Chapter 71: Chapter 22: Posting Notices and Setting Up the Arena

Shen Ruoxi was feeling quite puzzled when suddenly the carriage came to an abrupt halt. The voice of the coachman, Uncle Meng, promptly came, “Young Miss, there’s a bustling crowd ahead occupying most of the street. If the carriage forces its way through, I’m afraid it might cause harm to innocent bystanders. What do you think we should do?”

Shen Ruoxi was curious too. It was neither a festival nor the New Year, so why was the street so lively?

She pondered for a moment and instructed, “Uncle Meng, go and see what’s happening that has attracted so many people here.”

Uncle Meng responded, “Yes, Young Miss.”

He deftly got off the carriage and slowly walked toward the crowd.

Soon after, Uncle Meng returned to the front of the carriage and respectfully bowed as he said, “Young Miss, I just went to inquire and found out the reason behind it.

It turns out the situation at the front line is urgent, and His Majesty has issued an edict to post notices at several bustling street corners, widely recruiting talents and warriors.

In ten days, a platform will be set up by Moon Lake on East Main Street to select a Vanguard Officer.

The age range is between eighteen to forty years old, and anyone who takes the top spot can become the Vanguard Officer of the reinforcements and lead troops to battle.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Ruoxi felt a surge of emotion in her heart.

If she could stand out in the tournament and take the top spot, she could rightfully go to the border battlefield, fight for the country, and avenge her father and brother.

“Alright, the tavern isn’t far from here; I’ll walk there. You wait here for a moment, I’ll be back shortly,” she instructed.

“Yes, Young Miss.” Uncle Meng replied and quietly waited by the carriage.

Shen Ruoxi got off the carriage and walked to the tavern. As she passed through the street, voices of discussions reached her ears.

“His Majesty is truly wise and decisive; he should have acted like this long ago.

Our country has abundant military forces, twice that of Beichang Country’s, yet we almost let that small Beichang Country invade the Capital City. It’s a huge disgrace!”

“You can’t say that. Although Beichang Country is in a harsh, cold region, its people have always been brave and battle-hardened. Even children and women are skilled in horseback riding and archery. One could say they are a nation of soldiers.

Our country has long been peaceful and prosperous, focusing on people’s livelihood since the former emperor, somewhat neglecting the military.

Additionally, the commander of Xia Pass was cowardly and fled, abandoning the pass, which nearly caused a great disaster.

I’ve heard that Prince Zhan has already recaptured Tongguan. Now only Peng City and Xia Pass remain.

Xia Pass is strategically located; it’s easy to lose but extraordinarily difficult to reclaim, so the court is hosting this martial arts tournament to widely recruit talented individuals.”

“Regardless, Prince Zhan has successfully pushed the Beichang army to the border of the two countries. The country is in crisis, and everyone bears responsibility.

I may not be able to kill the enemy in person on the battlefield, but I can donate money to aid the soldiers and contribute to fighting the enemy!”

“Exactly! We must drive those Beichang barbarians back to their lair, make them bow down and submit, and never dare to invade our territory again!”

“You’re right. Although I don’t have much skill, I have three sons, and I will definitely let them enlist to serve and be loyal to the country!”

Shen Ruoxi’s eyes were slightly reddened, deeply moved by the people’s patriotic spirit.

Even if she were to sacrifice her life on the battlefield, it would be an honor, and she would never bring shame to the Shen Family.

Amidst the people’s discussions, Shen Ruoxi quickly headed to the tavern.

The entire tavern looked spotlessly clean, evidently the handiwork of her senior brother, Qin Yu.

The disciples of the Cloud-listening Pavilion, upon seeing Shen Ruoxi arrive, quickly went to the floral garden in the back courtyard to notify Qin Yu.

When Qin Yu heard Shen Ruoxi was here, he was initially stunned, then his expression turned gloomy.

The disciple who delivered the message was puzzled. Their lord’s affection for this junior sister was evident to all. Why, then, was he so displeased with her visit?

Qin Yu indeed felt displeasure, primarily because he knew Shen Ruoxi had sustained serious internal injuries. Instead of resting, why was she carelessly wandering around?

He hadn’t gone to the Shen Mansion to see her primarily because rumors about them had spread like wildfire in the past, and now that she had returned home after leaving her marriage, his visit might spark more unnecessary gossip.

He was upright and unafraid of shadows; unbothered by any rumors, but he feared that his junior sister’s reputation might be tarnished by them. He strongly desired no slander to harm her.

Qin Yu took a few steps into the room, only to find her sitting on a chair, dressed in simple silk clothes. Her face looked slightly gaunt, but her spirit seemed good.

He called out in a deep voice, “Little Junior Sister.” His eyes conveyed displeasure, “Why are you not resting and recovering properly? What are you doing here?”

After speaking, he gently took Shen Ruoxi’s wrist and placed two fingers on her pulse.

Shen Ruoxi quietly let him take her pulse, and only after he released it with a darkened face did she smile and say, “Senior Brother, I’m fine. I’ve already taken two Condensing Spirit Pills, and this minor internal injury has almost healed.”

Qin Yu glared at her fiercely, “Even after such severe internal injuries, you still dare to run around. Couldn’t you have someone send me a message to come to see you? Do you even know who Xing Tian is? You dared to confront him head-on.”

During her time at the Medicine Spirit Valley, Shen Ruoxi was a fearless little demon, daring even to pluck her master’s beard without hesitation.

She often sneaked off alone to the deep mountains to enjoy the gifts of nature freely and unrestrainedly.

Her master adored her; even if he scolded her a few times, reminding her of the dangers of the outside world and urging her not to leave easily, she would pay little heed, in one ear and out the other.

However, in the Medicine Spirit Valley, the only one who could make her somewhat restrained was that cold and stern Senior Brother.

“Senior Brother, at first, I didn’t know he was the infamous Xing Tian. Besides, he was heavily injured at that time, his inner strength greatly diminished, and using the Asura Evil Skill would lead to backlash.

I guess I was blessed in disguise, successfully eliminating this Martial World menace; the injury was worth it.” Shen Ruoxi explained.

However, Qin Yu’s face grew even more somber, “The grudges and feuds in the Martial World should be settled by its people. Why should you, a young lady from an official family, involve yourself?

Though you’ve killed Xing Tian, his influence remains large, with minions scattered everywhere. Furthermore, Xing Yuan is still alive; you killed their Sect Hierarch, surely they will seek revenge.

They are in the shadows, while you are in the light; there’s no end to this danger.”

Qin Yu’s words prompted Shen Ruoxi to scoff, “Senior Brother, Xing Tian was already usurped; how many people could he have left by his side?

As for Xing Yuan, I’m not afraid of him seeking me out. If he shows up, I will definitely make him follow in his father’s footsteps.”

Qin Yu was momentarily speechless in the face of her fearlessness. The Martial World is treacherous, and she’s inexperienced; the more she acts like this, the more worried he becomes.

He pondered and resignedly said, “It’s fortunate he doesn’t dare to act recklessly right now. I’ll arrange for people to thoroughly hunt him down. Just don’t let your guard down.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded gently, then said, “By the way, I just came from the Capital Governor Mansion. The Manager Yan we captured wasn’t Manager Yan; he was someone disguised. He might also be one of Xing Tian’s remaining followers.”

Qin Yu was utterly stunned upon hearing this and asked incredulously, “What? How is that possible? Wasn’t he already imprisoned in the Capital Governor Mansion’s cell?”

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