Chapter 361: Chen Qianqian's First Move
Hiss—
The onlookers watching the pampered young master surrounded by cultivators drew sharp breaths.
Exclamations burst out from the crowd.
"These outsiders have provoked Young Master Jin, the future crown prince of the Baoxiang Kingdom!"
"They're in big trouble now!"
…
Hearing the whispers, Jin Shao's lips curved upward. His eyes swept over the three beauties with mocking amusement. "I like spicy ones like you. You're much more fun to play with."
Chen Qianqian's eyes flashed with killing intent. She pulled Liu Yue'er close. "Sister-in-law, leave these small fry to me."
Liu Yue'er nodded. "Since junior sister wants to play, then play to your heart's content. With me here, none of them can hurt you."
The surrounding cultivators looked stunned. They had expected the three women to bow before Jin Guang. Instead, even knowing his identity, they still acted so brazenly.
Some eager to stir up trouble added fuel to the fire.
"Such arrogance! Who knows what kind of power backs her?"
"Doesn't matter who she is. In Baoxiang Kingdom, even a dragon must coil. Let's see how long they last."
…
The words, though quiet, reached Jin Guang's ears clearly. But instead of anger, he laughed. "My men, did you hear that?
"Seize these two bold women today. Once I'm done with them, you'll get your taste of exotic beauties too. I never waste a single grain of rice!"
"Young Master is generous!"
"Crown Prince mighty!"
…
The lackeys brandished their weapons and slowly closed in.
The crowd instinctively stepped back, clearing space. Soon, they noticed a man standing silently behind the three beauties.
"Another fool wanting to play hero? Is his head broken?"
"Whatever he is, he won't walk away from this."
…
Xiao Chen remained still, indifferent to their chatter, as if he hadn't heard a thing.
The lackeys ignored him too, eyes locked on Chen Qianqian. A few steps closer, they attacked together.
Clang!
Blades and swords fell in unison. Yet Chen Qianqian's face showed no fear. Between her fingers appeared a white chess piece, which she lightly placed down.
Tap!
With that sound, the world shifted. A massive chessboard unfolded, swallowing the attackers. Their blades and swords vanished without a trace.
The onlookers gasped.
"What… what technique is this?"
"They've all become chess pieces!"
…
Even Jin Guang's smile froze. Though a spoiled heir who relied on family power, he wasn't blind.
He knew exactly which people could be provoked and which absolutely could not—that was why he ruled Baoxiang's capital unchecked.
Chen Qianqian's lips curled slightly as she looked at the board. Another white stone appeared in her hand.
Slowly, she raised her gaze to Jin Guang and asked:
"You tell me—how should I capture your little pawns?"
Jin Guang's face darkened. He barked, "You wouldn't dare!"
"What wouldn't I dare?"
Chen Qianqian dropped the white stone in her hand.
The chessboard twisted with sudden change. The lackeys inside went mad, turning on one another. In less than a cup of tea's time, all lay lifeless on the ground.
"What a terrifying woman!"
"This time Young Master Jin is in serious trouble!"
…
The crowd murmured in disbelief.
Jin Guang hadn't expected her to be so ruthless. To say he wasn't afraid would be a lie. But to bow his head before outsiders? Impossible.
"I don't believe it. You wouldn't dare kill me."
"Wouldn't I?"
Chen Qianqian's lips curved in a mocking smile. Another white stone appeared in her hand.
Just then, Liu Yue'er spoke from behind. "Junior sister, enough. We still have more important matters."
Chen Qianqian suddenly remembered why they had come. If her actions disrupted Senior Brother Nie's plans over such a minor scuffle, it would be foolish. A pampered brat could be dealt with anytime.
"Since senior sister has spoken, I'll spare you this once. Don't let me see you again."
Jin Guang's face turned ugly. In Baoxiang's capital, he had never suffered such humiliation. He was about to strike, when an aged voice whispered by his ear.
"Young master, stop. That woman surnamed Liu is no ordinary figure."
At those words, Jin Guang froze. With a cold snort he said, "You had better make sure I never see you again."
Chen Qianqian gave no reply, only waved her hand to dismiss the chessboard.
Jin Guang flicked his sleeve and vanished from sight.
The crowd, seeing him leave, scattered like frightened birds. The street echoed with hushed voices.
"Who are these three women, to make the son of King Jinlun suffer such a loss?"
"Quiet. That woman has a heavy killing aura. If she marks you, you won't survive."
…
Hearing the words "son of King Jinlun," a trace of regret flickered in Chen Qianqian's eyes. She whispered, "What a pity."
Liu Yue'er smiled. "Not a pity. When the time comes, we'll settle old and new debts together. That will be much more satisfying."
"Mhm."
Chen Qianqian nodded. With Liu Yue'er and Bai Qian at her side, she continued strolling, ignoring the tails shadowing them.
After a round through the streets, they returned to their courtyard and told Nie Xiuyuan about the conflict.
"You did well. Killing that brat now would only alert that treacherous pair, and my plan might fail." Nie Xiuyuan smiled.
"Senior brother, can you tell us what exactly you intend?"
Xiao Chen asked at once.
"I intend to uncover the truth of those years past," Nie Xiuyuan said.
"We support you," Xiao Chen replied firmly. He did not know what truth senior brother meant, nor did he care. His duty was to support him unconditionally.
"Thank you, junior brother."
Nie Xiuyuan lifted his gaze to the sky. A glint of frost flickered in his eyes as he muttered, "Jin Miao, Yin Xiyuan—seven days from now will be your death date."
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