Chapter 409 - 15 in 1

"Get them discharged today? Who are you kidding? Do you know how long these kids have been here?"

Miao Yiyue finally expressed his doubt about Chen Xiaobei's medical ability when he heard that ridiculous statement.

Wenren Muyue's mouth was shaped in an 'O' as she stuttered, "Mr. Chen, you haven't even seen them yet. Examine them first, just in case…"

Wenren Muyue did not finish what she was saying.

Chen Xiaobei understood what she was meaning to say – in case it failed and reality checked in.

Wenren Muyue was a lady, she could not bring herself to say such harsh words but she was thinking about them.

Chen Xiaobei did not take Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue's doubts of him seriously.

They had no evil intentions, just skeptical like everybody else. After he had showed them what he could do, they would not doubt him anymore.

There were three beds arranged in a row inside the ward; and on each were three children. Around the age of ten.

"Sister Muyue! Big brother Miao… You guys came to see us again!"

"Huh? Why is there another big brother here today? Who is he?"

The children noticed the stranger walking in and looked at him with interest.

Wenren Muyue smiled at them and made the introduction.

"This is brother Chen Zhufeng. He is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. I've invited him here today to take a look at the three of you!"

"Traditional Chinese medicine doctor? No way!"

The kids looked uncertain.

"That's like the highest-ranking occupation! They only treat nobles. They don't have time for us."

"Also, he's so young, he can't possibly be very skilled, right?" asked the children.

They were all very well-informed even though they were only around ten years old; definitely not the childish, trouble-making kinds.

To their knowledge, traditional Chinese medicine doctors were really arrogant, old silver-haired men that even the nobles had to respect them!

How could they be as young as Chen Xiaobei? How could they ever possibly set foot in the outer city to treat these foreign children?

It made no sense at all.

"Brother Zhufeng is very good. He could even cure me! On top of that, he is also an outsider. He is not arrogant like the nobles' traditional Chinese medicine doctors. Don't you worry. When have I ever lied to you?"

Wenren Muyue explained on Chen Xiaobei's behalf.

She had a special place in the children's hearts. That was all the children needed to snuff out their doubts.

"That's true! Sister Muyue has never lied to us before! If she says that brother Zhufeng is really good, that must mean he is really good!"

"Brother Zhufeng, examine me first!"

A roly-poly chubby kid raised his hand, volunteering to be the first.

"I'll go after him!" The other boy with dark skin called out.

"I… I…"

A delicate-looking, pretty little girl was about to speak up but her face scrunched up in pain. She touched her right arm, wincing as beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

"Xiao Qi! Did your sickness mess with you again?" Wenren Muyue gasped and ran over to her.

"Mmm… It's getting worse. My shoulders hurt a lot…" The little girl said in labored pain.

"I'll go get the doctor!" Miao Yiyue ran to the door.

"Am I not a doctor?" Chen Xiaobei asked as he approached the little girl.

"You? Forget it. To be safe, I'd better go call the doctor. They understand Xiao Qi's condition better." said Miao Yiyue before he left the ward.

"Don't be afraid. Let me take a look."

Chen Xiaobei gave the little girl a reassuring look.

He reached out a hand and gently massaged the little girl's right arm. It might have looked like a simple gesture but, in truth, he was pinching the joints and tendons!

That itself was equivalent to an MRI examination that allowed Chen Xiaobei to determine the problem.

"Alright. I've got a general diagnosis. This is a pretty simple fix." Chen Xiaobei said, his tone relaxed.

Chen Xiaobei was very confident that he could cure the little girl.

"Isn't that… too fast? How could you have diagnosed her so quickly?"

The children stared wide-eyed at Chen Xiaobei.

"That wasn't that quick, actually."

Chen Xiaobei shrugged.

"Liar! Though we're kids, nevertheless we're not ignorant! If it's that easy, then there won't be any sick people in the world!" The two little boys exclaimed.

"Yeah… I've been sick for nearly half a year already. The hospital still couldn't determine the cause of my sickness…" Xiao Qi was unconvinced. "Brother Zhufeng must be trying to comfort me… My sickness has not been cured. The doctors are discussing with my mum about amputating my left hand and shoulder so that it won't hurt anymore…"

"Rubbish! Which retarded quack doctor said that you need amputation? Bring him here! I can only promise that I'll try not to beat him to death!"

Chen Xiaobei was so pissed, he could not help ranting.

This was such a simple treatable sickness. How could have they say that it would require chopping off a little girl's arm? He might as well have sentenced her to death!

"Who is it? Who's that yelling about in the ward? How inconsiderate!"

A annoyed voice filled with hatred called out from the door. It came from a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses, dressed in a white coat. He glared at Chen Xiaobei.

"Who is this moron? Did he eat gunpowder for breakfast?" Chen Xiaobei asked.

"He's the one you called retarded quack doctor… Lu Yiju…" Wenren Muyue mumbled.

"Oh… No wonder he's all up on my business…" Chen Xiaobei nodded and said firmly, "But I won't take back what I said. A quack doctor is a quack doctor! That stupid diagnosis could've destroyed Xiao Qi's entire life!"

"What the hell are you getting at?" Lu Yiju shouted. "I've been practicing medicine longer than you've been alive! I've helped so many patients! Who the hell are you to say that I'm a quack doctor?"

"My professional medical skills has granted me the rights to say that you are a quack!"

Chen Xiaobei did not back down. "But you made such a simple diagnostic mistake! Where the hell did all that medical experience go? Down the toilet?"

"Get… out!" Lu Yiju shrilled angrily at the top of his voice.

"This is a hospital. How inconsiderate of you to be screaming and shouting!" Chen Xiaobei retorted.

"I…" Lu Yiju wanted to rip his hair out. He continued to speak in a booming voice, "This is my ward! There are little children and they are my patients! You are not qualified to get involved!"

"Just look at how much pain Xiao Qi is in. If I walk away, you'll chop of her right arm, won't you?" Chen Xiaobei asked.

"She's my patient! I'll decide how she is to be treated! It has absolutely nothing to do with you!" Lu Yiju roared.

"She's a sick child, not a toy! You've misdiagnosed her but you insist on continuing your misdiagnosis till the end. You don't even honestly bother about how she feels! You know what, that doesn't make you a quack doctor!" Chen Xiaobei spat. "It makes you the trash of society!"

"I'll say it one last time! Get the hell out! We have Patinated-bronze security in this hospital! Don't make me use brute force!"

Lu Yiju was like a mad dog whose tail had been stepped on, savagely barking at Chen Xiaobei, not resting until Chen Xiaobei was out of sight.

"Why are you so worked up? Do you have something to hide?" Chen Xiaobei narrowed his eyes like he smelled something else amongst the animosity – fear!

Lu Yiju wanted Chen Xiaobei out of the room because he had skeletons in the closet that he did not want anyone to know. He was afraid that Chen Xiaobei might see through him. That would be very troublesome for him.

"What do I have to hide? So, you're not going to leave, huh?" Lu Yiju screamed, "Guard! Guard! Come and throw this kid out of the hospital!"

Lu Yiju seemed to have quite a high rank in this hospital. In a short time, two guards came barging in for Chen Xiaobei.

"Stop!" Wenren Muyue suddenly shouted. "I hired Mr. Chen. You have to treat him with respect!"

"Er…"

The guards were confused.

One was a powerful Lu Yiju and the other was the reputable Ms. Wenren. Doing wrong to either would bring them a lot of trouble!

"Ms. Wenren! Step aside! This kid insulted me and stepped all over my credentials!" Lu Yiju said through gritted teeth. "If you protect him, I will leave immediately! From today onwards, I will not take any case from this special unit!"

"Dr. Lu. This is actually very simple." Wenren Muyue said, "Even saints can make mistakes. If you really did misdiagnose her, then you have to take responsibility. We will not blame you! But if you're right, I believe that Mr. Chen will apologize to you! Why must you get so worked up?"

"What? Even you suspect me? We obviously don't share the same idea here! I quit!"

Lu Yiju rolled up his sleeves and turned to leave.

"Dr. Lu. Please don't leave just yet! We can talk about it!"

Miao Yiyue reached out to block the door of the ward.

"Master Miao! You saw everything! Even Ms. Wenren doesn't trust me! What more is there to say? We'll just pretend that I did misdiagnose her! You can say whatever you want! I don't care anymore!"

Lu Yiju's face turned dark green.

Miao Yiyue shook his head, still blocking the exit. "Why don't you just stay. I feel like there's more to your story!"

"What story do I have? Master Miao, please don't mess with me anymore!"

"I think that you're scared!" Miao Yiyue said.

Chen Xiaobei's eyes lit up at this. He did not expect that this aristocrat would share the same idea with him!

"I… What do I have to be afraid of?"

Lu Yiju swallowed hard.

"If you're not, then stay!" Miao Yiyue said, "If Mr. Chen can't prove it, then I will make him apologize to you here and now!"

"I…" Lu Yiju grinded his teeth. "Fine, I'll stay! I don't believe that that inexperienced fool can actually do anything!"

"Mr. Chen, you can start!"

Miao Yiyue turned his attention to Chen Xiaobei, eager to witness what he could do.

"Mr. Chen, are you sure?" Wenren Muyue asked in a small voice.

"Of course!" Chen Xiaobei smiled. "Give me 3 minutes! You'll see immediately!"

"Three… Three minutes? How's that possible?"

Everyone in the room was stunned.

Chen Xiaobei said no more and retrieved his bag of needles.

A needle in one hand, and Xiao Qi's shoulder in the other, Chen XIaobei said in a soothing voice, "Don't be afraid, it won't hurt at all."

"Mm… I'm not afraid. I get injections every day. I'm already used to it…"

Xiao Qi nodded, there was a calmness in her eyes.

Chen Xiaobei did not respond. He placed the needle on the acupoint on Xiao Qi's shoulder.

Unlike his previous acupuncture procedures, Chen Xiaobei only used one needle!

He placed his thumb and forefingers on the tip of the needle and started to twist it.

While he was doing that, he transferred a warm Fire True Qi through the needle into her shoulder so that it spread all throughout her bones.

"Huh?" There was a happy look of surprise on Xiao Qi's face. "Brother Zhufeng's needle didn't hurt! Not like all the other acupuncture experiences I had. Not only does it not hurt, it's also very warm and comfortable!"

"What? How did that happen so quickly?"

The others watched in amazement. Chen Xiaobei had only placed the needle and Xiao Qi was already feeling much better!

Both Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue were especially amazed.

The both of them have had experiences with traditional Chinese medicine doctors. They know how effective traditional Chinese medicine was but they had never seen any acupuncture work done so quickly and effectively!

"Xiao Qi, when you a warmness at the tip of your finger, tell me," Chen Xiaobei said.

"Alright…" Xiao Qi focused on the warmth coursing through her. "It's like a river flowing through my veins. My whole right arm is all warm. It's reaching my fingertips soon!"

It had not even been three minutes when the little girl called out.

"It's there! All five of my fingers are feeling warm!"

"Alright!" Chen Xiaobei removed the needle and said to the little girl, "You are completely healed! You can move your right arm now! The pain won't come back anymore!"

Loud gasps filled the ward.

"How is that possible? That didn't even take three minutes? It's not scientific at all!" Miao Yiyue's eyes widened.

Lu Yiju said begrudgingly, "Not only is it not scientific, it's the biggest joke in the universe! How could you cure her illness just like that? Do you take us for fools?"

The two little boys commented, "If he really cured Xiao Qi, brother Zhufeng is a miracle doctor! But if he didn't, then he's the biggest liar in the world!"

"Xiao Qi, go ahead and give it a try." Wenren Muyue urged. "Your arm used to hurt whenever you exert a little bit of force. We'll know whether you're cured or not once you give it a try!"

"Alright…"

Xiao Qi raised her right arm slowly and nervously. She curled her little fingers and tried to make a fist but she was hesitant.

The last time when she swung a fist, the pain that shot through her arm nearly killed her.

It will take a lot of courage to do this.

The others were watching her with wide eyes, waiting to find out.

Xiao Qi took in a deep breath and swung her arm, exerting 1,000 combat power.

"It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt at all!" Xiao Qi exploded in excitement, leaping up and down on her bed, cheering, "That's incredible! Brother Zhufeng really is a miracle doctor!"

"Brother Zhufeng! You're amazing! You cured me in such a short time! Your acupuncture skills are magical! Thank you so much…"

Xiao Qi was so excited, she was dancing flailing her arms. There was no sign of that excruciating pain.

"My god… That's unbelievable…"

Lu Yiju stared at the little girl.

"That didn't even take three minutes! Brother Zhufeng is out of this world! How cool!"

The little boys hurrahed, looking up at Chen Xiaobei like he was their favorite idol. Their eyes glimmering in awe.

"Mr. Chen… I have to apologize to you!" Miao Yiyue said earnestly, "I was skeptical of you. But now I know that I was wrong! You really are an amazing traditional Chinese medicine doctor!"

"That's incredible…" Wenren Muyue exclaimed. "I know that Mr. Chen is good but I didn't expect you to be this good!"

"It's not because I'm good." Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "But it's because Xiao Qi's illness is actually very uncomplicated. Any traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine doctors from a low-ranking starfield can heal her!"

"How… How is that possible…"

No one dared believe what Chen Xiaobei was saying.

"Dr. Lu said that Xiao Qi's illness was very unusual. There was no cure for her…" Wenren Muyue said in astonishment.

"Humph! He was lying to you in the face!" Chen Xiaobie said coldly, "Xiao Qi had a fall which bruised her right shoulder which then left a blood clot in her acupuncture point! I used the warm True Qi to unclog it. That's a real simple problem. Even an intern could treat that!"

His audience were shocked by how simple it sounded!

"Dr. Lu, how do you explain this?" Miao Yiyue looked directly at Lu Yiju.

"I… What is there for me to explain?" Lu Yiju said forcefully, "Just take it as I misdiagnosed. Isn't is good enough that I own up to it? What more is there to explain?"

This bugger really did have something to hide. He was hoping that Chen Xiaobei would not be able to cure Xiao Qi. But it turned out otherwise not to mention how incredibly smoothly it went!

Chen Xiaobei said, his tone frosty, "if it really was a misdiagnosis, then you're just a quack doctor. But if it's not, then you made that mistake on purpose because you're the lowest of the lows!"

"What the hell are you saying?" Lu Yiju barked. "Why would I do it on purpose? I am a doctor! Why would I sabotage my own reputation? Only a fool would do that!"

"What Dr. Lu is saying makes sense…" Wenren Muyue said in a meek voice, "Mr. Chen, could it be that you were being oversensitive? Which doctor would misdiagnose on purpose? Unless he doesn't want to work in this trade anymore, that is!"

"Ms. Muyue, you're too naive! Naive people are the easiest to be duped!" Chen Xioabei said. "Everything is exposed! When I was trying to calm Xiao Qi a while ago, she accidentally let slip that she receives injections every day, that's why she was not afraid of pain anymore!"

Wenren Muyue cocked her head back and asked, "Why is so strange about that? Don't you get injections when you're sick?"

"You don't need to get injections for this illness! Especially not every single day! That's nonsense!" Chen Xiaobei turned around and asked, "Xiao Qi, can you tell us what injection did the doctor administer? What kind of treatment did he subject you to?"

"Xiao Qi! Think carefully before you speak!"

Lu Yiju sounded nervous.

"Mmm, I remember it very clearly. There's no need to think." Xiao Qi nodded. "I've been here for 3 months and every day, I would get 5 – 6 injections and undergo 7 – 8 checkups. Recently, due to my scheduled amputation, there were even more examinations. About 10 everyday…"

"That many?!"

Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue looked bewildered.

"What? Didn't the two of you know?" Chen Xiaobei rubbed his chin and said, "The two of you nobles have just been donating money to the hospital but you never ever thought about how the money had been spent!"

"That's true…" Miao Yiyue said, "The amount is not much for us and it's normally done by our workers. We've never questioned anything…"

"That's where all the problems began!" Chen Xiaobei said, "So many injections, so many checkups. These will all lead to an expensive hospital bills! Xiao Qi's family cannot afford it! So, your donations were used to settle the bill!"

"Yes…" Wenren Muyue nodded and said, "Yiyue and I have been bearing all the costs of the Special Care Unit…"

"So, do you see what's been happening now?" Chen Xiaobei asked.

"No… Not really…" Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue shook their heads. They had still not figured it out.

That however, was not because they were stupid, but it was because the thought had never even occured to them.

"Then allow me to tell you!" Chen Xiaobei looked pissed. "A simple illness. A perfectly healthy child. Lu Yiju lied and complicated things, and then used excessive amounts of medication and unnecessary tests to cheat you of kind donations! I'll be real frank here, these 3 kids are his tools to swindle money! And the two of you, putting it somewhat nicely, are naive, but if I'm being blunt, are fools of Lu Yiju ! You were so obviously exploited but you just kept sending money his way!"

Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue finally digested what Chen Xiaobei was telling them, and so did the three kids.

Suddenly, everyone's gaze turned to Lu Yiju, now looking at him like he was most disgusting person alive.

"Dr. Lu, can you give us an explanation now?" Miao Yiyue stared coldly at the doctor, his body emitting a cold presence.

Unlike the other indolent rich brats, Miao Yiyue had the support of top-tier family and was also very strong. His presence alone was enough to suffocate Liu Yiju.

"Master… Miao… Please don't be mad… That kid is lying! I didn't cheat your money…" Lu Yiju said in a panic.

"I'm not lying. We'll just have to check the medical bill to know!" Chen Xiaobei said, "As of now, I will cure the other two children and I'll make sure to check their medical bills as well!"

Chen Xiaobei walked up to the two boys and began treating them.

In a mere than 10 minutes, they were completely cured.

"Just like Xiao Qi, their illneses are very common. Lu Yiju merely used these kids for money!" Chen Xiaobei announced.

Everyone looked at Lu Yiju with burning anger.

"Hey, Lu!" Miao Yiyue said fiercely, "I will dig deep into this matter! I will make you pay for every single cent you took!"

"I…"

Liu Yiju was on the verge of hyperventilating. He had taken everything so brazenly that he pocketed almost everything!

He injected the children with a harmless mix of glucose and saline. Even the tests and checkups he did on the kids were just for show to confuse the kids.

Even after so long, the hospital had no record of the accounts. All they needed to do was look and they would be able to find the loopholes immediately.

Lu Yiju could not say another word to save his ass.

"If you don't speak, we'll take your silence as your confession!" Miao Yiyue said icily, "Come with me. You're going to the Silver Plume's jail!"

"Don't… Master Miao, let's talk… Don't send me there… Please don't… I beg you…"

Lu Yiju managed to stutter out a few words.

"I have nothing to discuss with you! You are the one who committed this disgusting crime! So, you must bear the consequences all by yourself!"

Miao Yiyue did not waver.

Lu Yiju turned around and begged Wenren Muyue, "Ms. Wenren… You are kind and forgiving… Please pardon me just this once… I beg you…"

Although this woman had the heart of the bodhisattva, right now, she was consumed with anger.

"You have already exploited my kindness! You have no right to beg me for forgiveness!"

Chen Xiaobei's opinion of Wenren Muyue changed a little.

He had thought that this woman was a typical Madonna. He had never taken her for an assertive woman with strong principles who would not cave in and acquit those who did not deserve it!

"Sister Muyue is right! We cannot pardon this bad crook!"

The boys punched the air angrily.

"Brother Yiyue! You must lock him up in Silver Plume's jail! He's caused us so much trouble already, we cannot let him do the same to others!" Xiao Qi said, her arms folded.

Having heard that, every person in the room was outraged by Lu Yiju's heartless, indecorous, unethical, indiscriminate behavior. No one would forgive him.

Seeing that the culprit would be appropriately punished, Chen Xiaobei felt a sense of relief.

Lu Yiju, however, took out his phone and said, "Master Miao! Please don't apprehend me just yet! Let me make a phone call. I guarantee you will change your mind!"

"Impossible! I will get you today, no matter what!" Miao Yiyue was resolute.

Lu Yiju's fingers flew across the keyboard on his phone, the number he dialed was not in his contact list. He had memorized it anyway.

The call went through.

Lu Yiju cried out, "Dad! Save me… You have to save me! Miao Yiyue wants to lock me up in the lieutenant general's dungeon… How can I suffer like that… Dad…"

Lu Yiju kept calling out to his dad.

That which was a very strange thing!

Why was his father's phone number not recorded in his contact list? Why would he have to memorize it?

"Dad… You never really cared much for me all this while… You didn't even recognize me as your son back in the inner city. This time, you have to save me…" Lu Yiju begged.

It all made sense now. This outer city's doctor had a noble father in the inner city.

But his father had disowned him even keeping their relationship a secret.

He was actually an illegitimate child!

It was only because of this secret identity that he had, had Lu Yiju the balls to double-cross Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue.

Only because they had Lu Yiju, the hospital closed one eye, and tolerated Lu Yiju's corruption.

Based on the value of the items in Northern Wilderness Starfield, the amount of donations Lu Yiju had taken were about a few hundred thousand low-grade Spiritual Stones,

"Alright… Alright…. Hold on, dad. I'll pass the phone to Miao Yiyue…"

Lu Yiju handed the phone over to Miao Yiyue and said, "Master Miao, my father wants to talk to you! Take the call…"

Miao Yiyue looked irresolute.

He did not want to take the call but he was afraid that the person on the other side of the line was some pivotal figure.

Things were very complicated in the inner city. One false move could affect everything! Miao Yiyue was worried that he might offend someone he should not. It could destroy everything!

"Alright! I want to hear what your father has to say."

Miao Yiyue decided to speak to Lu Yiju's father.

A deep, measured voice greeted him, "Yiyue, I am your Uncle Lu."

"Un… Uncle Lu… It's… It's you…"

It took Miao Yiyue a minute to catch his breath for it felt like his world had overturned.

How could a powerful individual like him from the inner city could have a son like Lu Yiju?!

It was unfathomable!

"It's Uncle Lu?"

Wenren Muyue could not imagine that things would take such a dramatic turn!

Those that Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue would call 'uncle' must be a top-tier noble and had the same family background as they did!

"Yiyue, I believe that the misunderstanding between you and Yiju is his fault!"

Then Uncle Lu who was on the phone said, "Whether he needs to pay back or apologize, I will make him do whatever you want! There's no need to get him to the lieutenant general's place. It won't be good for either of us if news got out. It's better to keep it to ourselves! What do you think?"

"This…"

Miao Yiyue did not know what to do or say.

Only half a minute ago, everyone, including the kids, were adamant that Lu Yiju had to be severely punished. Now, this phone call changed everything.

The other party had humbled themselves and showed their utmost sincerity, thus making it difficult for Miao Yiyue to make a final decision.

However, if Lu Yiju was let off the hook like that, the children would be very disappointed. Miao Yiyue would not know what to explain to them!

He had just declared that they must capture Lu Yiju for what he had done. If he changed his mind now, he would be going against what he had promised.

Miao Yiyue felt like he had fallen into a trap, as if whatever decision he made would be a wrong one.

"Yiyue, think about the bigger picture…"

Wenren Muyue was the one who made the choice.

Chen XIaobei felt a great disappointment at this statement.

Let Lu Yiju off? No way!

Chen Xiaobei said nothing but he promised himself that even if Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue took a step backwards, he would not!

He would not allow the three children to suffer for some stupid idea of a bigger picture.

Of course, Chen Xiaobei had another reason to do so.

Lu Yiju belonged to the South Town Lu Family!

They were the arch nemesis of Chen Xiaobei!

This gave Chen Xiaobei no reason to let Lu Yiju get away!

"Children, I will take this bad man away first. Then I will call your parents to get you discharged from the hospital!"

Miao Yiyue looked unhappy. He was obviously sorry for what he was about to do.

Although the children understood nothing about what they were talking about on the phone, they all but knew was that Miao Yiyue was going to take the bad man away. This made them all very happy.

Wenren Muyue said nothing, looking very upset.

They had no choice. They were stuck in a situation where they had to compromise. No matter how difficult it was, they had to retreat!

A lot of things that the adults did were involuntary!

Soon after that, Miao Yiyue took Lu Yiju with him.

Wenren Muyue and Chen Xiaobei accompanied the children for a while and then left the place.

Once they were outside the gate of the hospital, Wenren Muyue spoke up first. "Mr. Chen, Sorry about today. This must look like a joke to you!"

"No. Not at all…" Chen Xiaobei shook his head and said, "I believe that you and Master Miao are genuinely good people. You have your own reasons for doing so…"

"Thank you for understanding…"

Wenren Muyue looked down towards her feet.

Although Chen Xiaobei did not reprimand her, she was very disappointed in herself.

For her, making such decision was effortless . The ones who would have to bear the long term costs were the children; becoming an innocent sacrifice.

Chen Xiaobei comforted her, "Stop thinking too much. You must believe that those who do evil will be punished indefinitely!"

"Mm, I do believe it. I hope that day will come soon." Wenren Muyue nodded then changed the subject. "It's getting late, can I buy you dinner?"

"There's no need for that. I have an appointment with my friend. Maybe next time."

Chen Xiaobei was no longer a young, hormone-driven young man who would be so naively bewitched by a beautiful woman.

"Oh… Okay…" Wenren Muyue was taken aback. She did not expect to be rejected.

If her memories served her right, this was her first time being rejected.

After saying his goodbye, Chen Xiaobei left.

He, however did not really leave. He had been hiding at the corner of the street where he had a good view of the hospital.

He waited patiently like a leopard stalking its prey.

It paid off. After a short while, he saw Lu Yiju changing out of his uniform and leaving the hospital in a luxurious flying car.

Chen Xiaobei stepped onto the Somersault Cloud and started trailing Lu Yiju.

…

1st Street.

Lu Yiju drove on into a mansion that looked very much like a castle.

Although he was a disgraced illegitimate son, he still managed to achieve the status of a half-noble, and was granted permanent residence in 1st Street. This was only because he had the Lu Family by his side.

"Master, why the long face? Are you unhappy?"

A beautiful woman dressed in a maid's uniform walked out of the mansion and greeted him with a smile.

"I don't want to talk about it!" Lu Yiju said in a frustrated manner, "Some little twat came out of nowhere and destroyed the plan that I had so meticulously set up. Now I don't know how I am going to make more money in the future!"

"Master's plan is too simple and crude. Sooner or later, someone will find out. Why are you so angry?" The woman gently smiled.

"Those who stop me from earning money is similar to them killing my parents! Why shouldn't I be angry?" Lu Yiju said angrily.

"The old man has given you quite a lot of money…" said the woman.

"Whatever! My cheapass father has never treated me like his own son! He only gave me that little bit of money! I can't even choose between drinking or buying the lottery! Had I not done anything about it, I would've died of hunger a long time ago!"

"Dinner is ready. You won't die of hunger." The woman smiled, deftly changing the topic.

Lu Yiju, however, did not fall for it.

"Sister Lin! My father sent you here to protect me, not to fool me! How dare you keep smiling after I've suffered such a big loss?"

Sister Lin asked, "Then, what should I do to please you?"

"It's simple. Kill that little twat for me! Then I won't be mad!" Lu Yiju slyly said.

"Alright. Tell me who he is. I will go now. I will bring his head back for you!"

Sister Lin looked as if she was joking but in her eyes gleamed a murderous resolve.

Lu Yiju was the only person who knew that this smiley woman was actually a golden-tier assassin! Before she was sent to protect him, she had killed no less than 1,000 people!

That was like killing one person every single day for three years in a row! This was a cold-blooded woman who would kill without so much as batting an eye!

"I don't know who he is… But Wenren Muyue called him Mr. Chen and the brats were calling him Brother Zhufeng! If so, his name must be Chen Zhufeng!"

"Alright. Then I will send my people to find out about it. I will give you a satisfactory answer in three days!"

Sister Lin was still smiling, her tone light and casual as if she was just cracking a joke.

Somehow, Lu Yiju knew that this woman had been here in Northern Wilderness Starfield for over 10 years. She was not chosen by the Temple but due to her working effeciency, the Lu Family took interest in her and gave her the status of a half-noble.

If she had said that she would settle everything in three days, then she would not delay it. Not even for a minute.

"Alright! Then let's go in and eat! I'm confident that you'll get it done!"

Lu Yiju was smiling a little and his tone sounded a little more upbeat, as if Chen Xiaobei's death was all but confirmed.

"Go on! Eat more! I will have more energy to walk to hell!"

A frosty voice suddenly came from the door of the mansion.

"Who's that?!"

Lu Yiju and Sister Lin turned around taking a good look at the person behind the voice.

"It's you!"

Lu Yiju's eyes widened. Even if this person had turned into dust, he would easily recognize that this was the culprit who stood in his way of making corrupt money – Chen Xiaobei!

"Oh? He's quite a looker!" Sister Lin gave Chen Xiaobei a once-over and smiled flirtatiously. "Come over here, let me give you some love! How is this child so handsome! Girls must go crazy over you!"

"Hehe, you want to show me love? Then get rid of that dagger in your sleeve first!"

Using the Netherspirit Battlescouter in one eye and the Golden Gaze Fiery Eyes in the other, Chen Xiaobei saw right though his enemy!

"Hey handsome, what kind of joke is that? Why would there be a dagger in my sleeve?" Sister Lin looked surprised for a split second but she masked it with a smile.

She might not have admitted it but she was clearly shaken.

As a golden-tier professional assassin, no one could have ever read her intentions before she revealed her knife.

Even the great Lu Yiju was unaware that hidden under this woman's right sleeve was a small dagger shaped like a comb!

It was small but it was very sharp. Even worse was that the edge of the sword radiated a blue glow. Clearly, it was coated with poison!

"Stop pretending. I've heard everything you said. If you want to kill me, then let's do this!"

Chen Xiaobei was not interested to go back and forth with this woman.

"Sister Lin! Kill him for me! He's the one who exposed my plan! If he lives, I will never be able to let this slide!" Lu Yiju shouted.

"Master, don't you worry. I won't let him slip away." Sister Lin smiled at Chen Xiaobei. "Hey handsome, you've heard that my master wants you dead. Although I want to show you some love, he's the one who pays me. I have to obey my master's command!"

"Enough with this bullshit! If you want to kill me, then be ready with your life!"

Chen Xiaobei took a step forward, ready to fight.

The woman used her beauty to mask her killing intentions and sweet words to lull her opponent. Her plan was to make Chen Xiaobei let his guard down and then kill Chen Xiaobei with one swift, simple maneuver!

There was no shortcut that a professional hitman wouldn't take!

But Chen Xiaobei did not fall for her trick.

Even if she were to bat her lashes a million times at him, Chen XIaobei had seen through that mask of hers.

"Why? Am I not attractive enough for you? Why don't you want to talk to me?"

Sister Lin was very surprised. Even if she was not the most beautiful woman in the world, she was, at the very least, quite good looking. But this kid seemed completely unattracted to her. Was he really a man?

Chen Xiaobei did not answer her. He suddenly increased the pace of his footsteps, subtly indicating that he wanted nothing to do with her!

"Huh?! That's some speed he's got! He's only so young. How could he be so fast?"

Sister Lin's brows furrowed in surprise.

Even so, she was not the least bit intimidated. She could handle Chen Xiaobei's speed.

"Sister Lin! He's coming! He's too fast… Quick… Block him…" Lu Yiju scrambled to hide behind Sister Lin.

This piece of shit knew nothing but to laze around, gamble and drink, so his cultivation was nowhere near Sister Lin's. When he saw Chen Xiaobei's speed, his heartbeats nearly came to a halt.

"Master, there's no need to be afraid. He can't beat me!" Sister Lin showed no intent to fight back. She kept looking at him, a smile still plastered across her face. "Combat power: Five-Star Silver. You should be proud to have a cultivation like that being so young and an outsider! Sadly, the person you're up against is me! Don't pin it on me for not warning you that I'm a golden-tier professional assassin! You are no match for me!"

Analyzing Chen Xiaobei's speed, Sister Lin was able to accurately gauge Chen Xiaobei's cultivation. She was confident that he could kill Chen Xiaobei.

It was the time when Chen Xiaobei converted the Silver Beast Core that his combat power had reached Five-Star Silver.

They were whole rungs of combat power apart! The person with the highest combat power would most certainly be the winner.

Lu Yiju wiped the panic off his face and laughed. "This twat really is just a puppy who's still wet behind its ears! He knew that Sister Lin's cultivation is much higher, yet he came here to die! How stupid!"

"Heh, maybe he doesn't believe that I'm a golden-tier assassin! Let me do him something special this time!"

Sister Lin laughed coldly.

A True Kang Barrier formed in front of Sister Lin and a Celestial Fire appeared in front of Sister Lin like a wall, emanating a powerful wave of True Qi.

"Haha! Sister Lin is steady! Crush that idiot!"

Lu Yiju hid behind the woman, laughing to himself.

Chen Xiaobei was already standing in front of the True Kang Barrier.

Looking calm, Chen Xiaobei swung his right arm without saying a single word.

"Huh? What are you doing?"

Sister Lin and Lu Yiju who were on the other side of the True Kang Barrier looked questioningly at him.

Chen Xiaobei was not swinging a fist nor an open palm, but a single finger!

"You idiot! Are you trying to break the barrier with your finger?! Dream on! Don't you know that I'm the more powerful one here?!"

Sister Lin was pissed. How does a weakling dare use a single finger to fight?

This was a taunt! No! This was humiliation!

He had completely disregarded her status as a golden-tier assassin!

"Shatter!"

Chen Xiaobei said nothing in return. His finger tapped the surface of the thick True Kang Barrier, and a crisp shattering sound followed.

"How… How could this be…"

Sister Lin and Lu Yiju gawped.

The True Kang Barrier broke into pieces before his eyes!

Only an extremely powerful person could destroy his opponent's True Kang.

But Chen Xiaobei's cultivation was much lower than Sister Lin's. How did he manage to do it? That completely contradicts logic!

Chen Xiaobei immediately charged at Sister Lin the very moment the barrier was broken.

"My god… This… This is some really high combat power!" Sister Lin screamed.

"How is that possible… What a scary force… How did it happen…"

Lu Yiju's face was drained of color and he was shaking like a leaf.

Without the True Kang Barrier separating them, Sister Lin and Lu Yiju were cocooned in the energy fluctuation that the combat power Chen Xiaobei exerted.

This situation was comparable to a lion pursuing a rabbit! There was no way the rabbit could do anything about it!

Chen Xiaobei stopped advancing, his long, slender finger already piercing through through Sister Lin's heart!

"Argh… Urgh…"

Sister Lin froze and vomited a large amount of blood. Her pupils contracted as she looked at the young man before her.

The young man finally spoke, his tone calm. "That's not breaking the barrier with a finger, that's killing you with my finger!"

A hole in the heart!

The beautiful golden-tier assassin did not even have the chance to beg for her life.

She could only blame that on her bad luck.

Chen Xiaobei was angry because of what Lu Yiju had done. If Lu Yiju had admitted his fault and begged for forgiveness earnestly, Chen Xioabei might have overlooked his mistake.

But this despicable idiot did not even think of supplicating; instead, it only intensified his desire to kill Chen Xiaobei!

Chen Xiaobei's anger was fueled to the brim and he was armed with murderous intent!

Sister Lin had thought that she could defeat Chen Xiaobei without so much as lifting a finger, but she was actually staring down the barrel of her own gun.

Chen Xiaobei's immense strength required only simple explanation. His combat power was only 81,000 but because he used The Prime of Tongtian's Scripture of Heaven and Earth, it increased to 104,030.

But due to his health restrictions, his combat power he exerted during the attack was around 100,500 – a Five-Star Golden, enough to kill Sister Lin.

"How could it be… How could someone from the outer city kill Sister Lin… You… What do you want? What do you want?"

Lu Yiju watched Sister Lin draw her last breath, and was now trembling all over.

"I only wanted to teach you lesson! But since you wanted to kill me, I might as well just take yours!

"Don't… Don't kill me… I was wrong… Please don't kill me… I won't do it again… I beg you…"

Lu Yiju knew that with his cultivation, he could never escape Chen Xiaobei. His only option would be begging for mercy.

"You piece of trash don't deserve to even beg!"

A True Kang appeared at the tip of Chen Xiaobei's finger and pierced into Lu Yiju's flesh like a sharp needle.

"What are you doing… Your True Kang… What are you poking inside my body… Stop… Stop…"

Lu Yiju screamed, terrified for his life.

Chen Xiaobei'S True Kang did not kill Lu Yiju immediately but ran through his veins, travelling all over his body.

"You inject those kids with seven to eight vials worth of medication! I will now let you have a taste of what you put them through!", Chen Xiaoebi said coldly.

The True Kang spread all over Lu Yiju's body.

You must know that True Kang was made of True Qi.

And the True Kang spread, it indeed became True Qi! It filled his body immediately.

Lumps began to grow all over Lu Yiju's body and his veins were exploding all over his body so much so that dark purple bruises appeared on his skin.

Even his eyes were filled with blood and it was swollen as well.

"Argh… Pain… It hurts… Stop! Please stop! My body is going to explode… I can feel it… Stop! I beg you please…"

Lu Yiju let out a shrill scream and fell to the ground in agony. There was no part of his body that did not sting.

Chen Xiaobei said nothing and did nothing.

The True Kang that Chen Xiaobei injected into his body was enough to kill him. Chen Xiaobei did not have to do anything else.

"Mercy… Have mercy… I am Lu Mingjun's son… If you let me go… I will call my father… I will ask him to agree to whatever your request is… I don't want to die…"

Lu Yiju shrieked. While he was talking, his body grew bigger again.

"Lu Mingjun?" Chen Xiaobei looked disgusted. "That bastard has a crappy son like you because he's no good either!"

It was clear to Chen Xiaobei now that whenever Lu Yiju got himself into any form of trouble, Lu Mingjun would stay behind to clean up his mess behind the scenes.

Never disciplined and mollycoddled!

Lu Yiju turned out the way he was because of his father!

"That's right… Lu Junming is also a crook… and he's a powerful one… If you kill me, he will come looking for you! He will feed your body to the dogs! We don't have to get ourselves tangled up like that, right?"

Lu Yiju was so used to bringing his father up whenever he got himself into trouble.

This trick had always worked well in his favor, even Wenren Muyue and Miao Yiyue dared not go against him.

Lu Yiju believed that Chen Xiaobei was smart enough to weigh his options and eventually release him.

Unfortunately, Lu Yiju had underestimated Chen Xiaobei!

Little did he know, Chen Xiaobei had already made the decision to not let him get away!

"I don't give a rat's ass about whose son you are! And I don't care if you're the son of someone powerful! No god on this earth can save you!"

Chen Xiaobei showed neither remorse nor compassion.

If you allow your heart to go soft for the likes of Lu Yiju, he will thrust a dagger into your heart when you're not looking.

Phissh…

Phissh…

Phissh…

As the True Qi expanded, Lu Yiju's skin began to crack.

The veins beneath his skin exploded. His flesh was rotten and blood poured out. Any moment now would be his death.

Ding!

[Eliminated third generation villain, you've received 30,000 merit points!]

Ding!

[Eliminated third generation villain, you've received 30,000 merit points!]

Ding!

[Your current total merit points is 2,920,000. You are 80,000 merit points away from the next level. (Charm: 292,000; Luck 292,000)]

Sister Lin and Lu Yiju were actually third generation villains!

Chen Xiaobei exhaled, letting his anger and frustration escape along with his breath, a smile slowly creeping up his face seeing the notifications.

"My merit points is reaching three million. My charm and my luck are soaring! I might just be the luckiest person during the Duanwu festival party!" Chen Xiaobei smiled. "When I get back to earth for Duanwu, I should ask Old Jiang if I could use the merit points to exchange for any goodies! Ooh, I can't wait!"

Chen Xiaobei made sure that he did not leave behind any suspicious trails before stepping onto the Somersault Cloud.

Killing Lu Yiju would make Chen Xiaobei a nemesis of Lu Mingjun.

But as long as Chen Xiaobei does not reveal himself, he would not be in any danger.

Not forgetting the fact that Chen Xiaobei's cover was a Black Steel Zero-Star newbie. It would be nearly impossible for Lu Mingjun to find him.

Ding!

Another message appeared on his phone!

Xiao Tianquan wanted to chat!

"Oh, Xiao Tianquan wants to talk. It must be urgent!"

Chen Xiaobei made himself comfortable on the Somersault Cloud and opened the message.

Xiao Tianquan: Bro Bei! Something happened! Shen Gongpao asked for more men from God Erlang again! He is most certainly up to something! If I'm not mistaken, the people he's sending this time are much stronger than the ones last time! 

Chen Xiaobei: When was this?

Xiao Tianquan: Only just now! But they might postpone descending from heaven for a few days!

Chen Xiaobei: Why would they postpone it? The last time he sent someone, they came within two days.

Xiao Tianquan: That's because sending someone down to earth from heaven would diminish their strength due to True Nirvana Cultivation. If they want to descend to earth with a higher cultivation, they will need more time to prepare!

Chen Xiaobei: Mmm, I see… Don't worry. My strength had increased so much more since the last time! What's more, I managed to get the Ginseng Fruit. I could use its Special Ability to increase my cultivation in a very short time. The people they send may not be able to defeat me!

Xiao Tianquan: Mm, that's good. I was worried that they might arrive so suddenly that you will be caught off guard. So, I just wanted to give you a heads up. By the way, how did you get the Ginseng Fruit? That's really impressive! We were just discussing in the group that the Grand Deity Zhen Yuan would give you a hard time for that!

Chen Xiaobei: That's easy, just cater to his interest! I sent him the most popular novel on earth!

Xiao Tianquan: What?! That… worked?! 

Chen Xiaobei: That's right! It's that simple! 

Xiao Tianquan: You really are the God Chen! Do you know how much more expensive Ginseng Fruit is compared to the Saturn Peach in the Heavenly Realm?!

Chen Xiaobei: Why is that? Don't they work the same?

Xiao Tianquan: They do, but Saturn Peach is available all year round and the Ginseng fruit is so rare that it had ever only been eaten by a few deities! But you only used a book to exchange for one! Oh, it can't get any better than this!

Chen Xiaobei: Are you interested? I can send it to you for free!

Xiao Tianquan: Forget it… I'll just fall asleep… I'm not really that kind…

Chen Xiaobei: Haha, then I won't give you any more trouble.

Xiao Tianquan: Oh, right! There's something else! The Heavenly Hounds might travel to earth again this time. I can bring you some things. What do you want?

Chen Xiaobei: Woohoo! I want another Returning Bracelet! This item works really well but I could only mark one place. I'm afraid that's not enough!

Xiao Tianquan: No problem. I will give you another one. But what they can bring out is limited. They can only bring the Returning Bracelet alone and nothing else or they'll get suspicious.

Chen Xiaobei: I understand! Your safety is important! It's fine even if you can't bring anything over, it'll better for you not to get suspected! Where you are at now is very different from earth, for danger is everywhere there!

Xiao Tianquan: Don't worry. I've always been very careful. I have to go. Shen Gongpao just came out. I'll go over to see if I can get more information. I'll let you know if something new pops up!

Chen Xiaobei: Alright! Thank you!

Chen Xiaobei put away the phone, a smile stuck on his face.

The Heavenly Soldiers that came the last time now addressed Xiao Tianquan as Xiao Tian Divine Hound!

Chen Xiaobei wondered what this Xiao Tian Divine Hound looked like. He was so emphatic and reliable. Most importantly, he was really good to Chen Xiaobei!

If he did get a chance to get to heaven, surely, Chen Xiaobei must treat this special brother to a good drink.

…

The sky was already dark when he got out of the hospital. Right now, it was night.

"Ning Yuchen and the others must be on their way. This is also the busiest hour at Sister Hua's tavern. I'd better not go trouble her…turns out I have nothing to do now…"

Chen Xiaobei sat on the Somersault Cloud, his palm cupping his chin, wondering what he should do to pass the time on this long dark night.

Ding ring ring!

His phone suddenly rang.

It was the manager of the Northern Wilderness Chamber of Commerce, Gu Congwen.

"What does this old man want?" Chen Xiaobei's wondered as he answered the call.

"Good evening, Mr. Chen!" Gu Congwen sounded very affable on the other end. "Have you had your dinner? If not, let us dine together! My treat!"

"Oh, I don't think it's just as simple as a dinner, is it?" Chen Xiaobei asked him back.

The truth, was that Chen Xiaobei was kind of hungry.

But he felt a little bad that Gu Congwen had to pay again.

It would have cost a few hundred Spiritual Stones for just one meal. Chen Xiaobei did not want to owe this man that kind of favor.

As he was talking to Gu Congwen on the phone, Chen Xiaobei took out a bottle of Hundred Herbs Potion.

He only needed to drink one bottle to make his hunger and fatigue go away.

But as he reached for the bottle, he suddenly realized that it was his last bottle!

Now that they could not send Private Red Envelopes, Chen Xiaobei would have to use a lot of merit points to buy another bottle.

Chen Xiaobei could feel a headache setting in.

The Hundred Herbs Potion he had been carrying with him had been gradually used up. Now that he only had one, he felt really uncomfortable!

"Haha! I like Mr. Chen's candor! I do have a special proposition for you! There's an auction going on tonight! Would you be interested in putting the Silver Giant Beast's core up? I guarantee you will get a price that you'll be more than happy with!"

"Auction?" Chen Xiaobei paused for a while. He then said, "I'm not selling the Beast Core, but, I am very interested in the auction!"

Chen Xiaobei had already absorbed the Beast Core during training. So, he had nothing to sell.

But he did have some medium-grade Spiritual Stones in his pocket. He might just be able to buy something there.

"Oh, it's alright if you don't sell anything. You can go take look around and maybe buy some things. Where are you now? I'll send a car over to pick you up!"

Instead of answering him, Chen Xiaobei asked, "I'm curious. Why are you so eager? Were you the one who set up the auction?"

"Of course! The only people who could set up an auction are us, the Chamber of Commerce! Other people cannot afford to do this!"

That was why this old man was so keen in the first place.

Whether they sell or buy, Gu Congwen could draw a sizeable commission from for every successful bid!

"I'm at 1st Street. Just tell me what time it is. I'll go there on my own."

"Thank you Mr. Chen for your support! It begins at 8pm sharp. I will save a good seat for you! See you later!" Gu Congwen said with triumph in his voice.

"I'll see you there!"

Chen Xiaobei looked at the time and quickly found a deserted place to land. He alighted the Somersault Cloud and sauntered to the Northern Wilderness Chamber of Commerce.

The Northern Wilderness Chamber of Commerce was huge. The auction was set up on the third floor, with a capacity for a few hundred people.

By the time Chen Xiaobei arrived, that place was already buzzing with activity.

The Silver Plume were nobles dressed extravagantly in their best clothes, and all had come out of the inner city to join the auction.

There was another group of people there. They were the half-nobles from 1st Street.

It then dawned on Chen Xiaobei that this auction was not open to just anyone. Ordinary folks were not allowed to participate in this auction.

Chen Xiaobei did not want to cause any trouble so he stayed near the door and called.

Quickly, Gu Congwen came to invite him in, attracting the attention of a few guests.

Understandably, this young man must be someone of caliber, enough for the manager to welcome him personally.

…

Upon entering the auction hall, Gu Congwen took Chen Xiaobei to the seat in the second row.

As an outsider, bing given such an honorable seating must have meant that Gu Congwen looked up to Chen Xiaobei.

Of course, the more exclusive seats at the first row had been reserved for the Silver Plume nobles. No outsider can sit in the first row!

Chen Xiaobei, however did not care for these things.

Where they sat was just a matter of face and reputation. But he could get what he want today, Chen Xiaobei would not have minded it even if he sat in the corner at the very end.

After Chen Xiaobei was seated, Gu Congwen left to attend to other things. There was a lot to do backstage. He was, after all the manager of the auction.

The chamber was slowly filling up with people.

There were people sitting next to, in front and behind Chen Xiaobei.

Towards his left was a white-haired old man. He did not have silver feathers on his ears indicating that he was an outsider.

Judging by his clothes and his demeanor, the person looked like a saint. Based on his age, he must have obtained permanent residence in Silver Plume Planet, standard for half-nobles.

Outsiders who were able to become half-nobles in Silver Plume Planet shared one similar characteristic – they all had their own forte. A good example would be when Pi Xia could help his master solve difficult problems. That was how he acquired his half-noble status.

Seated on Chen Xiaobei's right was a very attractive young lady. She was at least a nine out of ten.

But she was already taken. Her boyfriend was seated right next to her.

Chen Xiaobei was a little surprised by the pairing. The woman was an outsider, but her beau was a Silver Plume noble!

If she married this man, then she would automatically become a noble! That would grant her a free ticket into the inner city!

Oh, what a superficial world!

Beauty was more sought after over talent!

"It's already 8 o'clock. Why hasn't the auction started yet?" The woman asked coyly.

The noble next to her replied affectionately, "Now my silly one, don't you see that the first row is still empty? The VIPs are not here yet. That's why the auction will start a little late!"

"Oh, which VIP will be here today?"

The woman's eyes lit up sounding hopeful.

This woman clearly had very high aspirations. Even though she already had a noble boyfriend, she still hoped for the wings to fly to higher branches.

Her boyfriend thought nothing much of it for she simply shrugged and innocently replied, "I'm not too sure. I guess they are just some random high-ranking nobles."

The avidity in the woman's eyes intensified.

Chen Xiaobei, too, was excited. But he was looking forward to finding out what kind of noble could be considered as high ranking?

Based on logical deductions, the Wenren Family must be considered high-ranking nobles.

As he was extrapolating, there was a commotion the entrance.

"Oh my god… That's… That's East Town, Qin Family's second young master… He's here…"

"Its the North Town Wei Family's seventh young master! He rarely comes to the outer city! Why would he come today? Could there be something very valuable up for auction today?"

"West Town, Miao Family is here too! That stunning man in the front must be the heartthrob Miao Yiyue! He really is as handsome as they say he is… Oh!"

"Three top-tier noble families from all four directions of Starfield's have come! There must be something extremely valuable on sale today! That's why all these big shots are here to fight for it!"

"Yeah! This will for sure be interesting! If the South Town Lu Family comes, that's when it will be even more interesting!"

"Ooh, makes me wonder… What is it that they are auctioning off tonight? Look at all this! It's a battle of giants!"

The crowd exploded into a loud chatter when the three families entered the scene.

All of them were wondering what it was that brought all three of them here.

It was indeed a rare sight here in the outer city!

Chen Xiaobei's gaze was automatically drawn to Miao Yiyue who was surrounded by a group of people. He figured that it would be quite a chore to approach him, and so, decided against greeting him.

Miao Yiyue walked straight up to the first row, without so much as glancing at the second row.

"Wow! Master Miao is so hot! He really is the perfect dream guy!"

The beautiful woman next to Chen Xiaobei exclaimed like a fangirl. Her eyes were glued to Miao Yiyue, unwilling to tear her gaze away from the dashing young man.

Her boyfriend snapped, an obvious tinge of sourness in his tone, "The guy next to you is pretty good looking too. Why aren't you just as excited?"

"Him?"

The woman checked Chen Xiaobei out but said nothing. Her haughty look said it all.

Both were just as attractive but Chen Xiaobei was just another outsider. To the beautiful young lady, Chen Xiaobei was way beneath the likes of Miao Yiyue!

Chen Xiaobei though, was not concerned at all for this woman's attitude towards him.

He felt that talking to such a vainglorious woman with wandering eyes would be a terrible waste of his life.

On the other side, the old bloke who had been resting his eyes looked sideways at Chen Xiaobei.

Seeing Chen Xiaobei's calm composure, the old bloke could not help but approve of Chen Xiaobei.

In such an impetuous world, a person who can remain unfazed by insults was definitely no commoner. On top of which, Chen Xiaobei was a young man who was only in his twenties.

"Why hasn't the auction started already?"

The beautiful woman sulked.

She was still ogling Miao Yiyue, wishing that the dashing young man would turn around to answer her question.

Her nobleman boyfriend was turning green with envy. "There's still an empty seat in the first row. It looks like there's still another important guest!"

"Another important guest?" The woman's eyes widened. "Who is it? It seems like this person is more powerful than three young masters of the three Star Temples!"

"My god! It's them…"

Suddenly, the excitement in the room grew in intensity.

"Look! its South Town Lu Family's Young Master! Lu Changwei! He's here…"

"Wasn't he supposed to attend the Temple's exam? Why is he here?"

"Yeah I also heard that he was going to take the Temple's exam! As the strongest person in our young generation of the Silver Plume Planet, surely he would be selected to join the Temple!"

"Whatever they are selling today really must be something really remarkable or Lu Changwei wouldn't have come!"

"Duh! All the powerful people are gathered here at outer city. This is unprecedented!"

The prattling grew restless. All those that were present were waiting with bated breath to see the giants fight at the auction!

Ding!

[Cultivation: Early Phase of Ethereal Cultivation; Lifespan: 344 years; Health: 180,000; Combat power: 180,000]

Chen Xiaobei turned around to look at the man who resembled Lu Yiju.

This apparently strongest person in the Silver Plume Planet's younger generation was Lu Chengwei, an Ethereal cultivated elite!

Wenren Muyue also had the same cultivation!

Due to Wenren Muyue's terrible illness, she could not battle. Unable to display her skils was why only few knew about her cultivation. That was why everyone thought that Lu Changwei was the strongest.

This reveled something of great importance.

Reaching Ethereal Cultivation would mean being selected by the Temple trouble-free, and becoming the Temple's warrior that so many outsiders yearn to be.

"Wow! Young Master Lu is just as good looking!"

The beautiful woman finally tore her gaze away from Miao Yiyue and immediately shifted her attention to Lu Changwei.

Although they were both top-tier nobles, Lu Changwei was a lot stronger!

Clearly, this woman did not just want to be under the patronage of people of power and influence. She was also known to be ungrateful.

It would seem that when a more eminent person enters the scene, that's when her attention will shift again.

And so it did!

The next second, amidst the crowd's heightened cheers, her gaze was now locked on another person. She was practically drooling at him!

"Look! Look! That person next to Lu Changwei! Is that… Isn't that the governor's son Dong Xiaowu? My god… Why did he come here?"

"This Silver Plume's most powerful young master is even more important than all of the other four combined!"

"I've never heard of him leaving the inner city, ever!"

"That's insane! He is here now! Today's auction must be one heck of a show!"

The crowd were all busy making guesses and anticipating the biggest reveal of tonight's auction!

"Huh? What's the matter? Old man Gu didn't mention anything about a special program… What brings the governor's son Dong Xiaowu here?"

Chen Xiaobei looked inquisitively at Dong Xiaowu.

He was obese like his father, but not as majestic, just mediocre, much alike the phrase they used back on earth – Chubby Tubby!

Xiaowu!

That name meant that the person was supposed to be good at combat and had made a name for the family.

Dong Zhuo had aspired for his son to become a famous general.

Sadly, silver-spooned children cannot escape the fate of turning into weak, rich brats.

Ding!

[Cultivation: Celestial Cultivation; Lifespan: 250 years; Health: 100,000; Combat power: 100,000]

Chen Xiaobei took this opportunity to look at Dong Xiaowu's strength.

That fatso really was quite useless.

He had an abundance of resources laid at his feet for him, yet he was so weak. He was either an indolent sloth or an imbecile. There was no cure for either.

"Dong Xiaowu is so handsome!" The beautiful woman cooed like a devoted fanatic when she saw Chubby Dong.

Chen Xiaobei had chosen to ignore her and he could not help but feel disgusted by her.

On earth, women like her were called gold-digging Green Tea Bitches.

All Chubby Dong needed to do was wiggle his finger at her and she would immediately abandon her current boyfriend and lie stark before the fatty, allowing him to do as he pleased.

The seating arrangement of the top-tier nobles's row was quite interesting.

South Town's Lu Changwei together with West Town's Miao Yiyue were both outsiders. Their ancestors had greatly contributed to the Temple and diligently paved their way to acheive the status of half-nobles.

Chubby Dong, North Town's Wei Family, East Town's Qin Family, were all Silver-Plume-born nobles.

Chubby Dong sat right in the center with Lu Changwei on his immediate left and Miao Yiyue on his immediate right.

The two Silver Plume nobles from Wei Family and Qin Family were each seated to the next left and right side of Chubby Dong.

According to this arrangement, it would then seem that the two outsider's family were ranked lower than the governor's family but were of higher social standing that the Qin and Wei Family! Such an occurance really was quite intriguing!

Once they had all settled in on their respective seats, the auction was set in motion.

"Young Master Dong, the auction will begin soon! Do you want to invite Master Tao to sit with you?"

Lu Changwei whispered.

"Master Tao? You invited Master Tao?" Chubby Dong asked in astonishment. "Hurry and invite that old man over! How could you have let Master Tao sit at the back?"

"Well I was afraid that you didn't want to see Master Tao. I'll go get him now!"

Lu Changwei got off his seat and turned around to where Chen Xiaobei was sitting.

It was however, obviously not Chen Xiaobei that he was approaching.

The old man with snow-white beard and hair stood up and nodded at Lu Changwei. He was Master Tao!

"Master Tao, Young Master Dong invites you to sit with him!"

Lu Changwei proceeded to walk the old man to the first row.

Someone immediately brought a chair, placing it in between Chubby Dong and Lu Chang Wei.

Once the old man sat down, Chubby Dong would not stop talking to Master Tao. Throughout the conversation, he looked at the old man with admiration and awe, like a fan talking to his beloved idol.

"Who is that old man? Why does he seem so close to the Young Master Dong?" The beautiful woman asked.

Chen Xiaobei perked his ears up. He was also very curious about this matter.

"Only a master of Chinese brush paintings could receive such a warm welcome!" Her boyfriend replied.

"Tao… Tao Qianli?" The woman's eyes widened into large 'O's'. "So that is the Chinese brush painting master whose paintings could sell for thousands of medium-grade Spiritual Stones?! Oh my god…"

"Yup, that would be him! His paintings are rich with Chinese flavor, and they are excellent portrayals of legendary generals. His works are highly sought after by the circle of nobles of the Northern Wilderness Starfield! Actually, the value of one of his painting is worth a lot more than what you previously mentioned. That was the price a few years back. Today, his paintings are a rare find!"

"Wow!"

Chen Xiaobei's eyebrows raised inadvertently at that statement.

A few thousand medium-grade Spiritual Stones were equal to tens of thousands of low-grade Spiritual Stones. Was that not even enough buy just one of his paintings?!

That was mind blowing!

A long time ago, Chen Xiaobei had gone through a lot of trouble to save up and gather all the low-tier Spiritual Stones that he needed. In order to not overspend them, it was crucial for him to come up with a thorough plan before using any of it. To his unhappy surprise, he had never expected that even millions of low-tier Spiritual Stones were not enough to buy a Chinese painting. This new-found knowledge completely turned Chen Xiaobei's mind upside down.

After knowing Master Tao's true identity, Chen Xiaobei could already guess what the mysterious auctioned item was. Initially, he thought that it might have been some ultra-rare Spiritual Item or a vial of Spiritual Medicine. Now, there was a high chance that the coveted item was going to be the painting.

Ning Yuchen once told Chen Xiaobei that the higher the tier of a planet, the more they liked Chinese culture. For example, traditional medicinal skills, pill concoction, and ancient martial arts were extremely popular on their planet. Sumukhwa is one of the most important culture of China's history.

Besides, aliens were living beings as well. Apart from pursuing life's luxuries, they wanted to pursue something that brought greater meaning to their life as well. Art will always thrive in a modern world such as this. Suddenly, Chen Xiaobei remembered that someone had forgotten to draw his portrait.

"Ladies and gentleman! Thank you all so much for coming here tonight! I'm the auctioneer, Fei Xuan!"

A gorgeous lady in a crimson long dress walked onto the stage and greeted everyone. Her seductive voice had made every single men in the hall succumb to her. The moment she bowed at the crowd, her deep cleavage was presented before everyone. Immediately, all the men were pumped with a high dosage of adrenaline – causing them to feel really excited. Even before the auctioned item was being brought out, the crowd's mood had already lightened up considerably.

With a drop-dead gorgeous lady standing on the stage, it was not hard to imagine that the men would use their wealth to impress her later. After all, men always had tendencies to show off in front of a beautiful woman. One could imagine that the final price of the auctioned item was going to be extremely high.

"Time is precious! Without further ado, let's begin the auction! Now, we shall lay our eyes on the very first item of our auction!"

Seemingly, Fei Xuan was born to be an auctioneer. Her lean standing posture, voice, and overall presence were enough to light up the mood of every single person in the hall. A single statement from her was enough to make everyone focus on the auctioned item. Seconds later, two ladies in Cheongsam's walked out carrying a Sumukhwa!

Fei Xuan swung her hands to signal the two ladies who then opened it up. In the Sumukhwa, a general with long spear could be seen charging valiantly at the enemies in front of him. The drawing was so surreal that they the crowd could literally feel that the general had no fear while facing tens of thousands of soldiers. Immediately, every single one of them were left in a state of shock and awe. Though Chen Xiaobei did not know too much about Sumukhwa, he knew that the person that drew this Sumukhwa was definitely no ordinary painter.

"I believe that everyone has already known that the painter of this Sumukhwa is none other than the great Master Tao Qianli himself! The name of this Sumukhwa is called, A Ride That Carries Victory! This Sumukhwa is one of the earliest artwork of Master Tao! At that time, many people were shocked to see such a well-drawn Sumukhwa! And, that was how he got famous after that! I can confidently say that this Sumukhwa is really meaningful to Master Tao and everyone here! This is definitely one of those must-have-item for collectors!"

"Initially, this Sumukhwa was going to be auctioned off at the Northern Wilderness Chamber of Commerce. But then, because Master Tao Qianli became famous right here at this place, he had decided to sell it here. Dare I confidently say that this is a once in a life time opportunity! Once you miss it, you will never get a second chance like this!"

Immediately, everyone had their attention on the Sumukhwa.

"Oh god! I would have never thought that this painting will be auctioned here at this place! That is the legendary first Sumukhwa from Master Tao Qianli!"

"You are right! Even Master Tao Qianli said that this is his favourite Sumukhwa! This art piece is exactly why he got so famous! Now, he is indeed the master of Sumukhwa!"

Those that knew anything at all about Sumukhwa knew the history behind this piece of Sumukhwa.

"I have also heard that this Sutmuthwa was being sent to other higher tier planets! How come it's being sent here again?"

"Well that happened around 10 years ago! Old news! Things change! Anything is possible! I don't think it's something that we should pay our attention to! We should be more concerned about the price of this Sumukhwa!"

"Speaking about the price, I think it's going to be astronomical!"

"Before Master Tao Qianli became famous, his artwork could already sell as high as 300 mid-tier Spiritual Stones! Now, I think it's going to cost more than 3,000 mid-tier Spiritual Stones!"

"Damn! Ten times! This is ridiculous! I don't think we can afford it! We will never get 3,000 mid-tier Spiritual Stones even if we sell our houses and all our stuff!"

"Of course! Look at the crowd! Four masters of the great temples are here! And the governor as well! Clearly, they are here to bid for the Sumukhwa! And us? We are here just to watch the show! There is no way that we can afford it!"

Upon hearing that, Chen Xiaobei got all worked up as well. He found it hard to believe that 3,000 mid-tier Spiritual Stones would not be enough to purchase it. He was even considering of going to learn and paint Sumukhwa to make himself to become richer.

"Lady Fei Xuan! Please don't make us wait! Tell us the price!"

"Okay! Please be quiet…"

One smile from her and everyone kept quiet – waiting for her to announce the bidding price.

"Judging from the history and meaning of this Sumukhwa… The bidding price that we decided is…"

Fei Xuan paused her sentences deliberately to keep the crowd in suspense.

"Bidding starts at a price is 3,000 mid-tier Spiritual Stones! Every bid costs 100 mid-tier Spiritual Stones!"

"Wow! 3,000 medium-grade Spiritual Stones! That's worth 3,000,000 low-grade Spiritual Stones! And that's just the starting bid! The final price must be sky-high!"

Chen Xiaobei was floored.

The rest of the audience were just as befuddled. A Silver Plume only earns about 4,000 to 5,000 Spiritual Stones a month. They could never afford that!

Needless to say, the half-nobles could only act as seat warmers while observing the bidding as it happens.

The only people who had any hand in the bidding were those sitting in the front row!

"Allow me to make the first bid then. I bid 3,100 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!" Lu Changwei spoke up.

As the strongest young elite in Silver Plume Planet, Lu Changwei always had his family to support him as he did whatever he liked as well.

"3,200 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!" Wei Ruilong from North Town offered.

100 more medium-grade Spiritual Stones may seem like a small number but that was equivalent to 100,000 low-grade Spiritual Stones!

Chen Xiaobei only had 500 medium-grade Spiritual Stones! He could not even join in the bid!

He had better started learning traditional Chinese painting fast!

Chen Xiaobei quickly opened the Three Realms Red Envelope Group and searched for a name – Zhao Yun!

Chen Xiaobei: Bro Zilong! Are you there! It's urgent! Please reply!"

Even though the message was sent, it took some time before Zhao Yun finally replied.

Zhao Yun: God Chen, is there anything you need? I'm busy posing! I can't chat for too long!

Chen Xiaobei: Posing? What for?

Zhao Yun: I lost the bet during the Saturn Peach festival and still owe you a signed picture. I've sent a few artists from the underworld realm to draw a portrait of me! I need to pose for them so that they know what to draw!"

Chen Xiaobei: Oh! You still remember! I was cracking my head wondering how I was supposed to ask you for that!

Zhao Yun: How could I forget? I, Zhao Zilong, am a true man. I will always do what I promised!"

Chen Xiaobei: That's strange. It's just a simple drawing. Why is it taking you so long to complete? 

Zhao Yun: Do you even have to ask? You told me that it has to be a signed portrait of myself! I went home and tried to draw my own portrait by looking at my reflection in the mirror. But it turned out terrible!"

Chen Xiaobei: Er… Don't you think you were kind of asking for it? Why didn't you look for someone to do it for you? 

Zhao Yun: I did! After trying for a few days, I realized that I could not draw at all! So, I searched the underworld realm for artists and asked them to draw a portrait of me. That is how everything dragged on till today!

Chen Xiaobei: Who did you employ? 

Zhao Yun: Oh, nobody. Just Gu Kaizhi, Wu Daozi, and the few of them. They are all gods and saints in the subject of drawing!

Chen Xiaobei: Wow! Gu Kaizhi! Wu Daozi! Are there any more? Bro! Are you planning to have an exhibition? 

Zhao Yun: What exhibition? A real man takes his promises seriously! I always deliver what I promise. Not only will I do it, I will do it to the best of my ability. I wanted to choose the best portrait of them all. That's why I chose to hire so many of them!

Chen Xiaobei: Way to go, bro!! 

Chen Xiaobei exclaimed in his heart, "He really is Zhao Zilong! Loyal characters like his type will never change!"

While he was still alive, Zhao Yun faced 100,000 of Cao Wei's soldiers alone during the Battle of Changban. All because of a promise, he dared risk his life to escort Liu Adou to Liu Bei.

All promises must be delivered; and it must be fulfilled well!

That is what makes a real man!

Zhao Yun: They should be done soon. I won't keep you waiting!

Chen Xiaobei: Oh, right. I have a few paintings here with me. Could you ask the artists to take a look at them and give me some feedback?"

Zhao Yun: Alright. Send them over.

Chen Xiaobei took a photo of A Ride that Carries Victory on stage and sent it to Zhao Yun. Not only was his 998 Spiritual Stone Dami 7 mobile phone waterproof, it was also steal-proof and did not require charging. Its picture quality was also excellent!

He was about eight meters away from the stage but the picture had a very high resolution and it was not blurry at all when he zoomed in.

Chen Xiaobei: Bro Zilong, this picture is called A Ride that Carries Victory. It's wildly popular here. Please ask the artists to look at it and tell me if it's worth the craze!

Zhao Yun: Alright. Wait a minute.

After that, Chen Xiaobei heard nothing from him.

The auction had quite the opposite result. Things were escalating very quickly.

East town's Qin Luoshu stood up and said, "I'm determined to bring this painting home with me today. I won't give it up even if the son of governor wants it. 3,500 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!

That was worth 300,000 low-grade Spiritual Stones more! This bugger was really rich!

Dong Xiaowu may have appeared mediocre but he was no fool. He merely smiled and said, "Master Tao's fame in Silver Plume today is the source of our pride! I don't need you to fall back for me. Go ahead and offer your best price, give Master Tao the face he deserves!"

"Thank you young master for your kindness!"

Tao Qian nodded humbly.

This master had been around long enough to know that his fame was mostly created by others for him.

For example, if this Sumukhwa could be sold for a such a steep price, his name must have been known all over the Northern Wilderness Starfield!

With his skyrocketing fame, it would even be more difficult to acquire his paintings! It would be ridiculously expensive!

"Since the young master had spoken, let's not beat around the bush. Let's raise the price then! 4,000 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!"

Lu Changwei raised his hand and increased the bid by 500.

The room was deadly silent now. Every time the bid was raised, it worsened the damage to their self-esteem.

Their decades of hard work would not have been able to match up to the number Lu Changwei had volunteered.

"I bid 4,100!"

Wei Ruilong immediately tried to outbid him, but not by too much.

He was very calm and independent. No matter how the others fought, it would not have affected his rhythm.

"4,500! The painting is mine!"

Qin Luoshu was a little more impulsive.

Right now, the auction seemed to be between Lu Changwei and Qin Luoshu. Miao Yiyue finally spoke out.

"5,500 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!"

Miao Yiyue finally spoke up and stunned the crowd.

"Oh what the hell! That's insane! 5,500 medium-grade Spiritual Stones for one painting! Now that's crazy!"

"Who would've thought that Young Master Miao who had been lying low all this while was the one who shocked us all eventually!"

"Yeah! He raised the bid by a whopping 1,000 medium-grade Spiritual Stones! That's intense!"

"Maybe the painting contained a secret meaning. Why else would the low-profile Young Master Miao do something like that?"

The crowd let out a hushed gasp, watching Miao Yiyue quizzically.

Chen Xiaobei was just as baffled. Even though he had only met Miao Yiyue once, he was confident that Miao Yiyue was an impetuous kind of person.

He would not have raised the bid so outrageously if the sole reason was that he merely liked the painting. There was most certainly another reason behind it.

Then, Lu Changwei's comment confirmed it. "Bro Miao, you are insane! Normally, I wouldn't argue with you! But it's different this time. The grand elder's birthday is coming up, and this painting would make the best present! Any person who can get his hands on this painting would surely be able to win the old man's heart!" He suddenly raised his hand and shouted. "6,000 medium-grade Spiritual Stones! If any of you wants to fight me for it, I am more than happy to do it!"

The audience gasped.

They were all bewildered by Lu Changwei's bid and were shocked that the Sumukhwa could be worth so much!

"The grand elder! Did Master Lu mean the Temple's Grand Elder?"

"That's one of Northern Wilderness Starfield's most powerful elites! I think he is worthy of entering the top five elites leaderboard!"

"So, this painting was supposed to be a gift for the grand elder's birthday! No wonder the top-tier nobles are fighting for it!"

"But the Lu Family's pockets run real deep! I believe the other three families will have no choice but to concede!"

The crowd discussed amongst themselves, certain that the auction had come to an end. Though the elites from four Star Temples were extremely rich, it was still quite difficult for them to bring out such a huge amount of Spiritual Stones in one go. After all, all their assets were not purely made up of Spiritual Stones.

Wei Ruilong was the first to surrender, a bitterness in his voice, saying, "The South Town Lu Family is not an easy match. The money that they earn could be comparable to that of the four leaders of the Star Temples! Our Wei Family will now withdraw…"

"Heh, Brother Wei, why do you have to bring all that up?" Lu Changwei smiled connivingly, "The Lu Family's financial prowess is well known. Apart from our fortunes, the strongest elites in Silver Plume all come from our family too! If we Lu's don't become the leaders of the four Star Temples, then who would?"

Wei Ruilong said nothing to Lu Changwei's gloating statement.

After all, the truth was right there in front of them!

There were a total of three demigods from the Lu Family.

Their younger generation, like Lu Changwei possessed a cultivation that surpassed all those of similar age to him.

Lu Changwei had every reason to show off.

Chen Xiaobei could not help but feel disgusted by Lu Changwei's crowing. Still, there was nothing he could do about it.

"Lu Changwei is really strong! I must think of a way to increase my cultivation! Or it'll be a million years before I could avenge Little Fox."

Chen Xiaobei felt a sudden pang of urgency.

Even though his cultivation had been increasing exponentially, it was still a world apart from his enemies! He would have to work a lot harder!

Little Fox must be avenged! And besides, he had to revive her as soon as he could!

Right now, he really had to work hard, like really hard! Even if it meant that he had to use up his remaining years of life!

…

The whole place fell into dead silence. It was as if the crowd were hurt by Lu Changwei's gloating. They could do nothing about it but yield to him.

"I'm out too!" Qin Luo looked hesitant. "I can actually bid some more but the price is already too steep. Even say I'm able to win the grand elder's heart, it may not be enough to reimburse me!"

"Haha! A good man knows his limits!" Lu Changwei scorned. "Since none of you can outbid me, it's wise for all of you to raise the white flag."

Wei Ruilong and Qin Luoshen were born-and-bred Silver Plume nobles but they were in no way a match for Lu Changwei. How embarrassing.

"Ms. Fei Xuan! Go ahead and announce the sale of the painting! Time is precious! Let's get on to the next item quick!"

Lu Changwei smiled victoriously as his gaze settled on the beautiful Fei Xuan.

"Not so fast, Master Lu. Master Miao hasn't said anything yet!"

Fei Xuan smiled coyly at him so much so that he became too embarrassed to rush her.

Everyone in the room was not looking at Mao Yiyue.

They waited eagerly for him to say something shocking all over once again and teach this conceited Lu Changwei a lesson.

Miao Yiyue however remained silent.

It was obvious from his expression that he did not have enough Spiritual Stones to fight with Lu Changwei.

He had revealed all that he had just now. He wanted to see if he could win the bid with one offer.

But since Lu Changwei had raised the bid way above Miao Yiyue's, automatically announcing Miao Yiyue's defeat by default.

However, Miao Yiyue still looked like he did not want to admit defeat. His eyes were filled with resistance.

"Ms. Fei Xuan, it's not that I'm refusing Miao Yiyue a chance to place a bid but it seems that he's the one who is too shy to speak up!" Lu Changwei smirked. "Since a young age, Miao Yiyue always came second to me! No matter what we do, I'd always beat him! He will never be first as long as I am around! Hahaha…"

The crowd whispered amongst themselves.

"Lu Changwei had just crossed the line! How could he humiliate Miao Yiyue in front of so many people? What kind of hate does he harbor against him?"

"It's just too bad that Lu Changwei is so strong. He will oppress those who refuse to obey him! Wei Ruilong and Qin Luo both conceded. That was why he didn't attack them. But Miao Yiyue, instead, refused to and that's why he was lambasted!"

"Oh God, Lu Changwei is so petty! You can't simply go around bullying other people just because you're stronger than them!"

"Sigh… We live in a world where only the fittest survives. He is strong, and so are the people backing him. Of course, he'd intimidate others!"

…

The crowd was displeased with Lu Changwei's behavior but none of them dared express their outrage against him.

When she saw this, Fei Xuan looked at Miao Yiyue apologetically. If she had not made that comment, Lu Changwei would not have had the chance to humiliate Miao Yiyue.

"Since no one else is offering a higher price, then I'll announce…" Fei Xuan said with a heavy heart. "That the Sumukhwa is sold for 6,000 medium-grade Spiritual Stones!"

With the bid now finalized, Lu Changwei prepared himself for a big celebration.

But Chen Xiaobei quickly beat him to it and suddenly made a shocking statement.

"Heh, who knew that an amateur's artwork could sell for such a high price! This Young Master Li is a fool with too much money!"

What?!

An amateur's artwork?

Young Master Lu was nothing but a fool with money?

That was the ultimate insult to both Lu Changwei and Tao Qianli. The audacity that it presented was repugnant!

Needless to say, the hundreds of people present turned their eyes towards Chen Xiaobei, horrified by this anarchist who completely disregarded every circumstance and the capacity of the people he was casting his aspersions on!

None of them would have had the pluck to do such a thing!

"What, it's him indeed! Has he gone mad?"

Miao Yiyue, whose attention was also averted by that statement, recognized Chen Xiaobei but he said nothing about it. After all, the madness that Chen Xiaobei had just committed was enough to stir the public's anger. Lu Changwei's mockery of him was enough to throw Miao Yiyue off and he was in no mood to get tangled up in Chen Xiaobei's business.

Now, it was not that Miao Yiyue wasn't a loyal man, but because his relationship with Chen Xiaobei was one that had been built in only one meeting – there was no friendship to speak of! Of course, he did not want to have any part of this hullabaloo!

In the midst of all the bewilderment, the superficial femme fatale sitting next to Chen Xiaobei suddenly shouted, "Hey kid! Did you leave your brains at home? How dare you say such outrageous things here? You stay away from me! I don't want to get dragged into this!"

The woman screamed and jerked as far away from Chen Xiaobei as she could, looking terrified. "Master Tao, everyone! I don't know this kid! We are both complete strangers!"

"You squirmy little maggot! What the hell do you think you're doing? How dare you run your mouth like that over here?! Are you sick of being alive?"

Before Lu Changwei got the chance to trumpet his acquisition of the Sumukhwa, Chen Xiaobei suddenly barged in on his blowout!

How could a man like him accept such discredit? Lu Changwei's eyes bore into Chen Xiaobei as if he wanted to eat him alive.

Wei Ruilong and Qin Luo watched with glee at Lu Changwei's frustration. Like many of the younger Silver Plume nobles, they often suffered from Lu Changwei's subjection and exploitation.

On this fateful day, someone actually stood up and called Lu Changwei a rich fool and though it was nothing other than just a simple criticism, it was enough to help them vent their spite! Both nobles gave Chen Xiaobei a mental thumbs up, but they also grieved for him – crossing Lu Changwei was no different from digging your own grave!

If it were not for where they were at the moment, Lu Changwei would have already raised his hand at Chen Xiaobei.

"Young Master Lu, please don't be mad!" Tao Qianli stood up and said, "I was sitting next to this young man just now. I assure you he's not the impulsive type. I'm sure he has his reasons for saying such things! Why don't you give him a chance to explain himself?"

"…"

A fire was raging inside of Lu Changwei. How could he have just retreated like that?

And so, the brat announced in a haughty tone, "Master Tao is modest and magnanimous. But this shithead is a bully! This Sumukhwa is a masterpiece that could shake the whole North Wilderness! How dare you claim that it is an amateur's artwork?! If I let him speak, only god knows what kind of atrocities would come out of that filthy hole of his!"

Chen Xiaobei responded to all this with a shrug. "I was just saying the truth. It was not my intention to offend anyone. Just look at Master Tao. He is calm and composed! But look at the other one. He just barks incessantly but in actual fact knows nothing!"

"F*ck you! Who's barking?" The veins in Lu Changwei's eyes looked like they were about to pop out.

"Do you have to ask? Everyone's looking at it."

Chen Xiaobei looked right back at him.

"You…" Lu Changwei could feel the blood coursing through his veins. If he shouted at Chen Xiaobei again, he would be inadvertently admitting to being the one who was barking.

"Young Master Lu, you need to calm down. Let this young man say what he has to say!" Tao Qianli spoke again. "Right now, he said that you're foolish and called me an amateur. If you don't let him talk, people might think that you and I have something to hide. We'll listen to what he has to say then we'll know who's right and who's wrong! Don't you think so?"

"I…"

Lu Changewei was in quite the fix but he was also not insensible.

Of course, Tao Qianli was angry but he did not let it show. By allowing Chen Xiaobei to speak, he could find the faults in Chen Xiaobei's speech so that everyone would eventually know that Chen Xiaobei was in the wrong.

Admittedly, the older the ginger, the hotter the spice.

Compared to Lu Changwei's aggressive barking, Tao Qianli's method was the best way to still preserve the dignity.

Once Lu Changewei understood that, he suppressed his anger and said, "Hey kid! Master Tao wants to hear your explanation! I give you three minutes to speak! But let me warn you, if you're unable to give us a clear rationale, a year from now on, this very day will be your commemoration!"

An ultimatum! A blatant ultimatum!

If Chen Xiaobei could not make good sense of his statement, Lu Changwei would certainly put him to death!

"Alright. Since you guys keep pestering me, allow me to educate you!" Chen Xiaobei left his seat and walked up the stage. "This painting is called A Ride that Carries Victory, right?"

"That's right."

Tao Qianli nodded. He looked calm but he was actually very irritated. Whoever in this hall would not have known the name of the painting?

"Have you met the ancient general?" Chen Xiaobei looked at the old man and asked.

"I've never seen him in person. I've only watched him in films and documentaries," Tao Qianli replied confidently.

"Then, have you seen the ancient war?" Chen Xiaobei asked.

"…" Tao Qianli could not help but roll his eyes.

If he had, would he still be alive today? Of course he had only seen them in films!

"Exactly! If you've never seen it before, then how could you possibly draw it well?" Chen Xiaobei asked.

Tao Qianli's lips twitched. He was on the verge of exploding. "Young man! Now, you're just being unreasonable! Have the people who drew portraits of Buddha seen him before? Have the people who drew hell been there? If that's your reason for calling me an amateur, then no one will take your word for it!

"Don't get too worked up, Master Tao!" Chen Xiaobei gave him a small smile. "I'm just trying to make a comparison here! To ordinary folks, you are a master! But, to the legendary artists, you are just an amateur!"

Tao Qianli smiled in a condescending manner while retorting, "So, do mean that you've seen the legendary artists that drew ancient wars and generals?"

Chen Xiaobei shook his head honestly. "Nope. But my teacher has!"

"Your teacher? Who is that?" Tao Qianli asked.

"You won't know even if I told you!" A smile spread across Chen Xiaobei's face. "But I have a copy of my teacher's painting with me. If you're not afraid to be proven wrong, I can take it out to show you!"