Within the Bounty Collection Hall, Tang Chen was, as usual, lounging around, reclining over the table beside the three elders. The elders were busy recording bounties and dealing with the influx of disciples either taking missions or returning to submit their completed ones. They didn't mind Tang Chen's idleness at all; today, he wasn't even reading a book, which struck them as odd. However, they knew it was unwise to meddle with such an eccentric and lazy individual, especially since they owed him a substantial debt.
Tang Chen had been lounging like this for an entire week without picking up a single book. In reality, he had secretly added a surveillance array to the Identity Card he gave Han Xiao, and he had been spying on him through his black sunglasses.
At first, he was pleased with Han Xiao's attitude at the entrance of the Zhou Palace's Cultivation Hall. "Nice kid! He knows what to pursue."
Then he was astonished to see Han Xiao's determination to bear the pressure of a senior who was guarding the Seventh Floor, Ji Hao, who was clearly in the Revolving Core Realm. "This kid is a rare gem. Hahaha, I've hit the jackpot this time. He's barely in the Pulse Condensation Realm and can withstand the aura pressure of a Revolving Core Realm cultivator. If what I saw is true, then this brat practices an Ancient Rank Body Cultivation technique in addition to his Qi Cultivation. His sheer will also plays a role in that. He's truly remarkable!" he mused with a grin, making the three elders and the disciples feel uncomfortably on edge.
For the entire week, he forgot to do anything else, his focus solely on the kid. What finally shocked him to the point of nearly losing consciousness, causing him to slap the desk so hard it shattered, was witnessing Han Xiao's remarkable technique for reforming the weapon and inscribing two strange sigils on the sword. "What's that technique? Hmm, I've always boasted about my Tang Clan's ingenious methods of weapon crafting and magical inscriptions, but why do I feel my confidence is shattered after seeing this brat's performance? That technique is something else. I need to get my hands on it."
The next day, Tang Chen continued his surveillance, though an unsettling feeling lingered, as his itching ears—a reliable predictor of trouble—hinted at impending events.
As the bustling hall teemed with disciples, a striking, cold-eyed lady appeared and shouted, her gaze as sharp as daggers, "Lazybones Chen, get up. We need to talk!"
The crowd's first reaction was one of shock and curiosity: What? Who is she to come and talk down to a Senior Brother from the Inner Court?
The elders, however, had a slightly different take. Damn! She's gutsy, and her shout just released our pent-up emotions. But who is she? She must be this bastard's estranged girlfriend or something like that. Hahaha, things are about to get interesting. They were eagerly anticipating more drama.
But they would be disappointed, as a disciple quickly clarified, "I know her. She's the famous Second Tigress, Yan Bingyan—the Ice Lady!"
The others quickly joined in, recognizing Yan Bingyan. Even the elders shook their heads in disappointment. Forget her being an Outer Court disciple; we, the elders, have little sway over this lazy bum. When are they going to shift him back to the Inner Court?
Yan Bingyan's presence was largely ignored, which only fueled her anger. Without a second thought, she marched over, grabbed Tang Chen's right earlobe, and twisted it nearly three-sixty degrees.
"Ouch-ouch, that hurts! Let go, little girl, while I'm being nice," Tang Chen scowled, pretending to bear the pain.
"Shut up, that's my line. Follow me somewhere private before I further humiliate you in front of everyone," Yan Bingyan retorted sharply.
Everyone was dumbfounded. What in the world is going on here? Are they that close?
Some girls giggled and whispered among themselves, blushing. "Good news, the Ice Princess Bingyan has a strong boyfriend who's completely under her thumb!"
The boys, however, were not pleased. Their dream girl, the untouchable Ice Princess, was acting coquettish with another male, especially someone from the Inner Court who was not only good-looking but also rich and powerful in Qi Cultivation. Hah! What a lucky bastard! He gets it all—girl, money, and strength.
Yan Bingyan and Tang Chen heard the murmurs, but they didn't bother to explain themselves or clear the misunderstanding. They simply didn't care about anyone present. To them, the crowd was like a swarm of passing bees buzzing for their attention. However, Tang Chen was still uncomfortable with a girl twisting his ear in public.
"Alright, just let go first," he said, hinting at his reputation.
"No way! I see through your little game. Follow me now, or else I won't be so nice. Consider this your final warning. Next time, I'll add you to my blacklist and report you to my Crown Big Brother," Yan Bingyan tightened her grip, playing her strongest card.
At the mention of 'Crown Big Brother,' a chill ran down Tang Chen's spine. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as memories of horror flooded his mind. It was like unlocking a sealed memory. The psychological torment he had experienced, only he knew the reasons behind it. That day had taught him that being playful could attract dangerous people. Moreover, he had one person he feared above all else, and his cultivation journey was focused on overcoming that fear and defeating that person one day.
"Alright, no need to go to such lengths. Where are we headed?" Tang Chen spoke, complying with Yan Bingyan's demand. As they walked, he couldn't help but ask, "Hey, we're practically family. Why do you always treat me like this?"
"Hmpf! That's the question I want to ask. Why do you always try to annoy me, even though I'm clearly taller?" She snorted, lowering her hand.
"What did I do to upset you this time?" Tang Chen inquired innocently.
She shot him a glare and uttered two words through gritted teeth, "Han Xiao!"