Chapter 255 - 60: Upheaval in the Imperial City! Is the Old Emperor Coming Out of Seclusion?

"Hiss!"

Jiang Jing totally bought it, and couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath.

His gaze was full of wonder.

"No wonder you’re the boss!"

"... "

What are you even saying—I don’t even know how to respond to that.

Si Nan quietly sipped his drink, behaving for once and falling silent.

Meanwhile, over on Shu Daiman’s side, it looked like she really believed it too. The way she looked at Ye Liuyun had totally changed.

As a Grandmaster, Shu Daiman obviously wasn’t someone who’d listen to one side of the story.

She hadn’t seen much intel about Ye Liuyun, just a rough outline, but the general description did seem pretty close to what Ye Liuyun himself said.

Putting it all together...

Shu Daiman could even picture it.

How Ye Liuyun used to tiptoe his way through life in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, careful and cautious about everything.

Terrified of showing even the tiniest hint of something off.

And the reason Ye Liuyun did all that? Just to avenge his brother.

Thinking of this—

Shu Daiman’s expression instantly turned wistful and thoughtful.

"You and your brother, you really are close, huh!"

"Of course!"

Ye Liuyun replied, looking like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"That’s my brother—blood and bone! Of course we’re closest. Too bad, though... now we’re separated by life and death."

Sigh!

Should’ve hit him a little harder back then—could’ve smashed him a few more times.

Otherwise, thinking back now, it just feels like something’s missing.

"So, this is why you worked so hard to get stronger?"

"That’s right!"

Ye Liuyun answered with utter seriousness.

The look he gave Shu Daiman turned much more solemn.

"I want to get strong—stronger than anyone else—because!"

Speaking to here—

Ye Liuyun’s tone paused for a second. When he spoke again, his whole aura grew intense and fiery.

"I don’t want to go through something like that ever again. I don’t want to once more face danger for someone I want to protect, only to be powerless."

"... "

Such a surge of emotion.

Shu Daiman could feel the heat and passion hidden in Ye Liuyun’s words.

This is the heart of a true child.

After all, only with that kind of burning pure heart could Ye Liuyun have improved so quickly.

"So—do you have someone you want to protect now?"

Somehow, by impulse—

Shu Daiman couldn’t help but ask.

"I do!"

Ye Liuyun didn’t shake his head. Instead, he nodded earnestly.

A smile touched his lips.

His gaze became distant, like he was remembering something.

"That’s the person I’d give my life to protect!"

"... "

Must be some girl he loves!

Shu Daiman didn’t ask so outright, but looking at the intensity in Ye Liuyun’s eyes—

She figured she’d already guessed the answer.

Makes sense, too. With the reputation of a young Grandmaster, how could Ye Liuyun not already have a family?

Only, Shu Daiman couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous for no reason.

She’s a Grandmaster, sure—but still a woman.

If only there was a man who put her first, who’d do anything to protect her—what would that even feel like?

Shu Daiman had never experienced it, so she couldn’t know. She just found herself envying the girl Ye Liuyun put at the center of his heart.

Compared to that—

Even after living a hundred years, her life wasn’t half as bold and passionate as other people’s few decades.

"Not going to drink any more?"

Noticing Shu Daiman pausing with her cup, Ye Liuyun looked over, sounding curious.

Privately teasing her.

You’ve had enough, getting seven-tenths drunk and acting like you’re gonna start bawling.

"Next time!"

Suddenly feeling pretty down.

Shu Daiman set her cup aside and rose to her feet.

"I really enjoyed talking to you today, Brother Ye. I’ll be off now—let’s chat again next time!"

Anyway, since the guy’s in Xihe, he won’t be running off. Shu Daiman—for some reason—just didn’t feel like saying much more today.

Leaving those words behind, Shu Daiman headed out.

Soon enough—

Shu Daiman’s silhouette vanished from the brothel.

Only then did Si Nan sidle over.

"Boss, you really do have skills!"

Si Nan couldn’t help but give him a big thumbs-up. Those things Ye Liuyun just said—Si Nan knew most of it was bunk. But still, he managed to totally fool that Shu Daiman.

Gotta say, this is real talent.

"Bet that lady’s gonna remember you for good now, boss!"

Thinking of that, Si Nan grinned slyly.

I mean, judging by looks, Shu Daiman really is something—those long legs are killer.

"But,"

But recalling something, Si Nan couldn’t help but ask curiously:

"If you like her, boss, why not just keep her around? With your skill, I’m sure you could’ve taken her straight home from the tavern tonight!"

"... "

Ye Liuyun calmly finished off his drink.

And spoke plainly:

"She’s a Grandmaster!"

"???"

Jiang Jing’s drinking stopped, and Si Nan almost spat his wine out on the spot.

"A Grandmaster?"

Looking toward the direction Shu Daiman just left, Si Nan had no clue what to say.

It was just too unbelievable.

But Si Nan knew for sure—Ye Liuyun definitely wouldn’t joke about something like this with him.

Thinking about how he’d just called a Grandmaster "little sister"—hiss, that was luck. Can’t believe I’m still alive.

"So what’s her goal?"

Si Nan wasn’t stupid.

Now that he knew Shu Daiman was a Grandmaster, all that stuff she said at first was just a front—she must have some hidden motive for seeking out the boss.