Film & TV: Public Enemy of Justice

"Father, since Second Brother speaks so highly of his brothers, and even claims to have a powerful figure in the martial arts world, and I happen to have a group of friends in the martial arts world as well, why don't we let them spar and broaden our horizons?" Guang said.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Stopping at the Point

Meng Xuanlang glanced at Meng Xuancong with some surprise. He had thought that Meng Xuancong would tell his father and mother about their meeting yesterday, but today, his father and mother seemed to have just found out. Meng Xuancong himself had been waiting for him outside the main hall all along, but now he was saying that he wanted to spar with his elder brother. After so many years apart, he found that he couldn't quite understand his younger brother anymore!

“Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? Brother Lin is not some kind of gangster boss! His current status in cultivation is no lower than that of Venerable Changliu!” Meng Xuanlang also explained, hoping that his brother could see the error of his ways.

"Brother, I also want to broaden my horizons. After all, I have never met Venerable Changliu and do not understand the benefits of cultivation. Now that I have the opportunity, I hope that Father and Mother will be so kind as to let their youngest son see it too!"

"This..." Meng Xuanlang's father was also somewhat hesitant to presume, after all, when he was in his prime, he had met the Immortal Demon Yan of Changliu, which instilled in him a deep awe of cultivation.

"Since the Third Prince wants to see what he's got, Brother Shuofeng, why don't you give him a few pointers?" Dongfang said, flicking his wide sleeves, trying to smooth things over.

He knew, of course, that Lin Yaoxie would never tolerate such a troublemaking third prince. He could only turn to Shuofeng as a second choice.

Hearing him say this, Meng Xuanlang seized the opportunity, saying, "Yes, Brother Shuofeng, I would like to trouble you to demonstrate some of Changliu's techniques."

Luo Shiyi withdrew his gaze from the surroundings and resumed his demeanor as the eldest disciple of Changliu. He nodded to Shuofeng.

"Shuofeng, don't be polite with them!" Ni Mantian whispered to Shuofeng. This Third Prince had just implied that Brother Yaoxie was a roughneck from the martial world, which was really going too far!

"Very well, since that's the case, let Young Hero Shuofeng step forward! Let our generals witness his prowess!" The Emperor stroked his beard and laughed. "Cong'er, where do you have this extraordinary story to tell?"

"Your subject is also fortunate to have met a recluse named Li You." Meng Xuancong looked at Shuofeng, seemingly more confident now! "This man is proficient in divination and possesses some magical abilities. He should be able to exchange a few blows with Young Hero Shuofeng. However, I hope that if there is an opportunity, Young Hero Lin will also be generous in offering his guidance."

Lin Yaoxie's lips curled into a cold smile. The Third Prince's demeanor today was truly different from yesterday's. Moreover, this aggressive attitude wasn't directed at him, but rather at his still-honest and obedient second brother.

"Of course," Lin Yaoxie said, without specifying whether he would offer guidance or not.

"Within the imperial palace, I hope the two heroes will stop here!" an elderly eunuch instructed.

"Hmm..." Shuofeng nodded, without saying anything more.

"Father-in-law, swords have no eyes. If there are any minor bumps or scrapes between the martial artists, I hope you can be understanding." This Li You looked old, no longer young, but exuded a sinister and difficult aura. His words drew a lot of eye rolls from the crowd.

"Eleventh Senior Brother, is Shuofeng in danger? This person doesn't seem like a good person," Qingshui said with some concern.

"Don't be afraid, Shuofeng's swordsmanship is quite famous in Changliu. Ordinary people can't hurt him!" Luo Shiyi had a lot of confidence in Shuofeng! Actually, he himself wasn't very talented in cultivation, and preferred bizarre and fantastical things. But Shuofeng was different. He was aloof and taciturn, and his only hobby was the longsword in his hand. Because of this, his swordsmanship and sword moves were outstanding.

"What are you worried about? Even if we lose, we still have Brother Yaoxie!" Ni Mantian said nonchalantly. For him, Lin Yaoxie was now his strongest backer!

"Please!" Shuofeng bowed.

Li You smiled dismissively, did not return the greeting, but instead drew his sword and charged forward aggressively!

"He's harboring murderous intent!" Meng Xuanlang was also shocked; by then it was too late to call a halt.

Meng Xuancong, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, as if everything was under his control.

Dongfang patted Meng Xuanlang calmly, "Don't worry, Shuofeng can handle it."

Meng Xuanlang was still a little uneasy and subconsciously looked at Lin Yaoxie. He saw that Lin Yaoxie did not react at all, with his hands behind his back, and occasionally talking to Hua Qiangu.

Shuofeng watched as Li You wielded the knife with considerable skill, but unfortunately, his strong ambition led him to reveal his fear from the very beginning!

Actually, it's quite obvious that the Third Prince wants to find Meng Xuanlang, to put down the Second Prince who hasn't returned for a long time, and to emphasize his own importance over the years.

Therefore, he immediately ordered Li You to use a decisive move to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and suppress Meng Xuanlang's momentum!

Unfortunately, although this person possessed some skill and had likely trained for some time, his fighting style was a hodgepodge of various schools, resulting in a disorganized and ineffective style.

All show and no substance!

"The moves look good but are useless!"

"Now you can rest assured!"

"Brother Demon, I don't understand."

Hua Qiangu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, as no one had seen through Li You's scheme amidst the back-and-forth swordplay.

"Haha," Lin Yaoxie said, looking at Hua Qiangu's somewhat anxious expression, "This Li You is all show and no substance. His blade may contain killing intent, but its power is lacking. Remember when he charged at Shuofeng at the beginning? Wasn't he also full of momentum? But he was easily dodged by Shuofeng's flick. So, in cultivation, you must lay a solid foundation and not rush things!"

Hua Qiangu nodded thoughtfully. When her brother Yao Xie taught her martial arts in the future, she would definitely pay close attention and study hard!

"Full of energy!" After Lin Yaoxie finished speaking, he turned to Ni Mantian and said, "When you taught those spoiled brats a lesson last time, it was because your basic skills were solid that you gradually gained the upper hand."

"Wind, when it comes to actual combat, your experience is far inferior to his!"

Ni Mantian nodded in agreement. At the time, she only wanted to defeat him, but today's duel between Shuofeng and Li You had enlightened her. Basic punches and kicks are the foundation of all martial arts skills. If you have a solid foundation, no matter how strong your opponent is, as long as you have a chance to turn the tables, you have a good chance of winning!

"Ah!" Li You fell to the ground with a thud.

Shuofeng sheathed his longsword, bowed to His Majesty the Emperor, and stood back behind Lin Yaoxie.

The Third Prince's face instantly turned ugly. Meng Xuanlang, being rather simple-minded, still didn't understand his younger brother's thoughts. He patted his brother's shoulder and said, "Haha, how about it? Have you seen the techniques of our Changliu disciples?!"

The Third Prince forced a wry smile. "Hmm, indeed impressive. Young Hero Shuofeng truly lives up to his reputation. I imagine Young Hero Lin will surely rise to the summit and survey all below!"

"Of course! Young Hero Lin must be an extraordinary person!" The Emperor stroked his beard and laughed. "It seems that Lang'er has made many friends among capable and righteous people these past few years. I am truly gratified."

Chapter Thirty: Unsettled Storms

"Lang'er, it's rare for you to come back. Spend some time talking with me," the Empress said kindly to Meng Xuanlang, sitting on her throne.

"Your Majesty, shall we have Lang'er and the others stay in the palace for dinner tonight?" the Empress asked the Emperor.

"Of course! These are all immortals from Changliu. Since they have come here, we should extend some hospitality to them."

"Boss, is it okay?" Meng Xuanlang secretly asked Lin Yaoxie, he dared not make the decision for his boss.

"I cannot refuse Your Majesty's kind invitation, and I apologize for causing you trouble!" Lin Yaoxie replied.

Meng Xuanlang breathed a sigh of relief; he was genuinely afraid that Lin Yaoxie would disrespect his father.

"Your Majesty, I would like to take my leave first and make some desserts with Lang'er and his fellow apprentices!" The Empress Dowager said to the Emperor as she rose.

"It's rare for the Empress to be so thoughtful!" The Emperor nodded. "Lang'er, you go with your mother. I still have some official documents to review. Let's talk again at dinner!"

"Thank you, Father Emperor and Mother Empress!" Meng Xuanlang performed a full kowtow and led his entourage to the Imperial Garden.

"Lang'er, I see that your fellow disciples are all visiting the palace for the first time. I'll have Cong'er show them around. You think you're worthy to speak to me?" With that, she slapped his hand twice.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand! Thank you for your help, younger brother!" Meng Xuanlang felt that his mother had something to say to him.

"And Young Hero Lin, I would like to know how Lang'er is doing in Changliu. I hope you can stay and chat with the old lady for a while." Seeing that Meng Xuanlang had agreed, the Empress did not look at Luo Shiyi, but directly asked Lin Yaoxie.

Lin Yao nodded with a wicked smile. The Empress had sent everyone else away but kept only me. Something was definitely amiss. It seemed to be something unknown.

"Cong'er, I'll keep your brother here for a while. You go and entertain the immortals of Changliu for him. Make sure you show them all the wonders of our palace!"

Meng Xuancong's expression was not good. He glanced at Meng Mengxuanlang with a hint of resentment, but when he looked up, he had already regained his composure.

"Rest assured, Mother, I will show everyone all the wonders of the palace, and I will ensure my brother is well taken care of and comfortable. You and my brother haven't seen each other for many years, and I'm sure you have a lot to talk about."

"Then I'll take you immortals sightseeing first."

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress, and thank you, Your Highness the Third Prince." Luo Shiyi bowed and took his leave.

"Mother, what's wrong? Is there something you want to say?" Meng Xuanlang asked in a low voice as he sat beside the Empress.

Lin Yaoxie sat a little further away from the pavilion, deliberately keeping a distance so as not to disturb the mother and son's conversation, and even less to hear the same content.

"Lang'er!" The Empress's voice was no longer as clear as before, but somewhat hoarse. "Lang'er, you've finally returned!"

"What's wrong, Mother? Has something happened?"

"Ugh!"

"Mother, please tell me, what happened? What's wrong? Is Grandpa unwell?"

Lang'er, do you still remember your eldest brother's passing?

"Of course I remember! Otherwise, my father and mother wouldn't have sent me all the way to study arts."

“I only have you two children. Your elder brother didn’t have the good fortune to ascend to the Western Paradise. At that time, you were all I had. I thought that as long as you were safe, I would be fine with anything, so I sent you to Changliu.”

"Yes! Your subject remembers everything."

"Ever since you went to Changliu, I have been thinking of you day and night. His Majesty took pity on me and sent Consort Yu's little prince to keep me company."

Meng Xuanlang nodded. He had already received a letter from his mother, and she had already told him about it. Why was she saying it again today?

“Cong’er is clever and lively, and he is very much liked by your father and me. He is also growing up.”

Meng Xuanlang suddenly laughed heartily: "Mother, I understand what you want to say! It's alright, I have no interest in fame, fortune, power, or status. I am cultivating myself in Changliu and am now a free man. I will definitely not come back to compete with my brother for anything!"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Let me finish!" The Empress was both amused and exasperated by his words.

Lin Yaoxie, standing to the side, could hardly contain his laughter. It was obvious that his younger brother was unwilling to accept this situation, rather than what his father and mother wanted to give him. This Meng Xuanlang was truly lacking in intelligence. If he became emperor, the common people would surely be ruined by him!

“In recent years, your father’s health has been poor, and his physical strength and energy have been declining.”

Meng Xuanlang's expression darkened. He knew all too well that if he left, his father and mother would be left without care, and their health would suffer even more as they aged. "It is my fault. I should not have left my parents so far away and been unable to serve them."

"After your father got old, court officials kept petitioning to establish a crown prince as soon as possible. It was at this time that the people your father and I sent to look for you disappeared without a trace, and we never received any more correspondence with Changliu. If you hadn't suddenly returned this time, we would have gone about a year without any news from you."

"What?!" Meng Xuanlang exclaimed in surprise. "I write a long letter to my father and mother every now and then, and I haven't received one for a whole year!"

"Yes. Indeed, your father thought you might be too busy with your training to pay attention. But you know your own son well; you're not the kind of child who leaves without explanation. So, I secretly investigated." The Empress's voice gradually lowered, "but I never imagined that all of this was the work of Cong'er's retainers."

The younger brother's retainer?!

“I sent someone to secretly arrest him and torture him severely, but he still didn’t reveal who ordered the 200. However, Cong’er would intentionally or unintentionally ask me if I knew the person’s whereabouts. As these small things happened more and more frequently, I naturally became suspicious. My suspicions about Cong’er grew deeper and deeper.”

"It's also possible that my younger brother was deceived by him! Mother, please don't wrong an innocent person!" Meng Xuanlang had been away from the court for too long, and in his heart, he had long forgotten the intrigues and power struggles in the palace, the regicides and intrigues between fathers and sons, and between brothers.

"Lang'er, I only want to ask you one question today: Now that you've finally returned, are you going to leave again?!" the Empress said earnestly. "If you leave again, your father's health may not be able to hold out until then."

Meng Xuanlang was somewhat at a loss. This decision was too heavy, and he didn't know what to do for the time being.

He was in a state of turmoil. On one hand, he couldn't believe his brother was like that; they had always been like loving and respectful brothers. On the other hand, he also believed that his mother would never lie to him. He turned to Lin Yaoxie, "Elder brother, what should I do?"

"Her Majesty the Empress asked me to come along. I wonder if she needs a guarantee from me?" Although Lin Yaoxie had his back to them, he seemed to see Meng Xuanlang's pleading eyes.

"Young Master Lin is exceptionally wise."

"Whether Xuanlang stays or comes with me, I will do my best to help him as long as I'm here."

Chapter Thirty-One: Who Said to Say Goodbye?

"Brother Demon, isn't Meng Xuanlang coming with us?" After a hearty meal, the group boarded a luxurious carriage. The interior of the carriage was also covered with elegant silk.

Hua Qiangu nestled close to Lin Yaoxie and asked softly, "Perhaps."

Everyone has their own ambitions. One path leads to becoming an emperor, while the other leads to continuing to drift through life's storms. Only a fool would choose the second path!

However, Lin Yaoxie was still somewhat worried about Meng Xuanlang's situation. After all, he had been away from the capital for a long time, and the situation was constantly changing. Given his current condition, he was definitely not capable of fighting against his younger brother. However, there was no use in worrying. Fate had its own arrangements.