Chapter Ninety-Three: On the Verge of Beginning

Jiang Xiaotian was utterly thrilled—not because he was eager to seize the treasure, but because he just wanted to wrap this whole matter up quickly. The situation had spiraled far beyond his understanding, and he no longer wished to be troubled by it.

After this event, he planned to find a way to resign, to no longer participate in any Falcon Hunts, to focus on himself, living as a drifter, and casually tagging along with Sister Ling’er for a carefree life. That would be fine; drawing too much attention only invited endless trouble, just like now.

So, he hurriedly scrutinized the detailed rules of the treasure hunt.

Officially, while it was confirmed that the city park held treasures, exactly what they were and where they were located was a complete mystery.

The Ouyang family was in the same boat, so the rules were deliberately vague and ambiguous.

In essence, everyone who registered could enter the park, and to ensure fairness, all participants would enter on the same day from different starting points. Whoever managed to bring the treasure out first would claim ownership. Furthermore, once the treasure was outside the city park, the imperial court would protect the finder—no one was allowed to forcibly snatch it.

This rule alone contained many hidden nuances, and Jiang Xiaotian immediately spotted the problem.

The official wording about the person who “brings the treasure out” was quite clever.

In other words, it didn’t matter who found or obtained the treasure first; what truly mattered was who could safely carry it out.

It was obvious that many less powerful participants would simply wait at the gates, ready to snatch the treasure before it left the park.

He was a bit puzzled. The martial world of Long City should be on his side, but without any backup, how could he possibly contend with so many powerful families on his own?

Could it be that they actually expected him to wait idly for an opportunity?

As he pondered this, a knock came at the door.

Opening it, he saw Wang Zhen.

This kid had once been fairly friendly with Jiang Xiaotian, but since that day, Wang Zhen had mostly ignored him.

“The treasure hunt starts the day after tomorrow. We’re having a big meeting, and you should come too. Sister Wang Xueying invited you,” Wang Zhen said, glancing at him with a complicated look. His tone was less enthusiastic than before.

After all, he was part of the Wang family and had been guided by Master Lin. He didn’t understand why Jiang Xiaotian was being so uncooperative.

Jiang Xiaotian had a good impression of him and greeted him with a smile. “Alright, I’ll be there soon. Thanks.”

Wang Zhen replied with a hum, as if wanting to say more, but in the end, he said nothing and turned away.

Shortly after, Jiang Xiaotian arrived at the meeting place. He was the last to come, and almost everyone ignored him. Only Wang Xueying glanced at him briefly, then nodded slightly, signaling him to take a seat.

“I’ve already sent everyone the detailed rules,” Wang Xueying began. “There are a few points to emphasize. First, all our actions must follow Master Lin’s instructions. If he forbids us from going somewhere or touching something, we don’t cause trouble. Understood?”

Everyone nodded. This was obvious to them—this city park was no place for small-time antics. There were many internal energy martial artists inside, and their own strength was barely enough to be a bystander. No one dared provoke trouble.

Master Lin also promised to protect everyone’s safety within his capabilities.

Though Jiang Xiaotian wasn’t sure what that meant—if they lost a fight, would Master Lin stop protecting them? Probably.

He listened indifferently while Wang Xueying was very earnest, carefully mapping out every area they were permitted to explore.

The city park was vast, far beyond an ordinary park—more like an urban forest.

None of them knew the reason why, but Jiang Xiaotian had some insight.

There had been strange occurrences inside for a long time. The officials wanted to investigate but were unwilling to destroy the park’s environment. The preservation of the city park was a feat accomplished by the Long City martial world.

Later, it was bought by the Ouyang family, who certainly wouldn’t develop the area, so its depths remained mysterious. Jiang Xiaotian had only been to the publicly accessible zones, while the truly dangerous or treasure-holding areas were fenced off as no-man’s land.

Wang Xueying’s plan was for everyone to stay on the outskirts, where they might encounter masters dueling. Even just watching would be highly beneficial.

No one objected to this plan, including Master Lin.

He could boast in the Wang family, but out there, he’d have to keep his tail between his legs.

Even a mid-level external energy youth falcon hunter was at that level.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiaotian wondered if he might really meet some companions inside.

There was no need to worry. Even if casualties happened, most would be the three great families fighting among themselves. Ordinary people had no blood feuds or marital vendettas; who would risk life and death?

Moreover, the imperial court had decreed that the feud between the Zhao and Ouyang families would be settled there. The Ouyang family was already resentful. If the Zhao family wanted the treasure, they had to come to Ouyang territory. Since they came, a fight was inevitable!

The war between these two families would be fierce, but Jiang Xiaotian still intended to stealthily follow Ouyang Ziqian and her sister.

Firstly, he feared the Zhao family’s tricks. Secondly, the Ouyang family had studied this place for many years and had some clues about the treasure. Following them would at least prevent him from wandering blindly like a headless fly.

The meeting lasted over half an hour. After Wang Xueying finished, Master Lin spoke about some key points. Then, they dispersed to prepare or rest.

None of them felt tense. They were just going to observe and spectate, with no intention of clashing with others, so there was little to worry about.

But before leaving, Wang Xueying stopped Jiang Xiaotian.

In truth, this woman now harbored no affection for him—rather some disdain. If it weren’t for the Wang family’s reputation, she would have kicked him out already. This man was truly ungrateful!

“I don’t know if you heard what I just said, but let me be clear: we are weak, not as ‘strong’ as you. If you want to cause trouble, don’t ever say you’re with the Wang family, okay? We can’t afford your mess. If you stir up any trouble, handle it yourself—don’t drag us into it!”

Wang Xueying frowned as she spoke. She hadn’t wanted to say these things, but Jiang Xiaotian was so unpredictable she couldn’t risk her entire family.

She expected him to be angry, but he just smiled gently and replied, “Alright, I won’t implicate you. You can rest assured.”

Seeing this, Wang Xueying’s expression softened. “Good. I’m glad you think that way. If it’s something small, I’ll fix it without hesitation.”

Jiang Xiaotian chuckled lightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, then cupped his fists. “If there’s nothing else, Miss Wang, I’ll take my leave. Only two days left—I need to prepare.”

“Oh... nothing else,” Wang Xueying said, surprised. Jiang Xiaotian still acted as if he did as he pleased.

After he left, Master Lin approached her. “Miss Wang, why waste words on such a person? We should just expel him. I have a feeling if this guy gets in, he’ll cause big trouble!”

Wang Xueying neither agreed nor refused. She felt uneasy. Her people and Master Lin had always seemed to exclude him.

Just like Jiang Dali had said before, they constantly made trouble for him—why blame him in the end?

“Ah!” She gave up. He was, after all, just a passerby. If he truly had great strength, his actions would be understandable. But he was only an early external energy practitioner, even weaker than herself. His arrogance was unwarranted.

Probably some spoiled young master from an unworldly family, she thought.

Walking down the street, Jiang Xiaotian sneezed, then suddenly sensed a familiar aura and turned around.

But amidst the bustling crowd, there was no one he recognized.

“I’m just being paranoid again,” he muttered to himself and kept walking.

Behind him, perched on a utility pole, a little girl looked down at him. The passersby seemed oblivious to her presence.

“I hope you won’t disappoint me, Jiang Xiaotian. Otherwise, you’d be letting down my sister!”