Gong Luo Que and Gong Lie Xian, a brother and sister duo, were immensely famous in the Dragon Country's martial arts world.
Their father was the Dragon Country's First Prince, Jing Meng, who had guarded the western frontier for decades. Both siblings were martial arts prodigies and were closely associated with the Dragon Country's strongest Second Prince, the King of Yan. Gong Lie Xian, in particular, had reached the peak of the Earth Realm in her twenties and was a direct disciple of the King of Yan's Sky Dragon Shattering City Spear technique, also serving as a Sword Bearer. Rumor had it that she was destined to inherit the position of First Prince in the future.
Gong Lie Xian's fame was so great that it even overshadowed her own elder brother, Gong Luo Que.
However, Gong Luo Que's advancement to the second round of the Martial Rankings was sufficient proof that he too was a martial arts genius.
The arrival of the brother and sister duo at the Chen family's courtyard in Longjing sent shockwaves through many.
Chen Jiuyang and others were still dining when a servant announced the visitors. Everyone present turned to look at Chen Jiuyang.
A sharp glint flashed in Chen Jiuyang's eyes. He mused, "I didn't expect them to actually invite two people I couldn't refuse to meet. Since that's the case, let's have a meeting."
Before long, a young man and woman, clad in golden armor with dragon patterns, entered the banquet hall.
Apart from Chen Jiuyang, everyone else, including the Chen family patriarch, rose to their feet and cupped their fists in greeting, saying, "Greetings, Prince Gong's heir, Princess Gong!"
Gong Lie Xian tilted her chin slightly with arrogance, waved her hand dismissively, and with a condescending air, said, "No need for pleasantries."
Gong Luo Que's gaze fell upon Chen Jiuyang. Seeing that Chen Jiuyang remained seated and unmoved, he cupped his fists and smiled, "Greetings, Brother Chen."
"You are too kind," Chen Jiuyang returned the greeting with a slight cupped fist, asking plainly, "May I ask the reason for your visit today?"
Chen Jiuyang asked directly.
"We are entrusted by someone to ask you if you could show mercy to Zhou Wushuang on the Martial Rankings tomorrow and spare his life. Name your price, and we will agree," Gong Lie Xian asked straightforwardly.
Gong Luo Que also added, "Brother Chen, this matter also holds many benefits for you. You might consider it."
Chen Jiuyang looked at Gong Luo Que with a half-smile and asked, "May I ask, Brother Gong, is the person who entrusted you with this matter very close to you?"
Gong Luo Que was silent for a moment before replying, "He is very close to my father, the King. Lie Xian owes a favor to an elder to join the Sword Bearer Corps, so we had no choice but to come and visit you, Brother Chen."
Gong Lie Xian continued, "Chen Jiuyang, you are indeed remarkable, exceeding my expectations. To have traveled a thousand miles alone to reach Longjing, with your current combat power, you are guaranteed a spot within the top five of the Dragon Country Martial Rankings. If you agree, you will receive resources sufficient to make you a King. This is a very profitable deal."
"We only wish to protect Zhou Wushuang's life; we do not concern ourselves with the lives of others."
"If you refuse, even if you obtain the King's order, your path forward will be difficult. If you are to be crowned King, you must consider the bigger picture. Otherwise, after obtaining the King's order and undertaking the enfeoffment mission..."
Gong Lie Xian spoke in a seemingly negotiating tone, but it was more of a commanding and threatening one towards Chen Jiuyang.
Everyone's expression tensed; they understood the hidden meaning in Gong Lie Xian's words.
"Heh..." Chen Jiuyang chuckled softly and looked at Gong Lie Xian, saying, "Let me ask you just one question: Is repaying a favor more important, or is the life of the King of Gong more important?"
Gong Lie Xian and Gong Luo Que's eyes shifted. Gong Lie Xian did not speak, but Gong Luo Que's gaze sharpened as he asked, "Brother Chen, what do you mean by that?"
Chen Jiuyang stated calmly, "The King of Gong has been injured and unconscious for many years. I am confident I can cure the King of Gong."
"But if you force my hand, why should I bother saving the King of Gong?"
"Your 'bigger picture' is not my 'bigger picture,' Chen Jiuyang. What concern is it of mine?"
Gong Luo Que inquired, "Brother Chen, on what basis are you confident you can cure my father?"
"Heh..." Chen Jiuyang took out a verdant green leaf from his embrace and gently infused it with his Three Revolutions Pure Yang True Qi.
"Swish!"
The entire room was instantly filled with a vibrant, life-giving aura. Even the withered plants in the potted greenery visibly revived.
This aura! This life force! What kind of medical skill was this?
Gong Lie Xian and Gong Luo Que's expressions changed slightly. They exchanged glances, seeing a shared look of shock and joy in each other's eyes.
"Is this enough?" Chen Jiuyang lightly tapped the table.
Although the Sword Bearer of the Southern Hall in Feng Province had previously arranged for Chen Jiuyang to treat the King of Gong, Gong Lie Xian had not taken Chen Jiuyang seriously and had dismissed his medical skills.
However, she now had a change of heart!
She quietly clenched her fist. With such profound medical skills, Chen Jiuyang truly had a high chance of curing the King of Gong!
They had never encountered or heard of such profound medical techniques before!
After some thought and calculation.
Gong Luo Que took a deep breath, then bowed deeply to Chen Jiuyang, apologizing, "Brother Chen, my sister and I were rash this time! I apologize to you!"
After Gong Luo Que bowed, Gong Lie Xian unhesitatingly bowed as well, saying, "Marquis Xuanyang, I apologize for overlooking you before, and for not intervening when I saw you facing life and death. I know you hold a grudge, but if you can cure my father, I, Gong Lie Xian, will submit to your disposal."
If Chen Jiuyang held no grudges against her, why would he not have risen when they arrived?
People's hearts are made of flesh and blood.
"Heh..." Chen Jiuyang chuckled softly again and said calmly, "Please leave."
Gong Luo Que and Gong Lie Xian exchanged glances, their lips pursed. They knew of Chen Jiuyang's vengeful nature. Gong Lie Xian had offended Chen Jiuyang first, and now she had crossed a line. It would likely be difficult to gain Chen Jiuyang's forgiveness.
However, they could not bring themselves to say anything more. They could only cup their fists in a salute, turn, and slowly depart.
As they left, Chen Jiuyang's indifferent voice drifted from behind them, "Whoever caused me to be apprehended by the Six Doors this time, I will see them dead!"
Gong Luo Que and Gong Lie Xian paused. Gong Luo Que said, "We will not disappoint you, Brother Chen. We will definitely accomplish this!"
"Even if I lose my position in the Sword Bearer Corps, I, Gong Lie Xian, will help you see this through."
They had now experienced a glimpse of Chen Jiuyang's vengeful methods.
As Chen Jiuyang had said, his bones were hard, and he would not kneel. He would either live standing or see his enemies dead!
To dare to arrest him, Chen Jiuyang, and enter the Six Doors in Longjing, openly attempting to sabotage his prospects in the Martial Rankings, in the vast Longjing, only a handful of people possessed such immense power and audacity to do so.
As the siblings walked out of the Chen family's courtyard, the members of the noble families and sects immediately surrounded them. The duo looked at these people with a flicker of disgust in their eyes. Gong Luo Que cupped his fists and said,
"My sister and I have done our best, but Marquis Xuanyang refused to yield."
"The King of Zhennan guards the border, but the Queen of Zhennan is in Longjing. Everyone, the one who tied the bell must untie it."
Being intelligent individuals, these people immediately understood Gong Luo Que's meaning.
The news quickly reached the Zhennan King's residence in Longjing.
"Bang—"
"How dare a mere country bumpkin treat me with such disrespect!" Zhou Wushuang immediately smashed the teacup in his hand.
The Queen of Zhennan's expression shifted several times. After a long silence, she said, "Wushuang, Mother will ensure you survive."
Immediately after, the Queen of Zhennan boarded the Zhennan King's designated carriage and headed towards the direction of the Chen family's courtyard in Shushan.
Upon hearing the news, all four directions were stirred!