Volume One, Chapter 57: Are You Reckless? Competing for a Woman with the Young Master of the Liu Family?
The newcomer was none other than the youngest son of the Liu family, Liu Mingxuan. Originally intending to make a brilliant showing at the Lingshan Martial Arts Tournament, he had received word just moments before the competition that he was forbidden to attend! Who could possibly stomach such a grievance? But alas, it was the decree of the family head, forbidding him from going under any circumstances! He was a cultivator in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, yet he was expected to surrender without a fight to some worthless wretch in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment? Who could understand such humiliation and grievance, my friends?
Therefore, he had summoned two good-humored Daoist companions of his age group, planning to unwind at the Drunken Immortal Tower and vent the pent-up resentment and frustration deep within his heart! Bring out the finest wine! The most beautiful maidens! He had heard long before coming that the Drunken Immortal Tower boasted a courtesan named Lychee, who was an absolute peerless beauty in the mortal world. Thus, he had made up his mind today that he must taste the sweetness of Lychee!
Yet who could have expected that the madam would say Lychee was already entertaining someone else?
Liu Mingxuan instantly flew into a rage! Was he going to be bullied by women twice in a single day? "Madam, do you know who I am? Today, even if Lychee is entertaining the Heavenly Emperor himself, she must come over to me!"
The madam could afford to offend neither side; the ones inside were military officers, while the one outside was a young master of the Dao! "Young Master Liu, of course I know you! But the three people inside today are truly no ordinary folks!"
The madam was practically on the verge of tears. She only hoped to smooth things over. She should have consulted the almanac today! She should have just closed for business! If these two sets of lords were to start a brawl right here in the Drunken Immortal Tower, she might as well shut down the establishment for good!
Furious beyond measure, Liu Mingxuan glared with wide eyes, grabbed the madam by the collar, and demanded, "Am I an ordinary person? I am asking you, am I an ordinary person?"
Compared to other establishments, the Drunken Immortal Tower was renowned far and wide, and its madam was no ordinary woman either. Although she was thirty, the prime of her youth, she still retained her graceful charm. While she could not compare to the three peerless beauties inside the private room, she nonetheless possessed striking features and a proud, voluptuous figure.
The madam was named Meiqin. Her husband had once served as an official in the imperial court, but after his corruption regarding military provisions was exposed, their family scattered and fled in all directions. The madam had then taken a considerable amount of money, far away from the capital, and come to Dingzhou to run a tavern business.
Having been subjected to such insults, the madam also began to grow somewhat angry. Since you two want to fight and kill each other, then go ahead and fight—what on earth did it have to do with her? "In that case, Young Master Liu, let me go and invite Miss Lychee for you, shall we?"
Of course the madam understood that the military officers inside would most likely spend the night right here; how could they possibly hand Lychee over to someone else?
Only then did Liu Mingxuan relent. "You know what's good for you!"
The madam turned around and rolled her eyes inwardly. *Hmph, what an arrogant piece of trash!*
The door to the private room was pushed open. Inside, singing and dancing were underway, and even Li Shiyao was forced to perform, swaying unsteadily as she danced for the two lords...
***
Although the two lords were embracing beauties in their arms, their eyes were exceptionally bright at that moment. Before the madam could speak, Ye Qinghan simply said, "Shut the door behind you."
The madam had no choice. After all, the military officers had called for Lychee first; even if it was just for show, she had to mind her tone. Fawning with a smile as she closed the door, the madam was just about to speak when she was interrupted.
"Don't be afraid. That little whelp from the Liu family shouted so loudly that I heard every word," Ye Qinghan said with a smile, in no particular hurry to slap the fellow across the face.
Upon hearing this, the madam thought to herself: *As expected, military officers are truly badass! Judging by this address, these three military officers... Wait? This blond one... actually looks like fine timber...*
Li Shiyao was dancing, having already consumed a full six jugs of fine wine. By now, her consciousness was entirely blurred; she only knew that Sister Qinghan had told her to dance, and Dongfang Jue had threatened that if she stopped, she would have to strip...
The naive and adorable wife's face flushed with a rosy heat, whether from intoxication or shame. Though her body swayed unsteadily, she still managed to keep up with the drumbeats of the tune, undulating her slender waist and waving her jade-like arms accordingly.
The madam was completely dumbfounded. These two ladies actually brought another woman out to play and carouse? This was the first time she had ever encountered such ruthless characters! If this blond beauty were to work at the Drunken Immortal Tower, any Golden Branch or Lychee would have to step down from the position of top courtesan! She would be an absolute cash cow! Just hearing her voice would command five hundred taels! A single glance would cost a thousand taels! And if someone wanted to compose poetry, converse, and enjoy romantic pleasures—ha!
Drawing her attention away from the blond beauty beside her, the madam looked squarely at the two lords. In any case, these two clearly did not take Liu Mingxuan seriously at all! There was hope!
"This humble girl could not afford to offend that Daoist master of the Liu family, and so..." The madam put on a wronged expression, her face practically broadcasting: *It was all that Liu Mingxuan's fault!*
Dongfang Jue did not know Liu Mingxuan and casually remarked, "Just call him over. I'd truly like to see which death-seeking bastard dares to snatch a woman from me!"
At that moment, Dongfang Jue genuinely felt this way! Even her own father would never dare to snatch a woman from her! She was a royal princess, and even Lingshan had to give her face, let alone some damned minor family!
Ye Qinghan smiled and patted Dongfang Jue on the shoulder. The Liu family was already long destined for destruction, their date of death clearly marked in King Yama's ledger of life and death.
"Go tell him that we would very much like to meet him, and invite him in to speak."
Ye Qinghan was also in a playful mood at the moment. She herself was a woman, and summoning so many courtesans was fun for a brief novelty, but after a long time, it inevitably grew tedious. If only she could replace them with her master—hehe, then even if Qinghan had to spend a thousand gold pieces, she would definitely want to taste something new!
She might as well invite that little Liu whelp in for some amusement, treating it merely as a way to pass the time.
The madam nodded, and seeing Ye Qinghan's kind and amiable expression, she finally felt somewhat at ease.
Meanwhile, the madam hurried back to Liu Mingxuan's room to relay the message. Upon hearing it, Liu Mingxuan flew into a fury! "Oh? I go to see *him*? Have they grown tired of living, asking *me* to go see them?"
***
The madam quickly added, "Young Master Liu, I told the military officer of your identity, but the other party doesn't seem to care about you at all!"
Military officers? What military officer could possibly measure up to a Daoist master? Daring to clash with him, Liu Mingxuan? Did you have the strength for it?
Liu Mingxuan was full of fiery, youthful vigor and felt not a shred of fear! "Lead the way. I want to see what kind of military officers dare to snatch a woman from me?"
The madam was left utterly speechless. It turned out both sides were stubborn thorns. Although she knew they were both tough characters, she had never expected that Liu Mingxuan, despite being the young master of the Liu family, could be so rash. Without even figuring out the other party's identity, he wanted to go pick a fight?
"Oh my, oh my, you mustn't, Young Master Liu. Our establishment runs on humble capital. If you two start fighting..."
These words nearly laughed Liu Mingxuan out of his anger. "I, Liu Mingxuan, truly don't believe anyone dares to touch me. Besides, do you know what the Liu family does for a living?"
The Liu family had risen to prominence by killing people! *Damn it, do I look like I'm afraid of a fight?*
"If we break your things, can't the Liu family afford to compensate you?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Please calm your anger, Young Master Liu, I will lead the way for you!"
The madam simply gave up trying to persuade him! Let whatever happens, happen! You might as well demolish the Drunken Immortal Tower for all I care!
Only then did Liu Mingxuan nod, leading his two friends toward the private room of Dongfang Jue and Ye Qinghan. As they approached the doorway, they heard the sounds of singing and dancing from within.
"Military officer~ have a drink with this humble one~"
"Oh my, it's all spilled on my chest!"
Then Dongfang Jue's voice rang out: "Come here, we mustn't waste such fine wine!"
The sounds of music, laughter, and chatter rose and fell in waves—what a lively scene!
Liu Mingxuan glanced at his companion, who caught the meaning instantly, strode forward, and kicked the door open with a single blow.
"Which blind fool is it? Daring to snatch a woman from the eldest young master of the Liu family? Have you grown tired of living!"