When the powerful warriors of the Zhao Clan responsible for security arrived, the battle had long ended. Both sides were extremely skilled, leaving barely any traces of combat in the courtyard. Despite their thorough inspections, the several experts from the Zhao Clan could not discern anything from the scant evidence, only feeling more and more confused.
Eventually, Qian Ye couldn’t help but say, “Have you gentlemen found anything after all this time?”
The sarcasm in his words was clear, and the leading captain’s face turned slightly red. He stammered, “Well… our knowledge is limited, and we need to investigate further. Additionally, we haven’t found any clues about the person you mentioned hiding outside the courtyard.”
Qian Ye knew that with the mysterious individual’s cunning abilities, it was impossible to leave any detectable traces, at least not for the Zhao Clan. However, being unexpectedly attacked and nearly having his throat slit put him in a bad mood.
Seeing that the others intended to continue their persistent search, Qian Ye finally said, “Gentlemen, I think it’s best to stop. You won’t find anything more here. The defense in this core area is indeed tight, hahaha.”
The faces of the several experts were awkward, but they insisted on thoroughly examining the entire scene before leaving. Although Qian Ye had already informed them that Li Kuanglan was the attacker, such matters were beyond their level to decide. At least someone of Zhao Jundu’s position was needed to determine the course of action. All they could do was collect as much information as possible and let the higher-ups decide.
Inside the room, the “Misfortune from the Heavens” divination sign remained on the table, untouched. Qian Ye had initially wanted to sweep it away with his sword, but after a moment’s thought, he set down Dongyue and carefully stored the divination sign.
Interrupted multiple times in his cultivation, his current state of mind was no longer suitable for practicing. Qian Ye simply went to the courtyard, holding Dongyue, and carefully recalled every move and countermove of his intense battle with Li Kuanglan, meticulously analyzing them.
Li Kuanglan’s sword was unbelievably fast, so swift that even lightning would seem slow in comparison. Even Qian Ye only saw a flash of light before the sword tip was at his throat. During Li Kuanglan’s full-scale attack, Qian Ye could hardly retaliate and could only defend passively, ensuring his safety first and then patiently waiting for Li Kuanglan to make a mistake.
However, this defensive strategy was too passive, with obvious drawbacks. On the other hand, while Li Kuanglan’s rapid sword strikes seemed less powerful, it was because he used an ordinary longsword. If he had used Hanyuelongsha, the power would have doubled, and Qian Ye would have had no choice but to retreat immediately, seeking another opportunity to fight.
Thus, Qian Ye’s focus now was to find a technique to counter such rapid swordplay. Otherwise, if Li Kuanglan returned with Hanyuelongsha, he would have no choice but to avoid the fight.
While pondering, Qian Ye practiced his sword techniques, clumsily slashing and chopping with Dongyue.
At this moment, a soft laugh came from outside the courtyard. A voice said, “Swordsmanship so ugly, is this the man the lady has her eye on?”
Qian Ye had already seen two young maidservants standing on the wall of the neighboring courtyard, both dressed in aristocratic attire. They could see the situation in Qian Ye’s courtyard from their vantage point. However, since they were on someone else’s courtyard wall and Qian Ye was only practicing a rudimentary technique, seeing it was of no use. Without witnessing Li Kuanglan’s speed, they couldn’t understand what Qian Ye was practicing.
Originally, they might have just observed, but now they started commenting. Moreover, their words were baffling—what lady, and when did she take an interest in Qian Ye?
These two maidservants were only around Level 5 or 6, perhaps not low in status within a major clan, but in Qian Ye’s eyes, their strength was far from impressive. They were leagues away from understanding his current sword technique. Yet, with such low combat power, they still commented, showing a lack of insight and manners.
The maidservants didn’t show much respect for Qian Ye, pointing and whispering, giggling privately before finally leaving.
Qian Ye shook his head, dismissing the incident, and focused on refining his sword techniques. Li Kuanglan, being from the Li Clan, had a complex relationship with the Zhao Clan, and countering his rapid swordplay was urgent. Even if Li Kuanglan was unlikely to kill Qian Ye, his relationship with the Li Clan was not good, and if he encountered other Li Clan members with similar skills, he would likely suffer greatly.
Actually, Qian Ye wasn’t without options. His domain vortex, the incomplete Eight Direction Sword Technique, void blink, and the Primordial Spear could all counter and even severely injure Li Kuanglan. However, using domain power was inefficient, and the Eight Direction Sword Technique was a life-or-death technique that Qian Ye himself couldn’t fully control. The latter two were bloodline secrets, not to be used lightly. Thus, Qian Ye wanted to solve the problem through pure skill.
At this moment, in a secluded alley of the Unfallen City, Li Kuanglan was walking at a leisurely pace, followed by the maidservant. His gait was calm, but his hand tightly gripped the hilt of his sword, his knuckles pale with tension.
As they reached the middle of the alley, a tall figure suddenly appeared at the other end, blocking the way.
Li Kuanglan, seemingly expecting her, looked at the empire’s lieutenant uniform and sneered, “The honorable Miss Ji, actually disguising herself as a lieutenant in such a place. Is this interesting?”
The female lieutenant coolly replied, “It’s better than some who don’t use their divine weapons and get utterly defeated.”
Li Kuanglan’s eyes narrowed, and a cold aura began to emanate from him. “Even without Hanyuelongsha, you might not defeat me. And I failed to capture my opponent, unfortunately, it was Qian Ye, not you.”
The female lieutenant’s face grew cold. “If you’re so confident, why don’t we fight now?”
Before Li Kuanglan could answer, the maidservant interjected, “How shameless! My master just fought a battle. If you want a relay fight, say so clearly, why be so evasive?”
The female lieutenant’s gaze finally fell on the maidservant, and her eyes suddenly turned amber!
The maidservant let out a startled cry and quickly hid behind Li Kuanglan. But her reaction was too slow, and she was caught by those amber eyes.
The female lieutenant’s eyes returned to normal, and she smiled, “So, it’s Miss Kong. You were once quite famous, and then you disappeared for half a year, only to become a maidservant for the Li Clan. Surprising, indeed. Did the Kong Clan merge with the Li Clan and send their talented daughter away?”
The maidservant’s face turned pale and then flushed, exclaiming, “This is my own business, it has nothing to do with the Kong Clan! Don’t make wild accusations! I’m just playing, nothing else.”
“Okay, okay, I understand,” the female lieutenant nodded, but her mocking expression clearly showed she didn’t believe a word.
The maidservant, in a frenzy, wanted to argue, but Li Kuanglan held her back, saying calmly, “Xuan, leave this to me. It’s been a while, and I’m curious about what new skills you’ve learned from the old ancestor.”
The female lieutenant smiled mockingly, “You really want to fight now?”
“Why not?!”
The female lieutenant didn’t rush to fight, instead, she changed the subject, “I suddenly realize how interesting that person is, for the esteemed Li Young Master to travel so far. Abandoning so many important matters, even risking offending Zhao Si, just for a sparring match? Even I wouldn’t dare to provoke Zhao Si easily. Don’t forget, he’s a future Celestial King.”
Li Kuanglan’s face darkened, and he barked, “What I do is my business, and you have no right to interfere!”
The female lieutenant continued, “Speaking of which, Qian Ye may be of low status, but he’s endearingly clumsy. And his skills are decent, not as good as mine, but better than yours. So, he might be a match for me, don’t you think?”
Li Kuanglan’s face instantly changed, and he angrily retorted, “He has nothing to do with you, don’t entertain foolish thoughts!”
Her smile turned oddly sly as she stared at Li Kuanglan, slowly asking, “Why are you so tense?”
“I am not!”
“Really?”
“Of course not! Stop talking nonsense, are we fighting or not?”
The female lieutenant stretched lazily, saying, “No, of course. I have more important things to do. Who would want to fight with you?”
Li Kuanglan’s face contorted with rage, “What are you up to now?”
“Nothing, just thought that someone needs a personal adjutant, and I’m going to try out for the position.”
“You!” Li Kuanglan fumed, grinding his teeth, “Are you bored?!”
She grinned maliciously, “Yes, I am. What can you do about it? Oh, he’s almost a major general, and my rank is a bit low, so I need to change it.”
She tore off her lieutenant insignia and, from her pocket, pulled out a major insignia, boldly replacing it.
Li Kuanglan was left speechless.
Anyone could see she had planned this, even preparing the ranks. Who would carry multiple ranks on them for fun?
Li Kuanglan’s face darkened, and he stepped forward, ready to draw his sword. But his opponent was faster, disappearing in a flash.
Standing at the alley’s entrance, Li Kuanglan looked around, but there was no trace of her. Knowing her well, he realized it was impossible to catch her in the city’s complex environment. He could only grimace and slowly sheathe his sword.
Qian Ye, undistracted, focused on his sword practice, gradually making progress. He was beginning to grasp how to counter the Li Clan’s rapid sword techniques. With more practice, he should soon make significant strides, and facing Li Kuanglan again would not mean being forced into a corner.
Just then, a knock on the door sounded.
The sound was too sudden, with no prior indication. Qian Ye, with his heightened senses, detected no one outside. Even now, as the knocking persisted, his senses still perceived no one, no presence at all.
Qian Ye had experienced this before. He took a deep breath, circulating his origin power, his blood core pulsating, and instantly adjusted to a combat-ready state. Holding Dongyue, he opened the courtyard door.
Outside stood the mysterious female lieutenant, now a major.
She beamed, saying, “Empire Major Ji Tianqing, from today, I am your personal adjutant!”
The news was so sudden that Qian Ye was momentarily stunned. But he couldn’t let an unknown person follow him daily. Remaining composed, he asked, “Where is the appointment letter from the military?”
Ji Tianqing slapped her forehead, “Oh, I almost forgot!”
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a blank military appointment letter, filled it out in front of Qian Ye, and handed it over, “Here’s the appointment letter!”
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