Fu Bai was burdened with family enmity; he worked hard at both martial arts and the strategies of emperors. Coupled with his exceptional talent, he quickly grasped a multitude of skills in just two years. With more practice, he could further integrate his knowledge and martial abilities. At the age of seventeen, Fu Bai set out into the martial world, and with each act of chivalry, his reputation grew steadily.
Three years later, as the martial arts conference approached, ripples surged through the martial community. A treasure map from the previous dynasty was stolen from the imperial study, and the thief was shot dead by royal guards, yet the treasure map was nowhere to be found. Rumors suggested that the thief had accomplices and that the treasure map had fallen into the martial world, likely in the hands of the martial alliance leader, Fu Qingya.
Shuai Chang remarked, “…” It was like being at home, yet a pot dropped from the sky. However, he couldn’t explain repeatedly that Fu Bai had been in the martial manor for three years without going out, and thus he could only watch as the rumors grew more exaggerated, eventually saying that the treasure map was the top prize of this martial arts tournament.
Shuai Chang made sure to remind Fu Bai in the study, “You must win the first prize.” After all, how else could he acquire a treasure map for someone else?
“Yes, Master!” Fu Bai felt his master’s trust in him and wanted to seize the opportunity to make a name for himself, practicing martial arts with even more dedication each day.
Although Feng Yunlan was only five years older than Fu Bai, he treated him with the affection due to a junior. Seeing Fu Bai work tirelessly to the point of neglecting his health, he called him over and scolded him, “You can work hard, but you mustn’t overstrain your body; it’s not worth it.”
“Master Aunt…” In front of Feng Yunlan, Fu Bai seemed like a child. “I won’t dare to do that again. Can you please not tell Master?”
Feng Yunlan, who often acted spoiled with Shuai Chang, found it amusing to be on the receiving end of such behavior for the first time, laughing, “Who taught you this?” Fu Bai was a deep young man burdened with hatred; the person who could teach him to act spoiled must be truly remarkable.
Fu Bai lowered his head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Her name is Murong Ling, she is the second miss of the Murong family and a skilled martial artist. I adventured in the martial world with her, and she’ll be coming to this martial arts tournament. I want to introduce her to you and Master.”
Feng Yunlan smiled knowingly, “It seems she is not only skilled but also quite beautiful.”
Fu Bai blushed and replied, “Not as beautiful as Master Aunt. She is very cute and lively; I really like her.”
Fu Bai lifted his head to look at Feng Yunlan, his eyes bright, as if a fire were burning within them.
“Master Aunt, I must win first place at this martial arts tournament. Will you and Master help me propose to the Murong family?”
Feng Yunlan readily agreed, “Of course. Since it is for love, I won’t disturb your efforts. Keep practicing; you will surely succeed.”
That night, Feng Yunlan lay in bed, sharing this with Shuai Chang, staring at him afterward.
Shuai Chang patted his behind and said, “Are you showing off to me? Fu Bai never talks much around me, but with you, he tells everything.”
Feng Yunlan spoke with pride, “That’s because you are too serious. Someone like me, as a master aunt, is much gentler.”
“Gentle?” Shuai Chang raised an eyebrow, “You just get tighter and tighter there; last night you almost crushed me.”
Feng Yunlan’s aphrodisiac poison had been suppressed by a love-seeking bug, turning it from an instantaneous reaction upon any man’s touch to a monthly occurrence. Even though it happened only once a month, it was particularly passionate, slick, and tight, just like a virgin.
“Husband, you are becoming more indiscreet with your words. What do you mean ‘almost crushed’? It’s obviously because you are too big and almost broke me.” As she spoke, Feng Yunlan gestured exaggeratedly to emphasize Shuai Chang’s size.
Shuai Chang rolled over and pinned Feng Yunlan beneath him, kissing his soft, fair cheek. “Let’s compare to see who is bigger and who is tighter.”
This comparison lasted the entire night; the next day, Feng Yunlan lay in bed, unable to rise, while Fu Bai came to visit, filled with concern.
Feng Yunlan looked pale, wearing her nightclothes, revealing her delicate collarbone.
“Master Aunt, are you alright? Why can’t you get up?” Fu Bai asked, worry evident in his eyes.
“…I’m fine. Master Aunt hasn’t practiced martial arts in a while. I twisted my waist accidentally while moving yesterday; I just need a couple of days to recover.” She couldn’t possibly tell her dear disciple that she was too weak to get up, could she?
Fu Bai then felt relieved and left while glancing back several times.
Fu Bai was only ten when his family was slaughtered, and he hadn’t enjoyed parental love for five years. With Shuai Chang and Feng Yunlan bestowing their affection upon him, he had long considered them parents. Therefore, hearing about Feng Yunlan’s injury caused him great distress.
After Shuai Chang finished his affairs and returned to the room, Feng Yunlan sighed, “Fu Bai is truly a good child.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He was incredibly worried when he heard I was injured and insisted on feeding me medicine. This child values affection highly; my care for him has not been in vain.”
Shuai Chang smirked and leaned closer, “Did you tell him why you were injured?”
Feng Yunlan blushed, “I said I twisted my waist while training.”
“Haha, he’s truly a treasure.”
On August 8th, the martial arts tournament began with great anticipation from the masses.
By this time, the intense summer heat had passed, and the crispness of autumn had arrived, marked by the dew of frost.
Unbeknownst to whether it was due to the rumors of the treasure map, the number of participants was double that of six years ago. Almost all martial artists aged between fifteen and thirty rushed to register.
The contest utilized a knockout format: losing one match meant immediate elimination.
The martial practice hall was filled to capacity, with competitors seated in the front three rows, while family and friends filled the back five rows.
In the first round, 852 participants battled for 426 places. On each of the ten competition platforms, there were three highly respected masters serving as judges. If a match remained undecided after one incense stick, the judges would determine who could advance.
More than 800 participants could finish matches within two days.
Participants received number plates according to their registration sequence; the first contestant battled the 852nd on Platform One, the second against the 851st on Platform Two, and so on.
Fu Bai’s name was registered by Shuai Chang as number one, directly going up against contestant 852. Fu Bai’s movements were swift and economical, with no unnecessary actions. His opponent, lacking skill, quickly retreated, ultimately conceding defeat.
Feng Yunlan cheered loudly for Fu Bai, her delicate hands clapping until her palms turned red.