They all want to change my future.

Chapter 41 Causes a Misunderstanding

Qu Hongxiao was quite pleased that someone was behind the scenes promoting and praising Li Zhi's reputation.

After all, the more famous Li Zhi became, the more renowned she, the renowned musician who was sought after for a mere glimpse, naturally rose in fame as well.

At first she was quite satisfied.

But gradually, she sensed that something was wrong.

Just like it is now.

Qu Hongxiao's divine sense remotely enveloped the bustling street, sensing Li Zhi's sword strike that sent the challenger flying once again, and listening to the barely suppressed gasps and discussions from the crowd:

"As expected of a retainer of the Princess's residence!"

"People from Zhaoyang Prefecture are indeed extraordinary!"

"Her Highness the Eldest Princess truly has excellent judgment..."

These words reached her ears, causing Qu Hongxiao to gently bite her lower lip.

Why is it that phoenix again?

Can't you even mention me?

Ji Baizhi is just a royal noblewoman who lives a secluded life and rarely shows her face!

What's so great about it?

Qu Hongxiao felt annoyed. She had originally wanted to praise Luo Wen, but now she had made a fuss about it again.

Such methods are not something many forces in the capital can pull off, and Qu Hongxiao, as the owner of the Star Gazing Pavilion, naturally knows who did it.

As Li Zhi said, a woman's heart is indeed winding and complex.

The more Qu Hongxiao listened to the discussions around her, the more bored she became, so she withdrew her divine sense and prepared to leave.

As for Li Zhi's fight in the arena, she couldn't muster any interest whatsoever.

There was no clash of divine senses, no collision of true essence, and no flow of Daoist rhyme.

In the eyes of a seventh-level grandmaster like her, it was nothing more than a child's game of waving a wooden stick, extremely boring and tedious.

The only thing that piqued Qu Hongxiao's curiosity was Li Zhi's seemingly repetitive and repetitive use of the same move.

From top to bottom, it is simple, honest, and straightforward, without any fancy tricks.

As the master of the Star Gazing Tower, I am in charge of the intelligence network of the world. Even if I am not completely familiar with the martial arts and sword techniques of various sects, I have heard of most of them.

Qu Hongxiao had absolutely no recollection of Li Zhi's swordsmanship.

There are only two possibilities: either this sword technique is very niche, or the technique was lost to time.

Regardless of the reason, it's necessary to investigate.

However, since it involves swords, only the Sword Sect can do it in Tiannan.

Qu Hongxiao's mind raced, and she quickly decided on her next course of action.

Therefore, she had even less reason to watch any longer.

Li Zhi, who was in the arena, was naturally unaware that someone had their eye on him, but even if he did know, he wouldn't care too much.

On the contrary, they would feel that it should be even more intense.

Just like now.

Another powerful blow struck down, a devastating blow aimed directly at the head.

The fourth person fell.

Among the onlookers, those who wanted to take on the challenge were already somewhat numb.

How can we fight this? Defend? We can't defend. We can't win by going head-to-head.

To launch a swift attack with the spear? Before the spear tip even reached the target, the seemingly slow-moving longsword had already pressed down like a mountain.

The sword strikes appeared slow, but when they landed, they were incredibly fast and heavy, making them impossible to defend against.

What kind of sword technique is this?

I don't understand this. How am I supposed to type this?

What's even more unsettling is that after defeating four people in a row, Li Zhi's breathing remained steady and his expression was normal, as if he had just casually swatted away a few mosquitoes and flies without expending any energy.

"Next."

Li Zhi stood with his sword in hand, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.

But this time no one stepped forward; instead, someone quietly took a half-step back.

Defeating the enemy in a single move—that's terrifying.

People are here to step on Li Zhi to rise to power, not to offer themselves up for him to step on and gain fame.

Duan Hai, who was the first to be defeated, was quite well-known among the younger generation in the capital. They usually sparred and had their share of wins and losses.

Who would have thought they would lose so decisively and so miserably?

"So, is nobody here today?"

Li Zhi's voice echoed in the empty square, but no one responded.

After waiting for a while, no one went up. Li Zhi, who hadn't had enough fun yet, shook his head and said, "You guys are really bad."

These were somewhat sarcastic remarks.

Some people couldn't hold back any longer and squeezed out of the crowd, saying coldly, "Sir, you're being far too arrogant."

"oh."

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow: "Finally, someone's here to make a move."

Seeing Li Zhi raise his sword, the man took a step back: "I didn't say I was coming."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I simply cannot condone your actions," the man said, forcing a smile, his tone fierce but his heart weak. "The capital is full of talented people; you'd better keep a low profile."

"Either fight or get lost."

Li Zhi was somewhat bored: "Choose one, stop talking nonsense."

"you……"

The man pointed at Li Zhi, but when he met those calm, unwavering eyes, he didn't dare say anything more and slunk back into the crowd.

Immediately, a chorus of boos erupted from the crowd, but the onlookers didn't care; they were just there for the spectacle.

You don't even dare to hit me, so what's wrong with shushing me?

"Alright."

With a clang, Li Zhi sheathed his sword, his voice carrying clearly: "That's enough for today. If anyone else wants to challenge me, please send your invitation to the Red Silk Pavilion. I will pick it up in two days."

Having said that, he ignored the sudden uproar and discussion in the crowd, casually hoisted the longsword onto his shoulder, and turned to leave.

The figure in the blue robe walked lightly through the automatically parting crowd and quickly disappeared at the end of the long street.

The silence in the square was abruptly broken after he left.

The discussion erupted, more heated and noisy than ever before.

"So, can anyone tell what kind of sword technique he used? That move was too powerful."

"What are you still concerned about regarding swordsmanship? He's talking about the Red Silk Pavilion."

"What happened to the Red Silk Pavilion again?"

"Are you stupid? The visiting card was sent to the Red Silk Pavilion, not to the Zhaoyang Mansion. Don't you understand?"

"You mean he's having an affair with Qu Dajia?"

"You said that, I didn't."

Li Zhi knew perfectly well what kind of misunderstanding his words would cause, but it was intentional on his part.

This is necessary to fulfill Qu Hongxiao's request.

However, how to explain this to Ji Baizhi when he returns to Zhaoyang Prefecture is a problem.

But it wasn't a big problem. Qu Hongxiao's biggest mistake was misjudging the relationship between the two.

When Li Zhi returned to Zhaoyang Prefecture, he made a discovery: his proficiency in the Gentleman's Sword Technique had actually increased.

[Gentleman's Swordplay: Mastery (Proficiency 64%)]

Four people, four moves, and they actually increased by one percent.

You can actually get this kind of benefit from beating up noobs.

Seeing the results, Li Zhi suddenly regretted it, regretting that he had been scheduled for two days later. He should have made more arrangements.

"Young Master, what's with that regretful look on your face?" Ji Baizhi, sitting opposite him, asked, somewhat puzzled.

"It's nothing."

Li Zhi came to his senses and said, "I just found that after sparring with others a few times, my mastery of swordsmanship has improved a bit."

"This is perfectly normal," Ji Baizhi said with an air of experience. "Fighting against others is the fastest way to improve."

As she spoke, Ji Baizhi glanced at the shadows and swallowed back the words she had originally intended to say: "Sparring with Miss Lin would have been the best approach."

Given their current relationship, it's best not to say anything.

Ji Baizhi changed the subject, asking, "Young Master, what was the plan you wanted to tell me today?"

"Oh, this?" Li Zhi said frankly, "Today I used the name of Zhaoyang Prefecture to challenge someone, and then had the challenger send the challenge letter to Hongxiao Tower."

"what?"

Ji Baizhi's first reaction was confusion as to why things had to go through so much trouble.

But she quickly realized what was going on and said softly, "Young master, are you trying to cause a misunderstanding?"