In the mulberry forest.
Su Yi remained calm and composed, his mind clear, as he repeatedly demonstrated the Pine Crane Body Tempering Technique.
Cultivation.
It always required being content with hardship and accumulating with a focused mind.
Great perseverance allows one to persist.
Great ambition allows one to progress bravely.
Both are universally recognized as essential for cultivation.
Even if one is an astonishing genius admired by the heavens, without the perseverance to diligently cultivate, they cannot achieve great things.
After completing his practice, Su Yi returned.
When he arrived at the city gate, he saw thick black chains lying across the hundred-zhang wide surface of the Dacang River, extending all the way to the opposite bank.
On the chains, there were thick stone slabs, resembling an extraordinarily spacious hundred-zhang long bridge, connecting both sides of the Dacang River.
This was the "Dragon Gate Bridge."
In the central area of the Dacang River stood a massive platform, three zhang tall and ten zhang wide, entirely made of black refined iron.
Tonight's Dragon Gate Banquet would take place near the platform.
This platform was also called the "Dragon Gate Platform," named after the legendary fish leaping over the Dragon Gate.
At this moment, many people were already walking on the river, bustling and noisy.
There were many ordinary people who came to watch the excitement.
At night, whether it was Guangling City or the opposite side, Luoyun City, unless one had an invitation, ordinary people couldn't set foot on the Dragon Gate Bridge.
"Su Yi."
Not far away, a group of people suddenly approached, with Wen Shaobei at the forefront.
Wen Shaobei crossed his arms in front of his chest and smiled, "Where's your buddy? Why isn't he with you?"
Su Yi raised an eyebrow, realizing that Wen Shaobei was referring to Huang Qianjun.
"What the hell are you talking about? Who are you cursing?"
Suddenly, a shout rang out.
From the other side of the crowd, a figure rushed over, grabbing Wen Shaobei's collar and delivering a slap across his face.
Crack!
The sound of a crisp slap resonated, and Wen Shaobei's cheek visibly swelled up at an astonishing speed, blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. The entire slap left him dumbfounded.
"Huang... Huang Sha!?"
Wen Shaobei was dumbfounded.
He clearly didn't see Huang Qianjun's figure just now, so he dared to mock in front of Su Yi.
Little did he expect that right after his words, Huang Qianjun, the infamous troublemaker, would rush over!
The companions behind Wen Shaobei, all members of the Wen family, were also taken aback and panicked.
Huang Qianjun grinned, "You really have no memory, huh? Since that's the case, let me break one of your dog legs first!"
He was about to make a move.
"Stop!"
Suddenly, a cold snort resounded, and Wen Jueyuan, who appeared out of nowhere, hurriedly approached with a cold expression on his handsome face.
Slap!
But Huang Qianjun still slapped Wen Shaobei's face, causing blood to spray from his mouth and nose. His face was swollen, and tears and snot streamed down.
"You..."
A flash of coldness appeared in Wen Jueyuan's eyes, clearly provoked.
However, he suddenly stiffened as he sensed a cold gaze from afar.
He looked up and saw Huang Yunchong, the dignified head of the Huang family, wearing a purple robe, looking expressionlessly in their direction.
This immediately calmed Wen Jueyuan down.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said coldly, "Huang Qianjun, do you remember what I said that day? If you have the guts, let's have a showdown between us at tonight's Dragon Gate Feast."
Without hesitation, Huang Qianjun replied, "Why not?"
With that said, he threw Wen Shaobei aside, clapped his hands, and grinned, "Wen Jueyuan, I've been waiting for tonight for a long time!"
His eyes were filled with a fierce fighting spirit.
This version of Huang Qianjun surprised Wen Jueyuan and made him feel somewhat unfamiliar. He couldn't help but furrow his brows.
After a moment, he coldly said, "Then we'll see tonight. Let's go!"
Wen Jueyuan left with a flick of his sleeve.
Wen Shaobei and the others were filled with shame and indignation, hastily following behind.
"What a piece of work!"
Huang Qianjun spat, and when he faced Su Yi, his face was full of smiles. He said, "Su ge, did that guy not anger you?"
Su Yi shook his head and said, "You should think about how to face Wen Jueyuan tonight. I'll go ahead."
He didn't expect to encounter such an incident just moments after stopping there.
Soon, Su Yi's figure disappeared through the city gate.
"How about it? Will Young Master Su attend tonight's banquet?"
Huang Yunchong walked over from a distance.
He had originally planned to greet Su Yi, but seeing that the other party walked straight into the city gate, he sensibly chose not to disturb him.
"I asked a few days ago, and it seems that Su ge isn't interested in tonight's banquet," Huang Qianjun shook his head.
Huang Yunchong couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed and clicked his tongue. "I was thinking of arranging a VIP seat for Young Master Su."
Then, his expression turned serious, and he said, "Son, if you encounter Wen Jueyuan tonight, remember not to be aggressive. If you fail, it's not embarrassing to take the initiative to admit defeat."
Huang Qianjun nodded and said, "Father, I am not afraid of success or failure."
Huang Yunchong sighed, "As far as I know, Li Moyun from the Li family will not participate in this Dragon Gate Feast. Considering the circumstances, in the entire Guangling City, the only one with a great chance of winning the first place in the Dragon Gate Competition is Wen Jueyuan."
"Even if you are not his match, there is no need to be discouraged. With the marvelous techniques taught by Young Master Su, your achievements in the future will surpass those of Wen Jueyuan!"
As he spoke, Huang Yunchong's mood improved, and his eyebrows and eyes were filled with smiles.
Huang Qianjun nodded in agreement.
Back at the Apricot Yellow Residence, Su Yi resumed practicing his swordsmanship.
Despite having the experience and memories from his past life, he would not slack off in his cultivation.
After all, how could he surpass his previous life's achievements in swordsmanship without putting in the effort?
It wasn't until dusk that Su Yi leisurely left the courtyard alone.
"Is Young Master planning to attend the Dragon Gate Feast as well?" Steward Hu Quan asked with a smile.
"Yes," Su Yi nodded.
"In that case, we can go together. I have already rented a boat. I'll go and prepare some rice wine and snacks later. Tonight, we can sail on the river, enjoy the countless fishing lights, and watch the Dragon Gate Competition. It will be an indescribable experience," Hu Quan chuckled.
Su Yi was taken aback. "Rent a boat?"
Hu Quan explained, "Without an invitation card, we cannot step onto the Dragon Gate Bridge tonight. If you want to watch the Dragon Gate Competition, you have to sail on the river and observe from a distance."
Su Yi took out a gold-embossed invitation card from his sleeve and asked, "Is it this type of invitation card?"
Hu Quan's eyes suddenly lit up, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. "Young Master, this is a VIP card, the most distinguished kind. It grants access to the VIP seating area, where you can sit shoulder to shoulder with the city lord!"
Su Yi nodded, put away the invitation card, and asked, "With this card, can I bring someone with me?"
"Naturally," Hu Quan replied without hesitation.
"Then you will accompany me," Su Yi said.
Su Yi walked straight ahead, heading outside.
Hu Quan was momentarily stunned before quickly catching up. He was filled with excitement. He never expected to have the opportunity to go and see the Dragon Gate Bridge tonight!
On the second floor of a restaurant not far from the Apricot Yellow Residence.
A robust and courageous man whispered, "Young Master, Su Yi has left the Apricot Yellow Residence. Judging by his direction, it seems he intends to attend the Dragon Gate Feast."
"That waste, who lost all his cultivation, still has the mind to join in such festivities," Li Moyun furrowed his brows slightly.
In recent days, even many members of the Li family believed that he had already set off for Yunhe County and had no intention of attending the Dragon Gate Feast.
In reality, he had been staying in the city, secretly preparing to eliminate Su Yi.
For Li Moyun, killing Su Yi was as easy as flipping his hand; it wasn't worth paying much attention to.
What truly concerned him was how to leave no trace after killing Su Yi.
And tonight, almost all the influential figures in the city had gone outside to attend the Dragon Gate Feast. This was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to kill Su Yi.
It could be done without anyone noticing!
"Then we'll wait for his return," Li Moyun said indifferently. "Send someone to infiltrate the rear of the Apricot Yellow Residence and wait for my orders."
"Yes!"
His subordinate hurriedly left to carry out the orders.
"Lingzhao, after dealing with this waste Su Yi, I will come to Tianyuan Academy to find you. At that time, you won't have to worry about this unfortunate marriage anymore..."
Li Moyun murmured to himself after taking a sip of wine.
...
Outside the city.
As dusk deepened, the night spread like a layer of ink, gradually enveloping the sky.
On the vast and mighty Great Cang River, boats were densely packed, surrounding the Dragon Gate Bridge.
Each boat was adorned with lights, and figures filled the decks.
countless boats sailed, and numerous sails floated on the water. Countless lights spilled onto the river's surface, resembling the Milky Way falling from the heavens to the mortal world, dazzling like a painting.
The evening breeze rustled, causing the lights to sway and flicker, their reflections dancing on the river's surface. For a moment, light and shadow intertwined, flames shimmered like twinkling stars, creating a splendid display against the night sky.
The scene left Su Yi, who had just walked out of the city gate, stunned. He praised, "Even the beauty of the heavens pales in comparison to these earthly fireworks. It is truly a sight to behold."
Hu Quan was already in awe, exclaiming, "In the past, I have witnessed this scene several times, but every time I see it, I am overwhelmed. This is the Dragon Gate Feast, the most anticipated event of the year in Guangling City!"
Indeed, it was bustling.
The people of the city almost brought their whole families, crowding the banks of the river, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
They were here to enjoy the lights and the scenery.
After all, they were too far away to see the Dragon Gate Competition even if they wanted to.
As for the wealthy and influential, they had already hired boats to come to the river, where they could observe while drinking and commenting on the festivities.
At the entrance of the Dragon Gate Bridge on the riverbank, there were elite and fierce guards from the City Lord's Mansion.
Only those with invitation cards were allowed to ascend the Dragon Gate Bridge and enter the main venue of the feast.
As Su Yi arrived and was about to take out his invitation card, a guard approached him with a smile, saying, "Young Master Su, the City Lord has already instructed that you are an esteemed guest today. Please come in!"
Hu Quan, standing beside Su Yi, couldn't help but be stunned. When did Young Master attain such a lofty status that even the City Lord held him in such high regard?
Moreover, he didn't even need an invitation card to attend the feast!
"Thank you," Su Yi nodded. He wasn't surprised.
At that moment, a voice of astonishment rang out, "Senior Brother Su, you wouldn't happen to be attending the feast as well, would you?"
Su Yi turned his head.
He saw Nan Ying standing not far away, her delicate face filled with surprise. She hadn't expected to encounter Su Yi here.