As the words fell, it was as if golden beads tumbled upon a jade disk, and the hall fell silent.
"Nonsense."
Song Tonghai scolded softly, yet his face showed little anger. He looked towards Zhao Yunheng and smiled apologetically,
"I have offended the princely heir. I ask Prince Zhao to forgive us; this child has been spoiled from a young age."
"In the world of martial arts, it should be so."
Zhao Yunheng turned his head and glanced at Zhao Jichang beside him. Seeing his gaze avert and his ears turn red, he couldn't help but smile, and immediately waved his hand, saying carelessly,
"The Great Ancestor of Great Zhou also founded the country with martial force. I have long heard of the twin jewels of the Song Family. My son is quite diligent in his practice, and it would be good to exchange a few moves and learn something. Brother Song, would you be convenient?"
"Since Prince Zhao and the princely heir are interested, why not?"
Song Tonghai immediately rose to his feet and gestured with his hand:
"Please, Prince, move to another site."
A martial arts family like the Song Residence naturally had a training ground, located beside the mansion, separated by green stone walls. It was mostly the family's servants who practiced there on a normal basis.
Half an hour later, a stage half a zhang high and ten zhang square, constructed of large planks of ironwood, had been erected in the training ground.
Once the stage was ready, Song Tonghai dismissed the servants from the vicinity, beginning to clear the area.
Being nobles of high status, engaging in combat was not an exhibition for the public, as one would see with performers in the martial world. Regardless of the result of win or loss, it was not appropriate for too many spectators.
Moreover, Zhao Jichang was still young; winning would be fine, but losing might embarrass him.
Song Lingxue, holding a long sword, leaped onto the stage first. Her cyan martial outfit outlined her graceful figure, and her long, black hair was tied up in a tall ponytail, making her look even more valiant and formidable.
Zhao Jichang picked a long saber from the side of the training ground and jumped onto the stage. He landed silently, clearly mastering his qinggong to perfection.
"Miss Song, after you."
"Be careful, princely heir."
Song Lingxue's expression remained unchanged. She twirled her sword, looking like a tiger or leopard lunging out of its cage. She suddenly stepped forward, the three-feet blade of her sword breathing visible sword qi, her figure creating an afterimage that went straight for Zhao Jichang's throat.
She did not hold back, attacking with a lethal move right off.
Before the sword qi reached him, the fierce wind it stirred already messed up Zhao Jichang's hair.
The smile on Zhao Jichang's face froze instantly, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and as he swung his saber to block, he also pulled back.
Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal exploded, and Zhao Jichang retreated more than ten steps, his saber trembling violently in his hand, nearly slipping from his grip.
Simultaneously, the embroidery on the front of his robe ripped open, revealing the silver inner armor underneath.
In an instant, Song Lingxue thrust two swords, the second one held back slightly; otherwise, the inner armor would have been pierced through with one strike.
In that moment, life and death were divided.
"The princely heir shows mercy."
Song Lingxue sheathed her sword and made a fist salute.
"It is I who am less skilled, thank you, Miss, for holding back."
Zhao Jichang, feeling somewhat ashamed, did not linger. After returning the salute, he jumped down from the stage.
"A nest with two phoenixes, remarkable indeed..."
From the side of the stage, Zhao Yunheng sighed long, "Your esteemed daughter's mastery in martial arts is not far from the Grandmaster level."
Song Lingxue was naturally talented in martial arts, which wasn't a secret, but he had never thought she'd reach this level of proficiency.
A martial arts grandmaster in her early twenties, there was no one of her generation in the present times who could compare with Song Lingxue.
"You flatter her, Prince. She still needs much more practice." Song Tonghai shook his head slightly, though his eyes could not hide his satisfaction.
Compared to Ling Qing who had joined the Immortal Sect, he valued his eldest daughter Lingxue more, having raised her since childhood with the standard of being the head of the family, and Song Lingxue had never disappointed him.
Now that Ling Qing had joined the Immortal Sect, and he had only this daughter by his side, he had never thought of marrying her off.
Zhao Yunheng's suggestion, Song Tonghai had never considered.
"To early celebrate our Great Zhou, soon we will have another Great Grandmaster, a new pillar of the state."
Zhao Yunheng's face beamed with a smile, then suddenly his tone shifted, "However, I have recently heard some troubling rumors, Brother Song, you must be cautious."
On hearing this, Song Tonghai's expression grew solemn, and he bowed, "Please enlighten me, Prince."
"It seems that your young phoenix has attracted quite some attention." Zhao Yunheng moved closer and whispered, "And I'm not just talking about us ordinary folk."
Song Tonghai's heart suddenly sank, and for a moment he was almost at a loss for words, "Please provide more specifics, Prince."
The reason he had been so furious when the news leaked so quickly was precisely because he feared for Ling Qing.
Now, his worst fears were coming to pass.
"The news of Phantom Spirit Sect's true heritage descending the mountain is already quietly spreading among the neighboring countries. That's all I can say, Prince, and I'm unclear about more detailed information," Zhao Yunheng murmured softly.
"While the young phoenix has protectors around her, the Song Residence lacks an Immortal Clan anchor..."
"This..."
Song Tonghai looked panicked, as if shocked, and found himself at a loss for words.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I will not stay long."
Seeing Song Tonghai stammer, Zhao Yunheng smiled lightly, "If there is any trouble, you can send a letter to me. At least within the territory of Great Zhou, there's no one bold enough to offend the Zhao royal family."
With that, he immediately turned around and walked out of the training ground.
Song Tonghai hastily arranged for someone to fetch a cloak, which he draped over Zhao Jichang, and he accompanied Zhao Yunheng and his son to the main gate.
"Farewell, Prince."
As the sound of horse hooves thundered like rumbles, they soon faded into the distance.
Song Tonghai stared at the dust rising in the sky, the panic on his face gradually subsided, his expression turned cold, and after a cold laugh, he turned and headed back to the training ground.
Song Lingxue was still there. Seeing Song Tonghai's cold face, she was slightly puzzled, "Father, why are you angry?"
"Come with me." Song Tonghai concealed his anger and led Song Lingxue back to the study.
After dismissing the servants, Song Tonghai briefly explained the situation, his face colder than before: