Suddenly, a change occurred, shocking everyone present!
QiQi was momentarily stunned, not understanding what had happened.
All she heard was Qian Ye’s cold and indifferent voice, “I’m a commoner, only Level 4, so what? Didn’t you want to teach this scum from the slums a lesson? Then stand up and continue!”
The young man’s limbs twitched, and he struggled several times to get up, but ultimately collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Duels at banquets were not uncommon in the martial Empire. After the initial shock, the first to cheer were mostly young ladies, their gazes bold and sparkling. The noble youths, however, mostly looked displeased. The hatred drawn by QiQi when they entered had not yet subsided, and now, hearing that Qian Ye was just a commoner, most felt offended.
Qian Ye raised his right arm, the too-tight formal attire was truly bothersome. He simply tore off the gemstone cufflinks and unbuttoned his jacket. Then, he swept his gaze over the few companions who had been standing with the young man, and said coldly, “Who’s next?”
QiQi’s eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly looking forward to the drama. Yuan ZeYu shook his head, saying nothing.
The few young men froze, glancing uneasily at their fallen companion, then at Qian Ye, unsure how to react. Their comrade, a Level 5 warrior, was not only the highest-ranked among them but also the strongest. They couldn’t comprehend why he had lost so quickly, but at least they knew that if they stepped up, it would be a waste of effort.
At that moment, an angry voice rose from the crowd on the southern side of the hall. A noble youth shouted, “This is no place for a mere Level 4 warrior to be arrogant and reckless! If I give you a lesson, I believe Miss QiQi will understand!”
Qian Ye lifted his gaze, and said straightforwardly, “Then come on!”
The young man, incensed, took a large step forward, only to be suddenly held back by a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see, in surprise, “Cousin?”
The figure beside him was a slightly older noble youth, with a face bearing a resemblance to his. The elder nodded respectfully at Qian Ye, then turned to his cousin and coldly rebuked, “You’ve really improved, Level 6 against Level 4? Hmph! Do you want to disgrace our Shen family?” With that, he forcefully dragged the impulsive young man back into the crowd.
Upstairs, QiQi whistled, saying, “Shen Rongan is truly a fox! His cousin, although a Level 6, might not be able to defeat my little Qian Ye even if he tried!”
Yuan ZeYu slowly nodded, “The little guy you brought is incredibly strong, and his origin power is so refined, it’s rare indeed. I’m afraid even a typical Level 6 warrior wouldn’t be his match if they were careless.”
The hall below fell completely silent.
Shen Rongan’s action of pulling away his cousin doused the enthusiasm of many eager young nobles.
Those attending the city lord’s banquet were not all simpletons. Qian Ye’s punch had been powerful and brutal, and a Level 5 warrior had been defeated in one blow. Moreover, the fallen man was no weakling. In such a gathering of the elite, who without some confidence would dare to step forward?
The Level 5 warriors didn’t dare to challenge, and for a Level 6, regardless of the outcome, it would be too humiliating.
QiQi, smiling brightly, said, “Uncle Yuan, I’m sorry for disrupting your banquet. I’ll make it up to you another day!” Despite her words, her face was full of delight, her gaze lingering on the young man being carried away by his friends.
Yuan ZeYu smiled bitterly. He recognized the young man Qian Ye had knocked out as Ye Mulan’s cousin. Fortunately, Ye Mulan had already left, furious at QiQi; otherwise, another conflict would have erupted, making the situation even more difficult to handle.
After a while, QiQi took Qian Ye and left early. Once in the silver car, QiQi eagerly asked about the cause and events.
The story was simple. When no one could get any substantial information from Qian Ye, Ye Mulin’s cousin appeared. He clearly had some inside information and directly asked if Qian Ye was a commoner.
For Qian Ye, he could choose not to reveal his background, but he didn’t lie, and admitted it openly.
Ye Mulin’s cousin immediately mocked Qian Ye, saying a poor kid from the slums could only rely on his looks to survive, and that his Level 4 origin power was probably the result of drinking QiQi’s potions.
Qian Ye saw no need to engage further, and simply asked, “Do you think you’re very strong?”
The young man, a Level 5 warrior, sneered, “Of course! Want to try a fight?”
“Fine.”
Then, Qian Ye gathered his energy, focused his power, and delivered a punch, heavy as a mountain and fast as lightning, knocking the young man unconscious. Had Qian Ye not pulled back his force and avoided striking a vital spot, the young man would have been in a critical state.
Qian Ye’s explanation was simple, but QiQi was far from satisfied, pressing on, “That’s all? There must be more! You fought at the banquet! What else did he say?”
Qian Ye smiled wryly, “He said… I’m a bastard from the slums.”
“This…” QiQi was puzzled. This was just a common insult, why did Qian Ye react so strongly?
Qian Ye fell silent for a moment, then said, “I grew up in a garbage dump, never knowing who my parents were.”
QiQi’s smile faded, then gradually returned, like a blooming flower, as she said, half-smiling, “Regardless, you made me happy tonight, so there will be a reward. Close your eyes!”
Qian Ye, confused, closed his eyes. Suddenly, a sweet fragrance wafted past, and a soft, moist sensation touched his left cheek—it was a kiss!
The small episode on the way back was soon forgotten by Qian Ye. This eccentric lady, with her unusual tastes and inclinations, no longer surprised him with her actions.
A lady of her status, who had everything within easy reach, often sought thrills through various quirks. But Qian Ye thought her personal preferences were none of his concern. He needed to complete his task and earn his generous payment.
Qian Ye finished the basic etiquette training in four days. With no new instructions from QiQi, he divided his daily schedule into two main parts: cultivation and battlefield analysis.
In the following days, Qian Ye used up all the potions, but was still a ways off from reaching Level 5. During this period, he only met QiQi once. She suddenly asked if he needed more potions, whether she noticed that he hadn’t ignited a new origin power node despite using enough, or if it was just a casual question. Qian Ye declined, not wanting to accept more than he deserved.
Outside of his cultivation, Qian Ye constantly reviewed intelligence, quickly gaining a general understanding of the area around Xichang City.
Around noon, Ji Yu Jia came to Qian Ye’s residence, inviting him out for lunch.
Qian Ye, eager to learn more about QiQi’s assessment task, agreed readily and followed Ji Yu Jia to the “Bronze Sparrow Terrace” restaurant in the city.
It was a grand, retro-style building, towering ten zhang high with five stories, its windows and door frames adorned with brass. At midday, the sun illuminated it brilliantly.
The wide platforms on both sides could accommodate small floating boats, and the river water, channeled through underground passages, filled the rooftop pool, cascading down the side walls to create a stunning waterfall. Rumor had it that the restaurant’s chefs and many of the ingredients were imported from the Upper Continent, making the prices even higher than there.
Ji Yu Jia parked the jeep and led Qian Ye towards the entrance, laughing, “This place has genuine Upper Continent quality, and the prices match. So, don’t eat too much, or I won’t be able to afford the bill.”
Qian Ye smiled, liking Ji Yu Jia’s straightforward manner.
They chose a seat by the window, the waterfall visible before them. Thanks to excellent soundproofing, only a distant rumble could be heard, creating an ambiance without disturbing the conversation.
When the menu arrived, Qian Ye casually flipped through it, realizing how expensive it was. Even the cheapest dish cost a gold coin, and the priciest reached three digits. One mid-ranking colonel’s half-year salary could vanish in a single meal.
Qian Ye ordered the two cheapest dishes, while Ji Yu Jia, more generous than he let on, added three or four specialty dishes. This meal would surely cost him a month’s salary.
As the food was served, Qian Ye understood the true meaning of Upper Continent quality. The portions were minuscule but exquisitely prepared.
The main dish was a fish, crafted into a dragon’s head, with a painting of a cloud sea on the plate. It was a real, hand-drawn cloud sea in ink, impressive even to someone like Qian Ye, who knew nothing about art. The painter behind this was no ordinary artist.
“How do you like it?” Ji Yu Jia asked, smiling.
“I think the decoration on the plate is more expensive than the food,” Qian Ye said truthfully.
Ji Yu Jia laughed, “I thought the same at first, but later I found out the food is actually a bit more expensive.”
Qian Ye looked at the dishes, each a work of art, and smiled wryly, “Now I know why we can’t overeat. These portions are barely enough to fill a bottom.”
Ji Yu Jia laughed heartily, “For us, coming here is just to experience it. It’s more important to have tasted it, so we won’t be ridiculed for ignorance in the future.”
“Why would we be ridiculed?” Qian Ye was puzzled.
Ji Yu Jia said with a hint of self-mockery, “Because I’m from a humble background, and you’re a commoner. Although a humble background is slightly better than being a commoner, in the eyes of the aristocracy, we’re the same. For them, the standard is simple: those above and those below. Those above must be flattered, those below are inferior. In their eyes, a humble man and a commoner are the same, because we’re all beneath the aristocracy.”
It was a powerful logic, broadening Qian Ye’s perspective.
“Do you know why I invited you here?”
“Why?”
“Because that punch you landed at the banquet was damn satisfying!” Ji Yu Jia, usually gentle, let out a rare curse.
“Did you have a grudge against him?” Qian Ye asked, puzzled.
Ji Yu Jia sighed, “Not exactly a grudge. You’ll soon understand how repulsive those people are. Come, let’s drink!”
They drank quickly, finishing a bottle. Qian Ye’s face was slightly flushed, his movements a bit sluggish, while Ji Yu Jia’s face also showed a tinge of red, indicating he wasn’t particularly good at holding his liquor.
Ji Yu Jia shook the empty bottle, calling out, “Two more bottles!”
The waiter quickly brought more. The rice wine was indeed excellent, and the price, one gold coin per bottle, was surprisingly reasonable here.
“Qian Ye, do you have a woman?” Ji Yu Jia suddenly asked.
“No, why?” Qian Ye asked, perplexed.
“Oh, just curious.”
Ji Yu Jia dismissed it. He had wanted to introduce some nice girls to Qian Ye, knowing as QiQi’s true aide that Qian Ye’s relationship with her was fake.
But as he spoke, he recalled the prominent lip mark on Qian Ye’s cheek the night of the banquet, a subtle blue-purple, QiQi’s favorite color, unmistakable.
Thinking of this, Ji Yu Jia felt a pang of pain, quickly pushing the memory aside.
But he was a bit more sober, realizing that though QiQi might tire of Qian Ye eventually, he wouldn’t do the foolish thing of introducing other girls while she was still interested.
Qian Ye looked curiously at the suddenly distracted Ji Yu Jia.
“Qian Ye, Miss QiQi is the kind of woman worth cherishing. If you have a chance, you should seize it. Do you understand?” Ji Yu Jia said, unusually blunt.
Qian Ye frowned slightly, “This is just a task for me. Besides, the gap in our status is too great; there’s no possibility.”
“Are you the type to care about status differences?”
“Yes.” Qian Ye smiled.
Ji Yu Jia shrugged. If Qian Ye cared about status, he wouldn’t have punched that noble boy at the banquet. But for many, the barrier of unequal status was insurmountable, even for himself.
“Ah ha! Guess who I see? Isn’t this the new pet of Miss QiQi?” A sarcastic voice chimed in from the side.
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