Chapter 36: This Young Master Almost Had Fun

Chapter 36: This Young Master Almost Had Fun

Chen Haoran sat in his office, paging through a book. Various invitations and letters were haphazardly scattered across his desk and spilled onto the floor.

Lan Fens prediction of the Lan familys troubles had proven accurate. Every day her informants came to report some new family making a show of visiting their compound, or other cultivators challenging members to public duels. Not to mention whatever was going on behind the scenes.

The Lan family for their part tried to operate as if it was business as usual. Strongly denying these false rumors and attempting to smear Chen Haoran. Notably, Lan Yao and Lan Junjie hadnt been seen at all since this mess started. Chen Haoran could only imagine that they were being given a rough time by the higher-ups in the family.

Not to say they werent having a rough time themselves. There was currently a large hole right in front of his propertys gate. A Liquid Meridian realm had tried to sneak into the manor the other night. Lan Fen had of course spotted him long before he trespassed and Song Yuelin wasnt far behind her, immediately sensing the man as soon as he jumped over the walls and wasting no time in slitting the mans throat and tossing his body out into the streets to serve as an example. While they hadnt seen the fight directly he could tell by the grudging respect Lan Fen had shown while she narrated the events that it wasnt a close fight at all.

His window opened and with the breeze came the devil himself. I have returned, Young Master Chen! Song Yuelin sang.

The wind swept through and scattered all the paper on his desk. Chen Haoran looked down at his book. He lost his page.

He closed the book with a sigh. How did speaking with the City Lord go?

My infiltration into his palace was a complete success! Song Yuelin clapped his hands in joy. He paused. He will have to replace his roof though.

Chen Haoran stared.

Dont look at me like that. It was your fault anyway.

How is it my fault?

You told me to leave a note on his pillow.

You actually did that?

Of course I did, Song Yuelin said, his eyes starting to water. Were you really trying to get me killed?

Chen Haoran ignored his blubbering. What did the City Lord say?

Song Yuelins crocodile tears disappeared. Hes given his approval for your little plan. Hell be posting more guard patrols around the manor, and will make sure to check any overt retaliation by the Lan family.

Thats a relief.

" I imagine hes relieved too. I dont think that coward would have made a move at all until the Palace Exams were over.

Are they really that serious to worry him that much?

Song Yuelin shrugged. The officials who oversee the exam are a higher rank than he is and report directly to the Palace. Should something disturb the exams then one word from them could spell the end for his career.

I see. His estimation of the Empire rose again. Its good that everything is settled now. Chen Haoran rose and made to leave. Im going to go train, you can do whatever.

May I accompany you then, Young Master Chen?

The first move is yours, Young Master Chen, Song Yuelin beckoned.

He rushed forward fast and low, his sword trailing liquid shadow. Song Yuelin twisted into a roundhouse kick and Chen Haoran, startled at the unexpected move, dropped down. The kick rushed past his head so fast that he felt wind blast his face. With terrified instinct, he stabbed his sword into Song Yuelins chest. He was bracing himself for the inevitable counter when he felt the sword sink in. Song Yuelin flew backward and, like a stone in water, fell into the liquid shadow with a splash.

Chen Haoran looked at his sword with wide eyes. Then back to where Song Yuelin had fallen. Song Yuelin? he tentatively called out.

The shadows erupted.

Oh, the pain! Song Yuelin wailed. He convulsed on the ground like a dying fish.Young Master Chen its only a practice match, you neednt be so forceful!

Chen Haorans concern vanished.

Is that blood!? Im bleeding! Song Yuelin raised a finger high into the air, a single bead of blood resting on the tip. Young Master Chen call a doctor quickly!

What did I even expect from you? he sighed.

I was only trying to help you! With shadows covering the rest of his body, Song Yuelin looked like a disconnected head and arm floating in black water.You wanted to look good in front of Lady Fen did you not? His voice was both loud and obnoxious.

Chen Haoran facepalmed.

Lan Fen chuffed a laugh. Go on, she encouraged. Your opponent is still moving, you should finish him off.

Thats not a bad idea, he growled. His sword glowed blue.

Song Yuelins eyes went wide. What happened to mercy for the fallen? he cried out.

Canyon Carving Sword!

Chen Haoran got to train the Canyon Carving Sword. Lan Fen got her entertainment. Song Yuelin almost got what was coming to him. Unfortunately, the man was as slippery as an eel and remained unscathed.

Chen Haoran, sweaty and tired, strolled over to Lan Fens little table and picked a few choice sweets before sitting on the ground next to her. Song Yuelin cleared the liquid shadows with a wave of his hand and kept his distance.

Did you have fun? Lan Fen asked.

I did, Chen Haoran replied. He was familiar with those words and that tone. It meant what she was about to say next would not be as fun. So what un-fun thing do you have in store for me?

This will be very fun I assure you.

The Lan family?

Now is about the right time, Lan Fen smiled. It was vicious in its joy.

She rose from her chair and offered her hand.

Are you up for a bit of night hunting?