Chen Wudi stood silently to the side, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He was indeed helping Xu Nian, for if Xu Nian did not confront this inner turmoil, it would greatly hinder his cultivation in the future, so the sooner he released it, the better.
Xu Nian took a step forward, walking towards Qin Hen.
Having decided to take action, he naturally hesitated no more.
Xu Nian's action immediately drew everyone's attention; they were eager to see what kind of collision would occur between the two brothers.
"Brother? Qin Hen, do you even deserve to utter that word, are you not afraid that I will expose all your deeds?" Xu Nian said fiercely, his gaze piercing Qin Hen like a spike, domineering and harsh.
Qin Hen's gaze narrowed slightly; if Xu Nian really exposed his actions, although it wouldn't ruin him completely, it could at least destroy his reputation.
However, a cold smile quickly tugged at the corners of Qin Hen's mouth as he looked at Xu Nian and feigned innocence, "My actions? Brother, I was clearly helping you. I taught you cultivation so that one day you could stand out, but what did you do? You used your cultivation to force yourself on a maid, causing her to jump to her death. Yes, I was the one who told father, but it was to save you, to prevent you from taking the wrong path. I didn't expect you to hate me so much for it."
With these words, the audience was in an uproar.
They hadn't expected such an internal story; they had felt that Xu Nian's expulsion from the family due to his bastard status and cultivation was somewhat unjustified, but Qin Hen's explanation now seemed more reasonable.
Suddenly, everyone began pointing fingers at Xu Nian, calling him unworthy and heartless, even praising Qin Hen for his righteousness in face of kin.
Seeing the crowd believe his words, a barely detectable smirk appeared on Qin Hen's lips, and he muttered to himself, "My dear brother, luckily you reminded me, I almost let you succeed. Blame yourself for being too naïve."
Watching the cunning smile on Qin Hen's lips, Xu Nian laughed in extreme anger.
To be honest, he had truly underestimated Qin Hen.
He underestimated how shameless Qin Hen could be, still trying to blame him at this moment.
"Brother, although you've committed an unforgivable sin, caused a maid to die along with her unborn child, if you sincerely repent, father will still allow you to return. I can even plead on your behalf; elder brother truly wishes the best for you, please do not be upset with him," Qin Hen continued to play his part, putting on a look of disappointment in Xu Nian.
Qin Hen's words elicited a wave of sympathy from the crowd, and they began to accuse Xu Nian.
Qin Hen, seeing this, felt even more triumphant; this validation made it all the more justifiable for him to reprimand Xu Nian next.
Xu Nian burst out laughing, having to admit, Qin Hen's acting was superb, almost bringing the dead to life.
Despite his laughter, Xu Nian's anger peaked.
Murong Xue had been watching Xu Nian's expressions all along and honestly, she did not believe a word Qin Hen said.
Xu Nian's expressions corroborated her suspicions; she was curious, however, about how Xu Nian would resolve this issue.
"Qin Hen, I truly admire your ability to lie with a straight face, and your splendid acting skills," Xu Nian retorted, each word striking like a bead, "Defiling a maid, causing her death and that of her unborn child was clearly your doing. I merely stumbled upon it by accident and to keep me quiet, you used father to banish me from home. Now, you even use this incident to slander me, are you not ashamed at all? Have you forgotten what you once said about that woman giving you the most exhilarating night of your life?" Xu Nian articulated firmly.
What was happening now?
Everyone was suddenly confused, unsure of whom to believe.
Qin Hen was also stunned. He hadn't expected Xu Nian to turn the tables on him.
A smile appeared on Murong Xue's face. Xu Nian's actions had somewhat surprised her, but it was indeed the best approach.
Xu Nian didn't let it go and continued, "I remember you once told me, although the maid weighed 180 kilograms and had a stocky build, you said you liked that kind of voluptuous woman. You liked her misty eyes, her sexy lips, and after she died, you always kept her bodice by your bed, saying it retained her scent and helped you sleep peacefully. Have you forgotten all that?"
"Wow!"
The people around immediately felt nauseous.
Xu Nian's description was too graphic, the image too horrifying to even consider.
Thinking of a woman weighing 180 kilograms was frightening, and it was unexpected that Qin Hen would have such extreme tastes.
Murong Xue laughed out loud, amused by Xu Nian's words.
Qin Hen's face turned ashen, feeling like he had just slapped himself. The strange looks from the crowd around him brought a wave of humiliation.
"Hmph, Xu Nian, I didn't think you'd remain unrepentant and dare to slander me. Fine, today I will properly teach you a lesson on behalf of my father and set you on the right path," Qin Hen snorted coldly, anger rising in his face.
"Great, it's too cramped in here. How about we step outside and have a match?" Xu Nian said with a slight smirk, then turned and walked toward the square outside the Scripture Pavilion.
He had been waiting for this moment for so long. Now that Qin Hen had taken the initiative to speak up, it aligned perfectly with his intentions.
"Has he gone mad? Agreeing to duel with Qin Hen is just asking for trouble!"
"Yes, he's only been in the Academy for a short while, a six-star warrior at most. Qin Hen has already advanced to a One-star Warrior; how could he possibly stand a chance against Qin Hen?"
...
The crowd around them, seeing Xu Nian actually take up the challenge, all showed expressions of shock.
Murong Xue was also somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Xu Nian to actively seek battle, which she thought was an unwise decision.
"Hmph, you're bringing this upon yourself. Don't blame me!" Qin Hen scoffed contemptuously and then strode after him.
If Xu Nian had avoided the fight, it would have been difficult for him to make a move forcibly, but now that Xu Nian had actively accepted the challenge, how could he pass up the opportunity?
What good was Emperor Level talent?
True strength was key. He did not believe that Xu Nian could elevate from a Four-star Warrior to his level within just ten days.
Seeing this, the crowd rushed toward the square outside the Scripture Pavilion. Murong Xue hesitated for a moment but followed as well.
The square outside the Pavilion quickly filled with people, leaving a large open area in the middle.
Xu Nian and Qin Hen stood in the center of the area, facing each other with drawn swords and tense atmospheres. The mood was incredibly strained.
Both of them avoided any idle talk and directly initiated combat.
Especially Qin Hen, the strength of a One-star Warrior burst forth unrestrained, an impressive aura emanating from him.