“You’re too kind, Young Master,” someone flattered with a laugh. “We’ve admired you for a long time. We hope you’ll take care of us in the future.”
“Today, North Sea City has become a major power, its every move affects the entire northern region,” Bei Xiao said solemnly. “My father worked tirelessly to build this city into what it is. As his eldest son, it’s my duty to carry that legacy forward.”
He paused, then continued, “My father’s condition is grave. I won’t hide it from you, sooner or later, the position of City Lord must be filled again. The city is in need of strong leadership and capable people. Tell me, would you all be willing to lend me your strength?”
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Many had suspected as much, but hearing it directly still made them hesitate.Xu Zimo noticed the veiled woman from before standing beside Bei Xiao, they clearly knew each other.
“Oh, right,” Bei Xiao said with a smile, pulling the woman forward. “Allow me to introduce someone. This is Miss Meng Yu of the North Sea, my friend.”
“Who is she? Never heard of her,” someone muttered.
“Wait, Meng Yu? Isn’t she the disciple the Dragon Maiden took in over ten years ago?” another exclaimed as the memory surfaced.
That event had caused quite a stir back then, but both the Dragon Maiden and her new disciple rarely appeared in public, so interest eventually faded.
“Could it be that the Dragon Maiden supports the elder son already?” someone whispered.
“Unlikely. If she’d taken a side, he wouldn’t need to rally us. This must be Meng Yu’s personal decision,” another replied.
As speculation grew, Bei Xiao raised his hand for silence.
“If you’re willing to stand with me,” he said firmly, “I promise you won’t regret it. Once I claim the City Lord’s seat, all of you will share in the glory.”
No sooner had he finished than a loud, confident laugh echoed across the courtyard.
“Brother, don’t you think those words are a little premature?”
Bei Xiao’s eyes narrowed. He turned toward the sound.
Ripples appeared in the air as a young man in black robes stepped out of the void. His crimson cape fluttered behind him, his square-jawed face set with a bold, magnetic smile.
“What are you doing here?” Bei Xiao asked coldly.
“I heard my dear brother was gathering talent, so I came to see for myself,” Bei Qinghai said with a grin. “Why? Am I not welcome?”
“You’re not,” Bei Xiao snapped, the politeness gone.
Bei Qinghai shook his head, still smiling, then looked at Meng Yu. “Miss Meng Yu, standing too close to my brother might not be the wisest choice.”
“What do you want?” Bei Xiao’s voice rose sharply. “If you have nothing to say, leave. You’re not welcome here.”
“Father sent me to fetch you,” Bei Qinghai replied casually. “So don’t be so quick to throw me out.”
“Father?” Bei Xiao frowned. “What does he want with me?”
“I don’t know. You’ll find out when you come with me,” Bei Qinghai said.
Before Bei Xiao could respond, the air rippled again.
“No need. I’m already here,” came an aged voice.
A formation of armored soldiers marched in, over a hundred of them, clad in icy blue armor, their steps perfectly synchronized. In moments, they surrounded the entire third floor of the inn.
“What in the world…” someone whispered as unease spread through the crowd.
“The City Lord approaches!” a herald shouted.
The soldiers split into two lines. Between them, an ornate golden litter appeared, shaped like a dragon fountain, gleaming with flowing gold light. Upon it lay a frail middle-aged man, his face pale, hair and beard white as snow. His breath came faintly, only in, not out.
He wore a robe of glazed gold thread, its light dim but dignified.
“Greetings, City Lord!” everyone quickly stood and bowed.
“Father,” both Bei Xiao and Bei Qinghai said together, taking positions on either side of him.
“You’re all hoping I’ll die soon,” the City Lord said weakly, his voice hollow and weary.
“Father, you misunderstand, we would never!” the two replied in alarm.
“I know,” the old man said after coughing several times. “Death comes for everyone. But I won’t watch you two tear each other apart.”
He took a strained breath and went on. “Before I die, I will choose the next City Lord.”
“We’ll abide by Father’s decision,” the brothers said respectfully, heads bowed.
“Since childhood, you two have been at odds,” the old man said. “I’ve tried to prevent this outcome, but it seems fate won’t be denied. So, let’s settle it properly.”
He lifted a trembling hand. “Each of you has gathered your own followers. Today, before everyone, I will act as referee. Each of you will choose three people to compete. The winner shall become City Lord.”
Gasps filled the air. The meaning was clear, there would be no politics, no schemes. The title of City Lord would be decided openly, by strength alone.
“What do you two say?” the City Lord asked.
“We agree,” the brothers answered in unison.
“Then do you have your champions chosen?” the City Lord continued.
“Gong Clan’s Three Brothers,” Bei Qinghai said with confidence.
A tear in the air opened, and three identical men stepped out. They were triplets, identical in face and form, their only difference being their clothing.
“I’ve already prepared,” Bei Qinghai said. “These three will fight on my behalf. What about you, brother?”
Pride gleamed in his eyes.
The Gong brothers were renowned, one a master of the blade, another of the sword, the youngest of the fist. They were called the “Three Absolutes.” Two of them were at God Meridian Realm, while the youngest had already reached the Path of Immortality. They were undeniably formidable.
Bei Xiao’s eyes swept across the room. “Who among you will fight for me?” he called out.
But hesitation spread. Before the Gong brothers had appeared, many might have considered it, but now? No one dared. The reputation of the Gong brothers was enough to intimidate most.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang out. “Young Master, the Misty Mountain Twins are willing to fight for you!”
Two figures descended from the sky, feet treading on clouds and thunder. Lightning crackled around them as they landed, two young men with strange, fierce features.
“The Misty Mountain Twins, both peak God Meridian cultivators,” someone whispered. “Not ordinary opponents.”
“Good!” Bei Xiao laughed heartily. “Is there anyone else?”
His gaze swept the crowd again, but most lowered their heads.
“Young Master,” the veiled woman, Meng Yu, said suddenly. “I may have someone to recommend.”
“Oh? Miss Meng knows another fighter?” Bei Xiao asked, intrigued.
Meng Yu glanced toward where Xu Zimo was sitting. In a low voice, she said, “If you can bring that man in, your chances of winning will rise by at least fifty percent.”
Bei Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. Fifty percent, meaning, out of three rounds, that man could guarantee at least one victory.