Chapter 302: War

The main courtyard training area was only meant to accommodate a hundred people, yet over two hundred people were gathered inside at this moment.

The crowd had split into two distinct groups.

All the security personnel were armed, and the atmosphere was tense.

By the time Li Pin arrived, two Martial Saints were already engaged in combat. One of them was Wen Yusheng's eldest son, Wen Xingchen, while the other appeared to be a man in his forties.

The moment Li Pin appeared, Wen Yusheng's attention shifted from the battle to Li Pin, not even sparing his son, who was in the middle of a fierce battle, another glance. He quickly approached Li Pin. "I sincerely apologize for disturbing your rest, Martial Saint Li...."

At the same time, he glared at Wen Li, causing her to flinch in fear.

"Please rest assured, Martial Saint Li. We can handle this matter. It won't interfere with your stay or cultivation," Wen Yusheng spoke earnestly.

Li Pin glanced at the arena. "Since I'm already here, I might as well take a look."

He had assumed that the thirty-year-old Wen Xingchen would only be as strong as the Great Sun Chosen One or Cheng Yufeng, who had only recently broken through.

However, to his surprise, Wen Xingchen's strength was remarkable. He was possibly stronger than Zhao Yushi and on par with Song Wuya.

In other words, if he were to compete in the World's Top Martial Competition, he would stand a good chance of claiming the world champion title in the intermediate category.

It seemed the overall standard of Martial Saints in Great Moon was slightly higher than that of Tianyuan.

After some thought, he understood. Adversity breeds heroes. The Martial Saints of Great Moon likely faced more life-and-death struggles than their Tianyuan counterparts.

Moreover, due to poverty, the Martial Saints of Great Moon had far less access to Heavenly Treasures compared to Tianyuan. Using fewer such treasures meant their foundations were naturally more solid.

Li Pin thought to himself.

Truly deserving of the title "land of ten thousand saints."

After greeting Li Pin, Wen Yusheng, tied up with his responsibilities, had to leave, leaving Qiao Yuanshan to attend to Li Pin.

The elderly Martial Saint sighed. "My apologies, Martial Saint Li. It's a shame you had to see such a sorry display."

Li Pin smiled. "Judging by their moves, this doesn't look like a friendly spar."

Both Wen Xingchen and the middle-aged Martial Saint were using lethal techniques, aiming to kill each other.

"That's Zhao He from the Dragonfist Sect, a well-known figure across the Black Gold Plains. I never expected Cui Sheng to have enough influence to get someone like him involved."

"Cui Sheng."

Li Pin hadn't paid much attention to Molong's internal affairs, but he knew from others that Cui Sheng was the lord of the neighboring Xiangshi Territory.

As a border region, Xiangshi Territory had a population similar to Xiangye. However, it had a much larger garrison of three thousand soldiers. It was commanded by Cui Sheng. He was the maternal uncle of Wu Muxuan, the Molong Country's ruler.

Relying on his military strength and royal connections, Cui Sheng had frequently taken advantage of Xiangye.

Qiao Yuanshan smiled bitterly. "Half a month ago, he claimed his military budget was tight and asked to borrow funds from Xiangye again. But everyone knows that when Cui Sheng borrows money, it never gets returned. Over the years, he's borrowed over three million...."

Li Pin was momentarily stunned. "Over three million?"

Li Pin wasn't taken aback because the number was huge. Rather, it was.... too small.

Qiao Yuanshan seemed to catch his thoughts. "Martial Saint Li, you may not be familiar with the situation here. Last year, Molong's total fiscal revenue was only 351 million Royal Empire Gold Yuan. Of that, Xiangye contributed just 8.81 million."

Li Pin was even more surprised. "Less than ten million?"

He knew Xiangye was poor, but he hadn't realized it was to this extent.

A population of three hundred thousand, yet less than ten million in revenue!? Even if the Royal Empire Gold Yuan is worth more than the Tianyuan currency, that figure... couldn't even buy a luxurious mansion in Taibai's capital.

Qiao Yuanshan smiled bitterly. "This land has been plagued by constant warfare. Almost no one is willing to invest or do business here. Even basic infrastructure is deliberately destroyed. Over time, some lords have stopped bothering with development altogether, treating their territories like cash cows to be exploited.

"Those with skills only aim to make quick money and leave, with no intention of staying and developing their homeland.

"Lord Wen had a genuine desire to develop the territory, but his efforts were seen as proof of surplus funds, so the taxes kept increasing, from four million to eight million. Neighboring lords like Cui Sheng wrongly assume we still have surplus and would come to exploit us from time to time.

"As a result, the public welfare and infrastructure plans that Lord Wen had been promoting were forced to be abandoned. He doesn't dare take any significant actions anymore."

He glanced at Cui Sheng, whose face was cold and grim. "But even with all this, we're still unable to keep the wolves at bay."

Bang!

As Qiao Yuanshan finished speaking, a thunderous boom erupted from the martial arena.

Wen Xingchen's Aura Force exploded, striking Zhao He's chest directly.

Zhao He's chest caved in, ribs shattered, and he spewed blood as he was sent flying.

"Thank you for the match!" Wen Xingchen said in a deep voice after defeating his opponent.

"Good! Good! Good!" Cui Sheng's already cold face darkened further with anger. "Wen Yusheng, you certainly have an excellent son."

"

Hahaha

, Lord Cui, you are too kind. My son is serving under the Third Prince's command, and it seems he hasn't been slacking in his training."

Wen Yusheng chuckled. "You came to see a martial performance, and now that you've seen it, I won't keep you any longer. Please."

"Hold on!"

Cui Sheng looked at the severely injured Zhao He, still spitting blood. "He's injured. Surely, you don't think you can just walk away? You should at least cover the medical expenses."

"Medical expenses?" Wen Yusheng was taken aback, then replied, "Lord Cui, you requested this match, and now that your man lost and got injured... surely you're not unwilling to cover his medical costs? If so, you may as well leave Zhao He here. Xiangye will take care of his treatment."

"How could Xiangye's medical care compare to Xiangshi's? Besides, Wen Xingchen was clearly stronger but chose not to hold back, severely injuring him. Such behavior is disgraceful!"

"My son is just an ordinary Martial Saint. Against an opponent of equal strength, how could he afford to hold back? What's disgraceful about that?" Wen Yusheng responded calmly.

"I don't buy it. Wen Xingchen clearly intended to injure him." Cui Sheng waved dismissively. "In any case, you must pay for his medical expenses. One million, not a cent less! If not, don't blame me for being harsh!"

One million!? First it was three hundred thousand, then five hundred, and now it's a million!?

"Lord Cui, this request is unreasonable. I cannot agree. If you insist on causing trouble, don't blame me for taking this to the king and asking His Majesty to make a ruling," Wen Yusheng said firmly.

"You injured someone, so compensating for medical expenses is only right. Even if you report this to His Majesty, don't think you can deny it! I'll give you three days. In three days, I expect to see one million. If you don't deliver, I'll personally lead soldiers to collect it!"

After saying this, Cui Sheng waved his hand arrogantly and left with his people, leaving behind Wen Yusheng with a face filled with anger.

However, as the lord of the territory, and the banquet still ongoing, he knew it wasn't the time to lash out.

He quickly raised his voice, "The Black Gold Plains are no longer like they were twenty or thirty years ago. Ever since His Majesty brought this land under his rule, it has had its own laws. I will report this matter in full to His Majesty. Cui Sheng won't get away with acting so recklessly."

His words reassured some of the officials, easing their tension slightly. However, the worry on their faces lingered, and the once lively banquet quietly came to an end.

After the banquet, Qiao Yuanshan excused himself and left promptly. Li Pin also returned to his remote courtyard.

Not long after he arrived, a knock came at the door.

When he opened it, Wen Li stood there, nervously fiddling with her skirt, her face filled with guilt. "Uncle Li... I'm sorry... Earlier, besides worrying about my brother, I also selfishly hoped for your help... I won't dare do it again..."

Li Pin paused, having guessed her meaning, and shook his head. "I don't blame you. When your brother is in danger, seeking any help you can is only natural. Go now."

"Uncle Li..."

"It's fine."

Li Pin habitually reached out and gently patted her head. However, he hesitated slightly.

At eighteen and dressed almost exactly like a Tianyuan native... he was unconsciously reminded of Li Yunyao.

Wen Li tilted her head slightly, looking up at him. "Uncle?"

"Go on," he said, withdrawing his hand.

Wen Li, though unsure, obediently nodded and left. After she was gone, Li Pin cleared his mind and returned to his room.

***

Meanwhile, Wen Yusheng, who had just finished seeing off the officials, entered his study and found Wen Li inside. His expression darkened. "Kneel!"

Wen Li bit her lip and knelt down obediently.

"I've told you countless times. Your only job is to teach Martial Saint Li the Great Shang language. You are not to make any demands of him that could displease him. It seems you've treated my words as if they mean nothing..."

After his harsh words, Wen Yusheng turned to a nearby woman and said coldly, "Twenty lashes!"

"My Lord, Lili was just worried about Xingchen's safety..." One of his wives quickly stepped forward, pleading, "If she's seriously injured, who will teach Martial Saint Li the language?"

"These are two separate matters," Wen Yusheng responded coldly, casting a glance at Wen Li.

He waved his hand. "Do it."

Though the elderly maid hesitated, unable to bear it, she had no choice but to follow the lord's order.

The lashes soon fell heavily on Wen Li, who bit her lip, enduring the pain in silence.

"Look at your daughter! Does she even know what restraint and decorum are anymore? She hasn't shown the slightest sign of remorse!" Wen Yusheng scolded his wife.

She, however, could only gaze at their daughter in sorrow, her heart aching.

After a brief reprimand, Wen Yusheng turned away without watching further and headed to another room.

Inside, Qiao Yuanshan and a middle-aged man with the strength of a Martial Saint wwas already waiting. This man was Wen Yusheng's cousin, Wen Ruxiu, the captain of his six hundred guards.

"The child had good intentions. Why such a harsh punishment?" Wen Ruxiu asked.

"I know..." Wen Yusheng sighed. "But I can't risk making any mistake that could cost us our hope...."

"Even if we handle everything perfectly, he might still leave," Wen Ruxiu said, shaking his head. "But at least, from how he treated the Meng siblings, we can tell he's a man of honor. If our family ever faces disaster... he might offer us a way out."

Wen Yusheng glanced at Wen Ruxiu. "This battle seems inevitable."

"It's partly my fault," Qiao Yuanshan said, guilt weighing on him. "I was careful when selling the Astral Crystal, but when I bought those cultivation materials... spending two million all at once... it was too much, too flashy."

"No one could have predicted that the pharmacy had shares associated with the Second Prince," Wen Yusheng replied.

The Second Prince's biological mother was none other than Cui Sheng's sister.

"Besides, Cui Sheng has been pressing us harder with each passing day. He clearly intends to swallow up our Xiangye territory bit by bit. We've reached the point where we have no choice but to fight back."

"Better to land one heavy punch than endure a hundred smaller ones," Wen Ruxiu said firmly. "We have no other option."

A million... if used for the people, how many lives could be saved?

"Let's make the preparations," Wen Yusheng said, looking at Wen Ruxiu. "It's all in your hands."

"I will give everything I have. I swear to defend Xiangye to the death," Wen Ruxiu responded resolutely.