Young masters whose families have been enemies with Yangs wasted no time in jumping into the fight themselves.
In a matter of minutes, the entire scholars' meeting had devolved into an all-out royal rumble. Fights broke out everywhere, with cultivators showcasing their techniques and attempting to best their opponents. Prince Tian's courtyard was in shambles, and he could only stare in disbelief at the chaos that had erupted at his gathering. The once-peaceful scholars' meeting had transformed into a full-scale war between young masters, with alliances and rivalries fueling the relentless conflict.
From a safe distance, Han Cai observed the mayhem, sipping wine and enjoying the spectacle. Every now and then, a disciple from a sect or a young cultivator from a noble family would approach him, seeking to draw him into the fray.
However, the young masters of the Wang and Cui families, who served as Han Cai's bodyguards, were always quick to repel any would-be attackers. Their strength was not to be underestimated, as they planned to challenge Prince Wei and Li Shuo in the upcoming tournament. Although they were slightly weaker than those two, they still outclassed 95% of the other young cultivators present at the scholars' meet.
The scholars' meet-turned-royal-rumble eventually came to an end when the royal guard intervened, stopping the battle before it could escalate any further.
Han Cai returned to his mansion, very pleased with what he had achieved during the scholars' meeting. He was thoroughly entertained by all the scholars and cultivators who participated in the chaotic event. He had the opportunity to witness every young master moment he could imagine.
While Han Cai was feeling pleased, the atmosphere in one of the courtyards in the royal palace, where the empress's mother resided, was quite the opposite. In the courtyard, one could see the empress's mother sitting with Concubine Lan, who appeared visibly distressed.
Concubine Lan spoke with a frown, "It is confirmed; the elder from my family is dead. Somehow, even his soul disappeared."
The empress's mother glanced at a eunuch standing nearby, who then spoke up, "The Sky Soaring Sect is staying in the Marquis mansion. Only the sect master and his disciple are visiting as royal guests. The sect master spends most of his time in his room, rarely coming out. Banquets and meets are attended by his disciple."
The empress's mother asked, "Tell me about his disciple; is he as talented as they say?"
The eunuch nodded, "He is indeed young and talented. At the age of sixteen, he reached the core formation level. He is actually more talented in poetry." The eunuch then recited the poetry that Han Cai had shared during the banquet, impressing those who heard it.
Empress's mother inquired further, "Did he also participate in that brawl that happened at Prince Tian's place?"
The eunuch shook his head, "He is talented but not strong enough to face the prince and Lin family, young masters, or any other talents of the tournament. However, he was protected by the Wang and Cui family's young masters. They seem to have a close relationship; they stay around him all the time whenever he is out. It appears that the Sky Soaring Sect has paid them a hefty sum to protect him."
The eunuch continued, "Since Emperor Father will be coming out of seclusion, the sect master of Sky Soaring Sect will also be attending the banquet. Emperor Father has asked that Empress Mother should join him at the banquet."
Empress Mother smiled and looked at Concubine Lan, saying, "See, since I will be joining the banquet, I will make sure to get some answers out of them. You don't need to worry. If they are the ones behind the death of your elder, neither of them will leave the royal capital. You have my word."
Concubine Lan's eyes filled with gratitude as she bowed her head in respect. "Thank you, Empress Mother. Your support means a great deal to my family and me."
The citizens of Frost Hold eagerly anticipated the numerous activities that would take place during the upcoming tournament.
They expected to be entertained by the various events and competitions, but even before the tournament began, they were bombarded with one news story after another.
First, the news of the banquet, where all participants showcased their talents, sent the entire Frost Hold into an uproar. They were particularly excited about the talented Li family members and the prince with his spatial techniques. Then there was the famous poet of the Sky Soaring Sect, whose poetry was the talk of the town.
Before the citizens could finish discussing the banquet, a new story emerged. It was about scholars and cultivators meet arranged by Prince Tian for the young cultivators visiting Frost Hold for the tournament. What was supposed to be a scholarly gathering turned into a full-scale brawl among the younger generation.
During this event, those who shined the most were the Li family's young participants, the royal prince, and the core disciple of the Divine Wind Sect. As news of their exploits spread, fan clubs began forming for each of the participants who had distinguished themselves during the battle royale.
Thanks to the numerous witnesses, servants, and maids present at the event, no detail was hidden from the public. One way or another, everyone found out what was going on, and they discussed these juicy details with great interest.
Although Han Cai was the catalyst for the brawl, his role in the event faded into the background as the focus shifted to the more prominent participants.
As the excitement over the royal rumble had yet to subside, another piece of news emerged that sent the citizens of Frost Hold into a frenzy.
The patriarch of the royal family, the last emperor, was going to come out of seclusion. In celebration of this momentous occasion, the royal family planned to throw another grand banquet, and this time, even the general public was invited to attend.
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Gifts are always appreciated, but golden tickets and power stones matter a lot too.
If we reach 1000 power stones, I will release a supplementary chapter.
If we reach 1000 golden tickets, I will release five supplementary chapters.
Thank You
