Chapter 395: Side Story 15: Reply ASAP

“How is Xuan Xuan?” As soon as Ye Xuan was wheeled out, Tan Yongsi followed the group of people who were gathered.

Meng Yunzhao took off her mask, her voice low as she spoke, “Her life is no longer in danger, but because of the craniotomy, she’ll need to be in intensive care overnight for observation.”

“That’s good.” Tan Yongsi finally felt the weight in her heart lift, her tense body finally relaxing as she let out a sigh.

Once she started to relax, she began to think about the car accident.

After Ye Xuan had been transferred to the intensive care unit, the three of them stood outside. “What’s the matter? How did Xuan Xuan become like this?”

Xiao Yichen shook her head before sighing. “I only saw the after when I came out of the shop.”

“I’ll make sure to check this thoroughly.” Tan Yongsi lowered her eyes.

At this moment, a group of police came into the ward. “Who is the victim’s family?”

Xiao Yichen and Meng Yunzhao came forward, walking to the side of the police. The police proceeded to inform them of the investigation results, and that it had been ruled as an accident, and for them to settle the matter out of court.

Tan Yongsi didn’t follow them over, standing at the entrance of the ward. She watched the police officers talking to her friends, with her eyes lowered.

An accident? Meng Yunzhao and the others couldn’t see the cold sneer on her face.

“This was not an accident.” A deep, low voice suddenly spoke near her ears. Tan Yongsi raised her head, seeing a cold face when she did.

Jiang Yirui wasn’t looking at her, but he continued to speak in a low tone casually, “But the matter was done quite discreetly, and it’s hard to find evidence.”

“How do you know?” Tan Yongsi looked at Jiang Yirui, questions in her eyes.

“I saw the scene of the incident. From the extent of damage of the railings, the car had accelerated when they were about to hit her. The purpose is to completely kill the person they were ramming into.” Jiang Yirui thought about it a little more. “There’s something wrong with these police officers, and the person behind this must be in a place of high power. Ordinary people would not dare to go against them. Who did your dorm mate offend?”

“Those people were going to hit me.” Tan Yongsi replied faintly. “But Xuan Xuan was wearing my coat, so it was a mistake on their part.”

She uttered those words so softly that neither Xiao Yichen nor Meng Yunzhao heard it, but Jiang Yirui heard it loud and clear. His head snapped up, looking at the unchanging expression on the other’s face.

Jiang Yirui’s face was the one that darkened instead, and the two continued standing in silence.

“Young Master Rui?” XIao Yichen and Meng Yunzhao had finished their talk with the police officers, and when they came back, Xiao Yichen caught sight of Jiang Yirui. She stuttered, “W-Why… Why are you still here, might I ask?”

“Is there a reason I can’t be here?” Jiang Yirui glanced at her, the air pressure around him dropping a few degrees, making Xiao Yichen tremble involuntarily.

“No, of course not.” Xiao Yichen replied quickly.

Jiang Yirui nodded his head, then turned to Tan Yongsi. “We’ll have to talk about this matter more.”

Tan Yongsi looked at Jiang Yirui, and she knew that with her limited power, there was no way she would be able to find any evidence in a short amount of time. The longer time passed, the easier it was to destroy any evidence that remained. She didn’t know Jiang Yirui’s true identity, but she knew that he definitely wasn’t someone of low status. “Wait till Xuan Xuan wakes up.”

Jiang Yirui didn’t say anything in response, and another voice came from somewhere near them. “Young Master Rui.”

Looking up, they found that it was Wang Qiming. Jiang Yirui didn’t linger any longer at that. “Then, I’ll take my leave first. Contact me if anything happens.”

Wang Qiming stood at the elevator door without moving any closer, and Jiang Yirui walked towards him.

As the both of them left, Meng Yunzhao stared at Jiang Yirui’s retreating back. She didn’t know who he was, but she definitely recognized Wang Qiming, who was the nation’s sweetheart. Her tone was thoughtful when she next spoke, “Yichen, who in the world is this Young Master Rui?”

 Xiao Yichen took a deep breath, and seeing that there were no other people in the corridor, she said in a low voice, “He’s the hottest rookie in the ancient martial arts world right now. To be honest, this person’s whereabouts is always uncertain. I’ve only seen him myself a handful of times. That’s right, Sisi, how did you get to know Young Master Rui? And you both seem quite familiar with each other too.” Xiao Yichen turned to look at Tan Yongsi at this, her eyes lighting up.

“The ancient martial arts world?” Meng Yunzhao was surprised as she turned around, glancing at the spot where Jiang Yirui had disappeared from. “No wonder even the nation’s sweetheart, Wang Qiming showed him such respect.”

“Wang Qiming?” Xiao Yichen shook her head. “In the ancient martial arts world, Wang Qiming is basically unranked, while Young Master Rui’s position in the ancient martial arts world is just exactly like Wang Qiming’s position in the secular world. Saying it like this, do you guys get it?”

The moment she said that, not only Meng Yunzhao, even Tan Yongsi was in a state of disbelief.

Wang Qiming’s position in the secular world was like an ancient crown prince. Not only the secular world, but even most of the people in the ancient martial arts world also didn’t dare to mess with him. If Jiang Yirui was in the same position as Wang Qiming in the secular world in the ancient martial arts world, what kind of existence was that?

***

Outside the hospital, Wang Qiming was looking at Jiang Yirui, handing him a pile of documents. “Isn’t it faster if you asked Jiji to search for this information?”

“Jiji isn’t with me.” Jiang Yirui flipped through the documents, then said, “Thanks.”

“It’s a small matter.” Wang Qiming waved his hand dismissively. “Hasn’t Jiji been at your side recently?”

“It turned tailcoats today.” Jiang Yirui was done reading through the information in just a few seconds.

Wang Qiming was about to ask where Jiji had gone, but then he recalled the news from the ancient martial arts world recently, and he froze. “Young Master Rui, tell me honestly, has she really returned?”

Jiang Yirui naturally knew who Wang Qiming was talking about, and he could only reply kindly, “That’s right, I’ve already seen her. If you had arrived just a bit earlier, you might have also seen her.”

It took Wang Qiming three minutes to react, and his shouts could be heard in the heavens.

Everyone passing by the area saw the scene happen in front of them. The nation’s sweetheart, who many yearned for and respected on usual days, was hitting himself on the nearby streetlight pole over and over.

“Oh right, that person you asked me to check.” After beating himself up satisfactorily, Wang Qiming seems to remember something. “There are hints of the Wen family’s involvement in this incident, but they were too discreet and cautious, and I couldn’t get my hands on any solid evidence. The Wen family also seemed to have gotten some connections in the power world, so it’s not really a good time to make any moves against them at this time.”

Jiang Yirui frowned at the news. “Keep a close eye on the Wen family.”

Wang Qiming shot him a surprised look at the instruction, but nodded all the same.

***

At the same time, in the Wen family residence, Wen Qing had broken a cup in anger, throwing it down on the ground after she hung up the phone. “Trash! All of them are useless trash!”

“Why are you so angry?” Madam Wen put down the cup in her hands, smiling as she asked.

Wen Qing slowly calmed herself, taking deep breaths before shaking her head.

Papa Wen came down at this time, followed by Papa Yan and Yan Han.

Wen Qing immediately stood up, greeting them.

Papa Wen and Yan nodded their heads in response, then they sat down on the sofa. Papa Yan’s phone rang just as they sat down, and he pulled it out, surprise flashing on his face when he saw what was on the screen.

“What’s wrong?” Papa Wen asked, looking at him.

Papa Yan’s fingers were trembling as he handed his phone over. His voice was tight when he spoke, “What’s going on? Why have these big shots started moving suddenly? Also, why has the general selection in the ancient martial arts world been brought forward?”

To put it bluntly, the general selections of the ancient martial arts world was purely just to select talents. If anyone was lucky enough to catch the eyes of the big families in the ancient martial arts world, then this person, including their family, would basically rocket into the sky.

There were at least a dozen days left before this year’s general selection, but it had been brought forward by ten days.

It was something that was unprecedented.

Papa Wen took the phone and saw the news. Everyone in the Imperial Capital that had status and power had all gathered outside the door of the meeting room, and as soon as the news was announced, there was a shocking wave that crashed through, and even the ordinary people could feel the sharp change in the atmosphere.

“We’re all a family here, so I won’t hide it from any of you.” Papa Wen glanced at his wife, his voice low as he continued, “I’m guessing that person has returned.”

“What?!” Papa Yan was startled when the other man said that. “Are you serious?”

Papa Wen nodded his head. “Majority of the people don’t know it yet, but all those foreigners from various countries’ power worlds are currently in the capital. They’ve been staying in accommodations that we’ve provided, and they’ve been here for quite a few days. Who do you think would make them wait like this, and without any complaints from them? There was also a statement issued by the medical field that has sent shockwaves through the entire field. The younger generation may not know it, but how can the older generation not? You should be well aware of that person’s position in the secular world back then, and to be able to make such a big commotion in the entire medical world, I don’t know anyone else other than that person who can do it.”

Those people from the power world were all those who stood at the peak of the world. To have them so well behaved, there really was only one person who could do it.

And there was also the statement in the medical world. All of these had been covered up, and there were only a handful of people who were able to do so.

“Now, the general selections in the ancient martial arts world is going to begin. There will be several big families from the community present. Yan Han, Qing Qing, you both have to work hard and participate in the election. Even if you don’t get chosen, you have to leave a good impression. This is very important to the future development of our family!” Papa Wen instructed.

Yan Han and Wen Qing knew just how serious this matter was, and they nodded with a solemn look on their faces.

“The general selection of the ancient martial arts world has remained the same over the years, but there will definitely be changes this year. It must have something to do with that person, or it’s possible that that person is intending to accept disciples.” Papa Wen’s voice went even lower, and everyone had to strain to listen to his words. “Look at the Wang family, they used to be of some small, unknown origin, and now they’ve become a first-tier family because Wang Qiming had been accepted as a disciple by someone in the ancient martial arts world. If anyone is lucky enough to catch the eye of that person, then… then…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence, but everyone could piece together what he was trying to say.

Everyone present had a thoughtful look on their faces, while Yan Han and Wen Qing’s faces were full of excitement, clearly anticipating the event in three days. This would be their once in a lifetime chance to rewrite their destiny.

***

In the ancient martial arts world, Gu Xiqiao stood in front of the door to Peace Manor with various emotions running across her face.

It had been twenty years.

A middle-aged man was passing by Peace Manor during this time, and he looked towards the manor with admiration on his face, as was his daily routine. Peace Manor was the guardian of their ancient martial arts world, and no one would ever forget the hundred Peacekeepers in the Peace Squad. Every one of the Peacekeepers had now surpassed the 100th floor in the Trial Tower. Yao Jiamu, Wu Hongwen, Xiao Yun, Baili Wen… and of course, the person they had all strived to reach—Miss Gu.

All of these people were like legends in their eyes.

It had been silent for twenty years, and when they reappeared, they were stronger than ever, making people look up at them still in admiration and worship.

This man was no exception to that. He had a mission tomorrow, and had come to Peace Manor to calm his mind. But today, he found that there were two figures standing in front of Peace Manor, and his entire person froze when he clearly saw who it was!

The recordings of these two people were still kept in the Trial Tower of the ancient martial arts world. Even though he couldn’t see their front, he was still able to recognize who it was. It was Miss Gu! And Young Master Jiang!

While he was rooted to the spot, the two had entered Peace Manor.

The man stood outside the gates of Peace Manor for a long time, before finally snapping out of his daze. He quickly went onto The Forum, writing a post, ‘I saw Miss Gu when I passed Peace Manor!’

***

Yao Jiamu had been invited by the great elder today to give a lesson to the newcomers of the ancient martial arts academy.

“It’s simple to be strong. Give yourself pressure, and push yourself beyond the limits.” Yao Jiamu looked at the mutated beast that was in the cage. “Is this what they prepared for you? How weak.”

As he said that, he opened the cage that was made of cold iron.

The younger generation of the ancient martial arts world stared at Yao Jiamu, their mouth downturned. Wasn’t this difficult enough?

The mutated beast in front of them was a king, it had already exceeded Xiantian level. It was a beast that the elders of the ancient martial arts world had caught in order to hone the skills of the younger generation. The last task before their graduation was to defeat it with a team of ten people.

If a single person could defeat it, then that person would be immediately accepted as a disciple by one of the elders. However, there were only a few who had managed the feat in so many years, and the numbers could be counted with one hand.

Regardless, now the only thing in their minds was how could this crazy a*s Yao Jiamu say this beast was weak?

Was he messed up in his head?

Also, did he just open the iron cage? The youngsters in the area took a step back involuntarily.

F*ck! This mutated beasts had needed the joint effort of the seven elders to catch!

But in the next second, their eyes widened, nearly popping out of their sockets. Such a big, powerful beast had actually been picked up by Yao Jiamu—with just one hand?

“That’s so…” One of the young men dragged a hand down his face, trying to form words.

Yao Jiamu carried the mutated beast in his hand, his tone flat. “When we were training back then, we were tossed into the middle of mutated beasts just like this. You guys…”

His phone chose to ring at this moment, and he picked it up while he continued to talk. The moment his eyes landed on the screen, he stopped abruptly. He looked at the device for a long time, before finally raising his head. “Sorry, that’s all for today. I need to head back to do something.”

Having said that, he disappeared instantly.

The youngsters who had been left behind didn’t even have time to react, and the great elder looked towards the mutated beast that had been killed and tossed to the ground. He couldn’t help the sigh that escaped his lips as the Peace Squad was still no less terrifying than before.

“Great Elder, was what Mr. Yao said true?” The bunch of youngsters looked at beast that had so easily been disposed of by Yao Jiamu, and felt a wave of dread shoot through them.

The great elder glanced at the youngsters, thinking to himself, they’re afraid just because of such a small thing? If Miss Gu was here, she wouldn’t even need to lift a finger before the mutated beast would have been begging for mercy at her feet, and you guys are still shocked to death by that small display? He looked at the youngsters, letting out another sigh. “What Mr. Yao said was true, and it was far more terrifying than you can imagine.”

***

In a teahouse in the ancient martial arts world, Alang was talking to some of the people from America when he suddenly caught sight of something on his phone that made him shocked. He immediately stood up and said, “Let’s talk more next time.”

Before the others could reply, he left like a gust of wind.

Cecil and Nozawa looked at each other. “What’s wrong with Alang?”

Why was he in such a hurry?

Cecily watched Alang’s retreating back, her voice hoarse all of a sudden, “I think, it’s because she’s back.”

“She? You’re talking about… Miss Gu?” Nozawa was stunned, and it took him a while to react.

“Other than her, I can’t imagine anything else that would make the Peace Manor like this.” Cecily took out her phone, showing it to Nozawa. “Look at this.”

Nozawa looked at the post in The Forum, then also stood up with a ‘bang’, leaving the place in the same hurried pace.

***

In Nine Heavens, Yu Ning was protecting the presentation from his phone onto the screen, and he was talking to a group of people about the development of a new software. Halfway through the presentation, a message suddenly flashed on the big screen.

Luo Wenlang: Miss Gu is at Peace Manor, reply ASAP.

The voice that was speaking stopped abruptly. Yu Ning was staring at the message with his mind blank. He had completely forgotten what it was that he was talking about, and after a few moments, he said in a low voice, “We’ll continue this meeting next time.”

He picked up his coat and shot out of Nine Heavens the moment he finished speaking!

The young people who were sitting in the meeting room all scratched their heads, not understanding what had happened, while the older people from the network department were looking at each other in excitement. “Miss Gu… It’s Miss Gu!”

The younger people all stared at their seniors in surprise, their curiosity about this ‘Miss Gu’ already peaking at their reactions.

***

At Peace Manor.

Xiao Yun and the others rushed over, pushing open the door the moment they reached without waiting. The figure standing in the training ground turned their head at the same time, their body standing against the light, and their face was unclear due to the shadows cast on their front. Their silhouette was slender and there was a smile on their face when they could finally see it. She chuckled softly. “I’m back.”