"This is to compensate you, take it." Mu Chengyang took out a silver note and tossed it to Han Yan without even looking at it.
"Wow, a million, quite generous, thanks." Han Yan took the silver note, exclaiming in delight.
In the distance, the Mu Familyâs disciples all wore expressions of surprise. Though the Zong Family was wealthy and influential, they also had a large number of members, so the regular allowances werenât vast. Even though Mu Chengyang often successfully completed the family tasks with Mu Chengxuanâs help, and his share was much higher than other peers, a million was not a small sum for him either.
Compensating a wall with a million, has he lost his mind?
Mu Chengyang paused, instinctively touching his chest, his face twitching violently. Those guesses were right, he really had lost his mind.
Normally, he wouldnât carry such a large silver note with him, but having been fined half a yearâs allowance, his cultivation resources had become an issue. He intended to use these saved silver taels to buy some elixirs, so he had brought all his savings. Earlier, when Han Yan infuriated him, he forgot about this entirely, mistaking it for the usual small notes of thousands or ten thousands of taels, unknowingly tossing away half of his assets.
Mu Chengyang felt a wave of heartache, his legs heavy as if filled with lead.
"Whatâs wrong, Brother Chengyang, regret it?" Han Yan, seeing Mu Chengyangâs constipated expression, knew he had lost his head and picked the wrong note, but when else to add insult to injury? After a pause, he continued gleefully, "Too bad, regret wonât get it back, hahaha." This must be the most expensive wall in history.
"Letâs go, letâs go." Mu Chengyang, so enraged his head spun, or maybe not just from anger but blood loss, considering the blood pouring from his forehead.
"Take care, Brother Chengyang. Iâm planning to forge a few more swords, once done, Iâll invite you to have a look." Han Yan waved enthusiastically.
Unable to support himself any longer, Mu Chengyangâs vision darkened, and he collapsed to the ground.
What, do you really think Iâm an idiot? Once was enough, still muddied and a million silver taels lost, coming again might cost me even my bones. That was Mu Chengyangâs only thought before fainting.
Watching Mu Zhong supporting Mu Chengyang away, the surrounding spectators also dispersed, sneaking glances back at Han Yan.
The Fourth and Fifth Elderâs disciples were curious and awed by Han Yan, while others were simply afraid.
In just a few days, Han Yan managed to deal with Mu Chengyang again. Despite both being Sword Master First Rank, in Han Yanâs presence, Mu Chengyang didnât stand a chance.
Without Mu Chengyangâs backing or strength, who would dare to provoke Han Yan now? They wouldnât even think of it, preferring instead to stay far away... Didnât they see how Mu Chengyang retreated three zhang yet still couldnât escape disaster? Better stay a hundred zhang away to be safe.
"Alas, weâre all brothers, Young Master, arenât you a bit unkind? Look how furious he was, spraying blood everywhere." Zirong righteously scolded Han Yan, watching Mu Chengyang and his companion recede into the distance.
"Hypocrite!" Huayue and Jiang Yuzhe sneered at Zirong simultaneously.
"Despicable scoundrel," Han Yunyun added.
"But I like it, letâs do it again sometime," Han Yan concluded.
The group burst into laughter, though Zirongâs tactics were a bit underhanded, none seemed to care about principles by now. Besides, why act magnanimous to a provocateur? Not like they had been kicked in the head by a donkey.
"Young Master, do we still need this furnace?" Huayue asked.
"Of course we do. âHeavenly Flying Immortal,â nice name. Letâs buy more longswords and forge them anew, each a weapon. See someone unpleasant, just hurl a sword at them." Han Yanâs playboy nature erupted fiercely, speaking arrogantly.
Huayue and Jiang Yuzheâs eyes brightened. Although Han Yanâs Sealing Technique had many flaws, used correctly, it could indeed yield remarkable effects.
Ordinary swordsmen used swords to stab or slash; theirs were for throwing. Imagine the scene, a dozen or more swords thrown simultaneously, what a shattering spectacle. The shameless lot couldnât help but grin wickedly.
"By the way, remember to prepare some for me too." Ye Lanfeng, silent until now, spoke.
Huayue and his companions looked at Ye Lanfeng in shock. As a Holy-grade Swordsman, if he wished to bully someone, he need only act directly; why bother?
Moreover, for such a divine being, using swords as projectiles seemed quite unseemly.
"Direct action lacks fun. With Han Yanâs forged swords, itâs endlessly amusing." Seeing their shocked faces, Ye Lanfeng easily guessed their thoughts and explained calmly.
Huayue and his companionsâ mouths twitched as they turned away speechlessly. Indeed, like attracts like; even a Sword Saint Realm master had been tainted.
Of course, news of Mu Chengyangâs repeated defeat at the hands of Young Master Han Yan spread quickly, leaving listeners first speechless in astonishment, then unable to suppress laughter.
Thus, Han Yanâs reputation as a playboy grew even more illustrious.
...
In the Third Elderâs courtyard.
"Brother, avenge me, you must avenge me." Mu Chengyang, slowly regaining consciousness, clenched his fists, eyes blazing, as he spoke to Mu Chengxuan in a voice filled with bitterness and sorrow.
"Didnât I tell you not to provoke him again? Why did you go?" Mu Chengxuan furrowed his brows, speaking in frustration. If he could avenge Mu Chengyang, he wouldâve done so already. Why wait?
But lacking any clue about Ye Lanfengâs identity, he dared not act. Last time he lost to Han Yan, fortunately, few witnessed it, and none dared recount it, preserving his dignity. A second defeat wouldnât promise such luck. Should it spread, his reputation within the Mu Family would suffer greatly, even shaming the Supreme Elder.
Thus, without assured victory, he would not provoke Han Yan again.
"Brother, this time it truly wasnât my fault. I only went to watch the spectacle, whoâd have thought..." Mu Chengyang protested in his defense.
"Alright, alright, no need to explain. I understand; endure for now, and when the time comes, Iâll seek restitution for you." Mu Chengxuan impatiently waved him off.