Chapter 51 – Brilliant, Truly Brilliant!

Chapter 51 - Brilliant, Truly Brilliant! Inside Qunfang Pavilion. Everyone’s eyes turned in unison toward the direction of the voice. They saw a young man smiling broadly, waving a folding fan in his hand. “Who’s this brazen upstart who dares to go against Young Master Ling?” “Looks unfamiliar. Must be some greenhorn from outside.” “This is going to be interesting.” Han An took a sip of wine, muttering to himself: What exactly is Chief Chu up to? Didn’t he favor Ling Zitong? Why would he steal someone else’s target? Ling Zitong squinted at the young man in front of him, a trace of killing intent flashing in his eyes. That killing intent was, of course, caught by Chu Feng inside the private room. He chuckled and muttered, “This guy’s strength is nothing special, but that murderous intent—now that’s a bit much.” Xiao Lü and Xiao Hong, the two courtesans beside him, were both stunned speechless. They never imagined this young master would dare go against Young Master Ling, even showing contempt for him. They could only hope Young Master Ling wouldn’t hold it against them. If anyone in Qunfang Pavilion was the happiest right now, it had to be Yuan Shuxiao. She hadn’t expected that a newcomer would help raise the bidding price. “This young master offers two thousand spirit stones. Young Master Ling, will you raise your bid?” Upon hearing this, Ling Zitong’s face darkened with irritation. After all, his reason for seeking Miss Qin tonight was to win her favor and leave Qunfang Pavilion with her, proving his charm. Every time he came, he would directly offer one thousand spirit stones. The patrons of Qunfang Pavilion were always tactful enough not to compete with him. After all, Miss Qin’s musical talent was unmatched in Wendao City, but how many people would really spend one thousand spirit stones in one night just to hear a song? Even the top courtesans of Qunfang Pavilion only fetched that much. He smiled and said, “Since that young master wishes to hear the music, I’ll gladly yield.” This statement left Yuan Shuxiao at a loss. Where the hell did your ‘deeply devoted’ persona go? But she maintained her smile and said, “Then let us congratulate this young master for the opportunity to enjoy Miss Qin’s music upstairs.” Just as Yuan Shuxiao finished speaking, a maid carrying a tray entered the private room. They didn’t say a word, but Chu Feng knew they were here to collect payment in advance—just in case he skipped out. Chu Feng had plenty of spirit stones on him, and rarely spent them anyway, so this was nothing to him. Without a word, he pulled out two hundred mid-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch and placed them on the table. “Count them yourself. If it’s not enough, let me know.” Yuan Shuxiao quickly responded, “Young master jests. Qing’er, quickly take this young master to the fifth floor.” “Yes, Mother.” The green-clothed girl immediately made a gesture. “Young master, please follow me.” Chu Feng followed her upstairs under everyone’s watchful eyes. The atmosphere on the first floor turned oddly tense. Ling Zitong said nothing, simply drank in silence. Everyone present could tell he was not in a good mood, and no one dared speak up. At that moment, Kuang Sandao suddenly spoke. “Brother Ling, shall I go teach that brat a lesson?” His tone was as arrogant as ever, completely disregarding Chu Feng. He had examined Chu Feng closely earlier—there was no hint of cultivation on him. At most, he was some rich kid. Killing someone like that wouldn’t cause any problems. Might even result in some unexpected gains. Unlike Ling Zitong, who came from a noble clan, Kuang Sandao had climbed his way up on his own. His goal in coming to Wendao City, aside from entering Wendao Academy, was also to earn more cultivation resources. Ling Zitong laughed and said, “No need, Brother Sandao. Just a regular guy. Even if he meets Miss Qin, what of it?” Though those were his words, he was seething inside, wishing he could tear that guy limb from limb. He had already considered Miss Qin his own. Unless he tired of her and cast her aside, no other man was allowed to touch her. Second floor of Qunfang Pavilion. Han An, watching all of this, suddenly looked enlightened. He muttered, “Brilliant, truly brilliant!” “Quick, get me a brush!” The two courtesans beside him were stunned. What was wrong with this Wendao Academy elder today? Why did he seem so mysterious and strange? His close aide asked, “Uncle Han, what did you realize?” Han An replied impatiently, “Now I finally understand why you’re still just an ordinary disciple of the External Affairs Institute, while I hold the post of steward. When it comes to reading people’s hearts, you’ve still got a lot to learn.” “Please enlighten me, Uncle.” That disciple wore a modest expression. Han An gave a glance to the courtesans nearby. They all tactfully withdrew. “Tell me, what were Xiao Chen and Cao Youqian like before they became disciples under Chief Chu?” “One was a cripple, the other abandoned by the Alchemy Institute—so lowly that even some outer disciples dared to bully them,” the disciple replied. “Correct.” Han An pointed at Ling Zitong. “But look at this kid—full of vigor and pride, clearly someone who hasn’t tasted hardship.” “Chief Chu wants him to suffer some setbacks first, to unlock his full potential.” “With that, Ling Zitong may now only be at the level of the Outer Academy’s top hundred, but once he puts in the effort, he could rise straight into the top ten.” “Hiss...” The disciple drew in a sharp breath. “I didn’t expect Chief Chu to be this brilliant. Most people wouldn’t even notice what he’s doing.” “That’s why I can say with confidence that Chief Chu has already chosen Ling Zitong as his next disciple.” Han An paused. “That Kuang Sandao may seem full of promise right now, but his potential is already capped. Even if he joins Chief Chu, the best he can be is a core disciple.” “He’ll never reach the level of someone like Xiao Chen. With Chief Chu’s discerning eyes, even I must admit defeat.” The disciple replied, “Uncle Han, you’re too modest. Your ability to read people’s hearts is unmatched.” Han An chuckled. “That flattery of yours is far too ordinary.” The disciple: “...” Uncle... you make it sound like I’m good for nothing. Fifth floor of Qunfang Pavilion. Qing’er stopped in front of a room and knocked lightly on the door. “Miss Qin, Young Master Chu has arrived.” “Let him in.” A calm voice replied from within. “Young Master Chu, please.” “Thank you, Miss Qing’er.” Chu Feng spoke as he took out a low-grade spirit stone and handed it to her. Qing’er quickly bowed. “Thank you, young master.” Creaaak— Chu Feng pushed the door open and stepped inside. What met his eyes was a clean and simple room. There wasn’t a trace of luxury or elaborate décor, but it was spotless and tidy. A faint aroma of sandalwood lingered in the air. After walking a few steps, he saw a screen, and behind it, the vague silhouette of a familiar figure. “Xiao Lian, serve Young Master Chu some tea.” “Yes.” A girl in her early teens came out carrying a pot of tea. Chu Feng sat confidently at the table, glancing around the room. “Young master, please enjoy your tea.” Xiao Lian made a gentle gesture toward him. “Thank you.” Chu Feng picked up the cup and took a sip. “Excellent tea.” From behind the screen came Miss Qin’s voice again. “I wonder, what kind of music does young master wish to hear?” Chu Feng showed a contemplative expression. “I’m someone who enjoys listening to people’s stories. If you could tell your story through your music, that would be ideal.” The silhouette behind the screen trembled slightly. But she quickly recovered—Qin Qin had seen all kinds of people in Qunfang Pavilion. She wouldn’t let a few words from Chu Feng stir her heart. “Since young master wishes to hear it, I shall play a piece for you.” As her words fell, Qin Qin plucked the strings of her zither, and a sorrowful, winding melody soon filled the air. Chu Feng had studied music during his time at the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—he was at least at the level of a master. Naturally, he could hear the story being told through the melody. In that moment, he was completely drawn into the music. Suddenly, an image surfaced in his mind—a manor filled with cultivators locked in brutal combat. A faceless girl being hidden away in a dry well. The battle raged for three days and three nights. When the girl finally emerged, her home had become a wasteland. The music came to an abrupt end at that very point. Chu Feng wore a look of lingering fascination. He spoke toward the screen, “May I have a pot of wine, and continue hearing the rest of this story?” Upon hearing this, Qin Qin was slightly taken aback. She asked, “Young master... did you truly hear the story within the music?” ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. Available on Patreon: /Alex_Cruise or Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/anish_44