Chapter Eight, Young Master Hongying

Upon his initial arrival in your territory, everything felt dreamlike and unreal. The era before him had no connection to him whatsoever, so despite indulging in pleasure and reveling in the world, he felt no pressure from society or interpersonal relationships. For he might suddenly find himself caught by the instruments of the horse madman, sent back to the twenty-first century.

Just now, from a distance, I focused only on her chest, waist, and legs, and I already felt she surpassed Shu Er by half a measure. Upon closer inspection, it was even more astonishing; the undeniable aura of elegance and charm rushed towards me, making it hard to breathe. Even with Xiang Shaolong's self-assured charm, one could not help but feel a sense of shame and inferiority.

If I could engage in free combat with this arrogant person, I would surely beat him into a swollen pig's head. However, compared to others, it is better to avoid it. I can only humbly smile and say: "Even though Brother Lian's archery skills are unparalleled, I am far from being able to match them. How could I possibly be qualified to spar with Brother Lian? If I have the time, I would still like to ask Brother Lian for some guidance."

Tao Fang smiled mysteriously and said, "I have discussed this matter with my master, and he will certainly provide you with an explanation, so do not worry! As long as you achieve more merits, even the princess of the king can be given to you, let alone a mere dancing girl."

The eyes are particularly bright and sparkling, the forehead is high, broad, and flat, the eyes are straight, the nose is straight, and the lips are tightly pressed together forming a line, exuding an indescribable sense of pride and arrogance

Tao Fang nodded and said, "It is wise to endure for a moment; although Shaolong's skills are impressive, he is likely still not a match for him." He then whispered, "This kid has been challenging people to sword fights all over Handan, striking fear into everyone. I truly hope someone can temper his arrogance."

However, after enduring injuries and the hardships of wandering, this dreamlike world suddenly became real and tangible

Upon entering the main gate, one is greeted by a vast martial arts training ground capable of accommodating thousands of practitioners. At the opposite end of the main gate stands a grand mansion, resplendent in its varied architectural styles. Flanking it on both sides are a series of contiguous residences, suggesting that even a full day may not suffice to explore all these locations.

And now, Xiang Shaolong, having blocked nearly a thousand fierce bandits with just fifty men, has also become such a talent

In the moments of leaning against the red and supporting the green, Xiang Shaolong's thoughts surged like tides

Xiang Shaolong, with a calm demeanor and a relaxed smile, continued to walk towards the grand mansion with Tao Fang

Tao Fangxian clearly appreciated his words "we" and replied with delight: "If it were not for the war, how could the King of Yan be willing to send out such a captivating maiden? It is precisely because of the unfavorable situation in battle that he wishes to use this grand gift to win the master's favor, hoping that the master will speak a few kind words on behalf of our king. Ha! Now that the master has sent the beauty of Yan to you, it is evident that he will not speak on behalf of the Yan people."

He nocked an arrow on the exceptionally large strongbow, with one hand pulling the bowstring while holding two more arrows, sitting low on his horse

Wu Tingfang, upon hearing that they seemed to be about to engage in a swordsmanship contest, initially displayed an expression of excitement. However, upon hearing his words, she felt both disappointed and disdainful, muttering under her breath, "Coward!" and turned to leave.

In this Warring States period, nothing is more precious than talent. A Legalist like Li Ke and a military strategist like Wu Qi could transform the State of Wei into a first-rate power. Shang Yang was even more formidable, single-handedly turning the State of Qin into the greatest threat among the eastern nations

Xiang Shaolong involuntarily moved a little closer, and he saw that the archer was a magnificent young man wearing a red tassel cap, dressed in a yellow robe embroidered with dragon patterns, and wearing black warrior boots.

According to Tao Fang, excluding the military, the entire city has nearly 100,000 households, with each household consisting of more than ten to several hundred individuals. By this calculation, this large city actually exceeds one million people

The great martyrdom of Yuan Zong and the suffering of Ting Fang, along with the heavy blows they faced, caused him to immerse himself deeper into this world, both emotionally and spiritually, becoming increasingly entangled.

Tao Fang said with a hint of ambiguity in his smile: "Shaolong, you do not know how much the master favors you. Shu'er is a renowned beauty among the nobility of the Yan Kingdom, personally gifted to the master by the King of Yan. That he is willing to give her to you shows just how much he values you"

The bowstring suddenly snapped three times with a sharp sound

Three arrows shot forth, one pursuing the other, darting away like meteors. The first arrow struck the red center of the target two hundred paces away, followed by the latter two arrows which successively pierced through the air, forcefully embedding themselves into the fletching of the preceding arrow, forming a连成一串.

Tao Fang's expression suddenly became unnatural

Oh my! Up close, she is even more beautiful than the flowers, stunning and unmatched in her allure

Xiang Shaolong's gaze involuntarily fell upon Wu Tingfang's charming face, and upon meeting her enchanting eyes, his heart raced wildly.

Lian Jin was evidently very pleased with Wu Tingfang's reaction, and with a laugh directed towards the sky, he said: "Brother Xiang, you truly disappoint me; it seems I cannot press you too hard!" He then turned and chased after Wu Tingfang.

The text appears to be a series of symbols or placeholders and does not contain any translatable content.

Xiang Shaolong was also left dumbfounded, as such extraordinary archery skills were hard to believe without witnessing them firsthand

The city is dotted with pastures, farmland, and warehouses, making it conceivable that if besieged by enemies, it could remain self-sufficient for an extended period.

Xiang Shaolong knew that he was being provoked, and smiled as he said: "If Master Tao can allow me to duel with him without any restrictions, I am seventy percent confident that I can teach him a severe lesson"

Even if one were to find Qin Shi Huang, there would be no way to get him out of the city

Xiang Shaolong felt a sense of foreboding, yet found himself powerless to act; that feeling of being manipulated was indeed disheartening

Xiang Shaolong listened to him, and although his words seemed polite on the surface, they were actually laced with sarcasm, implying that Tao Fang had exaggerated the facts, which made him feel angry and resentful

Xiang Shaolong woke up with a start and looked towards Lian Jin

Tao Fang Daxie said: "This is quite easy. Let me find a suitable occasion to give Shaolong a chance to showcase his skills. I truly can't wait to see the expression on that guy Wu Hei's face."

Tao Fang sighed, "This is the master's most beloved granddaughter, Miss Wu Tingfang, who has a certain interest in Lian Jin. However, the master seems to want to marry her into the royal family, which is causing Lian Jin some distress. Come on! The master is waiting for us."

Is this how one should serve the Zhao people for a long time? If the Wu clan commands him to kill people from other countries, what should he do?

Tao Fang whispered in his ear: "This 'Young Master Hongying' Lian Jin was recruited by my archrival Wu Hei. His swordsmanship and horsemanship are the best in my household. This time, I lost over a hundred horses, and Wu Hei has been making a big fuss in front of the master. Fortunately, with Shaolong now, I have managed to regain a bit of face. However, Wu Hei and Lian Jin will not let us off easily." As he spoke the last part, his expression showed difficulty.

Tao Fangzheng embraced a beautiful maid in his arms, indulging in his desires. Upon seeing him, he released the maid and warmly invited him to sit on the ground, sharing a sumptuous breakfast together

As he traveled along, Xiang Shaolong finally took notice of the pedestrians and scenery within the city. The jade towers and crystal palaces, if not for the evident imbalance of more women than men, would hardly suggest that this bustling metropolis had once endured the ravages of war and had been occupied by the Wei people for a full two years.

The spectators were captivated, applauding enthusiastically

Lian Jinzheng coldly scrutinized him, his demeanor quite impolite

Xiang Shaolong sighed inwardly at the complexity of the situation and then turned to inquire about the Tingfang family

Wu Tingfang noticed that he was staring at her intently, revealing an expression of displeasure

Her beauty is purely the result of nature's exquisite craftsmanship, with shoulders like those carved by a knife, a waist as slender as silk, a long and graceful neck, skin smooth and fair, bright eyes that sparkle with life, and a shallow dimpled smile. Adorned with a cloud-like hairstyle and emerald hairpins, dressed in a warrior's attire embellished with pearls, and stepping into delicate boots, she resembles a celestial fairy descended from the heavens.

A city prison so heavily guarded, escaping from it is nothing but a fool's dream. If it had not been for the assistance of the prominent merchant Lü Buwei, who was on par with the Wu family, Ying Zheng's father, Yi Ren, would have never been able to escape back to the Qin capital of Xianyang.

The two individuals left the crowd and walked towards the mansion

The two individuals turned around in astonishment

At this moment, Wu Shixiong is employing tactics to win over Xiang Shaolong, ensnaring him with wealth and stunning beauties, making it impossible for him to extricate himself from the situation

His height is similar to that of Xiang Shaolong, at most one to one and a half inches shorter, with an excellent physique, a broad back and strong waist, exuding a strong masculine charm

He is like a mischievous child who bears no responsibility

The Wu residence is the most magnificent mansion in the northern part of the city; however, it would be more appropriate to refer to it as a castle. Surrounded by high walls and thick barriers, with a waterway serving as a protective moat, the only access is via a large suspension bridge. The area is entirely composed of gardens, with no residential houses in sight, exuding an imposing grandeur that surpasses that of nobility.

Countries have only two attitudes towards talent: one is to utilize them for their own benefit, and the other is to eliminate them without mercy, lest they become formidable rivals in the future

Just as he was about to respond, a white cloud floated out from the onlookers. A white-clad lady, whose beauty and figure surpassed even that of Shu Er, excitedly rushed to Lian Jin's side and spoke to him warmly. Lian Jin hurriedly handed his large bow to someone nearby and responded politely, his demeanor so charming that it could certainly captivate any beauty.

Xiang Shaolong followed Tao Fang, entering the vast expanse of the Wu residence through the side door via the suspension bridge

Such a handsome and charming individual is rarely seen in one's lifetime

Then Lian Jin led the crowd, followed by the stunning beauty Wu Tingfang

A loud shout came from behind: "Please take your time, Mr. Tao!"

Lian Jinwei approached Wu Tingfang, indicating a close relationship with the beautiful woman, and with a slight smile said: "I also greatly admire Brother Xiang. Why not choose an auspicious day and time for everyone to exchange insights, allowing me to witness the divine sword that can single-handedly fend off eight hundred bandits."

Tao Fangdao: "Now I will take you to the Wu family mansion to meet the master. Tonight, you should not accept any invitations from those brothers who admire you. There is someone who wishes to see you, but I cannot reveal who that person is at this moment."

Wu Tingfang said coldly: "Ah! So you are Xiang Shaolong, my grandfather appreciates you greatly!"

Pure water produces hibiscus, naturally free from embellishment

Xiang Shaolong exclaimed, "Aren't we at war with the State of Yan?"

At present, although he enjoys the company of beautiful women and wealth, he has actually lost the precious freedom and autonomy.

Therefore, if one were to reveal even a hint of the intention to seek Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng, one can be assured that their life would be in immediate danger

At this moment, several hundred individuals in the training ground were divided into several groups practicing swordsmanship, horsemanship, and archery. Some donned newly crafted armor, allowing others to strike them with various weapons to test its durability, producing a resounding clang. However, the most lively scene was at the archery range, where nearly one hundred warriors gathered to watch, occasionally erupting in a chorus of cheers at the rapid-fire shots.

Xiang Shaolong inhaled sharply; while his swordsmanship might now be comparable to that of Lian Jin, he was certainly far behind in horseback archery.

Xiang Shaolong's breath halted, and he exclaimed: "This woman must be the most beautiful in our country"

Xiang Shaolong felt a stir in his heart, recalling the woman Madam Ya who was hiding behind the curtain of the carriage

Tao Fang is also a cunning old fox, hurriedly introducing the two people.

Xiang Shaolong sighed and walked towards the hall to meet Tao Fang