Zhang Qin Hu of the Zhang Family

Deep in the night.

Under the cover of moonlight, several figures galloped away from Green Maple Valley.

They sped towards the direction of the prefectural city.

Two days later...

Dust-covered, the group finally arrived at the foot of Ascending Dragon Prefecture City.

As the seat of a prefecture, the prosperity of Ascending Dragon Prefecture was naturally far beyond what Baihe County could compare to.

Its permanent population alone numbered in the millions.

Looking at the towering city walls standing majestically before them.

In Li Xinge's eyes, something called ambition was burning fiercely.

"One day, this land will be dominated by me."

Li Xinge thought to himself.

The group entered the prefectural city unimpeded.

Walking on the bustling streets.

Beside him, Li Yanzhao, dressed in a green robe, smiled and said, "Patriarch, we've been traveling for two days, and everyone must be tired. The auction doesn't start until tomorrow. Why don't we find an inn to eat first and then rest for the night?"

Li Xinge glanced at the weary group and then nodded.

Soon...

Led by Li Yanzhao, the group stopped in front of an inn called "Green Willow Tower."

Li Yanzhao smiled and introduced, "Patriarch, the medicinal cuisine at Green Willow Tower is superb in Ascending Dragon Prefecture!"

"Then let's try it."

In fact, at his current realm, ordinary medicinal cuisine no longer had any effect on him.

But satisfying his appetite was still necessary.

Qi and Blood Realm Cultivators did not yet have the ability to abstain from grains.

As soon as they reached the entrance.

A waiter, with a fawning smile, scurried over: "Distinguished guests, are you here for a meal or accommodation?"

"A meal. Prepare a private room and serve us all your signature dishes."

Li Yanzhao, standing beside him, replied.

He glanced at the imposing group of people.

The waiter bowed even lower, his attitude becoming more respectful. "Esteemed guests, please follow me. Come inside."

After speaking, he gestured to lead the way.

The group followed.

Soon, the waiter had settled Li Xinge and the others in a private room.

"Esteemed guests, please wait a moment. I have already instructed the kitchen to prepare the dishes. They will be ready shortly. I will be waiting outside. If you need anything, just call for me."

After speaking, he turned and retreated, closing the door behind him.

Li Xinge and Li Yanzhao took their seats one after another.

The guards stood respectfully to the side.

Li Xinge didn't have to wait long, about fifteen minutes...

The medicinal dishes, emitting a unique fragrance, were brought up by the attendant.

"White Jade Lingzhi Soup!"

"Coiled Dragon Eel!"

"Steamed Spirit Fish!"

"..."

A total of ten dishes were served, filling the table.

"The dishes are all served. Esteemed guests, please enjoy. Later, Miss Wen Xi, a renowned musician from Ascending Dragon Prefecture, will perform for our guests at the Green Willow Tower!"

The attendant said respectfully.

Looking at the delicious dishes before him, which were perfect in color, aroma, and taste, Li Xinge's appetite was whetted.

As for the attendant's later words, Li Xinge didn't hear a single one.

He began to taste the delicacies before him.

As Li Yanzhao had said, the taste was indeed good, and it did have certain benefits for cultivation, but only for the physical body and the Body Forging Realm.

Its effect on the Qi and Blood Realm was almost negligible.

At the same time.

Outside the private room.

A melodious and pleasant zither melody began to play.

The zither music flowed gently like a trickling stream through the air.

At times it was high-pitched and passionate, like a waterfall cascading down a mountain stream.

At times it was low and soft, like a candle flame flickering in the night breeze.

Inside the Green Willow Tower, everything seemed to become quiet.

Everyone seemed to be immersed in the beautiful zither music, unable to extricate themselves.

Only Li Xinge, completely unaffected, continued to enjoy the food before him.

He didn't understand music, he just thought it sounded good, but that was all.

Soon, the song ended.

Outside the private room, a thunderous roar of applause and cheers erupted.

"This music should only exist in heaven; how often can it be heard in the mortal world? Miss Wen Xi is truly the most famous zither player in our Ascending Dragon Prefecture. I am fortunate to witness this today; it is a blessing for three lifetimes!"

"Miss Wen Xi is not only skilled at the zither, but also beautiful."

"If I could marry Miss Wen Xi, I would gladly live ten years less."

"A toad wanting to eat swan meat."

"Be careful what you say, lest Second Young Master Zhang hears you. Otherwise, he'll skin you alive."

"Hahahaha."

"..."

The noise outside made Li Xinge frown subconsciously.

Beside him, the Sixth Elder Li Yanzhao, who was observant of his surroundings, quickly signaled to a guard next to him.

The latter understood and closed the door tightly.

The noise immediately became much quieter.

About half an hour later, everyone had had enough to eat and drink and prepared to pay the bill and leave.

As soon as they stepped out of the room.

A fierce argument reached Li Xinge's ears.

"Wen Xi, don't push your luck. I've given you enough time, and nothing you say now will matter."

If you can't find the book by its title, try searching for the author. Maybe the title was just changed!

Across from the private room.

A short, pale, stout young man, resembling a marmot, said fiercely.

Behind him followed two middle-aged men dressed in black warrior robes.

Li Xinge was somewhat surprised. Both of these men were cultivators at the Body Realm.

In Baihe County, cultivators at the Body Realm were already the backbone of a local power.

Yet here, two Body Realm cultivators were merely acting as guards and attendants.

It seemed this young man in the brocade robe had an extraordinary identity.

The woman called Wen Xi leaned against the corner, her eyes moist, her expression filled with terror.

"Wen Xi, I'll ask you one more time. Are you coming with me?"

The woman was like a startled kitten.

She shook her head repeatedly, her voice trembling, "No..."

The young man in the brocade robe seemed to have lost his patience.

Impatiently, he walked directly towards the woman. Seeing the approaching young man, the woman gritted her teeth. With a surge of courage she didn't know she had, she pushed him away.

Caught off guard, the young man in the brocade robe was pushed to the ground.

Seizing the opportunity, the woman frantically tried to escape.

But she saw the two guards, their faces expressionless, blocking her path.

Seeing the gleaming steel sabers in their hands, the woman instinctively retreated.

Losing her balance, the woman stumbled and fell to the ground.

She cast a pleading look towards the guests who had been fawning over her earlier, among whom were many high officials and nobles.

But she only saw them looking at the figure on the ground with apprehension, turning their heads away and pretending not to see.

In her despair...

She caught sight of Li Xinge and his group out of the corner of her eye, as if seeing a lifeline.

She quickly scrambled up, and under Li Xinge's bewildered gaze...

She grabbed Li Xinge's robe and hid behind him. Only her head peeked out, pleading, "Esteemed young master, please be merciful and save me! This Young Master Zhang is a notorious rake in the prefectural city. Those who fall into his hands rarely have a good end." It had to be said, this woman did possess some beauty.

Coupled with her pitiful expression.

It made it difficult to utter the word "no."

The two guards, seeing this, walked menacingly towards Li Xinge and his group. The guards behind Li Xinge, naturally not to be outdone, drew their swords and blocked in front of Li Xinge. A fight seemed imminent.

The plump youth lying on the ground finally managed to get up and trotted over. He glanced at the woman hiding behind Li Xinge, his face filled with anger. Just as he was about to speak.

Li Xinge smiled slightly, grabbed the woman named Wen Xi by her waterfall-like long hair, and pushed her towards the plump youth. The woman let out a scream from the tearing pain in her scalp, stumbling into the plump youth's arms.

"My good sir, I am not familiar with this woman. Now, I am handing her over to you. I hope I haven't spoiled your mood."

(If you cursed me, come here and apologize)

The plump youth looked stunned.

After a long moment.

He finally reacted and burst into laughter. He glanced again at his two retainers who had drawn their swords. He coldly rebuked, "Put away your swords! This young master is my friend!"

The two Body Realm retainers sheathed their swords and stood respectfully behind the plump youth. The guards in front of Li Xinge also returned to their original positions. The tension immediately dissipated.

"My household servants were ignorant. I apologize on their behalf. Please do not take offense, my good sir."

The plump youth tossed the woman in his arms to two guards, then cupped his hands towards Li Xinge with a smile. "My name is Zhang Qin Hu, the second eldest in my family. If you don't mind, you can call me Zhang Er. May I ask your esteemed surname!"

Li Xinge couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing the name, but his expression remained unchanged.

Beside him, Li Yanzhao, whose face was calm, suddenly changed color when he heard the name.

Li Xinge smiled slightly.

He replied, "My surname is Li, Li Xinge."

Zhang Qin Hu's mind raced, and after thinking for a long time, he couldn't recall any prominent family in the prefectural city surnamed Li.

However, he showed no outward reaction and became even more enthusiastic. "So it's Brother Li. I apologize for disturbing Brother Li's meal today. As compensation, I'll host a table at the Green Willow Tower, and we can have a good drink together!"

Li Xinge shook his head.

Zhang Qin Hu's expression shifted slightly.

"Brother Zhang's kind offer is appreciated, but I've already had my fill and truly can't eat anymore. Moreover, I have important matters to attend to. How about another day, I'll be the host and apologize to Brother Zhang."

A smile bloomed on Zhang Qin Hu's face again.

"Since that's the case, I won't insist further."

After speaking.

He called out, "Shopkeeper?"

As his voice fell.

A kind-faced old man hurried out. Seeing Zhang Qin Hu, his face showed a fawning smile, and he respectfully asked, "Second Young Master, what are your orders?"

Zhang Qin Hu's gaze swept towards Li Xinge.

He smiled and said, "Record the expenses of this young master today under my name."

"Certainly."

The shopkeeper quickly agreed with a smile.

This time, Li Xinge did not refuse.

"Brother Zhang has gone to great expense."

Zhang Qin Hu laughed heartily, "What are you saying, Brother Li? Brother Li and I hit it off immediately. A mere meal is nothing. Since Brother Li has important matters to attend to today, I won't disturb you further. We'll meet again another day!"

"We'll meet again another day!"

The two parted ways, brushing past each other.

Watching the backs of Li Xinge and his entourage as they left, Zhang Qin Hu's expression was thoughtful.

Beside him.

Wen Xi looked at Li Xinge with eyes full of venom.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.