Chen Yang raised an eyebrow.
Yang Hu craned his neck, looking toward the woman who had spoken. Her words were truly grating.
Seeing that the honored guests had entered while Chen Yang still seed intent on leaving, Xie Yuan hurriedly said, "You all should leave quickly. If it cos to it, I can arrange another place for you."
Having said that, Xie Yuan turned to the approaching group, his face a mask of fawning obsequiousness.
The young woman leading them wore a light purple gown, her hair tied in a ponytail. With her hands clasped behind her back, she radiated the brisk air of a martial artist and an imposing aura. Compared to the young man walking beside her—her older brother—she was far more captivating.
Chen Yang motioned to Qin Qiu and Yang Hu to finish their food. Since others had booked the entire teahouse, they naturally wouldn't linger. But the freshly served pastries and tea couldn't go to waste, could they?
Xie Yuan's gaze darkened slightly, and he called out in feigned anxiety, "Chen Yang, you're putting in a tough spot!" His voice suddenly rose, echoing throughout the teahouse.
Chen Yang shook his head with a smile, then lifted his chin slightly, his eyes gleaming with a profound, knowing look.
Afraid others wouldn't hear him? Trying to redirect the trouble my way?
"Listen to my advice and leave quickly," Xie Yuan continued.
A mont later, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"What's this? Did soone just let my words go in one ear and out the other? Thinking you can force your way into staying here and having tea with us, the Gan Family of the Xuanse Sect?"
The woman, whose na was Gan Lan, walked straight to Chen Yang's table. She crossed her arms, looking down at them condescendingly with a half-smile, though she didn't na anyone. "A person needs to know their place. If you're trash from the bottom rungs of society, then you should have the self-awareness of trash. Are you trying to stay under the sa roof just to disgust us?
"Get up and get out within three seconds, or don't bla us for getting rough."
These sharp words displayed her superior attitude and carried the weight of an undeniable command.
Xie Yuan rushed forward, bowing and scraping as he warmly greeted her, "This humble one is Xie Yuan, it is an honor, Miss Gan Lan."
The Gan Family of the Xuanse Sect, from Yuning Mountain? And royalty too? Chen Yang thought. It seed they had also co for today's tenth anniversary of the Martial Association.
The Martial Association alone couldn't possibly have such influence. It's more likely that its backers brought out the royal family and this Gan Family to lend their support and intimidate the rabble. But still... is this woman, Gan Lan, always so domineering?
After casting a disdainful glance at Chen Yang, Gan Lan raised her hand and commanded Xie Yuan, "Since you're in charge of this teahouse, I order you to clear the premises imdiately. Sweep away this trash before you spoil my appetite."
"Yes, yes." Xie Yuan nodded repeatedly, then turned to Chen Yang. "Even the Association President must treat the Gan Family of the Xuanse Sect with respect. Don't bring disaster upon yourself."
"Leave quickly, or I won't be able to protect you." Xie Yuan wore an expression of deep concern for Chen Yang, but he was visibly impatient, clearly terrified of being implicated.
Chen Yang calmly picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Qin Qiu. "Drink slowly, it's hot."
Xie Yuan's eyes glinted nacingly, yet he put on an expression of great distress. "Chen Yang, why must you be like this? If you anger them, you'll face consequences you can't handle."
"Huh?!"
Seeing this, Gan Lan, who had been waiting quietly to the side, finally exploded. "What is wrong with you, trash? Do you have to be as annoying as a fly? Do you really think I, Gan Lan, am easy to deal with?"
"Miss Gan Lan, please don't be angry! You are far too noble to let this ruin your health," Xie Yuan interjected fearfully, quickly explaining, "This man is an old acquaintance of mine! His personality has always been as foul and unyielding as a stone in a cesspit. I can't believe he hasn't changed one bit in ten years."
"I hope you won't hold it against him," he continued, then turned to Chen Yang with an anxious plea. "I've already put in a good word for you, so hurry up and apologize with to Miss Gan! Otherwise, with Miss Gan Lan's temperant, you won't even know how you died."
With this performance, Xie Yuan perfectly played the part of a peacemaker. Anyone watching would have thought he was a loyal and righteous man, looking out for his friend.
But what kind of person was Gan Lan? She couldn't bear the sight of such trash for another second.
"Apologize for what? Tell him to get lost. Now. Disappear from my sight," Gan Lan said, covering her nose and mouth. "Disgusting. The very sight of him ruins my appetite."
"Yes, of course." Xie Yuan nodded repeatedly, turning to Chen Yang with the look of soone who had just narrowly escaped disaster. "This is only because Miss Gan Lan is magnanimous and won't stoop to your level! You really need to change that stubborn personality of yours."
"Otherwise, I might be able to save you once, but I can't save you for a lifeti."
Xie Yuan spoke with heartfelt earnestness, but his eyes were filled with the smug satisfaction of lording over soone else.
"My boss needs you to save him? Aren't you thinking a bit too highly of yourself?" Yang Hu couldn't stand it anymore. The man's sanctimonious act was making him sick.
Chen Yang gestured for Yang Hu to stop and looked directly at Xie Yuan. "Are you trying to use this incident to satisfy your urge to boss around and teach how to live? Do you think that just because I've stepped down as the Zhennan Prince, I'm dood to live a lesser life than yours and be forever grateful to you?"
Nearby, Gan Lan raised an eyebrow, confused.
But a complicated feeling welled up in Xie Yuan's heart. He gave a strained smile. "Chen Yang, what are you talking about?"
"Our relationship ended ten years ago," Chen Yang said. "We're no longer in the sa world."
"Ha, haha..." Suddenly, it felt as if a hand were squeezing Xie Yuan's heart. He bit his lip and said, "That's only because I left, otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Yang Hu stepped in front of him and chuckled softly. "A man who lost his faith and betrayed his master for personal gain? You think soone like that could have shouldered the duties of the War God of the State?"
Xie Yuan was speechless.
War... War God of the State?! This...
In an instant, Xie Yuan's head snapped up. His bloodshot eyes stared fixedly at Chen Yang, only to dim with visible speed.
Chen Yang t his gaze, his face an emotionless mask.
Xie Yuan staggered back several steps. He knew Chen Yang. He was just like that old bastard Ren Tong—incapable of lying.
Unreconciled! So much regret! And a thick stew of envy, jealousy, and hatred!
Back in the Martial Departnt, his abilities had been on par with Chen Yang's; Ren Tong had even favored him more. And yet... that day ten years ago had been the turning point. He had believed he would soar to the heavens, while Chen Yang would rely follow in Ren Tong's footsteps, dedicating his life to the Martial Departnt and getting nothing but a body full of injuries in return.
And yet, the reality... when he thought back on his earlier behavior, his attempt to find satisfaction... it was utterly laughable.
Was this just the final, pathetic struggle of an incompetent man?
"You're just a joke."
Chen Yang's words struck like a thunderclap from a clear sky, shattering Xie Yuan's spirit and leaving him utterly devastated.
"Enough of this nonsense! Get out now, or don't bla for being impolite!" Gan Lan was completely indifferent to their exchange, simply thinking Chen Yang was clueless.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a large palm, wrapped in a fierce gust of wind, appeared out of nowhere. Before Gan Lan and her entourage could react, a sharp crack echoed out as she was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground.
"I ignore you, and you take that as an invitation to push your luck?"
BANG!
The words had barely been spoken when a large foot stomped down, grinding into Gan Lan's delicately made-up face.
"You... you're asking for death!"
Her brother, Gan Zi Yun, flew into a rage at the sight of his sister being struck. He was about to make a move but froze when he t Yang Hu's chilling gaze as he stepped forward.
Gan Zi Yun drew a sharp, cold breath and forced the words out. "You dare lay a hand on the Gan Family of the Xuanse Sect?"
"I'd dare to kill soone from the Gan Family. Want to test ?"
Gan Zi Yun: "…"
Everyone: "…"
"…"
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