In the afternoon, a strong wind swept through Yan Capital City.
The desolate autumn wind blew down the last remaining leaves from the branches, causing the temperature to drop sharply.
The already deserted streets now had even fewer people.
Every household shut their doors; the usually bustling and lively Yan Capital City had now turned desolate.
Faced with this sight, Mo Qi had many emotions.
"Another year has passed."
Saying this, he happily took a sip of tea.
The tea leaves were gifted by Shang Jingchuan, not expensive but with quite a bit of flavor.
Rao Mingyue was drenched in sweat, desperately practicing martial arts in the courtyard.
A slight lapse in attention, and Mo Qi, who was sitting in a chair sipping tea, would gently flick his fingers, causing a worn-out piano string to make him taste what it meant to be in unbearable pain and itchiness.
"Yes, practice like that. Your talent in Martial Dao is actually decent, but you’ve always been distracted by piano skills, with no attention on martial arts. That’s why you’ve been practicing a set of Fist Techniques for a month and still haven’t memorized them."
"Now that I’ve changed my method, how do you feel? Isn’t your progress quite fast?" Mo Qi smiled.
Rao Mingyue complained bitterly in his heart but didn’t dare to speak, continuing to practice quietly.
At this moment, Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian walked into the small courtyard.
Seeing Rao Mingyue engrossed in his training, Xu Niannian couldn’t help but laugh, "Mr. Mo surely knows how to handle his disciples; in just a few days, Mingyue has made great strides in martial arts."
Mo Qi chuckled, "You two busy people, how do you have time to come by?"
Since Zhao Ya left, Mo Qi was entrusted by Shang Luoluo to protect Shang Jingchuan closely, and later simply lived in the Capital Prefecture.
As the situation worsened, Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian also moved in.
Upon getting acquainted, Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian were deeply impressed by Mo Qi’s medical skills and knowledge.
Similarly, Mo Qi was amazed by their talents, thus they got along quite well.
"Nothing much today, so thought I’d pop over for a look."
Xu Niannian, not standing on ceremony, sat down straight away, poured himself a cup of tea, and then comfortably laid back on a chair.
"It’s nice and quiet here in your little courtyard."
The three sat around chatting, mostly about the current situation in Yan Capital City.
"Today, that Prince Qi, Yan Sifu, came, wanting the Shang Prefect to support him, wishful thinking," Xu Niannian said with a face full of disdain.
Regarding members of the Great Yan royal family, except for Yan Xizhao, Xu Niannian looked down on all of them.
"It’s understandable; after all, the capital’s power is divided in three, and although Yan Sifu has the support of the Great Yan royal family, his strength still falls short in comparison. However, Wei Tianlin is now at a stalemate, unable to deal with him for the time being," Mo Qi analyzed.
"Just not sure what the Washing Sword Manor intends to do, why remain inactive at this moment?" Wang Tiancheng asked.
The three fell into silence.
At that moment, a person rushed into the courtyard.
"Three heroes, the Prefect has urgent business with you."
The one reporting was none other than Chen Xiao’er, who once gathered intelligence for Zhao Ya.
After the Four Seas Gang was completely wiped out, Chen Xiao’er, known for being astute and excellent at gathering intelligence, was recruited by Shang Jingchuan into the Capital Prefecture as a government official.
During this time, his performance had been outstanding.
Hearing there was urgent business, Mo Qi, Wang Tiancheng, and Xu Niannian immediately got up and hurried to the front.
Upon meeting Shang Jingchuan, they saw his expression was very serious.
"The three of you, take a look. This is intelligence just returned from the Wei Family."
The current situation in the capital was chaotic, with each family planting spies in the factions of others, and similarly, having others plant informants in their own.
This nearly left the three families with no secrets to keep. For instance, Shang Jingchuan handed over a small note, and when the three looked closer, their expressions changed.
The note had only a few words: Sect Leader Xuan Yang breaking through, planning to act tonight.
"I am not a Jianghu person, I don’t know this Sect Leader Xuan Yang’s strength, is he formidable?" Shang Jingchuan asked.
Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian exchanged glances, and then Wang Tiancheng slowly said.
"Sect Leader Xuan Yang’s name is Xie Tianfeng. My master once told me during this battle, one must be wary of him."
"Because, though this person isn’t well-known, he’s extremely powerful, but he’s always been absorbed in Martial Dao, with sect affairs managed by elders. He rarely reveals himself."
"Indeed, this person requires much attention," Xu Niannian agreed.
"I see, it seems Wei Tianlin believes he has this master as his support, thus plans a quick victory," Mo Qi analyzed.
"So how should we respond now?" Shang Jingchuan asked, remaining calm rather than flustered.
"I’ll return to the Golden Saber Institute now to summon my master and the elders. Since the Wei Family intends to battle tonight, let the battle come," Wang Tiancheng suggested.
Despite Wang Tiancheng’s straightforward appearance, he is very proud inside; otherwise, he couldn’t achieve such accomplishments in Martial Dao.
"I’ll do the same, heading back to Wunian Academy. Rather than letting it drag on, better to end it directly," Xu Niannian also said, eager for action.
"I’ll leave it to you two, then."
Initially, Wang Tiancheng and Xu Niannian only came as per Zhao Ya’s request, to ensure the safety of Shang Jingchuan and his daughter.
But now, with the great sects all involved, to break the stalemate, only a decisive battle would do.