Chapter 146
Chapter 146: Deer Slaying Manor
At these words, Hu Rui An was momentarily stunned. Once he realized what was said, his aged face flushed slightly. He quickly cleared his throat and replied, “Your Highness jests. At my age, how could I still have the nerve to participate in a martial contest for marriage?”
“Even if I truly wished to marry again, I certainly wouldn’t become Shen Lian Cheng’s son-in-law.”
Hearing this, Li Mu Sheng nodded lightly, secretly relieved the other had no such ambitions. Otherwise, given Hu Rui An’s age and appearance, attempting to marry someone young and beautiful would indeed be like an old ox eating tender grass. If that happened, Li Mu Sheng wouldn’t even dare sit at the same table with him at the banquet, let alone admit acquaintance.
At this moment, Hu Rui An’s expression changed slightly, and he suggested, “But Your Highness, if you have interest, you might try your hand at the martial arena.”
“They say the Third Young Lady of Deer Slaying Manor has already become famous throughout the Great Li Martial World despite not yet reaching twenty. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but also gifted in both literature and martial arts. Countless young heroes from all across the Martial World flock to seek her favor.”
Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow and cast him a thoughtful glance, then asked meaningfully, “Lord Hu, do you truly believe I would join a martial contest to seek marriage?”
Hu Rui An paused briefly, then frowned lightly and shook his head. He assumed that Li Mu Sheng, proud of his identity as a Great Li prince, naturally wouldn’t consider a Martial World woman like the Third Young Lady of Deer Slaying Manor worthy of him.
But Li Mu Sheng’s real thoughts were different. With a face as handsome as his, did he really need to fight to attract a bride?
[If I simply stood there, wouldn’t that Third Young Lady be utterly captivated by my good looks alone?]
At this time, Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong, riding the two fine horses captured from the black-clothed men, caught up to Li Mu Sheng’s carriage and reported, “My lord, we questioned them. Those men are subordinates of the Sheng Province General, traveling to Deer Slaying Manor specifically for the martial marriage contest.”
“However, they’re only accompanying the Second Young Master of the Sheng Province General’s household. They claim blocking the road earlier was their own decision, but we suspect the Second Young Master secretly instructed them.”
Hearing this, Hu Rui An waved a hand, glancing toward Deer Slaying Manor’s steward who led ahead, and said calmly, “This is Deer Slaying Manor territory. It’s impossible they didn’t know about it. Their silence is deliberate, probably a covert way to test the suitors for their Third Young Lady.”
As he spoke, Hu Rui An appeared thoughtful. “The Sheng Province General and Sheng Province Provincial Governor essentially work together. Perhaps we could find an opening through that Second Young Master, using him as an opportunity to handle Sheng Province’s affairs.”
Hu Rui An deliberately spoke these words for Li Mu Sheng’s ears, clearly emphasizing his acceptance of the steward’s invitation to Deer Slaying Manor was part of a greater, strategic purpose.
Yet Li Mu Sheng ignored these hints completely, seemingly uninterested.
Seeing this, Hu Rui An could only hold back and say no more.
After roughly the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the steward of Deer Slaying Manor led the group to the foot of a vast estate.
A towering darksteel gate, nearly ten meters high, stood solemnly before them, cast entirely in black metal. Fierce Bi’an beast heads forged from fine iron served as the decorative nails, each beast gripping a heavy bronze ring in its tusks. Above, four grand characters were etched in gilt gold: “Deer Slaying Manor.”
Before the gate stood two imposing bronze lions, each around three meters tall, their eyes set with bright pearls, claws resting upon black jade pedestals, emanating an awe-inspiring majesty.
Beyond the gates stretched Deer Slaying Manor, enormous and sprawling—far larger than a bustling town.
When Li Mu Sheng’s party arrived, the entrance appeared somewhat deserted, with only occasional luxurious carriages or Martial World warriors entering on horseback. Yet this quietness was not unusual. After all, the black-clad men had destroyed the bridge over Giant Deer River and blocked the roads, barring those weaker warriors from even approaching.
The steward led Hemp Robed Elder, Li Mu Sheng, and their group inside the manor, quickly instructing servants to stable their horses and prepare rooms.
Then he guided Li Mu Sheng and the others deeper into Deer Slaying Manor.
Soon afterward, the sound of cheers echoed ahead. As the steward led them through a winding corridor, their view suddenly opened wide.
Beyond dense, ancient trees lay a shimmering lake. Across its surface rose a dozen graceful pavilions surrounding a large stone platform.
This stone arena, spanning nearly thirty meters, was constructed from deep blue-grey Black Tortoise rock. It stood proudly at the center, supported by nine massive bronze pillars sunk into the lakebed.
Within the lakeside pavilions were arranged tables and banquet seats, where various Martial World figures sat watching the central platform.
Right now, two young warriors wielding fine swords battled fiercely upon that platform. Sword-lights intertwined, their martial energies rippling outward, disturbing the lake waters into turbulent waves.
The competitors were youthful martial talents here for the marriage contest, and those watching were all renowned Martial World experts. Even with their considerable skill, they enthusiastically praised each impressive move.
The steward brought Li Mu Sheng’s group to a lakeside pavilion, politely inviting them to a banquet table. “Please, have some food and drink. I shall report your arrival to the Villa Master.”
He bowed respectfully and departed.
Inside the pavilion were two banquet tables. One table was already full with nine guests. The other had only two guests seated, leaving seven empty seats.
Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong hurriedly moved chairs for Li Mu Sheng and Hu Rui An to sit comfortably.
Meanwhile, the Pink Clad Girl eagerly rushed to the table, eyes sparkling at the delicious feast laid before her.
Hemp Robed Elder approached, tearing off a roasted chicken leg and handing it to the girl. She eagerly licked her lips, happily accepting and devouring the juicy meat.
The young man and woman already seated exchanged slight frowns, glancing briefly at Hemp Robed Elder, but they said nothing. Anyone invited to Deer Slaying Manor was surely no ordinary person. Besides, their elders had already warned them: elderly strangers on such occasions were best left alone. Who knew if this seemingly ordinary old man was some hidden master?
Murong Xiao Ya sat down beside Li Mu Sheng, seemingly uninterested in food. Her attention instead turned to the Pink Clad Girl, who was adorably munching on the chicken leg, her face glistening with oil. Murong Xiao Ya gently took out a handkerchief, carefully wiping the girl’s mouth.
“Thank… thank you, elder sister,” the girl said sweetly, though her mouth was stuffed full as she continued chewing.
Murong Xiao Ya’s cheeks flushed slightly, a little embarrassed.
Hu Rui An waved for Wu Shang and Cheng Zhong to sit at the table as well. Cao Gao Shan was away, assisting the manor servants with the carriage.