Chapter 61: Chapter 61 Martial Arts Tournament 2
Translator: 549690339
When Tan Xiaoyu received the invitation, she couldn’t help but hesitate.
She didn’t have much of a relationship with Shi Zhuli, but since she had been invited, it would be somewhat rude not to go.
Moreover, Shi Zhuli had said it was best if everyone went.
After discussing it with Xue An, he was indifferent; after all, there were still three days left, and if they spent all three days holed up in the hotel, it wouldn’t bother him, but the two young girls would probably not stand for it.
“Then let’s go!” Xue An said indifferently.
Since Xue An had spoken, Hua Tingting naturally had no objections!
By evening, Qingmang Town was exceptionally lively.
Martial artists are not ones for trifles, especially after a good meal and drink, disputes are even more likely to occur.
So, as Xue An and the others walked down the street, they couldn’t take a few steps without seeing a fight.
However, these people were usually just ordinary folks who knew a bit of martial arts, and not many onlookers gathered when they fought.
Xue Xiang and Xue Nian, however, were quite curious and kept looking around.
After all, there were all kinds of outfits to be seen on the streets.
There were those in Zhongshan suits twirling nunchucks, those in Japanese kimonos with hats carrying samurai swords, and even a few bare-chested burly men who, after getting drunk, brazenly wrestled in the streets.
The two young girls thought they had arrived at a circus.
Xue An always followed the two young girls with a smile, accompanying them as they looked left and right.
This only increased Shi Zhuli’s disdain, as Xue An’s behavior seemed like that of a country bumpkin who had never seen the world.
Shi Hao had already booked a private room in advance at Qingzhu Residence, the largest restaurant in Qingmang Town, and when they arrived, the group made their way to the third floor. The private room was street-facing with open windows, offering a distant view of Mount Qingmang.
The mountain breeze swept in, giving everyone a thrill and making them feel their horizons were broadened and spirits uplifted.
Naturally, the price of this private room was not cheap.
After the food was served, Shi Hao kept showering Tan Xiaoyu and Hua Tingting with attention, pointedly ignoring Xue An.
This made Tan Xiaoyu quite uncomfortable, and she occasionally glanced at Xue An.
But Xue An didn’t mind these things and continued to focus on serving food to the two young girls.
Hua Tingting, however, was more adept in handling the situation; after all, she had spent several years in society and could easily tell that Shi Hao didn’t have good intentions.
Yet she had been well-educated from a young age and thus did not let it show, responding calmly.
But Shi Hao became more and more attracted to Hua Tingting’s demeanor and conversation.
As the conversation got lively, he brought up the purpose of his visit to Qingmang Town.
Leveraging a slight drunkenness, Shi Hao said with a boastful face, “I come here for the ‘Hero Rankings’!” The Hero Rankings!
Tan Xiaoyu couldn’t help but react.
Shi Hao continued, “The martial arts convention, which happens once every four years, is indeed a great opportunity for the younger generation to make a name for themselves. I am well-prepared and am sure to break into at least the top fifty of the Hero Rankings!”
His words were bold.
However, Hua Tingting still nodded, “Then I wish you triumph in your pursuit!”
Flushed with pride, Shi Hao gulped down his drink and then deliberately looked at Xue An, “And what does this friend plan to do at the martial arts convention?”
The conversation at the table quieted down, and many eyes turned to Xue An.
Shi Zhuli’s eyes held a hint of disdain; she had carefully observed him earlier and was certain this man had never learned martial arts, for his hands were as delicate and clean as a woman’s.
Which martial artist has hands that aren’t rough and broad?
For instance, his brother’s hand had deformed due to years of practicing the martial art of powerful strikes.
This was the price that had to be paid for practicing martial arts.
Xue An then put down his chopsticks and smiled faintly, “Me? I didn’t plan on doing much, just taking the kids out for some fun.”
Upon hearing this, a trace of disdain flashed across Shi Hao’s face, and he couldn’t be bothered to look at Xue An anymore.
“Miss Hua, during tomorrow’s selection competition, I will be taking part in a match. I hope everyone can come to watch, including your friend here. You can also bring the kids to broaden their horizons!” Shi Hao said with immense pride.
Xue An nodded, smiling with an enigmatic air, “Sure, we’ll definitely come.”
Shi Hao enjoyed the meal tremendously, especially feeling that his rapport with Hua Tingting was progressing nicely, and eventually left with a hint of drunkenness.
Once back at Yue Lai Hotel, Xue An led his two daughters to sleep.
Hua Tingting returned to her room, where she lived with Tan Xiaoyu.
“Tingting sister, that Shi Hao today seemed interested in you!” Tan Xiaoyu said with a smile.
Hua Tingting frowned, disdainfully responding, “He’s just a fool! I was merely being polite, and yet he took it too far!”
“So, about tomorrow’s competition, are we going to watch it?”
Hua Tingting pondered for a moment, “Is Mr. Xue going?”
Tan Xiaoyu thought it over, “That depends on what the two little girls think. Haven’t you noticed? Mr. Xue is really a daughter slave!”
A daughter slave is a term used to describe a father who dotes on his daughter to the heavens, and it was quite apt for Xue An.
Hua Tingting also couldn’t help but smile lightly.
She was reminded of the scene at the Qin Family when she first met Xue An.
The man standing with his hands behind his back, his expression detached, had appeared in Hua Tingting’s dreams more than once.
Thus, when the trip to Qingmang came, she did not hesitate to follow.
However, she also worried for Xue An, having heard that the person coming for revenge this time was a highly esteemed figure.
Mr. Xue said it was just a trip with the kids for some fun, but could it really be that simple?
Hua Tingting fell into deep thought.
It wasn’t just her, but others including Xue Lan and Song Yi also harbored some concerns.
For example, Song Yi was now in Xue An’s room, speaking with a grave expression, “Mr. Xue, this Elder Zhi Tian is no ordinary person. Even though he has been in seclusion for thirty years and his fame isn’t prominent, I estimate that his current strength is at least within the top five of the prodigy list.”
Xue An nodded noncommittally and then said softly, “I notice that Xue Lan’s conduct seems like she is practicing martial arts?”
Song Yi was startled, then quickly bowed and said, “Mr. Xue, I am truly sorry, I originally did not intend to teach Miss Lan, but she was very stubborn and insisted on learning. Left with no choice, I could only teach her some basics.” As he spoke, cold sweat appeared on Song Yi’s forehead.
He now revered Xue An like a deity, fearful of upsetting him further over this matter.
Xue An merely nodded, “It’s fine, I’m not blaming you. Since she wants to learn, you teach her some basics then.”
“Yes!” Song Yi immediately nodded.
“It seems that you are about to break through the Zhenren Realm and step into Xiaoyao, aren’t you?”
“Yes!” Song Yi was astonished. These days he had not been neglecting his practice, steadily training hard. Just a couple of days ago, he began to vaguely feel the bottleneck.
This meant that one of his feet was already touching the threshold of Xiaoyao, but he had yet to find the way in.
He had not expected Xue An to discern this at a glance.
“In that case, I shall lend you a hand!” said Xue An, suddenly looking up, his eyes blazing with a brilliant light..