Chapter 109

The nature of humans is such that when something is beautiful, they praise it endlessly and become exceptionally generous.

Look back at the time when Yang Guifei was immersed in her shady dealings, wreaking havoc upon the country and even provoking a rebellion.

Back then, An Lushan, the leader of the rebels, couldn’t bring himself to kill the emperor and instead advised him to get rid of that stinky woman.

(Yang Guifei is notoriously known for having the worst body odor under the heavens.)

The emperor, afflicted with rhinitis and unable to smell, insisted that if she was the most beautiful woman in the world, then surely she could mess up the country a bit without repercussions, shouting that they shouldn’t bring her down.

So when they say “a beauty can topple a country,” it seems to imply that if a beauty were to act up, it could be forgiven.

Thus, being lenient towards a beauty is a manly trait, I suppose. If a male friend vehemently denies this, you might want to keep your eye on him.

And Qing was quite the quintessential man.

“Hmm. Thinking it over, can’t we at least treat our guests to a meal?”

Qing, who casually regarded the Great Five Families as akin to a conglomerate, speculated that a meeting between wealthy families could very well be held at a renowned restaurant.

Then, Jayu slyly asked, “Isn’t it common for a woman to feel competitive when she sees a beauty even more beautiful than herself?”

“Oh ho. Isn’t that a rather stereotypical bias? Besides, why are you asking me that directly while looking at me? How am I supposed to know?”

“……?”

Jayu was left speechless.

Well, if one wishes to know about women, shouldn’t it be asked of a woman? Asking a man will only send one off into flights of fancy.

Then, abruptly,

“I misspoke. I sincerely apologize, so please don’t hold it against me.”

This was an apology delivered with a polite demeanor.

In truth, the mysterious beauties draped in veils only exist in tales.

Beauty should be a virtue proudly flaunted, not hidden away.

A woman who hides her face clearly has her reasons for doing so.

When we say Myeonsanya, it implies that her features are so remarkable that ordinary people might struggle to appreciate them, reflecting a considerate mindset.

That was the general consensus about Myeonsanya in the Central Plain.

In essence, it was an apology saying, “Sorry for poking fun at your looks since you’re not that great.”

“The way you speak.”

“That was on purpose. It means my regret is genuine.”

“Oh really? Then how about treating me to dinner for that sincerity? I’m sure there’s more good food besides just spicy hotpot.”

“Sounds good. Truth be told, even if the ultimate hotpot is top-notch, it’s still just hotpot, isn’t it? Kind of lacking in depth.”

The origin of hotpot came from some lowly commoners’ meal, and about half of the people from Sichuan do not recognize it as a proper dish but merely a meal.

Of course, the Ultimate Spicy Hotpot is an exception.

However, everyone still laments that the world’s best chef could create much tastier dishes than just messing around with hotpot.

“You will learn today why Sichuan cuisine is synonymous with greatness.”

“Sounds good. Today is the day I eat until I burst. By the way, I tend to eat a lot, so if it becomes overwhelming, please feel free to declare a defeat at any time with a plea dripping with tears.”

“You needn’t worry about that.”

Qing chuckled and then asked, “But isn’t it customary for the guests to be seated first? Is this a Jiangnan-style guest reception?”

“No way! The more esteemed the guest, the more respect is shown, and the whole family should assist in welcoming them.”

“So then, are the Myeonsanya not esteemed guests?”

“That can’t be true.”

“But why?”

Qing pointed to the restaurant.

Once the two women slipped inside, the coachmen and other hanging outsiders stayed posted outside the restaurant.

The enormous ‘Tang’ character plastered across the chest of their gaudy attire looked ridiculously tacky.

“I heard they reserved the whole place, so I thought the family was dining pleasantly together.”

“This friend has some openly naive traits, huh? They reserved the place for a private dinner, after all.”

“What?”

Qing suddenly stopped mid-step.

They kicked out all those guests, just so they could have a meal for two?

What kind of outrageous disrespect is that—unruly and uncultured?

He paused for a moment, calculating.

Indeed.

Qing was always one to assess the situation.

Not one to engage in senseless brawls, though he occasionally showed signs of anger management issues—likely a side effect of his martial arts expertise.

Even in Luoyang, he had gracefully accepted defeat against those from the shady sects.

Fundamentally, Qing had a blend of boldness and cowardliness, never rushing forward when lacking confidence.

Then he quickly reached a conclusion.

Turning, Qing made his way towards the entrance of the restaurant.

“Friend, where are you going—no, what strength…”

Jayu couldn’t bring himself to hold his hand, opting instead to grab his sleeve, only to be dragged along.

Qing’s raw strength had long surpassed any standard, while Jayu, lacking martial skills, was among the weakest of men.

“Stop! What’s the matter?”

Qing stopped as he faced a Tang Family Warrior blocking the way.

Their fancy apparel gleamed in an expensive manner, yet the huge green character ‘Tang’ emblazoned from chest to belly was utterly shabby.

They had letters stamped one by one, is it “Dangdang” if combined?

Even prestigious university coats don’t flaunt branding this blatantly.

Qing inhaled deeply.

Then he nearly screamed.

“Isn’t this REALLY too much?!”

Even with throngs of spectators gathered at the scene.

Onlookers pretending to disperse simply repositioned to catch a glimpse of the Heavenly Flower’s face.

And with crowds rushing to see the Heavenly Flower, it may not reach the level of Oki-rin but was still a significant one-third.

With high-pitched voices, the women chimed.

“Did you see the Heavenly Flower? She’s genuinely not of this world in terms of beauty.”

People returning from their own businesses naturally turned to look at Qing, undoing the reality of time.

“Can the Tang Family just cancel someone else’s reservation? After waiting forty-one days for just this moment, one lady’s arrival makes it all invalid? Should I just vanish into thin air?”

“How dare you—”

“How dare you!? You said it well! Hence, how can the likes of you, those disgusting creatures, dare to defy the most revered Tang Family? Oh dear, townsfolk! Listen to what’s being said! The esteemed royalty of the Tang Family has just arrived!”

Qing shouted loudly for all to hear.

“Lo— lower your voice!”

“You want me to keep quiet?! How can a mere flickering firefly dare to raise its voice against the great Tang Family under the sun?”

“Long live the Tang Family! Long live the Tang Family!!!”

Qing’s voice was honed to greatness, unrivaled even among masters, enough to rumble buildings and shake the earth.

“No, let’s—”

It was clear that a Tang Family warrior intended to grab Qing.

With the antics on full display, they understood it couldn’t continue like this.

That wasn’t a flawed assessment.

The problem was that Qing happened to be watching eagerly.

“AAAAAAKKK!!!”

Qing suddenly lunged forward as if struck by a heavy armored state trooper.

Even as he fell, he bounced and rolled to the ground, a sight that looked like the absolute master taking a hit.

Curled up on the ground, Qing trembled like a sickly patient.

In the rolling, he secretly flicked a pebble, which hit Choi Riyong, who noticed immediately and rushed over to Qing.

“Oh my! Kid! Pull yourself together! Where is the justice in this world? This frail child, barely twenty, what crime has he committed for raising his voice? Is there such law beneath the sky? How can an event by an orthodox sect resemble this?”

Choi Riyong was a master in his own right, barely scraping by but already a warrior in the Realm of Transformation.

At such a level, he could manipulate his voice’s resonance, ensuring it echoed powerfully.

The notion of a frail twenty-year-old.

Fathers with kids trembled and hushed whispers filled the crowd.

No matter the Tang Family, isn’t this a bit excessive?

Having quietly used their connections, were they planning to openly unleash their wrath now?

We need to warn our kids to be mindful, things like that.

Watching the scene, Jayu shook his head.

Rather, if they pulled out a knife, it would be a challenge; instead, they’re throwing dignity into the gutter.

There’s never been such a ruthless act of malice like this.