Hearing Chen Mu's curious question, Li Huanzhen had yet to answer when the girl in the snow-white fur coat snorted:
"Are you really that ignorant? You have to ask about this?"
She seemed to scorn Chen Mu's narrow horizons, and to be angry that he had never heard of the Sword Saint's renown.
Chen Mu could only feel helpless. He had no idea how he had offended the girl.
He had just learned that she was Cui Yuyao, a daughter of the Cui Clan, a distinguished family north of the river. She had been betrothed to Young Master Yu since childhood.
Chen Mu's experience had never extended far beyond Changxing. Naturally, he could hardly talk about the wider world with these great families from the south.
His interest spoiled, he had no wish to press a warm face against a cold backside. He gave up asking about the Sword Saint's legend.
"Brother Li, since this young lady dislikes being disturbed, you and I can discuss it another time."
"I came to find you about something else."
Li Huanzhen had been displeased to see Chen Mu insulted.
Though he had friends everywhere and enjoyed meeting fellow practitioners, he and Young Master Yu's party were no more than chance acquaintances. They had met only a handful of times.
Chen Mu was different. They had shared Fox Immortal Wine on the mountain and spoken drunken truths before the Buddha.
Li Huanzhen had been born with a strange gift that let him see into people's hearts. He had sensed no calculation in Chen Mu's friendship.
He had long since come to regard Chen Mu as a close friend.
Now Chen Mu had brought up serious business and meant to swallow the insult, but Li Huanzhen would have none of it.
"Brother Chen, whatever it