Your ancestors wouldn't even dare to speak to me like that

Both Chen Chang'an and Xuan Wudao could tell that this courtesan, Xian'er, was no ordinary person.

She was a cultivator, though her skills were mediocre.

Even so, there was no reason for her to end up in a place like this.

When Xian'er saw Chen Chang'an, she was visibly startled. She had heard that two eccentric wealthy men dressed as beggars had arrived.

But Chen Chang'an's appearance, attire, and demeanor bore no resemblance to a beggar.

"Do you play the zither?" Chen Chang'an asked, noticing the instrument in Xian'er's arms.

"Sir, our Xian'er only performs—she doesn't sell her body," another woman chimed in teasingly, earning a frown from Xuan Wudao, who shot her a displeased glare.

Xuan Wudao was no ordinary man, and his aura was far too imposing for mere brothel girls to withstand.

A single glance from him silenced their frivolous chatter, making it clear that these visitors were not to be trifled with.

"Then this humble girl shall embarrass herself with a performance."

Relieved that the two men didn’t seem like the usual lecherous patrons, Xian'er settled by the side, carefully arranging her guqin. Her slender fingers brushed the strings, and soon, a soul-stirring melody filled the air.

The music was gentle and lingering, tugging at the heartstrings—yet beneath its softness lay a faint undercurrent of sorrow.

Though Xian'er tried to conceal it, both Chen Chang'an and Xuan Wudao caught the hidden grief.

Exchanging a glance, they silently acknowledged: this woman had a story.

"My skills are lacking—please forgive me, honored guests."

Woof woof woof!

"Oh, my apologies—three guests."

Hearing Da Huang’s indignant barks, Xian'er couldn’t help but find the situation amusing.

This was the first time she’d seen someone bring a dog to a brothel—and even hire courtesans for it.

"Flowers bloom toward the sun; people must move forward."

"Let not the past weigh you down—only laughter should fill your days."

"One... should not live in the past."

Chen Chang'an’s words struck Xian'er like a bolt, leaving her trembling. She hadn’t expected him to discern her sorrow.

"Old Chen, not bad! You actually understand this stuff?" Xuan Wudao remarked.

"Back when I visited brothels, those pretentious scholars pissed me off—always putting on airs, and I never learned how to do it."

Chen Chang'an gave him a weary look. What exactly have you been doing all these years, you bastard?

"You never learned?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"Nope. What’s the point? Does it boost cultivation? Speed up progress?" Xuan Wudao scoffed.

"No, but... it might make you a little wiser."

"Tch. What do I need wisdom for? Strength speaks for itself," Xuan Wudao retorted dismissively.

"It’s useful. If you had any, you wouldn’t have spent centuries wondering whether beggars bathe."

"You—!"

Xuan Wudao glared but had no comeback. When it came to wit, he was admittedly straightforward.

"Gu Xian'er!"

"Gu Xian'er, where are you?"

"I know you’re here—come out and face me!"

A man’s furious shouts erupted from outside, draining the color from Gu Xian'er’s face.

"Sigh. It seems I can’t stay here any longer."

"Forgive me, honored guests. Our meeting today was fate, and that song was my gift to you."

"I must take my leave now."

With that, Gu Xian'er turned to leave.

Watching her, Chen Chang'an was bemused.

She runs, he chases. He chases, she runs?

How... cliché.

"Da Huang, ever seen this kind of drama before?" Chen Chang'an asked.

Da Huang shook his head vigorously. Despite his travels far and wide, he’d never encountered anything like this.

"Miss Xian'er, wait."

"Running won’t solve anything."

"Can you hide forever?"

"Why not talk it out openly? The problem might resolve itself—what do you think?" Chen Chang'an stepped in, blocking her path.

"Thank you for your kindness, young master, but some people... some things... cannot be reasoned with," Gu Xian'er replied, shaking her head.

"How do you know unless you try?"

Before she could respond, the door burst open as a young man stormed in, charging straight toward her.

"Xian'er, it really is you!"

"I heard you were here and came at once."

"Please, don’t run away anymore—stop hiding from me!"

Gu Xian'er recoiled, putting distance between them.

"Xian'er, you..."

The man—Lin Ruoheng—looked wounded, his eyes brimming with sorrow.

"Young Master Lin, why must you torment me?"

"Must I die before you’ll leave me be?"

"There can never be anything between us—you know this."

Her voice was steel, leaving no room for negotiation.

"No, there must be a way!"

"I’ve thought it through—I can—"

"Enough!"

Gu Xian'er cut him off sharply.

"Your Lin Family slaughtered my entire clan! Do you truly believe such a sin can be forgiven?"

"I lack the strength to seek vengeance—I’ve accepted that."

"But why must you hound me?"

"Lin Ruoheng, don’t push me too far!"

Huh?

A blood feud too?

This is beyond cliché—it’s a tragedy!

"Kid, you wiped out her family and still have the gall to chase after her?"

"If you regretted it, you shouldn’t have done it in the first place."

"How dare you show your face? If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to even look at her," Xuan Wudao sneered.

Lin Ruoheng’s expression darkened as he whirled toward Xuan Wudao.

"Who the hell are you? This is none of your concern!"

"Scram if you value your life."

"You even dared to make Xian'er serve you—consider yourselves lucky I haven’t killed you yet."

"One more word, and I’ll ensure you die without a grave!"

Die without a grave?

"Amusing. Truly amusing."

"It’s been a long time since anyone spoke to me like that."

"Boy, today, I’d love to play with you," Xuan Wudao said coldly.

"Enough. He’s just a junior—no need to stoop to his level."

Chen Chang'an raised a hand to stop Xuan Wudao, then turned to Lin Ruoheng.

"You’re from the Langya Lin Family?"

"Hmph. At least you have some sense. Since you know who I am, you should understand you’re out of your depth," Lin Ruoheng scoffed.

Out of their depth?

"Is Lin Xiangliu still alive?"

The name struck Lin Ruoheng like a thunderbolt.

Lin Xiangliu?

Did I hear that right?

This man just mentioned Lin Xiangliu?

"You... How dare you! You actually dare to address my Lin Family's ancestor by his name!"

"In all of Langya, no one has ever been so insolent!" Lin Ruoheng roared in fury.

"So it seems he's still alive."

"Boy, if you want to know just how bold I am, you can ask Lin Xiangliu yourself."

"Or better yet—have him come and face me!"