"Madam," a voice came abruptly, followed by less pleasant words, "Madam, you really work hard. Han Yan, you are truly willful, always causing Madam to worry. And these choices of yours, tsk tsk, are really something... Choosing these two, for what purpose? To help you carry your shopping? Looking at their arms and legs, I fear they won't even be able to carry heavier items."
Mu Hanyan glanced indifferently at the young man who had walked over.
Mu Cheng! Chapters first released on NoveI★Fire.net
This Mu Cheng was a son of the Branch Family, now seventeen, and stronger than Mu Hanyan, already a Third-tier Swordsman. He appeared as a graceful young man, but his constantly shifting eyes gave people a frivolous impression. He, led by his elder brother Mu Feng, was among those who particularly disproved of Mu Hanyan, the playboy. Typically, they would squeeze him with their words, and if given the chance, they would set traps or kick him when he was down.
Mu Hanyan narrowed his eyes slightly, Mu Cheng, this little bastard, he had yet to settle accounts with him, yet here he jumped out himself. This issue with the Fourth Miss Zhao scheming against him definitely involved this person.
"Mu Cheng," Mu Hanyan called out sternly, using his full name to summon him. In that instant, he gave off a heart-trembling oppressive aura. However, the feeling disappeared instantly, leading Mu Cheng to think it was his own illusion.
"What?" Mu Cheng sneered with a hook of his lips.
"The guards I chose are better than yours no matter what," Mu Hanyan sneered back.
Hearing this, Mu Cheng's laughter grew louder, but since Yue Fanling was present, he did not dare to laugh too wildly.
"What? You say your weak guards are stronger than mine? Han Yan, when did you also learn to joke? That's quite funny," Mu Cheng always spoke impolitely to Mu Hanyan, but he still had limits. However, this type of veiled mockery was a common occurrence.
"Let's have a match," Mu Hanyan said with a slight smile, looking casually at Mu Cheng. "How about it? Let your guard and mine have a match."
Mu Cheng was still laughing, as if he found what Mu Hanyan said to be the funniest joke in the world.
"Madam, let them have a match, and how about adding a wager? What about that five hundred-year-old Ice Heart Grass and that Green Bamboo Vine in the storeroom, how does that sound?" Mu Hanyan turned his head to look at Yue Fanling, smiling as he spoke. Yue Fanling had stayed silent, not intervening in their conversation, as she wanted Mu Hanyan to see that his chosen guards were truly not up to par, assuming it would be better to select two more suitable ones for him. Hearing what Mu Hanyan said, she was stunned.
"Mother, shall we?" Mu Hanyan looked intently at Yue Fanling. Although he phrased it as a question, his tone was resolute.
"Hmph! I couldn't ask for more. Han Yan, just don't come crying to Madam later if you regret it," Mu Cheng initially thought Mu Hanyan was joking. He had not expected Mu Hanyan to be serious, and furthermore, to boldly ask Madam to use that five hundred-year-old Ice Heart Grass as a betting stake. What a joke, that Ice Heart Grass was crucial for the Alchemy that his father had arranged to enhance his powers. He had been planning on finding an opportunity to get his hands on that Ice Heart Grass. Since Mu Hanyan had handed this opportunity to him, how could he not seize it? Mu Hanyan was truly a real fool. As if delivering a pillow to him when he was about to doze off, ha ha!