Cheng Wuyong smiled as he watched the scene unfold before him. When he noticed that Su Yi seemed uninterested, he immediately changed the topic and said, "According to Zhang Yiren, there is another remarkable mysterious figure on this ship, currently residing in the Number One Pavilion of Building A."
"Who?" Curiously asked Yuan Luo Xi.
"Zhang Yiren doesn't know for sure. She only knows that this esteemed guest has a connection with Martial Spirit Marquis Chen Zheng and is possibly a noble son who came from Jade Capital City. He is accompanied by only four guards, but each of them possesses the cultivation of Qi Gathering Realm."
Yuan Luo Xi's beautiful eyes narrowed as she said, "This presence is not ordinary at all. In Jade Capital City, perhaps only disciples from those top-level aristocratic families receive such treatment."
"No, this noble son is far from being that simple," Cheng Wuyong said. "He is also accompanied by a young woman who appears to be only seventeen or eighteen years old. Zhang Yiren, a mid-stage Qi Gathering Realm cultivator, feels a chill in her heart when facing her. According to Zhang Yiren, that young woman is likely a Martial Dao Grandmaster!"
"What?" Yuan Luo Xi and Huang Qianjun were shocked. A seventeen or eighteen-year-old Martial Dao Grandmaster? Such a monstrous individual exists in this world?
"This is only Zhang Yiren's speculation, and I'm not sure if it's true or not. But what can be certain is that this noble son's background is definitely not simple."
As Cheng Wuyong spoke, he noticed that Su Yi was calmly sipping his tea, seemingly uninterested in these topics. This made him sigh internally, wondering what kind of things in this world could truly pique the interest of someone like Su Yi.
Wealth?
Power?
Romance?
Perhaps none of those.
Suddenly, a distant and melodious sound of a qin (Chinese zither) filled the air, as if it were the misty rain of the Jiangnan region, carrying a poetic and picturesque charm that led one's thoughts astray.
Everyone couldn't help but reveal an expression of attentiveness.
No one noticed, however, that Su Yi furrowed his brow upon hearing the qin melody.
Until the sound of the qin gradually faded away, Huang Qianjun couldn't help but praise, "Such a qin melody, it's truly ethereal, as if a gentle breeze caresses one's face, bringing a refreshing feeling to the soul."
"Indeed, it's beautiful. There are no traces of forced techniques, flowing effortlessly like a meandering river, creating a perfect harmony," Yuan Luo Xi nodded in agreement and showed a surprised expression. "Uncle Yong, could there be an exceptionally talented qin player on this ship?"
"The one who played the qin just now should be Cha Jin, the number one courtesan of 'Man Ting Fang' in Lin Shang City. It is said that she possesses extraordinary talents, exquisite beauty, and enjoys great fame," Cheng Wuyong explained.
Huang Qianjun's eyes brightened, displaying a face filled with longing, as he said, "Even in this red-light district, there exists such a remarkably talented woman? I truly wish to witness it."
Yuan Luo Xi coldly snorted and said, "Just a courtesan, regardless of her appearance or qin skills, she is nothing more than an object of admiration for men."
Her voice carried a strong sense of disdain.
What's wrong with being a courtesan?
Miss Cha Jin only sells her artistic skills, not her body.
Isn't it normal for many men to appreciate and admire this exceptional beauty who rises above the vulgar?
Although Huang Qianjun wanted to refute, he restrained himself due to the vast difference in status between him and the others.
Suddenly, Su Yi spoke coldly, "There's something off about Cha Jin. If you encounter her during the journey ahead, it's best to stay away from her."
His words shocked everyone.
"Mr. Su, what have you noticed?" Cheng Wuyong asked with a serious expression.
"It's not certain at the moment, but it has nothing to do with us, so there's no need to worry," Su Yi stood up and said. "Nightfall is approaching. Is there any place to eat?"
Cheng Wuyong quickly stood up, saying, "Mr. Su, I have arranged a banquet on the ninth floor terrace. It offers a broad view, with scenic landscapes on both sides, providing an excellent atmosphere."
"Then let's go there now," Yuan Luo Xi stood up and said.
Immediately, the group left the pavilion, led by Cheng Wuyong, heading towards the top of the ship's ninth floor.
Meanwhile,
The youth in a purple robe and feathered crown was escorted out of Building A, Pavilion 3 by two beautiful maidens.
"Tell Miss Cha Jin that I will visit again tomorrow," he instructed, his desires unfulfilled, before turning and leaving.
"Your Highness," halfway through, a middle-aged man named Zhang Duo hurriedly approached and whispered, "I have gathered information. Among those people, one is Yuan Luo Xi from the Yuan family in Yunhe County. She is..."
Zhang Duo quickly provided a brief introduction of Yuan Luo Xi and Cheng Wuyong's backgrounds.
As for Su Yi and Huang Qianjun, he only mentioned them in passing.
The youth in the purple robe nodded and said, "I see. Since she is from the Yuan family in Yunhe County, there's no need to worry."
"Let's go, let's have our meal first," he said, heading towards a distance.
When they arrived at the open-air terrace on the ninth floor of the building, it was already crowded with figures, gathered in small groups, dining and conversing at various tables.
The dishes were abundant, mainly consisting of delicacies from mountains and rivers, and the wine was well-aged. Beautiful maidservants served the guests like blooming butterflies.
As night fell, torches were lit all around, flickering flames creating an ethereal ambiance. Stars dotted the sky, and the distant sounds of the rushing Cang River added to the tranquil elegance.
Of course, those who could dine on this ninth-floor terrace were either wealthy or noble.
"Oh, they are here too."
Upon arriving, the youth in the purple robe and feathered crown immediately noticed Yuan Luo Xi and her group sitting near the ship's rail.
Illuminated by the torchlight, this graceful and charming young girl appeared even more enchanting and dazzling.
"Your Highness, our seats are over there," Zhang Duo said, about to lead the way. However, the youth in the purple robe shook his head and said, "Let's go and meet this Miss Yuan from the Yuan family."
With quickened steps, he approached their location.
Zhang Duo was momentarily taken aback, but when he saw the stunning face of Yuan Luo Xi, he instantly understood the intentions of his lord and couldn't help but smile wryly.
However, he had long grown accustomed to it and quickly followed along.
Su Yi and the others were enjoying their meal and drinks. When the youth in the purple robe appeared, Cheng Wuyong was the first to notice. After a brief assessment, a hint of surprise appeared in his expression.
He quickly said, "If my guess is correct, this extraordinary person mentioned by Zhang Yiren should be this young man."
Yuan Luo Xi couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Yong, how did you figure it out?"
"He is wearing a purple robe made of Xueling Silkworm silk, impervious to water and fire. The feathered crown on his head exudes a sense of spirituality, clearly not an ordinary item. And his belt, boots, jade pendant... each item is meticulously crafted. Just this attire alone would cost no less than five hundred spirit stones!" Cheng Wuyong lowered his voice and continued, "Most importantly, the follower accompanying him is a high-level Qi Gathering Realm expert. Although he appears ordinary, his aura cannot deceive me. He is clearly a ruthless and skilled expert."
After hearing this, both Yuan Luo Xi and Huang Qianjun couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Even Su Yi couldn't help but look at Cheng Wuyong with a different gaze. He didn't notice it, but Cheng Wuyong's attention to detail and sharp insight were truly remarkable.
Unfortunately, Cheng Wuyong overlooked the most important point.
Within the aura of the youth in the purple robe and feathered crown, there was a faintly discernible mark, an imprint that was not easily noticed. It was similar to the "mark" left by a secret soul technique.
Undoubtedly, this youth in the purple robe had already been targeted by someone who was proficient in soul techniques!
However, Su Yi didn't say much.
They were just strangers who met by chance, and there was no need to remind the other party.
But what surprised Su Yi and the others was that the youth in the purple robe walked directly towards them.
"Miss Yuan, may I have the honor of joining you? " The youth in the purple robe approached with a smiling expression, his manners elegant.
"Do you know me?" Yuan Luo Xi asked.
Yuan Luo Xi was surprised and puzzled.
"The treasured pearl of the Yuan family in Yunhe County, how could I not know?" The youth in the purple robe replied and casually took a seat on an empty spot. He smiled and said, "Please don't mind my intrusion. It gets lonely during the journey, and I simply wanted to make some new friends."
Huang Qianjun almost rolled his eyes. How could he not see that the youth in the purple robe came specifically for Yuan Luo Xi?
However, when he noticed Zhang Duo, the middle-aged man, standing silently not far from the youth in the purple robe, Huang Qianjun couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension.
With the previous preparation from Cheng Wuyong, Yuan Luo Xi also realized that the youth in the purple robe had an extraordinary background. Therefore, she suppressed the displeasure in her heart and didn't directly drive him away.
As for Su Yi, he glanced at the youth in the purple robe for a moment and then withdrew his gaze, focusing on his drink and food.
In his opinion, the youth in the purple robe must have some trouble, so it was better to keep a distance and avoid unnecessary problems.
"Miss Yuan, are you planning to return to Yunhe County this time?" The youth in the purple robe poured himself a glass of wine, his smiling face easily winning people's favor.
"Yes," Yuan Luo Xi nodded and asked in return, "You already know my identity, but why don't you introduce yourself? It's a bit impolite."
The youth in the purple robe was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and cupped his hands, "My apologies for the oversight. I am Zhi Li, from Yujing City. I am also heading to Yunhe County this time."
Huang Qianjun interrupted, "This Zhi Li, may I ask why you're going to Yunhe County?"
The youth in the purple robe smiled faintly and said, "To visit some friends."
As he spoke, he changed the subject and actively engaged in conversation with Yuan Luo Xi.
It must be said that the youth in the purple robe had a good manner of speaking and a humble attitude. Coupled with his handsome appearance, most other girls would have already been deeply moved.
But Yuan Luo Xi felt nothing but annoyance in her heart. She disliked engaging in small talk with strangers.
Especially when she sensed that the other party seemed to have ulterior motives, her aversion grew stronger.
If she hadn't been unable to figure out the other party's background, she might have lost her temper already.
However, the youth in the purple robe was also tactful. Seeing that Yuan Luo Xi remained indifferent, he immediately took the hint.
It seemed that he knew not to appear too eager during their first meeting.
He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Please continue your conversation, everyone. I shall take my leave."
"By the way, Miss Yuan, during my visit to Yunhe County, I might pay a visit to your house. If we meet then, please don't be too surprised."
With a suave smile, he turned around, ready to leave.
Just at that moment...
The enormous floating palace shook violently as if it had struck a solid reef. The dozens of zhang long ship swayed abruptly.