Invincible Soul Emperor

Ye Qingchen let out a cold laugh, flashing in front of Liu Wan’er and shoving Feng Yuan aside.

Liu Wan’er felt a weight lift from her shoulders, but she immediately worried that Ye Qingchen had provoked Feng Yuan and would face retaliation. Standing behind him, she tugged at the corner of his clothes, silently urging him not to be impulsive.

Feng Yuan never expected someone in Northern Barrier City would be so blind as to ruin his fun. He pointed a finger at Ye Qingchen’s nose and cursed, ”What the hell are you? Daring to mess up my business? You must have a death wish!”

Ye Qingchen had always despised those who used their strength to bully the weak and prey on others. Moreover, Liu Wan’er had saved his life, and just moments ago, she had been willing to agree to Deng Xincun’s shameless demands for his sake. Although Ye Qingchen didn’t feel he needed her help, he had seen her kindness and couldn’t possibly stand by while she was humiliated in front of him. He didn’t care about Feng Yuan’s status. Since the man dared to bully Liu Wan’er, Ye Qingchen would teach him a lesson he wouldn’t forget.

Feng Yuan had been a tyrant since childhood. Not only had his fun been ruined, but he had also been shoved aside by Ye Qingchen, which he took as a great blow to his pride. He signaled to his underlings, preparing to teach this ignorant brat a lesson.

Just then, a swift horse galloped from the end of the street. It whinnied loudly as it came to a halt before Feng Yuan, its head rearing high. A martial artist dressed as a soldier dismounted, knelt before Feng Yuan, and said, ”Young Master, the City Lord and the Deputy City Lord are attending an auction at the First-Rate Pavilion in the south district. The City Lord sent me to tell you to hurry over. The auction is about to begin, and he specifically instructed you not to miss it.”

Feng Yuan spat contemptuously and turned to Ye Qingchen. ”Consider yourself lucky, kid. There’s something at this auction I need. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be letting you off so easily. But I’m warning you, don’t let me see you in Northern Barrier City again. If I do, I’ll beat you every single time!”

After speaking, Feng Yuan ordered one of his followers to go to the Deputy City Lord’s mansion for an elixir, then mounted his horse and galloped away.

Seeing Feng Yuan leave, both Liu Wan’er and Wang Tianlin heaved a sigh of relief. In Northern Barrier City, the City Lord’s word was law, and Feng Yuan was a textbook spoiled heir. If he truly did something outrageous, the Liu Family Commerce Guild could only swallow their anger, not daring to speak out. Liu Wan’er, however, was mostly relieved that Ye Qingchen was unharmed.

A thought struck Ye Qingchen. The soldier said the City Lord and Deputy City Lord are both at the First-Rate Pavilion. Doesn’t that mean I can meet Xia Chengkai if I go there?

With this in mind, he turned to Liu Wan’er. ”Wan’er, do you know where the First-Rate Pavilion is?”

Liu Wan’er was a bit dazed, wondering why he was suddenly asking about it, but she nodded. ”I do. It’s in the south district…”

Before she could finish, Ye Qingchen impatiently grabbed her hand and started running toward the southern part of the city. Wang Tianlin wanted to follow, but the fear of another encounter with Feng Yuan made him shake his head and turn back toward the inn.

With Ye Qingchen holding her hand, Liu Wan’er’s heart began to race. However, seeing the serious look on his face, she knew he meant nothing by it, which left her with a faint sense of disappointment. Shaking her head to clear the strange feeling, she focused on giving him directions.

Feng Yuan’s Qingling Horse was incredibly fast, but the streets of Northern Barrier City were packed with people. Even with someone clearing a path for him, he was still slowed down. Ye Qingchen, on the other hand, used his Mystifying Steps to dash through the crowd with Liu Wan’er in tow, his speed actually a fraction faster than Feng Yuan’s.

As a result, when Feng Yuan reached the First-Rate Pavilion, Ye Qingchen and Liu Wan’er were just arriving as well. Seeing Ye Qingchen still holding Liu Wan’er’s hand, Feng Yuan snorted coldly. ”Still following me? You’re like a persistent ghost. You actually dared to follow me here? Fine. After I’m done with the auction, I’ll deal with you right here!”

Fearing a conflict, Liu Wan’er quickly interjected, ”Young Master Feng, please don’t misunderstand. We didn’t follow you. We’re also here for the auction.”

Feng Yuan roared with laughter. ”You’re here for the auction, too? That’s hilarious. You think you can even get inside?”

With that, he ignored them and strode into the First-Rate Pavilion. The guards at the entrance obviously recognized the spoiled heir and respectfully welcomed him in.

Ye Qingchen paid Feng Yuan’s words no mind. Shaking his head with a smile, he said to Liu Wan’er, ”Let’s go. Since we’re here, we might as well check out the auction. Oh, and tell your caravan to bring the Golden Star Lion King’s corpse over. We can sell it here and probably get a good price.”

Liu Wan’er’s cheeks flushed as she glanced down at the hand Ye Qingchen was still holding, fumbling for words. Only then did Ye Qingchen realize that in his rush, he had been holding her hand the entire way. With Feng Yuan’s interruption, he had completely forgotten to let go.

He quickly released his grip and turned away, avoiding her gaze. Although it was unintentional, he couldn’t help but inwardly marvel at how soft her skin felt.

Liu Wan’er rubbed her slightly numb palm, her face feeling hot. She knew he hadn’t done it on purpose, so she naturally wouldn’t hold it against him. Besides, what he said was right. Selling the Golden Star Lion King’s body at an auction would certainly fetch a price at least double what they’d get from another commerce guild.

At that thought, she quickly sent a message to her caravan, telling them to bring the carcass over. Fortunately, they were in the south district, not far from their inn. Otherwise, they might not have made it in time.

Seeing that Liu Wan’er had made the arrangements, Ye Qingchen nodded. ”Alright, let’s go inside and take a look. It would be best if we can meet Xia Chengkai. If not, we’ll have to find another way.”

Liu Wan’er now understood that Ye Qingchen’s main reason for coming here was to meet Xia Chengkai. She nodded and walked with him toward the entrance of the First-Rate Pavilion.

Two guards from the First-Rate Pavilion politely blocked their path. ”Hold on, you two. Please show us your invitations.”

”Invitations?” Ye Qingchen was taken aback. He hadn’t expected an invitation would be needed. No wonder Feng Yuan said we couldn’t get in. So that’s why. But he also understood. With so many people in Northern Barrier City, the First-Rate Pavilion couldn’t possibly accommodate everyone if they let just anyone inside.