The contest of strength ended in a stalemate, leaving Song Zining at a loss for how to deal with Wei Po Tian. The Wei family’s wild boar had an incredibly thick skin and cared not a whit for face or etiquette, making him the perfect bane for Song Zining.
Song Zining drew close to Wei Po Tian, lowering his voice and gritting his teeth. “You came here to cause trouble, didn’t you? Just wait until I give you a proper thrashing! If you don’t behave, I’ll stuff you into the Great Vortex!”
Wei Po Tian beamed and nodded repeatedly. “That’s exactly where I’m headed!”
“What?” Song Zining exclaimed. Realizing he had raised his voice, he immediately dragged Wei Po Tian away.
A moment later, the two entered the main tent of the camp. Song Zining let the tent flap fall, and his first words were, “Are you crazy, or is the Wei family insane?”
Wei Po Tian scratched his head in confusion. “I’m fine. I’ve only had a few minor injuries lately. Why do you think I’m crazy?”
“Are you telling me you’re sane and still want to enter the Great Vortex?!” Song Zining’s voice rose several octaves. “Do you know how dangerous it is in there? Do you even know which area this passage leads to? Let me be blunt; with your skills, you’d be lucky to have a fifty percent chance of survival. What exactly are you planning to do in there? Die? You’re the future Lord Wei, and you don’t even have a wife, let alone children. Are you trying to ensure the Wei family has no descendants?”
Wei Po Tian, clearly taken aback, scratched his head. “Is it that serious?”
Song Zining’s anger turned to laughter. “Not serious? Then why don’t you see any other heirs from noble families entering the Great Vortex? Even the most important people wouldn’t dare go in.”
“Well, Li Kuanglan went in, didn’t he?”
Song Zining replied sarcastically, “He’s a different caliber. Do you even take a good look at yourself? Do you think you can survive more than a day in there?”
Wei Po Tian chuckled. “Who am I? I’m Wei Po Tian. I will reach the pinnacle of the empire, and surely you must be jealous of my future achievements, which is why you’re blocking me from finding my great opportunity?”
“Great opportunity, my foot!” Song Zining was so angry he wanted to kick Wei Po Tian out. Stamping his foot, he roared, “No way! I’m the commander of the Eastern Sea of the Empire, and when I say no, it means no! As long as I’m here, you won’t be sneaking in, even if you steal a Northern Army uniform!”
“This uniform wasn’t stolen,” Wei Po Tian protested.
Song Zining sneered, “Really? You used to be from the Broken Angels, who have always been at odds with Commander Lin. How did you suddenly join the Northern Army? Is this some kind of switch from the dark to the light?”
Wei Po Tian didn’t seem embarrassed. “Something like that.”
Song Zining was at a loss for words, even for such a shameless act.
Wei Po Tian said seriously, “I really am in the Northern Army now, and I’m entering the Great Vortex on Commander Lin’s orders.”
Song Zining coldly retorted, “Keep spinning your lies! Don’t tell me you brought an order from Commander Lin.”
“Well, I didn’t.”
“No? Do you think I believe you?”
“But it’s true that Commander Lin sent me,” Wei Po Tian insisted, somewhat dumbfounded. No matter what he said, Song Zining just wouldn’t believe him.
Wei Po Tian, in a panic, jumped up. “I know you care about me, but you sent Qian Ye in there. I could help him!”
Song Zining clenched his teeth in frustration. “Do you know how strong Qian Ye is now? A wild boar like you, he could eat three in one sitting!”
“Eh, having a big appetite doesn’t mean much, right?” Wei Po Tian looked confused again.
“Of course, it does!” Song Zining was dead serious.
Just then, the tent flap lifted, and a young girl in battle armor entered, smiling. “What’s going on, Seven Young Master? Why such a big fuss?”
The girl was somewhat familiar, with a charming face and a hint of nobility. Her graceful figure was barely concealed by the heavy battle armor. Song Zining was momentarily flustered, unable to place her.
The girl smiled gently. “Kong.”
“Kong…” Song Zining still couldn’t recall which Kong family girl she was. But it wasn’t surprising; the Kong family, being a high-class clan, hadn’t had the best relationship with Song Zining. After the conflict with the Zhao family during the Blood War, they grew even more distant.
Seeing his confusion, the girl didn’t hide anything. “Kong Xuan.”
“Miss Kong Xuan, indeed as vibrant and beautiful as ever,” Song Zining complimented habitually.
Kong Xuan laughed. “Seven Young Master truly knows how to flatter girls. We only met when we were little, and it’s been years. I just returned from the Li family. How do you know I’m vibrant and beautiful?”
“Wait, you went to the Li family? Could it be…”
“I was studying the art of prophecy and swordsmanship at the Li family, and I also served as an attendant to the young master, Li Kuanglan. Now that I’ve finished my studies, it’s time to return,” Kong Xuan said, her expression slightly wistful.
Song Zining caught the hint. “Miss Kong, were you thinking…?”
“Thinking what? I went to learn,” Kong Xuan interrupted.
Song Zining understood. Li Kuanglan was a top-notch candidate in both appearance and swordsmanship, second only to Zhao Jundu. Kong Xuan’s real intention was likely to become a talent in Li Kuanglan’s inner circle through her service. However, knowing Li Kuanglan’s true identity, Song Zining realized her hopes were futile.
“Why are you here, Miss Kong?”
Kong Xuan explained, “Old Grandfather instructed me to enter the Great Vortex for training. It just so happens that the Wei Crown Prince is also going in, so we’ll enter together and look out for each other.”
Song Zining looked at both of them, his brows furrowing. “Miss Kong, Old Grandfather really gave these instructions personally?”
“Of course, why would I lie? Some more people from the Kong family will arrive soon, and you can confirm it with them.” Kong Xuan seemed slightly annoyed.
Song Zining frowned even more. “But the passage hasn’t opened yet. Who knows when it will, and by then, the dark races might attack again. How can you enter?”
Wei Po Tian interjected, “Commander Lin has already prepared. He set up something in the Great Vortex long ago and provided us with secret treasures. With these treasures, we’ll be guided into the vortex once we enter the passage.”
As he spoke, Wei Po Tian took out a crystal vial containing a floating bone bead.
Song Zining looked at Kong Xuan, and sure enough, she also produced a similar crystal vial.
“So, both of you entering the Great Vortex is known to Commander Lin and both your families?”
Wei Po Tian and Kong Xuan nodded in unison.
Song Zining’s expression was strange, but he didn’t say anything. He patted Wei Po Tian on the shoulder and said heavily, “Then go in!”
Wei Po Tian felt a chill. “What’s wrong? There’s nothing bad inside, is there?”
“No! Your luck is strong, and you’ll surely turn bad luck into good. What are you afraid of?”
The more Song Zining reassured, the more nervous Wei Po Tian became. Kong Xuan, however, remained calm. “It’s alright. Commander Lin has prepared more than just these two treasures. I know there are at least six or seven more. They’ll all enter the Great Vortex soon, and we’ll look out for each other.”
Wei Po Tian nodded, looking a bit relieved. Yet, he was sharp and noticed Song Zining’s earlier suspicious expression, making him uneasy. He knew well that whenever Song Zining was plotting something, a hint of slyness would appear on his face.
There was no time to dwell on it. According to Lin Xitan’s plan, the sooner they entered the passage, the better.
Both Wei Po Tian and Kong Xuan were fully prepared. The Wei and Kong families had spared no expense, providing them with spatial equipment.
Song Zining, aware of the urgency, immediately arranged for them to head to the Holy Mountain passage.
Soon, the Kong family’s people arrived by airship, bringing specialized protective armor for Kong Xuan. The armor was so heavy that several strong men had to lift her onto the Holy Mountain. Wei Po Tian, on the other hand, wore his usual battle armor. The Wei family’s Thousand Mountains was renowned, and with Lin Xitan’s secret treasure, failure to pass through the passage would be a joke.
After a while, Wei Po Tian and Kong Xuan stood at the entrance of the Holy Mountain passage, looking up at the flickering orb in the sky, their faces pale. Despite their preparations, the thought of crossing the void into a completely unknown world filled them with fear.
Song Zining stood beside them, sighing, “Be careful after you pass through.”
Wei Po Tian nodded. “You’re not going in?”
Song Zining shook his head. “I don’t have Commander Lin’s treasure. I’ll wait for the next stable passage.”
Wei Po Tian slapped his forehead. “Oh! I almost forgot, Commander Lin gave me an extra treasure to give to you. It’s for you.”
Song Zining was furious. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?!”
Wei Po Tian handed over a crystal vial, sheepishly. “I was just so happy to see you, I got excited and forgot.”
How could he forget? Song Zining was speechless. He took the vial and kicked Wei Po Tian in the rear, growling, “Get in there!”
With a powerful kick, Wei Po Tian flew into the passage like a cannonball. The four strong men from the Kong family grabbed Kong Xuan and threw her in as well.
Song Zining juggled the crystal vial, staring at the passage, lost in thought.
Eunuch Zhang approached him. “Young Master, you’re not going in?”
Song Zining shook his head. “No rush. I’m needed here. Once everyone with the treasure is in, I’ll go.”
Eunuch Zhang praised, “Young Master, you are truly virtuous. Working with someone like you is reassuring.”
Song Zining smiled. “Eunuch Zhang, you flatter me.”
Suddenly, a large hand snatched the crystal vial from Song Zining’s grip.
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