Xia Feng was laying low; after all, his previous life had been far too short.
Now reborn at the age of ten, he naturally treasured this second chance given by heaven immensely.
For Qiao Shuang to dance for the Lord, given the Lord's status, wasn't really an insult at all.
In Xia Feng's view, it was actually an honor for her.
If the Lord was pleased and bestowed some Upper Realm divine objects upon her, wouldn't that be a heaven-defying opportunity?
But…
What was up with Sikong Hun?
He kept defying the Lord repeatedly, and… even publicly held Qiao Shuang's jade-like hand, spouting vows of eternal love!!
Had he… misjudged him?
Did he truly love Qiao Shuang deeply in his heart? Calling him brother was just a way to get close and take advantage of his sister-in-law first?
To be honest, Xia Feng never cared much about Qiao Shuang.
Even Sikong Hun was just someone he used.
But now, this woman he didn't care about, this woman he felt was utterly unworthy of him, was being all lovey-dovey with a pawn he was using?
If he could still tolerate this, then he wasn't just laying low; he'd be an idiot! A joke! A topic of conversation for everyone!!
Ding! The Son of Fate feels resentment and anger. Congratulations, Host, on plundering 500 Luck Points and 5000 Villain Points.
Clang!
Only when Qiao Shuang placed the wine jar on the table did her peerlessly beautiful face become completely flushed.
But inexplicably, it also carried a seductive charm.
"Young Master, I've finished the wine."
"Begin your performance."
Ling Xiao nodded, then turned to look at the other Great Xia young talents, instantly making them tremble and feel the urge to pee.
Dammit!
Even now, they still didn't know who Ling Xiao was!
But did that hinder their surging, tidal-wave-like admiration for him?
Slapping a prince, stepping on the direct son of the Loyalty Count, ordering the direct granddaughter of the Grand Tutor, Great Xia's number one beauty Qiao Shuang, to dance!
What heavenly authority, what domineering power was this!!
Even!!
Looking at the Eldest Prince's expression, he didn't seem the least bit indignant; in fact, he seemed… excited?
Hisss!
"Does anyone know how to play an instrument? Provide some accompaniment for this beauty?"
Ling Xiao smiled warmly, completely different from his earlier ferocity.
"Young Master, I can!!"
"Young Master, I can too!!"
"Let the dance begin!!"
Soon, the sounds of strings and music filled the restaurant.
A young master played the qin, a proud young woman played the flute, a prince held a xiao—it was a lively scene.
And before everyone, Qiao Shuang danced gracefully, like an immortal.
Even Xia Feng looked entranced at the fluttering, graceful figure, utterly captivated.
Only Sikong Hun sat alone in a corner, with no one around him anymore, completely different from when he first entered the restaurant.
Heh, what general, what Loyalty Count.
Compared to this Young Master here, what are they worth?
What? We were simping pretty hard earlier?
Come on, can that even be called simping? Greetings, just greetings, understand?
We cultivators are devoted to the Dao, single-minded and focused. How could we do something so shameless!
If I have to simp, I choose… to simp for this Young Master who might be from Sheng Zhou!!
"Come on, raise your hands, start swaying!!"
Ling Xiao raised his hand, keeping time, watching the so-called Great Xia young talents wriggling their bodies, a smile curling on his lips.
This is life. Look, isn't it great when everyone is happy?
Life is short; why always scheme and plot? Of course, happiness is most important.
Late into the night, the young talents were panting, drenched in fragrant sweat, their eyes unfocused as they lay or sat at the tables. Only then did Ling Xiao casually take out a spirit herb brimming with spiritual essence from his bosom and toss it on the ground.
"You danced well."
With that, he left with effortless grace.
Qiao Shuang stood in place, the redness on her pretty face unclear whether from exertion or shame, but her eyes were hollow and desolate.
At that moment, Xia Feng immediately walked to her side and gently nudged her arm. "Shuang'er, quickly put that spirit herb away. What the Lord gives might not be from this realm!"
"Oh."
Qiao Shuang let out a soft sigh, her tone somewhat sarcastic. "Not from this realm? Could it be from the Upper Realm?"
"Shh, besides my Great Xia imperial family, no one knows about this! The Lord bestowed a spirit herb upon me before; it was from the Upper Realm and could protect one's innate Dao Principle!!"
Xia Feng shot Qiao Shuang a meaningful look.
Not far away, Sikong Hun suddenly stepped over, shoved Xia Feng aside fiercely, and stood before Qiao Shuang.
"Shuang'er, we don't care for spiritual treasures. Let me take you home. It might rain soon."
"Mhmm…"
Qiao Shuang glanced deeply at Xia Feng, then let Sikong Hun shield her as they walked towards the restaurant exit.
When they passed by the spirit herb, Sikong Hun even stomped on it viciously, crushing it to pieces.
"Raining?"
Xia Feng's eyes were gloomy as he watched the two leave. Only then did he walk over to the spirit herb and pick it up from the ground.
Dammit!
Still too young.
Impulsiveness solves nothing. To gain respect, one must… become stronger at all costs.
"One day you will understand that everything you have now is just fleeting clouds, an illusory dream. Only strength is the foundation of living."
Crunch, crunch.
With that, Xia Feng directly stuffed the crushed spirit herb into his mouth.
A rich spiritual power instantly spread through him. Even his second-grade Divine General realm showed signs of loosening.
Truly worthy of a treasure bestowed by the Lord!
A single herb was equivalent to ten years of arduous cultivation.
Humiliation?
Ridicule?
What did they matter?
Only by standing at the pinnacle of heaven, holding the stars, could one possess everything they desired.
Remember, the higher a person stands, the more excellent the people they meet.
Strive to climb up; don't bother with anyone's opinion.
Look, these young men and women in the restaurant are all considered nobility and prodigies in the world's eyes.
But before the Lord, how are they any different from pigs or dogs?
In the end, only those who have died once understand what is most important.
"The Eldest Prince… ate that spirit herb?"
"It seems he did…"
"It was stomped on like that… This Eldest Prince really is…"
The young talents' eyes held mockery, especially Xia Cheng and Xia Li, who sneered, "Big Brother truly has the pride of our Great Xia!!"
"Hahahahaha!"
"Heh."
Xia Feng didn't refute, or perhaps he simply couldn't be bothered.
Laugh.
One day, you won't even have the chance to cry.
But… Sikong Hun, you displeased me greatly today.
---
On the ancient streets of Dragon Fortune City.
Sikong Hun's expression was gloomy, and he didn't speak.
Qiao Shuang also remained silent, her pretty face sorrowful.
The two walked along the long street.
There were no stars tonight, the cold wind was biting, and a heavy rain was indeed about to pour down.
"Since when did it start?"
Only when the two reached a deserted stone bridge in the west city did Sikong Hun speak softly.
"Brother Hun, what are you talking about?"
"I said!! Since when did that bastard Xia Feng start mistreating you!!!"
Sikong Hun roared hoarsely, his words impassioned.
Qiao Shuang immediately reached out and covered his mouth. "Brother Hun! Are you crazy?! Xia Feng… no matter what, he is still the Great Xia Eldest Prince! If others hear these words…"
"So what if they hear? Without my Sikong family, without your Qiao family, could Xia Sheng have ascended the throne? Since our two families can put them up, we can also… pull them down!!"
A spiritual radiance seemed to flicker in Sikong Hun's eyes, making him appear somewhat sinister and terrifying.
"Brother Hun…"
Qiao Shuang covered her red mouth, her beautiful eyes wide with surprise. Have you… lost your mind…
The Master just accepted the Xia Emperor as his servant, and you want to pull him down?
I think you're not just seeking death; you're… running wild on the path to certain doom!