"You wish," Mu Cheng said irritably. "With all that mess in your head, I wouldn’t want to curse my own family."
"Ah, what a pity. If Han Yan were a woman, I’d be willing to give up my position as Young Master and marry into the Mu Family," Wu Qiuyun joked, though his eyes revealed a hint of melancholy.
Designated as the Young Master from a young age and initiated into family affairs, his maturity far surpassed that of his peers. Consequently, the eligible young ladies of noble families failed to catch his eye. Over the past two or three years, countless suitors came to the Wu Family seeking marriage, but he rejected them all.
This journey to the Exotic Beast Valley was initially motivated by profit and he had partnered with Mu Hanyan accordingly. Later, gratitude led him to stand by her side through life and death. Now that they had reached Cangshan City and it was time to part ways, Wu Qiuyun found himself unexpectedly unwilling and concerned.
Even among those youthful noble ladies, he had never felt such emotions, yet here he was, struggling to let go of a man. Thinking about it made him laugh at himself, even afraid to contemplate further. "Long Yang’s deviation"—he was not prepared to admit having such an odd affection.
At that moment, Wu Qiuyun had no clue that Mu Hanyan was actually disguised as a man. His inexplicable feelings for Mu Hanyan were merely the innate attraction between a man and a woman, which added a touch of melancholy to his thoughts.
"Always dreaming of the ideal scenario, even if Brother Han Yan were a woman, it wouldn’t be your turn," Mu Cheng sharply retorted. He couldn’t help thinking that if Brother Han Yan truly were a woman, what kind of extraordinary person would be worthy of her.
Of course, how could Brother Han Yan possibly be a woman? They had grown up together; it was impossible to make such a mistake about gender. Thus, Mu Cheng quickly dismissed the thought from his mind.
Not wanting to disturb Mu Hanyan, they did not continue their conversation, but stood quietly at the door as her protectors, ready to come to her aid should any danger emerge.
Since Mu Hanyan was safe, they left Yan Yuchu alone, guessing that he was likely engrossed in cultivation. With his strength at the Sword Master Realm, they wouldn’t have been of much help in an emergency anyway.
"Mu Hanyan, come out here!" Just then, a crude shout from Mo Yanhong erupted at the entrance of the courtyard.
"What are you trying to do?" The inn’s shopkeeper, who had been anxious all night, had initially prayed that Mo Yanhong would let the matter rest, but contrary to his hopes, trouble had found them.
Seeing Mu Cheng and Wu Qiuyun guarding the door, the shopkeeper guessed that Mu Hanyan might be at a critical juncture in her cultivation. Fearing that Mo Yanhong would disturb her, he stepped forward to block the entrance.
A small kindness deserves great gratitude. Even a commoner has his dignity and resolve.
Unfortunately, he had no cultivation at all. Bravery alone was futile against a swordsman, like trying to stop a chariot with a mantis’ arm.
"You old fool, you think anyone’s going to back you up today? Get lost!" Mo Yanhong swung a palm towards the shopkeeper’s head. Having held back his anger all night, his strike was ruthlessly lethal—he had even learned that the black-clothed man had left early in the morning. Lucky for that man; otherwise, he would have dealt with him too!
Just then, a hand reached out and gently deflected most of the force of Mo Yanhong’s palm. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novęlfire.net
The shopkeeper grunted, still sent flying by the residual Qi and spat out blood as he landed, barely clinging to life.