Chapter 692: Li Shimin, Xu Ziling

Before even entering the giant pleasure boat, a second wave of attacks surged at them, further confirming Kai Xin’s suspicion—that there was indeed something suspicious inside the boat, and the narrative mission had not yet ended.
The Stars Shift!
Faced with the second wave of demonic sect experts, Kai Xin didn’t handle them as casually as he had the righteous sect experts. He immediately activated “The Stars Shift,” causing two sword energies to collide in midair.
Thud!
Blood blossomed on the bodies of the two demonic sect elders simultaneously. Then, struck by Kai Xin’s palm, they let out groans before falling from near the giant pleasure boat.
By the time the sound of splashing water reached them, Kai Xin was already standing on the deck of the boat.
“Dareful fool! How dare you storm Master Shi’s pleasure boat? You truly disrespect all the heroes under heaven.” A group of experts from both the demonic sect and the righteous sect rushed forward, drawing their swords and aiming at the calm young man.
Faced with such a large group of experts, Kai Xin simply smiled and said calmly, “That’s an overstatement. I’m Kai Xin from the Murong family. I’ve long admired Master Shi. Why not help me out and let me go in to take a look?” In the past, faced with a lineup of dozens of experts at the Wuwei realm, retreating would have been the best strategy. But now, with “The Stars Shift” at his disposal and his Arhat body trained to the Silver Light Arhat level (the tenth layer), he even had the strength to protect himself against mythic realm warriors. Naturally, he wouldn’t show fear.
“Whatever nonsense about being a Murong family disciple—get lost! Or die here!”
The two soaked demonic sect elders landed on the deck, their shoulders bleeding profusely, looking utterly disheveled. Upon seeing Kai Xin, they gritted their teeth, eager to bite him right away.
“This is Master Shi’s pleasure boat. When did it become your demonic sect’s domain?” A group of people stepped forward from behind the crowd, striding confidently.
Most of them were armored generals, led by a young nobleman dressed in fine clothes, exuding dignity. His black cloak accentuated his elegance, and as he spoke, a sincere and warm smile appeared on his handsome face. He bowed and stepped forward, saying, “So you’re the famous young master from the Jianghu—Lan Shan Ke of Gusu. I’ve long heard of your reputation, Shimin.”
“So you’re the son of the Li family. I’ve long admired you.”
Kai Xin didn’t particularly like or dislike Li Shimin, but this man was indeed skilled in dealing with people; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to gather so many brave generals and strategists for the Tiance Army. As he replied, he glanced at the warriors and strategists behind Li Shimin, feeling a chill in his heart.

Several of those auras were at the peak level of Wuwei. The old man at the back, who looked somewhat like a butler, exerted considerable pressure on Kai Xin.
“What a Li Shimin,” Kai Xin thought in surprise. In such a complex environment, the system had indeed strengthened Li Shimin’s protection—there was no mention in the original story of Li Shimin having such a formidable butler by his side.
The old man, of course, had no idea what Kai Xin was thinking and approached him enthusiastically:
“During the battle at Hero’s Villa, our imperial troops were kept outside. But when Li Shimin heard that Brother Kai Xin, though young, had outwitted the abbot of Shaolin and challenged the top experts from various sects, even earning the reputation of the greatest young hero, he was deeply impressed. He had long wanted to meet you in person. Now that I’ve seen you, your reputation is well-deserved.”
He had witnessed firsthand how calmly Kai Xin boarded the painted boat, so he knew that few of his brave soldiers could match Kai Xin.
Having such a young and talented hero on his side would be of great benefit to him!
“You flatter me, Young Master Li. I’m just an ordinary disciple of the Murong family and not worthy of such praise…”
“Too modest!” Li Shimin smiled. “If you don’t mind, come inside with me. I’ll introduce you to the Shi family…”
“I’d be honored!”
Although Kai Xin didn’t want too much involvement with Li Shimin, hearing mention of the Shi family immediately piqued his interest, and he agreed with a bow.
Li Shimin promptly led Kai Xin into the front hall of the painted boat.
Due to the commotion outside, the banquet inside seemed to pause for a moment!
When Li Shimin brought Kai Xin into the front hall, hundreds of pairs of eyes, filled with various expressions, focused on Kai Xin’s face—some shocked, some puzzled, some pleased, some uncertain, and a few deep in thought.
The shock stemmed from Kai Xin’s demonstrated strength…
They knew well that to rush across the river, one needed not just a little internal energy and knowledge of movement skills; entering the river area caused significant loss of internal energy. Under such circumstances, overcoming the experts guarding the painted boat required at least peak Wuwei strength.
Yet this ordinary young man had effortlessly passed two challenges. No wonder Li Shimin had rushed out to greet him upon hearing the news…
“Murong family, the blue-clothed guest from Gusu—your reputation precedes you!”
During the banquet, many experts from the imperial court and the righteous sects gave him distant nods of respect.

Kai Xin seemed completely immersed in his role, responding to everyone calmly and with proper manners, neither overbearing nor humble, which impressed many present.
The players brought in by their seniors were quite uneasy.
To ordinary people in the martial world, Kai Xin was merely a highly renowned disciple of the Murong family and a young hero of the day, but to them, he was a competitor.
More importantly…
Kai Xin was not only the highly anticipated number one expert in the world, the only master at the “Jie Tuo” realm at the moment, but also the leader of the top faction, the Murong Mansion.
His arrival brought them tremendous pressure and uncertainty.
“Come, Kai Xin, let me introduce you to another young hero of the martial world—Xu Ziling!”
“Ziling!”
Li Shimin walked eagerly ahead and approached a man in green robes. The latter appeared gentle and shy, yet there was a clear sense of bravery in his expression. Hearing this, he stood up awkwardly:
“I am Xu Ziling. I’ve long heard of your fame.”
“I too have long admired brothers Ziling and Kou Zhong. It’s a great honor to meet you today,” Kai Xin said sincerely, his straightforward attitude surprising Li Shimin slightly.
Xu Ziling’s face turned slightly red:
“You flatter me.”
“Since you seem to get along so well, why not move the seats over so the three of us young people can drink together?” Li Shimin suggested.
“Better to follow your advice,” Kai Xin replied, delighted at the chance.
Getting to talk to Xu Ziling might even give him the opportunity to see Shi Qingxuan in person—exactly what Kai Xin wanted.
However…
Upon hearing Kai Xin’s response and Xu Ziling’s agreement, a man who had been carefully standing behind Xu Ziling suddenly smiled bitterly…
Even more pitifully, behind them, another man, at Xu Ziling and Li Shimin’s orders, reluctantly went to move the seats.