Chapter 2: The Grand Examination

If not for the address in his hand, Qian Ye would never have imagined that this gaudy building, with every brick screaming ‘wealth,’ was the location of the Ningyuan Group’s Evernight headquarters.

Although Song Zining made every effort to maintain his image as a frivolous playboy in front of others, he at least had a sense of taste. But this building was far from having any taste and seemed to be tightly bound to the image of a nouveau riche.

The lower eight floors of the building housed a restaurant that offered all kinds of entertainment. Standing at the entrance for just a few seconds, Qian Ye almost got pulled into the noisy hall by a woman with a sinuous waist, large chest, long legs, but whose face powder could not hide her wrinkles.

He circled half of the building and found a staircase on one side that led directly to the top two floors where the Ningyuan Group was located. In the small foyer, there was a young receptionist who was tall and elegant, saving some face for the Song family.

After announcing his identity, the young woman immediately led him straight to Song Zining’s private office on the top floor.

As soon as he stepped out of the staircase, a vast and open space greeted him. The top floor was mostly an open area, arranged to evoke the feeling of a serene valley. Although the Song family was often considered the nouveau riche among the clans, once they reached a certain level of wealth, they also acquired a sense of taste.

Money cannot buy elegance, or so it is said, simply because there is not enough of it. Even the most top-tier master craftsmen have a price, though it is not always in the form of raw cash.

However, such grandeur did not suit Qian Ye’s taste. He felt that such near-luxurious refinement should not coexist in the same space as the world where a bloody battle could erupt at any moment.

At that moment, Song Zining was standing by the large window, facing the sunset cityscape, lost in thought.

“Zining.”

Song Zining immediately turned around, revealing a big smile, and walked over to embrace him, “Hey, Qian Ye, you’re here! I’m so glad to see you safe!”

Qian Ye looked him up and down, causing Song Zining to feel slightly unnerved, and his smile became forced. He called out, “Qian Ye?”

Seeing no sign of fear or worry on Song Zining’s face, Qian Ye raised an eyebrow and said, “I received your letter. What happened?”

Song Zining cleared his throat and smiled, “That letter… don’t take it too seriously. I just wanted to hurry you along.”

Qian Ye let out a breath and then felt the urge to punch this guy. He followed his heart and threw a punch.

“If you came any later, you might have missed it… ah…” Song Zining’s words were cut short as he staggered back several steps, stopping only when he hit the windowsill.

Both of them stared at each other, momentarily stunned.

Though Qian Ye’s punch wasn’t at full strength, it still packed a considerable amount of force, intending to make this troublesome fellow feel the pain. Unexpectedly, Song Zining neither dodged nor blocked, taking the hit head-on. Fortunately, Qian Ye reined in his power at the last moment.

Song Zining recovered first, rubbing his abdomen, and said, “Qian Ye, your strength has increased pretty quickly.”

Qian Ye didn’t know what to say and replied sullenly, “Congratulations on reaching the ninth level.”

Song Zining said with a wry smile, “I knew you were at the eighth level, but I didn’t expect your strength to be so formidable. Damn, even an eighth-level Spider Demon isn’t this strong, right?”

Qian Ye had advanced to the eighth level in the Western Continent, and it was clear that Chen Lu had already reported the events in the Ghost City and the regional headquarters to him.

Qian Ye’s expression turned cold, “Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”

Song Zining spoke frankly, “Chen Lu has already told you most of it. I am indeed working for a high-ranking military official, and he has a comprehensive plan for the rebels. I and my Ningyuan Heavy Industry are just a small part of it.”

Qian Ye fell silent.

Song Zining’s situation was similar to that of a spy infiltrating the enemy camp. If anything went wrong, the high-ranking military official wouldn’t come to his defense, and even if the plan succeeded, it was uncertain whether he would receive any recognition. In the future, he might even be accused of treason.

Song Zining smiled, patted Qian Ye on the shoulder, and said, “Don’t worry, I’ve gotten plenty of benefits from this. The rapid development of the heavy industry within the Ningyuan Group is thanks to the various conveniences provided by this high-ranking official. Great risks bring great rewards.”

When dealing with the trade channels behind Wu Zhengnan, Song Zining had said something similar. Qian Ye sighed and said, “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

Song Zining blinked, “You’re not going to ask who the high-ranking military official is?”

Qian Ye remained silent. For some reason, he had started to avoid the topic, feeling unprepared to mention that name.

Song Zining didn’t push further and said, “Don’t worry about me. Every trade has its risks. At least, it’s not as dangerous as returning to the Song family to celebrate our great-grandmother’s birthday.”

Qian Ye was slightly taken aback, and Song Zining didn’t leave him guessing, “In a few days, it will be our old ancestor’s hundredth birthday.”

Qian Ye was surprised, “Such a long life is a good thing.” In times of war, deadly accidents were everywhere, and living to such an age required a lot of luck.

Song Zining smiled, “Of course, it’s a good thing, but for me, things aren’t so rosy. Someone is determined to take my life during the old ancestor’s birthday celebration.”

“Who?” Qian Ye’s voice carried a hint of murderous intent.

Song Zining spread his hands, “Who else? My dear brothers, of course.”

Qian Ye was puzzled, “How can someone kill you during the old ancestor’s birthday celebration?”

Noble families, to maintain their vitality, might encourage infighting among their descendants, but they strictly prohibited conflicts that escalated to killing blood relatives. Even if Song Zining had such mortal enemies within the family, they wouldn’t choose such a time to strike.

Song Zining sighed, “During this birthday celebration, it is possible to kill.”

It turned out that this birthday celebration for the Duchess of An Guo coincided with the ten-yearly inheritance examination.

Thirty years ago, the Duchess of An Guo lamented that the descendants of the Song family were becoming weaker in martial prowess and more reliant on business and politics, thus falling behind the other three noble families. Therefore, she established this unique examination system.

Apart from the standard subjects like governance and military strategy, the martial arts portion was quite unique.

Here, martial arts referred to individual combat skills, and the test was a tournament. Not only the Song family heirs participated, but each could also invite two guest warriors to assist. There were no level restrictions for the Song family members, but the guests were limited to those below the rank of Battle General.

This regulation was very characteristic of the Song family. Since they were not known for their martial prowess, they relied on their networking advantages. The guest participants, after the tournament, could become formal retainers, which was also a way for the Song family to attract talent.

The problem was that this tournament, which included the Song family heirs, followed the rules of bloody combat, meaning that life and death were on the line. Even if an outsider accidentally killed a Song family member, they would not be held accountable.

Qian Ye had learned from the Yin family’s heir examination that the struggles for succession in noble families were always brutal. However, the Song family’s surface style was always gentle, and he never expected their examination to be so cruel and straightforward. This was an open encouragement for the heirs to fight to the death without holding back.

“This rule is indeed surprising,” Qian Ye said after a moment of shock.

Song Zining, however, was nonchalant, “Though the old ancestor finally decided to use blood to wash the Song family and seek capable talents, it’s hard to change the deep-seated problems. You see, even after thirty years, two generations later, the Song family remains weak. We haven’t produced anyone comparable to Zhao Jundu of the Zhao family, Bai Ao’ou of the Bai family, or Zhang Boqian, whose presence alone ensures the Zhang family’s prosperity for fifty years.”

Qian Ye was slightly shaken upon hearing Zhao Jundu’s name, and Song Zining’s words revealed underlying tensions. It was the first time Qian Ye saw the competition between the four major noble families had reached such a level, with the Song family using the blood of their descendants to pave the path to the heavens.

Qian Ye exhaled and asked, “Who wants to kill you?”

“Heh, naturally it’s Song Ziqi and a few of his allies.”

Qian Ye had heard the name Song Ziqi from Chen Lu during the destruction of the Ghostsor region, but he was unclear about the cause of the enmity. So, he asked, “What exactly did you do to make them want to kill you?”

Since such a bloody rule had been established thirty years ago, yet the Song family maintained a gentle image externally, it was evident that the competition among the heirs was not openly heated.

Song Zining had entered the heir sequence only recently and had always kept a low profile. Even his appearance at the Tianxuan Spring Hunt could be considered his first public appearance. How did he end up with such a mortal enemy?

Song Zining casually tapped his fingers, “It’s not a big deal. Ningyuan Heavy Industry has been developing a bit too fast and snatched a few contracts from them. Oh, the contracts were quite large. Also, in the gray areas, I accidentally wiped out two of their caravans. But that was because they were too weak. Who would have thought they’d all die in a fight? Oh, maybe also because I took the place of his twin brother in the Tianxuan Spring Hunt. Does that count?”

Qian Ye was at a loss for words. From Song Ziqi’s perspective, perhaps there were valid reasons to want to kill him.

“So, give me Song Ziqi’s information.”

Song Zining shook his head, “Song Ziqi just broke through to the rank of Battle General. He’s my opponent. I just need you to help me deal with his guest warriors.”

Qian Ye frowned, “Let me handle it.” He paused, “You advanced to the ninth level just for this exam?”

Song Zining smiled, “Don’t worry, although I advanced quickly, I don’t have any foundational issues. But if the level difference is too large, it will be a bit troublesome.”

Among the Song family’s current generation of heirs, the oldest was nearly thirty, and three of them had already broken through to the rank of Battle General. If they were to compete on the same stage, Song Zining, still at the seventh level, would be at a significant disadvantage.

Although any cultivation method would advise patience in refining the origin node, this rule did not apply to geniuses like Song Zining who excelled in secret martial techniques. For them, the timing and level of their breakthroughs at the Battle General stage were not as critical.

Since Song Zining said so, Qian Ye nodded, though he was still prepared to see how things played out. He already had experience fighting against Battle Generals, and while Song Zining spoke lightly, it would undoubtedly be a tough battle.

Suddenly, Qian Ye remembered something else and, after a moment of hesitation, asked, “For the Duchess of An Guo’s hundredth birthday, many other noble families and clans should be sending people to wish her well, right?”

“The old ancestor stopped receiving visitors many years ago, and there will be no outsiders at this inheritance examination. However, the other families will send people to deliver gifts and offer congratulations. Though there won’t be a unified banquet, the family will arrange for separate receptions.” Song Zining’s quick response prompted Qian Ye to ask, “Why? Is there something inconvenient?”

“I met Zhao Jundu in the Western Continent.” Qian Ye couldn’t even manage a bitter smile, massaging his aching forehead.

Thinking of the unmistakable killing intent in Zhao Jundu’s eyes when he mentioned Song Zining’s name, Qian Ye decided to tell his friend to prevent any unexpected incidents. After all, Song Zining was the person who knew the most about his secrets.

Song Zining was startled, but his gaze towards Qian Ye showed no surprise, instead, a hint of understanding.