Chapter 1481: Throwing the Cup to Invite a Challenge

Given its location on the Shanjing Plains, the Kingdom of Yao has retained some robust customs, including the absence of a taboo against bloodshed on the Yao King's birthday. Frequent unforeseen incidents also made the imperial martial arts competition the most anticipated event at every birthday celebration.

As soon as the arena was cleared, two contestants rushed forward. After saluting the Yao King and then exchanging a fist-and-palm salute with each other, the battle began without delay.

"The first match typically serves as a warm-up for the later martial arts contests," Yuwen Yong explained to He Lingchuan. "The two participants are a retainer from the Gu family and a guard from the Bu family." For many years, these two families have been at odds, often seeking out skilled fighters to settle their rivalry at the Yao King's birthday celebration. The Yao King and his ministers had no objection. Everyone enjoyed the spectacle, while the families settled their private grievances, satisfying all parties.

The first match was fierce yet swift. The Bu family's guard proved superior, breaking two of his opponent's ribs to secure victory. This immediately established a tone of blood and violence, indicating it was more than just a performance.

After the warm-up, the atmosphere in Jade Spring Palace became much livelier, and the next pair of contestants entered the arena. While the battle raged on stage, officials below eagerly pointed and discussed. He Lingchuan was surprised to find that such a solemn occasion allowed for betting, including wagers on winners, scores, and even head-to-head challenges, much like the martial arts hall in Panlong City. Fan Shuang remained outside the arena, placing three or four wagers.

In fact, the officials whose duties permitted it could have left as soon as the imperial martial arts competition began. Yet, almost no one present departed, unwilling to miss the thrilling combat. He Lingchuan had two head-to-head wagers with Yuwen Yong and Qu Ruhai respectively. With one win and one loss for each, he theoretically broke even.

Another match concluded with one combatant's right arm being severed, blood splattering onto delicate white flowers – a truly shocking sight. A wave of applause swept the venue, instantly pushing the atmosphere to a climax.

He Lingchuan smiled and extended his hand to Qu Ruhai, saying, "I won. Thank you for the concession." Qu Ruhai rolled his eyes heavenward, then pulled out ten taels of gold and slapped them heavily onto the table. "Take it!" he grumbled. They had wagered three times, and He Lingchuan had won twice. Was this fellow merely lucky, or did he possess remarkably sharp judgment?

Just then, General Chongwu stepped forward to toast the Yao King, who slowly remarked, "You are soon to depart for the north. Lord Xue's former adversaries will also become yours. As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles.'"

"Yes," General Chongwu replied, his eyes flickering subtly as he sought to understand the King's deeper meaning. Xue Zongwu and his opponents? Who did His Majesty refer to? His current post had been granted at the Grand Regent's insistence, leading others to already label him as Qingyang's man. The more strained the relationship between the Yao King and Regent Qingyang became, the more awkward General Chongwu's situation was. Fortunately, he would not be staying long in Tianshui City, as most of his time would henceforth be spent on the northern front.

The Yao King, who had been resting with lowered eyelids, heard Qu Ruhai's slap on the table. He gave Qu Ruhai a deep look and sighed, "These are merely our kingdom's warriors displaying their prowess, seemingly for our own entertainment. It must become quite monotonous for the foreign envoys after a while. Enjoyment is best when shared, and as hosts, we ought to ensure everyone, both hosts and guests, has a delightful time."

The hint was so obvious that even Yuwen Yong understood it. He drained his cup of wine and was about to volunteer when General Chongwu preempted him, tossing his cup onto Qu Ruhai's table. Although it was a casual toss, the silver cup landed lightly, emitting only a faint clink, and slid forward about half a foot, stopping precisely in front of Qu Ruhai's arm. It was a challenge, signaled by the thrown cup.

Qu Ruhai's gaze sharpened, and he looked up. General Chongwu offered him a slight smile. "Left Clan Chief," he said, "shall we have a friendly exchange?"

As the Left Clan Chief of Luodian, Qu Ruhai had displayed arrogance since his arrival in Tianshui City. Even today, at the Yao King's birthday celebration, he had been loud and boisterous, as if oblivious to his surroundings. The Yao King had long wished to teach him a lesson, and General Chongwu, understanding the unspoken command, issued the challenge himself.

Qu Ruhai stood up, cracking his knuckles with an air of nonchalance. "Alright," he said, "but is this match to be merely a demonstration, or a fight to the death?"

General Chongwu looked towards the Yao King, who did not even twitch an eyebrow. "Clan Chief Qu has traveled far as our guest," the King stated. "There is no reason to fight a guest to the death." While martial arts duels at Jade Spring Palace permitted the use of real weapons and serious combat, Qu Ruhai's status was unique, and he was a guest. Should he be killed here, the Kingdom of Luodian would certainly not let the matter rest. Luodian would hardly acknowledge the rules of the Yao Kingdom.

Understanding, General Chongwu clasped his fists towards Qu Ruhai. "Please," he offered.

Qu Ruhai chuckled and strode from his seat.

Qingyang shifted his posture, resting his chin in his hand. His gaze swept over General Chongwu, then briefly flickered to He Lingchuan. One was the newly appointed General who Guards the North, and the other, the Left Clan Chief of Luodian. Their statuses were far beyond that of any previous combatants. Furthermore, once both were deployed to the northern front, they would very likely become adversaries on the battlefield. For them to face each other here, ahead of time, would surely be a highlight, wouldn't it? Immediately, everyone, both on and off the arena, rushed to place their wagers.

Gu Xuan moved closer and asked He Lingchuan, "Who do you favor this time? I'll place my bet with you." He Lingchuan then turned to Yuwen Yong. "What about you, Brother Yuwen?"

This was indeed a difficult choice. Yuwen Yong stroked his chin, hesitating for a moment, then finally stated, "I choose General Chongwu." Both men possessed exceptional cultivation and were commanding generals, so Yuwen Yong couldn't truly predict who would win. Moreover, with the Yao King's order for them to "stop short of serious injury," many battlefield killing techniques would be off-limits, making an accurate assessment even more challenging. However, General Chongwu was soon to become Yuwen Yong's colleague. They would be stationed together, guarding the northern frontier, constantly crossing paths. Betting on Qu Ruhai to win would undoubtedly strain their collegial relationship.

He Lingchuan summoned a palace attendant to check the odds and found Qu Ruhai's payout rate surprisingly high. The Yao Kingdom officials behind him typically wagered on General Chongwu to win. While they might not particularly like General Chongwu, they certainly detested Qu Ruhai more; it was a matter of political stance. Conversely, General Chongwu's odds were so low that a wager of one tael of silver on his victory would yield less than one qian in profit.

"What's the point of such low returns?" He Lingchuan shook his head repeatedly. "Alright then, since I'm not a Yao national, I'll wager on Qu Ruhai to win. Is anyone willing to bet against me?" With that, he pulled out banknotes and spread them across the table, one after another. "Here are two thousand taels in banknotes!" he declared.

Gu Xuan was speechless.

"That casually?" Two thousand taels – that amount could buy a decent house in Tianshui City, albeit not in the central district. Upon hearing this, everyone looked over and saw a counter-bet had been placed. Consequently, the lower-ranking officials quickly placed their own wagers, all on General Chongwu to win. It was both the correct choice and offered a chance to earn more, so why would they not?

He Lingchuan also smiled brightly. Upon reconfirming, Qu Ruhai's odds had already risen to four times, meaning that if Qu Ruhai won, He Lingchuan would earn eight thousand taels of silver. Both the Yao King and Qingyang cast a quick glance his way, remaining silent.

Gu Xuan then stated, "I'll join Brother He, also with one thousand taels." In an instant, a million coins were wagered.

"Aren't you afraid of your money going to waste?" He Lingchuan asked, then beckoned a palace attendant, pulled out another stack of banknotes, and added, "I'll also bet on a draw, three thousand taels."

The officials were dumbfounded.