I am the snake demon!

The Zhenlong Chess Tournament.

The biggest event at Zhenlongxuan.

In Xuanwu County, almost all array formation cultivators under the age of thirty come here to play chess.

The formation was then manifested to show the scene of the chess players' game to the audience, giving them a feast for the eyes and allowing them to see the battle of thousands of troops.

They even invited a master of formations from the Sitting Illumination Realm to oversee and comment on formation battles.

The champions of each Zhenlongxuan Chess Tournament were all renowned figures of their time and were considered distinguished scholars.

This is arguably the grandest ever Zhenlong chess tournament.

Many guests bought tickets to enter and watch the chess game.

However, looking at the sea of ​​people, Xu Zhao, the second master of the Xu family, showed no joy, but rather a hint of worry. He looked at the man on his left and said, "Have you still not found out who Bai Xuan is?"

Just yesterday, before the event ended, a mysterious person placed a bet of 300,000 taels on Bai Xuan.

Bai Xuan's odds are 1 to 10.

In other words, if Bai Xuan wins.

The Xu family has to pay three million taels of silver in compensation.

Three million taels of working capital.

While the Xu family is undoubtedly the wealthiest merchant family in the Northern Territory, their assets are mostly real estate such as houses and land. Recently, they have also given a large amount of liquid funds to Xu Yanheng. Although they can afford to take out three million taels of silver at once, it will inevitably cause them significant financial strain.

The fact that they dared to bet 300,000 taels of silver shows that they have complete confidence.

After all, 300,000 taels is not a small sum.

"Not yet. All the people we sent to track him were knocked unconscious. This Bai Xuan seems to have appeared out of nowhere," the man replied with a somewhat troubled expression.

"Then send more people to investigate! Three hundred thousand taels is no small sum; not everyone can come up with three hundred thousand taels," Xu Zhao said angrily.

"Yes, yes, brother-in-law, don't be angry. I've already sent people out. As long as they're in Xuanwu, we'll find out sooner or later," the man said obsequiously.

"When is 'sooner or later'? The Zhenlong Competition is about to begin, do we still have time? Before you speak, use your pig brain and think it over carefully!" Xu Zhao was even more annoyed upon hearing this and scolded him mercilessly.

The man was so badly scolded that cold sweat poured down his forehead, but he didn't dare to breathe loudly. He could only look for help at the arrogant young man standing to Xu Zhao's right.

Upon realizing this, the young man's expression shifted slightly, and he said arrogantly, "Uncle, there's no need to rush. Even if we can't find out, it doesn't matter. According to the results of the age compass, Bai Xuan is no more than twenty years old. Even if such a person is outstanding, how outstanding can he be? I have already broken through to the ninth seal, and I am only one step away from entering the tenth seal and stepping into the Sitting Illumination Realm. No matter how powerful he is, he will not be my match."

Xu Yanque is the leading figure of the younger generation of the Xu family.

Seeing Xu Yanque's confident expression, Xu Zhao's face relaxed slightly, and he said, "That's for the best. But it's always better to be safe than sorry. I've invited Zhang Huan to be a witness for the Zhenlong Competition. If you perform well and win first place, your uncle can promote you and take the opportunity to ask you to become his apprentice."

Indeed, he's not even twenty years old yet. Could he possibly surpass Yan Que?

Those under thirty who can be seated in the portrait are extremely rare, one in ten thousand, let alone those under twenty.

"I will."

Upon hearing Zhang Huan's name, a hint of longing appeared in Xu Yanque's eyes.

General Zhang Huan, one of the Three Heroes of Liangzhou, was ranked alongside Duan Qingyue, the head of the Duan family, and was hailed as one of the most likely generals in the northern border to break through to the Tongyou realm.

"Very good, keep up the good work. The future of the Xu family depends on you." Xu Zhao nodded in satisfaction. His and his elder brother's children were still minors, and Xu Yanque, his cousin, was already the most outstanding person among the younger generation of the Xu family.

"Second Master, General Du Liao has arrived."

Just then, the manager of Zhenlongxuan came to report.

"Que'er, come with me to greet Zhang Huan." Xu Zhao's spirits lifted immediately upon hearing this. He led the two downstairs to greet him and saw a tall, refined-looking middle-aged man. He quickly stepped forward and said, "I am sorry for not greeting you sooner. I hope Brother Zhang will forgive me."

"Not at all, Brother Xu, you're too kind," Zhang Huan said with a smile.

"Brother Zhang's presence is a tremendous honor for me, Xu. Whatever I do is only right. This is my nephew, Xu Yanque, who will also be participating in the Zhenlong Competition later," Xu Zhao introduced with a smile. Then, looking at Xu Yanque, he said, "Qianque, come and pay your respects to your Uncle Zhang."

"Yan Que greets Uncle." Xu Yan Que immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Not bad, young man. I think the championship of this Zhenlong Chess Tournament will fall into the hands of your Xu family." Zhang Huan said with a smile.

"Uncle, I am sure I will win first place and not disgrace you," Xu Yanque said humbly.

Zhang Huan smiled faintly, a hint of amusement in his smile.

Xu Zhao, oblivious to the situation, smiled and invited Zhang Huan to the top floor to provide commentary as a referee.

Before the four of them could even go upstairs, a sharp and loud wolf howl suddenly rang out, deafeningly loud.

Immediately afterwards, the ground trembled violently.

Everyone in Zhenlong Pavilion was shocked.

"What's going on? Why are there wolf howls? Could it be that the demon race is attacking the city?"

"What are you thinking? This is Xuanwu. Even the Demon Emperor wouldn't get any advantage here."

"That's right, this is Xuanwu. Which demon race member would dare to cause trouble here?"

……

A group of people who came to watch were puzzled, but fortunately, because of their trust in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, they did not think that the demon race could reach Xuanwu, so no stampede occurred.

Xu Zhao's expression suddenly changed. Like the other people, he believed that it was impossible for the demon race to have attacked Xuanwu without anyone noticing.

If the Demon Kingdom had this ability, the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion would have been destroyed long ago.

Therefore, there is only one possibility for hearing such wolf howls here: it comes from the personal guard of the Prince of Zhenbei, the elite Red Blood Wolf Cavalry of Liangzhou.

Xu Zhao looked up and saw, sure enough, rows of fierce wolf riders emerging on the distant horizon. Their eyes were cold and ruthless, like demons from hell. Their bloodthirsty and indifferent gaze terrified even immortals and Buddhas.

With a wolf howl, the wolf riders galloped forward like a sharp knife, bringing with them a terrifying killing intent as vast as mountains of corpses and seas of blood. In an instant, the air became thick and oppressive.

Everyone in Zhenlongxuan was terrified.

The Crimson Wolf Riders swept across the land.

The past was just a legend, but now the legend has come to life.

Xu Yanque, who had been calm and composed, couldn't help but tremble as he looked at Xu Zhao and asked, "Uncle, is this the legendary Crimson Blood Wolf Riders?"

Xu Zhaogan swallowed hard and nodded stiffly.

The Crimson Blood Wolf Riders were originally the Bingzhou Wolf Riders.

He followed the old Zhenbei King to protect the late emperor and made many military achievements. Later, he followed the old Zhenbei King to Liangzhou, changed his mount to a demon wolf, and his strength reached a new level, making him the number one cavalryman in the world.

Why would they appear at this time, and specifically target Zhenlongxuan?

Xu Zhao roughly estimated that there were about 800 riders.

One-sixth of the entire Crimson Blood Wolf Riders may not seem like much, but it was enough to wipe out everyone in Zhenlong Pavilion!

Did the Xu family get into trouble?

It's not that serious. Even if his embezzlement is exposed, the city defense forces can just come and arrest him.

He's not worthy to have the Crimson Wolf Riders come.

Xu Zhao was completely baffled, and his doubts only fueled his growing anxiety.

The Crimson Blood Wolf Riders galloped over, rushing straight to the front of Zhenlong Pavilion, and then stopped in unison. The eight hundred men and eight hundred wolves moved with remarkable precision, as smooth as flowing water.

"May I ask which battalion you are from? What brings you to Zhenlong Pavilion?" Xu Zhaoqiang stepped forward to greet them.

However, none of the Crimson Wolf Riders answered him.

This made Xu Zhao increasingly uneasy.

Until the sound of horses' hooves rang out.

The wolf riders automatically parted to make way, and a magnificent carriage slowly approached.

Looking at the carriage, Xu Zhao narrowed his eyes, his apprehension rising to its peak. The fact that the horse was unafraid of the demonic wolf was enough to prove its special nature, and in Xuanwu, only the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion could use this carriage.

They actually came at this time.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the carriage curtain was pulled open, and Bai Xuan stepped out of the car hand in hand with Xu Yuhua. They were radiant and became the focus of attention the moment they appeared.

"Greetings, Your Highness; greetings, Princess."

Upon seeing Bai Xuan appear, everyone from Zhenlongxuan immediately bowed.

"Senior brother, you flatter me. I came here not on official business, but on personal matters. If our teacher finds out that you are being so polite, I will be punished."

After Bai Xuan got out of the carriage, he immediately helped Zhang Huan up.

Zhang Huan and Huangfu Ju were both disciples of Huangfu Xiongwen, and thus Bai Xuan's senior brothers.

"I visited my teacher the other day, and he said that accepting the prince as his last disciple was the happiest thing in his life," Zhang Huan said, standing up.

"Perfect timing! I'm going to visit our teacher later. Why don't you come along, senior brother?" Bai Xuan chuckled, then told the others to get up.

"Since you invited me, Junior Brother, I will naturally accept your invitation with a smile," Zhang Huan said.

Seeing the two brothers so affectionate and happy, Xu Zhao felt awkward and forced a smile as he stepped forward and said, "Your Highness's presence is truly an honor to Zhenlong Pavilion."

"It's nothing, and you don't need to be so polite. Just treat me as an ordinary contestant," Bai Xuan said with a smile.

"Contestants?"

Xu Zhao was startled upon hearing this and looked at Bai Xuan in disbelief. "Your Highness, are you coming to participate in our chess tournament?"

Now that you're here, what's the point of competing?

In Xuanwu, who dares to beat you?

Especially when you came with eight hundred wolf riders.

So, should I give you all the rewards I've prepared today?

"I know, don't worry, I won't bully anyone. There's no need to treat me differently, just treat me like an ordinary person. To be honest, I didn't really want to make a big fuss. I originally wanted to come under the pseudonym Bai Xuan, but my elder sister was reluctant and specially brought the Crimson Blood Wolf Riders as guards. Please don't take offense," Bai Xuan said with a smile.

"You must be Bai Xuan!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhao's face turned even paler. He looked at Bai Xuan in disbelief, thinking, "So you were the one who invested 300,000 taels."

I said, who could hide the news so well in Xuanwu?

So it was you.

With a bet of 300,000 taels, you're going to win 3 million taels from me!