“So what if I messed with you? Are you going to bite me?” Zu An sat leisurely in his seat with an arm hooked around Leng Shuangyue, completely unfazed.
Chen Xuan immediately became furious. His blade left his scabbard with a clean, sharp sound. His expression was treacherous, already seething with killing intent.
You have successfully trolled Chen Xuan for 444 Rage points!
In his heart, Chu Yucheng gave Zu An a thumbs-up. This guy really was nasty. In the past, he had always thought that he was some useless drafted son-in-law. He’d never expected him to actually be such a fierce person!
But that’s what I like to see!
Knowing just how powerless they had been before that red-haired man, he fervently wished for that bastard’s face to be covered in as much dirt and grime as possible.
He tried to drag Chu Hongcai over, out of worry that Chen Xuan would erupt in violence.
Unfortunately, Chu Hongcai was still in a daze. He had shut himself completely off from the outside world, so Chu Yucheng was left to back Zu An up alone.
After some hesitation, Wang Yuanlong stepped forward as well.
Zu An was somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected these silver-spooned fellows to be this loyal when it really mattered.
Chen Xuan sneered. “Do you think you’re all that just because there are more people with you now?”
As one, his subordinates all rose to their feet, and his side instantly gained the numerical advantage.
Seeing that conflict was about to break out, Qiu Honglei spoke up once more. “I hope that everyone can indulge me this once. Could you all please not cause a disturbance in the Immortal Abode?”
Even the coldest of hearts would melt at her sweet, pleading voice.
Chen Xuan resentfully returned the blade to the sheath. “I’ll leave you with your life for now, out of respect for Lady Qiu. We’ll settle things once we are outside the Immortal Abode.”
Zu An immediately raised his voice. “How dare you claim to have things to settle with me? Do you know who I am?”
Chen Xuan was stunned at Zu An’s utter lack of remorse. Instead, that fellow had gotten even more cocky! Don’t tell me this fellow really is the heir of some bigshot?
“And who exactly might you be?”
When he heard these words, Zu An chuckled. “It’s better if you don’t know who I am. That way, you can’t find me once we leave the Immortal Abode.”
There was a moment of stunned silence, then the whole place erupted with laughter. This guy really was witty.
Chen Xuan was speechless.
You have successfully trolled Chen Xuan for 666 Rage points!
He had been played by this guy over and over again today. How can he possibly endure this? He grabbed his blade and charged at Zu An.
Qiu Honglei hurriedly interposed herself between the two men. She turned a lovely, pitiful expression on Chen Xuan. “Big brother Xuan, you promised me just now!”
She blinked sweetly at him with her large, tearful eyes. Chen Xuan swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. This really is quite the woman. I definitely have to bring her back with me, so that she can take good care of me.
His anger was thus replaced by a deep, yearning desire, and he forgot all about settling his score with Zu An.
He sat back down, a big smile on his face.
“Thank you so much big brother Xuan~” Qiu Honglei smiled. She glanced at Zu An. What was he going to do if I hadn’t stepped in?
In his second-floor room, Xie Xiu sighed. “What a pity! That would have been the perfect chance to gauge Zu An’s strength. Why did Qiu Honglei have to interfere?”
Next to him, Xie Daoyun remarked, “No matter how formidable he is, he is definitely no match for a sixth rank expert, right?”
“That may not be true.” Xie Xiu told her about what had transpired in the mountain behind Brightmoon city, where Zu An had defeated Shi Kun with a single blow of his sword. “This guy’s strength is completely unpredictable. I really am curious as to just how strong he really is.”
He wasn’t the only one who sighed in pity. In her own room, Pei Mianman gently blew out the black flame hovering above her hand. “There’s no way that fella will cause trouble without any confidence.” Her tone became indignant. “What am I getting all worked up for? He’s not even my husband, hmph~”
Qiu Honglei raised her head to gaze towards the second floor. “Young master Xie, you still haven’t answered my question… Could it be that young master truly feels my performance was so discordant?”
Xie Xiu appeared by his windowsill, using his body to hide his older sister. He said with a smile, “Lady Qiu must be joking. I was so stunned by your beautiful melody that I fell into a trance! That’s why I was unable to reply to the lady’s question.”
Qiu Honglei laughed while covering her mouth. “It has always been said that countless girls see young master Xiu as their ideal partner. Indeed, your words are just too sweet.”
“I was only speaking the truth.” In contrast to those crazy men below, Xie Xiu stood casually by the window, his eyes still clear, making him stand out from the rest.
Seeing how the two of them carried on in such a pleasant manner—one, a perfectly beautiful woman, and the other, a stunningly handsome man—the rest of the men in the hall grudgingly conceded that the two of them looked a perfect match.
However, this concession left a sour taste in their mouths, and remembering Xie Xiu’s background only served to lower their spirits further. Few would even consider themselves worthy competition.
Chen Xuan was one who had no such misgivings. His heart burned as he saw this girl, whom he already considered his own exclusive property, conversing so intimately with another man.
Furthermore, this Xie Xiu knew that someone else had impersonated him, and yet he hadn’t said anything, which allowed for Chen Xuan’s embarrassing moment earlier.
These grievances piled up one after another, and he finally couldn’t hold back his anger. “Young master Xie, Lady Qiu wanted you to contribute some constructive criticism. Why are you wasting so much time with all this boot-licking?”
Now that someone had taken the lead, everyone else began to echo in agreement. Everyone came to a brothel to see girls. In such a place as this, all men viewed themselves as equal, no matter their social standing. Besides, this Brightmoon City didn’t belong to the Xie clan. Many of the men brazenly called Xie Xiu out, their courage fueled by the alcohol that they had consumed.
Xie Xiu remained completely unperturbed by their baseless accusations. He continued, “As for Lady Qiu’s performance, there was indeed a slight flaw.”
At those words, a displeased chorus of hisses came from around the hall. Here was another idiot, offering up more vulgar claptrap.
Chu Hongcai had just embarrassed himself earlier, and now this idiot was following in his footsteps.
Qiu Honglei’s smile stiffened as well. “Oh? I’d love to hear more.”
Even though she asked everyone to voice any criticisms they had, she was more than confident in her own skills. She didn’t believe that there were any real complaints to bring up.
The constant stream of praise that had been showered upon her by her other adoring fans had also subconsciously inflated her ego. As such, his comments left her feeling slightly resentful.
At her invitation, Xie Xiu continued, “Young miss Qiu’s melody truly moved me to tears. Your ability to imbue emotions in your playing is truly magnificent. In this respect, there really isn’t anything to pick at.”
Chu Hongcai’s face paled upon hearing this. He now understood what his greatest mistake was.