Chapter 32 - 32 29 A Visitor by the River

32: Chapter 29: A Visitor by the River 32: Chapter 29: A Visitor by the River The next day. With only three days left until the autumn hunt, the entire Ye family was buzzing with activity. The performance in the autumn hunt could be said to indirectly determine a family’s status because those participating were among the youth of the great families, the cream of the crop. The strength of a family was most reflected through its younger generation, and those who had won in the past were generally from well-established and powerful families. Among the various opportunities for great families to showcase their power throughout the year, the significance of this family autumn hunt was self-evident. As an annual event, each family placed great importance on this hunt. The Ye family’s past performance was not particularly strong, so many placed their hopes on this year’s event. After all, the legitimate heirs of this generation of the Ye family had grown exceptionally well, and among them emerged Ye Xuan, a dark horse. The results of this year’s autumn hunt were worth anticipating. Ye Xuan and the other two who were to partake in the family autumn hunt set out early in the morning. The journey to Tianyuan County was thousands of miles away, and they had to depart early to arrive in time for the hunt’s commencement. Latecomers would be considered to have forfeited their qualification and would not be given a second chance. Between the north and south of the Great Xia Kingdom flowed the Cang River, stretching across more than a dozen counties. As the main artery connecting these counties, taking the water route down the river made the journey from Tianyang County to Tianyuan County considerably shorter and, evidently, more convenient than overland travel. By the time Ye Xuan and his companions, riding at full speed, arrived at the east city ferry, a swift ship made of something akin to refined iron awaited at the riverbank. At the ship’s bow flew a military flag. These swift ships were different from standard wooden vessels; they were hundred-year-old sinkwood ships used by the army for reconnaissance. They were extremely fast and made of hard material so that even if they accidentally hit a reef, they wouldn’t sink and lead to fatalities. On the swift current of the Cang River, safety and speed were assured without any worries. However, when Ye Xuan and the others reached the ferry, the Qi family members had already boarded the ship. The Qi family’s princely heir was accompanied by three others aside from Qi Shaofeng, though their cultivation was weaker, and Qi Shaofeng clearly led the group. “Heh heh, this time the Ye family has chosen Ye Xuan as the leader. It looks like the Ye family is set to make a name for itself in this autumn hunt…” Ye Xuan had just dismounted and was preparing to board when Qi Shaofeng and the others came to greet him, all smiles. Their demeanor suggested there was no enmity between them, as if they were the closest of friends. Ye Ba and Ye Yan found this somewhat bewildering. They had known Qi Shaofeng for more than a day or two and, considering his character, after the humiliation he suffered at the hands of Ye Xuan, he was bound to detest Ye Xuan. How could he now be grinning and taking the initiative to greet them? “Now that both families have arrived, let’s give the order to set sail.” Ye Xuan ignored the others and, after boarding, immediately instructed the nearby boatmen to set off. “Don’t rush, Brother Ye Xuan. We’ll only set off after all three families from Tianyang County have assembled. The Nangong family’s people have not yet arrived; the ship cannot depart,” Qi Shaofeng said with an unaffected smile. “The Nangong family?” Ye Xuan was taken aback. The Nangong family no longer had a princely heir, and it seemed they hadn’t participated in the autumn hunt for some years. “Brother Ye Xuan!” Just then, from the ferry dock came a familiar voice. Ye Xuan looked in its direction and saw, to his astonishment, a beautiful figure clad in purple soft armor speeding towards them on horseback. The charming face was unmistakably that of Nangong Yao. “Why have you come?” As Nangong Yao drew closer, Ye Xuan furrowed his brow. Although the Xuanyin Body within her had been temporarily suppressed, the problem wasn’t resolved, and the autumn hunt was all about facing Demon Beasts, which wasn’t without its risks. Nangong Yao, a delicate girl, wasn’t suited for such an event. “I’m representing the Nangong family in the battle, and Grandfather has agreed. Besides, I am now a Third Grade martial master, not a weak woman incapable of even fighting a chicken. You don’t need to worry about me.” To convince Ye Xuan, Nangong Yao immediately stimulated her True Qi, and instantly, a cold fluctuation emanated from her body. Indeed, its intensity proved that she had reached the Third Grade Martial Master Realm without a doubt. Ye Xuan’s gaze sharpened as he was surprised by her progress. In just under two months, Nangong Yao had advanced from Second Grade to Third Grade. Her pace was not even slower than his. Sёarch* The nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still, Ye Xuan knew the efforts it took him to reach his current realm, yet Nangong Yao was almost at the same level as him. “The Xuanyin Power must be bringing her benefits. I suppose Yaoer must now be able to try and control it somewhat. Otherwise, she couldn’t have improved so quickly.” As thoughts swirled in his mind, Ye Xuan quickly figured out the reason for the change, which must be attributed to the Xuanyin Body. “Fine, but when the hunt comes, you must stay by my side and not run off,” Ye Xuan conceded, knowing it was implausible to ask Nangong Yao to go back. He only hoped she would stay with him. The family autumn hunt wasn’t exceedingly dangerous – after all, these were consequential heirs, and the court bore the responsibility for any injury. However, not all the young members of a family were of noble character; among them were villains, meaning the Demon Beasts weren’t the greatest danger. The most dangerous were those family heirs. “Mhm.” Hearing Ye Xuan allow her to stay, Nangong Yao’s pretty face immediately lit up with joy. She then displayed a childlike demeanor and followed behind Ye Xuan. Qi Shaofeng, watching this unfold, showed a flicker of coldness in his eyes, which he quickly concealed, unnoticed by others. “Depart!” Ye Xuan signaled to the boatman, and the ship cast off its anchor, heading into the surging river, moving swiftly downstream… The sunken wood boat had two levels, with about a dozen rooms inside, more than enough to accommodate Ye Xuan and his party, with room to spare. After boarding the ship, Ye Xuan felt the material and tried to squeeze it with force, and finally, his face showed a hint of surprise. “With the infusion of my now Second Grade, Third Layer Dragon Hiding True Qi, I can only leave such slight finger marks… This century-old sunken wood is truly extraordinary.” He looked down to see that there were only a few barely noticeable finger marks on the ship’s side where he had pinched. With that, Ye Xuan felt at ease. With the speed of the sunken wood boat, they should arrive in Tianyuan County within three days. The two days passed without incident, and Ye Xuan spent them in his room. The rush of the departure meant that he had not fully recuperated his body after his breakthrough, but over these two days, he had finally returned to his peak condition. Early the next morning, just as it began to brighten, Ye Xuan stood at the bow of the ship, looking into the distance. According to the previous estimate, they should reach Tianyuan County by today at the latest. Rustle… Light footsteps resonated behind him on the deck, followed by a gentle voice, “It’s cold on the river, Brother Ye Xuan, please take good care of your health.” “This bit of cold is nothing to worry about, but your body can’t withstand the cold. It’s best for you to come out less.” Ye Xuan shook his head. With his Dragon Hiding True Qi guarding his body, the common cold could no longer cause him any harm. “Is Brother Ye Xuan thinking about the autumn hunt? I’ve heard that this year’s autumn hunt is hosted by Princess Xia Xun, the daughter of Monarch Xia Tianyou. Grandfather told me that you, Brother Ye Xuan, have an engagement with Princess Xia Xun?” Nangong Yao suddenly raised her head, her beautiful eyes looking at Ye Xuan as she asked. “That’s right.” Ye Xuan did not deny it. Many people knew about this, and it was no secret. “Then, do you like her, Brother Ye Xuan?” Nangong Yao looked a bit nervous. “A woman I’ve only met once, there’s no question of liking or disliking. This engagement is merely a formality. Princess Xia Xun is too proud; she wouldn’t spare a glance for someone like me.” A touch of scorn appeared on the corners of Ye Xuan’s mouth, as he recalled that his fiancée had never taken the former him seriously, since he didn’t carry enough weight. “Then it’s her lack of insight.” Nangong Yao pursed her lips slightly, sounding somewhat disgruntled. At her words, Ye Xuan smiled, about to reply, when his expression suddenly changed, and he looked towards the port side, “There’s a boat approaching.” Nangong Yao’s face also changed, and in her field of vision was a similar sunken wood boat drawing near intentionally, and across the water, Ye Xuan could see several figures. On the deck, there were indeed some young people dressed like scions of aristocratic families, seemingly also heading to participate in the autumn hunt. In their midst, the leader was a white-clothed youth holding a folding fan, handsome and dignified, truly resembling a scion from an elite family. This youth clearly knew they were all aristocratic juniors heading to the autumn hunt and was smilingly looking their way. However, when the white-clothed youth’s gaze fell on Nangong Yao, it seemed to freeze, his eyes practically shining. Nangong Yao frowned slightly at this look; she had encountered it many times before. Qi Shaofeng had had the same look, which only served to repulse her. “To the beautiful young miss, I am Li Xiong from Great Xuan County, may I know your name?” The white-clothed youth looked polite, but as he got closer, he became increasingly infatuated. He had never seen such a pure and lovely girl before; just one glance was refreshing and endearing. If he could take her for himself, it would undoubtedly be delightful. “Li Xiong from Great Xuan County?” Ye Xuan pondered for a moment. The Li family of Great Xuan County was indeed a large clan, but they were somewhat inferior to first-rate families like the Jun family. “Tianyang County, Nangong Yao.” Out of courtesy typical of aristocratic families, Nangong Yao reported her name as well. In any case, the others would naturally come to know these names once the autumn hunt began. “So it is Lady Nangong. I have long heard of Lady Nangong’s beauty, and it is my good fortune to meet you today. I wonder if I may be so bold as to invite Lady Nangong to sit on my boat for a while, so that I may witness Lady Nangong’s peerless grace,” said Li Xiong gracefully fanning himself, with a charming smile. “No, thank you.” This time, Nangong Yao didn’t waste any words and declined outright. Li Xiong was taken aback by such a blunt rejection—it was the first time a woman had ever rejected him so curtly. With his status and appearance, the women he sought had almost never eluded him. Just as he wanted to say something more, Ye Xuan’s cold voice suddenly said, “Since she’s already said no, why bother with more words? Please leave.” “And you are?” Disturbed by Ye Xuan’s interruption, Li Xiong’s face also darkened slightly. His entire attention had been on Nangong Yao, and he hadn’t noticed Ye Xuan’s presence until now. At first, he had thought Ye Xuan was just some guard or minor character. “Ye family, Ye Xuan.” Ye Xuan’s demeanor remained indifferent, his reply brief.