Chapter 1132: Wait for Tomorrow

This esteemed group of friends, led by the valiant Heavy Xuan Sheng, initially claimed to be swamped with various matters, unable to attend the Grand Ritual of the Yellow River Meeting.

Yet, their true intention was a hidden surprise for Jiang Wang. As Heavy Xuan Sheng so aptly put it, on the day a close friend achieves world-renowned fame, how could they possibly be absent? They simply had to witness Jiang Qing Yang's glory together.

In truth, they had arrived in the land of Wo several days prior, simply choosing to remain silent. Then, on the eve of the Yellow River Meeting's main competition, they burst forth with gongs, drums, and firecrackers, announcing their arrival in a grand display.

Looking far and wide, no other spot on the entire River Observation Platform could rival the boisterousness of Qi Street.

Of course, no other spot could rival its awkwardness either. The awkwardness wasn't solely due to the firecrackers, gongs, drums, and fireworks. It wasn't just caused by Xu Da Cai's (Great Talent) "wishful pronouncements" that made one's face contort – a performance only Zi Shu was willing to follow along with.

The mere sight of Wang Yi Wu, Heavy Xuan Zun, and Jiang Wang standing together was inherently awkward. Walking together was even more so, not a single word passing between them. In fact, the three truly did traverse the path in silence, the air thick with tension.

And when Heavy Xuan Sheng's ample form squeezed into this tableau, the word "awkward" simply ceased to suffice.

Li Long Chuan, Yan Fu, and Xu Xiang Qian were all aware of the animosity between Heavy Xuan Sheng and Wang Yi Wu. As for Wu Yan, who had originally intended to return to Dragon Gate Academy but was relentlessly badgered by Xu Xiang Qian, and also wanted to care for Zi Shu, she had come to the River Observation Platform. Though unaware of the precise situation, her sharp wit allowed her to deduce several points of the problem.

Hence, all remained silent.

In such a situation, only Heavy Xuan Sheng could break the stillness. His pudgy face quickly bloomed into a smile.

"Surprised, aren't you, my brother!" He squeezed forward to Heavy Xuan Zun, his words filled with sincerity: "Among the younglings of the Heavy Xuan family, you, my brother, are the most promising! How could I, your younger brother, not support your efforts to bring glory to the nation at the Yellow River Meeting?"

He extended his two large hands, grasping Heavy Xuan Zun's tightly and shaking them vigorously. "Brother, I've come to observe the ritual!"

Wang Yi Wu...

Wang Yi Wu remained expressionless.

Heavy Xuan Zun smiled faintly, effortlessly withdrawing his hand and placing it on Heavy Xuan Sheng's shoulder. "Good younger brother, your presence truly gladdens your brother!"

"Can the bond between us brothers be anything but genuine?" Heavy Xuan Sheng looked at him with heartfelt emotion. "To help you drum up support, these gongs, these drums, these fireworks, this multitude of faces... your foolish younger brother might have spent a considerable amount of Dao Yuan Stones. Between brothers, talking about money wounds the feelings, so just casually give me a thousand or two hundred Dao Yuan Stones to cover the costs!"

"Good younger brother." Heavy Xuan Zun patted him twice forcefully, feigning emotion. Then he turned his head and addressed the Heaven Cover Army soldiers who had been trailing him. "You all must entertain my fat younger brother and his friends well. Do not be rude in the slightest."

Having said that, he even cupped his hands towards Li Long Chuan, Yan Fu, and the others. "The great war is imminent, and I must cultivate diligently. Forgive my neglect, everyone!"

He seemed to genuinely believe that all these people had come to cheer him on.

His performance was flawless.

Li Long Chuan, Yan Fu, and the other scions of noble families naturally responded with practiced politeness. Only then did Heavy Xuan Zun step forward, his white robes fluttering as he walked into Qi Street.

For Heavy Xuan Sheng, he had clearly developed a strategy. If he wished to acknowledge something, he would. If not, he would simply skip it, pretending not to hear, no matter what transpired. Talk of Dao Yuan Stones, and such, was like wind whistling past his ears.

Wang Yi Wu still maintained his near-constant pace, walking alongside Heavy Xuan Zun. He made no contact with anyone else.

And from beginning to end, the ever-theatrical Heavy Xuan Sheng did not speak a single word to Wang Yi Wu, nor even exchange a single glance. Of course, it wasn't that he lacked sharp wit or thick skin. It was simply that towards Wang Yi Wu, he truly had nothing to say. Some things were unforgivable, no matter the reason.

He did have words he wanted to speak, but not now, nor in this situation.

But who could discern Heavy Xuan Sheng's true mood? In the blink of an eye, the portly man seemed to look at Jiang Wang with a half-smile.

"Jiang Qing Yang, it's only been a few days since we last met, and you're already getting along quite well with my cousin... Are you perhaps regretting not meeting earlier?"

"Tsk!" Xu Gao E also jumped out. "Back in the Heaven Mansion Secret Realm that day, I went head-to-head with that horse-faced Wang to help you, heavily suppressing his spirit. I didn't expect that today you two would be talking so happily, walking arm in arm! Jiang Wang, oh Jiang Wang, to think that despite your clear eyes and handsome appearance, your stance is so wavering!"

This fellow was becoming increasingly skilled at distorting the truth. Moreover, he failed to mention that in the Heaven Mansion Secret Realm, their "alliance" was at most a temporary measure born of necessity. Even today, with the dazzling presence of Heavy Xuan Zun separating him and Wang Yi Wu, how could they possibly be walking arm in arm, like two peas in a pod?

Jiang Wang even glanced over and saw that Wang Yi Wu, who hadn't walked far, had already turned halfway back, clearly infuriated by the epithet "horse-faced Wang." It was only with Heavy Xuan Zun's firm pull that he was dragged away.

He pushed his hands forward, driving his group of friends like a flock of piglets. "Let's talk back inside, back inside. Don't block the road here." He pushed and shoved, truly not wanting to continue losing face at the entrance of Qi Street. In his haste, he still found time to instruct Qiao Lin: "Qiao Lin, the gongs and drums and firecrackers and such, quickly get people to help pack them up."

Xu Xiang Qian was pushed away for a moment, then suddenly, with surprising self-awareness, reacted. "Hey! You don't dislike us for embarrassing you, do you?"

"No, no, how could I?" Jiang Wang coaxed as he pushed. "We'll go back to the courtyard and talk in detail, arm in arm. I still need to hear your opinions on the strategy for this Yellow River Meeting!"

Xu Gao E suddenly stopped, twisting his head. He looked at Zhao Wu Yan with a sigh. "Teacher Sister Zhao, it seems I can no longer remain low-key."

Zhao Wu Yan looked at him expressionlessly.

Xu Gao E's eyes shone with divine light, his forehead flashing brightly. "With my presence, this time, both the soaring mountain peaks and the proud rivers will surely make a name for themselves in the world!"

"Zi Shu." Zhao Wu Yan looked at Zi Shu. "How about we go find your Teacher Brother Yin Wen Hua? I remember he's also at the River Observation Platform."

She changed the subject entirely.

Wang Yi Wu was eventually persuaded by Heavy Xuan Zun, avoiding a potential brawl with Xu Xiang Qian.

"Truly a small man who has risen in the world. Now anyone dares to argue with me!" Wang Yi Wu said angrily. "After the Yellow River Meeting, I will definitely have another contest with that Jiang Wang."

*Based on my observation of Jiang Wang these past few days, you might not necessarily win now.*

Of course, Heavy Xuan Zun could only keep these words to himself. He changed the subject. "I've told you before, and I'll say it again. Who you pick a fight with is your freedom. Just don't let what happened at the East Street entrance happen again."

Wang Yi Wu, knowing he was in the wrong, didn't hum in response. His silence was his agreement. Heavy Xuan Zun was about to say something more.

"Yi Wu?" A voice rang out from the second floor. Ji Zhao Nan stood at the railing, his gaze falling directly upon them.

Wang Yi Wu looked up. "Teacher Brother!"

"You've come to observe the ritual? Did Teacher Father allow it?" Ji Zhao Nan asked sequentially.

"Almost." Wang Yi Wu said vaguely.

"Almost?" Ji Zhao Nan furrowed his brow. "Earlier, I was in a fight, how is it I didn't see you?"

Wang Yi Wu was momentarily flustered, then said stiffly, "I just arrived not long ago." He thought for a moment and added, "I didn't know someone would dare challenge you."

Ji Zhao Nan looked at him quietly for a while, then turned and said, "Follow me."

Wang Yi Wu glanced at Heavy Xuan Zun, then silently ascended the stairs.

This was the final day before the main competition of the Yellow River Meeting. For many, it would be unforgettable.

Genius in a second: m.173kxs