The Rampant Saber Enters the Capital!
These four characters quickly spread like wildfire throughout the Divine Capital. People were talking about it in the streets and alleys, countless curious onlookers eagerly anticipating and inquiring where Meng Qi was staying, speculating about the reasons for his grand entrance into the Divine Capital.
To them, the External Scenery was too distant, while the Human List was tangible and “within reach,” something they could freely discuss, perhaps one day they or their children might make the list.
Therefore, the current top contender of the Human List entering the capital naturally caused a sensation.
“He’s merely the top of the Human List, not even half a step, why does Your Highness need to personally visit him? Sending someone to invite him would be enough to make him feel honored,” Feng Zheng said with a hint of disdain within the tranquil environment of Antai Mansion, surrounded by artificial hills and trees forming their own world. “Moreover, according to Yan Chong, he hasn’t even reached the level of He Jiu Wang Siyuan back then.”
Prince Zhao Yi of Jin, hands clasped behind his back, walked under the shade of trees, softly laughing, “How can we underestimate the top of the Human List who killed the Wolf King? Even if he hasn’t reached half a step today, what about in three years? Five years? Ten years? We must take a long-term view in our actions; some things cannot be rushed. Early preparation is the wisest strategy.”
Feng Zheng was only slightly dissatisfied that his master was placing so much importance on Su Meng, but he could still listen to reason. Indeed, although the emperor wasn’t at the height of his power, he was far from his twilight years. No one knew how long he would continue to reign, perhaps three to five years, maybe a decade or more.
Among previous top contenders of the Human List, excluding those who died prematurely, most became External Scenery not long after leaving the list. The outstanding ones advanced rapidly, such as Su Wuming, Gao Lan, and Han Guang. Therefore, even though it was just the recruitment of the current Human List champion, by the time of need ten years later, he might already be a Grandmaster!
Even if it were just three to five years, Su Meng becoming an exceptional expert among the top-tier External Scenery was an expectation worth having.
“Your Highness’s foresight is admirable…” Feng Zheng smiled faintly.
As a close eunuch, although he was wary of his master’s trust in others, who wouldn’t want to follow a capable master?
Crossing the central courtyard of Antai Mansion, Zhao Yi saw a picturesque landscape of lakes and mountains, green trees concealing secluded buildings, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
“Although it’s an artificial lake and hills, to occupy such a vast area in the outer city of the Divine Capital, Antai Mansion truly lives up to its reputation,” Zhao Yi paused to admire the scenery.
Feng Zheng snorted, “Being so ostentatious under the emperor’s nose will inevitably lead to trouble sooner or later.”
Antai Mansion’s background was mysterious, reportedly connected to some aristocratic families in the Divine Capital.
Zhao Yi smiled and shook his head, leaping over the “small lake” toward the farthest building.
Upon reaching the building, a servant came out respectfully, “Master Su invites the two gentlemen upstairs for tea.”
Feng Zheng’s face changed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed yet impressed by Meng Qi. Although they hadn’t deliberately hidden their presence, they had tried to blend in as ordinary people. Yet, Su Meng had sensed them in advance!
The servant led the way, treading lightly, prompting Zhao Yi and Feng Zheng to also suppress their footsteps.
Upon entering the building, Zhao Yi immediately spotted Meng Qi. He was dressed in a simple scholar’s robe, sitting calmly behind a table with three teacups before him and a slightly red copper brazier beside him.
The gentle autumn breeze, the verdant trees, the bamboo-scented room, the bubbling water on the “red” brazier, the teacups resembling misty mountains, and the refined, composed man—all exuded a serene tranquility. Even the long saber lying horizontally on the table seemed to have lost its killing aura, making one reluctant to break the peaceful ambiance by speaking.
Zhao Yi and Feng Zheng remained silent, slowly taking their seats. They could hear a faint sound from the kettle on the brazier, indicating the water was just beginning to boil. Lifting the lid would reveal bubbles resembling fish eyes rising continuously.
To their eyes, Meng Qi remained unhurried, picking up the misty-colored teacups and placing them near the brazier to warm them.
Before long, the bubbling sound intensified, as countless bubbles rose from the edges, their momentum quickening.
Meng Qi calmly placed the teacups in a row, his movements in perfect rhythm, composed and unhurried, without the slightest hint of haste.
Watching him, Zhao Yi and Feng Zheng felt his every motion was naturally harmonious, his gestures complementing the tranquil setting, gradually calming their inner restlessness.
The bubbling sound grew louder, steam rising, swirling white mist enveloping the scene. Meng Qi extended his right hand, effortlessly grasping the teapot, pouring water into the cups.
The water flowed like a thread, gently trickling. With his left hand, Meng Qi held the bamboo whisk, stirring the powdered tea.
Within the rising steam, the tea powder swirled, rising to the surface, unfolding in various forms—sometimes resembling dragons and tigers, sometimes appearing as green peaks, strange and magnificent.
Watching Meng Qi leisurely pour the tea, his movements in perfect harmony with the natural rhythm, the swirling mist, and the milk-like foam on the tea’s surface, Zhao Yi felt his inner restlessness completely washed away. He immersed himself in this serene and tranquil atmosphere, his mind at peace and content.
“This is the Longhu Peak of the Northern Zhou, a tea with a strong and intense flavor, requiring water at its third boil to tame it,” Meng Qi said with a gentle, confident smile, his voice harmonizing perfectly with the tranquil ambiance.
Zhao Yi felt completely relaxed, seemingly forgetting the troubles and struggles outside the pavilion. He quietly gazed at the rippling foam in the teacup, inhaling the fragrant aroma, his tone unconsciously softening, “Never thought the Rampant Saber would also excel in tea ceremonies.”
“I’ve just recently started learning, to harmonize my inner state,” Meng Qi gently stroked the teacup.
Recalling the earlier tranquility that nearly enveloped him, Feng Zheng narrowed his eyes, once again regarding Meng Qi with higher esteem. The top of the Human List indeed possessed extraordinary qualities.
He had not experienced the breakthrough to half a step without attuning to nature, lacking a direct understanding of this realm. It wasn’t until after the Xingyun Manor incident that he truly recognized it, and now he felt even more impressed.
“I wonder what brings Your Highness here?” Meng Qi’s gaze remained fixed on the tea’s surface.
Zhao Yi looked at Meng Qi, seemingly calm and humble, and chuckled softly, “You saved my life. Now that you’re in the Divine Capital, how could I not extend my hospitality?”
“A gesture of goodwill is sufficient,” Meng Qi replied like an old monk, unmoved.
Zhao Yi casually asked, “You beheaded the Wolf King, shaking the world. Now, entering the Divine Capital with such momentum, could it be for some earth-shattering endeavor?”
Meng Qi smiled, “The Divine Capital gathers heroes from all over; naturally, I’m here to meet martial artists.”
As he finished speaking, he slowly turned his gaze to the window, murmuring, “The wind is rising.”
The sky darkened, as if an endless autumn rain was about to fall.
Zhao Yi did not ask further, smiling as he casually talked about matters in the Divine Capital, fully playing the role of a warm host. For a time, the atmosphere between host and guest was warm and pleasant.
At the end, seeing Meng Qi holding the tea, he naturally rose, chuckling, “Though I may not be capable, I can still speak a few words in the Divine Capital. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to ask.”
He did not mention anything about recruitment, purely exchanging pleasantries as a visit to an old friend.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Meng Qi escorted them to the staircase, watching the two leave with a slight nod. Compared to the time at Xingyun Manor, Zhao Lao San’s cultivation and composure had deepened further. However, if he infiltrated the Qionghua Banquet through him, many matters would be difficult to handle. Could it be that he had to play the role of a double agent, secretly helping Lao Wu to gain prominence?
While pondering, he picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then spat it out with a “Hmph.”
“Truly terrible tasting… Good thing there’s the etiquette of serving tea to guests…” Meng Qi frowned.
He was indeed a novice, having seen the tea master prepare tea in the afternoon, so he imitated the process to project the image of a cultivated expert and impress Zhao Lao San.
Outside the pavilion, raindrops began to fall.
Zhao Yi stood with his hands clasped behind his back, seemingly surrounded by an invisible barrier that repelled the rain, “Well?”
Feng Zheng understood his master’s meaning, pondering, “He cannot be underestimated. He almost gives the same feeling as He Jiu Wang Siyuan, but his cultivation is still shallow, lacking the necessary depth. If he gets the right opportunity, he might ascend to greater heights under the entanglement of qi. If we can recruit him, he will be of great use within three or four years.”
For such a prodigy, his tone was always tinged with a hint of bitterness. He had sacrificed part of his body and taken a detour to reach the External Scenery, making future breakthroughs difficult. In contrast, someone like Su Meng, once entering the External Scenery, would progress very quickly, just like Su Wuming, who advanced a level every year!
“These kinds of people are usually proud and ambitious. We must approach them with sincerity, treat them as equals, and cater to their interests. Unfortunately, we underestimated him too much during our first meeting…” Zhao Yi sighed.
Raindrops slid down, the sky darkening further, autumn wind and rain bringing a sense of melancholy.
Meng Qi adjusted his inner state, sitting with his eyes closed in the chair as he faced the autumn rain, appearing to either listen or doze. At his current level, the primary focus was perceiving the harmony between heaven and earth while refining his internal world.
Unconsciously, night fell, and Meng Qi’s right hand slightly moved, gently tapping the hilt of his saber.
“Qian Qian from the Divine Capital Martial Arts Hall requests the young hero Su’s guidance.” A voice echoed from afar, full of vigor, clear as pearls falling beside the ear, yet slightly hoarse, indicating an experienced martial artist who had opened his meridians.
“May I ask where the path lies?”
The voice grew closer, a sword light flashed, seemingly resonating with the night sky. Faint starlight pierced the thick clouds, illuminating the rain-soaked curtain.
In the thick darkness of night, this sword stroke wavered and hesitated, as if a trapped beast was seeking an escape route.
Meng Qi almost burst into song, sighed, and grasped the hilt of his saber with his right hand.
The saber light was like a dragon, swift and decisive, absorbing all the vitality and energy around it.
Though it gathered the essence of life, it itself exuded a chilling aura of death, instantly striking the sword light.
Life faded, energy dissipated, light extinguished, and the sword, having lost all its spirit, snapped into two pieces with a “clack,” falling to the ground.
“The path lies beneath your feet.” Meng Qi sheathed his saber, still sitting in his chair as if he had never risen, quietly listening to the autumn rain as before.
Outside the pavilion, a figure stood silently in the rain, making no attempt to defend himself, drenched like a drowned chicken.
After a while, he murmured to himself, “The path lies beneath your feet… The path lies beneath your feet…”
Looking at the broken sword, he suddenly felt as if a restraint had been lifted. He seemed to understand something, yet also nothing at all. Then, he suddenly dashed into the rain, disappearing from the pavilion.
After a while, amidst the dripping rain, another voice arose: “Du Linxi from the Du family has come to seek instruction.”
As the newcomer approached, he suddenly felt a chill at his throat, as if a saber’s qi was near. He immediately transformed his techniques, unleashing a series of moves. However, no matter how he responded, the invisible saber qi followed him like a shadow, never letting go!
It wasn’t until he retreated ten steps that the chilling sensation of the saber qi disappeared, but his forehead was already drenched in cold sweat.
Stunned for a moment, he turned and left without hesitation.
The autumn rain continued unabated, the sound of the rain like a lullaby urging sleep, revealing the tranquility of the deep night, along with a hint of melancholy.
Thus, the sky gradually brightened, the rain ceased, and the clouds dispersed.
Many martial artists, curious and drawn by the distant sounds from the previous night, gathered near the small pavilion.
“Quick, look! Those footprints must belong to Du Linxi; they’re clearly the Wind-Stepping Technique!”
“But he didn’t even get within ten zhang of the pavilion…”
“That’s the Eighty-Jin Panlong Staff of the Stick-Sweeping the Eight Directions!”
“The Flower-Interlude Fan… it was split in two!”
They were stunned, for all the traces were far from the pavilion, with the closest being at least a zhang away.
Suddenly, someone with sharp eyes shouted, “That, that isn’t Master Qian’s ‘Starlight Sword’ from the Martial Arts Hall, is it? Why is it broken in front of the pavilion?”
Master Qian Qian of the Martial Arts Hall—how formidable was he? He had attained the unity of man and nature at forty!
Yet, he too was three steps away from the pavilion.
“Master Qian has somehow failed to break through, instead becoming increasingly erratic, with a noticeable decline in his strength…” someone desperately sought an excuse.
But halfway through his words, he himself sighed, “The Rampant Saber Su Meng lives up to his reputation.”
The surrounding crowd, recalling how they had only heard the sound of rain and self-introductions last night, with no sign of any fighting, all felt a dull ache and nodded in agreement:
“The top of the Human List is indeed the top of the Human List…”
Meng Qi remained in a state of harmony with heaven and earth, breathing in the morning sun and absorbing the purple qi, unaware of when the rain had ceased, as if he were peacefully asleep.
At this moment, a servant from the small pavilion approached, whispering, “Young Hero Su, the Su Clan of the Divine Capital has sent someone to invite you.”
Meng Qi slowly opened his eyes, his pupils clear and deep like a calm lake.
What was destined to come had finally arrived.
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