The Self-Injury Ruse

While Song Wen and Chen Feihe were chatting merrily, the soundproof barrier suddenly shattered, smashed apart by a single palm strike.

The one who had shattered the soundproof barrier looked like a young man in his twenties, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator.

The young man was exceedingly handsome, yet his entire body emanated a sinister, wicked aura.

Two late Qi Refinement-stage lackeys followed behind him, making him look every bit the part of a spoiled young master.

"Well, well! Isn't this our Inspector Chen? Instead of properly overseeing the spirit fields in the Silent Abyss, you spend every day drinking in taverns. Aren't you afraid our Gongsun Family will embezzle the spirit herbs? When the sect holds someone accountable, they may lop off Inspector Chen's head!" the young man said in a mocking, insinuating tone.

Chen Feihe's expression darkened slightly as he abruptly rose to his feet.

"Gongsun Jian, I am, after all, an inspector dispatched by the sect. You had better show me some respect."

Gongsun Jian froze for a moment, seemingly surprised. Chen Feihe, who ordinarily never talked back no matter how he was mocked, actually dared to resist today.

Then, he looked at Song Wen, and a look of realization appeared in his eyes.

"I was wondering why Inspector Chen had grown such a backbone today. So he found himself a new lover. Is Inspector Chen trying to put on a show in front of his lover? Hahaha..."

Gongsun Jian's mocking laughter set off teasing laughter from the other diners in the tavern hall as well.

"Hahaha..."

"Young Master Jian, be careful. Even a 'rabbit' will bite when cornered."

"Bite? How does he bite? I'd quite like to see it..."

"Niu San, you look so big and brawny, but I never expected you to have such