My Journey to Immortality Begins with Hunting-Chapter 060 – The Duel

The night was as serene as water, no longer cold. It was the fifth month, and spring was in full bloom.

Yan Yu clung to her husband’s arm as they strolled aimlessly along the streets of Silver Creek. The bustling market was alive with the scent of smoke and fire, the rich aromas of meat and wine wafting through the air in waves of white mist.

Everywhere they looked, open-air food stalls lined the streets, mostly selling noodles, dumplings, and soaked flatbreads. The air was filled with the lively calls of vendor.

"Boji water powder, don’t miss it as you pass by!"

"Fine brocade, the latest patterns from the Jade Capital, come take a look!"

"Fatty Wang’s new specialty, fruitwood-smoked roast goose, paired with a small jar of rice wine—guaranteed to satisfy and delight!"

Yan Yu giggled. "It’s so lively here, not like our Little Ink Village, where everyone closes their doors as soon as it gets dark..."

Li Yuan affectionately ruffled her hair. "What would you like to eat? Or should we get you a new dress? It’s getting warmer, and you’ll need a lighter skirt."

Yan Yu smiled. "I’ll treat you to a drink, a new cherry beverage. You’ll never guess where we’re going."

"Alright, I’ll wait for your surprise," Li Yuan replied with a grin.

Soon, they arrived at an elegant pavilion. A sign above the entrance read Full Moon Teahouse.

Inside, young girls gracefully maneuvered through the room, balancing tea trays as if dancing, serving the guests. At the front desk stood a strikingly beautiful girl who clearly recognized Yan Yu.

Her eyes lit up when she saw her, and she called out, "Yan Yu, the proprietress is waiting for you upstairs."

Yan Yu acknowledged her with a smile and led Li Yuan upstairs.

In the private room, a tall, elegant woman with long legs, dressed in a snow-white outer robe and a crimson underdress, was delicately arranging tea bowls. She rose gracefully and greeted them with a bow, which Li Yuan returned.

This woman was the proprietress of the Ginger Tavern, an old acquaintance. It was unusual for women to venture out alone at night, but widows were an exception, and the proprietress of the Ginger Tavern was indeed a widow.

"Big Sis," Yan Yu called out, running over to link arms with the proprietress. Yan Yu was petite and delicate, while the proprietress was tall and statuesque. If one were to compare them to flowers, they were two distinct blossoms.

The proprietress glanced at Li Yuan with a smile. "Oh, I wouldn’t dare..."

Li Yuan waved it off. "You two go ahead."

Yan Yu returned to Li Yuan’s side, pulling him down to sit. The proprietress prepared three drinks and called for some fruit and preserves to be served. The window was open, and the moonlight streamed in, casting a serene glow over the night, as if the stars had melted into the water below.

Li Yuan took a sip of his drink and chuckled. "You said you’d surprise me, and this drink is indeed a surprise."

Yan Yu grinned. "That’s not all. This Full Moon Teahouse...Big Sis and I opened it together."

Li Yuan was taken aback.

The proprietress smiled. "Young Master Li, you’re quite the figure. It’s easier to rest under the shade of a great tree, and I simply wanted to run my business peacefully under your protection. Besides, Yan Yu and I get along so well. We’re always chatting and laughing. So, we decided to open this place together. We split the profits equally."

Li Yuan smiled. "Where are you from, Madam?"

"I’m from Beam Dragon Mountain. After sea raiders attacked, I fled here with my husband. He was frail and passed away not long after, leaving me with some money and loyal servants. So, I opened a tavern.

“Here, I’ve been paying my dues to Senior Wu, and I’ll continue to do so. If someone new takes over, I’ll pay them instead. But as for personal connections, I’ve never had any with Senior Wu, nor do I expect to with any new officials. I’m a woman, and I know what it takes to build such relationships...but that’s not something I want."

The proprietress lowered her lashes and smiled self-deprecatingly. "I may appear somewhat successful, but in the end, I’m just a lone woman. The bitterness in my heart...it’s hard to endure. Who could ever understand?"

She seemed lost in some memory. “Coincidentally, I happened to know Young Master Li before he made his way up in the world. Plus, I’ve really hit it off with little sister Yan Yu here, so I figured I’d place my bets on you.”

Propping a hand under her chin, she tipped her head back. “They say you’re only 18 this year, while I’m already 23. If you end up wanting me, I wouldn’t really be on the losing end, now would I?”

She shot a glance at Yan Yu, and the two women burst into laughter. They were clearly very close. This wasn’t the first time they’d joked about such things, and it didn’t bother them in the slightest.

Li Yuan let out a sigh. “But soon I’ll be dueling Zhao Zimu at the ring near Moon Creek Heights. He’s the blade prodigy from the Everblue Martial Hall. I’ve only learned the blade for barely three months, and I’m really an archer at heart.”

The proprietress nodded gently. “If I don’t stay by your side through your hardships, how could I share in the good times?”

Yan Yu pouted. “Big Sis, are you that sure my husband will lose?”

“It’s not that I’m sure,” the proprietress replied. “Everyone else seems certain of it. That’s exactly why I’m making my position clear now, to show how serious I am.”

In other words, she was investing in him when his prospects were at their lowest, fully aware of the risks, but also proving her sincerity by doing so.

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Later that day, Li Yuan was back home, lying in bed with Yan Yu in his arms, whispering in each other’s ears.

“Husband, see how I didn’t even tell Big Sis how strong you really are? Heh, am I not a good, dutiful wife?”

“In that case...let’s keep the reward coming!”

“Aah! Stop it, you rascal! We can’t, we can’t~”

Laughter echoed from under the thin covers. Outside the window, the apricot blossoms had already bloomed and fallen, but the peonies, irises, and lilacs that Yan Yu had planted were now in full, vibrant flower.

˙·٠✧🐗➶➴🏹✧٠·˙

Seven days later.

By the time morning arrived at Moon Creek Heights, the place was already packed. A gently flowing stream by the building caught the sunlight, shimmering like waves of gold.

Thanks to the proprietress’s connections, Yan Yu managed to get a decent spot on the third floor—though off to one side, it still gave a clear view of the duel.

For her, it would be the first time watching her man fight. But the stage was still empty.

The proprietress, seated beside her, pushed over some melon seeds and a couple of drinks, and the two of them chatted away as they snacked. Two sturdy guards, armed with blades, stood behind them—her personal bodyguards.

Silver Creek’s public security was generally good, especially at an event this large and with such distinguished figures in attendance.

The proprietress gave a quick glance at the special seating area on the high platform across from Moon Creek Heights. There, seated in the center, was the real local overlord of Silver Creek, Parasol Town, and Violet Haven—Tie Sha, sect master of the Blood Blade Sect.

With Tie Sha there, what could possibly happen?

Of course, the proprietress still brought bodyguards because of the sheer size of the crowd—better safe than sorry.

On the ring itself, a man with sharp brows and a clear gaze was already seated, legs crossed. A gentle breeze blew at his sideburns, highlighting his handsome features. A long blade rested across his knees. Though still sheathed, it radiated unmistakable intent.

This man was Zhao Zimu.

Cracking open a melon seed, the proprietress asked softly, “So, Zhao Zimu’s here already. Where’s Li Yuan?”

Yan Yu cupped a hand around her mouth and whispered back, “I have no idea.”

Down below, the crowd started buzzing, some voices mockingly called out.

“Maybe he chickened out!”

“He knows he’s doomed to lose, so he bailed!”

Yan Yu huffed. “As if my man would run away from a match like this!”

The proprietress answered in a low voice, “They’re not really that stupid. They’re just kissing up to Zhao Zimu. Hey, so who’s better-looking, Zhao Zimu or Li Yuan?”

Yan Yu put her hands on her hips with a proud smile. “Obviously my husband is way more handsome. Don’t even need to ask.”

They were still in the middle of their friendly banter when a stir rose in the distance. The crowd parted, forming a path for a youth dragging a long blade behind him, the blade scraping the ground with a grating clang.

It was Li Yuan. He stopped at the edge of the ring, then vaulted effortlessly onto it. He glanced at the floating numerals around Zhao Zimu—an odd read of 38~40—and clasped his hands in greeting. “Apologies for being late.”

“It’s fine,” Zhao Zimu replied calmly. “You came from afar and must be tired, while I’ve been resting here, so I’m at full strength. You want a moment to catch your breath?”

Li Yuan nodded. “Good point. All right, I’ll rest for a bit, then.”

“..” Zhao Zimu fell speechless.

The audience was equally dumbfounded.

A short while later, Li Yuan gripped his blade, and Zhao Zimu drew his own.

In a flash, both fighters lunged, clashing at close range. Steel rang out again and again, each collision reverberating like thunder, each strike heavy with power. The watching crowd could barely keep track of their movements before a deafening crash forced them apart.

They now stood several steps away, eyeing each other warily.

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Zhao Zimu spoke first. “You’re not bad at all. Just three months training with the blade, and you’ve already got real skill. Especially since you’re from a remote place like Little Ink Village...that’s impressive. I acknowledge your talent. But it’s too soon for you to be fighting me. After this, I won’t hold back.”

Li Yuan, breathing hard, bowed slightly. “I look forward to learning from you.”

Then, letting out a loud shout, he charged once more, and the two exchanged another hundred fierce blows.

In the final moment, Zhao Zimu made a crucial misstep. Li Yuan brought the back of his blade crashing against Zhao Zimu’s back, knocking him off balance and sending him tumbling right off the stage.

Stunned, Zhao Zimu tried to stab his blade into the ground and use it to rebound upward, anything to get back in the ring. After all, once you hit the ground below, it was over. But Li Yuan was a hair faster, swinging his blade overhead to pin Zhao Zimu down, making it impossible for him to leap back.

CRASH! Zhao Zimu hit the dirt hard and rolled a couple of times. As he stared up, bitterness crept across his face. Onstage, Li Yuan clasped his hands politely and, still breathing raggedly, said, “You were an incredible opponent. Victory is mine, but just barely.”

Zhao Zimu, unable to stay angry at such courtesy, returned the bow. “Yes, you’ve won. I admit my defeat.”

But a bitter frustration gnawed at him. He’d been so close to victory. If only I hadn’t let him rest. If only his blade hadn’t been longer... Damn it all... Damn it!