Chapter 422: The Old Brothers of the City Lord's Mansion

"Feng La, is this the Xu Xiaoshou you said was missing?"

Fu Yin Hong looked at the distant Xu Xiaoshou, who was standing in a corner with his hands tied, his body trembling after a long pause, and a faint blush crossed her delicate face.

The moment Feng Ma lost track of his target, he rushed back to Fu Xing's side.

But Fu Xing was completely tied up at the moment, so the only thing he could do was have his sister bring people to follow up.

After all, not many people here knew Xu Xiaoshou inside and out, and only two were fully aware of his true destructive power!

Truth be told, Fu Yin Hong was extremely reluctant to come face Xu Xiaoshou again.

But she was also afraid that if this guy really went missing, he might do something outrageous that would outrage both heaven and earth.

So, she rushed over hastily, only to find that the Xu Xiaoshou who Feng La said had vanished without a trace was actually in the corner...

Urinating?

"Under suspicion, passive value, 2."

Feng Ma never expected that Xu Xiaoshou would disappear in the blink of an eye and then reappear just as quickly.

"Was that my eyes playing tricks?"

Without even rubbing his old eyes, Xu Xiaoshou snapped back to his senses after a shudder.

He drew water from his Yuanfu Lingchi to clean his hands while turning his head.

Then, as if suddenly noticing someone behind him, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, Little Red niece, what brings you here?"

Fu Yin Hong's eyes narrowed sharply, her teeth grinding audibly.

This was exactly why she hadn't wanted to come.

Xu Xiaoshou continued, "And that beautiful queen who always sticks by your side—who is she? Weren't you all out searching for that bomber?"

"Did you find him?"

Fu Yin Hong thought to herself that not only was the bomber likely you, but the thief was probably connected to you too!

But her sixth sense was useless against this "uncle." Gritting her back teeth, she said, "Liu Hu Fa is still searching. I'm tired."

"Oh, oh, being tired is good. Rest when you're tired—don't push yourself. If you can't find him, it's no big deal. Your health comes first."

Xu Xiaoshou shook the water off his hands, wiped them on his sleeves, and stepped forward.

"And this gentleman is?"

He looked at the elder.

"Feng La, my father's good friend and a guest official of the city lord's mansion," Fu Yin Hong explained.

Feng Ma's eyes darted curiously between the two. He didn't understand why Xu Xiaoshou, addressing someone of his own generation and the young princess of the city lord's mansion, used the term "Little Red niece."

Was this some kind of affectionate nickname among the young?

Ah, I'm just getting old...

"Feng Ma."

He shook his head with a sigh and a smile, adding his name.

After learning about their relationship, Feng Ma carefully observed Xu Xiaoshou.

This young man—he'd seen him fight earlier. Aside from his self-assurance and arrogance, he had to admit Xu Xiaoshou was quite handsome and had an outstanding presence, making him a good match.

The more Feng Ma looked, the more satisfied he became. If Fu Zhi had a son-in-law like this, he'd surely be pleased when he emerged from seclusion!

But as soon as Xu Xiaoshou heard that Feng Ma was Fu Zhi's friend, he burst into hearty laughter and slapped Feng Ma on the shoulder.

"So you're Brother Feng! I've heard so much about you. I'm an old acquaintance of Brother Fu too—your brother's brother is my brother!"

Feng Ma: ???

Feeling the tremendous force on his shoulder, he looked down in shock.

This young man actually put his hand on me?

Goodness, has the younger generation gone mad? Where does he get the nerve to call me brother like we're equals?

Does he think I'm just some innate realm practitioner with basic skills?

Fu Yin Hong closed her eyes tightly.

As expected.

The worst thing she imagined had happened.

Even though she'd said as little as possible, why could Xu Xiaoshou still dig so deep?

Her introduction had only included one name!

Feng Ma watched Fu Yin Hong press her hand to her forehead, sensing something ominous.

"You... the 'Brother Fu' you mentioned earlier, the one you're acquainted with despite the age difference..."

"Which one?" he asked.

"Who else could it be?"

Xu Xiaoshou withdrew his hand and laughed. "Naturally, it's Fu Xing... I mean, his father, Fu Zhi!"

Feng Ma stumbled back a step.

Fu Zhi?

Hearing that name, especially after the mention of Fu Xing, it couldn't be a slip of the tongue.

"You know City Lord Fu?"

Feng Ma didn't believe it at all.

Fu Zhi had been missing for years, not even seen by his own children.

How could Xu Xiaoshou possibly know him? And if it was from before he disappeared, Feng Ma would have known about it!

Xu Xiaoshou raised an eyebrow, glancing at Fu Yin Hong in surprise.

"Little niece, your father... that matter, and no one knows about it yet?"

He was referring to Fu Zhi having emerged from seclusion.

Fu Yin Hong rolled her eyes but didn't bother arguing about the nickname—there was no point with this guy.

"No."

"Fu Xing doesn't know either?" Xu Xiaoshou asked.

"He doesn't. I didn't feel like telling him."

"That explains it..."

Xu Xiaoshou murmured to himself. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen Fu Zhi in the banquet hall again.

Maybe this guy had been out of the public eye for so long that he didn't dare show himself.

No, wait—he'd said he was going to freshen up.

Xu Xiaoshou paused.

Freshening up... would take this long?

Feng Ma watched their vague exchange and suddenly realized something, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.

"Could it be..."

"Let's head back first!"

Xu Xiaoshou wasn't one to gossip. Maybe Fu Zhi, that middle-aged man, was trying to be romantic and plan a surprise.

He led the way, and the two behind him followed without hesitation.

Xu Xiaoshou sighed, "Why does it feel like you're guarding against a thief? I didn't do anything—just had to go, and I couldn't find a restroom, that's all."

He turned to Fu Yin Hong and remarked, "Your place is huge."

Fu Yin Hong huffed but didn't respond.

As if I'd believe you.

If you'd been out any longer, you might have melted this wall.

Xu Xiaoshou wasn't annoyed by her sulking. He turned to Feng Ma and said, "By the way, Brother Feng, how's your relationship with Brother Fu?"

Feng Ma's mouth twitched. He wasn't sure if the relationship Xu Xiaoshou had assigned him was real or not.

But since Fu Yin Hong wasn't objecting, what if this guy really knew Fu Zhi?

Better to play along.

"We're pretty close— we've known each other since we were kids, sparring and all."

As he said this, even Feng Ma felt it sounded off.

Here he was, a shadowy figure by the young city lord's side, now calling some stranger a brother?

What was the world coming to?

Xu Xiaoshou exclaimed in delight, "From childhood? That means you're really tight!"

"And with your status, you're just a guest official in the city lord's mansion?"

"Fu Zhi that kid is way too casual. I'll put in a word for you later—friends shouldn't treat each other like that."

Xu Xiaoshou looked indignant.

"Fu Zhi that kid..."

Fu Yin Hong decided to tune out.

She was afraid that if she kept listening, she'd lose her temper.

The way back was long—better to hold it in!

Feng Ma was stunned, taking a while to mentally place Xu Xiaoshou on the same level.

Lips twitching, even though it felt awkward, Feng Ma said, "It's not really being ordered around... Guest official isn't quite right—more like half a free agent."

He glanced at Fu Yin Hong for help, but she ignored him, quickening her pace to pull ahead.

How annoying...

Xu Xiaoshou looked thoughtful.

"Well, that's better. I knew Brother Fu was a decent guy."

He chatted idly, and Feng Ma wasn't much of a talker, so it was mostly Xu Xiaoshou asking questions with Feng Ma giving brief answers.

Finally, once Xu Xiaoshou felt he'd built enough rapport with Brother Feng, he casually revealed his ulterior motive.

"So, how many guest officials like you, on a brotherly level, are there in the city lord's mansion?"

"After all, besides you, I only know one other, Yuan Xiong. It's good to learn more about them."

Fu Yin Hong, who had tuned out, completely missed that Xu Xiaoshou had steered the conversation off track. If she'd heard, she might have quickly realized he was probing the city lord's mansion's strength.

But Feng Ma was different.

After all the chit-chat, he was numb to it. Suddenly hearing the familiar "Yuan Xiong," he paused.

"Yuan Lao?"

"You know Senior Yuan San Dao?"

Senior?

Xu Xiaoshou's heart skipped a beat. This old man had such a background?

Even Feng Ma called him senior?

Had he messed up the connections?

After all, he only knew the name...

Xu Xiaoshou stayed calm. "Not really—Brother Fu introduced us. Just some acquaintance."

He quickly changed the subject. "So, who are the other brothers in the city lord's mansion?"

Feng Ma hadn't expected Xu Xiaoshou to know Yuan San Dao— that old man had been famous for ages, longer than him.

Already desensitized, this revelation erased any doubts.

"The city lord's mansion doesn't have many you could call brothers," Feng Ma said with a smile.

"Given your connections, the two protectors call Fu Zhi boss, but they're more like subordinates—you can ignore them. The main ones are those old fellows."

A few...

Xu Xiaoshou thought to himself, not showing it, and asked casually, "Who are they?"

"Qi Lao Er, Dongfang Xiong, Shu Gu Shu Lao Yao, and that pair of Zi Yin old lovebirds..."

Feng Ma's eyes held a nostalgic glint. "They're all from the old Sheng Gong. I haven't seen those guys in ages, not even me. Tsk, tsk, back in the day..."

He seemed to open the floodgates, talking nonstop.

But Xu Xiaoshou barely listened to the rest.

Goodness gracious.

These unfamiliar names, but anyone Feng Ma spoke of like that had to be a Wangzuo.

If even he hadn't seen them in years, some might have broken through to Dao Zhan.

Xu Xiaoshou felt a chill.

He counted carefully: five from earlier, plus Feng Ma made six, then the two protectors and Fu Zhi himself.

At least nine Wangzuo, maybe more!

Damn.

The city lord's mansion was almost on par with Tian Sang Ling Gong!

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly lost some confidence in his secret plans.

Seizing a gap in Feng Ma's words, he guided the conversation. "So, are these brothers really never showing up? Like, even more reclusive than Fu Zhi's years of seclusion?"

"Hah."

"Show up?"

Feng Ma snorted. "With their personalities, even if Tian Sang Jun exploded, they might not emerge. When Bai Ku opens and something goes wrong, that's when you might see them."

"I'm the only one who still likes to get out and about."

Xu Xiaoshou's heart settled.

That was a relief.

Since they were like sleeping figures you couldn't wake, their existence didn't matter much.

Now, he only needed to watch out for this brother in front of him, the two protectors, and Fu Zhi himself.

If there were surprises, maybe Shou Ye...

Xu Xiaoshou pondered as they unknowingly reached the banquet hall entrance.

Fu Yin Hong reactivated her spiritual awareness and snapped, "Fu Xing said that if you want to leave the banquet hall again, you have to take me with you!"

"Oh?"

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes lit up. "That's great! Later, I'll drink more and call you when I need the restroom!"

"We can even go together... to squat."

Fu Yin Hong: ...

"Under curse, passive value, 1."

She turned and stormed off, not saying another word.

Feng Ma watched with a smile.

This bickering between the young couple was quite entertaining.

Suddenly, he realized something.

If Fu Zhi had accepted Xu Xiaoshou as a brother, how could he be a son-in-law? That would mess up the generations!

He stood there, stunned, as Xu Xiaoshou leaned in and whispered a bombshell.

"Brother, I'll be straight with you—Fu Zhi that kid has already come out of seclusion. You probably know where he is."

"Go see him. He said it's been so long, and he really misses you."

With that, Xu Xiaoshou walked away.

Feng Ma froze behind him. Even though he'd suspected it earlier, hearing it confirmed still shocked him.

Fu Zhi had really emerged?

Staring at the threshold, Feng Ma didn't know whether to step in or leave.

He watched Xu Xiaoshou sit back down, then glanced at Fu Xing and Fu Yin Hong on the high platform, feeling that things were settled.

"Fu Zhi... that kid, saying 'it's been so long, and he really misses you'?"

Feng Ma suddenly laughed.

Honestly, that line had won him over.

"Stepping out for a bit should be fine."

He pulled back the foot he'd half-raised and vanished.

"Hey, you're back?"

Mu Zi Xi pouted, speaking in a sarcastic tone.

Xu Xiaoshou withdrew his "perception" from the spot where Feng Ma had disappeared, a smile tugging at his lips.

He looked at the girl in front of him and said amused, "What's wrong? No one's daring to come chat you up now? You're not blaming me again, are you?"

Mu Zi Xi: ...

"Under curse, passive value, 1."

Xu Xiaoshou's gaze shifted to the high platform.

The battle had entered its intense phase, with everyone fighting fiercely for the remaining Bai Ku spots.

Below, several young men and women stood, exhausted and bloodied, but with excited gleams in their eyes.

"These must be the ones who got the Bai Ku spots," Xu Xiaoshou murmured.

"You're right, they're all so impressive. A few have even broken through to Zongshi," Mu Zi Xi said, watching the fight. "But it's weird that no one challenged you earlier."

Xu Xiaoshou thought to himself that of course they wouldn't.

Not everyone had "abundant energy" like him. Most techniques were either passive skills that didn't use Yuan energy or pure sword intent moves.

Surviving ten rounds in a row meant they were the real deal!

Though he hadn't joined, these people were probably top talents in their respective cities.

Glancing over, among the eight winners, five were in Tianxiang realm.

Reaching Zongshi at such a young age was terrifying.

And those without Zongshi cultivation who still claimed spots...

Those were the true powerhouses.

Watching the fights, Xu Xiaoshou felt a itch to join. He suddenly stood up and headed toward the platform.

"Xu Xiaoshou, what are you doing?" Mu Zi Xi exclaimed in surprise.

"What am I doing?"

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled. "Others might not challenge me, but the rules don't say I can't challenge them."

As soon as he said this, several elders nearby turned alert.

That made sense!

This guy was planning to go up?

"Under suspicion, passive value, 23."

Just then, a guard in white armor hurried over, as if afraid of being too late to stop Xu Xiaoshou.

"Hold on."

The guard approached with a paper in hand. "Xu Xiaoshou, right?"

"That's me. What's up?" Xu Xiaoshou was puzzled.

"Sorry, but you probably can't go up to challenge anymore."

The guard apologized and shook the paper. "This is the new rule. To be honest, it's all aimed at you."

"The fourth item, fifth clause, states that anyone with the 'Unstoppable' badge can't challenge in the fellow daoist trials."

Xu Xiaoshou was completely stunned. Mu Zi Xi had a look of schadenfreude, almost laughing out loud.

The elders nearby watched with amused expressions.

This was a slick move.

Rules made just for one person?

"Who made this?" Xu Xiaoshou's face darkened.

"The young city lord, Fu Xing."

The guard lowered his head. "He said if you have any objections, go to him—he'll ignore them all."

Xu Xiaoshou: ...

Initiate curse...

Good one, Fu Xing!

You've grown up, gotten bold, and learned to trick your uncle, huh?

Wait till I catch you...

He took the paper with a headache. It was a full page, covered in dense array patterns to prevent tampering.

If he really wanted to, Xu Xiaoshou could handle it, but...

Forget it.

"What about that 'Unstoppable' badge? I didn't get mine."

Xu Xiaoshou reached out with a grim face.

The guard, prepared, pulled out a spirit jade badge carved from purple jade and placed it in Xu Xiaoshou's hand.

"Fu Xing said this was specially rushed for you. The protective spirit array inside is top-notch. Hope you like it."

Xu Xiaoshou: ...

Good one, Fu Xing!

You've really stepped up your game!

"Alright, I get it."

Xu Xiaoshou sat back down with a bitter expression, and the guard bowed and left.

"Restricted again?"

Mu Zi Xi teased, "This time they've got you locked down from head to toe—you can't even move."

Xu Xiaoshou flicked his finger against her forehead, making her ponytail sway. "Shut it, little girl."

"If you can go up and win five spots, I'll let you mock me all you want."

Mu Zi Xi wrinkled her nose and covered her forehead, wilting.

"Under curse, passive value, 1, 1, 1, 1..."

The Lianling Dao competition soon ended.

After Xu Xiaoshou took five spots alone, the remaining twenty weren't enough to go around.

Some cities fought desperately, with heirs from major families all joining in, only to get cut down in the final rounds.

Even for a big city like Tian Sang Cheng, despite the four giants and the city lord's mansion not participating, other forces still snagged six spots.

The gap between cities was clear.

What caught Xu Xiaoshou's eye most was a familiar face.

Qu Qing Er.

This girl was probably the prized daughter of Duojin Merchant Guild.

She looked younger than him, but her development was striking, and she'd already reached the peak of Tianxiang realm in battle.

In terms of cultivation alone, she crushed all the young talents present.

Impressive!

Xu Xiaoshou wasn't sure if she had some hidden background.

But if it was just the Duojin Merchant Guild, almost all the talents here had similar support.

In the end, reaching this level at such a young age with real combat skills came down to one thing:

Pure hard work!

He respected that.

Xu Xiaoshou knew he couldn't do it himself.

He was too lazy—even his cultivation relied on passive breathing. The only time he truly focused was when he slept.

"The Lianling Dao competition is over."

Fu Xing hosted the proceedings on the platform and, seeing the eager sword cultivators, felt the atmosphere heating up. Without hesitation, he announced, "The Jian Dao competition starts now. Rules are the same as before!"

Everyone erupted in excitement.

The sword cultivators here weren't just from Tian Sang Jun.

Truly, those who came from afar for Bai Ku were confident sword wielders with some level of sword intent.

And those who came and dared to participate were all self-assured.

Some might look down on the Lianling Dao fights or only care about sword duels, or crave the spark of pure sword intent...

In short, in Dongyu Jian Shen Tian, nothing excited people more than Jian Dao!

"It's starting!"

As Fu Xing spoke, many unfamiliar faces stood up at the tables.

They varied in age but were all young enough to compete.

Those sitting and not heading to the platform were clearly outsiders with major backers, honored guests of the city lord's mansion.

"Here we go! Master brother, second brother, should I go grab five spots first, then you two, or should we all go together?"

"It's fine—there are three platforms."

Wujian Ke Gu Qing San's eyes burned with excitement as he asked.

He'd envied Xu Xiaoshou's style for a while.

That day at the inn, their spar had fooled them all, as they now knew.

Even that sword intent was definitely Xu Xiaoshou's!

It was infuriating how blind they'd been...

But now wasn't the time for regrets. Back to the Jian Dao competition.

Before it even started, Gu Qing San had already claimed the twenty Bai Ku spots.

Xu Xiaoshou for five, master brother five, second brother five, and himself five.

Perfect!

"What do you think, master brother?" Gu Qing Er asked, looking at the eldest.

Bao Jian Ke Gu Qing Yi sat with his plain gray sword still clutched to his chest.

He glanced at the other sword cultivators—none caught his eye.

"The Bai Ku spots—do they matter?"

His gaze fixed on Xu Xiaoshou, who was standing, and Gu Qing Yi smiled lightly. "What we sword cultivators should seek is true sword duels!"

"Forget the order—just challenge Xu Xiaoshou one after another!"

"If you can knock him off the platform, I'll teach you 'Da Fo Zhan'!"