Negotiation

Ye Qinghong's blurted remark left most people thoroughly embarrassed, especially Liu Xiaolou. Denying it outright would not fit the facts; admitting that he was handsome seemed rather immodest; saying nothing made it look as though he had tacitly accepted her claim. No matter what he did, it was wrong.

After pondering it over, he could only sigh softly and assume the air of "Those who do not understand me ask what I seek."

But there were exceptions to everything. Most people were embarrassed, but a few were not—such as the Three Heroes.

The three brothers immediately launched into mockery. Tian Ying spoke of Liu Xiaolou's unfathomable strength; Di Ying analyzed Liu Xiaolou's honesty and righteousness from the standpoint of character; Ren Ying simply praised Liu Xiaolou's looks head-on, telling Ye Qinghong to go home, pee, and look at her reflection to see whether she did not fancy him or simply was not worthy of him!

Ye Qinghong immediately gave chase. The wolf-tooth club in her hand flew and swept around the Ink Pool, rolling up clusters of light and shadow. Accompanied by the three brothers' cries of "Hurry, as the law commands!", the whole of Ink Mountain echoed with their curses, shouts, and battle cries.

The deeply embarrassed Ye Qingxiu opened his mouth to apologize. "Sect Master Liu, please do not hold my younger sister's rudeness against her. She has been like this since childhood—she speaks without thinking."

Liu Xiaolou rubbed his nose and chuckled. "No matter, no matter."

Ye Qingxiu extended a hand in invitation. "Sect Master Liu, please come inside and rest a while. Allow this junior to serve you tea."

Liu Xiaolou looked at the woods beyond the Ink Pool, where branches and leaves whirled through the air, at the hills sending up bursts of dust and