The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 313 - 274, Imperial Family Tributor Zhao Duan seeks guidance from the young master Tianhai (of 6000 words)_3

"It's natural to not be able to defeat the combative Martial Monk Tianhai in a fight. If it comes to spell duel, it's the senior disciples of the Heavenly Master who excel at this... Speaking of which, I haven't seen the 'Little Heavenly Master' in years."

Zhang Yan Yi, having been praised, showed his pleasure on his face. He had lost the spell duel and felt inevitably gloomy, but maintained a nonchalant attitude, only now showing a smile:

"The disciple is grown up, there's no reason to stay by the master's side forever."

Having said that, he caught a glimpse of the Empress's smile across from him. This Old Heavenly Master, whose cultivation realm was profound and inscrutable but whose heart still dwelled in the mortal world, said with a smile:

"Your Majesty need not find excuses to comfort this old man. The dispute between Buddhist and Taoist factions has been ongoing for a thousand years. The victory or defeat of the younger generation might affect people's hearts now, but on the scale of centuries, what does it really amount to?"

The Empress showed respect and self-mockingly said:

"The state of mind of the Heavenly Master, I am far from reaching."

Zhang Yan Yi waved his hand, pointing towards the water screen, and said:

"Let's finish watching the last part. Hehe, we still don't know if anyone will step up to challenge this year."

Xu Zhenguan nodded his head but couldn't help glancing again at the three chairs in the seating area.

A sigh flickered in her beautiful eyes.

In old times, the Grand Ancestor Emperor invited both factions to watch together just to see the final challenger who would overwhelm all contenders. Xu's Imperial Dynasty's experts used to dominate.

But now, six hundred years later, this unworthy descendant had already lost the glory of her ancestors.

Within the Imperial Palace, there wasn't even one young person who could step onto the platform.

...

In the arena.

The noisy discussions lasted for a long time before finally starting to quiet down.

Though the spell duel had concluded, the crowd hadn't dispersed because they all knew there was one last tradition left.

"It's said that in past duels, the winner accepts challenges from experts among the audience. Yet this year, it's unclear who will come forward.

I've heard that recently, many martial experts from the Jianghu have entered the city. Right now, among that dense crowd, there might be some formidable person hiding."

Xu Junling spoke in a light and humorous tone.

Representing the Empress, Mo Chou, with indifferent expression, said:

"What the Commandery Princess said is true, however, those who step onto the platform can't surpass the divine chapter in strength, and there are also age restrictions; they must adhere to the rules of the duel. There are countless masters in the Jianghu, but few have the age and confidence to step onto the stage."

Zhao Douan, listening to their conversation, interjected:

"Even if one's strength falls short, it's worthwhile to garner fame or to exchange techniques with leading sect geniuses, right?"

Hearing this remark, the adjacent "Divine General" Xue Shence indifferently said:

"The premise is, one can withstand severe injuries."

Zhao Douan curiously looked at him: "What do you mean by that, Secretariat Envoy Xue?"

Xue Shence, taking his curiosity as casual, casually explained:

"Once on the stage, it's no longer just an exchange of techniques. If Jin Jian had won, perhaps many would dare to step up. But since Tianhai won, it's different.

This person, although young, has a considerable reputation in the Jianghu for his 'vertical pupil' which allows him to discern kindness and often judges people into reincarnation with martial force. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he has a fierce reputation. Just now in his bout with Priest Jin Jian, he didn't hold back at all...

The people of Jianghu underneath, who would consider going up without weighing if they might end up severely injured by Tianhai?

Moreover, which of the Jianghu's strong figures can be considered 'good people'?

If this Tianhai decides someone is 'evil,' then he certainly won't hold back. Death might be unlikely, but seeking fame? Seeking advice? I'm afraid it won't happen."

After a pause, Xue Shence couldn't help but show a strange expression:

"Originally, if Chai Keqiao from Martial Emperor City were here, he might have gone up. But now that's also not possible."

Zhao Douan blinked, looking towards Ma Yan:

"Lord, is Chai Keqiao still locked up in the large prison?"

Ma Yan glanced at him, explaining:

"He was ordered to be released the day before yesterday, but this person claimed his injuries were not healed and refused to come out. He's likely worried about encountering enemies in the city. Though obsessed with martial arts, he's not foolish."

Zhao Douan: "..."

As the group chatted casually.

On the stage, in white robes, Bian Ji began to speak with a voice like thunder rolling over the entire arena:

"The hour is getting late, is there anyone below who wishes to challenge Divine Dragon Temple's Tianhai?"

In an instant.

The noisy scene quieted down, countless onlookers also shut their mouths, looking forward expectantly.

In the crowd, there were obviously several martial artists and magicians, but as soon as they caught a glimpse of the small monk sitting cross-legged on the stage, they immediately quieted down.

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Some gritted their teeth wanting to go up, but were held back by their companions, who earnestly advised against it.

In the vast square filled with tens of thousands of people, it was exceptionally quiet, only the autumn wind was whistling, causing the banners of the imperial guards surrounding the area to flutter.

"Hiss, this year, is there really no one daring to go up?"

Among the crowd, Haitang clicked her tongue in wonder, she was maintaining order today along with other Masters.

At this moment, stealing a moment from her duties, she folded her arms and watched the excitement.

"Zhang Han, why don't you go up?" she jokingly looked at the stoic 'Scroll King'.

Zhang Han, supporting the seven-foot sword at his waist, pretended not to hear.

—Let alone the fact that he had sparred with Chai Keqiao a few days ago and had not recovered from his injuries; even at his best, he had no thoughts of facing Tianhai.

Of course, even if he had the intention, it wouldn't work, he was over the age limit...

In the crowd, many court experts were eager to move, but due to their age, they could only stand helplessly below.

"Who would come forward?"

On the stage, Bian Ji's voice, warm as a spring breeze, called out several times again.

But still, no one responded, and the atmosphere grew even quieter.

"What's going on? Why is no one coming up?"

You Jinhua craned her neck, her gaze sweeping over the dense crowd.

Zhao Pan also clenched her fists expectantly, feeling unsatisfied as she hadn't seen enough action. Even if there wasn't any spectacular spell duel, someone going up to fight would have been entertaining.

But who would risk their life just to serve as a foil?

"It seems, no one is going up."

On the court's viewing platform, Commandery Princess Xu Junling felt somewhat disappointed.