"Enough of your foolishness, Su Mu!" Wei Su Ming shot a pointed glance at his twin brother, hoping to quell the rising discord. But Su Mu remained unconvinced, his thoughts lingering on the provocative words he had spoken moments before.
"Are you trying to stir up trouble?" Wei Su Ming's telepathic message echoed in Su Mu's mind. "Your words could easily provoke the Zhou State."
Su Mu, undeterred, responded defiantly, "So what? The Zhou Dynasty is in decline. We have nothing to fear from them."
Wei Su Ming grimaced, his frustration evident. Once again, he reached out to his brother through their mental connection. "Have you forgotten where we are? We're on Zhou soil. And even in their decline, the Zhou are not to be underestimated. This institute is teeming with spies from all states, especially the Zhou. I forbid you from speaking ill of them, especially here."
Su Mu acquiesced with a sheepish smile. "As always, you're right, elder brother."
It was evident to everyone present that Song Ke's status as a prince of the small Song State granted him little respect in the eyes of the others. The survival of his state was largely owed to the protection of the Zhou nation, a fact not lost on anyone.
But Song Ke was unfazed by his lack of stature. With a stubborn resolve, he remained steadfast in his belief that his blade would cleave through any obstacle in his path.
However, his recent outburst had clearly embarrassed the Wei brothers, tarnishing their dignified appearance and staining their robes. They were not ones to let such an affront slide easily.
The twin brothers sprang to their feet in unison, their swords flashing as they unsheathed them. One blade gleamed with a purple hue, adorned with intricate magical encryptions, while the other bore a subtle curvature, also etched with three powerful enchantments. As they brandished their swords, two formidable auras surged forth, pushing back against the oppressive presence that Song Ke had emanated moments earlier. It was evident from their auras that the brothers were also masters of the 9th layer of the Pulse Condensation Realm.
"Good! Both of you didn't let me down after our last meeting." Song Ke's grin widened, his white teeth flashing in the dim light of the cabin. Despite the threatening display from the twin brothers, he made no move to retrieve his own blade from its resting place behind his back.
"Bastard with the surname Song. Where's your damn sword?" Wei Su Mu's voice crackled with anger, his eyes narrowing in disdain.
"Just you two. I don't need my blade," Song Ke retorted calmly, his confidence unwavering.
"Hmpf! I'll chop your head for belittling us," Wei Su Mu muttered, a surge of power igniting the magical inscription on his purple sword. With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision aimed at Song Ke's head.
It all unfolded in a blur of motion. Instead of defending himself or evading the blade, Song Ke remained motionless, his arms casually folded across his chest. A mischievous grin played on his lips, as if he were taunting his attacker.
However, his apparent nonchalance masked a deeper awareness. He knew that the true guest of honor had already arrived, observing their confrontation in secret. Song Ke pondered whether this mysterious figure from the Inner Court harbored any particular interest in him, or if they were merely an indifferent spectator to the unfolding drama.
The sword cleaved through the air with deadly precision, aimed directly at Song Ke's neck. But as the blade made contact, there was no spray of blood, no cry of pain. Instead, Wei Su Mu's triumphant expression faltered, replaced by confusion and disbelief.
"Hah, a clone!" he exclaimed as realization dawned too late.
Enraged by the sudden revelation, Wei Su Mu bellowed in frustration, his voice echoing through the cabin. "Where are you, coward?"
At that moment, a towering figure strode into the room with deliberate nonchalance, entering through the front door as if it were his own domain.
Ignoring the agitated twins, the newcomer made his way back to his seat with measured steps, settling onto his mat with an air of casual indifference. Addressing the unseen presence that lingered in the room, he spoke with a mix of boldness and sarcasm. "Sir, are you content to watch us squabble like fools, fighting amongst ourselves until death claims us? It seems your invitation to this feast was not without purpose. Why hide in the shadows when you could join us before the dishes grow cold?"
The First Tiger and the Second Tigress nodded in silent accord, their expressions revealing a shared understanding. The intention behind the abrupt slicing of Song Ke's Shadow Clone had not gone unnoticed; it seemed their mysterious senior was no stranger to cunning tactics. Whether he was inherently ruthless or simply astute remained to be seen, or he had already found out the little trick Song Prince was playing with. It was more likely the latter. But one thing was certain: he was not to be underestimated.
Wei Su Ming had also become aware of the mysterious senior's presence, but unfortunately, it was too late to warn his impulsive brother. Surveying the unfolding situation, he realized he needed to tread cautiously. 'He's only here to manipulate us into doing his dirty work,' Wei Su Ming thought to himself. Reflecting on Song Ke's calculated test and their subsequent encounter, he had already surmised that they were merely pawns in the senior's scheme. Determined to avoid becoming disposable assets, Wei Su Ming resolved to keep his distance and remain vigilant.
"Su Mu, return to your mat," he commanded firmly, telepathically reminding his brother to maintain proper decorum in the presence of the senior.
As a gust of wind swept through the room, a figure appeared seated on the vacant mat. Standing at a towering height of 186 centimeters, he possessed a slender frame. Draped in a robe of shimmering golden silk, his face remained concealed behind a jester mask, betraying no hints of his true identity or intentions.