When Guozhao Zhiqiang arrived at the majestic gate of Snow Sector, Hu Dingxiang was already waiting for him, a nervous anticipation etched on his face. He immediately noticed that everyone in Snow Sector, regardless of their status, was clad in pristine white robes. The servants wore pure white cotton, simple and unadorned, while the masters and superiors were clad in shimmering silk, a clear display of hierarchy. He followed Hu Dingxiang to the back of the Snow Sector training ground, the air thrumming with nervous energy. In the middle of the vast training ground stood a small, elevated stage, the arena for the upcoming competition. Compared with the grand scale of Waterfall City's and his own Guozhao training grounds, the one in Snow Sector was surprisingly modest, though equally significant for its people.
In the training ground, Guozhao Zhiqiang and Hu Dingxiang stood side by side with other young hunters, a sea of white robes surrounding them.
Hu Dingxiang looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Zhiqiang," he murmured, and then, with a subtle, secretive movement, he secretly held Guozhao Zhiqiang's left hand amidst the bustling crowd, a tender, intimate gesture. "It doesn't matter if we don't win," he whispered, a soft, encouraging smile on his lips. "I'd rather you not get hurt."
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked at Hu Dingxiang, his gaze unwavering, resolute. "We will win this competition because I want you to leave here with me," he stated, his voice firm, a profound promise.
Guozhao Zhiqiang, at an imposing six feet two inches tall, was noticeably the tallest among all the hunters in the training ground, his presence commanding. He watched the other masters walking around, their eyes assessing, as they chose their hunters to fight alongside them, preparing for the contest.
Leader Hu, a stern, authoritative figure, stood up on the stage, and everyone in the training ground immediately fell silent, their attention fixed on him. "We hold this competition every five years," he announced, his voice booming across the plaza, "and it is up to me, the household leader, to decide which position to pass to whom. Not only my two sons, but all the children of the brothers and sisters who helped build Snow Sector are eligible to compete. This year is the first year my two sons participate in this competition." He looked at the many hunters standing alongside their chosen masters. "For the young hunters, if you win this competition with one of our sons or daughters, you can become our disciple, joining our esteemed ranks. For the sons and daughters of Snow Sector, if you win the competition, you can be granted one wish, whatever your heart desires." He looked pointedly at Hu Jianguo and Hu Dingxiang, a challenging glint in his eye. "The competition will only last for an hour. When an hour has passed, whoever is still standing on the stage is the winner. If any of you know you can't win, please don't participate. Let the competition begin!"
Hu Jianguo, a confident smirk on his face, immediately jumped onto the stage with his chosen hunter, a powerful-looking man. All the disciples cheered loudly for him, a wave of enthusiastic support. The other disciples and brothers all knew that Hu Jianguo was widely considered the strongest fighter in Snow Sector, and no one dared to go up against him, intimidated by his reputation.
Zhou Zhong, an elder master from the Yi clan, commented from the sidelines, "Brother Hu, it seems everyone knows they can't win against Jianguo. He's quite formidable."
Leader Hu stood up again, a slight, knowing smile on his face. "I will count to three. If no one comes up to challenge Jianguo, then Jianguo is the winner. One... is there anyone?"
Hu Dingxiang, his heart pounding, bravely stepped forward, his voice clear and resolute. "Father, I would like to try."
Leader Hu's smile widened, a triumphant gleam in his eyes, pleased by his son's courage. "Good. As a father, I am proud of you two. Dingxiang, you and your hunter come forward." He sat down again, eager for the match.
When Guozhao Zhiqiang and Hu Dingxiang walked onto the stage, their presence drawing murmurs from the crowd, Hu Dingxiang murmured softly to Zhiqiang, "Be careful, my elder brother is a very powerful swordsman." He smiled, a nervous but hopeful expression, and looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang. "I'm sorry. I asked you to put on a mask." Guozhao Zhiqiang wore a plain black mask, covering his distinctive features.
Guozhao Zhiqiang nodded, his eyes sharp. He looked at Hu Jianguo, assessing him. "The only swordsman I fear is Ah Bao," he stated simply. He then looked at Hu Dingxiang, a faint smile touching his lips. "Since your brother isn't Ah Bao, why should I be afraid of him?"
Hu Jianguo, hearing the slight, casual dismissal, looked at Hu Dingxiang, his face hardening. "Dingxiang," he said, his voice cold, "just because you are my brother, it doesn't mean that I will go easy on you. Expect no mercy."
"Big brother, please don't go easy on me," Hu Dingxiang replied, his voice firm, ready for the challenge.
Hu Jianguo sneered, a malicious glint in his eyes. "Here we come."
Hu Jianguo and his chosen hunter attacked Guozhao Zhiqiang and Hu Dingxiang simultaneously, a coordinated assault.
Guozhao Zhiqiang, moving with incredible speed, pushed Hu Dingxiang back twenty feet, placing him out of immediate danger.
Hu Dingxiang staggered back, surprised by the force, and called out, "Zhiqiang!"
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked coldly at Hu Dingxiang, his voice firm with command. "Stay there."
Hu Jianguo drew his dao and, with a powerful swing, struck at Guozhao Zhiqiang. Guozhao Zhiqiang blocked Hu Jianguo's attack with a clang of steel, the force jarring his arm. Hu Jianguo then began to attack relentlessly from the right while his hunter attacked from the left, a relentless pincer movement. Hu Jianguo knew, with a dawning realization, that this must be the mysterious hunter who had killed all the fire demons with his powerful, unfamiliar spells. If they continued to trade swords with this hunter, they might not win. Their only chance of victory was if Hu Dingxiang, the weaker opponent, stepped down.
Hu Jianguo shouted at his hunter, his voice sharp with urgency, "I will take care of him, you head straight to Dingxiang!"
The hunter, obeying instantly, flew straight towards Hu Dingxiang, his sword glinting. Hu Jianguo flicked his foot on the ground, sending a small stone to trip Guozhao Zhiqiang, trying to knock him off balance, but Guozhao Zhiqiang flipped forward gracefully over Hu Jianguo and, with a swift movement, sent a talisman directly at the hunter, who was only a few feet away from Hu Dingxiang. The rope talisman, glowing with energy, wrapped tightly around the hunter's right ankle. Guozhao Zhiqiang flew back towards Hu Dingxiang as his right arm powerfully yanked the hunter away from Hu Dingxiang. The hunter, caught by the rope, flew backward, stumbling towards Hu Jianguo.
To avoid hitting his own hunter, Hu Jianguo did a quick backflip, narrowly escaping the collision. The hunter, seeing an opportunity, used his spiritual power to give a desperate push, sending Hu Jianguo directly towards Hu Dingxiang. The hunter immediately, with a vicious intent, threw his sword directly at Hu Dingxiang, aiming for a killing blow.
Hu Dingxiang, reacting swiftly, drew his own sword to block the incoming hunter's sword, but then, a terrifying realization dawned: Hu Jianguo's sword was also coming straight at Hu Dingxiang, a dual attack orchestrated by his own brother.
Guozhao Zhiqiang, seeing the imminent danger, used his two fingers to precisely cut the magic rope that bound his right wrist to the hunter's ankle, freeing himself instantly. He moved like a blur, flying quickly past Hu Jianguo, placing himself directly in front of Hu Dingxiang just as Hu Jianguo's sword pierced his right shoulder, a sharp, searing pain. He roars in pain and fury, threw a heavy, concussive punch at Hu Jianguo's upper chest, the force of the blow sending Hu Jianguo and his sword flying back across to the other end of the stage. Hu Jianguo landed heavily on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood, his body spasming.
Hu Dingxiang saw blood gushing from Guozhao Zhiqiang's shoulder onto the stage floor, his eyes wide with horror. He quickly moved to Guozhao Zhiqiang's right side, pulled out his handkerchief, and pressed it firmly onto the wound, standing protectively beside Guozhao Zhiqiang.
Guozhao Zhiqiang turned to Hu Dingxiang, his voice a low rumble, concern in his eyes despite his injury. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Hu Dingxiang replied, his voice trembling slightly. "How about you? You're bleeding badly!"
"I'm fine," Guozhao Zhiqiang replied, his voice firm, his stoicism returning.
Leader Hu, his face beaming with a triumphant smile, nodded with satisfaction, having witnessed his son's victory. "Well done. Is there anyone else who wants to fight Dingxiang and his hunter?"
All the disciples babbled excitedly inside the training ground, their voices rising in a crescendo. "If he wins against Senior Brother, what chance do we have?" they whispered amongst themselves, intimidated by Zhiqiang's power.
Leader Hu, his voice ringing with authority, "Anyone else? If not, I will count to three, one."
Everyone stood still, no one daring to move, the silence heavy.
Leader Hu counted out loud, his voice clear, "Two."
Hu Jianguo, still on the ground, wanted desperately to stand up, to deny his brother victory, but couldn't. He had trouble breathing, a sharp, stabbing pain in his chest, and he knew, with grim certainty, he had broken several ribs.
Leader Hu counted, "Three." He waited for a moment, letting the silence linger, but no one else dared to enter the arena. He smiled happily, his triumph absolute. "This year's champion is my second son Hu Dingxiang!" He turned to his eager disciples. "Don't lose hope. The next competition will be held in five years. When that time arrives, I will invite all hunters, clans, and sectors to join us. This will be the biggest fighting competition we have ever held." He then turned to Hu Dingxiang; his eyes filled with paternal pride. "What is your one wish, my son?"
Hu Dingxiang looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, a complex swirl of emotions in his eyes, then, to everyone's surprise, he knelt down before his father. "Father and Uncle Zhou," he began, his voice clear and resonant, "My wish is to be engaged to sister Caihong. Please help me ask for her hand in marriage?"
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked at Hu Dingxiang, his heart sinking into an abyss of cold disbelief. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice low, cold, and utterly devoid of emotion, a stark contrast to the buzzing excitement around them.
Hu Dingxiang, ignoring Zhiqiang, continued, his voice filled with hopeful anticipation, "I hope father and Uncle Zhou agree, and also I hope sister Caihong agrees."
Leader Hu looked at Zhou Caihong, a satisfied smile on his face, and asked, "What do you say, Caihong?"
Zhou Caihong smiled shyly, her face flushing, a demure response. "As long as my father agrees."
Zhou Zhong, her father, nodded, a knowing look passing between him and Leader Hu. "I can only agree," he said, his voice cordial, "but you two are still children. Let you two get engaged, we will talk about the wedding in the near future."
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Uncle Zhou," Hu Dingxiang smiled, his face radiant with triumph.
Leader Hu chuckled, patting Dingxiang's shoulder. "From now on you can't call him uncle anymore, you can change how you are addressing him," he said, laughing jovially.
"Thank you, Father," Hu Dingxiang replied, his voice filled with filial respect.
The disciples on the field cheered loudly, their voices erupting in celebration, and Leader Hu and Zhou Zhong both laughed, a shared moment of triumph.
Hu Dingxiang, basking in the glory, watched Guozhao Zhiqiang quietly walk off the stage, his figure receding into the crowd. He quickly followed Guozhao Zhiqiang, a faint flicker of concern finally appearing on his otherwise jubilant face.
"Zhiqiang. Wait!" Hu Dingxiang exclaimed, catching up.
Guozhao Zhiqiang continued to walk, his steps resolute, along the stairs towards the secluded bamboo guesthouse, his destination clear. Hu Dingxiang followed closely behind, a persistent shadow. Guozhao Zhiqiang opened the door and walked into the guesthouse, immediately grabbing his travel bag.
"What are you doing?" Hu Dingxiang asked, his voice puzzled, a faint unease settling over him.
Guozhao Zhiqiang didn't make eye contact with Hu Dingxiang, his gaze fixed on his bag. He coldly said, his voice flat, devoid of warmth, "Leaving."
"I'm sorry," Hu Dingxiang said, a hesitant apology.
Guozhao Zhiqiang finally looked at Hu Dingxiang, his eyes piercing, filled with a deep, cutting hurt. "Why make promises if you can't keep them?" he asked, his voice a low, painful whisper.
"What?" Hu Dingxiang asked, genuinely confused, his brow furrowed.
Guozhao Zhiqiang stared intently at Hu Dingxiang's left wrist, his heart sinking when he didn't see the red string he had tied there the night before, the symbol of their connection. He smiled, a bitter, self-mocking twist of his lips, and shook his head. "You can go back now."
"What do you want me to do?" Hu Dingxiang asked, still bewildered.
Guozhao Zhiqiang's voice suddenly rose, exploding with raw anger, the full force of his betrayal. "You know what I want you to do! I want you to leave here with me! Go home with me and live in peace with me, away from this!"
"I can't..." Hu Dingxiang began, his voice pleading, "I promised my mother that I would climb that ladder until I reached the top, become the household leader." He reached out and desperately grabbed onto Guozhao Zhiqiang's right arm. "You can stay here with me, and we will reach the top together, by my side."
Guozhao Zhiqiang, his face etched with agony, pulled his arm away from Hu Dingxiang's grasping hands, a decisive, painful separation. "You're willing to break our promise for a chance to sit in that empty chair," he scoffed, his voice filled with bitter disbelief. "What about us? You and me. Our feelings for each other are incomparable to a small opportunity to sit on that empty wooden chair, a mere title?!"
"We are both men," Hu Dingxiang explained, his voice strained, a desperate rationalization. "If we are together, we will be abandoned by my family, rejected by society. I will disappoint my adoptive mother, and I will not have the face to face my birth mother in the netherworld, both of whom sacrificed so much for me. If you ask me to choose between the two... the little opportunity in that empty chair and the feeling between you and me... I will choose that little opportunity, no matter how small it is. I'm sorry." His voice ended in a whisper.
"I see," Guozhao Zhiqiang scoffed, his voice flat, filled with a cold, devastating finality.
Hu Dingxiang stretched out his hand, a desperate, final attempt to pull Guozhao Zhiqiang's hand, but Guozhao Zhiqiang pulled his hand away decisively, refusing the contact.
Guozhao Zhiqiang fixed his bag around his shoulder, his movements sharp and purposeful, and walked out of the guesthouse, leaving Hu Dingxiang standing alone in the silent room.
Hu Dingxiang watched Guozhao Zhiqiang disappear into the distance, his figure fading, then, with a subtle shift in his demeanor, he said, "You can come out now."
Servant Li walked out from behind the tree, his face impassive, having witnessed the entire painful exchange.
"Put on that outfit," Hu Dingxiang instructed, his voice now devoid of any pretense of affection, purely transactional. "You said you want to be a Snow Sector disciple, right?"
Servant Li bowed down deeply, his voice respectful. "Thank you, Young Master," he replied, accepting his new role, oblivious to the cruel game being played.