Chapter 3: Gambling Duel

"Madam has misunderstood... We absolutely have no such intention." Yang Qian stammered, no longer daring to regard the beautiful woman before him as an ordinary woman

It was Fang Lin who widened his eyes in astonishment, as if he were meeting his younger brother for the first time. In his impression, such resolute and determined words were not something his usually timid younger brother would say.

Hiss!

Confucianism places great emphasis on benevolence and propriety, with particular importance given to the latter. From grand sacrificial ceremonies to the attire and adornments among princes and nobles, all fall under the jurisdiction of the court's literati. Even if a nobleman from the capital were to meet secretly with his concubines, should there be even the slightest deviation from the established norms, these literati would be sure to visit the next day to demand an explanation.

Since you have returned, you should stay for a few days. However, you must return to Tianshe Mountain in no more than three days. The edicts of the court cannot be casually defied. Lady Huayang spoke, her gaze sweeping over Fang Yun, and a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.

Wait a moment!" Fang Yun suddenly said

"Beast, do you want to annihilate the Fang family?" The one who struck was Madam Huayang, standing to the side. Unlike the Marquis of Sifang, Madam Huayang is entirely an ordinary person, lacking the strength to even tie up a chicken.

"When the time comes, I will naturally inform you!" Fang Yun said淡淡道, her voice exuding immense confidence, as if it were certain that Yang Qian and Li Ping would be the ones to lose in half a month

The path of martial arts is one of diligence, where every step is taken with care, and there is no room for deception. However, the mysteries of the universe are beyond human comprehension. This human-level pearl is a sacred item for martial arts cultivation. When cultivating, wearing this pearl can significantly enhance the speed of one's training. The higher the realm, the greater the multiplier of enhancement.

Madam Huayang then nodded: "Since the matter has been clarified and it is understood to be a misunderstanding, let us consider it settled. Young Lords, please return to the residence promptly to avoid causing concern to the ladies."

Taking a deep breath, Madam Huayang faced Yang Qian and Li Ping, saying: "Gentlemen, this matter was indeed caused by my son going too far. As the saying goes, if a child is not taught, it is the mother's fault. I, Huayang, would like to apologize to both of you. Shortly, I will send someone to escort you back to your residence."

Madam Huayang did not react, but Fang Yun did react

Fang Yun's voice was loud. Although Fang Lin was filled with murderous intent, upon hearing his brother's voice, he quickly regained his composure. The overwhelming force halted just over two feet away from Yang Qian and Li Ping, and the violent energy transformed into a turbulent wind, dissipating into the air. Fang Lin demonstrated his remarkable skill in controlling and directing his power at will.

Yang Qian and Li Ping remained silent, merely casting resentful glances at the mother and son. The fact that they were so frightened by Fang Lin that they lost control was simply unprecedented and utterly humiliating. Never before had they been threatened in such a manner. Although they had not suffered any physical harm, both felt as if their souls and self-esteem had been thrown out, trampled upon and subjected to severe humiliation.

After the two young lords return, they should not think about bringing the two ladies into the palace. If this matter truly escalates to the Empress, the outcome is uncertain. Although Lady Huayang is not as prominent as the wives of the Duke of Zhen Guo or the Prince of Ping Ding, she is still a first-rank lady officially conferred by the court. You both refer to her as a lowly woman, but Lady Huayang may overlook your youth and not take offense. However, where do you place the royal family? Where do you place the authority of the imperial house? If this truly reaches the Empress, Lady Huayang will also submit a report. Who wins or loses is secondary; at the very least, once the memorial reaches the Empress, both of you will be guilty of contempt for the court, which will lead to immediate imprisonment in the dungeons.

This is still a minor issue; if it reaches the Grand Tutor and the court officials become aware of it, they will intervene. At that time, I fear even the Empress may not be able to suppress it, and the first thing will be to punish your mother.

Yang Qian and Li Ping both possess vitality-level cultivation. Wearing such a bead allows one day of training to be equivalent to four or five days for an ordinary person, making it an extraordinary treasure. This item is extremely rare; it is said that after searching through the Central Land Divine Continent and the Five Wastelands, there are only about one hundred of them, all formed from the essence of heaven and earth at the beginning of creation.

In Fang Yun's mind, the porcelain teacup suddenly shattered, transforming into a wisp of light smoke that floated up and dissipated. Fang Yun quickly opened his eyes, and the teacup remained in his hand, motionless. The sensation at his fingertips felt so real, yet Fang Yun was overwhelmed by an impulse, as if the teacup in his hand could shatter at any moment, turning into smoke and vanishing.

Wretched people, wretched women, once I return, I will definitely have my mother enter the palace and thoroughly hold you accountable... How can I possibly endure this!

Madam Huayang's body trembled slightly, and a look of relief flashed in her eyes: "Yun'er, since you have already made your decision, strive to pursue it; your mother believes in you!" Although Fang Yun's decision was somewhat rash, as a mother, Madam Huayang chose to support her child. Moreover, Fang Yun's determination to practice martial arts was also her own wish.

At the critical moment, Fang Yun finally shouted to stop it. Having painstakingly "reincarnated" back to the age of fourteen, he possessed the opportunity to change the fate of his family, and he could not allow such a thing to happen right before his eyes, hastening the demise of his family.

Bang!

Fang Lin acted too suddenly, leaving Madam Huayang unable to intervene in time. By the time she realized what had happened, she felt a wave of fear. Both the Pingding Marquis and the Zhenguo Marquis are prominent nobles of the Great Zhou, with ancestors who were founding ministers of the dynasty. Such families wield considerable power in both the court and the military. If the Pingding Marquis and the Zhenguo Marquis truly allied, the various marquisates could very well face impending disaster.

Fang Yun leaped out of bed, took two steps, and said to Fang Lin: "Elder brother, I know you mean well. However, for this matter, I wish to rely on my own hands to resolve it myself"

Hmph, spare me, we cannot possibly lose. If we do lose www.hetushucomcom, then I will be at your service, you can ask anything! After all, the children of the Wuhou family have their own dignity. No matter what, the two of them could not believe that they would be defeated by a sickly fellow.

"Little brother, are you really confident?" As soon as Yang Qian and Li Ping left, Fang Lin could no longer hold back and asked.

The Human-Level Pearl is a treasure that is easily recognizable, with one of its most prominent features being the three-inch baby in the center of the pearl. When anyone carries it, the baby's face immediately transforms into that of the bearer. According to legend, this characteristic of the Human-Level Pearl arises from its long companionship with humans; while the pearl nourishes the person, the person also nurtures the pearl. Over time, as it absorbs more human energy, the pearl takes on the face of a person.

Upon hearing these words, Yang Qian and Li Ping turned pale. According to the laws of the Zhou Dynasty, to show contempt for the court is punishable by the amputation of the nose.

Good! We will wait for you at the academy in half a month!" Yang Qian, furious to the point of laughter, cast a deep glance at Fang Yun and left with Yang Ping, waving his sleeve. He had made up his mind that the humiliation he suffered at the Sifang Marquis's residence would be repaid on Fang Yun in half a month.

Fang Yun gratefully glanced at her mother, then turned to Fang Lin: "Elder brother, later, after they leave, you must not go looking for them. This matter arose because of me, and I want to prove myself with my true abilities"

How dare he do this! This is simply lawless!

Elder brother, stop!

After the two left, Fang Yun sat alone in the room, motionless. On the surface, he appeared calm, but inside, he was already in turmoil.

They turned to a corner of a building where pedestrians were few, and the two stopped in their tracks

... ...

The two individuals opened their mouths wide, wanting to plead for mercy. However, the fierce wind rushed into their mouths, rendering them unable to speak. Moreover, they were truly intimidated by Fang Lin's reckless behavior, losing their ability to articulate. As they watched Fang Lin act impulsively, he raised his fist, intending to kill the two, which would bring great disaster to the Four Directions Marquisate.

Elder brother, mother, I know you are very shocked and feel that my decision has implicated the Fang family and that my actions are quite reckless. But please believe me, I just want to prove that the descendants of the Fang family are certainly not weaklings. Fang Yun's eyes were exceptionally bright. If it were in a 'previous life', he might have chosen to avoid conflict and silently endure, but the experiences of the 'last life' had already made them understand that to protect oneself and one's family, one must possess great strength.

At this moment, Yang Qian and Li Ping dared not say anything. Upon hearing Madam Huayang relent, the two felt as if they had been granted a great reprieve, and they almost tumbled over each other in their haste to run towards the door

Yang Qian's gaze flickered, his eyes filled with malice

Although the Zhou Dynasty was established through military means, it placed equal emphasis on both military and civil affairs. The nation was defended by military strength while governance was conducted through cultural and scholarly means. The military and civil officials each performed their respective duties without interference from one another

Fang Lin received a slap from his mother, and all his anger instantly dissipated. With his head lowered, he remained silent.

The two individuals exchanged glances filled with unspoken thoughts, yet not a word was uttered. Only the images and words in their minds were saturated with harsh sentiments. With their ability to read each other's expressions and discern the situation, they were certainly well-versed. At this moment, to act with undue rigidity would be tantamount to courting disaster.

The Fang brothers are incredibly bold, truly bold! They actually dare to attempt to kill us within the Marquis's residence! Once I leave the Marquis's residence, I will immediately have my father dispatch a large army to surround the Marquis's residence from all sides

This time, my son Fang Lin has gone a bit too far, causing considerable humiliation to the two young lords. However, this is also because the two had previously injured my younger son Fang Yun. As the saying goes, tit for tat; it would be best to let this matter rest, wouldn't it

"We are brothers, there is no need to say thank you," Fang Lin said, patting Fang Yun on the shoulder.

"Endure? Hmph!" Yang Qian sneered, a glint of malice flashing between his brows: "I cannot defeat Fang Lin, but Fang Yun is a different story. That little bastard, unaware of his own mortality, actually dares to challenge us! Fang Lin can protect him for a time, but he cannot protect him for a lifetime. Once he leaves, we will go after Fang Yun and repay the humiliation we suffered today a hundredfold to his brother"

Foreigners only say that we noble families look down on commoners, yet they do not understand the vast difference between the two. Without mentioning anything else, just this human-level pearl cannot be found even after searching the entire Fang family estate. Hmph, those lowly offspring of the Fang family have no idea that without long-term accumulation, how can one emerge as a noble? In half a month, I will make Fang Yun kneel before me and bark like a dog

Although the Marquis of Pingding and the Marquis of Zhenguo hold high positions and wield significant power, being like towering mountains in the military, they have no influence whatsoever within the civil official system of the court. The group of civil officials in the court shows no regard for any military officers. Even the Empress must carefully consider her words when addressing these civil officials, and she absolutely does not dare to act out of line.

"Human-level pearl!" Li Ping took a deep breath as he clearly saw this pearl. Coming from a prestigious family and having seen much in his life, he immediately recognized this as a sacred item for cultivation.

Li Ping remained silent, lost in thought. Suddenly, he raised his head and expressed some concern, saying: "I see that fellow has taken the initiative to challenge us; he must have some backing. Are we going to end up in a predicament?"

What conditions?" Yang Ping's lips moved as he asked

Fang Lin looked at his brother on the bed, just about to ask him why he had stopped him, when suddenly he received a heavy slap to the face

No one knows a child better than their mother; Madam Huayang understands Fang Yun's temperament the best. With a father providing protection and an elder brother, Fang Lin, inheriting the family business, Fang Yun is indifferent in his martial arts training and lacks ambition. Otherwise, even if Yang Qian and Li Ping come from prestigious families, they would not be able to defeat Fang Yun in such a manner.

"Lin'er, come out with me; I have something to say to you. Your brother has just recovered from a serious illness, so let him rest for a while," said Madam Huayang as she stood up and walked out. Fang Lin's character is too reckless, which is certainly not a good thing

"Yang Qian, Li Ping, you two listen carefully." Fang Yun looked steadily at the two, his calm tone possessing a unique infectious quality that made one curious about what he was about to say

Suddenly, Fang Yun rose and picked up the only celadon tea cup on the red sandalwood table in the room. The exquisite porcelain flowers and the smooth cup body felt cool and familiar in his hand

It is rare for my younger brother to possess such determination. For a martial artist, spirit, will, and belief are extremely important. If I were to intervene, it would certainly allow my younger brother to defeat both of them, but being naturally intelligent, he would undoubtedly realize it was my doing. This would inevitably deal a significant blow to his spirit and belief, making him feel that he won unfairly. On a smaller scale, my younger brother might experience a period of low morale; on a larger scale, he might never recover and could stagnate in his martial arts progress. If that were to happen, it would be my fault. Never mind, I will let my brother resolve this on his own, and only step in if absolutely necessary.

"Big Brother, thank you," Fang Yun said emotionally, realizing that the hardships of training on Tian She Mountain were false, but Big Brother's desire to help her was genuine

This time, I have truly lost all face, those three wretches!" Li Ping cursed resentfully, turning to Yang Qian: "What are you planning to do this time? Are you really just going to endure it like this?"

Is he not afraid of bringing disaster upon the Four Directions Marquisate? Is he not afraid that the Duke of the State and the Duke of Peace will unite against them?

Yes, mother

Yang Qian and Li Ping's faces initially turned pale; upon hearing these words, they lost all color, and their lips began to tremble

Everything that just happened made Fang Yun feel as if she were in a dream. It was so real, yet so illusory

The younger brother... Fang Lin had a puzzled expression, not knowing what the younger brother intended to do

Well, this shall be considered our duel. Last time, the two of you teamed up to attack me, was it not to make me bark like a dog? If I lose, I will comply with your wishes and bark like a dog in front of the scholars at the academy. If you lose, I do not require you to serve me like cattle or horses; I only ask that you agree to one condition!" Upon hearing Fang Yun's words, even Madam Huayang was taken aback. She moved her lips, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.

Closing her eyes, Fang Yun could vividly depict the patterns of the teacup in her mind. There was no other reason, simply because it was a habit. In her previous life, this teacup had been used for over twenty years, and she was so familiar with it that even a slight touch would allow her to discern from the subtle differences in weight whether the teacup had been replaced by someone else

Regarding today's matter, I do not wish to rely on my elder brother's influence, as that would be bullying you. I also do not want to use my family's power, as that would be oppressing you. In half a month, I will see you again at the academy. At that time, I will personally defeat you with my own fists

Who is Lady Huayang, presiding over such a large marquisate? What schemes and intrigues has she not encountered? How could their thoughts possibly escape her notice

Yang Qian and Li Ping froze, standing at the doorway, too afraid to move. When they finally realized it was not Fang Lin but Fang Yun, they exchanged glances and saw surprise and astonishment in each other's eyes. What was this timid kid from the library doing jumping out?

Xiaoping Dinghou and Xiaozhen Guohou were suddenly struck with fear, their faces turning pale. They had not anticipated that Fang Lin would be so bold, so utterly reckless. When they had entered the academy, so many people were watching, and everyone knew they had been brought into the marquis's residence by the eldest son of the Four Directions Marquis. Yet he, this Fang Lin, actually dared to attempt to kill them within the marquis's residence

Madam Huayang slightly bowed. Her tone was calm, giving a sense of composure and rationality

In ten years, I still have ten years to defy fate and rewrite the destiny of a family shattered and lives lost. Let everything begin anew from this moment!

"How could it be possible to capsize in a gutter?" Yang Qian lay on his back, looking unconvinced. With a flick of his arm, he pulled out an object from his bosom and placed it in his palm; it was a black, translucent bead. In the center of the bead, there was a faintly visible infant lying inside, resembling a lotus bud. The "infant" was about an inch tall, and upon closer inspection, it surprisingly bore a striking resemblance to Yang Qian, almost like a smaller version of himself.

If Fang Lin, who cannot defeat the peak of the Gangqi, cannot even defeat a useless Fang Yun?

Fang Lin contemplated silently, having made a decision, he nodded and said: "Understood. However, little brother, you must work hard. If there is anything you do not understand in martial arts, just ask me. Training on Tianshe Mountain is tough, so I will stay at home for a few days to enjoy myself"

Outside the Sifang Marquis's residence, Yang Qian and Li Ping covered their faces with their hands and hurriedly walked with their heads down. Both of them reeked of urine, and if they were recognized here, it would be extremely embarrassing. Fortunately, the Great Zhou Dynasty was prosperous and strong, with a powerful military. On the streets, there were many people dressed in brocade and fine clothing, and as the two hurried along, not many paid them any attention

Bang

Fang Lin felt a jolt in his heart. Initially, he indeed planned to sneak out for a while and give a good beating to Xiao Ping Ding Hou and Xiao Zhen Guo Hou, at least incapacitating them for half a month. This was partly to vent his anger for Fang Yun and partly to secretly lend a hand to his younger brother. However, once Fang Yun exposed his intentions, he truly decided against taking such action

If Fang Yunruo can devote herself wholeheartedly to cultivating martial arts, gaining an additional means of self-preservation, that would be excellent

Fang Yun was born into a noble family, which is relatively prestigious compared to commoners. However, Madam Huayang is well aware that the capital city is far from being as tranquil as it appears on the surface. Beneath the surface lies a tumult of hidden dangers, where a single misstep could lead to utter ruin. All the glory and wealth, along with overwhelming power, can vanish in an instant.

As they stared at the fists that were within arm's reach, Yang Qian and Li Ping were engaged in a fierce struggle, their groins damp with a foul odor of urine spreading throughout the room. These two had danced on the brink of death, so frightened that they lost control of their bladders

Seeing that Madam Huayang did not relent, Yang Qian quickly nudged Li Ping with his elbow. Only then did Li Ping come to his senses and hurriedly said: "Madam, I swear, we absolutely have no such intention"

Yang Qian and Li Ping looked at Fang Yun in shock. With these words, the matter between the three of them was no longer just a youthful quarrel; it had already involved both families.