Chapter 17: Master must definitely be pretending_1

The palace in the heart of the city, the dwelling of the City Lord, covers the greatest area. With its constructed rockeries, green walls, red tiles, and multitude of small pavilions, it paints a picture of outmatched splendor.

On a bright autumn evening, the usually tranquil palace courtyard now buzzes with activity.

Today is unlike any typical day. From early dawn, the palace gates are flung wide open, with people continuously streaming in and out.

If one looks closely, the sight of these people, armed with all manner of weapons and clad in armors, conveys a sense of imminent bloodshed, their faces etched with unyielding resolve for battle.

The Palace's Front Hall.

"Young Lord, we knocked on Zhao Dun's door the other day, and the coward didn't even make an appearance. I'm sure he's on his last breath by now, if not already dead. With the combined forces of us three gathered here today under your command, we will surely be able to eliminate Zhao Family's martial arts academy," says a menial worker from the Yun Tian Trading Company, currying favor with a well-dressed man seated in a prominent position.

"Oh, yes. Today, we only look up to the Young Lord," says another.

"After Zhao Dun's death, the entire Zhao Family, both within and outside the city, he he he..."

"Those two daughters of that coward Zhao Dun, are beautiful as spring flowers, he he he…"

Inside the palace, smug laughter resonates as if their plot against the Zhao Family is already won.

As for the propriety of scheming against the Zhao Family in broad daylight within the City Lord's palace, it does not make its way into their deliberations.

These are chaotic times, even the lord of Youzhou City is too preoccupied dealing with his own affairs to regulate their activities.

Besides, the proposal to target the Zhao Family came from the Young Lord himself. That in itself speaks volumes, and these tactful people understand it all too well.

Presumably, the City Lord already has a plan in place to evade any punishment should their plot come to light.

As for Zhao Dun, they had received word ten days ago that he had been gravely injured due to a sneak attack from a mysterious individual.

Five days ago, they were informed in confidence that Zhao Dun's injuries were severe, so severe that even Doctor Xue ruled no chance of survival.

Three days ago, they, under the guide of the Young Lord, had an encounter at the martial arts academy. The Zhao Family sisters, pure and beautiful, were dealt with firmly, receiving slaps on their face and yet, Zhao Dun did not make an appearance.

From all of these, it could be deduced that the news of Zhao Dun's ill-being is accurate.

Perhaps Zhao Dun was already dead at that time.

Today, they are gathered here once again on the Young Lord's summons.

No need to guess, the Young Lord's intentions were definitely steeped in disposing of Zhao Dun, and that too with a swift and resounding action.

Following the Young Lord was, of course, a way for them to share in the spoil.

After all, the wealth of the Zhao Family is too vast to be entirely claimed by the City Lord's Li Family.

The Young Lord, sitting high upon his seat, heart swollen with pride, listens to the flattering remarks.

A little scheme and he became the leading figure within the city. Li Wei was indeed a prodigy, both in mastery of the martial and literary arts.

With Zhao Family serving as a sacrificial lamb to tie these people together, his Li Family might well profit amidst the chaos.

One sweeping look at the talent below his seat, the Young Lord could not help but laugh out aloud.

The Zhao Family Martial Academy had only Zhao Dun to rely on. Due to his overwhelming abilities, the various city factions didn't dare to offend him.

But now, critically injured and possibly even dead-

-the Zhao Family had no one capable of shouldering the burden; they were slated to become a tool for the Li Family to gain popular support.

With the downfall of the Zhao Family Martial Academy, they would have an opportunity for advancement. Not only would they be able to share the city's western benefits, but they would also incorporate all of the Zhao Family's assets outside the city, into their own territory.

With the absorption of the Zhao Family Martial Academy and its wealth, his father could even aim higher.

He was a leader with an army of skilled warriors. The advantage was theirs!

The Young Lord was overflowing with confidence.

Seeing that the time was ripe, the Young Lord raised his hand, preparing to issue an order and command the crowd to attack against Zhao's Family. It was at that instant, he noticed his personal secretary gesturing him from inside the palace.

Although eager to set off, he was forced to attend to the matter as the secretary was none other than his father's right-hand man, Guo Silang.

He had entrusted multiple rights to Guo Silang within the palace and Guo had considerable influence within Youzhou City.

His name is Guo Silang, but people used to call him "Fourth Master".

Rest aside him, Li Wei, even his father, was exceedingly respectful to Fourth Master Guo, who was an officer of the Wudao Division.

Suppressing his impatience, Li Wei got up and walked towards his secretary.

In a corner of the adjacent hall.

Li Wei and the Fourth Master both stood hushed, sneaking glances towards the primary hall. The Fourth Master, stroking the patch of goatee under his chin, spoke while trying to hide his disappointment.

"The City Lord ordered me to inform you that the atmosphere in the Zhao Family Martial academy is extraordinary. It appears that old Zhao Dun may not be dead yet,"

"What? Not dead yet?" Li Wei exclaimed, his face crumpled in a frown, then quickly transformed into a look of severe displeasure. He grumbled to the Fourth Master, "Why did father summon you here?"

His eyes drifted to Guo Silang, growing increasingly hopeful and euphoric.

Are we still going to launch a strong attack?

Guo Silang realized that Li Wei had misunderstood, and immediately shook his head. "If Zhao Dun is not dead, neither your father, nor I, will make a move!"

"What?"

Another cry of disbelief, Li Wei's face changes in an instant.

"So, we are not attacking Zhao's Family today?"

"Hush! Be careful, don't let the outsiders hear!" The Fourth Master warned, checking the doorway to see if anyone was eavesdropping on their conversation. Assured they were safe, he shook his head, "No, you should proceed as per the initial plan..."

The Fourth Master wasn't even finished with his sentence when Li Wei interrupted him, his expressions changing rapidly.

"Zhao Dun is not dead, and if we all go over there, even though we outnumber them, we will be in grave danger. Fourth Master, do you want me to go there and sacrifice myself?!"

From surprise to anger, then doubt, all in one breath, Li Wei's words made Fourth Master's face turn dark.

This brat actually dares to challenge me like this!

Li Wei's impertinence is not groundless.

His father and the Fourth Master were both experts of the Bronze Realm. Although they were no match for the terrifyingly skilled Zhao Dun, they were competent fighters.

However, these two were too afraid to confront an injured and dying Zhao Dun themselves and instead, chose to sit behind and instigate a rag-tag bunch to feel things out.

Relying solely on this crowd led by Li Wei, against an injured Zhao Dun, didn't provide much reassurance.

After all, it's difficult for a Bronzer even to overcome enemy artillery, let alone the speed and endurance, which far surpasses that of Foot Soldiers who are still at the Six Visceras Realm.

If they slash at Zhao Dun, it would only result in minor injuries, while a punch or a kick from Zhao Dun could cause severe injuries.

At their current Martial Arts level, recuperating from heavy injuries could consume half a year, if not more, effectively ending their Martial Arts journey.

If they're lucky, they could end up crippled due to the injury, permanently cut off from the path of Martial Arts, ultimately, they could find themselves in a position far worse than death itself.

If their luck is the worse, they could possibly die in the process.

Thus, Li Wei had decided to retreat.

The Fourth Master, with years of experience handling Martial arts resources in Feng'an City, had already guess what was on Li Wei's mind.

He sighed, finding the City Lord's son lacking courage, strategy and overestimating his abilities.

However, the Fourth Master managed to patiently explain.

"How could your father and I sit back while you walk into a death trap? You don't need to fight today but there's no harm testing him."

Seeing the coldness in Li Wei's eyes replaced with confusion, the Fourth Master tried to explain even further.

"Perform like you did three days ago, call it a duel. Make them get rid of all their weapons and armor. Remember, do not kill anyone. If Zhao Dun decides to retaliate before dying, no one can withstand it."

Li Wei finally understood and his stern face immediately filled with laughter.

"Thank you for your guidance, Fourth Master. I'll go immediately! "

The Fourth Master's explanation was clear and Li Wei was quick to realize this.

Indeed, Zhao Dun was doomed.

however, what if there's still a chance?

Without certain news, they cannot risk killing anyone.

Martial artists are hot-blooded, and killing in anger is common.

If it's too late, and Zhao Dun targets them, not even his father can withstand him.

The Fourth Master detested looking at this idiot who couldn't recognize his position. Though he looked contemptuous inside, he wore a lecherous smile.

"The two Zhao sisters...?"

Li Wei's eyes narrowed with a sly smile, he confidently said,

"Rest assured, Fourth Master. After Zhao Dun's death, I'll personally bring the two beauties to your house."

...

In the martial arts training center, Zhao Yan and Huang An head for the main entrance, taking turns to watch the early risers' routine. Huang An, anxious with the twenty silvers in his pocket.

Just as the two of them were about to leave they bumped into an unexpected person.

Zhao Dun!

He stood in the middle of the road, wearing a dark blue robe. He seemed to be waiting for someone and smiled as he saw Huang An and his daughter emerge.

He looked bright and upright, showing no signs of the severe injury from yesterday if not for a bit of dryness on his lips.

Could it be that the master has recovered?

Impossible!

In Huang's mind, it was just not possible for him to recover that fast.

Unless his master was a god.

He must be pretending.

Something's wrong!

This was Huang'an's first reaction.

"Father? Why are you out?"

Zhao Yan left Huang An and quickly took a few steps to support her father.

"There's a spectacle today, I'll accompany your junior brother to get the yuan soup."

A spectacle?

Is he personally taking me to buy the yuan soup?

Huang An and Zhao Yan looked at Zhao Dun's face for explanation whilst being completely confused.

Huang An saw his master's tight lips, slightly shaking thick beard, and felt a sudden shock.

Zhao Dun's face seemed quite calm, but Huang An was sensitive to emotions. He could perceive the hidden anger and barely noticeable tension beneath Zhao Dun's calm appearance.

Zhao Yan, who is usually smart and keen, felt a bit chaotic in her mind due to her unexpectedly healthy father and his strange words, and thus she failed to catch her father's intent.

Zhao Dun seeing Huang An's pained facr, and reminded of his daughter's words in the morning, his eyes flashed with golden light, and his initially heavy face suddenly eased a bit.

He took a glance at Zhao Yan and suddenly called out softly.

"Yan'er!"

"Father!"

Zhao Yan responded, understanding that her father had something to talk with her.

Zhao Dun's face become serious, and then pretended to be relaxed and ordered.

"You immediately go to the practice ground to oversee your junior brothers' exercises. Without my instructions, everyone should stay in, especially Yue'er, she must not step out of the practice ground."

Zhao Yan felt something abnormal about her father's words. She finally suspected something was wrong.

Her father would never put on a show and act indifferent, so doing this just made her more suspicious.

Zhao Yan's heart sunk, having a bad feeling that she felt all of a sudden. She hesitated and was afraid to confirm.

All of a sudden.

"Go Quickly!"

Zhao Dun yelled in a cold voice.

After all, the obedient girl still hurried back.

Before leaving, she looked at Huang An, her peach blossom eyes showing three parts confusion, two parts sadness, and five parts of Huang An couldn't comprehend her look.