Chapter Seventy-Five: Someone Not to Be Provoked

After Chu Yingxuan spoke, many people were left stunned.

Hao Ran Alliance? What was this Hao Ran Alliance?

And what did she mean by calling him “Junior Brother Wang”?

Those quick to react suddenly widened their eyes, looking at Wang Ran in utter disbelief.

Huang Huifeng’s gaze also flickered. For Chu Yingxuan to address him as junior brother… Could it be that Wang Ran was also a disciple of the Only Me Sect? At this realization, Huang Huifeng quietly took two steps back, deciding not to involve himself any further.

If both were disciples of the Only Me Sect, then this was an internal matter. Moreover, both had impressive backgrounds—one from the Chu family of Northern Ze, the other a Nascent Soul cultivator. This was beyond his influence.

No matter which side he favored, he’d likely get dragged into trouble. So Huang Huifeng wisely withdrew, standing aside with the air of a bystander.

Meanwhile, Zhu Tianyun and Qin Yu were also dumbfounded, at a loss for words, their minds unable to keep up.

Junior brother?

Chu Yingxuan actually called Lord Wang “junior brother”?

Qin Yu blinked, drawing in a sharp breath.

Yan Wanrou lifted her little head, her gaze wary as she stared at Chu Yingxuan.

Hidden within the crowd, Bei Minglie wore a playful smile as he watched the two of them.

If Chu Yingxuan could become enemies with Wang Ran, that would be a stroke of luck for him. After all, Ye Cang and Wang Ran were already sworn foes, and coupled with himself, Bei Minglie, the combined pressure from the three major alliances of the Only Me Sect would make Wang Ran’s days unbearable.

Under everyone’s gaze, Wang Ran merely smiled faintly and remarked, “Senior Sister Chu, it’s our first meeting—why such a fiery temper?”

“That’s something you should ask yourself, Junior Brother Wang. On our first encounter, you’ve given our Chu family quite a generous gift,” Chu Yingxuan’s beautiful eyes narrowed before she too offered a slight smile. Her gaze swept to Chu Yichen, lying on the ground, and she added meaningfully, “Whatever the case, he is still a member of my family. Don’t you think your actions toward him were rather inappropriate, Junior Brother?”

“Inappropriate?” Wang Ran’s eyes gradually turned cold at the veiled threat in Chu Yingxuan’s words. “Your younger brother bullied a member of the Hao Ran Alliance, coveted my junior sister, and repeatedly insulted me. I’d like to know, Senior Sister, how you intend to explain that!”

At this, Chu Yichen hastily called out, “Sister, don’t listen to his nonsense! He stole my Dragon Slayer Halberd and is challenging the dignity of our family—he must die!”

“Enough!” Chu Yingxuan’s delicate brows knitted as she suddenly barked at him.

Chu Yichen was stunned, staring at Chu Yingxuan in disbelief, unable to comprehend why his sister was so furious with him.

“You wretch! You still dare to speak? Our family stands tall in Northern Ze; who in Yunzhou doesn’t show us respect? How did we produce such a useless fool as you? You’ve utterly disgraced our grandfather!” Chu Yingxuan’s almond-shaped eyes flashed with anger.

To be scolded by his own sister at the Banquet of Talents, in front of countless peers, made Chu Yichen’s face flush red. It was as if he’d been stripped bare and exposed to the crowd.

He was on the verge of losing his mind, his eyes bloodshot, shouting in frustration, “But don’t forget, you’re still a member of the Chu family! He’s stolen our family’s precious sixth-grade spiritual weapon, the Dragon Slayer Halberd! Even if I’m useless, if you can’t reclaim it, it’s still a disgrace to the Chu family!”

Chu Yichen’s outburst did give Chu Yingxuan pause. She knew he wasn’t entirely wrong; if the Chu family of Northern Ze lost so easily to an unknown upstart, they’d be a laughingstock.

She frowned and said, “Junior Brother Wang, since my brother was at fault first, we admit it and are willing to compensate you with twenty thousand spirit jades as an apology. However, that sixth-grade spiritual weapon is a treasured heirloom of our family and holds great significance. I hope you can return it—consider it a favor I owe you.”

“Since when does Wang Ran return anything he’s taken? Chu Yichen has repeatedly offended me. I spared his life, and that’s already mercy enough. And yet you still want to haggle with me?” Wang Ran lounged in his chair, swirling his teacup with a calm expression.

Never mind how much Chu Yingxuan’s favor was worth. Among the four great alliances, there was no such thing as goodwill—they were all competitors. Besides, if a good-for-nothing like Chu Yichen wasn’t taught a proper lesson, more young women would likely suffer in the future.

Confronted with Wang Ran’s attitude, Chu Yingxuan grew angrier. She gritted her teeth and said again, “Junior Brother Wang, shouldn’t one show mercy when possible? After all, more friends mean more paths.”

“No need for more words. Even if your family’s patriarch were here, my answer would be the same.” Wang Ran took a sip of tea, his tone indifferent.

Of course, he was posturing. If the patriarch really appeared, he’d be the first to flee—only a fool would confront a half-step Nascent Soul cultivator head-on.

However, in Chu Yingxuan’s ears, his words carried a different meaning. She wondered if Wang Ran had some hidden trump card or powerful backing.

With this in mind, she glanced at Huang Huifeng, as if seeking guidance.

Huang Huifeng, who had hoped to stay uninvolved, could only sigh and use his spiritual power to send a secret message to Chu Yingxuan.

Almost instantly, Chu Yingxuan’s expression changed dramatically. She stared at Wang Ran in astonishment for several seconds before stepping forward, cupping her hands in a respectful salute for the first time. “So Junior Brother Wang is a disciple of Senior Chen—I was the one who overstepped. As for Yichen, he brought this upon himself. Please accept these twenty thousand spirit jades as compensation.”

With that, she flipped her palm and handed over a storage pouch. Wang Ran only smiled, making no move, but his junior sister gleefully snatched it up.

Wang Ran then said, “And the Dragon Slayer Halberd?”

“The Dragon Slayer Halberd… naturally, it need not be returned. Consider it… a gift to Senior Chen.” Chu Yingxuan’s face was ugly, but she dared not press the issue.

Wang Ran nodded coolly. “Thank you for your generosity, Senior Sister Chu. I shall pay my respects to your family another day.”

Chu Yingxuan managed a strained smile and said nothing more. She waved her delicate hand, lifting the dumbstruck Chu Yichen and hurriedly left the banquet.

Once outside, Chu Yingxuan remained silent, though her eyes burned with fury. She led Chu Yichen away, treading air atop a flying tiger.

At last, Chu Yichen found his voice, incredulous. “Sister, have you lost your mind? Who is that boy that we must humble ourselves before him?”

“He’s someone we cannot afford to offend.” Chu Yingxuan sighed bitterly, her tone filled with disappointment as she uttered words that struck Chu Yichen like thunder.

“His master is Chen Wangran!”