Chapter 81: Another New Card

“What do you mean? I mean exactly what you mean!”

“Oh? Are you looking for a fight?”

“If it’s a fight you want, then so be it. Do you think I’m afraid?”

“...”

The quarrel grew louder, voices clashing in a cacophony that refused to die down.

Two groups had formed—half siding with Du Liangjing, the other half with Yu Miaotong—turning the farewell hall into a battlefield of words.

No one else stepped forward to mediate. The onlookers stood aside, watching the spectacle unfold.

There was a security team at the crematorium, keeping an eye on the situation from the sidelines.

Even before Su Jingxing and Kong Dabao arrived, the guards had tried to intervene, urging Du Liangjing and Yu Miaotong to take their argument outside.

But neither paid any heed. Though they didn’t come to blows, the war of words continued unabated.

And since there weren’t many people in the farewell hall at that hour, the quarrel was allowed to run its course.

During the commotion, Su Jingxing edged closer to Yu Shengmou’s body and picked up a card.

He didn’t rush to read the information on it. Circling back, Su Jingxing continued to watch the drama unfold.

It was at that moment—

“Tongtong, I’m sorry I’m late.”

A gentle voice rang out at the entrance. A strikingly handsome young man, noble and dignified, hurried into the hall.

“Young Master Shi!”

“Young Master Shi, you’re finally here!”

The crowd gathered behind Yu Miaotong, upon seeing the youth, immediately waved or called out in excitement.

Yu Miaotong’s eyes lit up, joy blossoming across her face, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she replied softly, “Yanfeng, you’re just in time. My father is still here.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” The handsome youth let out a sigh of relief, then straightened his posture and, with grave respect, said, “Allow me to pay my respects to Uncle first.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Young Master Shi. Please, this way.” A middle-aged man stepped forward, beaming as he guided him toward the body for the farewell rites.

“Thank you.” The youth nodded and followed the man to pay his respects.

“Hmph!”

Those who remained behind all lifted their chins, staring down with pride at Du Liangjing’s group, who had fallen silent and looked exceedingly grim.

...

“What’s going on?” Su Jingxing, who had witnessed everything, sidled up to Kong Dabao and asked in a low voice.

“What else? Yu Miaotong has found herself a powerful backer.”

Kong Dabao answered quietly, “Do you know who that kid is?”

“No,” Su Jingxing shook his head, though the handsome young man did seem somewhat familiar.

“His name is Shi Yanfeng.”

“Shi Yanfeng? He’s from the Shi family?” Su Jingxing raised an eyebrow.

“Exactly.” Kong Dabao shared what he’d learned. “When Shi Yankai died last time and his body was stolen back, I deliberately asked Director Wu and found out a bit about the Shi family, especially the direct descendants. Only then did I realize Shi Yankai’s father lost his power struggle to none other than Shi Yanfeng’s father.

“Shi Yanfeng isn’t just handsome—his martial arts talent is extraordinary. He also excels academically. His grades alone would get him into Xuanyan University. As for martial arts, he’s even more impressive. He’s only eighteen this year and already a seventh-rank warrior!”

“Eighteen and already seventh-rank—that’s almost unheard of in Qinghe City’s history. Word is, Shi Yanfeng is already pushing for the sixth rank. If he advances within two years, he’ll set a new record!

“The youngest sixth-rank warrior in a century of Qinghe City!”

Su Jingxing was silent.

It felt a little strange, but Kong Dabao wasn’t wrong.

Su Jingxing knew his own talent; without a golden finger, even reaching ninth rank was a stretch, let alone sixth.

Shi Yanfeng was accomplished in both scholarly and martial pursuits, strikingly handsome, from a powerful family, and, at least for now, seemed well-mannered and humble, without the least hint of arrogance.

With such a paragon among the younger generation, it was no wonder Yu Miaotong was smitten.

Those who clustered around her likely understood this too—that supporting her meant aligning with Shi Yanfeng.

With Shi Yanfeng as her protector, what did Du Liangjing—a mere seventh-rank warrior—amount to?

“I wonder if Shi Yanfeng possesses ‘Three Yin Candle Blood’?” Su Jingxing mused.

To be a seventh-rank at eighteen, odds were overwhelming he had the “Three Yin Candle Blood” lineage.

...

While Su Jingxing pondered, Shi Yanfeng finished the farewell and returned to the two opposing groups.

“Tongtong, what’s going on here?” Shi Yanfeng looked from one to the other, puzzled.

“It’s nothing. Senior brother wants to inherit the martial arts school. My father’s body isn’t even cold, and he’s already jumping out, eager to take over,” Yu Miaotong explained gently.

“I...” Du Liangjing opened his mouth to protest.

But Shi Yanfeng gave him no chance, frowning as he said, “That’s not right. Tongtong is Uncle’s daughter. By both custom and law, the martial arts school should pass to her. Senior Brother Du, how can you try to take it? Especially here, before Uncle’s body, to fight over the inheritance—there’s no justification for that.”

Du Liangjing was speechless.

So were his supporters.

Shi Yanfeng’s stance was clear—he supported Yu Miaotong.

What could they say? What dared they say?

If not for Shi Yanfeng’s formidable background, would they have clashed with Yu Miaotong at Yu Shengmou’s farewell at all?

They knew that if the dispute took place in the martial arts school, they’d likely run into Shi Yanfeng there.

...

Du Liangjing had never expected Shi Yanfeng to show up at the crematorium!

His presence made it clear how much he favored Yu Miaotong.

As a young master of the Shi family, Shi Yanfeng could have any woman he wanted. He wouldn’t even need to ask—countless beautiful women would throw themselves at him.

Yet here he was, coming in person to bid farewell to Yu Miaotong’s father.

It was plain just how much Shi Yanfeng valued her.

“Damn that wretched woman!” Du Liangjing cursed inwardly.

The more Shi Yanfeng cared, the slimmer his own chances became.

He simply couldn’t understand it.

With Shi Yanfeng’s abilities and prospects, was it really worth doting on a woman like this?

...

Su Jingxing was curious as well.

Though Yu Miaotong was beautiful, Shi Yanfeng was certainly not lacking in beautiful women around him.

For her sake, to come personally and see Yu Shengmou off—was it possible he truly loved her?

Su Jingxing was skeptical.

He watched as Du Liangjing and his group, crestfallen, slipped out of the farewell hall.

Well, whatever the reason, it had nothing to do with him.

Excusing himself to the restroom, Su Jingxing entered a stall, took out the card he’d retrieved from Yu Shengmou’s corpse, and held it in his palm, reading the information.

Yu Shengmou had been a sixth-rank in life, so the card would most likely be a true energy card or a skill card.

But upon reading it, Su Jingxing was taken aback.

A Deduction Card!

Yet another new card.

As the name implied, unlocking this card would grant Su Jingxing the ability to deduce martial techniques for a short period.

This included identifying flaws, extrapolating from the old to create the new, removing defects, and integrating various skills.

For instance, Su Jingxing only possessed half the secret manual for the “Earth Origin” chapter of the “Three Element Saber Technique.”

But with the Deduction Card, there was a ten percent chance he could complete it!