Chapter 49: Is That All?

Given the kind of tricks he’d experienced in his previous life, Li Jian San could easily guess what would happen next. After this incident, all the various powers in Flowing Fire City would probably start to stir—if not try to befriend him directly.

Dealing with those three old men had already given him a massive headache. If a whole crowd joined in, who could handle that? So without further hesitation, Li Jian San took advantage of the three elders’ argument and pulled Chu Xier away at once.

“Senior Brother Li, you’re really just running away like this?” Chu Xier asked curiously after being dragged out by him. She tilted her head, quietly observing this man who was pulling her along under the setting sun. He was so obviously gifted, yet insisted on acting weak; he could have been a kind and generous man, yet let rumors of his demonic nature spread unchecked; and now, even after gaining the favor of three great masters, he was intent on refusing their goodwill...

Senior Brother Li, you really are a fool who refuses to walk the ordinary path.

“Senior Brother Li, you can let go now.” Chu Xier tried to pull her hand free.

“What was that, Junior Sister Xier…?”

“Let’s talk later, run! They’re catching up!” To her surprise, he pretended not to hear and only tightened his grip slightly.

After a long while, both Li Jian San and Chu Xier finally stopped, gasping for breath. Sweat dampened Chu Xier’s clothes, outlining her graceful figure, making Li Jian San feel an unbearable heat rise within him.

“Senior Brother Li, what’s your plan now? Are you just going to keep running?” The thought of the three masters from the Alchemist Guild made Chu Xier nervous again. “Those three are all major figures in the Alchemist Guild, and they value you highly. Are you planning to become any of their disciples? Or do you really intend to just run away like this?”

Li Jian San smiled, “Well, we’ve already run this far, haven’t we?”

Chu Xier’s face grew more serious. “They’re all famous and powerful people. Aren’t you afraid of offending them?”

“It’s fine. With me here, there’s nothing to fear,” Li Jian San replied lightly. “As for becoming a disciple, let’s talk about that next time.”

Just then, a large figure stepped out to block their way.

“What, did letting you off last time make you think you could get away with anything?”

Li Jian San glanced at the figure—he recognized the burly man he’d encountered earlier at the restaurant. One of his men had been crippled and was likely bedridden by now. Another had been spared and now had come back for more.

“You little punk! Last time you crippled my brother—I’ll break your arms and legs to pay you back for that!” The burly man’s face twisted with rage as he saw Li Jian San.

Li Jian San just smiled, “You and what army?”

Even without the elder backing this kid, Li Jian San could handle him easily.

“Listen, kid, I know you’ve got some powerful people behind you, but I didn’t come unprepared today!” The burly man’s expression turned grim as he stepped back and whispered to a young man in fine robes, “Young master, this is the one who crippled Er Gou and injured me.”

When he finished, the young man in fine clothes glanced at Li Jian San—but his gaze quickly shifted, fixing hungrily on Chu Xier.

“Well, well, this little beauty is quite a sight. You’ve got some luck with women, boy.” He licked his lips, eyeing Chu Xier lecherously.

After a moment, he turned to Li Jian San. “You crippled my favorite lackey. Whether I’m fond of him or not doesn’t matter. The point is, you embarrassed me. Do you know who I am? My reputation is everything to me…”

Li Jian San was already tired of his rambling. “So what do you want?”

“Here’s how it’ll go. I’ll give you a chance: hand that little girl over to me, and I’ll let this matter rest.”

The burly man looked displeased at this, “But, young master—”

“Shut up!” snarled the young man, shooting him a glare.

Li Jian San replied coolly, “Is that all?”

The young man was briefly stunned, then grinned, “That’s right, that’s all. I’m not a petty man—give me the beauty, and I’ll consider you a friend.”

Hearing this, Chu Xier’s heart suddenly trembled—surely Senior Brother Li wouldn’t really hand her over to this creep…

But Li Jian San’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “You think a few henchmen can trade for my Junior Sister Xier? What nonsense are you dreaming of?”

Chu Xier’s face grew even more tense—oh no, is Senior Brother Li planning to sell me to the highest bidder?

Ding.

“System alert: Target Chu Xier’s favorability toward host has dropped by 20 points.”

This startled Li Jian San—what on earth just happened?

The young man in fine clothes eyed Chu Xier again, his smile growing lewder. “No rush. Name your price—I can pay.”

“Filth!” Li Jian San could hold back no longer. He strode forward and punched the young man square in the face.

“How dare you raise a hand to my young master!” the burly man yelled, leaping out. “That’s Wang Yang, heir to the Wang family! You’re dead!”

Li Jian San replied coldly, “The Wang family? They’re nothing to me. I don’t care who you are—no one lays a finger on my Junior Sister Xier!”

“Senior Brother Li, what should we do…” Chu Xier, standing to the side, was visibly nervous. She hadn’t experienced such scenes before—no wonder she was uneasy.

Ding.

“System alert: Target Chu Xier’s favorability toward host has increased by 30 points.”

Li Jian San suddenly understood—so that silly girl was worried I’d sell her out.

He took her hand. “Don’t worry, everything’s fine now.”

This time, Chu Xier didn’t pull away and let him hold her hand.

Wang Yang wiped the blood from his mouth. “You know, I was willing to let this go if you just let that girl apologize and let me enjoy myself a little. But you had to cross me. Now, I’ll show you what happens to those who offend me.”

“Dog Sheng, after I cripple this brat, make sure the girl doesn’t escape. I want to take her home and have my fun—when I’m bored of her, you can have a turn too.”

The burly man nodded eagerly. “Leave it to me.”

Wang Yang glanced at Chu Xier, then back at Li Jian San, his voice cold and menacing. “You could have gotten off easy, but it looks like your strength—or lack of it—has made that impossible. Now, I’ll show you exactly what happens when you cross me.”