C7 Go for It!

Qin Xuan chuckled appreciatively, grateful for her assistance in the awkward situation, though Wu Ji's face remained stoically cold.

"Do you truly intend to compete in the Rite of Induction? It's no trivial matter. Once you're on stage, it's a genuine fight for survival. Even though there's usually a 'stop at first blood' rule, you've publicly humiliated Yu Lin today. If you face him on stage, he'll certainly go for the kill, and even I won't be able to save you then."

Hearing her concern, Qin Xuan was touched. Wu Ji, who often seemed so fierce, actually cared about him.

A man can't let the woman he loves worry about him!

With this thought, a rush of warmth filled his chest. Qin Xuan slapped his chest with a bold confidence and declared, "My dear wife, rest assured. If I've vowed to do something, I'll see it through!"

Wu Ji's expression grew more serious. "Do you realize he's reached the fifth level?"

"Just the fifth level; it's nothing to worry about!"

"You...never mind. If you're set on a death wish, I won't stop you."

She shot Qin Xuan a fierce glare before turning on her heel and walking away.

Qingzhu rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "All talk! I can't fathom why Miss is still concerned about you!" Frustrated, she stamped her foot and hurried after Wu Ji.

Qin Xuan could only offer a wry smile. His claims weren't just hot air; the rites and music system truly was defying the odds. For him, martial arts cultivation, so demanding and unforgiving for the average person, advanced rapidly with just a strum of his zither. Such an absurd reality, he mused, Wu Ji would never believe.

Lost in thought, he was startled by a sudden thump beside him. Squirt was on his knees, tears and snot streaming down his face, clinging to Qin Xuan's leg.

"I've wronged you, Your Highness! It's my fault for not considering the consequences, and now you're in this predicament... Even General Wu has abandoned you. What if something happens to you?"

"Yu Lin is said to be the second most formidable among the Grayhands Sect's younger disciples. How could you stand a chance against him? Your Highness, if you're determined to face this challenge, then...then let me take your place!"

Qin Xuan subtly shifted to the side, careful to avoid the risk of getting Squirt's snot on his robe. With a hint of emotion, he said, "I've already boasted about my prowess. If I were to let you stand in for me, wouldn't that tarnish the dynasty's reputation?"

"But... it's still better than getting hurt!"

"You might think so, but others won't see it that way."

His father, who placed reputation and status above his very life, would be furious if he found out about the debacle Qin Xuan had caused. The thought alone made him wonder if his father would go as far as to break his legs.

Reflecting on his actions, Qin Xuan acknowledged his impulsiveness. Yet, having already made his grand claims, backtracking now would only bring him shame.

"Is it just a matter of overcoming two levels? Can't I just catch up?"

Squirt blinked in confusion. "Your Highness, what did you say?"

"I'm asking if there's somewhere fun and bustling where I can... enjoy myself with the people?"

Squirt was stunned. "My lord, you're still considering it?"

Wasn't the situation already messy enough? Encountering more people like Yu Lin, who lacked foresight, would only complicate matters.

But Qin Xuan had bigger concerns. With the preliminary round of the Rite of Induction just two days away, he needed to significantly improve his realm to ensure his survival and maintain his dignity at the event.

"Stop crying and get moving!"

He tapped Squirt on the head to spur him into action.

Squirt wiped his nose and suggested timidly, "Your Highness, if you're set on going, shall we visit a refined place? That would be suitable, right?"

The clientele there would be cultured, appreciative of rites and music, unlike Yu Lin who was solely devoted to the pursuit of martial arts.

Intrigued by the idea of a refined venue, Qin Xuan's interest was piqued. It was rare to encounter a true kindred spirit. With such a companion, who wouldn't be captivated by the music, aiding his progress in martial arts?

As the moon dipped low in the sky, bringing a hush over the land, two stealthy figures crept into the Sylvan Lodge, one trailing the other.

"See, you've made it back in one piece. You're frightened over nothing!"

Qin Xuan stretched languidly and was just about to call for the lights to be lit when he noticed Squirt gazing past him with eyes as wide as saucers, looking as though he'd seen a ghost.

A chill raced up Qin Xuan's spine, and a tingle of numbness spread across his scalp. He had heard rumors of unclean presences in the Imperial City. Surely, it couldn't be true...

"Your Highness... The... The... Crown Prince..."

Squirt couldn't finish his sentence before collapsing to his knees, weakened from a previous punishment by the Crown Prince.

Qin Xuan turned to find a tall, black silhouette standing not far behind him, his long robe billowing as if caught in a breeze, emanating an aura of chill.

The man's broad face commanded respect without anger, and his piercing eyes shimmered with a dark intensity.

Clearly, Qin Mo had been "waiting" for some time.

"Brother Qin Mo," Qin Xuan said sheepishly, instinctively stepping back to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

"How did you assure me the last time you left the palace without permission?"

"I..."

"Forgive me, Crown Prince! It was my fault for taking Your Highness outside the palace. I deserve the gravest punishment. Please, Crown Prince, do not fault Your Highness..."

Squirt's head thudded against the ground, his forehead swiftly reddening.

Qin Xuan's heart softened. "I recently mastered a new piece on the zither and wished to share the joy of music with the people. I coerced him into taking me out of the palace; he is blameless. If I have caused you any displeasure, I am ready to face the consequences. Please, do not direct your anger at those who are innocent."

Squirt was sweating profusely, thinking desperately, Your Highness, please stop talking. The more you say, the sooner I meet my end!

"Silver-tongued indeed!"

Qin Mo let out a cold huff. "Spare me the act. Better think about how you'll explain yourself to our father tomorrow. You have no martial arts skills, yet you dared to declare war on a member of the Grayhands Sect. I really wonder who gave you such courage!"

Don't even mention sharing joy with the people. In two days' time, the whole Imperial City might well become the butt of everyone's jokes!

It was all because of that incident.

Qin Xuan's eyes darted around as he searched for an excuse. "Brother, about this matter, I..."

"Best pray for your own fortune," the Crown Prince said with a deep, meaningful look before turning and walking away.

He left?

Just like that?

Qin Xuan and Squirt exchanged stunned glances.

"I... I'm not going to be punished?" Squirt asked, blinking rapidly.

Qin Xuan scratched his head and motioned for him to stand up.

So, the Crown Prince had made a special trip just to give him a warning?

When did the Crown Prince have such free time?

"Your Highness, how did the Crown Prince find out about this so quickly? Could it be that..."

Qin Xuan gestured dismissively. The Rite of Induction was in two days, capturing the attention of the entire Atrela. With the Grayhands stirring things up behind the scenes, the news was bound to spread far and wide.

It was typical for the Crown Prince, with his extensive network, to be the first to know.

But for the Crown Prince to leave without punishing him or Squirt was utterly unexpected.

Could it be that the Crown Prince assumed he would meet a grim fate at the Rite of Induction, so he saw no need to intervene?

Was today's visit just to see him one last time?

A shiver ran down his spine as the night wind blew. What was this eerie feeling?

​