He recalled Liu Yunbai’s experiences in the novel. She had rescued Jiang Fu from danger time and again, sacrificing her future, her reputation, and even her life for this man, yet she had never earned so much as a backward glance.
In Jiang Fu’s eyes, she was merely a selfish woman who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.
At the thought, Qin Yu instinctively looked back at Jiang Fu.
Pah! That bastard didn’t deserve such a wonderful woman!
He deliberately raised his voice. “Of course. It would be my honor to team up with you.”
“Then let’s register with Senior Brother He Shen.”
As she turned, her gaze drifted almost imperceptibly toward Jiang Fu. Unfortunately, he did not look at her even once. She lowered her eyes in disappointment.
Noticing her gaze, Qin Yu stepped forward and discreetly blocked her view. “Yunbai? You don’t mind if I call you that, do you?”
Her thoughts interrupted, Liu Yunbai immediately came back to herself, a flicker of annoyance crossing her dark eyes.
“I don’t mind.”
“Then I look forward to working with you, Yunbai!”
The two walked away side by side.
Behind them, a cold smile flickered in Liu Wanrou’s clear, alluring eyes. A cannon-fodder simp and a useless female lead. A perfect match.
She turned to Jiang Fu with an innocent, puzzled expression. “Since when have Fourth Sister and A-Yu been close enough to team up?”
A sudden sense of loss rose in Jiang Fu’s heart, only to vanish a moment later. “Qin Yu isn’t as simple as he appears. If you get the chance, advise the Fourth Princess to keep her distance.”
“I’ll be sure to warn Fourth Sister,” Liu Wanrou replied obediently. Inwardly, however, she wished Qin Yu would simply kill Liu Yunbai. Then no one would be left to compete with her for Jiang Fu.
Qu’an Village lay a thousand li from the Tiannan Divine Sect, so they needed a flying artifact to reach it. He Shen brought out his own—the Four-Winged Flying Vessel—and invited everyone aboard.
“Wow, so this is a flying artifact! It’s beautiful!”
“Senior Brother He Shen is usually so unassuming. Who would have thought he owned such a valuable flying artifact? I’m so jealous.”
“I’ve dreamed my whole life of having a flying artifact of my own.”
On the Wending Continent, flying artifacts were hard to obtain even with a fortune. Some people might never have a chance to ride one in their entire lives. Seeing He Shen produce such a precious vessel, everyone was filled with envy.
He Shen ignored their admiring praise and looked at Qin Yu instead. “Junior Brother Qin, come aboard.”
The words had barely left his mouth when another flying vessel suddenly appeared beside the Four-Winged Flying Vessel—larger, more luxurious, and far more beautiful.
People were naturally drawn to appearances, and everyone present instinctively compared the two. In both materials and size, the Flying Spirit Vessel surpassed the Four-Winged Flying Vessel.
Realizing this, everyone turned to look at Liu Wanrou.
As though only now recognizing that her actions were discourteous, Liu Wanrou explained cautiously, “Um… Senior Brother He Shen, I only noticed there weren’t enough seats, so… You won’t blame me, will you?”
Before He Shen could respond, someone stepped forward to defend her.
“Junior Sister Wanrou meant well. Surely a grown man like Senior Brother He Shen wouldn’t quibble over something so trivial?”
“The Four-Winged Flying Vessel can’t carry all of us. Wanrou is helping Senior Brother He Shen.”
Jiang Fu said nothing in support, but he walked straight aboard Liu Wanrou’s Flying Spirit Vessel, making his stance clear through his actions.
With him taking the lead, the others followed one after another. Even those already aboard the Four-Winged Flying Vessel jumped down and switched to the Flying Spirit Vessel.
He Shen remained where he was, his expression unreadable. Only he knew that his fists, concealed inside his sleeves, were clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked.
This woman again!
Did she have to build her good reputation by trampling on him? Would she only be satisfied once she had driven him into a corner?!
If she refused to leave him alone, he would strike first.
Seated on the gunwale, Qin Yu had witnessed the entire scene. Watching He Shen stand there motionless while that scheming Liu Wanrou walked all over him, he finally could not bear it any longer.
He jumped down beside He Shen and patted his shoulder, speaking softly enough that only the two of them could hear. “Put away your Four-Winged Flying Vessel. I’ll help you get your dignity back.”
His gathering killing intent abruptly interrupted, He Shen looked at Qin Yu in surprise.
Qin Yu waved his hand. An enormous flying vessel suddenly appeared above the Flying Spirit Vessel. Its entire exterior was forged from exceedingly rare thousand-year-old meteoric iron. Inside, it was so lavishly furnished that even the Tiannan Divine Hall could not match a tenth of its splendor. Most importantly, abundant spiritual energy suffused the vessel.
Everyone knew that only immortal artifacts possessed spiritual energy!
Beside it, Liu Wanrou’s Flying Spirit Vessel scarcely deserved a mention.
“Senior Brother He Shen, Yunbai, my Redleaf Flying Vessel can travel a thousand li a day. If we take this, we’ll reach Qu’an Village in less than a day.”
Qin Yu warmly invited He Shen and Liu Yunbai aboard, never sparing the others so much as a glance.
Liu Wanrou froze at the sight of the Redleaf Flying Vessel.
Back in Yushang Capital, Qin Yu had found new ways to please her every day and given her countless treasures. Yet she had never seen this flying artifact!
Hadn’t he said he was willing to give her everything?
Why hadn’t he given her this treasure?
Anger and jealousy threw her off balance. “A-Yu, why didn’t you tell me you had a flying artifact?”
Qin Yu turned toward her, looking amused. “Why? Do you want me to give it to you?”
Liu Wanrou said, “I…”
Qin Yu interrupted before she could finish. “That won’t do. This was Master’s gift when I became his disciple. Surely you don’t want to take even that from me?”
“No, A-Yu, you’ve misunderstood. Why would I ask for your treasure?” Realizing her mistake, Liu Wanrou hurried to salvage the situation. “A-Yu, are you still angry with me?”
“I wouldn’t dare be angry with you.” Qin Yu gave a cold smile.
Then he turned away, all smiles as he invited Liu Yunbai and He Shen to sit. Taking out some tea leaves, he began brewing them. “Senior Brother He Shen, Yunbai, this is Sea Dew Tea. Have a taste.”
“Sea Dew Tea?” He Shen had only just recovered from the shock of Qin Yu owning such a luxurious flying artifact. Hearing the name of the tea, he could not suppress an exclamation.
The others also cast looks of envy and jealousy when they heard it.
Sea Dew Tea was found only in Haiyue, an immortal city out at sea. Its plants took root amid the ocean, nourished year-round by the sea’s spiritual energy. The tea naturally carried a refreshing spiritual essence that soothed the heart. For cultivators, drinking it could cleanse distracting thoughts and bring clarity of mind. Even ordinary people could nourish their bodies and extend their lives by drinking it.
Yet this tea was exceedingly rare even within Haiyue City, and nearly impossible to obtain elsewhere at any price. Qin Yu was actually serving it to guests?
“It seems you know this tea, Senior Brother. Then let’s sit and chat over a cup.” Qin Yu deliberately raised his voice so Liu Wanrou and the others below could hear every word.
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