Chapter 113: Appearing

Maya’s melodious and slightly seductive voice echoed softly in everyone’s ears, carrying a faint reverberation, as if she were speaking directly before them. Unlike the indistinct exchanges earlier among Lou Jun and the others, this time everyone heard her clearly. This, in a way, revealed Maya’s extraordinary strength.

The moment her voice reached Su Yi’s ears, he instantly felt as if awakened from a daze; all the murderous intent that had enveloped him vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed. Following the source of the voice, an elegant and slender figure appeared before him.

Seeing Maya emerge, Lou Jun’s expression tightened slightly. He bowed slightly to her and spoke with considerable respect, “Miss Maya… you’ve come out. Are you prepared?”

“You sent word just a few days ago; of course, I’m ready,” Maya replied lightly with a faint hum, her expression calm. “And Uncle Mo Ben has already set off to confront those hidden adversaries of yours…”

Upon hearing Mo Ben’s name, Lou Jun’s demeanor grew more solemn, clearly aware of his formidable reputation. He pressed his head slightly and said in a solemn tone, “Our young master takes this matter very seriously. That’s why he sent many strong members of our family to accompany you covertly. Miss Maya’s safe return to the capital is guaranteed—there will be no accidents on the way!”

“Oh? Then please extend my thanks to Jiang Zhe,” Maya said with a coy smile that seemed to conceal some inscrutable meaning. “I thought the Jiang family was afraid I wouldn’t return, so they sent people to ‘escort’ me back.”

“Uh… Miss Maya, you jest,” Lou Jun coughed awkwardly, uncertain whether she was joking or serious. He forced a smile and continued, “Given your noble status, Miss Maya, any mishap would be unforgivable. It’s only proper that the Jiang family sends as many escorts as necessary.”

Maya tilted her sharp, fair chin slightly, a faint smile curling at her lips, but she said nothing.

“By the way, it’s not only our young master who wishes to see you. Many in the capital are eager to meet you. The little princess misses you greatly and often talks about visiting you. If not for someone persuading her otherwise, she might have already sneaked out of the capital…” Lou Jun added, hoping to stir Maya’s desire to return. After all, Maya’s status was extraordinary, and it would be unwise to force her. If her family hadn’t agreed, there would have been little reason for them to come here.

At the mention of the little princess, Maya’s expression changed for the first time—softness mingled with tenderness. It was clear they had a close relationship. Yet, upon closer observation, a deeper, more complex emotion lay beneath her smile—pain, guilt, and even a hint of fear.

She quickly composed herself and sighed with a smile. “It’s been so many years. She must be almost ten now, right? Well, since there’s no other choice, I’ll go back with you. But before I leave, there’s something I must say to him…” Her gaze fixed firmly on Su Yi.

Hearing this, a flicker of joy crossed Lou Jun’s heart. Successfully escorting Maya back to the capital without incident would be a merit. But before he could fully rejoice, Maya’s last words froze the faint smile on his face.

“Miss Maya—” Lou Jun’s heart tightened as she turned and walked toward Su Yi without waiting for a response. He hurriedly cautioned, “You’re about to marry into the Jiang family. It’s best not to get entangled with other men… Otherwise, if word gets out, it won’t look good for the Jiang family’s reputation.”

Lou Jun’s astuteness was evident. In just a short time, he had sensed that Maya and Su Yi’s relationship was not simple. He regretted not having killed Su Yi earlier to put an end to it. After all, Maya wouldn’t risk offending the Jiang family just for Su Yi.

“Don’t worry, Captain Lou,” Maya said lightly as she reached Su Yi’s side and gently rested her slender hand on his shoulder. She gave Lou Jun a sidelong glance and said, “Whether it harms the Jiang family’s face or not is for the head of the family to decide. You needn’t concern yourself with that.”

With that, she ignored Lou Jun and slowly led Su Yi to a secluded spot. Seeing Maya intervene, Captain Yuan exhaled quietly, relieved that her departure would likely proceed without incident. He glanced at the pale-faced Lou Jun, snorted, and swiftly melted back into the crowd near the auction grounds.

“All right, nothing more to discuss. You may return to your duties,” Yuan said firmly.

Hearing this, the others had no choice but to comply and returned to their respective work areas. Among them, Duan Shi led some guards aside and asked, “Captain Yuan, what exactly happened? I thought I heard something about leaving, the capital, and marriage…”

“Nothing much,” Yuan sighed softly, unwilling to elaborate. “Miss Maya will be leaving the auction grounds today, returning to the capital.”

“What?!” Though they had some inkling, the news still shocked Duan Shi and Di Yuan. They wanted to ask more but, recalling the stern faces of the Jiang family members and Captain Yuan, swallowed their words.

On the other side, watching the somewhat intimate behavior between Maya and Su Yi, Lou Jun’s face turned as cold as ice. Fierce glints flashed in his eyes as he thought bitterly, “If the young master finds out about this…”

Maya and Su Yi arrived at a quiet spot. As they stopped, Su Yi couldn’t help but ask anxiously, “Maya, are you really going to marry that Jiang fellow?”

Seeing his worry, Maya covered her mouth to laugh softly. With fingers as delicate as jade onions, she lightly tapped his forehead and said, “Su Yi, why so anxious? It’s as if your own wife were about to marry someone else!”

“Maya—” Su Yi could only laugh bitterly. He was genuinely concerned, but Maya seemed entirely detached.

“All right, tell me, how is your body now?” Maya asked slowly.

“Uh… well…” Su Yi carefully assessed himself before replying, “It’s strange. I thought that strike would have ended me, but I’m much better now. Although it still hurts enough to barely walk, I believe a night’s rest will help me recover considerably.”

Indeed, his body was stronger now. From his inner vision, though he was in great pain, no bones were broken, no vital organs or meridians ruptured. It was as if someone had deliberately controlled the force of the qi strike to maximize pain without causing fatal damage.

Suddenly, a flash of realization struck Su Yi. He looked up at Maya and asked hurriedly, “Maya, was it you—”

“Yes, it was I who intervened secretly,” Maya nodded and sighed softly. “I didn’t expect Lou Jun to act so quickly. To keep you away from him and prevent a second attack, I had to quietly use hidden energy to enter your body, neutralizing the qi strike and protecting your organs. But overuse of hidden energy can also harm you. I was rushed and couldn’t control it precisely. I’m glad you weren’t seriously injured.”

Hidden energy—it made sense, Su Yi thought. Using regular qi might have caused a violent clash, harming himself as well. Neutralizing it with hidden energy was safer, though the amount was hard to gauge. Judging by his pain, it was probably insufficient, but perhaps that was for the best.

“As for your question about marriage…” Maya sighed again. “One major reason I came to Changling City was to avoid his pursuit. But the Jiang family persuaded my family… You know how it is—family alliances through marriage are customary among noble houses.”

From this, Su Yi realized Maya did not love Jiang Zhe. He felt a sudden relief but then frowned at the mention of family alliances. “So, Maya, you don’t want to marry Jiang Zhe?”

She nodded. “Jiang Zhe is undoubtedly a brilliant man—few in the capital’s younger generation compare to him. But I don’t feel any affection for him, so naturally, I don’t want to marry him. However, the Jiang family’s influence is unprecedented now. Under pressure, my family had no choice. Once back in the capital, I’ll try to delay as long as I can.”

Forced marriage! Su Yi’s heart burned with indignation, but there was nothing he could do. The Jiang family was the empire’s foremost clan, closely linked with the military. The Yuximan family was no match; even the royal family was overshadowed by them. Su Yi felt helpless. If only he were stronger, all these problems would be resolved.

Just as he brooded, Maya’s soft voice interrupted him. “Su Yi, since you’re participating in the world’s top martial arts tournament, you’ll likely go to the capital in three years, right?”

“Uh, yes… according to plans, I will,” Su Yi replied, puzzled by her sudden question.

Maya’s smile turned enchanting, her voice more seductive as she blinked brightly and said slowly, “So, Su Yi, do you have the confidence to elope and claim your bride in the capital three years from now?”

Su Yi was momentarily stunned but quickly understood her meaning. Just as he was about to reply, he found himself captivated by Maya’s radiant smile. Suddenly, a surge of passion ignited deep within him—an overwhelming spirit of daring and valor rose from his chest.

“Of course!!!”

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Martial Arts Pinnacle 113_Chapter One Hundred Thirteen: Appearance — Update Complete!