I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 174 Nanshan
After a good night's sleep, Xue Xiang didn't get up until 3:45 AM.

The door had just opened when a pretty maidservant stood outside; she looked somewhat familiar.

The pretty maidservant revealed her identity; she was actually a maidservant serving Madam Wei.

She sent him an invitation, which Xue Xiang opened. It was in Madam Wei's handwriting, inviting him to meet at Liangfeng Pavilion at 5:15 PM today.

Xue replied to the pretty maid that he would keep the appointment on time.

After seeing off the pretty maid, he had a quick breakfast and went straight to the alchemy room.

The process of drawing spirits into the body begins.

After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, even without using the portrait of a sage, his speed of drawing spiritual energy into his body still increased significantly.

However, after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the spiritual energy required to advance even a small step further is more than ten times greater than when progressing to the Qi Refining stage.

After refining the two spirit stones, Xue Xiang felt a slight soreness all over his body, so he stopped drawing spirits into his body.

Immediately afterwards, he began to study the jade scrolls.

Looking at it again, it's still like a book written in a foreign language.

However, the ancient pattern notes that Han Feng gave him were well-organized and detailed, preventing him from being completely confused.

At that moment, he selected an ancient pattern to study and began to draw it in the air.

He tried it more than ten times in a row, but still couldn't get the hang of it.

Because the spiritual energy intertwined in the void to form ancient patterns, it was either loose here or not tight enough there.

If handled improperly, the spiritual energy intertwined to form the ancient patterns will dissipate.

After many failures, Xue Xiang gradually figured out the tricks of the trade.

The key lies in drawing the path of the ancient patterns. To find the correct path, besides guidance from experienced predecessors, there seems to be another way.

That is to use the Enlightenment Jade Realm to accelerate the trial and error process.

He only used the Enlightenment Jade Realm when cultivating the Nine Star Overlord Body Technique after he obtained it.

This object can both simulate the acupoints throughout the body and mark the trajectory of spiritual energy.

When the Enlightenment Jade Realm is activated, the trajectory of the magic runes can be clearly outlined.

In this way, it is immediately clear which step was right and which step was wrong.

The cost of trial and error is thus greatly reduced.

In just one afternoon, he deciphered an ancient pattern.

As the ancient runes were successfully drawn, the mysterious runes in the void, filled with profound meaning, began to emanate a certain mysterious will.

Xue Xiang was immersed in this mysterious will and slowly came to understand the meaning of this ancient rune, which had the miraculous effect of breaking through the mental restrictions.

It took him an hour to fully digest the will emanating from the ancient rune.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he took out a storage ring he had hunted.

He guided this mysterious will to the storage ring, and with a whoosh, the original mental seal on the storage ring was broken.

The next instant, Xue Xiang's consciousness surged in and he successfully saw the contents of the storage ring.

"What an amazing ancient script book!"

Xue Xiang was overjoyed, and his enthusiasm for studying ancient patterns soared. Just as he was about to continue his hard work, he suddenly remembered his appointment with Madam Wei.

He opened the vent and looked at the sky. Before he knew it, the sun was already setting.

He immediately went out and hurried to the outskirts of the city.

Before long, they arrived at the Cool Breeze Pavilion.

To the right of the Cool Breeze Pavilion, lush green grass carpets the ground, while to the left, the shimmering lake hangs like a mirror, with a gentle evening breeze and weeping willows swaying gracefully.

It was the height of spring, and the bitter cold had dissipated. Many young men and women were out enjoying the spring scenery, their spirits still high.

Although it was getting late, you could still see groups of tourists.

Inside the cool breeze pavilion, a lamp is lit, its light warm and gentle.

A scholar, dressed in a tightly bound blue robe, with a graceful demeanor and handsome features, sat calmly among them.

If it weren't for the familiar charm in her eyes, Xue Xiang would hardly have recognized her.

"Teacher's wife, are you well?"

Xue Xiang bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Madam Wei smiled gently, raised her hand to lower the folding fan covering her face, and under the moonlight, her eyes sparkled and her lips curved into a smile.

The glow of the sunset swept across her face, seemingly giving her a unique charm.

"Your achievements today are known to all."

Madam Wei stared at Xue Xiang, "Even I find it hard to believe that the young man of yesteryear has now become a powerful figure."

"You're joking, Madam. Without your help that day, my family would have suffered so much. I dare not thank you enough."

Xue Xiang bowed deeply.

Madam Wei got up and helped him up.

The men's clothes she had changed into were too tight. When she suddenly stood up and exerted force, a cracking sound came from her buttocks.

Her pretty face flushed red, and something fell from her sleeve. Xue Xiang caught it in his hand; it turned out to be a bamboo flute.

The jade flute has a warm and smooth texture, but the mouthpiece has already turned white.

Lady Wei's face turned as red as paper, her heart pounded like a drum, and she asked as if possessed, "Would you be willing to play a tune, my lord?"

Her eyes held a smile, like a fire secretly burning.

"I am not proficient in this area."

"I've heard that you possess a photographic memory; I'd like to learn a thing or two from you."

Madam Wei took the flute, her lips lightly touching it, and the melody rose with the wind.

The melody of the flute is clear and melodious, like the moon's reflection in the water, gently flowing into the heart.

Xue Xiang listened intently, his mind racing, and in a short while, he had memorized the talisman.

When the music ended, Madam Wei gently wiped the mouth of the flute and handed it over.

Xue Xiang didn't want to learn, but seeing the expectant look in Madam Wei's eyes, he didn't want to spoil her mood.

It felt strange that the two of them shared a single flute, but since Madam Wei had already wiped it clean, he couldn't very well wipe it clean again openly.

His lips had barely touched the mouth of the flute when he could still feel a slight dampness; he wondered how Madam Wei had wiped it just now.

Madam Wei's eyes were hazy. Suddenly, she turned around and secretly squeezed her legs together.

Xue Xiang adjusted his breath and began to play. After a brief attempt, the breath entered the hole and produced a sound.

The melody resumed, though slightly awkward, it matched the previous one.

At first, the sound of the flute was mournful, but gradually it got into the right direction, attracting water birds to flutter around the pavilion, and many tourists looked in this direction.

Madam Wei gazed at him intently, her eyes gentle and bright, with tears welling up in them as if they were about to fall.

The music ended, and a breeze rose outside the pavilion.

The willow branches gently brushed against the railing, making a soft sound.

"I have learned another skill today, thank you very much, Master's wife."

Xue Xiang bowed respectfully, then gently played the flute in his hand, saying, "I feel a deep connection with this flute. I wonder if my master's wife would be willing to part with it?"

Madam Wei quickly snatched the flute, stuffed it into her sleeve, and rolled her eyes. "I cherish this thing day and night. How can you take away what belongs to someone else?"

Xue Xiang smiled wryly, never expecting that he couldn't even get an ordinary xiao (vertical bamboo flute).

"Tonight's music is like celestial melody; farewell."

Madam Wei slightly clenched her legs and walked quickly away. As her fragrant feet stepped onto the grassy slope, she was unaware that her trouser legs were dripping with dew, and the grass and trees were all blessed with the grace of dew.

She barely managed to cross the grassy slope, thinking she had disappeared from Xue Xiang's sight, when she suddenly collapsed on the slope, her chest heaving violently, her legs tangled together like ropes for a long time before suddenly giving way.

She gripped the flute tightly in her sleeve, stroking it gently as if it were a precious gem. Just as she felt that the moon in the sky and the wind in her ears were all lovely and dear, her heart suddenly sank. "Oh dear, how could I forget the important matter? Wei Yang asked me to help him mend the rift between him and Xue Langjun. How come I didn't mention Wei Yang at all?"

Madam Wei blushed and wanted to rush back to explain, but then felt it was pointless.

He couldn't help but think, "Why is it that I'm too lazy to listen to anything else Wei Yang asks me to do, but this is the only thing I'm in such a hurry for? Xiao Ye, you're becoming more and more unreliable."

As Madam Wei muttered to herself, Xue Xiang was still standing in the Cool Breeze Pavilion, looking puzzled. "What, what's going on here?"

Lady Wei sent maids and invitations, so Xue Xiang thought there must be something important to say.

What did they do throughout the whole process?
…………

Xue Xiang returned to the city completely bewildered, his stomach growling with hunger. He walked to a snack stall in Mao'er Alley and was about to order two bowls of wontons when he suddenly noticed someone approaching him from behind.

He turned around and saw Su Danqing tiptoeing towards him. After being discovered, Su Danqing stuck out his tongue.

"A dignified ninth-rank immortal official eating at a street stall?"

Sudan Qing joked.

"The essence of life is right here. Would you like a bowl, Miss Danqing? It's on me."

Xue Xiang said with a smile.

Su Danqing waved his hand gently, "I can't eat meat. Please enjoy your meal. There's a temple fair over there. I'll go and join in the fun."

Xue Xiang nodded, then couldn't help but ask, "Where has your Sect Master Zhao gone? We haven't seen him all these days."

That day, after he rescued Zhao Huanhuan, she said she would wait for him to come looking for her; she also said that if he didn't come looking for her, she would come looking for him.

To this day, there has been no sign of Zhao Huanhuan.

Su Danqing was secretly pleased, but said as usual, "My sect leader was afraid of disturbing you, so he has not dared to come looking for you."

By the way, she's currently at Lanyuan Residence, where a grand event for the five-way transfer is being held.

If you have the time, you can go and take a look; perhaps you can even help our sect leader.

In previous years, during the Five-Route Transport Festival, my patriarch always got plentiful of alcohol.

With that, Su Danqing waved to Xue Xiang and walked away briskly.

For some reason, Xue Xiang suddenly recalled the scene of Zhao Huanhuan being forced to wear iron chains and dancing in grievance.

Immediately, he lost interest, patted down the two strands of spirit silk, got up and left, heading south of the city.

The evening glow descended from the cloud ridges, bathing the entire city in a warm golden hue.

Lanyuan Villa is extremely famous and is one of the top clubs in Yong'an City. It is located in the south of the city and occupies the northwest corner of Moshui Lake.

Inside the guild hall, there is a series of interconnected waterside pavilions, nine railings and twelve bridges, with light boats passing under the bridges, like light being hung on the water and dragged along.

Xue Xiang gazed at the gate of Lanyuan Villa from afar. Guests arrived in an endless stream, each carrying a name card.

Xue Xiang was about to climb over the wall when he saw a knight riding a horse, surveying the area, and he immediately abandoned the idea.

He was just wondering whether he should reveal his name and show his talisman when suddenly he saw a familiar face.

He didn't even know the person; he only knew he had seen him on Cold Green Peak, and that the person held a high position.

He stepped forward from afar, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "Brother, are you also going to Lanyuan?"

The man was taken aback, but when he saw that it was Xue Xiang, his face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly cupped his hands in return, saying, "So it's Lord Xue. It's been so many days. I've missed you terribly."

He is the head of the second academy of the sixth hall of Leng Cuifeng, whose formal name is Deng Qing.

He was also present when the central government conveyed the imperial decree to Xue Xiang that day.

Every official on Lengcui Peak, regardless of whether their evaluation of Xue Xiang was positive or negative, was deeply shocked.

Deng Qing was overwhelmed with gratitude to meet Xue Xiang here, especially since Xue Xiang bowed to him first.

"Brother Deng, you're too kind. To be honest, I've lost my calling card."

“I thought it was something serious. Your presence is a great honor for them. Come on, I’ll escort Brother Xue inside.”

Deng Qing led the way, tossing his family's name card to the doorman, who then looked at Xue Xiang.

Deng Qing said loudly, "If I reveal this esteemed person's name, I'll scare you to death. Get lost!"

Before he finished speaking, Xue Xiang revealed the magic talisman.

Upon seeing the talisman, and with Deng Qing interfering, the two gatekeepers ceased their obstruction.

Upon entering the guesthouse, Xue Xiang inquired with Deng Qing about the Five-Route Transport Event and what it was all about.

Deng Qing said, "The so-called five routes refer to salt, iron, tea, medicine, and cloth. Although they are all daily necessities, the profits are enormous. Various merchants and sects have countless interests in them."

The purpose of the Five-Route Transport Conference is to set the tone for the distribution of benefits, so as to avoid excessive competition and internal friction.

"What, Brother Xue, do you also have a share in this?"

Xue Xiang waved his hand, "I just thought it was lively here, so I came to take a look. Brother Deng, please make yourself at home. It's rare to see such a magnificent sight. I'll take a stroll first."

"I also need to meet a few friends, Brother Xue, please make your way."

The two bowed to each other in farewell, and Xue Xiang then wandered around the inn.

The main courtyard has already been decorated to resemble a buffet party.

Under the eaves were rows of long tables, with jade plates and silver cups arranged on them, holding all kinds of delicacies and snacks.

Maids moved among them, all dressed in the same light-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with pale blue ribbons tied around their waists, like a flowing color.

While eating and strolling around, Xue Xiang searched for Zhao Huanhuan in the crowd.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, he turned his head and looked in the northwest direction.

On a three-story tower built by the water, by the window, a beautiful figure was looking at him. The person was stunningly beautiful, with bright eyes full of affection. Who else could it be but Zhao Huanhuan?

Zhao Huanhuan smiled sweetly and winked at Xue Xiang.

Before long, she came running from the tower's main entrance.

She wore a light peach-colored silk robe with soft shoulder lines, and a green sash tied at the waist, which perfectly supported her full hips.

As it strode forward, a large, round object in front of it, like a lively rabbit, hopped and skipped towards Xue Xiang.

"Lord Xue, it's true what they say, life is full of unexpected encounters."

She asked with a smile, her voice brimming with undisguised delight.

"I saw that it was lively here, so I just came over to take a look."

Xue Xiang smiled.

Zhao Huanhuan leaned over the railing, her buttocks curving gracefully, and a communication talisman appeared in her palm. She shook it gently, "Su Danqing can send me a message now. I think you're thinking about him, but you don't dare to admit it."

Xue Xiang was both amused and exasperated. "If this gets out, won't it ruin my reputation?"

"Bad reputation?"

Zhao Huanhuan's eyes crinkled into a bright smile, but her voice remained low. "Lord Xue's reputation is already ruined. He kills aristocratic families like harvesting wheat. Who doesn't know that? If we add the phrase 'exclusively favoring Sect Leader Zhao,' wouldn't that be perfect?"

Xue Xiang glared at her.

Zhao Huanhuan, however, became even more excited. She stood on tiptoe, as if to whisper in his ear, her breath soft, "I'm talking nonsense? Then dare you say you've never thought about me?"

Her mounds swayed gently, their roundness creating waves, and Xue Xiang couldn't help but feel his blood surge, only able to calm his heart by taking deep breaths.

Seeing his expression, Zhao Huanhuan couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Oh my, even the mighty Lord Xue can blush sometimes."

Xue Xiang let out a long sigh, shook his head and laughed, "You really are lawless."

"whee."

Zhao Huanhuan reached out and gently patted his shoulder, but her eyes revealed a hint of seriousness. "It's a pity you're going to Canglan Academy, otherwise teasing our Xue Langjun every day would be a wonderful thing." As the two were talking and laughing, footsteps suddenly broke in.

A middle-aged man in purple robes walked over, his face arrogant. He went straight to Zhao Huanhuan and said, "Sect Leader Zhao, my master wants you to come upstairs and keep him company with drinks."

Zhao Huanhuan's smile faltered. "Brother Chu, please tell Master Qin that I will be there shortly."

The middle-aged man in purple robes chuckled, glancing at Xue Xiang out of the corner of his eye. "Sect Leader Zhao must be confused. Master Qin never waits for anyone. If Sect Leader Zhao doesn't want to go up and drink with us, I won't force you, but this year's quota..."

Xue Xiang's brow twitched, and he glanced sideways at the middle-aged man in the purple robe.

Sensing Xue Xiang's displeasure, the middle-aged man in the purple robe glared coldly at him.

Fearing that the two might have a disagreement, Zhao Huanhuan winked at Xue Xiang and whispered, "Don't cause trouble, let's talk about it tonight."

Finally, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to the middle-aged man in purple robes and said, "Brother Chu, rest assured, I will definitely make sure Master Qin leaves satisfied."

Having said that, he strode towards the tower.

Just as Xue Xiang was about to follow, the middle-aged man in purple robes suddenly blocked his way, saying, "Boy, how dare you covet Zhao Huanhuan?"

She's someone Master Qin has taken a liking to. Don't make things difficult for yourself, get out of here.

Having said that, he strode after him.

-

Upstairs, the air was thick with the smoke of cigarettes, and the lights flickered.

Zhao Huanhuan was pushed to the table, and everyone burst into laughter, offering her wine glasses one after another.

"Sect Leader Zhao has a good capacity for alcohol. Come, finish this cup, and there are three more to come!"

"Yes, yes, let's drink three cups first, then we can talk business!"

Zhao Huanhuan's face was slightly pale, but she still forced a smile and drank three cups in a row, her fair face turning pale.

Suddenly, someone started to jeer: "It's rumored that Sect Leader Zhao has many godfathers, but I've never seen anyone get to kiss him."

Master Qin has come from afar and is known for his literary talent and refined manners. Sect Leader Zhao, why don't you acknowledge him as your true father?

"Isn't that wonderful?"

The whole room burst into laughter.

Zhao Huanhuan clenched her fists tightly and bit her lip.

Just then, a voice came, “Yong’an has always been a land of outstanding people and talents, and it is also a gathering place for wise men. From a distance, I can hear someone spouting nonsense and using foul language to tarnish the reputation of Lanyuan Inn. This is really inappropriate.”

Suddenly, everyone looked toward the corner of the stairs.

Then a man in a green robe walked slowly towards them, and his demeanor seemed ordinary.

This person's eyes were calm and composed as he surveyed the entire room, still bright, indicating that he was no ordinary person.

The guests who had been making a fuss in the hall were all stunned.

Who is this person? How dare he spout such nonsense in this kind of setting?

The crowd consisted mostly of wealthy merchants,江湖客 (jianghu people, martial arts practitioners), and leaders of various sects. Although there were some officials from Canaan, none of them had actually dealt with Xue Xiang.

Some people felt that Xue Xiang looked familiar, but since they hadn't met him up close, they didn't dare to identify him rashly.

Zhao Huanhuan was deeply moved.

Although she didn't want Xue Xiang to see her public persona, she was even less willing to cause him trouble.

When Xue Xiangkuo stepped onto the stage, a warm feeling welled up in her heart, and all her grievances seemed to find an outlet, her eyes filled with tears.

"Ignorant madman."

The middle-aged man in purple robes who had previously threatened Xue Xiang made a grand entrance.

In his view, those who associate with people like Zhao Huanhuan are naturally not any remarkable figures.

At this moment, Xue Xiang made wild remarks, but no one stopped him, simply because he took advantage of the fact that no one knew his background.

Others were unaware of Xue Xiang's background, but the middle-aged man in the purple robe felt he knew everything about him.

After shouting, a cold smile appeared on his lips as he pointed at Xue Xiang's nose and yelled, "Do you know who Master Qin is? How dare you spout such nonsense in front of him?"
"Ignorant brat, you don't know your place! Get out of here!"

Before he finished speaking, he moved swiftly and closed in on Xue Xiang.

With a swift movement, he grabbed Xue Xiang's left arm, let out a cold snort, and prepared to throw Xue Xiang out of the window.

Unexpectedly, despite his repeated groans and exertion of force, he couldn't budge Xue Xiang at all.

"Noisy!"

Xue Xiang gently swayed his shoulder, and a tremendous force was generated. The middle-aged man in purple robes was as if he were being crushed by a giant elephant. He fell headfirst out of the third-floor window with a whoosh.

He tapped rapidly on the wall in mid-air, then leaped back.

Xue Xiang snorted coldly, "Hammer!"

The scholar's aura manifested as a giant hammer, which was chiseling at the face of the middle-aged man in purple robes.

Without uttering a sound, he crashed heavily to the ground.

The entire audience was horrified.

You must know that Mr. Chu is Qin Ye's most trusted confidant, a genuine Foundation Establishment cultivator at the peak of his cultivation, and he is by no means an ordinary person in Yong'an.

Such a person was like a paper effigy in front of this young man.

"How brave!"

With a furious shout, heavy footsteps suddenly echoed from the depths of the hall.

The crowd parted, and a stout old man strode out, dressed in brocade robes and a jade belt, with a gold and jade pendant hanging from his chest.

The old man had white hair and beard, but his eyes were bright and piercing, as if he could see right through a person's bones and blood.

"Mr. Qin, please let me explain..."

Zhao Huanhuan hurriedly stepped forward to greet her.

Master Qin snorted coldly, "You ungrateful hussy, get out of here."

Zhao Huanhuan looked terrified and nearly fell over.

She knew all too well the influence Qin Ye wielded in the industry.

She can certainly have pride, but the Joyful Sect behind her is linked to the livelihoods of countless people.

She was in a state of panic when a warm and strong hand landed on her shoulder, instantly calming her frightened heart.

"Master Qin, Master Qin, please calm down. Young man, you've been too reckless..."

A middle-aged man in a gray robe quickly stepped into the middle, cupped his hands to Master Qin, but glared at Xue Xiang and said, "Young man, you probably don't know that the man in front of you is one of the five leaders of the Five Roads Transport Association, Master Qin Kuan."

Master Qin not only controlled the sales channels for cloth and sea salt in the three prefectures, but also received rewards from the central government for many consecutive years…

As the middle-aged man in the gray robe introduced himself, Master Qin slightly raised his hand, revealing two waist tokens in his palm.

One is engraved with "Golden List of Honored Merchants", and the other is engraved with "Offered by the Purple Palace".

The former represents the central government, while the latter represents the royal family.

The fact that the two tokens were stacked together showed Qin Ye's confidence.

As soon as the middle-aged man in the gray robe finished speaking, Master Qin snorted coldly, "Young man, don't be unable to walk past a pretty woman."

Today is the grand occasion of my five-way fortune-changing event. I, an old man, do not wish to see blood. You will kowtow three times and kneel to the side.

As he spoke, Master Qin's massive body unleashed its full power, pressing down like a mountain.

The entire audience erupted in discussion.

"This kid has really lost face."

"As the saying goes in 'The Mortal World,' ignorance is the greatest obstacle to survival."

"What's the use of being able to fight? In this world, it's all about power."

"Being too sharp and ambitious at such a young age will ultimately lead to great losses."

"........."

"Qin Kuan".

Xue Xiang smiled slightly, "Do you have any official rank or title?"

Master Qin was stunned, and the entire room fell silent.

"What are you talking about?"

Master Qin came to his senses and said, "Fame and fortune are like fleeting clouds to me. Under my command, there are countless students from the prefecture and the city."

"So, you have no official rank or title."

Xue Xiang's voice suddenly rose, "A mere merchant dares to make a dignified county student kneel down, who gave you the guts?"
I have only been in seclusion for a few days.
You scum, you're like crops watered with manure, just sprouting up everywhere.

Having said that, Xue Xiang revealed the immortal talisman, from which a deep blue light emanated.

"A ninth-grade immortal talisman. Haha..."

Master Qin laughed loudly, "I thought you were some high-ranking official. A mere ninth-grade immortal talisman can't even get through my door."

"Be bold!"

Xue Xiang roared, "First, you, as a merchant, humiliate the scholars of the court, and then, as a commoner, you show no respect for the immortals."

His crime warrants exile for three thousand li.

"Young man, stop talking nonsense..."

"Exactly, do they think they can have a mandate just because they have a chicken feather?"

"It's hilarious. Does Lanyuan Mansion even have any guards? They let just anyone in."

"........."

The room erupted in noise.

"enough!"

Master Qin roared, and the entire room fell silent. He stared coldly at Xue Xiang, "Young man, you've exhausted my patience."

I didn't want to see blood today, but you've brought this upon yourself, so I have no choice but to deal with you.

"Give me your name or title, I don't take nameless scoundrels under my command."

“Yunmeng, Xue Xiang.”

"Haha, I'm from Yunmeng. I told you it couldn't be a big place, ah... Xue... Xue..."

"you you……"

"........."

Suddenly, the circle that had been shrinking around Xue Xiang and Master Qin dispersed, with some people fleeing as if from a poisonous snake or a plague.

Master Qin was stunned. Although he hadn't quite grasped the meaning, he still managed to glean the power of the four characters "Yunmeng Xue Xiang".

During the event, the number of people from other places even exceeded that of locals, and as a result, all sorts of news began to converge rapidly.

"Xue Xiang? That... is the man who wiped out the four great families of Canaan?"

"Rumor has it that he has three Nascent Soul stage monsters under his command, and they are all in their prime, with their combat power at its peak!"

"God..."

Someone accidentally knocked over a wine glass, the clear liquid inside rolling onto the jade table, but they had no mind to wipe it up, only feeling the coldness in their palms.

Some people turned pale, their hearts pounding with anxiety: Had I just joined in the commotion and forced Zhao Huanhuan to recognize a godfather?

"The confiscation of the four great families' property, equivalent to two million spirit stones, is equivalent to ten years' worth of the imperial court's military expenditure! Such a person... even the central government dares not lightly punish him, but only transfers him away. I actually... I almost became his enemy?"

"If I had known it was this person, I should have gone up and struck up a conversation! I missed my chance! I missed my chance!"

"..."

Qin Ye didn't say a word, but a flood of information poured into his ears.

Gradually, the image of this bookish young man in front of me became more complete.

Soon, Qin Ye's vision began to blur.

What kind of monster did I mess with?
Master Qin panicked. He was arrogant, not stupid.

If one were to engage in a head-on confrontation with a strong opponent, one might be able to demonstrate one's integrity.

But the person standing in front of me could be described as a madman. Fighting him would be neither a matter of strength nor rationality.

But admitting defeat isn't something you can just say out loud.

Finally, after gritting his teeth and repeatedly, Master Qin cupped his hands to Zhao Huanhuan and said, "Sect Leader Zhao, I hope you will forgive my rudeness."

It took Qin Ye all his courage to give in to Zhao Huanhuan.

He hoped that Zhao Huanhuan could mediate and smooth things over.

Zhao Huanhuan was overwhelmed with emotion. She never dreamed that one day, a big shot like Master Qin would be so humble and subservient to her.

But she didn't dare to express her opinion, and only gently tugged at Xue Xiang's sleeve.

Xue Xiang said loudly, "We will discuss Qin Kuan's transgression of etiquette later."

To let everyone know, the Joyful Sect Leader Zhao is of the same mind as me, and I have already sworn brotherhood with her.

From now on, if Sect Leader Zhao is in trouble, then I am in trouble.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huanhuan was both touched and angry.

What's touching is that, in order to survive, she did pull strings everywhere, but never before had anyone like Xue Xiang publicly and openly declared their willingness to share her joys and sorrows.

What's infuriating is, how did they become sworn brothers? Who gave them permission...?

Zhao Huanhuan, overwhelmed with emotion, had no idea when Xue Xiang led her out of the tower.

The tense atmosphere immediately eased when Xue Xiangcai left.

The crowd continued to discuss it.

The middle-aged man in the gray robe quickly invited Qin Kuan into the elegant room.

"Master Qin, this man is too wicked; you must not confront him head-on."

The middle-aged man in gray robes, who was in charge of the Lanyuan Inn, advised in a low voice, "The four great families died unjustly."

In fact, they hadn't done anything heinous; they were simply lured into action by this person, and as a result, it was used as irrefutable evidence of their murder of officials and rebellion.

He fabricated evidence against the four major families, even though they had no evidence against them.

You've given him a solid handle to use against you. If he really wants to frame you, I'm afraid not many people will dare to speak up for you.

Master Qin sighed, "I'm just unlucky to have kicked this iron plate."

People can bump into each other, but there's no need to bump into Nanshan Mountain.

Tell me, what should I do?

The middle-aged man in the gray robe said, "It's obvious, the only option is to communicate with Zhao Huanhuan."

Xue Xiang was a bloodthirsty killer, while Zhao Huanhuan was a normal person.

However, I'm afraid the bleeding will be considerable.

"Let's just try to stay safe first. It's really bad luck to have run into such a jinx."

Master Qin sighed repeatedly.

(End of this chapter)