Invincible Soul Emperor

Wang Tianlin was furious. His entire livelihood depended on trade with Northern Barrier City, and now, just because Ye Qingchen had to show off, that connection was severed. Furthermore, Deng Xincun had just declared that the Liu Family Commerce Guild was no longer welcome in Northern Barrier City. With Deng Xincun’s power, a statement like that could absolutely kill any business opportunities for the guild within the city.

Pointing at Ye Qingchen, Wang Tianlin said in a hostile tone, ”Ye Qingchen! Hasn’t our Liu Family Commerce Guild treated you well? When you were unconscious by the roadside, if it hadn’t been for our caravan, you would have been eaten by wild beasts! You certainly wouldn’t be here strutting around now. Why did you have to posture for no reason? Now, because of you, not only is this deal canceled, but we can never cooperate with Pill King Xia again. You’ve destroyed the very foundation of our Liu Family Commerce Guild! Ye Qingchen, repaying our kindness with such malice... what are your intentions?”

Wang Tianlin’s tirade was, of course, a way to vent his own resentment, but it was also aimed at Liu Wan’er. He wanted her to see that the pretty boy she fancied was a good-for-nothing, better at ruining things than accomplishing them! At this, Liu Wan’er’s expression turned grim, torn between blaming Ye Qingchen for his reckless words and Wang Tianlin for his humiliating insults.

Ye Qingchen hadn’t expected them to disbelieve him after he mentioned Xi Jianwei’s name, and now it had affected the Liu Family Commerce Guild. Still, he wasn’t concerned. As long as I see Xia Chengkai, the truth will come to light. Thinking this, he said to Liu Wan’er, ”Wan’er, you don’t need to worry. With me here, and with my connection to Senior Brother Xia Chengkai, not only will your family not lose this deal, but your future business will flourish.”

Liu Wan’er shook her head and replied, ”Young Master Ye, you needn’t worry about the Liu Family. Deng Xincun is the type who never lifts a finger unless there’s a profit to be made. As long as our family is willing to bleed a little and send him some expensive gifts, our business won’t be completely lost. It’s you I’m worried about. I fear you may have lost the opportunity to meet Pill King Xia. Will this affect your plans?”

Wang Tianlin sneered, ”Are you still putting on airs at a time like this? We’ve just been kicked out! Don’t you get it?”

Just as Wang Tianlin was mocking Ye Qingchen, the bustling street was suddenly placed under martial law. Guards swarmed out, pushing the common folk to the sides of the road. Seeing the commotion, Wang Tianlin stopped his sneering. Ye Qingchen and Liu Wan’er also stepped aside to clear the way, wondering which high-ranking official could be arriving with such fanfare.

A moment later, a young man in red on a furious steed, a Qingling Horse, came charging down the road. He showed no regard for the pedestrians scrambling to get out of his way, and if anyone was too slow, he would whip them aside without hesitation.

Ye Qingchen frowned at the sight. I’ve seen countless arrogant young masters, but this one is by far the most presumptuous I’ve ever encountered.

”Young Master Feng? Miss, this is perfect! I have an idea.” Upon seeing the newcomer, Wang Tianlin was overjoyed. Now’s my time to show off my social prowess! The newcomer was none other than the City Lord’s son, Feng Yuan. During a previous trip to Northern Barrier City, Wang Tianlin had, by chance, served Feng Yuan for a few days, so he assumed the young master would do him a favor.

Seeing Feng Yuan rein in his horse, Wang Tianlin quickly scurried over, ready to curry favor. However, Feng Yuan was on his way to the Vice City Lord’s Mansion to retrieve some medicine. Seeing Wang Tianlin run up to him, he mistook him for someone blocking the path and raised his whip to strike.

Wang Tianlin hurriedly shouted, ”Young Master Feng, it’s me! Your humble servant saw you arriving and came especially to attend to you!”

Only then did Feng Yuan notice the man looked vaguely familiar, though he couldn’t place him. He shook his head, unconcerned. Northern Barrier City is huge, and countless people try to suck up to me. Who has time to remember someone like Wang Tianlin?

Still, one does not strike a smiling face. Seeing Wang Tianlin’s eagerness to serve, Feng Yuan tossed him the reins and allowed the man to help him dismount. Ecstatic that Feng Yuan hadn’t rejected his service, Wang Tianlin followed him to the entrance of the Vice City Lord’s Mansion, showering him with fawning compliments all the way.

Feng Yuan’s gaze was then drawn to Liu Wan’er, who was standing to the side. ”And who might this young lady be?” he asked curiously. ”Why are you standing here?”

Before Liu Wan’er could answer, Wang Tianlin saw his chance to shine and quickly interjected, ”Young Master Feng, this is our young miss. She has come to conduct some trade with Pill King Xia, so we were hoping you might graciously help us with an introduction.”

Feng Yuan nodded. ”A trivial matter. I’ll do it.”

Hearing Feng Yuan agree so readily, Wang Tianlin was even more thrilled. He shot a smug look at Ye Qingchen, as if to say, See? When things get serious, you still have to rely on me. But Feng Yuan’s next words nearly made Wang Tianlin spit blood.

Feng Yuan’s eyes roamed up and down Liu Wan’er’s figure, his approval growing with every passing second. He made no effort to hide his lecherous gaze, as if he were ready to have his way with her on the spot. From the conversation, Liu Wan’er had gathered that this man was the City Lord’s son. Though she was repulsed, she still needed his help, so she could only lower her head and remain silent.

Feng Yuan said with a smile, ”Of course I can help. With my status, getting you an audience with Uncle Xia is a simple matter. However, I can’t help for nothing. How about this? This young lady is quite a beauty. Since you’re new here and have no place to stay, you can stay at my residence. Have this young lady keep me company for an intimate chat tonight, and I’ll take care of your business. How about it?”

Liu Wan’er was furious. How dare he be so crude! I am the young miss of the Liu Family. Even if I need your help, you can’t just humiliate me as you please! Thinking this, she said aloud, ”Young Master Feng, please show some respect. If you can help us, we will ensure you are well compensated. But if you continue with such outrageous remarks, then I’m afraid we must decline your company!”

Feng Yuan sidestepped to block her path, a grin spreading across his face. ”A feisty one, eh? I like that. Come, give this young master a smile.” As he spoke, he reached for Liu Wan’er’s face. She stepped back to dodge him, but Feng Yuan was relentless, spewing a stream of vulgarities as his hands roamed, constantly trying to cop a feel. Liu Wan’er was frantic, but she was wary of Feng Yuan’s status and didn’t dare to strike him here.