums, zithers, and flutes, creating a harmonious sound that seemed to reach the heavens. In no time, a hundred ethereal women descended from above, their figures hazy and dreamlike, dancing gracefully. Suddenly, they began to sing, their voices carrying an almost otherworldly charm.

Vyr was dazed for a while, staring at the dancing women in a stupor. Snapping out of it, he replied to the King of Grand Xia, "Our great empire does not indulge in such luxurious entertainments. What our empire needs are strong warriors."

The King of Grand Xia tilted his head, scrutinizing Vyr for a long time before bursting into laughter. "So, envoy, are your warriors formidable?"

Vyr raised his head proudly, "The warriors of the great Atlantis are the mightiest in the world. We have conquered countless kingdoms in the west thanks to our powerful soldiers."

Xingtian Eer, leisurely sipping his wine, wiped his mouth with his sleeve and drawled, "If your warriors are so powerful, why have we continually defeated you on the battlefield? If they are truly invincible, why are you here in Anyi today?"

Vyr, with a high and mighty air, retorted, "While you may have gained some advantages, our warriors have also had many victories."

The King of Grand Xia smacked his lips and suddenly shouted, "So, are you saying that the Atlantean warriors are stronger than our Grand Xia warriors?"

Vyr nodded confidently, "Of course. The blood of ancient gods flows through our veins."

Xingtian Eer chuckled but said nothing. Xiangliu Hui, with a sarcastic tone, remarked, "Why not settle this with a contest? Your Majesty, Vyr is here to request the release of their captured saintess. Let's do this: if Vyr's guards win, we'll release her. If they lose, Vyr must leave the way he came. That way, no hard feelings."

Before Vyr could respond, the King of Grand Xia clapped enthusiastically. "Excellent idea, Xiangliu Hui! It's decided." He scanned the hall with a powerful, almost paralyzing, gaze that washed over the Atlantean knights. "Your guards number eight hundred and fifty-one. We'll have eight hundred and fifty-one matches. Whoever wins the most, wins. How about it?"

Vyr was taken aback, knowing that Atlantean warriors couldn't match the might of Grand Xia's sorcerer-warriors in individual combat. But the ministers of Grand Xia gave him no chance to object. A middle-aged man with gold and silver streaked hair, sitting beside the King, shouted, "His Majesty is wise. I propose that for each victory, our warriors are credited with the equivalent of beheading a hundred enemies and rewarded with ten jade coins. How about it?"

The King of Grand Xia slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "Zhongtian Marquis, well said! I suppose Vyr's guards are all elite warriors. Let's see them in action. Ten jade coins are too few! Any winner will also receive an Atlantean slave."

Vyr, trembling with anger, couldn't speak for a while. He was in a desperate situation.

The King of Grand Xia waved his hand and shouted, "Which warrior will claim the first victory for me?"

Next to Xiahou, the commander flipped his hand, striking Xiahou forward. Xiahou rolled and knelt on one knee. "Your Majesty, I will."

The King's eyes lit up as he examined Xiahou and laughed. "Aren't you the one who nearly caused Xiangliu Hui's sixth son to sell himself in West Street? Very well. Play with our guest properly. Weapons have no eyes—if someone dies, it can't be helped, understood?"

Xiangliu Hui gritted his teeth, while Xiangliu Rou nearly ducked under the table. The Xingtian brothers, however, stood tall and proud. Xingtian Dafeng shouted, "Baolong, show them what we're made of. The warriors of Xingtian won't lose to these Atlanteans!"

Xiahou glanced at the tense Atlantean knights and shook his head, saying, "How about ten of you come at me at once? Let's not waste time." He glared at the commander who had pushed him, annoyed by this lopsided contest.

The King of Grand Xia clapped his hands and laughed. "Good! A true hero of Grand Xia, taking on ten at once! Vyr, do your men dare challenge ten of our warriors?"

Vyr, shaking with rage, kicked over a table and shouted, "This is outright, shameless murder!" The table flew out, narrowly missing two dancing women who quickly moved aside, clearing a large space in the hall.

The King of Grand Xia sneered, "No, envoy. This is a condition. If your men duel with ours and win, you take the saintess. If you lose, you still take her. It's a generous offer, don't you think?"

Vyr shuddered, looking at the King. "I haven't yet stated our demands."

Xiangliu Hui sighed, "Vyr, you don't understand our King's supreme sorcery. Even outside Anyi, let alone here..." He trailed off, laughing mysteriously.

Vyr looked at Xiangliu Hui, then at the King. "Is it true? Win or lose, we can take the saintess?"

The King flicked his sleeves dismissively. "I've grown bored of her. Take her back if you wish. As long as enough of your men die to entertain me, the saintess can leave with you."

Leaning forward, the King stared down at Vyr. "But know this, she is no longer a maiden. Does that matter?"

Vyr's eyes filled with bloodlust as he roared, "Brave knights, this wretched yellow-skinned barbarian has invited you to kill him. So, kill him! Let's see who prevails, Atlantean knights or Grand Xia warriors."

Xiahou took a deep breath, his inner golden core spinning rapidly. A surge of powerful earth-element true essence burst from his dantian, causing his muscles to swell. Despite having only the strength of a ninth-level sorcerer-warrior, Xiahou estimated that his destructive power, when pushed to the limit, was roughly on par with Cang Feng, approaching the level of a first-grade lesser great sorcerer.

Tearing off his cloth robe and handing his Sun-shooting Bow to Xingtian Dafeng for safekeeping, Xiahou roared, "In that case, all 851 of you come at me at once."

As soon as he spoke, the King of Grand Xia and Xingtian Eer clapped enthusiastically, their faces full of excitement. Xiangliu Rou and his subordinates looked grim, while the other nobles began cursing the southern barbarian who wanted to hog all the glory.

Unable to contain his fury, one Atlantean knight leaped up and swung a gold-plated sword at Xiahou. Xiahou countered with a swift punch to the knight's left cheek, causing his handsome face to swell and sending a spray of teeth and blood into the air as he flew backward, unconscious before he hit the ground.

Three more knights attacked simultaneously, their swords aimed at Xiahou's head. Xiahou lowered his towering frame and swept his leg out in a powerful arc, striking the knights' shins with a force that shattered their bones. The true energy from his strike knocked them out as they were flung several meters away, landing more gently than expected.

Seventeen knights charged at once, but Xiahou met them with a roar, his fists a blur as he executed a flurry of punches, each one connecting with a knight's face and knocking them out cold.

Without waiting for more knights to attack, Xiahou leaped to the edge of the plaza, grabbed a bronze tiger statue used for feng shui, and jumped into the midst of the Atlantean knights' seating area. Swinging the heavy statue like a club, he mowed down the knights, breaking limbs and shoulders, and knocking them unconscious with his overpowering true energy.

In just a few minutes, all 851 knights lay on the ground, bloodied and motionless. Though they appeared severely injured, Xiahou knew they only had broken bones and would recover quickly with proper care.

With a resounding thud, Xiahou planted the bronze tiger on the ground, knelt on one knee, and declared, "Your Majesty, mission accomplished!"

The King of Grand Xia clapped with glee. "Excellent, excellent! Prime Minister, this southern barbarian is quite useful. Those so-called invincible Atlantean warriors are nothing but weaklings before our Grand Xia warriors. Reward him well; he has earned it."

Vyr stood stunned, looking from Xiahou to his fallen knights, unable to speak. Xingtian Eer mocked, "Rest assured, envoy, our King will keep his word and release your saintess. As for whether your country wishes to wage war over her lost purity, that's up to your twelve high priests."

Xiangliu Hui chimed in, "War? We're not afraid. Even a minor sorcerer-warrior of ours can defeat hundreds of your elite knights. How did you manage to defend against our attacks for thousands of years?"

Vyr, enraged, shouted, "These knights didn't have their weapons! If they did, this yellow-skinned barbarian would be no match for any of them!" He panted, then roared, "Do you really think your warriors are invincible? This barbarian would be dead against our elite golden family warriors!"

The King of Grand Xia and his ministers exchanged glances but said nothing. Xiangliu Hui taunted, "Escort Vyr and his men to the guesthouse and ensure their safety. And the saintess, Your Majesty?"

The King waved dismissively. "We've had our fun with her. Send her back now. They can stay as long as they like, and all expenses will be covered by the palace. I'm sure Vyr no longer wishes to continue this banquet. Let's feast among ourselves. Reward Chihu Baolong with three jars of the royal reserve wine."

Xiahou knelt again to thank the King, while Vyr, nearly choking with rage, stormed out with his officers. The banquet resumed, and Xiahou was astounded by the luxury: dishes like steamed unicorn and braised tyrannosaurus. He barely knew how to start eating.

The King raised his bronze goblet, his voice booming like thunder. "We have deliberately angered the Atlantean envoy. War is imminent. Are you afraid?"

Xingtian Dafeng and his brothers raised their cups, laughing heartily. "Not afraid! We're waiting for it!"

The King beamed. "Excellent! Conquering new lands is a worthy cause. This time, the young warriors will lead. As always, half the conquered land belongs to the King, and the other half to the conquerors. Your rewards depend on your abilities."

Everyone drank in agreement. Xiahou, however, pondered silently. Everything was premeditated, from the cold reception at the gate to provoking Vyr. The army would be ready to attack while the Atlanteans scrambled to prepare for war.

Should he join the war? Xiahou didn't seek unnecessary trouble. But seeing Xingtian Dafeng and Xingtian Xuanzhi's excited faces, he decided he owed them his help. Without them, he wouldn't have obtained the Sun-shooting Bow or come to Anyi.

Nodding, Xiahou clinked his cup with Xingtian Dafeng's. "Brother Xingtian, I toast to you. Let's surpass Xiangliu Rou on the battlefield."

They laughed and drank, and a courtier rushed in, announcing, "Your Majesty, the Shang tribe's envoy has arrived with tribute!"

The King, surprised, asked, "Didn't they already bring tribute this spring? What's this about? Are they suddenly wealthy?"

Xiangliu Hui barked, "Who's the envoy?"

The courtier replied respectfully, "It's the chieftain's son, Tang!"

With a loud crack, the bronze goblet in Xiahou's hand turned into a flattened piece of metal.