Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

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The atmosphere in the main hall grew increasingly oppressive.

Sitting at the head seat, Bai Mu gazed at the many patriarchs of the Thirteen Lines in front of him, his expression gradually turning somber.

He had long heard that during his time secluded for healing, there were many small movements within the Thirteen Lines.

Taking advantage of his absence, they slowly encroached on his power, his influence.

In his eyes, these people were like wolves circling him, watching him closely.

Once they saw his weakness, they all straightened up and approached him.

For some reason, a sense of powerlessness suddenly arose in Bai Mu's heart.

Though the court of Great Zhou was strong, it spread thin, and when faced with the local tyrants entrenched for years, they could only bow their heads.

Shen Qing, sitting at the far end, couldn't help but sigh in his heart as he saw Bai Mu's repressed expression.

The Great Zhou officials seemed prestigious on the surface, but beneath they appeared far from worry-free and were even in constant crisis.

No one spoke up.

The patriarchs and nobles in the hall breathed in Spiritual Energy, their profound aura openly displayed, showing no concession to Bai Mu.

Seeing Bai Mu almost pushed to his limit, Zhou Xu's expression changed, displaying a smile, saying, "Lord Governor, rest assured, we are all citizens of Yongzhou, and it is our unshirkable duty to slay demons. Once you have devised a plan, we will surely fully support you."

Seeing the other party offer him a way out, Bai Mu naturally accepted it, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he dejectedly said, "Then in the future, I'll be relying more on everyone."

"Alright, now that we've eaten and discussed matters, why not have a little entertainment to liven things up?" At this time, the patriarch of the Dong Family stood up and said.

Zhou Xu smiled and asked, "Brother Dong, what sort of entertainment do you have in mind?"

Dong Family Patriarch, Dong Pengfei, raised his cup and looked around, saying, "Long have I heard of the court's martial masters, all exceptional individuals with supreme martial skills, making us martial artists of the Jianghu look up to them as if gazing at the stars. With today's grand gathering, why not take this opportunity for a martial contest to both enhance our enjoyment and foster exchange. What do you all think?"

This remark, like a stone thrown into a lake, stirred waves of ripples.

The nobles of Yongzhou whispered among themselves, each showing an expression of expectation.

Governor Bai Mu frowned, saying, "Boxing and kicking are blind, if real hostility arises and hurts our harmony, it won't be good. Let's choose something else."

Among the group, a middle-aged man with a resolute appearance and sharp eyes spoke, "The essence of Martial Arts lies in exchange and actual combat. How can everything in the world go as one wishes? Only through challenges can true strength be revealed. We will watch, stopping when necessary, ensuring nothing goes wrong."

"Indeed, martial arts progress through competition."

The others in the hall echoed in agreement.

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Governor Bai Mu, although unwilling in his heart, had no choice but to agree reluctantly.

Dong Family Patriarch, Dong Pengfei, showed a meaningful smile, stood up slowly, turned his gaze to Shen Qing, and said with a smile, "I've heard that Shen Qing, Chief Officer Shen, possesses extraordinary skill, having slain countless demons in just a year, rising all the way from the dispatch office to Chief Officer of the Weiwu Division. Why not take this opportunity to spar for a bit?"

As soon as these words fell, everyone's gaze in the hall focused on Shen Qing.

Shen Qing's expression immediately darkened.

He understood in his heart, that Dong Pengfei's spar was a guise, his true intent was to use this chance to deal with him.

Though Dong Jing was an illegitimate child of the Dong Family, he still represented a bit of the Dong Family's face.

For an "enemy" like him to stand openly before Dong Pengfei, it was impossible to ignore.

If it came to sparring, Dong Pengfei was sure to aim to kill.

However, Shen Qing was not afraid of him.

From what he knew, Dong Pengfei was in the late stage of the Dan Realm.

With his current cultivation, if he used the power of the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill to the fullest, he could kill him.

The only trouble was that he was unsure how to handle the aftermath in front of everyone.

As Shen Qing pondered his strategy, Huang Furo stood up to interrupt, "Patriarch Dong, hold on, the two of you are a generation apart. If you personally take the stage, it would be taking advantage of junior, which is somewhat inappropriate."

After Huang Furo spoke, the Huangfu Family Patriarch, Huangfu Chuan, followed with, "Indeed."

Dong Pengfei gave a meaningful glance at Shen Qing, then turned, displeased, to the Huangfu father and daughter, and said, "Since Huangfu Niece is so protective of your subordinate, let's give you both some face. Chief Officer Shen, when there's a chance in the future, we'll spar properly."

Saying that, Dong Pengfei sat down expressionlessly, giving Shen Qing another meaningful look.

Shen Qing cast a grateful glance at Huang Furo as his eyes narrowed.

At this time, Zhou Family Patriarch, Zhou Xu, immediately spoke, "Mr. Huangfu's earlier comments were indeed reasonable. In my opinion, why not use this opportunity to let the juniors take the stage to spar? This way, it can both brighten the feast and avoid harming our harmony. What does everyone think?"

After speaking, his gaze quickly skimmed over the seats, landing on the head seat.

Bai Mu didn't understand Zhou Xu's intent, so he asked, "Patriarch Zhou speaks sensibly. In that case, let's follow your words and let the younger generation showcase their talents so that we old folks can witness the extraordinary prowess of youth. However, I wonder which young talents among us you have in mind?"

Hearing this, Zhou Xu's eyes glinted, and he feigned casualness as he smiled, "It seems it's all fate. My unworthy fifth son happens to be here with me at the county government, and it's coincidental he can join this elegant affair. Though he usually indulges in play, he has quite the Sight in martial arts and has always admired your eldest son, Lord Governor. Why not let him join in for some fun, spar with the eldest, and let Lord Bai and the esteemed ones assess if he's up to par?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Mu couldn't help but find it amusing.

His eldest son was his prized offspring, already at the Dan Realm, and a leader among the younger generation.

If he were to let his eldest son compete, he would rest assured.

Bai Mu said meaningfully, "Oh? What a coincidence. Then please have your son join us, so we old folks can soak up some youthful spirit, and experience the remarkable Zhou Family's style."

Saying this, Bai Mu turned and instructed a servant, "Someone, go fetch An Long."

"Yes!"

A county government servant responded swiftly, hurrying out of the hall.

Moments later, a series of footsteps echoed from outside.

The doors swung open.

A young figure stepped in from outside.

On his head rested a white jade crown as gentle as jade, and the beautiful jade hanging from his waist swayed gently with his light steps, producing a delicate and pleasing sound.

"Youngster Zhou Xintong greets the elders."

Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Xu laughed heartily, stepping forward to introduce, "This is my son Xintong, fifth in the family, lacking compared to his brothers. However, he has always seen Master An Long as a goal to strive after, and now he has the opportunity to spar and exchange skills."

Those present weren't fools; Zhou Xu's arrangements were clearly planned.

For a moment, they grew curious, unsure of Zhou Xu's real motive.

While everyone speculated, another young man, led by a servant, entered the hall from the back door.

Everyone recognized him; he was Bai Mu's eldest son, Bai Anlong.

Bai Anlong walked beside the main seat, bowing respectfully, "Greetings, Father, what is the reason for your summons?"

Bai Mu smiled slightly, raising his hand slightly to signal Bai Anlong to forgo formalities, and then turned to Zhou Xu, saying, "An Long, your Uncle Zhou has visited today, specially mentioning that your generation should exchange more and progress together. The fifth young Master of the Zhou family has always admired you as a role model, eager for a spar. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Bai Anlong turned his gaze to Zhou Xintong, standing to the side. Though bewildered by the situation, he maintained a humble demeanor, "I, Bai Anlong, am just a playboy in the county, privileged by my father and the respected ones to have my current reputation. If the fifth young Master truly has this intention, Anlong would gladly accompany him. Let us use martial arts to make friends, stopping at the right moment?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xu displayed a calm smile, patting Zhou Xintong's shoulder, "Xintong, did you hear that? Young Master Bai has a magnanimous heart, make sure to seize this chance, understand?"

Zhou Xintong nodded earnestly, stepped forward, and bowed to Bai Anlong, "Young Master Bai, I have long admired your name, and today I am committed to doing my best. I hope you will guide me unreservedly!"

Bai Anlong returned the salute, and a confrontational spirit instantly filled the space between them.

The surrounding family heads and nobles held their breath in anticipation.

By now, they understood.

This contest was not merely about the martial prowess of two young talents; it was also a subtle probe between local and courtly forces.

"Well then, let's begin." Bai Mu timely spoke, breaking the brief silence, "Let the match end with control; do not harm the harmony, nor find excuses to cause trouble."

"Yes, Father (Sir)!"

Bai Anlong and Zhou Xintong responded in unison, then each took a few steps back, assuming a stance.

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