Chapter 142: Life and Death in One's Hands

  Xia Ya walked on the main street, feeling relaxed and happy. The matters of coming to the Imperial City had all been settled, and the title of nobility and reward had also been taken care of. From now on, it was just a matter of going through the motions, as Ruru said: "Now that His Majesty has made it clear that he's covering for you, you can rest assured and wait to become a noble lord."

  The only thing that made him slightly indignant was accompanying General Adrick to the Senate, where he saw the general being humiliated, and his heart was filled with indignation.

  But after coming out of the Senate, General Adrick's face didn't have much anger, but rather a sense of loss that was even heavier in his eyes.

  Xia Ya couldn't help but speak out two sentences of discontent, and General Adrick just smiled casually. However, before parting ways, he gazed at Xia Ya for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Xia Ya, you're still young, there are some things that even if I tell you now, you may not understand. Just remember one thing: If someone has a conviction in their heart, they shouldn't easily change it - if they do, it's not called conviction anymore."

  。”

  Xia Yadang was stunned, seemingly understanding and yet not quite, while General Adrick said nothing more, merely patted Xia Ya's shoulder with a warm smile, mounted his horse and departed.

  Xia Ya returned to his residence alone, but with a heavy heart. He didn't feel like riding his horse and instead led it slowly along the road. As he took in the sights of the imperial capital's majestic cityscape, the gloom that had been weighing on his mind gradually dissipated.

  As I walked past a street corner, my heart suddenly skipped a beat for no reason. The keen senses that had been honed from years of living in the wilderness seemed to be triggered by something external, and my heart skipped a beat - as if something was secretly watching me?!

  Xia Ya's eyes narrowed, and he immediately looked around, only to suddenly see a restaurant on the side of the street. On the second floor by the window, an elderly man with a clear face was smiling at him. Although they were so far apart, Xia Ya could still clearly feel the clarity and depth in the old man's gaze.

  Those eyes shine like cold stars!

  Xia Ya exchanged a glance with the other person, and the old man smiled and nodded slightly, as if he had hinted at something with his eyes. Xia Ya furrowed her brow and hesitated for a moment before striding into the restaurant.

  As he walked up the stairs to the second floor, the old man was sitting in front of the window, holding a book in his left hand, lazily resting his boots on the chair, leaning against the wall, and smiling at Xia Ya. Xia Ya walked over, not saying a word, and sat down directly across from the old man.

  Kaviel looked at Xia Ya, those clear eyes made Xia Ya feel like he was being seen through in an instant, and he subconsciously turned his face to the side.

  "Are you hungry?"

  Kavi's voice was calm: "If you're hungry, just eat some. The sour coconut shoots with mashed potatoes in this store are not bad."

  After finishing speaking, he raised his hand and pointed to a plate on the table in front of him. The coconut shoots mixed with mashed potatoes were golden brown in color and fragrant in aroma, which indeed made people look at it and feel hungry.

  Xia Ya seemed to be in the same mood, directly picked up the spoon on the table and took a bite. As soon as the food entered her mouth, her eyes lit up, and after putting down the spoon, she smiled and said, "It's really delicious."

  "Uh-huh." Kavishir nodded, his expression was quite calm: "I have a small habit, I like to find some inconspicuous small shops everywhere, those truly delicious ones are often hidden in these ordinary-looking places - as for those magnificent and luxurious places, they often only sell a facade and style."

  Xia Ya nodded and said, "What you said is right. Delicious food doesn't care about the location, only the taste."

  Kavi Hill narrowed his eyes, but reached into his pocket and fumbled around for a moment before pulling out a small silver bottle which he placed on the table: "This is my own secret seasoning blend, the formula... can't tell you, but this stuff pairs well with mashed potatoes, try it."

  Xia Ya was also straightforward, didn't refuse, grabbed the bottle and twisted it open, sprinkled a bit of fine silver-white powder on the mashed potatoes, took another bite, and suddenly his eyes lit up with joy, clapping his hands and laughing: "Great! Great! Great! Indeed, there's a trick to it! This mashed potato, I actually tasted meat flavor in it! Hahaha!"

  Kavi looked at the bottle and said, "You like it so much, I'll give it to you."

  The old man seemed to sigh and said, "This meat flavor, it's a long story - when I was young and hadn't made my fortune yet, I was also a poor bookworm, relying on friends for meals every day. This mashed potato was the cheapest, so it was my staple food."

  I've eaten too much of it, and I couldn't help but miss the taste of meat. I looked up many recipes, and almost became a master chef myself, just to come up with this seasoning blend that, when added to mashed potatoes, gives off a meaty flavor - even though we can't afford meat, using this is better than nothing."

  Xia Ya stuffed the bottle into her bosom and raised her hand: "Since you gave it to me, I'll take it - thank you!"

  "No need to thank me, it's just a pitiful struggle when one is driven to desperation. It's nothing much." Kavihir shook his head and smiled faintly: "Just like me, in the past I was also quite arrogant, thinking myself to be uniquely wise, but with an empty stomach, how could those lofty ambitions still be considered? Yet I used my wisdom on such petty tricks, making a laughing stock of myself."

  Xia Ya's eyes lit up, and he stared intently at the old man. The old man narrowed his eyes: "Hey, old man, you seem to be hinting at something?"

  Kavi smiled and said: "Hint? No no no... If I were to hint, with your current state of mind, you wouldn't be able to hear it. This... is already being made clear."

  (on an empty stomach...)

  Xia Ya hung his head in thought, and when he lifted it up again, he smiled and said: "I understand now! Thank you for pointing that out! When people are hungry, there's no need to discuss lofty matters. If they're still talking about other things while their stomachs are growling, then everything becomes a joke - old man, thank you for your guidance. I was originally very angry about today's events, but now that you've put it this way, I'm not angry anymore."

  After finishing speaking, Xia Ya stood up and was about to bid farewell. Kaviel smiled: "What's wrong, are you afraid of saying a few more words with me?"

  Turtle was taken aback, then burst out laughing: "That's right! Someone said that anyone who gets involved with you ends up lying in the tomb on 'Glory Mountain'! I'm still young and don't plan to take a long sleep in that haunted place just yet."

  Kavi sighed: "Well, you know who I am now."

  "Of course I know! If you can't even guess this much - do you think I'm a fool?"

  Kavihr's expression showed a few sparks of interest: "Oh? Then aren't you curious why I'm looking for you?"

  Xia Ya's facial muscles twitched, hesitated for a moment, and finally let out a sigh, shaking his head: "I'm curious - but I don't dare ask."

  "Really?" Kavihr this time was actually a bit curious.

  "I don't dare."

  Xia Ya nodded honestly: "It's just that I don't dare. You're a terrifying guy, I've heard too many scary things about you. Who am I? A small potato from the mountains. These days, it's been a series of coincidences, and I'm lucky to be alive. Now, I have some money and I've even become a minor noble - what more could I ask for? To put it this way, I'm satisfied, really satisfied."

  He paused, looking at Kavish: "So, I'm curious - what's your relationship with that old guy who raised me? What's the deal with that big rock you gave me? And I'm even more curious, as soon as I arrived in the capital, you sent someone to find me and said you wanted to 'see' me."

  。

  This guy, to you, is just a small weed, what's worth your attention. So... I'm scared, I can't afford to mess with this kind of thing, I'd better hide. I was thinking, after these few days are over, I'll go back north, be that dogshit military officer, play the role of a local tyrant, embezzle some small money, even if it's just for a little while, and have some minor glory.

  Damn it, living to this point is already several hundred times better than what I expected when I first came out of the mountains. What more do I have to be discontent about? So... you're too profound, too scary, too troublesome... I don't dare to provoke you, although I've had so many doubts in my heart, but I'll still keep a safe distance from you.

  "You and that old guy who raised me, whether it's gratitude or resentment, he's already kicked the bucket, buried underground, his bones can be used to make drums. So don't drag me into your business. I don't care, nor do I bother - also can't afford to care, can't afford to bother."

  Tortoise said this while his expression was very serious, one word at a time, and his eyes were also calm. However, as Kavihir listened, his face became increasingly strange. After Tortoise finished speaking, the wise old man's mouth opened slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately shook his head, and the smile on his face also seemed strange.

  "Hah! I didn't expect that you still had such a thin reserve." Kavihr frowned: "This is indeed something I didn't anticipate. It seems that my old friend's training of you has been quite successful... Knowing contentment... This is something that ordinary people can't do in their entire lives. But you're able to understand this principle, which is truly rare."

  Kavi closed his eyes, seemingly pondering for a moment: "Wait a bit longer, there's another play, but it's one I've arranged for you. Watch it and then leave."

  Although Xia Ya was unwilling in her heart, she didn't know why, but whenever the old man's calm and clear eyes swept over, she couldn't help feeling a little nervous, and involuntarily sat back down on the chair.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, before long, I suddenly heard footsteps coming from the stairs, and then saw two burly giants rushing over in a hurry.

  One of them looked about forty years old, with a worried face and wearing silver armor, seemingly a military general. Next to him was a young giant who turned out to be the giant Nigul from "The Four Great Beauties of Wang City". Both men had square faces with clear features, and if you ignored their age difference, they looked about 30-50% similar in appearance.

  The middle-aged general came before Kavi Hill, let out a long sigh and hastily bowed his head saying: "Your Excellency, I've finally found you!"

  After finishing speaking, he pulled Nigel over with force, kicked him in the knee and shouted sternly: "Fool! Kneel down!!"

  Nigul's face was unwilling, but the middle-aged general kicked him with great force. Nigul let out a cry of "ah yo" and fell to his knees in front of Kavishir.

  The middle-aged general raised his hand slightly and said in a low voice: "Your Excellency, this nephew of mine is too damn reckless, doing such a crazy thing. I only knew about it when it was already too late. I've already beaten the kid severely, but please help me resolve the trouble that's been stirred up..."

  After finishing speaking, he glanced at Xia Ya beside him and stopped.

  "General Spahn." Kaviel remained leaning in his chair, saying lightly: "You are the commander of the Wangcheng Imperial Guard, saluting me, I don't deserve it.

  。”

  That General Span's face turned red, hesitated for a moment, and kicked Nigul several times, only to make Nigul howl in pain, before stopping his actions, staring at Kavishir without saying a word.

  Xia Ya was stunned - what is this old guy trying to do?

  "Don't you understand?"

  Kaviel glanced at Shaya and said softly, "That title of yours, hmm... 'Battlefield Wounder of Hastings'. It's written in black and white on the battle report. This is your title, a halo. But it was given to you by His Majesty's decision, and also my intention... This title, given to you, is only for you! Even if you yourself want to give it away, you can't just let someone else have it, understand? As for this kid, he doesn't even qualify to receive it."

  Xia Ya opened his mouth - these days he has been much more peaceful, to a large extent because he intentionally lost to Nigula that day, letting this wind go out and seeking peace for himself.

  "Nigul, huh, is that your name?" Kavishir looked at the guy on the ground.

  Nigul was originally resentful, a stubborn head, where would he give up? Although beaten by his own uncle, he was forced to submit to his uncle's severity and did not dare to resist. In fact, he was very unwilling in his heart - but when Kavishir cast a cold glance over, Nigul suddenly felt a spark of cleverness in his heart! This glance made him not dare to show any anger, but it also brought an indescribable fear to Nigul's heart, and the original resentment instantly dissipated.

  "This time, you've also learned a lesson. To be honest, I'm making an exception by talking to you like this. From now on, listen more to your uncle's words. General Spahn, as someone trusted by His Majesty, the King's City Guard is under your command, and you must take care of everything for His Majesty."

  "Yes! I understand!" General Spen hastily lowered his head.

  He glanced at Kavi, seeing that Kavi had already closed his eyes and didn't intend to speak again. He let out a sigh of relief, knowing the matter was settled. He quickly raised his hand and grabbed Nigul's back: "What are you still dawdling for? Go home!"

  "Wait a minute." Kavihr opened his eyes, slightly furrowed his brow: "Since things have started, they should also come to an end. This title, how it was obtained back then, will be returned in the same way now."

  General Spahn's face changed color, his eyes flashed, and he hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying in a low voice: "Nie Gu, don't blame Uncle for being heartless!"

  The general suddenly drew his long sword, and with a swoosh, he raised his hand and split the windowsill next to him! Then he grabbed Nigula and kicked him in the thigh.

  Poor Nigel let out a miserable cry, his body directly flew out of the window, with a loud crash, he fell from the second floor to the street, instantly causing a commotion on the streets.

  General Spahn stood by the windowsill, facing outside and shouted loudly: "Wang Cheng's Four Elegant Ladies are no match for Xia Yalai, their martial arts skills are far inferior! Today they lost and admitted defeat! They were despicable and shameless when they launched a sneak attack back then, and today they got punished by Mr. Xia, it serves them right!"

  These two sentences, Spahn shouted with all his might three times, then turned around and saluted Kavishir, turned around and ran downstairs. Outside the long street, Nigel was already unable to get up, apparently injured quite badly.

  。

  Xia Ya was completely stunned!

  Kaviel seemed satisfied, withdrew his gaze, and continued to look at Xia Ya with an expressionless face.

  "Y...you..." Xia Ya's lips moved a few times, suddenly bursting into flames, his anger surging up, he shouted: "What are you doing! That day I was intentionally losing to him, it wasn't him who provoked me! If anyone is wrong, it should be me for harming this guy!"

  Kavi's eyes gradually cooled down a few degrees, and he said lightly: "It's just that you need to understand, some things can be done, and some things cannot be done!"

  "There are some things that you can refuse when they're offered to you. But there are other things that, once given, cannot be refused! And certainly not passed on to someone else - do you understand?"

  Xia Ya's face turned slightly pale - not from fear, but from anger.

  "You must be furious, thinking I'm being too arrogant and unreasonable." Kavihr said calmly: "That's exactly what I want you to understand. As long as I'm willing, there are many things that I can do unreasonably - this is power."

  Xia Ya bit her lip.

  "You know contentment, think of yielding, think of dodging...... Unfortunately, you can't help it." Kaviel sneered, his eyes also gradually becoming sharp, like a needle, piercing into Xia Ya's heart. "Unless you never left that mountain in the first place, spent your whole life hiding in those mountains, being a hunter——then naturally no one would bother you! But since you've come out, things are beyond your control. Because you should know, many things, once started, can't be stopped——let alone, this matter began many years ago, regardless of whether you're willing or not, you're already part of this fate. Unless one day you become strong, stronger than me, stronger than everything else. But before that...... I think I'll let you take whatever path I want..."

  "...You, can't resist."

  ！！！！

  Xia Ya really wanted to pull out the fire fork and chop it over. However, facing this Kavihir, although the other side seemed calm and peaceful, without any evil spirit, but facing him, the kind of fuzzy feeling in his heart made himself have a strange certainty: absolutely not the opponent of this old guy!

  "I... I... damn it!" Xia Ya hesitated again and again, but finally didn't pull out the fire fork. Instead, he let out a loud "hmmph" and glared at Kavihir: "What do you want me to do?!"

  Kavihill smiled lightly: "It's simple... I'll tell you step by step. If I told you all at once, I'm afraid you wouldn't understand. Now, take back the title of 'Defeating Hastings' and go be your little noble emperor. Hmm... before you leave the Imperial City, send someone to deliver a book gift to my home, consider it as paying respects to your master."

  "Kowtow, kowtowing to a master?!"

  Xia Ya's eyes widened in an instant!!

  Because he had once heard Roule mention that one of Kavi's disciples was the imperial crown prince!!

  It can be seen that being able to become a disciple of this guy is by no means ordinary!

  "Yes, isn't it strange?" Kavihir seemed a bit fatigued, having said too many words today, which had taken a toll on him. He rubbed his brow and sighed: "I met you earlier than I expected, and the timing isn't ideal either... You little scamp, you've exceeded my expectations in many ways."

  The more it is like that, the more interesting I find it. Your foster father taught you well. Unfortunately, he only taught half of it before he died... So, the rest of the things, I'll complete them for him!

  Xia Ya listened and laughed extremely: "Haha! I've heard of rape, but not forcing someone to take a disciple! What if I don't want to?"

  Kavi didn't get angry either, and smiled calmly: "You will agree."

  "I..." Xia Ya's words got stuck in her throat, and she hummed a few times. Her eyes rolled around: "The Crown Prince is also your disciple, he must hate me to death! Could it be that..."

  "This is no problem." Kavihr didn't even hesitate, saying offhand, "Garcia, he won't bother you. Since I'm guaranteeing for you, then this problem doesn't exist anymore."

  "I don't believe it, he's the crown prince." Xia Ya snorted coldly.

  "If he dares to do that..." Kavihir smiled, raising his hand to point at the stairs: "Then he will no longer be the Crown Prince... Alright, now you can go."

  When Xia Ya walked down the stairs and came to the street, she still felt a bit confused in her heart, thinking that the encounter with Kavi just now on the upper floor was like a dream.

  That old man looked like he didn't have any air of dignity at all, calm and serene, but was actually so...

  My god! So scary!

  Become an apprentice?

  The turtle really wanted to laugh loudly three times: I'll kowtow to you, great ghost!

  But in his heart, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive, Cavishere's seemingly ordinary yet resolute words: You will agree...

  Damn it! I'd rather die than let him push my head down and make me kowtow!

  Xia Ya thought fiercely in her heart, also trying to encourage herself.

  His mood was greatly ruined, and he didn't have the mind to stroll around. After coming out, he quickly got on his horse and returned to his residence. As soon as he entered the house, just after passing through the gate, he saw a thin and weak figure in the courtyard, wearing an oversized and ridiculous leather armor, with two or three somewhat bloated travel bags on his back.

  Xia Ya glared: "Duo Duo Luo, what are you trying to do? Are you thinking of stealing something and running away?"

  The magician's eyes looked at Xia Ya returning, and he suddenly trembled, the package in his hand also fell to the ground, his face struggled for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying: "Master, I'm leaving! I've thought it through, I've decided to go to the trial!!"

  "Barbarian?" Xia Ya frowned: "Have you gone mad? You know, I've already been enfeoffed. Following me from now on will always lead to a good outcome. Why must you go to some spirit's place to seek death?"

  On Duoduo's ugly and sordid face, his eyes shone with a resolute light at this moment.

  "Master... I am a magician!"

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