6. Baili Yue’s Opportunity
Next, the court officials took their seats.
After everyone had arrived, the banquet began.
As usual, Baili Yue opened with a speech.
He thanked all the guests present, including the Pear Blossom Blood Orchid Palace, the Returning Heaven Sect, Tianyin Sect, the Sword Alliance representatives (he didn’t hide their identities), and all the officials and royal relatives.
After his speech, a series of song and dance performances began.
The graceful dancers and melodious music seemed to be intended to make everyone forget their true purpose for being here, to immerse them in a joyous atmosphere.
However, Gong Yiling, not being the center of attention, was able to observe her surroundings.
Especially Baili Yue’s every move.
On the surface, everything seemed normal, as it should be at a grand banquet.
But she saw him repeatedly whispering to a nearby eunuch, who then relayed the message to the old men at the long table and the guards at the door.
Then, the guards would hurry away, never to be seen again.
These small actions were hard to notice, but it was clear that Baili Yue had a plan.
As for what that plan was…
After three rounds of drinks, an old man from the Sword Alliance suddenly spoke. “I wonder if we will have the honor of witnessing the legendary Sword Control Technique today?”
The timing was perfect, right between performances, so his voice was loud and clear. “It is the obsession of all who practice the sword.”
“Obsession?” Qin Huaiqiu raised an eyebrow. “As far as I know, the Sword Alliance has its own Eight Desolations Sword Techniques. Do you really care about a mere Sword Control Technique?”
“Young Master Qin is not aware,” the old man stroked his beard, “although we have our family’s techniques, they cannot compare to the Sword Control Technique.”
“I am old and have one foot in the grave. I don’t have the energy to go to the Returning Heaven Sect and seek guidance. I wonder if Young Master Qin can fulfill this old man’s wish.”
Qin Huaiqiu was about to refuse.
Who said he had to fight just because he wanted to?
But the old man was practically on his deathbed, just wanting to fulfill a final wish.
If he refused, it would seem as if the Returning Heaven Sect was arrogant and disrespectful.
“This is His Majesty’s birthday banquet. Are you sure you want to brandish swords, Elder?”
“Eh.” Baili Yue, hearing this, immediately waved his hand. “Go, go. Your duel will add to the excitement of my banquet. What’s not to like?”
“However, it’s a bit cramped in here. Perhaps you two could move outside?”
“Indeed.”
“I don’t mind.”
With that, the old man gestured to Qin Huaiqiu. “Young Master Qin, please?”
“Please.”
However, although it was for “entertainment,” Baili Yue didn’t let everyone go outside to watch.
He just had the doors opened, saying that swords had no eyes, and that they could just watch from inside.
This seemed reasonable, and no one objected, simply turning their attention to the duel outside.
Time passed. Unknowingly, the guards at the door disappeared, and a strange atmosphere filled the hall, until Jiang Chenmo suddenly spoke.
“Young Palace Master Gong, didn’t you use the Sword Control Technique at the city gate?”
The woman in black paused, glanced at Gong Yiling, then replied, “So what if I did?”
“The Sword Control Technique is said to require a corresponding inner cultivation method, but Miss Gong doesn’t seem to be bound by this.” Jiang Chenmo said, “Could it be that you have a special method?”
“Even if I do, why should I tell you?” The woman in black sneered. “Have you heard too many rumors? Do you think I trained a group of people to slaughter those noble families?”
“I never believe in rumors. I just think this is a bit too coincidental.” Jiang Chenmo stood up and said calmly, “I’m not trying to disrespect His Majesty, but Tianyin Daoist Mountain came here for this matter. If the Young Palace Master is willing to prove her innocence, then please come with me and explain the two accusations against you.”
“Do we have to do this at the banquet?”
“I’m worried you’ll disappear afterward, just like you did at the city gate.”
The woman in black, hearing this, stood up and walked out of the hall with him.
Of course, before she left, Gong Yiling discreetly slipped something into her hand and whispered, “Be careful.”
“I know.”
Their brief exchange was over in an instant.
To others, it seemed as if nothing had happened, only that this “Gong Yiling” had accepted Jiang Chenmo’s challenge and calmly left with him.
After they left, Baili Yue smoothed things over.
“Young heroes are hot-blooded and concerned about the people. I don’t know what to do about this, haha.”
“But I believe Young Palace Master Gong is not that kind of person.” Baili Yue raised his glass. “Everyone present, you’ve all helped investigate this matter. I believe we’ll have a result soon. A toast to you all!”
Just then, a wave of sword qi swept in from outside, knocking the wine glass from his hand.
“Clang—” The bronze cup clattered to the floor, the sound crisp and clear.
And at that sound, Gong Yiling’s eyes sharpened.
A cold, murderous aura suddenly filled the hall.
The next moment, a barrage of arrows flew in from the windows, their target the officials seated at the far end.
The first volley was a complete surprise, killing many of the officials seated at the outer edges. By the time the others reacted, they were in a state of panic.
“Enemy! Enemy attack!”
“Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty!”
The eunuchs’ cries added to the chaos, and the outer doors were suddenly closed.
And so, they were all trapped.
Baili Yue, feigning terror, stood up and drew the sword hidden beneath his chair, looking around with a vigilant expression.
It was as if he were the one being attacked.
