Chapter 110

Chapter 110: Wen Xu

Wen Xu’s meeting with Gu Anran had been entirely by chance. Though they hadn’t known each other for long, Wen Xu had quickly fallen for this seemingly naïve and clumsy girl.

To the outside world, Gu Anran might appear foolish and simple, lacking any scheming or guile. But Wen Xu saw something else: her pure, kind, and untainted heart.

As one of the top young elites in the empire, Wen Xu had seen more than his fair share of human darkness—the endless intrigues, betrayals, and selfishness that defined so many relationships.

Gu Anran’s sincerity and warmth were a rare reprieve from it all, a reminder that genuine goodness could still exist in the world.

For that, Wen Xu cherished her deeply, seeing her as a treasure beyond compare.

Now, watching someone bully Gu Anran ignited a fire of fury within him. To Wen Xu, anyone who dared harm Gu Anran would pay dearly.

Standing with his hands behind his back, Wen Xu’s cold gaze locked onto Shi Wei. He knew exactly who she was: the eldest daughter of Shi Chenglong, the head of affairs in the Cardinal Council and a trusted confidant of the empire’s regent.

For most, her status would be intimidating. But not to Wen Xu. Shi Chenglong’s role in the Cardinal Council, overseeing routine administrative matters, was far beneath the status of Wen Xu’s sister, Wen Yu—a disciple of the regent himself and the supreme commander of the Eastern Army.

Wen Xu’s voice was icy as he addressed Shi Wei. “And what makes you think you’re an ‘upper-class’ person?”

Shi Wei’s confident demeanor faltered under Wen Xu’s piercing gaze. She knew full well that Wen Xu’s family, the newly risen Wen family, far surpassed the Shi family in influence and power.

Despite the Wen family’s relatively short history—having only risen to prominence in the last two decades—their connection to the regent and Wen Yu’s unparalleled military status made them a force to be reckoned with.

Shi Wei hesitated, but Wen Xu showed no intention of letting the matter drop. His tone grew colder. “Apologize to Anran, and I will let this go.”

Though he didn’t fully understand the details of what had happened, Wen Xu’s allegiance was clear: if Gu Anran was upset, someone would pay for it.

He wasn’t interested in fairness or logic—he was here to defend Gu Anran, no matter what.

Watching this unfold, Gu Anran felt a surge of gratitude—not just toward Wen Xu but also Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu. All of them had stepped forward to protect her.

She thought to herself, ‘I’m so lucky to have them care for me like this.’

Shi Wei, however, was incensed. To her, everything that had happened was Gu Anran’s fault. And now, she was being asked to apologize?

“What if I refuse?” Shi Wei spat coldly, glaring at Wen Xu.

Wen Xu’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “Then you can leave. And the Shi family will pay the price—a very heavy price.”

At his words, an older man stepped forward from behind Wen Xu. The one-armed elder carried an imposing aura, his stern expression and military demeanor exuding an air of intimidation.

The onlookers recognized him instantly. This was Zhao Tong, Wen Xu’s personal steward and a former colonel in the Southern Army.

A Level 55 Blood Swordmaster, Zhao Tong had once served directly under Wen Yu before losing his left arm in a battle with a Void Lord. Forced into retirement, he had joined the Wen household as Wen Xu’s steward.

Despite his missing limb, Zhao Tong’s strength remained formidable, and his reputation was well known.

Shi Wei’s expression darkened. The disparity in power between her Shi family and the Wen family was glaringly obvious. Her own steward was only Level 45—a skilled individual but no match for someone like Zhao Tong.

The fundamental truth of the world was simple: strength ruled.

If Wen Xu really wanted her removed from the auction, it would be a trivial matter. Missing the auction was the least of her worries—such a scandal would tarnish her reputation and deal a serious blow to the Shi family’s standing.

Zhao Tong stood silently, awaiting Wen Xu’s command. His unwavering loyalty meant he wouldn’t hesitate to carry out any order, regardless of its implications for the Shi family.

Seeing the rising tension, the auction house guards exchanged uneasy glances and quietly retreated. This was beyond their pay grade.

The Divine Revelation Auction had strict rules against violence within its premises, but this altercation was taking place in the hall, not the auction floor itself. And with the Wen family involved, the guards wisely chose to stay out of it.

Wen Xu regarded Shi Wei with disdain. To him, the Shi family was a second-rate noble house at best. Shi Wei herself was no more than a slightly larger ant.

If not for her offending Gu Anran, Wen Xu wouldn’t have even glanced in her direction.

“Well, the Wen family certainly knows how to throw its weight around. I’d like to see how exactly you intend to make the Shi family pay,” came a cold, mocking voice.

The tension in the air spiked as Qin Li stepped forward, her tone laced with sarcasm.

“Qin Li!” Wen Xu’s expression tightened as his attention shifted. Until now, his focus had been entirely on Gu Anran. Only now did he realize Qin Li was present.

The gathered nobles stirred uneasily. Qin Li’s involvement elevated the stakes dramatically.

As the eldest daughter of the Qin family, her words carried immense weight. In many ways, she was a reflection of the Qin family’s stance.

This was no longer a simple quarrel. It was becoming a clash of two major factions.