"Fei Li, Shi Yan, Bao'ao, I owe you all for this. Your efforts won't go unnoticed," the red-clad girl said with a seductive smile, her voice soft and sweet. With a wave of her hand, she revealed a pale purple pill. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed expectantly at the three men before her.
"Help me subdue this Purple Lion. With this Spirit Sealing Pill, I can weaken it instantly. I can't wait to tame it and make it my mount!" she added.
The moment she spoke, the three men's eyes lit up with excitement, their breathing quickening at the prospect of pleasing her. They all seemed ready to rush forward and give their lives for her.
However, just as they prepared to act on her command and pin down the Purple Lion, a crisp clapping sound echoed through the stone forest.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
"How bold of you to tame my mount. It seems I, too, need to tame a slave to ride," a mocking voice said, dripping with amusement.
A tall figure descended from the sky, landing gracefully a few meters in front of the group. His piercing gaze locked onto the red-clad girl, filled with playful interest. It was obvious he had no intention of hiding his attraction to her.
It had been over two months since Gu Changqing had parted ways with Yao Ye. During that time, he had explored many parts of the Jia Ma Empire, witnessing its customs and encountering various events.
He had killed bandits, obliterated thieves' dens, harvested rare treasures, stumbled upon ancient ruins, and even had a few admirers fall for him along the way. He'd done good deeds, received thanks from countless people, and even entertained the refined folks of brothels with his talents.
But despite all these encounters, he had remained fairly disciplined.
Until today.
The moment he laid eyes on this red-clad girl, something within him stirred. For the first time in months, he felt the urge to claim a female slave for his own amusement.
"What a beauty!"
The red-clad girl's eyes widened as she took in Gu Changqing's handsome face and commanding presence. But the spark of attraction quickly gave way to indignation as her haughty nature took over. Stepping forward, she glared at him, her chest puffed out proudly.
"Who do you think you are, daring to interrupt my business?" she demanded.
The three men around her were equally stunned by Gu Changqing's arrival. But, seeing his good looks, they immediately felt threatened.
"Who the hell are you?!" one of them shouted angrily.
"Get lost while you still can, or you'll regret it," growled another.
"Leave now, and maybe we'll let you live," the third added, their jealousy clearly rising as they imagined the red-clad girl being captivated by this newcomer.
Gu Changqing saw through them instantly. These men weren't her equals—they were little more than lapdogs, doing her bidding in hopes of winning her favor. He also realized who she was: the same girl who had tried to apprentice under Hai Bodong, only to be ignored by him.
She was a beauty, no doubt about that. And judging by her appearance, she was still untouched by any man.
Since that was the case, Gu Changqing had no reason to hold back.
"You dare touch my mount and still ask who I am? From now on, I'm your master, and you... you're my slave. Come here!" Gu Changqing said coldly, reaching out.
With a single motion, the red-clad girl was pulled into his grasp. Wrapping his arm around her slender waist, he held her tightly against him, showing no hesitation or politeness.
Having lived for countless years, Gu Changqing felt no qualms about claiming a slave, especially one as tempting as this girl.
"Liu Mei!"
"Let her go!"
"You're asking to die!"
The three men went mad with rage, charging at Gu Changqing in a desperate attempt to rescue the girl.
But Gu Changqing didn't even flinch. With a casual wave, he slapped each of them to the ground, sending them flying like rag dolls.
Then, in front of their stunned eyes, he brought his hand down on the girl's backside.
Smack!
As the slap echoed through the air, he calmly began lecturing her:
"Arrogant and spoiled, this is for your parents!"
"Coveting what's not yours, this is for me!"
"Binding my mount, this is for the Purple Lion!"
"Being a menace to others, this is for all the people you've wronged!"
"And as for these three dogs of yours... this one's for them, so they can feel like they contributed!"
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Each slap was firm, yet deliberate. By the time he finished, the girl was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably in his arms.
"Next time, be more careful who you provoke," Gu Changqing warned, his tone cold but calm.
"I'll spare your lives today, but she's coming with me."
With that, he freed the Purple Lion from its bindings, then leapt onto its back, taking the red-clad girl with him. In a flash, they disappeared into the horizon.
"Liu Mei... My Liu Mei..."
"She's ruined..."
"My goddess has been defiled..."
The three men sat in stunned silence, completely shattered. They didn't even seem to hear Gu Changqing's parting words.
On the back of the Purple Lion, the red-clad girl was still defiant, glaring at Gu Changqing despite her tears.
"I'm the daughter of the City Lord of Mo City! Release me now, and I might consider sparing your life. Better yet, give me this lion, and I'll let you serve as my attendant," she threatened, though her words lacked conviction.
Smack!
Another slap landed on her.
"Ow! How dare you hit me?! Not even my father has ever laid a hand on me!" she shrieked, her face twisting in pain and disbelief.
"I'll have my father kill you! I'll—"
Smack!
Gu Changqing's hand struck again, cutting her off mid-sentence.
"Shut up," he ordered, his voice sharp. "You tried to take my mount. You should've known better."
"Listen carefully. I don't care if your father, your ancestors, or even your whole clan comes after me. None of them can touch me."
"From now on, you're my slave. Serve me well, and I might reward you with a great fortune. Otherwise... well, let's just say I won't be so kind."
Gu Changqing had no interest in humoring her any further. He had brought her along for a reason, and he intended to enjoy the benefits of having a slave.
As for her attitude, he had no problem beating it out of her.
After all, a well-behaved slave could always be useful.