Chapter 498 - 298: "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu
Chapter 498: Chapter 298: "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu
’Let Xiao Jinghong be the judge?’
’Let Xiao Jinghong meet Chen Yi—oh, no, Chen Yu... or is it Liu Wu?’
’If she finds out, the consequences will be... they’ll be...’
Xiao Wan’er pictured that dreadful scenario and was suddenly at a complete loss.
A wave of guilt and anxiety washed over her, and she felt she could hardly face her younger sister, Xiao Jinghong.
She felt like a thief who, having just pilfered gold and jewels from a mansion, suddenly heard the owner’s footsteps approaching the door.
All she wanted was to find a crack in the floor to disappear into.
But Xiao Wan’er had no idea how to refuse Elder Master Xiao’s arrangement.
’I can’t just come out and say that Chen Yu is Chen Yi, can I?’
’No, that won’t do.’
’I just promised Chen Yi I wouldn’t reveal his secret.’
’Besides, if I really told them...’
’...things might get even worse. There’s no telling how Elder Master Xiao would react.’
’Maybe... maybe he would...’
Xiao Wan’er couldn’t say for sure what might happen, but one thing was certain: she was panicking inside.
Even when an excited Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang came looking for her, she could only force a weak smile and offer a few placating words.
Then, with the two of them as her guards, she returned to Jiaxing Garden.
Elder Master Xiao, however, didn’t give it much more thought.
It was only natural for men and women to marry when they came of age.
Especially for a man like "Chen Yu"—a supreme talent with transcendent Martial Arts, brilliant strategies, youthful promise, and who had even achieved Great Success in the Medical Dao.
His family background couldn’t compare to the Xiao Family’s, but faced with such a dazzlingly brilliant prodigy, Elder Master Xiao felt it was necessary to set aside concerns about social standing.
After seeing Xiao Wan’er return safely to Jiaxing Garden, he finally let out a long sigh of relief and summoned Xiao Jing.
"What is the situation outside? Has any news arrived?"
Xiao Jing’s face lit up with joy. He bowed and said, "Marquis, Du Cang is dead!"
Then, his voice rising with excitement, he added:
"Liu Wu, the ’Dragon Spear,’ decisively killed ’Jackal’ Du Cang inside Puyin Temple outside the city!"
"The Wandering Martial Artists who went to watch didn’t see the fight itself, but after investigating Puyin Temple, they discovered that Du Cang was killed by the ’Dragon Spear’s’ Punch."
"The ’Dragon Spear’... his Fist Dao has actually reached Great Success as well!"
Elder Master Xiao’s bright, sharp eyes widened slightly. "Are you saying that besides his Spear Dao and Medical Dao, he has also cultivated his Fist Dao to the Great Success Realm?"
Xiao Jing smiled and nodded. "That must be how he was able to kill the Upper Third Grade Du Cang with his Upper Fifth Grade Cultivation."
"Marquis, some busybodies are already saying Liu Wu is now on par with the Second Miss."
Elder Master Xiao chuckled. "’Spear and Sword Dual Mastery’ Xiao Jinghong, and ’Spear and Fist Dual Mastery’ Liu Wu?"
"No. At first, the name spreading by word of mouth was ’Dragon Spear and Tiger Fist’ Liu Wu. But soon, it was shortened to just two words: ’Dragon Tiger’!"
"’Dragon Tiger’ Liu Wu!"
"Dragon Tiger, Dragon Tiger... HAHA! Excellent, excellent, excellent!"
Elder Master Xiao was immensely gratified, praising him repeatedly. "Wind follows the dragon, clouds follow the tiger. A Fifth Grade killing a Third Grade... how domineering!"
"He is truly worthy of being the husband I chose for Wan’er. Only with such an achievement is he fit to be her match."
’Husband?’
Xiao Jing froze for a moment. Realizing what the Marquis meant, he bowed. "Congratulations, Marquis. The Eldest Miss has finally found a worthy match."
He had previously sensed the Elder Master had this in mind, but hearing it confirmed, he couldn’t help but feel happy for Xiao Wan’er.
His thoughts aligned with the Elder Master’s—with "Dragon Tiger" around, there was a chance to save Xiao Wan’er’s life.
Even if he couldn’t cure her completely, with his Great Success Medical Dao, "Dragon Tiger" could at least prolong her life.
Elder Master Xiao stroked his beard and nodded. "For Wan’er to have suffered such a calamity, this could be considered a blessing in disguise."
"When Jinghong returns, I’ll have her pay a visit to Hundred Herbs Hall."
"The Second Miss?"
Realization dawned on Xiao Jing. "Indeed, the Second Miss should go and meet Liu Wu."
Firstly, Liu Wu was a great help to the Xiao Family regarding the Three Towns’ summer grain. It is only right that Xiao Jinghong go and thank him.
Secondly, if Liu Wu truly becomes the Eldest Miss’s husband, he would be a great asset to the Xiao Family.
’The Marquis probably intends to have Liu Wu take up a position in the Dingyuan Army.’
’Third, and most importantly, sending the Second Miss would be an opportunity to probe Liu Wu, or perhaps give him a little warning.’
’After all, the Xiao Family can’t afford to weather any major storms right now. Every step must be taken with extreme caution.’
Elder Master Xiao knew he couldn’t hide some things from Xiao Jing, so he spoke frankly.
"If Jinghong deems him acceptable after meeting him, it will resolve a long-held wish of mine."
As he spoke, Elder Master Xiao couldn’t help but sigh. "That child, Wan’er... she hasn’t had an easy life."
Xiao Jing lowered his head slightly, his smile fading. He said no more.
A moment later.
A smile returned to Elder Master Xiao’s face. He waved his hand and said, "Let’s put family matters aside for now."
"By now, Liu Gongmo should have received the letter."
"Next, I want you to go and oversee things personally. This time, make sure they have no escape!"
"Yes, sir!"
Without a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Jing accepted the order and departed.
Elder Master Xiao watched him go, his gaze drifting to a mass of dark, oppressive clouds in the distance.
’Dragon Tiger... Heh. Even a youngster couldn’t stand my past behavior...’
’I suppose I have been a bit indecisive...’
...
A similar scene was unfolding elsewhere.
Liu Hong stood quietly in a courtyard pavilion, also watching the rain-swept night.
The torrential downpour bent the plantain leaves beside the pavilion, their tips brushing against the muddy ground with every gust of cold wind.
Thunder boomed as lightning tore across the sky.
The flashes faintly illuminated his slightly aged face and his ink-black eyes.
"The victor is crowned a prince, the loser is branded a villain."
"I have trod carefully for decades, yet I still cannot escape the shackles of fame and fortune."
Though his hands, clasped behind his back, trembled slightly, a cold sneer played on his lips.
"According to His Lordship’s plan, the first signs of chaos in Shu State are beginning to emerge."