It was rather ingeniously designed by the four households indeed. The young ladies possessed no cultivation skills and were packaged as newly arrived courtesans. There was no need to act out a facade of trepidation and uncertainty, it was truly fitting.
Old Master Xu unwittingly stepped into this trap, with not a hint of suspicion.
Reflecting on it now, it made him scrutinize himself. The grand and ostentatious challenge undoubtedly achieved his aim, but it also exposed him to public scrutiny, especially as his cultivation method deviated markedly from that of ordinary people. It seemed quite easy for him to end up at a disadvantage now.
Just as his cousin had said, facing such a well-designed ruse, seemingly even innate psychic ability couldn't be of any help. This really made him anxious.
