C42 Everyone Had to be Responsible for Their Own Actions!

Chapter Forty-Two: Everyone Must Take Responsibility for Their Actions

In a secluded corner of the tavern, five women sat enveloped in pure white robes, their attire covering them from neck to foot in a display of modesty. Even their heads were shrouded in white gauze hats designed to shield their features. Yet, upon closer inspection, one could discern the delicate and attractive contours of their faces through the sheer fabric, revealing that none of the five were lacking in beauty.

At the foot of the stairs on the first floor, a young man clad in a simple gray linen outfit casually reclined, a wine gourd in hand. He perched on the banister, one foot planted on a protruding part of the handrail while the other rested atop his right leg. His demeanor was nonchalant, but the occasional sharp glint in his bleary eyes suggested he was not to be underestimated.

A girl in a vibrant red dress and matching boots, her waist cinched with a long red sash, had flung a red whip across to the second-floor window, securing the other end to the opposite sill. She sat astride the whip with a playful ease, her hands braced on either side, her long legs swinging freely in the air. She exuded a mix of whimsy and charm, yet there was a touch of wilfulness in her peculiar perch.

The Little Beggar, dressed in tattered clothes, laughed maniacally, the reason for his mirth unknown. He darted around the tables in the tavern, his laughter echoing. When some patrons attempted to trip him, he didn't flinch or evade but kicked back instead. Surprisingly, it was not the Little Beggar who fell, but the would-be tricksters, who ended up howling in pain as their leg bones snapped.

A young man in a long, icy-green robe sat in isolation at an empty table, his demeanor as cold as the mountains. A slender, narrow sword was strapped to his back. The Immortal Return Restaurant was bustling, and it was unusual for a table to be claimed by just one person. Yet no one dared to share his space, not solely because of his chilly presence, but also because of the frostiness of his blade.

Within the walls of the Immortal Return Restaurant, each individual bore a unique trait that set them apart from the ordinary, making each one a figure of intrigue.

These faces, unfamiliar even to the proprietor of the Immortal Return Restaurant, were the prodigies who had traveled from every corner of the Azure Sky Realm. Some arrived in groups, while others preferred the path of the lone wolf.

Liu Xingchang and his four companions had encountered various teams and individual contestants along the way, but they had never witnessed such a remarkable assembly of talent as they did at that moment. The scene could only be described as a gathering of heroes.

Even before the tryouts began, the palpable pressure was already bearing down on everyone.

Hu Gewan arched an eyebrow and mused, "With so many unique individuals in the Immortal Return Restaurant, I wonder how many more geniuses there are throughout Hongxing City?"

Liu Xingchang offered a reassuring smile. "Regardless, our task is to simply give it our all."

Hong Tengqing shrugged nonchalantly, "Why bother with all that? For me, making it through the auditions isn't necessarily a good thing. Imagine how great it would be to go home and spend my days surrounded by beauties and friends? I'd have everything I could wish for. If I joined the Hidden Dragon Sect, I might end up being pushed around."

Yan Tianni replied coolly, "Such a lack of ambition."

Liu Xingchang chuckled, "To each their own. Some aspire to soar like great birds, while others prefer the simple joys of rural life. Is it not similar to comparing the bustle of carriages to the leisure of wine and flowers? Living a life of renown is one attitude, and embracing a carefree existence is another."

Hong Tengqing's eyes lit up, "Exactly! Big Brother Xingchang gets it. That's exactly my point! But... alas, I'm the only son of my father, and his greatest hope is for me to join the Hidden Dragon Sect and honor our ancestors... Even though I long for a life of comfort, it seems best to join the Sect first and then leave to enjoy the comforts of home."

Liu Xingchang laughed, "I never took you for such a dutiful son."

Hong Tengqing beamed with pride, "Naturally."

As they conversed, they casually chose a table and sat down. But no sooner had they settled in than a voice called out from the entrance.

"Liu Xingchang!"

The call came from outside, prompting Liu Xingchang to look up sharply towards the sound. His eyebrows lifted in recognition.

The caller was none other than his old acquaintance, Qingyi, the young miss from the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Accompanying Qingyi were four others, the youngest of the eight distinguished young masters of the Royal Capital. They included Lord Dai, the eldest son of Lord Dai's Mansion, who had previously vied with Liu Xingchang in the art of Spirit Mark Rune forging, the Ninth Prince of the Royal Family, the Young Sect Master of the Fiery Sect, one of the Royal Capital's three major sects, and Qingkang Young Prince, the leader of the Royal Capital's eight young masters.

Liu Xingchang quickly caught on. Not only did Cloud Ascending City have five spots in the Hidden Dragon Sect's southern elimination round, but the Great Pine Kingdom also had five.

Given that everyone was headed to the southern district for the elimination match, it was inevitable for Liu Xingchang to encounter them.

At that moment, Qing Yi came running over joyfully and plopped down, asking, "Liu Xingchang, what brings you here?"

Liu Xingchang replied with a smile, "I couldn't pass up the chance to join the Hidden Dragon Sect. Since the Great Pine Royal Family no longer has a place for me, I decided to represent my old neighbors from Cloud Ascending City in the competition."

Qing Yi paused, then sighed, "I don't blame you. I'm on your side. What the royal family did was infuriating. Can benefits truly outweigh loyalty and integrity?"

Qing Yi was supportive of Liu Xingchang, but the other four people seemed somewhat uncomfortable.

Tian Daigan scoffed, "So what if you're fighting for Cloud Ascending City? Do you really think the Hidden Dragon Sect's elimination round is that easy to get through? Besides, betrayal is disgraceful."

Liu Xingchang narrowed his eyes and retorted, "Whether I can pass the Hidden Dragon Sect's elimination round is not your concern. You're well aware of what the Great Pine Royal Family has done. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, and the Great Pine Royal Family should indeed regret theirs."

"Regret? Are they to regret that you left the Great Pine Kingdom, yet managed to represent Cloud Ascending City and pass the elimination match? That you became a hero for Cloud Ascending City? That the Great Pine Royal Family lost a prodigy?"

At this point, Qingkang Young Prince, the youngest yet most esteemed of the Royal Capital's eight great young masters, stepped forward, positioning himself a half step in front of Tian Daigan.

Qingkang Young Prince, a genius in every sense, was the only one people believed could match Liu Xingchang in a contest of wits and skill.

With a flick of his fan and a slight smile, Qingkang Young Prince said, "Liu Family Patriarch, you may not be aware, but this year's elimination tournament rules have changed. The entire event will take place within the Ancient Orchid Great Array, controlled by a powerful being. It's designed to test individual skills as well as team dynamics. I'm curious if the new team you've assembled has the synergy required? Moreover, there's something else I need to discuss with you."

Liu Xingchang said, "Go ahead."

The Qingkang Young Prince chuckled and said, "The Hidden Dragon Sect's elimination tournament has always followed a particular rule. Regardless of which faction the competitors represent, the Hidden Dragon Sect ensures that the results are communicated back to the competitor's original faction. They want to ascertain which faction truly has the capacity to develop talent. Therefore, not only will Cloud Ascending City be informed of your performance, but the Great Pine Kingdom will be as well. At this moment, countless eyes from across the Great Pine Kingdom are fixed on you, and numerous hearts are anticipating your showdown with the Young Master of the Dragon Saliva Sect. However, if you were to represent Cloud Ascending City and then get eliminated by me, what do you suppose the dignitaries in the Royal Capital will think of you? Will your Liu Family still have any dignity left?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xingchang simply smiled and responded, "If that's the case... then I look forward to your guidance in the elimination round."

Many onlookers turned their attention toward him, sizing up Liu Xingchang with a mix of curiosity and respect.

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