The lady in a plain skirt's gaze pierced countless star fields to land on Sang Mei. A moment later, she turned and walked away. A man dressed in white was beside her. The man in white looked back and smiled. "That girl is quite extraordinary." The lady in a plain skirt said nothing. The man dressed in white turned to her and asked, "Qing'er, what do you think?" The lady in a plain skirt replied, "Brother, whatever you say is right." The man in white laughed heartily and said, "It's the first time I've seen someone capable of self-restraint. A person like that, she's ruthless." The lady in a plain skirt still said nothing. The man in white said, "Qing'er, don't be ... You're making me feel like an idiot, just saying things at random." The lady in a plain skirt replied calmly, "Lying, I don't want to. Telling the truth, I'm afraid of hurting you." The man in white was speechless. The lady in a plain skirt continued, "She's here to kill Little Guan." The man in white's eyes narrowed slightly. The lady in a plain skirt looked at him and said, "Using Order to restrain Order..." The man in white was slightly stunned. Then, he looked back and said softly, "I see. I guess that's original... Now, it depends on whether our Little Guan is worthy to play the game." The lady in a plain skirt nodded. "Whether he can defeat the Great Daoist Brush Master or not... that's up to him," the man in white said. Then, he looked at the lady in a plain skirt and asked, "Qing'er, how many layers have you broken?" The lady in a plain skirt said, "Can you not ask?" The man in white was puzzled. "Why?" The lady in a plain skirt replied, "I'm afraid your feelings will get hurt." The man in white was at a loss for words. A moment later, he said, "Qing'er, you left a strand of sword energy for that kid..." The lady in a plain skirt replied, "It's a trial." When Ye Guan saw Sang Mei retract her gaze, he opened his mouth to speak, but the young woman from earlier appeared with a box in her hand. She presented it to Sang Mei with a smile. "Miss, this is a gift from our Young Master Buqi. Please accept it." Ye Guan looked at the box. Inside was a divine artifact; the Rainbow Dao Stone. Seeing the item, Ye Guan was surprised. He didn't expect Jun Buqi to be so bold. The Rainbow Dao Stone was worth several million True Spirit Crystals. What surprised him even more was that this gift validated her words. Jun Buqi was trying to challenge her worldview with money. If it were any other woman, they wouldn't be able to resist. This kind of wealth was just too overwhelming to resist. Few women could withstand such a blow. Moreover, Jun Buqi wasn't being crude. Often, when money was being treated as a mere number, it wouldn't be attractive. When it was presented with gentleness and grace, it would be invincible. Clearly, Jun Buqi was a master at pursuing women. Ye Guan remained silent. Strictly speaking, he and Sang Mei weren't even friends, so he had no right to interfere in her personal affairs. Sang Mei looked at the box and smiled. "A gift for me?" The young woman respectfully replied, "Yes." Sang Mei smiled and was about to speak when the young woman added, "Miss, this represents our Young Master's heartfelt admiration. He said that only someone as extraordinary as you could suit such a beautiful and divine item." The young woman handed the box to her. "Miss, the Young Master said this item belongs to you now. If you don't like it, you may dispose of it however you wish." Sang Mei turned to Ye Guan, "Little swordsman, can you help me with something?" Ye Guan knew what she meant by "help," and he quickly waved his hands. "No, no, I'm here to study, not to stir up trouble..." Sang Mei smiled. "Looks like you've taken your fair share of beatings." Ye Guan nodded. "Exactly." Sang Mei teased, saying, "There's a reward." Ye Guan still shook his head decisively. He pulled Sang Mei aside and whispered, "Miss, I'm definitely no match for the Jun Clan right now. I can't bear that kind of karma. You aren't going to drag me into danger for no reason, right?" "You're not that kind of person, are you?" Sang Mei blinked and added, "I can make your Divine Seal appear genuine, even the Temple God won't notice the difference." Ye Guan's eyes lit up. Sang Mei cast a sincere gaze at him. Ye Guan hesitated. If that were true, the reward would outweigh the risk... "Don't you have your own way to handle this?" Sang Mei nodded. "I do, but my way is too crude, too violent." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fıre·net Ye Guan was speechless. Sang Mei smiled. "Ten seconds left." Ye Guan shook his head immediately. "I refuse." Sang Mei was a bit surprised. Ye Guan said earnestly, "An elder once told me—do what you can handle. The Jun Clan is beyond what I can deal with right now. If I rashly make enemies with them, I'll be in a world of hurt. "If I end up needing to call in my family to help, that's just embarrassing. But if the Jun Clan crosses a line, using underhanded means to offend you, then I would step up even without something in exchange." Too many men have brought disaster on themselves over a few words uttered by a woman. Hero saving the damsel in distress? Every man dreamt of that, but they had to ask themselves. First, were they capable enough to do that? Secondly, were they sure that the woman actually needed their help? A man had to live with a clear heart. Sang Mei patted Ye Guan's shoulder and smiled. "To act without relying on your family. Little swordsman, you've surprised me." She turned to the young woman and smiled. "Miss, please tell your Young Master that I'm really not interested in him. Don't waste your efforts. If he tries something again, I will beat him up." The young woman looked troubled. "Miss, I'm just a subordinate—" "Just pass on my words." Sang Mei cut her off. Then, she turned to Ye Guan, "Let's go, little swordsman." The young woman returned and placed the box on a table, repeating Sang Mei's message. Two men sat inside, one was Jun Buqi, while the other was dressed in ornate robes, looking noble and refined. After hearing the young woman's words, the ornate-robed man burst out laughing. "Buqi, you really miscalculated this time! Haha..." Jun Buqi took a sip of tea and calmly said, "Doesn't that make things even more interesting?" The ornate-robed man said, "Buqi, I think that girl's no ordinary person. That young man with her has presence, too. I say...don't mess with them. You don't lack women." Jun Buqi glanced at the box and smiled, "Brother Zong Gu, do you think she's playing hard to get, or does she truly not care about this multi-million True Spirit Crystal treasure?" Zong Gu smiled, "There are two possibilities. One, she's luring you in for more benefits. Two, she really doesn't care. If it's the first, she's not worth it. If it's the second, then you'd better be careful. A woman who doesn't care about a divine artifact definitely isn't simple." Jun Buqi asked, "Which do you think it is?" Zong Gu thought briefly and said, "Since she went straight to the top floor to see the treasures, I'm leaning toward the second; she truly doesn't care." "You and I are both from wealthy backgrounds. As long as we don't make stupid decisions, we'll enjoy these luxuries for life. There's no need to provoke dangerous women," Zong Gu added. Jun Buqi's eyes narrowed. "I must have that woman." Jun Buqi smiled, "Brother Zong Gu, every woman I've ever wanted, they've all landed on my bed." Zong Gu fell silent. He knew the feeling; what one couldn't get, one would desire more. Especially for a man like Jun Buqi, who had never failed before. The one who ignored him had piqued his instinct to conquer. However, Zong Gu didn't speak his mind, as it would be impolite. Jun Buqi said, "Brother Zong Gu, care to bet? Three days. I'll have her in three days. If I fail, this Rainbow Dao Stone is yours. If I succeed, you owe me a divine weapon." Zong Gu waved his hands, "No way, the stakes are too high. Besides, even a female mosquito won't be able to escape your grasp!" Jun Buqi laughed, "Brother Zong Gu, you flatter me!" Zong Gu smiled, then said, "They say you're a playboy, but I think you're sharper than most. And honestly, who doesn't mess with women? Some do it in the open, some in secret." "Hahaha!" Jun Buqi laughed. "You are indeed a kindred spirit! Cheers." They toasted and drank. Then, Zong Gu said, "By the way, I hear your family's building a mall in Tian'nan Road... I'd like to be a contractor; I'm selling Vibranium." Jun Buqi smiled. "Ah, that's why you came here." "Well, a man's gotta earn some bread." Zong Gu grinned. "Can you make it happen? If it's tough, I won't mention it again." Jun Buqi considered, "If it's just Vibranium, maybe not a big deal, just a few billion True Spirit Crystals, but..." Zong Gu quickly added, "Don't worry, the quality will be top-notch." Jun Buqi nodded. "I'll talk to my big sister. Should be fine." Zong Gu smiled. "Thanks, brother." Jun Buqi downed his tea and smiled. "Brother Zong Gu, take your time. I'm off to chase the girl!" Jun Buqi left, laughing. After he left, the young woman sternly said, "Young Master, those two aren't ordinary people at all. Young Master Buqi might get into trouble." Zong Gu replied calmly, "I already warned him. If I keep pushing, we won't be friends anymore." The young woman's eyes narrowed. "We could warn those two; do them a favor and help them stay cautious." Zong Gu shook his head. The young woman was puzzled. "Why not? This is a perfect opportunity." Zong Gu smiled. "Xiao You, everyone has their own way of doing things. Buqi's actions aren't for us to judge. Besides, we eat at their table, so how can we break their bowl? That's not right." Zong Gu added, "The Divine Academy is recruiting right now. I secured a spot for your brother. Don't worry about the tuition, I'll handle it." Xiao You knelt and kowtowed deeply. "Young Master..." Zong Gu said, "No need to thank me too much. Your brother has talent. Otherwise, I won't get him in no matter what." Xiao You wept, exclaiming, "Your great kindness... I can never repay it!" Zong Gu smiled. "I'm just winning hearts. Nothing noble about it." Xiao You shook her head. "I'll never forget what you've done for me." "Too conspicuous here. I'm leaving." Zong Gu stood up and walked away. Ye Guan suddenly asked, "Miss Sang Mei, do you know how to fight?" "Yes." Sang Mei nodded. "When I get angry, I'm very fierce." "Hahaha." Ye Guan laughed, "Miss Sang Mei, I thought you were going to strike back in the mall." "Because I felt like you were actually upset... am I right?" Sang Mei nodded. "A little." "Then fighting back is only natural, isn't it?" Sang Mei turned to him with a serious face, "Little swordsman, that mindset is bad." "As those in higher positions, we must restrain our words, actions, and hearts. We should act with the perspective of the weak as our bottom line. If we misuse our power just because we're upset, how can the weak survive? "You know what part of your Order I admire the most?" Ye Guan was curious. "What?" Sang Mei smiled. "Restricting the strong. This world can't be truly fair. That's why we must restrain the strong; only then can the weak survive with dignity."