Along the way, Yao Wuxie kept pointing at the surroundings, as if every place was a testament to his achievements. When he got excited, he burst into loud laughter without caring about the strange looks from the people around him.
Lin Fan sighed helplessly. What kind of heart must Yao Wuxie have to develop such a personality?
Lin Fan was observing the surroundings carefully. There were all sorts of people, and some were clearly disciples of various sects, judging by their attire.
As they walked on, Lin Fan had seen at least five different sects, which struck him as odd. He then asked Yao Wuxie if many sect disciples came to Zang Yao City.
However, Yao Wuxie’s answer only deepened Lin Fan’s confusion. It seemed these people must have some hidden motives.
“Brother, let’s go inside and sit for a while,” said Yao Wuxie, stopping in front of a shop.
Lin Fan looked up. Although the sign read “Wangyue Lou (Moon Gazing Pavilion),” the colorful, heavily made-up women outside made it clear what kind of place it was—a brothel.
It was still a while before noon, yet the place was already bustling with customers.
“Oh my, Master Yao is here! Please come in quickly,” an aging madam rushed over warmly upon seeing Yao Wuxie.
“Hey old madam, is the top girl playing music today?” Yao Wuxie asked.
“Oh yes, she’s been waiting especially for you, Master Yao,” the plump madam replied, waving her silk fan as she led Yao Wuxie inside. As for Lin Fan and the others, she treated them like mere underlings.
Seeing how familiar Yao Wuxie was with the place, Lin Fan knew he must be a regular.
At that moment, the sound of a zither floated over. Lin Fan, who had been sipping tea, couldn’t help but lift his head. The music was exquisite. On the central stage, a woman wearing a light veil gracefully plucked the strings with her delicate hands, producing a melody so enchanting it stirred the soul.
Yao Wuxie rested his chin on one hand, his eyes showing a hint of infatuation.
When the music stopped, its lingering beauty still echoed throughout the hall.
“With your background, if you truly like her, you could easily have her,” Lin Fan said with a smile, watching Yao Wuxie’s enraptured expression.
Although the woman wore a veil, Lin Fan could tell she was likely very beautiful. However, this didn’t concern him at all. There were countless beauties in the world, and Lin Fan naturally had no intention of getting involved.
Yao Wuxie shook his head, his expression dimming. “It’s more beautiful to admire from afar. Possessing her would ruin the beauty. Besides, being with me might not bring her happiness.”
“Great, give her some money as a reward. Miss Qianyu, please play another piece,” Yao Wuxie clapped and cheered from the viewing platform.
Upon hearing his voice, Qianyu slightly nodded toward Yao Wuxie before continuing to play.
Yao Wuxie wasn’t particularly interested in women, but he came here almost every day. Every time he listened to this beautiful zither music, he felt everything in his heart become peaceful and joyful.
“Little brother, what elegant taste you have…” Just then, a voice with a strange, sarcastic tone came from the side.
Yao Wuxie, immersed in the beautiful music, immediately changed expression and stood up, looking toward the source.
Lin Fan focused his gaze and saw a young man slowly approaching. The man wore the same kind of clothing as Yao Wuxie, both bearing the five-clawed dragon mark.
“Big brother…” Yao Wuxie hadn’t expected to meet his fifth senior brother, Yao Tengfei, here.
“Your third and fourth brothers were looking for you yesterday. I didn’t expect you to recover so quickly. You’re already here enjoying yourself so early in the morning. It seems you’re living quite comfortably. Oh, the girl playing the zither is quite charming. I didn’t expect it’s been so long since I last visited Wangyue Lou, and such a beauty has emerged without my knowledge,” Yao Tengfei said with a cold smile.
He naturally knew his younger brother liked this zither-playing girl. He wanted to let his sixth junior brother experience the bitterness of seeing the woman he loved taken away. Did this useless fellow really think he could challenge him?
“Madam, come here. Call that zither girl over here to keep me company,” Yao Tengfei waved his hand and ordered.
The plump madam wore a sorrowful expression on her face. She knew trouble was coming. She glanced back and forth between Yao Wuxie and Yao Tengfei.
Neither of them was someone she could afford to offend.
“What? My words no longer carry weight?” Yao Tengfei coldly snorted.
“No, no, of course not. Qianyu, come quickly. Master Yao the Fifth is calling you,” the madam said with a forced smile.
“Little brother, you’ve picked up another follower?” Yao Tengfei looked disdainfully at Lin Fan, who was sitting still.
“Senior brother, he’s my friend,” Yao Wuxie slightly furrowed his brow but dared not be too disrespectful.
“Heh, anyone you know must be just as useless as you. Stand up. You’re not worthy of sitting here,” Yao Tengfei pointed at Lin Fan and insulted him.
In Zang Yao City, the Yao family was the most powerful. No matter who came to this city, he looked down upon them all. As for this Yao Wuxie, he was nothing more than a weakling, a soft target he could crush anytime.
At this moment, Yao Wuxie clenched his fists tightly. “Senior brother, he is my friend. Please don’t insult him.”
“Heh, you have no ability but still have a temper. What, are you trying to talk back to your fifth senior brother?” Yao Tengfei stood up abruptly and coldly said.
At this moment, Qianyu slowly approached. As she arrived, Yao Tengfei’s lips curled into a faint sneer. In an instant, he raised his hand and slapped Yao Wuxie across the face.
“Remember this, you’re nothing but a useless good-for-nothing in the Yao family. Watch your tone in the future,” Yao Tengfei coldly said.
At that moment, Qianyu, who had just arrived, froze in place. The others, including Da Ha, were furious but had to suppress their anger, knowing that if they didn’t, their young master would suffer even more.
Sitting there, Lin Fan clenched his fists tightly. This was the first time he had such a strong desire to punch someone.
On Yao Wuxie’s pale face, a red handprint now stood out. Although he was filled with anger, he still held himself back.
“Yes, senior brother,” Yao Wuxie lowered his head, feeling ashamed in front of his new friend, unsure of how he would be seen from now on.
At that moment, Yao Wuxie felt utterly humiliated, his head bowed low, his body trembling. Just then, he felt a hand gently rest on his shoulder.
Lin Fan stood up and stared straight at Yao Tengfei. “You’ve gone too far.”
“Heh, are you trying to take revenge for this useless fellow? Of course, I think even this good-for-nothing wouldn’t dare. Right, sixth junior brother?” Yao Tengfei laughed contemptuously. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare to do anything to him.
At this moment, Yao Wuxie kept his head down, hesitating. Just then, Qianyu’s voice came.
“Master Yao…”
Hearing her voice, Yao Wuxie’s body slightly trembled, then he lowered his head even further. He must have witnessed that humiliating moment. How useless he was.
Lin Fan looked at Yao Wuxie, feeling helpless in his heart.
This personality was too weak, always accepting things passively. If it didn’t change, what would become of him?
Then Lin Fan leaned close to Yao Wuxie’s ear and softly said, “If you keep being this weak, then this girl you like will be taken advantage of by your so-called fifth senior brother. Even if you can’t match his strength, you must act without regret. Even if you seek revenge in the future, it will only be the way of a coward.”
“I…” Yao Wuxie looked at Lin Fan, his heart filled with inner struggle.
“Come here, come to me. Let me pamper you…” At this moment, Yao Tengfei waved his hand toward Qianyu.
Qianyu hesitated, her feet stopping in fear.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage