CHAPTER 407: CHAPTER 254: DON’T CALL ME FAIRY, CALL ME SENIOR!【SEEKING SUBSCRIPTION】_2

Otherwise, none of this would be so easy.

...

「Meanwhile, elsewhere.」

Many powerful figures from the Lu Family were continuously greeting other influential individuals in the reception hall. Given the Lu Family’s status, aside from the topmost leaders, most people chose to arrive early to offer their congratulations. This was also a prime opportunity for various factions to network and build connections. Those on good terms might see their relationships strengthen further. Those on bad terms might, with the help of mediators, set aside old grudges and reconcile. What transpired behind closed doors remained unknown; as long as appearances were maintained, it was sufficient.

Qinglian Fairy had also long been invited. However, she couldn’t be bothered with their insincere flattery and had withdrawn early. Most importantly, she wanted to contact Wen Zhixing to check on his situation. Yet, Wen Zhixing hadn’t replied; her messages seemed to vanish into a void.

This youngster. Qinglian Fairy bit her lip lightly, her elegant brows furrowing slightly. She always had a feeling this young man would do something earth-shattering. However, since she was already prepared to save Wen Zhixing, she was naturally ready for anything. Her only fear now was that Wen Zhixing wouldn’t just inexplicably perish.

"Qinglian Fairy."

Just then, an extremely excited voice called out from nearby.

Qinglian Fairy turned to see a smiling young man in black clothes standing not far off. His face looked somewhat familiar, as if she had seen him before.

"Qin Hao of the Purple Cloud Divine Sect, greets Qinglian Fairy." Qin Hao approached quickly, his face beaming, and bowed respectfully. Compared to Qinglian Fairy, he was merely a junior.

"Qin Hao, Qin Tian’s brother... Wait, hold on!" Upon hearing this, a glint of realization flashed in Qinglian Fairy’s eyes. So it was him... Qin Hao’s sudden appearance sparked numerous thoughts in her mind. Given who she was, seeing Qin Hao immediately led her to make many connections.

Indeed, this Qin Hao before her was also at the realm requiring a Genius Spirit Seed. She had initially thought this matter only concerned Qin Tian, but now it seemed more complicated than she had imagined. Of course, she was indifferent to the Qin Family’s internal affairs and cared little for these youngsters.

"I have long admired you, Fairy. To see your face today is indeed a fortune that spans three lifetimes." Seeing Qinglian Fairy recognize him, Qin Hao displayed an appropriate hint of joy and bowed again. This wasn’t entirely flattery; Qinglian Fairy truly was his type.

However, looking at the still somewhat boyish young man, Qinglian Fairy said coolly, "Call me Senior. Be mindful of your status." Her gaze clearly held a hint of disdain. To her, this Qin Hao was simply too green. His skin was fair and delicate, lacking any hint of masculinity. He was worlds apart from Wen Zhixing. Truth be told, aside from Wen Zhixing, she had little interest in other men. And for such a brat with ulterior motives, she was even less inclined to show him any courtesy.

"Uh..." Qin Hao was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected his direct approach, intended to win Qinglian Fairy’s favor, to be so thoroughly dismissed.

"I... I was presumptuous..." Qin Hao quickly recovered, though a hint of embarrassment lingered on his face.

"Naive. You’re even worse than your brother." Qinglian Fairy glanced at him again and sneered. She didn’t mince her words at all.

Hearing this, Qin Hao stiffened, a flash of anger in his eyes. This was what he hated hearing the most. Him, weaker than Qin Tian? What a laughable notion! His brother, with his thoughtless actions—how could he possibly be weaker!

"What, you think you’re so clever? You think you’re the only one who knows what you’re doing in secret?" Qinglian Fairy’s lips curved into a meaningful smile.

"Senior... what do you mean by that?" Qin Hao’s heart skipped a beat; he suddenly sensed something was wrong. He was, after all, too young. Before he could say more than a few words, Qinglian Fairy had already outmaneuvered him.

"Stop acting. Who doesn’t know that both you and your brother want to make a move on Wen Zhixing? I know about it, so how could Qin Tian not know your intentions?" Qinglian Fairy said with a smile, her eyes full of disdain, as if to say, They’re just two little brats, why bother pretending in front of me?

Qin Hao’s expression flickered, but he quickly regained his composure and shook his head. "Senior, you must be joking. I’m only here to attend the Lu Family’s banquet. Nothing else concerns me."

"Oh, is that so?" Qinglian Fairy smiled noncommittally again. "Then you’d better be careful. Your younger brother seems to have much more drive than you."

That’s what she said, but in reality, Qinglian Fairy knew nothing. She was just making it all up. She didn’t have the means to investigate the specifics of Qin Hao and Qin Tian’s dealings—whether they were cooperating, acting independently, or scheming against each other, she currently had no idea. However, she was quite skilled at stirring up trouble and sowing discord. Based on her understanding of the two, the likelihood of them plotting against each other was highest. Anyway, she just threw out a few words; it didn’t matter if they had any effect.

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior. However, my brother and I have a very good relationship." Qin Hao vaguely sensed he was no match for Qinglian Fairy, and his expression began to sour. He quickly cupped his hands. "This junior has other matters to attend to and won’t disturb you further, Senior."

"Well, you’d better work hard then. Make sure you catch Wen Zhixing," Qinglian Fairy said, actively cheering him on as he was about to leave. There was no hint of mockery in her words; she sounded quite sincere.

Qin Hao’s retreating figure paused for a moment, then he strode away. He couldn’t understand why Qinglian Fairy would say that.

Is this a sarcastic warning? Qin Hao frowned deeply. Or was Qinglian Fairy mocking him? Mocking him that no matter how hard he tried, he would never catch Wen Zhixing? Or was there some other meaning? His mind raced with thoughts, but it never occurred to him that Qinglian Fairy was simply waiting for them to catch Wen Zhixing so she could stage her own "damsel rescues the hero" drama.

Qinglian Fairy watched Qin Hao’s retreating back. No wonder so many don’t think highly of this Qin Hao, and no wonder Qin Yang seems to prefer Qin Tian a bit more. This Qin Hao, young as he is, is far too arrogant. Perhaps many people have coddled him, giving him a false sense of importance. If not for the renown of the Purple Cloud Divine Sect and the Qin Family, he might have been crushed long ago. His scheming is too shallow. In contrast, a reckless brute like Qin Tian, when he truly gets vicious, actually commands more respect.

Her gaze shifted, looking off into the distance. The Lu Family didn’t restrict movement within their estate, except for a few forbidden areas.

Qinglian Fairy thought about it. Since that’s the case, I might as well meet the parties involved in this matter.

Although I’m well aware Wen Zhixing might not care much for Si Nanyan and Feng Ruoli... but women, sometimes we just have this strange competitive streak. We just have to compare. With that in mind, Qinglian Fairy made her way toward Si Nanyan’s location.

...

「Meanwhile,」

Lu Ruoyun had already arrived at the courtyard where Feng Ruoli was staying. Because Lu Ruoyun had been away from the Lu Mansion for several years, some of the newer members did not recognize her, so they stopped her.

"Who goes there—"

SLAP!

Before the guard could finish, someone beside him quickly slapped him across the face.

"Are you blind? This is the Young Miss." The one who struck was Xiang’er, Lu Shangxing’s personal maid. Others might not recognize Lu Ruoyun, but she certainly wouldn’t forget. She then bowed to Lu Ruoyun. "Young Miss, they are new here and unaware of your identity. Please forgive them." She appeared harsh, but she was actually saving the man. Lu Ruoyun was also a lawless sort; angering her could lead to unimaginable consequences.

"Young Miss?" The other guards also suddenly realized and quickly bowed.

"Is Feng Ruoli here?" Lu Ruoyun ignored the others and asked Xiang’er directly.

"Yes, Young Miss, Feng Ruoli is here," Xiang’er replied, sensing something odd but still keeping her head bowed respectfully.

Lu Ruoyun nodded and then strode into the courtyard. That makes things easier. I’ll just take Feng Ruoli away.