The trio naturally drew plenty of attention.
As the young heir of the City Lord’s Mansion, Yan Zhen had been Martial Tang City’s brightest prodigy three years ago. Yet in the three years since, his cultivation had stagnated completely, turning him into a laughingstock cripple. The tale had spread throughout the city, and many of the locals recognized him on sight.
As for Yan Meng’er and Huangfu Wenqing…
Yan Meng’er had often strolled the streets with Yan Zhen in the past, making her a familiar face. Huangfu Wenqing might not be from Martial Tang City, but the Huangfu Family’s arrival the day before had stirred up a storm of interest. Plenty of people in the know had quickly pieced together her identity.
And that was without even mentioning their looks. Either girl alone could boast an eighty percent head-turning rate among passersby purely on the strength of her beauty and poise. Together? It was one hundred percent.
Wherever the three of them went, eyes followed. Before long, the constant stares made them a bit uncomfortable, and snippets of gossip drifted into their ears.
“The Young City Lord’s cultivation is still at Mystic Disciple Third Stage. No change at all, even after three whole years.”
“Who could’ve guessed that Heaven’s Proud Son would tumble from grace overnight? Three years later, and he’s still down there.”
“It’s not just three years—might be like this forever. Such a shame for our City Lord, who vanished without a trace just to find a cure for his son. Now the old lord has to shoulder everything. Sigh…”
“I hear the Huangfu Family’s daughter was betrothed to our Young City Lord since childhood. Think they’re here to call off the engagement?”
“Nah, marriages between great clans aren’t that straightforward. They wouldn’t just break it off outright.”
“No, no—the Huangfu eldest miss has insane talent. The king personally named her a county princess, and the National Advisor took her as a direct disciple. Our Young City Lord? He’s completely overshadowed now!”
Damn, that familiar roadside gossip. For some reason, it felt almost nostalgic… Yan Zhen’s expression remained unchanged, but he couldn’t help sighing inwardly.
It wasn’t that he was a masochist. Ever since he’d started playing the protagonist, both Yan Meng’er and Huangfu Wenqing—his supposed rivals in the script—had gone completely off-script. Even his beautiful female master was only somewhat reliable.
So hearing these roadside NPCs deliver lines that matched the script word-for-word, punctuation and all? Truth be told, it was a tiny bit touching.
Did this mean the plot was back on track?
【Affirmative. The host’s efforts have not been in vain. Keep up the good work.】
Heh.
Yan Zhen was in high spirits, but Yan Meng’er and Huangfu Wenqing weren’t faring as well.
The two girls already felt guilty toward him. Hearing these people trash-talk Yan Zhen only reminded them of their own foolish selves from their past lives, deepening their remorse.
“Cousin, we’ve finished eating. Let’s head somewhere else.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“How about the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce? I hear they’ve got some brand-new dress styles. Makes me curious~”
“What do you think, Wenqing?”
“Sure, why not? I’d like to see these new dresses too. It’s been ages since I visited the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce in the Royal Capital—I had no idea about this.”
With opinions aligned, the three left the snack street and headed for the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce in the eastern district.
The Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce was the largest merchant group in the Garo Kingdom. Its branches blanketed the nation and even extended to other countries. Shoppers could find cultivation supplies there, along with the occasional odd novelty. From high-ranking nobles to common folk, everyone loved browsing its shelves.
According to the script, the Chief Manager of the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce was a stunning beauty. She’d cross paths with Yan Zhen soon enough.
After a series of events, they’d bond as surrogate siblings, and she’d provide crucial support during his early growth. She was his best confidante—one who could even rival his beautiful female master for the top female lead spot!
【Ding! System warning: This is a no-female-lead power fantasy world. Host, please refrain from—】
—I know, I know. Just venting. And you perverted System, quit peeking into my thoughts or I’ll report you!
【Red bean paste privacy mode activated.】
—You little…!
Whatever. No point arguing with a bunch of code.
More importantly, it was time for his first real villain showdown.
Sure, it was just a goblin-tier scrub, but as the debut official antagonist, he had to treat it seriously.
The moment the trio reached the front of the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce, Yan Zhen spotted a flashy young man waddling out, decked head to toe in gaudy jewels. A pack of lackey guards trailed behind him.
The newcomer locked eyes on Yan Zhen—and more precisely, on Yan Meng’er and Huangfu Wenqing beside him. His gaze lit up. He waved his minions over and jogged up with a sleazy grin.
“Miss Meng’er, fancy meeting you again. Looks like fate’s pulling us together~”
Yan Meng’er frowned at his smarmy face, her grip tightening slightly on Yan Zhen’s arm.
This was Ao Ge, young clan head of the Ao Clan—one of Martial Tang City’s Three Great Families. The city’s infamous playboy heir, proficient in every vice from drinking to whoring. Ever since laying eyes on Yan Meng’er, he’d hounded her relentlessly. Even her flat-out rejections hadn’t deterred him.
Yan Zhen had kept him in check before, but after Yan Zhen’s cultivation regressed, Ao Ge had grown bolder. Whenever he spotted Yan Meng’er on the street, he’d roll up with his goons to block her path.
He wouldn’t dare go too far out of respect for her status as the City Lord’s daughter, but he was still a massive pest.
“Young Master Ao Ge, we’re not that close. Please show some respect.”
Ao Ge didn’t bat an eye, still grinning like an idiot.
“Come on, Miss Meng’er. We’ve run into each other so many times—one meeting’s a coincidence, two makes us friends. If you’d grace this young master with a meal and some music, we’d be the best of pals.”
Disgust flashed across Yan Meng’er’s face.
“I’m not going. Get out of the way—you’re blocking the road.”
“If you’re worried about going alone, bring your friend! Right, pretty miss? Never seen you before.”
Ao Ge turned to Huangfu Wenqing, a glimmer of lust in his eyes.
Unlike Yan Meng’er, Huangfu Wenqing exuded a completely different allure.
She ignored him utterly. In terms of status or cultivation, this clown wasn’t fit to lick her shoes.
She despised spoiled rich kids like him most of all. If push came to shove, she wouldn’t hold back an ounce—the playboys in the Royal Capital scattered at the sight of her.
But Ao Ge pressed on.
“You’re not from Martial Tang City, are you, pretty miss? This young master would’ve remembered a beauty like you.”
Ugh, that cheesy pickup line was unbearable… Yan Zhen timed his interruption perfectly.
“Hey, Pig Ao Ge—didn’t you hear me tell you to move?”
Ao Ge acted like he’d only just noticed Yan Zhen sandwiched between the two beauties, their arms linked with his. Jealousy twisted his pudgy features.
“Well, well—if it isn’t Young City Lord Yan Zhen. Long time no see. Still stuck at Mystic Disciple Third Stage, huh?”
Yan Zhen nearly reflexively shot back with his go-to line and broke into the DJ groove, but he caught himself. Sticking to the script, he replied:
“Pig Ao Ge, itching for a beating again?”
