Xu Mu was stunned. If Zhang Que also took part in this Marriage Tournament, his own chances would plummet.
"You're overthinking it. I wouldn't dare join—don't want to lose my other arm," Zhang Que chuckled, then looked at Xu Mu. "But I'm very optimistic about you. I hope you win Jiang Huihui."
Before Xu Mu could reply, he had already walked off.
"Who could take your other arm…?" Xu Mu muttered.
"Brother Mu, he must be very strong," Chen Xuan said softly, watching Zhang Que's back as he left.
"Yeah, a real expert. Let's head back and just come again tomorrow," Xu Mu said.
"Okay."
They returned to the hotel. Xu Mu had booked a twin room—one bed each.
Chen Xuan scrolled on his phone while Xu Mu lay with eyes closed, extending his senses through the entire hotel.
It was only a small county with little to see, yet many rooms were occupied—most likely by people here for the tournament. He scanned room by room, hoping to spot familiar faces.
Suddenly his perception locked onto someone—of all people, Zhao Gang from Heavenly Sword Sect. Xu Mu sighed inwardly. The man already had so many wives, had just tried to chase Dai Xingluo a few days ago, and now he'd come to compete for Jiang Huihui as well.
Finding no other acquaintances, Xu Mu withdrew his senses.
Dusk settled.
"Old Chen, take out or dine in?" he asked.
"Dine in. I didn't see anything good nearby. Driving out just to eat is a hassle," Chen Xuan said.
"Alright."
Xu Mu ordered KFC—Chen Xuan's favorite.
A knock soon came. Chen Xuan hopped up to open the door.
"Brother Mu, you got KFC?" he grinned.
"You said you liked it. I'm not picky—anything's fine," Xu Mu smiled.
"Brother Mu, you're too good to me," Chen Xuan said, genuinely moved. Aside from his master and senior sister, he'd never met someone like Xu Mu.
"No need to be polite. I invited you here, so your needs come first," Xu Mu said. "Eat up, then rest early. Let's be at our peak tomorrow."
Chen Xuan nodded.
After they ate and lay down, Ye Yu suddenly started a video call.
Xu Mu answered. "What's up?"
"Random inspection," Ye Yu said, lying in Xu Mu's bedroom with Ye Tong beside her. "Brother-in-law, show us—any women around?"
"Nope."
Xu Mu panned the phone, then pointed at Chen Xuan. "See? A guy."
"That's more like it," Ye Yu huffed.
"What do you mean 'more like it'? Go to sleep," Ye Tong scolded, snatching the phone. "Sorry, hubby. I'll hold her down. You two rest early."
"Okay," Xu Mu laughed.
"Is that Sister-in-law?" Chen Xuan asked.
"Yeah." Xu Mu slid the phone under his pillow.
"I'm jealous. Even away from home, someone worries about you. Me? Lone wolf," Chen Xuan sighed.
"Says who? Your senior sister worries about you too," Xu Mu said.
"Maybe," Chen Xuan murmured, closing his eyes.
Early the next morning, Xu Mu was jolted awake by his vibrating phone. It was only 5:30 a.m.
"Huihui, it's barely dawn. What is it?"
"You didn't run, did you?" Jiang Huihui asked.
"I'm already here—why would I run? But if you ruin my sleep so I'm not at my peak and I lose, don't blame me," Xu Mu said.
"My bad. Keep resting. Don't forget—starts at nine," she said, hanging up.
Xu Mu dozed until eight, then he and Chen Xuan washed up and left. They ate breakfast unhurriedly and headed to the back mountain.
Inside the ruin, not much had changed. A high viewing platform and a giant screen had been set up. On the platform sat a dozen people—each with the air of high status, clearly heavyweights within their sects.
And wherever there are people, there are circles and power dynamics. Xu Mu noticed nearly everyone on the platform greeting Wei Jingzhi with special respect.
Around the platform, hundreds were seated. Some wore black robes to hide their faces, but most showed themselves—just here for the spectacle.
Xu Mu and Chen Xuan sat on a slope not far from the arena.
Soon solemn ceremonial music boomed from the platform's speakers. Supported by Jiang Xingjun and Zhou Shui, Jiang Huihui stepped onto the stage—clearly still at odds with her parents. As soon as she got up there, she pulled her arms free and shoved her hands in her pockets. No fancy dress today—just plain black casual wear, even chewing gum. The only flourish was a big red flower pinned on her chest.
Still, a beauty is a beauty. Her valiant features were both handsome and stunning; loose long hair down her back, posture and aura that delicate women couldn't match. Many below stared, hearts fluttering.
"Hello? Testing, testing!"
Jiang Sheng spoke into the mic, then bowed to the crowd.
"Good morning, everyone. I didn't invite many today. You all know why we're here, so I'll keep it short."
"Our Jiang family raised a unfilial bastard! If not for your help back then, we might've been wiped out by our enemies."
He paused. "For years, old friends have urged me to settle my granddaughter's marriage. I know what you all mean. So today, I've decided to set Huihui's marriage."
Another pause; he looked over the crowd. "For absolute fairness, I've specially invited two outsiders—Wei Jingzhi and Guo Wenmo. I believe everyone knows who they are."
The audience erupted in murmurs.
Xu Mu, too, was surprised—Jiang Sheng had invited two Senior Cleaners.