Chapter 80 Shadow He will not be anyone's shadow.

Xiao Ma helped the frightened Ji Fang up. Looking at the newcomer's face, which resembled A Jiu's, they were momentarily at a loss for words.

Facing the astonished and curious gaze of the young swordsman, Luo Yichen's sword began to tremble. He was alone, while the other side had five swordsmen. Apart from the one named Ji Fang from before, the others all looked formidable. Luo Yichen began to regret agreeing to come to Xingguo Fang earlier than promised Mu Chenbi. A terrible thought flashed through his mind: this was a trap, a trap set for himself and the Crown Prince. Today... he feared that his chances of survival were slim.

—I risked my life to protect His Highness the Crown Prince.

“Ah Jiu, he’s stronger than you.” Feng Shisan laughed, brandishing his sword. “Look at his luxurious clothes, and he even has a bodyguard? He’s just like… our island’s young master. Don’t you think so?”

"—It's similar." Lou Cangyu laughed along, "But it's also not. Young Master Pei can't stand up, while this person has a graceful figure and is much more imposing than Young Master Pei."

"How dare you!" Luo Yichen roared, "Put down your sword now!"

Feng Shisan, thinking he was hard of hearing, pointed his sword at him and said, "This is Xingguo Ward, the weapons workshop. We are swordsmen from Xingguo Ward. Do you even know what a swordsman is?" As he spoke, he twirled his sword gracefully. "A swordsman is someone who never leaves his side and whose sword is with him. You want us to put down our swords? Who do you think you are, calling me Young Master Shisan?"

Luo Yichen was shocked. He held his sword sheath horizontally in front of him with his left hand and used his right hand to deflect Feng Shisan's sword flourish. "Insolence! Do you know who you are!"

"Hahahaha." Feng Shisan laughed loudly, "I, Young Master Shisan, do not question nobodies. Win my sword, then state your name."

No sooner had he finished speaking than swords clashed and attacked Luo Yichen. Luo Yichen was a top soldier and naturally possessed considerable skill. Seeing Feng Shisan draw his sword, he assumed they were plotting to harm the Crown Prince and charged straight at Feng Shisan. The two figures instantly clashed, their blades colliding and sparks flying. Feng Shisan was merely testing his skills, while Luo Yichen was fighting desperately, his moves ruthless and swift, his killing intent palpable. In just over ten moves, Feng Shisan was unable to defend himself any longer and leaped back half a zhang, roaring that this man had come to disrupt Xingguo Ward.

Lou Cangyu watched for a while, arms crossed. Xingguo Ward had finally achieved its current status, and with the Emperor's arrival, someone was bound to be jealous and cause trouble. Seeing this man's skill, Lou Cangyu also felt a bit itchy to fight. Before he could catch his breath, his eyes flickered, and he drew his sword and charged. The two swords clashed fiercely, each strike like a storm. Unlike Feng Shisan, who held back during his sword test, Lou Cangyu wanted to show off all his skills and avenge his previous humiliation. Seeing that this swordsman was unstoppable, Luo Yichen gritted his teeth and blocked the sword's head-on strike, shouting, "Your Highness, run!"

Lou Cangyu vaguely heard something, the sound of swords striking each other made his ears ring, and Lou Cangyu twisted his body and thrust his sword at Luo Yichen's face again.

"He told you to leave quickly." Guan Ye looked at Mu Chenbi. "Why did they start fighting all of a sudden?" Guan Ye's face turned red with anxiety. "If the shop owner hears the commotion, we're in big trouble."

"We'll become friends after this fight. Once we've decided who's the winner, we won't fight anymore." Mu Chenbi's brows furrowed with determination. He had finally seen Ajiu's face clearly. Mu Chenbi finally understood why Guan Ye was staring at his brow bone. He had a smooth and clean face, while this swordsman named Ajiu was different because he had a deep scar on his brow bone.

Ajiu also saw Mu Chenbi. There was no fear in his eyes, but rather a scrutiny. He scrutinized Mu Chenbi's face, which resembled his own. Although it was the first time he had met Mu Chenbi, it was as if he had seen this person before. He stood in a cold confrontation, not giving an inch.

Mu Chenbi lowered his phoenix-feather eyelashes. Ajiu, a name he had heard many times before. Unless Ajiu disappeared from the world or was forever hidden on Canglang Island, this face that would astound the world was his destiny, and also Ajiu's destiny.

As Ajiu and the swordsmen approached him, Mu Chenbi instinctively tensed. Having grown up in the deep palace, he had heard many terrible stories. The same terrifying thought that Luo Yichen had had flashed through his mind: Ajiu's appearance was a conspiracy. But Ajiu was just a swordsman who had returned from a deserted island, a swordsman who had risked his life to test his sword and almost lost an eye. He was the Crown Prince of Jin, the future emperor, so why should he be afraid of a mere swordsman?

Mu Chenbi's gaze shifted slightly, and he saw the sword at Ajiu's waist. Ajiu maintained a natural posture, his tiger's mouth covered with thick calluses, clearly a seasoned swordsman. His eyes were calm and cold, but his heart must have been burning with passion. Outside the dilapidated Tianhufang, Guan Ye leaned against his back, and he picked out a colorful windmill and stuffed it into Guan Ye's hand. Although he couldn't see their faces, Mu Chenbi could sense that Guan Ye really liked the windmill.

Guan Ye said that Ajiu would never be anyone's shadow. Nor would Mu Chenbi.

"A-Jiu." Guan Ye ran towards A-Jiu. Mu Chenbi tried to grab her hand, but Guan Ye ran too fast. Her sleeve brushed against his outstretched palm, like a ball of fire that could not be grasped.

"—A-Jiu," Guan Ye called his name, "tell Lou Cangyu and Thirteenth Young Master to stop fighting!"

“That person,” Ajiu said coldly, looking at Luo Yichen who was struggling to cope, “he injured Ji Fang, so it’s alright if he learns a lesson.”

Ji Fang pulled himself out of the way the little horse was holding him. Seeing that Lou Cangyu's moves were fierce, he was afraid that he would really hurt the person. He hurriedly said, "It's alright, I'm fine. It was my fault for misjudging him."

"Should I be punished for mistaking someone's face?" A-Jiu raised her face. "All things in nature are born with this face. Is that wrong? Why should I be beaten for mistaking my face?"

Guan Ye led the people in, and now they're fighting fiercely. If the ward master hears the commotion, it could cause a major disaster. Xiao Ma, who had been silent all along, frowned slightly, glanced at Mu Chenbi, and said to Ajiu, "We can't let the important matter in the ward be delayed today. Xingguo Ward has been in decline for a century, and everyone has been waiting for this day."

He then shouted at Lou Cangyu, "Lou Cangyu, this man is no match for you. Let him go for now. After today, I will settle this score with you."

Lou Cangyu was in high spirits and hadn't felt this good in a long time. He couldn't hear what anyone else was saying. His sword thrusts caused Luo Yichen to break out in a cold sweat and barely manage to parry.

Seeing that Ajiu had no intention of stopping the fight easily, Guan Ye turned her head and walked towards Mu Chenbi again. Ajiu opened her lips slightly, wanting to call out to her, but the word "Guan" got stuck in her throat. Seeing Mu Chenbi staring intently at Guan Ye, Ajiu swallowed Guan Ye's name and hummed softly through her nose.

"Regarding today's events," Guan Ye's face flushed red, "it's hard to say who's right and who's wrong. If there's any fault, pin it on me. Tell your men to stop first."

Mu Chenbi couldn't bear to say "no" to her. His phoenix eyelashes drooped low, and he caught a glimpse of the hostile fire in Ajiu's eyes. He gently took Guan Ye's wrist and pulled her to his side. "Swords have no eyes. My men can stop. That Lou Cangyu, I'm afraid he wants people to bleed."

Seeing that this person actually dared to touch Guan Ye, Feng Shisan's eyes widened in anger, and he pointed at Mu Chenbi, stepping closer, "You've got a death wish, let her go!"

Seeing that someone seemed to be plotting against the Crown Prince, Luo Yichen, unable to fight against so many, roared and swung Lou Cangyu's sword. In a flash, he stood in front of Mu Chenbi. Seeing that he was outnumbered, he didn't have time to think. He quickly spun his sword and held it against Guan Ye's neck.

"—Anyone who dares to come closer!"

Guan Ye let out a soft cry, but before she could react, she suddenly felt a chill on her neck. Her eyes glanced sideways and saw that Luo Yichen had already moved in the blink of an eye and was right in front of her, the blade of his sword just half an inch away from her neck. Luo Yichen held his sword horizontally with a cold brow, his stubble on his chin standing up like needles, making his handsome face suddenly appear fierce. In the Ghost Market, he seemed kind and gentle, but if he really wanted to fight, he would be full of murderous intent. It seemed that he was indeed loyal to Mu Chenbi, fearless of heaven and earth. A hero would never draw his sword against an unarmed woman. A fine sword is of high quality and upright, and a swordsman considers himself to be like his sword. Luo Yichen was a swordsman, and in order to be loyal to his lord, he did not hesitate to draw his sword against a woman.

"Guan Ye!" "Guan Ye!!"

Several swordsmen shouted, and Ajiu's joints twitched slightly as if he intended to draw his sword, but he stopped himself just in time. Mu Chenbi took in the subtle movement and sighed inwardly that this person was serious and not to be underestimated.

"How can a grown man draw his sword against a woman!" Feng Shisan shouted. "Guan Ye is weak and helpless. If you have the guts, point your sword at me. Why are you trying to scare her?"

"So weak you can't even kill a chicken?" Guan Ye cursed inwardly. "Your grandma Guan can carry a 50-pound bag. With some training, she could carry you around one day. So weak you can't even kill a chicken? Who are you calling a chicken?"

"Your Highness, please hurry." Luo Yichen urged in a low voice, "I'll keep watch here, you must go quickly."

"Your Highness?" Guan Ye blinked in confusion, wanting to turn her head to look at Mu Chenbi, but the slightest movement of her neck sent a chill down her spine, and any larger movement would send her crashing into the blade. Guan Ye was curious but dared not move, standing there like a wooden statue. "Your Highness? Which Your Highness? Who are you calling?"

"I'll call you ancestor." Luo Yichen cursed. "You lot, put down your weapons right now, or I'll kill you." Luo Yichen glanced at Guan Ye with trepidation and lowered his voice, "Miss Guan, please forgive me for now." Then he raised his voice again, "Believe me or not, I'll kill her."

“If they really want to harm me, even if we join forces today, we won’t be able to leave Xingguo Ward.” Mu Chenbi calmly pushed away the sword blade that was pressed against Guan Ye’s neck. “Yichen, don’t frighten Guan Ye.”

"You also know swordsmanship?" Lou Cangyu became interested, tilting his head to examine Luo Yichen's face. He weighed the sword in his hand and took a few steps forward, startling Luo Yichen into retreating. "Your subordinates are no match for me. Why don't you take my place?"

Lou Cangyu spoke arrogantly, and Mu Chenbi chuckled softly. Though the laughter was faint, Lou Cangyu still heard it. His handsome face changed color in an instant, and he pointed his sword at Mu Chenbi, saying, "I really want to test your swordsmanship." Seeing that Mu Chenbi's waist was empty, Lou Cangyu's eyes darkened. "Where's your sword?"

"How dare you draw your sword against my prince?" Luo Yichen gasped for breath. "You audacious madman, how dare you draw your sword against the crown prince? Kneel down and apologize!"

"—Your Highness the Crown Prince?" Xiao Ma snapped out of his daze and looked at Mu Chenbi in surprise. With swords at his throat, his expression remained calm and composed, which was indeed extraordinary. But his face... Xiao Ma felt a chill run down his spine. How could the Crown Prince look so much like A Jiu?

"Hahahaha." Feng Shisan's burst of laughter broke the awkward silence around him. He laughed so hard he could barely hold his sword. "Your Highness? Have you gone mad or been beaten senseless? He's the Crown Prince?" Feng Shisan pointed at the motionless Mu Chenbi. "Then am I, Young Master Shisan, the Emperor himself? Are you really afraid we'll kill you two?" Feng Shisan sheathed his sword. "Lou Cangyu, this man accidentally injured Ji Fang. Let's just teach him a lesson. Swordsmen from Xingguo Ward test their skills; they don't cheat people."

Upon seeing the swordsman who called himself "Thirteen Young Master," with his thick eyebrows, round eyes, and unrestrained manner, Mu Chenbi felt a sense of goodwill towards him and nodded slightly. Feng Shisan was puzzled, but after thinking for a moment, he cupped his hands to the mysterious guest and placed his palm on Lou Cangyu's sword hilt, saying, "Let him go. Look, the sword is still at Guan Ye's neck."

Luo Yichen hurriedly sheathed his sword, his stubble unable to conceal his flushed face. "Your Highness...should we stay here, or..."

"Your Highness?" Lou Cangyu glanced at him disdainfully, then turned away and raised an eyebrow at Ajiu. "If he really is His Highness, then it would be interesting to see you as a swordsman."

"Lou Cangyu, don't be rude." Xiao Ma seemed to notice something was wrong and shook his head at Lou Cangyu. "Guests are always welcome. Drawing your sword is already an offense. Don't offend them further."

“This person is different from the others.” Luo Yichen leaned closer to Mu Chenbi and lowered his voice. “He has probably already figured it out.”

"Who exactly are you?" Guan Ye turned her head and stared at Mu Chenbi. "Crown Prince? Crown Prince, Mu Chenbi?"

"Miss Guan..." Luo Yichen was about to speak when Mu Chenbi gestured for him to speak. Luo Yichen obediently moved aside, scrutinizing the young and spirited faces of the swordsmen. He pondered their moves and found them to be no less impressive than the Eagle Guards he had carefully selected. His anger subsided, and Luo Yichen calmed down slightly, but his hand remained on the hilt of his sword, not daring to let his guard down.

"I shouldn't have come so early, I've startled you and all the swordsmen." Mu Chenbi turned his head slightly to look at Guan Ye's neck. Her skin was fair and unharmed. Mu Chenbi reached out to touch her, but seeing several pairs of eyes staring at him, he could only gently clench his fist and slowly lower it. "I said my name is Mu Chenbi. Today, I will formally introduce myself. My name is Mu Chenbi, the current Crown Prince, Chenbi."