Chapter 4167 — A Fair Duel
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
"That's right. Since I accepted the challenge to his face, then of course I'll fight it. I can't very well stand him up in front of so many people," Wei Zhao said with a faint smile.
"But my grandfather once said that thing is outstanding among the disciples of his generation in the Threefold Pavilion, whether in strength or potential. He's no simple character," Shangguan Lan'er said. Usually so carefree, this time she was unexpectedly worried for Wei Zhao.
"Oh? If even Pavilion Master Shangguan says so, then I really ought to have a proper look at him." Wei Zhao grew interested instead. Given Shangguan Tianxia's breadth of vision, anyone he appraised in such terms was unlikely to be a common sort with fame but no substance.
"Oh, come on! This isn't a friendly match of skills, it's a duel to the death! One slip and someone really could die. How can you still be so thick-skinned about it, Little Junior Brother!" Shangguan Lan'er stamped her foot in frustration, then suddenly her eyes darted about: "Forget it, I'll go talk to Grandfather about this."
With that, before Wei Zhao could speak, Shangguan Lan'er turned and left, not even bothering with Little Curly Bear, and in a blink she had vanished from sight.
Back at Hualan Residence, Shangguan Lan'er headed straight for the study, and seeing Shangguan Tianxia writing with brush in hand, she at once rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward to grind his ink.
"Go on, what is it?" Shangguan Tianxia smiled without raising his head. For the little girl to voluntarily grind his ink was a rare treat, one he hardly enjoyed once a year—unsolicited attentiveness meant a request was sure to follow.
"Hehe, Grandfather, are you about to take a disciple lately? Someone named Su Zhaohe or something?" Shangguan Lan'er giggled. She had never paid much attention to outside affairs, but lately the rumors of Su Zhaohe seeking a master had grown so loud it was hard not to hear.
"Oh? Even little Lan'er has heard the rumors abroad?" Shangguan Tianxia was a little surprised, then answered noncommittally: "Rumor only—I neither confirm nor deny."
"What's that supposed to mean? Grandfather's playing with words again, all mist and clouds!" Shangguan Lan'er pouted, then said directly: "That Su Zhaohe just went to the Welcome Pavilion and named Little Junior Brother for a challenge. Don't you think you ought to do something about it, Grandfather?"
"Wei Zhao?" Shangguan Tianxia stopped his brush and raised his head in some surprise: "Su Zhaohe went to challenge Wei Zhao? Did Wei Zhao accept?"
"I don't know what Little Junior Brother was thinking—he actually agreed." Shangguan Lan'er pursed her lips in resignation.
"Ha, the little fellow's got some spirit," Shangguan Tianxia said with a laugh.
"Some spirit! Su Zhaohe is plainly using his seniority to bully his junior. How shameless! Grandfather should give him a good scolding and make him apologize to Little Junior Brother and call off the challenge!" Shangguan Lan'er fumed.
"That won't do. The challenge is a matter between the two of them; no one else may interfere. Even if I am the Pavilion Master of the Heaven-Rushing Pavilion and an elder of the North Island Master's Pavilion, I cannot be the first to break that rule. Since Wei Zhao has already accepted the challenge, he need only prepare himself well," Shangguan Tianxia said, shaking his head slowly.
"Ah! How can that be? Grandfather, don't you think a challenge like this is not fair in the least?" Shangguan Lan'er said, suddenly angry. R1152