“Sister-in-law, you’re overthinking it. I just heard Father speak of you, saying you’re a rare and extraordinary woman. You must know, our Bo Kingdom has always revered martial arts, so… surely my sister-in-law wouldn’t lack the courage for this? If so, then…”
Though Nangong Fang felt deep displeasure at Wanqing’s question, seeing her mother’s troubled expression, she forced a smile and spoke with a provocative glance, trying to goad her.
“My princess is not one to engage in casual fights. If you wish to spar, I can take her place and match you…” Chunlan, seeing her princess repeatedly yielding while Nangong Fang wore such an expression, couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up.
“Chunlan, this isn’t your concern. Since my sister insists on testing me, I shall oblige. But blades and swords have no eyes—let’s use these branches as weapons and stop at the touch. Chunlan, fetch a branch for my sister as well.”
Chunlan’s words made Wanqing realize that if she didn’t accept the challenge, she’d be looked down upon. Though she disliked conflict and didn’t want to escalate tensions, the other party’s aggressive stance left her no choice. Refusing now would be unlike Mu Wanqing’s nature.
With that, Wanqing rose gracefully, lightly reprimanding Chunlan before turning to Nangong Fang with a faint smile. Stepping into the courtyard, she plucked a branch and held it casually, watching as Nangong Fang crossed her arms and sneered. She reminded Chunlan to prepare a branch for her opponent.
“No need. In that case, sister-in-law, show me all your martial prowess. Let me see just how skilled you are.”
Nangong Fang arrogantly refused, arms still crossed as she stared at Wanqing.
“Then I won’t hold back. Sister, here I come.”
Faced with such mockery and disdain, Wanqing’s lips curled into a sweet smile. Without hesitation, she thrust her branch forward.
“Hmph.”
Nangong Fang met her attack, and the two exchanged blows. After a dozen moves, the arrogance and scorn on Nangong Fang’s face faded, replaced by solemnity.
She had assumed this girl was just an overlooked wild child from a sheltered upbringing, never expecting such formidable skill. Not only had she failed to land a hit or humiliate Wanqing, but she hadn’t even touched the hem of her robe.
In the capital of Bo Kingdom, Nangong Fang was considered a top-tier female martial artist. Yet here, she felt utterly powerless.
Wanqing’s smile remained serene, while Nangong Fang began to sweat under her relentless offense. The humiliation only fueled her frustration.
“Sister, perhaps you should take a branch. Otherwise, even if I win, you might resent it, no?”
Seeing Nangong Fang’s earlier arrogance wane, Wanqing’s smile deepened. In close combat, she had always been exceptional. Combined with the training from Honglian and her uncle since her transmigration, her skills—lacking only internal energy—were more than enough to handle Nangong Fang. In fact, in pure technique, even Leng Mingye might struggle against her.
As Nangong Fang’s expression grew graver, Wanqing flicked her branch toward her, still smiling.
“Fine. Don’t blame me for not holding back.”
Infuriated by Wanqing’s confidence, Nangong Fang snatched the branch and attacked again.
“See? I told you Wanqing would be here. And you were worried…”
Just as they clashed, Leng Mingye and Nangong Haotian arrived. Watching the duel, the latter chuckled at his son. But as he observed Wanqing’s agile and unorthodox movements, his expression shifted.
“Wanqing…”
Leng Mingye called out softly, stepping forward.
At that moment, Wanqing leaned back, narrowly evading Nangong Fang’s strike, while her own branch darted toward her opponent’s chest. Seeing victory within reach and Nangong Fang’s shocked face, she heard her husband’s voice.
With a smile, Wanqing withdrew her branch, spinning gracefully to stand before Nangong Fang.
“Sister, I yield to you.”
Having bested her, Wanqing turned to leave, heading toward Leng Mingye.
“We’re not done yet!”
In truth, Nangong Fang had already lost. But seeing Wanqing walk away, her brother and father admiring her, the envy of past favoritism flared.
With a furious cry, she thrust her branch at Wanqing’s retreating back, channeling internal energy into the strike despite their agreement.
“You—didn’t we agree to stop at the touch? What is this?”
Though turning away, Wanqing sensed the incoming attack. Whirling around, she barely caught the branch, but the force sent her stumbling backward.
“Fighting without internal energy is pointless. So this is why my sister-in-law boasts—she has none!”
Nangong Fang pressed her advantage, driving Wanqing against a flowering tree. The thorns on the branch dug into Wanqing’s palm, drawing blood.
“You…”
Wanqing’s smile vanished. This woman was serious. Just as she prepared to retaliate with a hidden needle from her ring, Nangong Haotian’s stern voice cut in.
“Enough! Fang’er, what are you doing? A spar is a spar—losing is losing. Going back on your word is disgraceful.”
With a final glare, Nangong Fang yanked her branch free, leaving Wanqing’s palm bloodied, and stormed off.
“Wanqing, I spoiled your sister too much. Please forgive her rudeness.”
Nangong Haotian apologized as his son hurried to Wanqing’s side.
“…It’s nothing. But if she doesn’t temper her temper, it might cause trouble not just at home, but in her marital family too. Let’s go back.”
Had it been anyone else, Wanqing would’ve taught them a lesson. But with Nangong Haotian’s intervention and his wife’s apologies, she swallowed her displeasure. Clenching her injured hand, she turned toward her quarters.
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