There was no denying it—Wei Xing'er certainly had a way. She always seemed to know how to handle men. Even with someone like
Of course, it wasn't her assets she relied on, but her ability to read Jiang Chen's mind.
Seeing Jiang Chen hesitate, Wei Xing'er giggled. "You nasty little thing! Back then, when I was in your hands and you spanked me, you never hesitated. Could it be that now, you're scared?"
Jiang Chen exchanged a glance with Huang'er. Huang'er seemed to show little wariness toward this enchantress either, giving a slight nod, indicating Jiang Chen should agree.
Jiang Chen thought for a moment and transmitted his voice: "Wei Xing'er, I don't care what your status is now, or whose young madam you may be. If you dare do anything to harm me, no matter how many backers you have, taking your life would be as easy as flipping my hand."
Hearing this, Wei Xing'er raised her slender eyebrows. Not only was she unafraid, she laughed.
"I just love this fierce side of you. A few years apart, and you've become even more manly! Fine, anyway, my life has long been in your hands. Do whatever you want with it; I won't mind one bit."
As she spoke, she even tossed a flirtatious glance at Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen let out a cold laugh. "Your little act doesn't work on me."
Wei Xing'er gave a soft snort. "I knew it. You were poisoned against me by that girl
It seemed Wei Xing'er and Ling Bi'er were natural enemies.
One was the universally acknowledged goddess of the Myriad Phenomena Region; the other was a seductress feared like a tiger by all, yet whom everyone secretly longed to touch. By nature, they were destined rivals.
So, it wasn't hard to understand why Wei Xing'er couldn't stand Ling Bi'er.
Jiang Chen frowned. "Enough with the gossip. Didn't you say something about an auction? Let's go."
Seeing Jiang Chen agree to go to the auction, Wei Xing'er's face lit up. "Little one, you've made a wise decision!"
She then turned back to the sedan chair and spoke to the bearers and guards. "I'm taking two friends to the auction. I won't be using the sedan."
Those people seemed to hold Wei Xing'er in high regard and dared not be negligent. Seeing Jiang Chen and Huang'er were a man and woman, clearly a couple, and thus unlikely to be involved with the young madam, they felt at ease and respectfully followed behind.
Noticing their scrutinizing glances, Jiang Chen sneered, "Your life seems all glamorous on the surface. These people respect you on the outside, but why do they look at you like you're a prisoner?"
He had expected Wei Xing'er to retort, but she merely sighed softly, offered no rebuttal, and simply said in a flat tone, "You're lucky. You're strong, able to stir up storms. I'm just a weak woman. My sect is shattered, with no one to rely on. To be bought by someone and not be passed around like goods is already my great fortune."
Hearing Wei Xing'er say this, Jiang Chen found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
Whatever enmity had existed between the Carefree Sect and the Dan Qian Palace was in the past. Both sects were now history. Most of their people were gone from the world, and old grudges were long settled.
Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's mood grew heavy, and he felt that mocking Wei Xing'er further would be beneath him.
However, even though he held back his words, he did not lower his guard against her.
Times changed. Who knew where her loyalties lay now? Judging by her current standing, she seemed to hold a respectable position in the Crimson Cauldron Royal City. If she stood with the Crimson Cauldron Empire against him, it would be perfectly normal.
After all, the relationship between their two sects had always been complicated. Though things had eased later, they were never truly friendly.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Dragon Phoenix Restaurant again, the loose cultivators parted, clearing a path upon seeing Wei Xing'er approach.
"Tsk, tsk! Who would have thought the Young Madam of Cuihua Pavilion would come. It seems this auction is quite the event."
"Indeed, this Young Madam is truly captivating."
"Heh heh, if not for such charm, how could she, with Cuihua Pavilion being one of the wealthiest in Crimson Cauldron Royal City, have become its Young Madam?"
The whispered comments were perfectly clear to Jiang Chen. He couldn't help but glance at Wei Xing'er again.
Cuihua Pavilion?
Though Jiang Chen didn't know what kind of force Cuihua Pavilion was, from the way people spoke, it must be a major power in Crimson Cauldron Royal City, with astonishing wealth.
Jiang Chen said nothing and followed behind Wei Xing'er into the Dragon Phoenix Restaurant.
"Oh, it's the Young Madam gracing us with her presence! Please, come in! I wonder if Master Shi will honor us today?" a manager from the restaurant greeted them warmly.
Though Wei Xing'er wore a flirtatious expression for Jiang Chen, she showed none of that warmth to others. Her tone was cool and distant. "He's busy."
"Master Shi has countless matters to attend to; it's normal for him to be occupied. The Young Madam's presence is enough," the man said, smiling apologetically, having noticed her unfriendly tone.
Wei Xing'er said nothing more, merely following his guidance deeper inside.