The arena fell silent, the only sound the ragged breathing of Yan Yi and the faint echo of the arrow's departure.
"What just happened?" a spectator whispered; awe evident in their voices. "Why was Yan Yi attacking thin air?"
"Did Yan Jin mess with his senses somehow?" another murmured. "His precision... his power... it's beyond anything I've ever seen."
Even the skeptics in the crowd couldn't help but be impressed. Yan Jin had not only avoided Yan Yi's full-force attack but had also turned the tables in the most spectacular fashion.
"He's more than just an archer," one of the more experienced warriors commented. "He's a true master of his craft."
The Yan family members were seething. "How could this happen?" Yan Li fumed. "This was supposed to be a simple victory."
"This Yan Jin is too crafty," Yan Xin muttered. "How could Yan Yi fall for such a trick?"
Purple Spear Meng chuckled softly. "It seems the Yan family underestimated their opponent."
Fu Shang, watching intently, shook her head. "I've never seen anything like it. Did Yan Jin somehow mess with his perception?"
Captain Nie Li's eyes glinted with interest. "Interesting... very interesting. Yan Jin, you've certainly caught my attention. There's more to you than meets the eye."
Yan Jin straightened, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. He had proven his worth, demonstrating not only his archery skills but also his strategic brilliance and ability to handle high-pressure situations. The debate about the effectiveness of archery in combat was conclusively settled. Yan Jin stood victorious; his reputation elevated to new heights.
Yan Yi, on the other hand, was left to grapple with his failure. His pride had been shattered along with his saber, and his left ear throbbed painfully where the arrow had grazed him. He had been bested in the most humiliating manner, and the crowd's reaction only intensified his shame.
"Ah Guard Yan Yi, I moved from my initial position. It seems like I have lost. What a shame had you not unleashing a peak Level blood purification energy I would not have been so startled" he said adding insult to injury.
"I apologize for letting you see a sore sight; I will head back and reflect on my behavior" he said bowing toward the nobles as he left with the assistance of Lan Zhan.
His departing figure could not help but incite more discussion and whispers.
"Uncle do you know how he made Yan Yi slash air?" Meng xiao asked. "Energy overdose, by assaulting Yan Yi, with so many blood energy arrows the had messed up with the natural flow of his energy and his perception. In his mind he was sure his slash was directed toward Young Jhin but it was all within the control of Jhin. He had planned for this for the beginning by declaring his position, and taunting Yan Yi. He is a terrifying man." Purple Spear Yan replied.
The night quietly died down as the guests began leaving one after the other.
"In-law, allow my daughter, and Yan Ming to stay with me for a bit. We have not seen each other in a while" The matriarch said. As if giving his approval he shocked his hand as he left the party with the rest of his entourage.
"Investigate, find everything you can on this Money God." Yan Li said as he dispatched his attendants before turning to Yan Yi. "Some information has leaked. You can't even tie up loose ends. Don't make strike against you."
--
" You should visit Sir Jhin tomorrow, bring some gifts" City lord Wei said to Wei Shi." But he just antagonized the Yan and Fu Family." The Youngster replied. "I am approaching my, last days, thought I don't expect you to become a city lord, I don't know what the future entails. Its good to make more friends." The old man replied.
--
Similar scenes were unfolding across Pine City, as various factions maneuvered to establish alliances and undermine their rivals. However, one man was notably absent from these clandestine machinations: Yan Bai. As the only son of Yan Li, the eldest young master of the Yan Clan, Yan Bai had led a life of unparalleled privilege. He was always given the best clothing, the finest food, and the most luxurious lodging. All the clan's resources were channeled into his cultivation, and he made the Yan Clan proud by awakening an imperial bloodline and joining the prestigious Golden Warriors.
Leaving Pine City had been an eye-opening experience for Yan Bai. He discovered a world much larger and more complex than he had imagined, realizing how narrow his vision had been. Despite this, he remained the favorite student of his master, showered with admiration and support. Life had always seemed straightforward and filled with accolades—until now.
In his chambers deep within the Yan Clan's territory, Yan Bai stared at an arrow embedded in the wall. He was in disbelief, recognizing the human ear attached to it. How did this happen? Was it a fluke, a warning? Did someone have inside information about his room? Yan Bai suspected that the Money God, an enigmatic figure with a known enmity toward his clan, was involved.
Unscrewing the arrow from the wall, he examined it closely. It was a plain metal bamboo arrow, not particularly remarkable. Yet, as he moved it, a swooshing sound emanated from within. His curiosity piqued, he snapped the arrow in half and found a note inside reading, "Tree, behind library."
Convinced now that he was the target and that there was a mole within the clan, Yan Bai made his way to the designated location. What he witnessed there shattered his world: his father, Yan Li, and the third wife of his grandfather, entwined in a scandalous embrace.
Yan Bai watched in silent horror, hand over his mouth, as they spoke:
"We shouldn't be meeting like this, especially when the clan is on edge," Yan Li said, aggressively smooching the neck of his partner.
"Ugh… I know, but somebody knows about us. I told you we should have killed Yan Yi, and the others like we did Yan Bei Shang and that child," the third consort said.
"I sent Yan Yi to kill Yan Yang. I will get rid of him when he returns. We can blame the evidence on the Money God," Yan Li replied.
"My mother wants you to marry my little sister. I... Ugh… I told her no," she said.
"Why would you say that?" he asked, interrupting the whole ordeal.
"What do you mean, why? I got this scar defending you, I killed your wife at your request, and birthed a son for you, and now you want to remarry? You are very heartless," she said, tearing up.
"People are going to get suspicious. Let's talk about it later," Yan Li said, fixing his clothes as he left the meeting place.
Emerging from the shadows, Yan Bai was engulfed by a torrent of emotions. He had always respected and admired his father, believing him to be a man of honor. Now, he was faced with the devastating truth: his father was responsible for his mother's death, all for a sordid affair.
Yan Bai's mind raced back to the day his mother died. He had been so young, his heart shattered by her loss. The grief had consumed him, but his father's comforting words had always been there to soothe the pain. The memories of his mother's gentle touch, her loving smile, and her unwavering support flooded back. She had been his world, and her sudden death had left a void that nothing could fill. He had vowed to make her proud, to honor her memory through his achievements.
But now, knowing that his father, the man who had promised to protect and cherish their family, was the one who had orchestrated her death, filled him with an indescribable rage. The betrayal cut deep. Shock and disbelief gave way to profound anger and sorrow. His father, whom he had held in such high esteem, was nothing more than a murderer and a cheat. The respect and love he had felt were replaced by a burning need for justice.
Determined to gather evidence, Yan Bai knew he needed to speak with Yan Yi and Yan Yang before confronting his father.
His world, once so stable and filled with admiration, had been turned upside down.