MTLNOVEL Chapter 164 You Finally Came After All
The journey that normally would take a day and a half was extended due to a stopover at Sky Sand City, where Hong Qingyan desired to wander the streets, all because Ye Feng's leg had already recovered.
"Although we've already strolled through here last time, it's different now. This time, we're openly and properly hitting the streets for a walk. I feel there's a very different significance to it. What do you think, Big Brother Ye?" Hong Qingyan asked, sitting beside him.
Ye Feng pretended to muse for a moment before smiling and saying, "Seems like there is some truth to that!"
So, the carriage made a big turn into Sky Sand City, ready to spend another night outside, since there was plenty of time to join the Heng Mountain Sword Sect on the occasion of the Chongyang Festival on the ninth day of the ninth month.
Sky Sand City might boast many famous landmarks and wonderful things, but none leaves a more lasting impression than its stinky tofu. Initially, Hong Qingyan wasn't too accustomed to it, but since taking the first pinch-nosed bite, she had completely fallen in love with it.
This time, the pair didn't need a wheelchair to explore the market. Hong Qingyan wasn't trailing behind Ye Feng but rather, was arm in arm with him, leaning against his side, wandering aimlessly down the gourmet street. They looked no different from any ordinary couple, yet the happiness and sweetness that shone on their faces were the same.
There were no events of note overnight. After breakfast the next day, the group continued on their journey toward the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, they found the parking lot at the base already filled with various luxury carriages. Coincidentally, just as they approached the entrance, a loud shout echoed from the gate.
"The King of the Southern Territory, Dugu Ming has arrived!" As the voice fell, four people quickly emerged from the gate at the base of the mountain.
One, dressed in purple robes, was an elder. The other three were messengers from the Heng Mountain Sword Sect who had previously gone to the Southern Territory.
The elder in purple robes didn't carry a sword, but his aura was stable, and his bearing exuded authority, clearly holding a high position within the Heng Mountain Sword Sect.
At that moment, the Southern King, Dugu Ming, stepped out of his luxury carriage, accompanied by several great commanders and three or four protectors.
"Truth be told, I never expected the Southern King to condescend to visit our South Hengshan Sword Sect and attend the Chongyang Festival we're hosting. This is truly an honor that makes our Heng Mountain glisten!"
The purple-robed elder stepped forward with a loud laugh, his manners thorough yet not overly flattering.
Even though the South Hengshan Sword Sect fell under the Southern King's jurisdiction, the Martial Sects of the Martial Arts World had seemingly agreed upon a convention to rise above the mundane and not be subjected to secular governance. Therefore, even when faced with the Southern King, there was no need for obsequiousness.
Of course, since he was a monarch, a certain degree of courtesy was still necessary. Moreover, the Heng Mountain Sword Sect wanted to place more disciples in the Southern Territory and still needed the king's nod of approval.
The unexpected arrival of the Southern King naturally drew the attention of numerous guests around. Of course, those invited to join the festival at Heng Mountain were no ordinary individuals. They were generally notable and respected families of the Southern Territory.
Even ordinary nobles were probably not qualified to be invited, as only hidden aristocratic families with generations rich in martial heritage could enter this circle. Those nouveau riche who had recently risen to wealth were not eligible.
The nearby guests began to discuss among themselves, "Who would have thought that the Southern King would take the initiative to come? It looks like he intends to turn the South Hengshan Sword Sect into a reserve of martial experts for himself, or perhaps he plans to make them his private backers."
"There are indications of that. If it's true, the ranks of experts under the Southern King will likely swell, but that could mean becoming subject to the Sword Sect's influence. With the prestige and status of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect in the Southern Territory likely to rise significantly!"
The surrounding people sighed with emotion, knowing that matters concerning the Southern King were beyond their purview, relegated to merely standing by and observing.
At this time, Ye Feng and his party were entering the parking area and upon witnessing this scene, Sima Zhantian couldn't help but snort coldly, "This Southern King Dugu Ming really is spineless. A monarch in his own right, yet he deigns to brown-nose a martial arts sect. He takes his kingship too lightly."
Ye Feng rebuked sharply, "Watch your words. He is a king after all, and his actions are his own business. But you should at least maintain some respect and not let your temper get the best of you all the time!"
Sima Zhantian grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, my lord, I had forgotten you were still in the carriage. I'll be more mindful next time, definitely. But my lord, it seems Dugu Ming is really set on holding onto the South Hengshan's 'big thigh' this time around!"
Ye Feng replied indifferently, "Dugu Ming's actions are understandable. He may have resumed his position, but many commanders in the Southern Territory have either died or left. He may hold the title of king, but he's short on trusted experts. Although the Nine Domains are temporarily under control, if he isn't strong enough himself, the Lord of the Nine Domains will inevitably hatch new plots.
That's why he has approached the Heng Mountain Sword Sect."
Sima Zhantian inquired, "Then my lord, do you think the Heng Mountain Sword Sect will agree to cooperate with him?"
Ye Feng glanced at him dismissively and couldn't be bothered to engage with this dimwit any further.
It was Xiao Chuanqi from the passenger seat who responded, "Isn't it obvious? It's a win-win situation. Why wouldn't the Heng Mountain Sword Sect agree to it? Don't forget about the Hengling Domain Lord who always had ties with Heng Mountain. Now that he's fallen, the Sword Sect would surely be thrilled to ally with the Southern King."
Ye Feng looked through the carriage window and saw Dugu Ming chatting merrily with the man in purple robes, he couldn't help but shake his head secretly. While the Southern King's approach wasn't bad, if not controlled properly, it could very well turn into inviting the wolf into the house.
Thinking this, Ye Feng pushed open the carriage door and slowly stepped out, followed closely by Sima Zhantian and Xiao Chuanqi.
At that moment, Xia Lengchan and Li Jingang also came over, and Ye Feng asked, "Who is that man in purple robes?"
Xia Lengchan glanced over and whispered, "That man is Daoist Qingyu, the Deputy Sect Leader Zuo of the Heng Mountain Sword Sect."
Ye Feng nodded slightly, without saying much more.
Xiao Chuanqi asked, "Your Majesty, now that the Southern King is here to make friends, do you still intend to go through with the Martial Bow? If you do proceed with it, could it not affect the Southern King?"
Ye Feng suddenly turned his head and stared at him, "What do you think?"
Xiao Chuanqi didn't speak again, immediately realizing that he had dared not ask more than necessary, for the purpose of the Northern King's visit was exactly to perform the Martial Bow. Since it was already decided by the Northern King, it was not likely to change.
Ye Feng watched Daoist Qingyu coldly and said in a frosty tone, "Everything under the heavens is the territory of the king; does the Heng Mountain Sword Sect think itself above worldly concerns, not subject to worldly laws anymore? Xuanyuan Nation has changed from what it was last century; any sect daring to disrespect the king's law and scoff at legal authority is an illegal organization!"
Upon hearing this, Sima Zhantian immediately came to his senses and quickly shouted with a high voice, "Northern King Ye Feng has arrived!"
With that shout, instantly a significant disturbance arose, and countless guests all turned to look in this direction.
Many people murmured in private, "What's going on here? Why has the Northern King come to this Double Ninth Festival?"
"Could it be that the Heng Mountain Sword Sect invited him too? If that's true, then the Heng Mountain Sword Sect sure has great face. If they befriend both the Northern and Southern Kings, it won't be long before Heng Mountain shouldn't be called Southern Peak, but Central Peak!" Continue reading on empire
"Change to Central Peak? Are you joking? Do you think the Zhongyue Songshan Sword Sect doesn't exist?"
"What's going on with Northern King Ye Feng? Oh, right, I heard that a major event rocked the Northern Border over three months ago and Northern King Ye Feng seems to have been sidelined already. Could he be here seeking help?"
At this time, Southern King Dugu Ming heard the name of the Northern King and subconsciously frowned, showing displeasure on his face.
As for the man in purple robes, that is, Daoist Qingyu of Heng Mountain Sword Sect, annoyance flashed across his face.
Seeing the expression on Daoist Qingyu's face, the surrounding guests couldn't help but murmur, "Looks like he's not just here for the Double Ninth Festival; now this will be a good show!"
As they were speaking, Ye Feng stepped forward, accompanied by several Great Commanders, and holding the fair hand of Hong Qingyan, he walked step by step towards the sect entrance.
To those unaware, it seemed as if he came for a leisurely visit; after all, Northern King Ye Feng did not look old, only around twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, accompanied by a stunning beauty as if he were on an outing.
However, at that moment, none of the guests around spoke further, all eyes fixated on Northern King Ye Feng, and suddenly, the atmosphere turned serious and tense.
The Deputy Sect Leader of the Heng Mountain, Daoist Qingyu, did not move, standing ramrod straight, just watching coldly as Ye Feng approached step by step, while his three disciples behind him were already on tenterhooks, two of whom even had their hands on the hilt of their swords.
Southern King Dugu Ming stood in the middle, feeling a bit awkward. After thinking slightly, he stepped forward towards Ye Feng, and laughed loudly, "Haha, Brother Ye, you finally made it here."
Ye Feng laughed as well, "It seems the Southern King is indeed swift, setting out a day later than us but arriving earlier. You must have been eager to attend this Double Ninth Festival, right?"
Upon being seen through, Dugu Ming's expression froze for a moment, suddenly unsure of how to reply.
To be honest, although both were kings, the aura emanating from the other was far more compelling, almost suffocating him.
Just then, Daoist Qingyu in purple robes took a small step forward and huffed coldly, "Are you the legendary Northern King Ye Feng?"
Approaching, Ye Feng responded with a slight bow, "Pleased to meet you!"