I witnessed two bulky and chubby men dragging a young girl by the hand.
The girl's clothes were dirty, her hair was unkempt, and her face was smudged with dirt. The most striking feature about her was her beautiful, big eyes, like precious gems, shining brightly. The little girl struggled and cried for help, but the people passing by ignored her.
Su Qi's expression turned dark as he followed his mother. He was well aware of what was happening. In an instant, he dropped the chicken legs and the sugarcane stick in his hand, and with his short legs, he hurried over.
Glaring at the two men, he shouted, "Let her go, or Xiao Ye will beat you to the ground and make you search for your teeth!"
As soon as the little girl spotted Su Qi, her pleading eyes locked onto him.
"Ah!" I heard the little girl cry out in pain.
One of the men attempted to hand the girl over to the other man, but the force behind the push was too strong. The little girl fell hard to the ground, and despite her pain, the other man quickly lifted her back up.
Lao Qi and Lai San noticed Su Qi's pink carved jade pendant and exchanged glances. Their greedy eyes resembled bottomless pits, as if they could see gold in front of them.
Lai San quickly gave Lao Qi a signal.
Lao Qi grinned crookedly. "Lai San, take care of her. Don't let her escape."
"Don't worry, Old Seven!" Lai San tightly held onto the little girl while his eyes greedily glanced at Su Qi. A baby with a pink carved jade pendant would surely fetch a good price.
A haze crossed Su Qi's eyes as he met their gaze, and his small hands clenched slowly.
"Oh, little brat! Where's this handsome little boy off to? Come with your uncle, and I'll treat you to delicious food and luxury."
Lao Qi smiled, his mouth full of yellowed teeth making him look repulsive. There were even vegetable leaves stuck between his front teeth, which disgusted Su Qi so much that he almost spat out the chicken leg he had just eaten.
"You're utterly disgusting." Su Qi couldn't help but curse.
"Who do you think you're calling disgusting, you little brat?"
Old Qi slapped at Su Qi, but Su Qi skillfully dodged the blow.
Lao Qi was slightly puzzled, but he didn't dwell on it.
"Whoever I called disgusting is exactly who I meant!" Su Qi looked at the two men and knew exactly what they had in mind. They were like festering wounds, rotten to the core.
Su Qi squinted his eyes, his thoughts racing in his head. Since there was still time, he decided to play along with them.
"You little brat, you've got a big mouth. Let's see if I don't beat you to death."
After Old Seven finished speaking, he roughly grabbed Su Qi's hand.
There were onlookers who watched but didn't dare to intervene.
They simply pointed at Su Qi and made comments.
Su Qi didn't expect anyone to come to his aid. He had already learned that in this world, human kindness was as thin as paper.
"Young Master, thank you for saving Xiao Nuan. They're all wicked people. You should leave quickly!"
Li Xiaonuan looked at Su Qi with gratitude. Seeing his luxurious attire, she assumed he must be the son of a wealthy family. Although she wanted to be rescued, she didn't want to drag others into trouble.
"Shut up and go. Do you think he can still walk? Walk."
Lao Qi shoved Su Qi, whose cunning eyes scanned the surroundings. He remained silent. If there was any commotion on this street, his mother would find out, and he would surely face her wrath. It was better to go with them and discover their hideout so that he could have some fun.
"Don't push him! I'll go with you." Su Qi suddenly appeared weak and looked at Lao Qi with a hint of fear.
"Hmph! Then let's go! Grandpa will take you to eat delicious food and enjoy the good life." Lao Qi didn't have any suspicions about Su Qi's sudden change. He assumed Su Qi was simply scared. But after an hour, Lai San and he would no longer treat him as a child. He was nothing short of a little devil.
And in this scene, few people would care. The street was bustling with an endless stream of carriages and crowds, creating a noisy atmosphere.
Lai San and Lao Qi took Su Qi and Li Xiaonuan into a narrow alley, and as they moved farther away, the number of people dwindled.
"Uncles, where are you taking us? Will there be delicious food in this rare place?" Su Qi blinked her big, adorable eyes and curiously asked Lao Qi.
"Of course there will be. We're almost there, just a little further ahead," Old Seven replied with a smirk on his face, his greed evident as he estimated how much Su Qi could be sold for.
"Old Seven, he looks so handsome. We should be able to sell him for two hundred or two hundred and fifty taels of silver!" Lai San exclaimed excitedly. They had been toothless for so long, and they had never come across such a precious and charming child who willingly walked into their trap.
"Two hundred and fifty taels? Lai San, make it two hundred and five! At the very least, he's worth that much," Old Seven negotiated, raising five fingers.
Lai San's face lit up with joy upon hearing the offer. He couldn't be happier.
Su Qi rolled his eyes sharply. Was he only worth five hundred taels of silver? These two individuals had no eye for quality. Xiao Ye would show them what it meant to have money but no life left to enjoy it.
Li Xiaonuan's body trembled slightly. She knew where they were being taken. Overhearing conversations between the kidnappers, she had learned that girls were usually sold to brothels, while attractive boys were sold to wealthy and noble families as companions or servants.
Unable to bear the guilt and worry, Li Xiaonuan looked at Su Qi. She had caused him harm.
As if sensing Li Xiaonuan's anxious and fearful gaze, Su Qi quickly reassured her with a glance and pretended to walk casually.
"We've arrived," Lai San and Lao Qi led them to a small side entrance.
The sounds of birds chirping, laughter, quarrels, and the scent of cosmetics filled the air around the building.
Su Qi didn't need to guess to know that they had arrived at the brothel.
"Lai San, go knock on the door," Old Seven instructed.
"Alright!" Lai San hurriedly approached the door.
"Knock knock...!"
The door creaked open, revealing a plump old woman with a face covered in white powder and dressed extravagantly.
The lustful glimmer in the old woman's eyes fell upon Li Xiaonuan and Su Qi. When she saw Su Qi, her eyebrows lifted with delight, causing a sprinkling of powder to fall.
"Lai San, where did this little beauty come from? Didn't you say there was only one?" Mother Wang asked, clearly eyeing the boy as well.
"Mother Wang, we found this one halfway. It should fetch a good price!" Lai San replied.
"What did you say?" Mother Wang greedily chuckled, causing the cracked powder on her face to appear even more ghastly.
"Bring them in," she commanded.
Lai San turned to give Lao Qi a nod. "Go ahead, follow them," Old Seven barked.
"Let go of me, let go...!" Li Xiaonuan struggled with all her might, well aware of the horrific fate that awaited her inside.
"Snap...!"
"Ahhh!" Lao Qi slapped Li Xiaonuan's face. "Behave yourself, damn it!"
Su Qi pursed his small mouth, his heart filled with anger. He quickly sent a secret message to Li Xiaonuan, saving her from further beatings.
"Younger sister, be obedient. I'll rescue you later," the voice rang in Li Xiaonuan's ears, shocking her as she looked at Su Qi in disbelief.
Su Qi nodded, reassuring her not to be afraid.
Li Xiaonuan's heart warmed as she looked into Su Qi's eyes and involuntarily believed his words.
Soon, Su Qi and Li Xiaonuan were led into a room adorned with antique decorations.
"You two wait here. I'll go fetch the madam. I'll make sure to get you a good price. You know the rules, right?"
Mother Wang smiled at Su Qi, clearly indicating that she also wanted a share of the profits.
"Mother Wang, we have been working together for so long, so we naturally understand the rules," Lai San flattered, secretly scolding Mother Wang for being old and greedy. Despite her age, she still obsessed over silver, oblivious to the fact that she could die from her own greed.
"That's good!" Mother Wang swung her bucket-like waist and quickly left.
"Ugh!"
"Stupid girl, you got in the way again, wasting my efforts."
From the next room came a cry of pain and a curse, followed by the agonizing sound of a leather whip striking someone.
Su Qi furrowed his brow but remained silent.
Li Xiaonuan was frightened and tightly clutched Su Qi's hand, leaving five finger marks on his white robe.
"Don't be scared," Su Qi comforted her in a hushed voice.
Li Xiaonuan nodded silently, but her body trembled, and her little hands were drenched in sweat as she held onto Su Qi.
Lifting his innocent gaze, Meng Navy looked at Lao Qi and asked, "Uncle, what's happening next door? Is there no good food to eat here?"
Su Qi also pretended to scan the surroundings.
"Old Seven, this kid is just a freeloader. He still wants to eat at a time like this. Doesn't he realize he might be sold and used for counting money?" Lai San sneered, revealing his disgusting yellow teeth. Su Qi couldn't help but feel the urge to teach him a lesson.
"Who says he doesn't?" Old Seven grinned back at Su Qi.
Su Qi sneered inwardly, thinking that these two blind fools were headed straight for their demise.
At that moment, the door creaked open.
Mother Wang entered the room accompanied by a well-dressed woman in her thirties, adorned with colorful clothing.
Li Yuanniang, being experienced, furrowed her brows upon seeing Su Qi. This child was brought here, but unlike other children, he remained calm and composed.
"Where did you find this kid? He's dressed so extravagantly, definitely not an ordinary child," Li Yuanniang remarked, her curiosity piqued.
Lai San and Lao Qi glanced at each other, realizing they hadn't given it much thought. They examined Su Qi more closely, noticing his luxurious white robe intricately adorned with golden threads forming the shape of dark flowers. Judging from the craftsmanship and quality, the price of this outfit alone could sustain an average person for a year.
Their faces instantly changed color. They had only seen Su Qi as a source of silver, never considering his true identity. This could turn into a major problem.
Su Qi spoke softly, "Uncles, my clothes are the limited edition children's attire from the Bright Moon Villa! It's quite precious and beyond the reach of ordinary people."
Su Qi raised his hand, not forgetting to flaunt.
Upon hearing this, the four of them turned pale.
Li Xiaonuan quickly released her grip on Su Qi's hand and looked at him in shock.
"Who are your parents?" Li Yuanniang had been running the Fengyue establishment for many years and understood the consequences of provoking children from influential families. If she offended them, her establishment would be shut down, and she would face severe consequences.
"As for my parents, what does it matter to you, grandma? I simply like the fragrance of this place. By the way, what place is this? Who is the owner? These uncles here promised to bring us to enjoy good food and a luxurious life!" Su Qi continued to play the role of an innocent and adorable child. What he wanted to know was the identity of the owner of this establishment.
Li Yuanniang glanced at Su Qi with a hint of suspicion. Although his question seemed innocent, it hinted at his desire to know the owner's identity.
Su Qi inadvertently probed Li Yuanniang's cultivation and concluded that while she was not weak, she was no match for him.
"Grandma...?" Li Yuanniang's expression remained calm. How could this child refer to her as a grandma? Wasn't he blind?
"Bring this little girl inside," Li Yuanniang instructed Mother Wang, giving her a signal.
"Yes." Mother Wang smiled and approached Li Xiaonuan.
Terrified, Li Xiaonuan stepped back and looked to Su Qi for help.
"Hmph! If you want to take her away, you'll have to ask me if I agree!" Su Qi changed his tune, abandoning his previous promises. His cute demeanor vanished, replaced by a demonic aura.
Mother Wang had just reached Li Xiaonuan's side when Su Qi swiftly kicked her chubby body, sending her flying into a corner.
Mother Wang screamed like a pig.
Li Yuanniang looked at Su Qi in astonishment.
Lai San and Lao Qi were completely stunned as Su Qi kicked Mother Wang's fat body. They had some difficulty moving due to their size, but they were easily defeated by Su Qi.
Li Xiaonuan's eyes lit up as she looked at Su Qi with admiration.
"Who do you think you are, daring to hit an old lady?" Li Yuanniang exclaimed in shock.
"You've got it all wrong! I don't just want to beat up your people, I want to destroy this place too. You heartless scoundrels!" Su Qi cursed, pulling Li Xiaonuan behind him. With his cultivation at the seventh level of the Golden Xuan period, he effortlessly slashed at Lai San and Lao Qi. They fell to the ground instantly, without even a chance to retaliate.
In his mind, Su Qi silently contemplated refining, and the bodies of the two men vanished from their original positions.
Li Yuanniang was frightened. "Er Hu, why haven't you thrown that brat out yet?"
As Li Yuanniang finished speaking, she launched an attack on Su Qi.
Su Qi smiled coldly. Did she really think her cultivation at the peak of the High Xuan period could match his?
With just a flick of his finger, he could make her kneel and beg for mercy.
Su Qi gently moved with Li Xiaonuan, causing Li Yuanniang to nearly crash into the wall. But then, a hidden weapon struck Li Yuanniang's elegant updo, causing her golden hairpin to crackle and fall to the ground.
Er Hu also entered the room with a horse at that moment.
Er Hu saw Li Yuanniang's disheveled hair, unable to see her face clearly. His gaze shifted to Mother Wang, who lay motionless on the ground. His eyes continued to dart around until he saw Su Qi pulling Li Xiaonuan to stand to the side, her delicate face filled with pride.
Er Hu was stunned, his face displaying confusion. What was going on?
"Mother Li, what's happening here?"
"Are you blind? Hurry up and arrest that brat and the smelly girl for me," Li Yuanniang said, regaining her composure.
Er Hu steadied himself, brushed away the hair that blocked his vision with both hands, and glared at Su Qi with a mixture of anger and satisfaction.
"Go, bring them back," Er Hu ordered loudly, paying no mind to the fact that a child would possess any formidable skills.
"Huh! Just by you?" Su Qi smiled coldly, not even sparing a glance at Er Hu and the others. His eyes were filled with contempt, as if he were looking at lifeless corpses.
As five or six burly men approached, Su Qi's body suddenly emitted a burst of golden light, sending the men flying instantaneously.
At that moment, both Er Hu and Li Yuanniang were stunned.
"A master at the seventh level of the Golden Xuan period?" Li Yuanniang stared at Su Qi in disbelief. She had heard that the young owner of Moon Mountain Villa was a ninth-level master of the Golden Xuan period. Yet, the child in front of her was already at the seventh level of the Golden Xuan period. This was a remarkable feat. As someone who specialized in gathering information from all corners of the world, how could she not have any information about this child?
"Huh! You're only seeing it now? It's too late," Su Qi smiled like a mischievous little demon. His small hands were not idle either, gradually condensing his cultivation at the seventh level of the Golden Xuan period, ready to unleash its power.
With a loud bang, the entire room shattered.
His field of vision suddenly widened, revealing a courtyard-style building in front of him. Su Qi glanced left and right, only to find that children of his age were locked up in the rooms on both sides.
Every child looked at him with fear in their eyes.
Su Qi's gaze turned extremely cold in an instant.
"Don't waste time. Go inform your master that I'm here on the top floor."
Er Hu yelled at Li Yuanniang, fully aware that they couldn't afford to provoke a child with seventh-level cultivation of the Golden Xuan period.
"Fine! I'll go," Su Qi didn't block Li Yuanniang's path. What he wanted to know was who owned this establishment.
As soon as Li Yuanniang left, Su Qi took off into the air and kicked the chest of the second mansion. Li Hu, an eighth-level cultivator of the Gao Xuan period, was no match for Su Qi. He fell backward with a loud crash, breaking a screen in the process.
"Don't try to escape!" Su Qi shouted.
Upon hearing his words, the previously shocked children rushed toward the back door.
"Stop them!"
Li Hu roared with all his might, but the guards looked at Su Qi's devilish appearance and none of them dared to step forward.
The commotion grew too loud and attracted the attention of some resting girls.