Chapter 375: Chapter 188: Gladiatorial Combat

Du Juan led the way.

The master and his two disciples arrived at Du’s Mansion.

Compared to Yang Shaorong’s General’s Mansion, or even the Governor’s Mansion, Du’s Mansion was far more imposing and luxurious. Not only were there personal guards patrolling the entrance, but Qi Sea Realm experts also stood watch in all directions.

As soon as they arrived, Chu Lingguang and Guo Wei both felt several waves of Spiritual Sense Fluctuation wash over them. Seeing that it was Du Juan who had personally brought them, those Spiritual Sense Fluctuations quickly vanished.

Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu had never been to Yunchuan City, let alone ever stepped foot inside a residence as magnificent as Du’s Mansion.

The pair were captivated by everything and everyone inside the mansion.

Chu Lingguang secretly speculated about the strength of the personal guards, the stewards, and the attendants. Although they acted with courteous grace upon seeing they were guests brought back by Du Juan, their collective gaze made Chu Lingguang feel a certain pressure—much more so than from the Hunters outside the city. It was obvious there were no ordinary people in Du’s Mansion.

Even some of the maids had likely practiced a Breathing Technique.

Hei Hu thought so as well, and spent the entire walk sizing up the maids and servant girls. ’After I pass the exams and earn a title,’ he daydreamed, ’I have to get two maids to wait on me. One to massage my feet and pound my legs... and the other one to also massage my feet and pound my legs.’

"Dad."

"Master Guo and the others are here."

Mr. Du had just finished a discussion with two of his subordinate Generals and was waiting at the entrance to the Central Courtyard. The moment Du Juan saw him, she immediately ran over.

Mr. Du nodded slightly and took the initiative to walk toward Guo Wei. Smiling, he cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Master Guo, you’ve come from afar. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."

"I am but a commoner, how could I dare trouble you, Mr. Du? To be granted an audience with you today is the fortune of three lifetimes."

Guo Wei hurried forward to greet him. Of course, calling himself a "commoner" was just Guo Wei being modest.

He was the top candidate from Jin City and had placed second in the Provincial Martial Arts Examination. Although he had been wrongly accused and suffered an injustice, his name had been cleared, and he held the title of a Martial Arts Scholar.

However, Guo Xiaotian had taught the Day and Night Breathing Technique to Xie Xiaohuan, and Xie Xiaohuan had betrayed the country for personal glory. Guo Wei was wracked with guilt over this and didn’t dare call himself a Martial Arts Scholar.

Because of this, some people mockingly called him a "half-Martial Arts Scholar."

Now, facing a member of the Royal Family and Relatives like Mr. Du, Guo Wei was even more cautious.

"News of your deeds reached Yunchuan City a few days ago. It is Du Mansion that is fortunate for three lifetimes to host a guest such as yourself."

Mr. Du did not dare to underestimate Guo Wei.

Both Guo Wei’s own strength and the disciples he had trained were enough to make Mr. Du look upon him with high regard.

"I am ashamed."

Guo Wei flushed with shame.

"One day, Master Guo, you will be able to capture Xie Xiaohuan and successfully rescue your son."

Mr. Du understood that Guo Wei was embarrassed because he hadn’t been able to capture Xie Xiaohuan.

"I nearly ruined an important matter for the Court."

Guo Wei said, filled with shame.

"Let’s not speak of the past. Master Guo, you’ve come from so far. You must stay in Yunchuan City for a few days."

Mr. Du quickly changed the subject.

"Then I shall humbly accept."

Guo Wei nodded, then called over to Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu, "Lin Guang, Hei Hu, come quickly and pay your respects to Mr. Du."

"Yes!"

Chu Lingguang and Hei Hu had been waiting for some time.

Hearing the command, they immediately stepped forward and knelt before Mr. Du. "I am Hei Hu, and I am Chu Lingguang! We pay our respects to Mr. Du!"

Their master had given the order to pay their respects, and they did not dare to disobey.

In Chu Lingguang’s heart, he owed Mr. Du a great debt. If Mr. Du hadn’t given him the spot, he would never have been able to go to the Trial Ground to train, let alone have his cultivation increase so dramatically, achieve Great Success in his Mental Realm, and even obtain a bottle of Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid.

This act of kneeling was both a matter of decorum and a gesture of respect Chu Lingguang felt he owed.

As for Hei Hu, his thoughts were much simpler. ’Mr. Du is a member of the Royal Family and Relatives! A backer this powerful is a rare find. If I don’t latch on now, when will I get another chance?’

"Hahaha, both first-class Martial Arts geniuses! Get up, quickly!"

Mr. Du hurriedly pulled the two of them to their feet.

Mr. Du was very impressed with Chu Lingguang. The young man had accepted one of his Favors, entered the Trial Ground, and become the top candidate. He had also helped Du Wushuang cut down the Dragon Claw Tree, which led to a great improvement in his own Mental Realm. Chu Lingguang was loyal and principled, qualities Mr. Du deeply admired.

However, he didn’t neglect Hei Hu either. In front of everyone, he praised Hei Hu generously. Hei Hu was flattered beyond belief. Seeing Du Wushuang standing to the side and remembering the relationship between Du Wushuang and Mr. Du, his eyes lit up.

But just as the words were about to leave his mouth, a sharp glance from Guo Wei made Hei Hu shrink his neck and quickly step aside. ’There’s plenty of time later,’ he thought to himself. ’No need to rush.’

The trio of master and disciples were treated as honored guests by Mr. Du and received his warm hospitality.

The various precious ingredients were a revelation to the trio. Even the tea they drank was a special medicinal tea. Drinking it year-round could not only increase one’s Qi Blood but also did so without side effects, so there was no need to worry about blocked meridians preventing future breakthroughs in cultivation.

That evening, everyone gathered in the rear courtyard to admire the moon. When Mr. Du learned of the agreement between Yan Zhen and Chu Lingguang, he praised him sincerely, "As expected of Wei Yongguang’s disciple! Such magnanimity and spirit would put any hero to shame. Chu Lingguang, are you confident you can make it to Yan Zhen?"

"To be honest with you, Mr. Du, during our journey here, I kept asking my master and Brother Zhuo about the strength of the top three candidates from each region in past Provincial Martial Arts Examinations. Based on my own judgment, I might be able to make it into the top ten of the examination, but as for reaching Brother Yan... I have no confidence."

Although he would give it his all and do his utmost to raise his cultivation, the Provincial Examination was a gathering of immense talent. Even after taking the Bone Marrow Cleansing Liquid, Chu Lingguang had no absolute certainty.

He could pump himself up with false confidence, but he couldn’t deceive Mr. Du.