Xie Chong, initially fuming at Lü Shaoqing's audacity, quickly realized something was amiss when Zhang Zheng and Wu Tianzong proposed a sparring match. They had claimed their intention was to make acquaintances with Lü Shaoqing, but now that they had met, the air was filled with hostility, not camaraderie. Confused by the sudden change, Lü Shaoqing's sharp retort offered a clue.
He wasn't foolish; if Lü Shaoqing accepted the challenge and lost, not only would the reputation of Tianyu Peak be tarnished, but the entire Lingxiao Sect would be disgraced. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Xie Chong turned to Zhang Zheng and Wu Tianzong.
"Brothers, this isn't right," he began, trying to defuse the tension.
Wu Tianzong, however, scoffed. "What's wrong, Brother Xie?"
"Senior Brother Ji Yan is known for his strength, and since Lü Shaoqing is his junior, surely his abilities aren't lacking either. We're just eager to learn from him," Wu added with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a hint of provocation.
Lü Shaoqing ignored him, turning instead to Xie Chong. "Get them out of here, and I might not report you to Biyun Peak."
Xie Chong clenched his fists, anger surging. How dare he use that threat again? But before he could respond, Lü Shaoqing's gaze shifted to the steward, Zhang Jin.
"You're the manager of this establishment, aren't you?" Lü Shaoqing's voice was cold.
Zhang Jin, sensing an opportunity, quickly put on a humble face. "Indeed, I am. What are your orders, Young Master Lü?"
Lü Shaoqing's eyes narrowed. "You have until the count of ten to remove them. Otherwise, I assure you, your establishment won't last in Lingxiao City."
Zhang Jin was taken aback, while the young woman standing outside the door visibly tensed. Lü Shaoqing's identity as a direct disciple of Tianyu Peak was indisputable; even if his strength was questionable, his status was undeniable. His master was the peak lord, and his senior brother was the renowned Ji Yan, the undisputed genius of Lingxiao Sect. Lü Shaoqing's words carried considerable weight.
In Lingxiao City, situated at the base of the Lingxiao Sect's mountain, many businesses relied heavily on the sect's support. Being blacklisted by the Lingxiao Sect would be tantamount to losing one's livelihood.
Zhang Jin's smile faltered, and he hesitated. I hadn't expected him to resort to such a blatant threat.
Lü Shaoqing turned to Xiao Yi. "Junior Sister, start counting."
"One, two..." Xiao Yi's clear, melodic voice echoed through the room as she began counting. Her pace was slow, but Zhang Jin could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He realized he might have miscalculated.
He glanced nervously at Zhang Zheng and Wu Tianzong, but they only smirked, showing no intention of leaving. Xiao Yi's count reached six, and Zhang Jin's composure broke.
"Young Master Lü, please, this—"
Lü Shaoqing remained silent, watching coldly. Xiao Yi continued, "Seven... eight..."
Just as she was about to count to ten, a melodious voice called out from outside. "Wait!"
The young woman with the ponytail stepped into the room, closing the door behind her to block the view of the onlookers outside.
"Miss," Zhang Jin greeted, clearly relieved as he bowed to her.
The woman ignored him and instead bowed to Lü Shaoqing and Xiao Yi. "Fang Xiao of the Fang Family from Qizhou greets Young Master Lü and Miss Xiao."
She then turned and offered respectful greetings to Xie Chong, Zhang Zheng, and Wu Tianzong, her demeanor composed and polite, leaving no room for fault.
The Fang Family was one of the well-known families in Qizhou, holding significant influence as a second-tier power, just below the three major sects: Lingxiao Sect, Guiyuan Pavilion, and Shuangyue Valley.
As the daughter of the Fang Family head, Fang Xiao's status was comparable to that of the direct disciples of the three major sects. Xie Chong, Zhang Zheng, and Wu Tianzong, all inner disciples, treated her with great respect. None of them dared to offend the Fang Family.
Fang Xiao addressed the three guests with a warm smile. "Gentlemen, may we let this matter rest today? After all, we're here to enjoy a meal, and our establishment isn't equipped for sparring matches."
She continued, "May I ask for your courtesy in letting this go? As a gesture of goodwill, all expenses today will be covered by our establishment."
Xie Chong, having already realized the potential fallout of a fight, nodded in agreement. "Miss Fang is right; there's no need for conflict."
Zhang Zheng and Wu Tianzong exchanged glances, realizing that with Lü Shaoqing's refusal to engage and Fang Xiao's intervention, they had little choice but to relent. Begrudgingly, they nodded their agreement.
With that, Xie Chong, Zhang Zheng, and Wu Tianzong left the room, escorted by Fang Xiao's polite farewell.
Fang Xiao turned back to Lü Shaoqing, her expression apologetic. "I apologize for the disturbance, Young Master Lü. It was our mistake for not managing the situation properly."
Lü Shaoqing eyed her calmly. "So, this is how the Fang Family conducts business? Your steward brings people into private rooms to harass customers—do you always treat ordinary sect disciples with such disrespect?"
Fang Xiao had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. Ordinary sect disciple?
You could have fooled me. Why not claim you're an ordinary mortal while you're at it?
She bowed again, maintaining her composure. "Please forgive us, Young Master Lü. It's true that our management was inadequate, and I take full responsibility for the mishap. To express our sincerity, today's meal will be on the house."
Lü Shaoqing, however, wasn't satisfied. "That's not enough. We didn't order much—this gesture doesn't mean much to me."
Fang Xiao fought the urge to sigh. Is this really how a direct disciple should behave?
"May I ask what would suffice to appease you, Young Master Lü?"
Lü Shaoqing smirked. "Your establishment is newly opened, and with its luxurious décor, it's only a matter of time before it becomes the top restaurant in Lingxiao City. Issue me a membership card, a discount card that gives me 40% off every visit. I'll even bring my senior brother here to dine in the future. How about that?"
Ji Yan? Fang Xiao's eyes lit up.
Ji Yan was the most renowned among the younger generation across the three major sects of Qizhou. His reputation was well-known, and many looked up to him as an idol—especially young women, who fantasized about him as their ideal partner.
The prospect of having Ji Yan as a patron would bring immense prestige and publicity to her restaurant. Fang Xiao weighed the benefits and quickly made up her mind.
Taking out a special token, she offered it to Lü Shaoqing. "This is a special token from the Fang Family. Holding this, you can enjoy a 30% discount at any of our family's establishments. However, here at this particular restaurant, Young Master Lü will receive a 50% discount."
Lü Shaoqing's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Not bad."
Fang Xiao finally managed a small smile, relieved that the matter was settled. "I hope Young Master Lü and Miss Xiao enjoy their meal."
As Fang Xiao bowed and left the room, Lü Shaoqing pocketed the token with a triumphant grin. Xiao Yi, watching the exchange, felt a mix of awe and disbelief at her second senior brother's shameless audacity.
"Second Senior Brother, you really know how to—"
"How to what?" Lü Shaoqing interrupted with a smirk. "Negotiate? It's a talent."
Xiao Yi could only shake her head with a chuckle. This is my second senior brother, alright—always turning situations to his advantage.