Chapter 239: Kicking an Iron Plate
As the voice rang out, everyone turned their eyes toward the source. A slick looking young man, with a greasy demeanor and a pale complexion that spoke of indulgence in wine and women, approached Ruo Lin and Xiao Yan.
Though his face was pallid, his aura revealed that he was genuinely a Da Dou Shi (Great Fighter). For someone in their early twenties to reach this level, it was indeed a testament to his natural talent.
The young man ignored Xiao Yan entirely and fixed his bloodshot eyes on Ruo Lin. His gaze lingered greedily over her elegant and full figure, with no attempt to hide his lust.
"Such beauty deserves to be cherished. My lady, I am Zhong Nailiang, the esteemed heir of the Zhong Family. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
As soon as these words left his lips, murmurs spread through the crowd of Black Seal City's residents.
"So, that's Zhong Nailiang of the Zhong Family! No wonder he looks so greasy."
"Shh! Be quiet if you value your life. The Zhong Family is one of the top three families in Black Seal City. They have three or four Dou Wang (Battle King) experts in their ranks!"
"That's right, their patriarch Zhong Nailiang's father is a Dou Wang himself. And he dotes on his son to no end."
"Poor woman… such a stunning beauty. She's going to be trampled by that beast."
Another whispered sadly, "Zhong Nailiang is infamous for being a scoundrel in Black Seal City. But what can anyone do? As the Zhong Family's young master, he's untouchable. And to be fair, he's generous. Most women he 'favors' at least walk away with a handsome payout afterward."
Hearing the whispers, Zhong Nailiang's face showed no trace of anger; in fact, he seemed to relish the comments.
In the past, many women had willingly thrown themselves into his arms upon learning of his identity. Even if they were cast aside later, his lavish "breakup gifts" ensured his popularity among Black Seal City's women.
However, to his disappointment, the stunning beauty before him showed no interest. She shook her head gently and replied, "I don't know you, nor do I care to. Please step aside."
With that, Ruo Lin followed closely behind Xiao Yan, her tone firm but polite.
"Wait a moment!" Zhong Nailiang called out again, his tone sharper this time.
Ruo Lin paused, her brows furrowing slightly in irritation.
This time, Zhong Nailiang produced a dazzling silver necklace from his storage ring. At its center was an exquisitely carved water blue magic core, gleaming brightly.
"My lady," he said with a charming smile, "your beauty takes my breath away. Though you refuse to tell me your name, I feel this necklace would suit you perfectly. I insist you accept it as a token of my admiration."
The necklace's brilliance caught the eyes of many passersby, especially women. Its craftsmanship and the magic core alone would make it worth at least ten thousand gold coins a fortune to most Dou Zhe (Fighters) and even some Dou Shi (Masters).
For Zhong Nailiang, however, this was a mere trinket. It was one of his go to gifts for wooing women.
Ruo Lin glanced briefly at the necklace, unimpressed. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she turned to Xiao Yan with a faint smile before looking back at Zhong Nailiang.
"Zhong Gongzi," she said playfully, "if this is the extent of your sincerity, you should keep it. Your intentions are transparent."
Her lips curled into a teasing smile as she added, "But if you can produce a Water Spirit Pill, I might consider spending an evening with you."
At her words, Zhong Nailiang's smirking expression froze. His face darkened noticeably as he clenched his jaw.
"It seems the lady refuses to give me face," he said coldly.
"'Face'?" Ruo Lin chuckled softly. "If you can't even produce what I want, what gives you the right to claim me as yours?"
Her words were sharp, and her tone carried a sting. Without waiting for a reply, she turned on her heel and continued following Xiao Yan.
Zhong Nailiang's humiliation turned to rage. His face twisted as he stepped in front of them once more. "You'd best think carefully. Offending the Zhong Family in Black Seal City is not a wise decision."
Before he could finish, a slap rang out.
The next moment, Zhong Nailiang's body was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing into a stone wall. Blood spurted from his mouth as he slumped to the ground, dazed and battered.
"Say another word, and I'll kill you." Xiao Yan's tone was indifferent as he glanced briefly at the fallen Zhong Nailiang.
Xiao Yan turned and continued walking, his mood unperturbed.
If Zhong Nailiang had merely been trying to win over Ruo Lin with gifts, Xiao Yan wouldn't have cared. After all, it was a mutual transaction. However, forcing someone's hand crossed Xiao Yan's bottom line.
Zhong Nailiang lay on the ground, glaring venomously at Xiao Yan's retreating figure. His jaw was shattered, rendering him unable to speak, but his eyes burned with hatred.
A short while later, Xiao Yan and the group arrived at an expansive auction house.
The sight of the grand building filled Ruo Lin and the Jia Nan Academy students with awe. Xiao Yan, however, remained unimpressed. Compared to the recently established Mittel Auction Hall under the Flame Alliance, this place was a mere shadow in terms of size and splendor.
Just as they were about to enter, a powerful aura descended upon the street.
A middle aged man with Dou Qi wings hovered in the air, glaring down at Xiao Yan's group. In his hand, he carried the injured Zhong Nailiang.
"The Zhong Family's patriarch is here for revenge!"
Whispers broke out among the onlookers.
Ruo Lin and the students turned pale. Though they had witnessed Xiao Yan's prowess against Fan Ling, facing a Dou Wang (Battle King) was an entirely different matter.
"Boy, you dare harm my son? Today, you'll pay with your life!" Zhong Nailiang's father roared as he landed a short distance away from Xiao Yan.
"So troublesome," Xiao Yan sighed.
He raised his hand, and a small, vibrant flame danced on his fingertips. Its seven colored brilliance sent waves of oppressive heat rippling through the air.
Just as Xiao Yan prepared to unleash the flame, a voice interrupted from the auction house's entrance.
"Ah, Master Yan Xiao! You've finally arrived I've been waiting for you!"
Both Xiao Yan and the Zhong Family patriarch froze at the voice.
A tall, imposing man in black strode out of the auction house, his expression respectful as he approached Xiao Yan.
The onlookers collectively gasped.
"That's… the Black Seal City Lord!"
The city lord shot a cold glance at the Zhong Family patriarch, who instantly broke out in a cold sweat.
The city lord then turned to Xiao Yan, his attitude akin to that of a deferential servant. "Master Yan Xiao, please, this way. The auction awaits you."
The Zhong Family patriarch stared in disbelief as the city lord led Xiao Yan into the auction house with the utmost reverence.
At that moment, a chilling realization dawned upon him.
The Zhong Family had unwittingly provoked an incomprehensibly powerful figure.
They had kicked an iron plate.
(End of Chapter)
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