A Man and Woman Living Together

The head of the Treasure Gathering Hall was named Wu Haoku.

He considered himself a good person who had never done anything wrong and often did good deeds. Now, seeing Chen Ping'an standing there, he felt like crying.

Wu Haoku hurried over and bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle, saying very seriously, "Esteemed One, I apologize. It's my fault for not managing my subordinates properly. They have offended you. I hope you can forgive us with your great magnanimity!"

As soon as he spoke, a hush fell over the surroundings.

Gu Zhongtian and Qian Mingyuan, who had been fighting, stopped when they sensed Wu Haoku's arrival.

Qian Mingyuan witnessed Wu Haoku walk up to Chen Ping'an and give a 90-degree bow. Seeing this, he lost all reason, feeling light-headed.

This... this couldn't be real!

It was impossible!

In fact, everyone present, except for Gu Zhongtian who wore a pleased expression, looked as if they had accidentally swallowed a fly.

Chen Ping'an blinked in surprise.

He had met Wu Haoku before.

But wasn't Wu Haoku from the Alchemists' Guild?

He had assumed Wu Haoku was with the Alchemists' Guild, but from what he just said, he was actually the head of this place?!

Chen Ping'an swallowed hard.

If Wu Haoku was indeed the head here, then things would be much easier to handle.

"Earlier in the Beast Mountain Range, this Hall Master called me 'Esteemed One.' It must be related to Tang Siyuan. Perhaps they all know that I saved Xi Men Chen, which is why they're treating me this way!"

Thinking this, Chen Ping'an coughed lightly and said, "It's not a big deal, no harm done. However, this person's attitude leaves much to be desired." He glanced at Qian Mingyuan.

Seeing Chen Ping'an look at him, Qian Mingyuan's body trembled involuntarily.

He was doomed!

Hearing Chen Ping'an's words, Wu Haoku's eyes lit up.

Does this mean that if I punish this fellow, you'll consider the matter settled?!

"Qian Mingyuan, get over here!" Wu Haoku immediately understood and shouted.

Upon hearing this, Qian Mingyuan's legs went weak.

He couldn't quite process what was happening.

Chen Ping'an coughed again and said, "Hall Master, there's no need for such harshness. You can settle your internal matters privately. I still need to purchase some items. If the Hall Master is free, could you assist me?"

Wu Haoku's eyes brightened, and he nodded eagerly, leading Chen Ping'an like an obsequious servant.

The Esteemed One means to give our hall face and avoid making a scene!

Chen Ping'an truly didn't want to get involved in these power struggles between big shots, as he only had a connection with Xi Men Chen.

The Treasure Gathering Hall showing respect to Xi Men Chen didn't necessarily mean they were truly respecting him.

It was best for him to quit while he was ahead.

However, before leaving with Wu Haoku, he looked towards someone in the crowd.

"Do you know my name?" Chen Ping'an asked the man who had stopped him earlier.

The man's face was now as pale as paper.

His body trembled uncontrollably as Chen Ping'an looked at him.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Chen Ping'an said, "My name is Long Aotian, and I should advise you that sometimes it's better not to meddle in affairs that don't concern you."

In truth, he wasn't seeking revenge on this person, but merely wanted to spread his name...

After saying this, Chen Ping'an walked towards Wu Haoku, satisfied.

The surroundings were so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Chen Ping'an then turned to Gu Zhongtian, feeling grateful for his earlier protection, and said, "Thank you for before."

Hearing Chen Ping'an's words, Gu Zhongtian was stunned for a moment, then bowed deeply to Chen Ping'an.

"It was my duty, Esteemed One!"

Chen Ping'an smiled wryly, nodded, and walked towards Wu Haoku.

Hearing Chen Ping'an's words, Wu Haoku glanced at Gu Zhongtian.

This young man has actually earned the Esteemed One's praise!

His future prospects are likely to be extraordinary!

Chen Ping'an and Wu Haoku disappeared around a corner.

The main hall remained eerily quiet.

After a while, someone finally spoke.

"No way! That guy really has a powerful background?!"

"Did you hear that? Hall Master Wu called him 'Esteemed One'!"

"Who on earth is he? This misunderstanding is too big! I really thought that kid had something to hide and was about to run away!"

As the group talked, they all turned to look at Qian Mingyuan.

At that moment, they began to silently mourn for Qian Mingyuan.

Qian Mingyuan felt as if his entire being was light and floating, as if his soul had left his body.

What on earth was going on?!

Was it really just my imagination?!

Or perhaps the Hall Master was also in league with Gu Zhongtian and the others?!

Gu Zhongtian coldly looked at Qian Mingyuan and said, "Now do you realize your mistake?"

Qian Mingyuan mumbled incessantly, "This is impossible, how could this be!"

Gu Zhongtian snorted coldly, "You're finished! And don't say I didn't give you an answer. Do you know about the Liu family's situation?"

Hearing this, Qian Mingyuan was suddenly stunned.

He had just heard about this matter.

Gu Zhongtian said coldly, "The reason why several major guilds are treating the Liu family this way is because this Esteemed One spent some time with Liu Shuai! That's right, just a short while, and he thought that kid was not bad! And the reason I knelt down earlier was because I had done something small that offended this Esteemed One! So, you'd better prepare for your punishment!"

With that, Gu Zhongtian turned and left.

He hadn't expected any reward; now he only wanted the Esteemed One not to be angry with him.

Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Qian Mingyuan stood there dumbfounded, his face filled with terror.

The Liu family's situation was all because of this person?!

And it was just because Liu Shuai had gained this person's favor?!

With a thud, Qian Mingyuan collapsed to the ground, looking as if he had aged several years.

Chen Ping'an and Wu Haoku went to a reception room.

At this point, Chen Ping'an once again took out the token and handed it to Wu Haoku.

Wu Haoku only needed to glance at it to confirm that the token was genuine.

It was identical to the one in the illustrated manual.

"Esteemed One, this token is genuine!" Wu Haoku said with utmost respect.

Hearing this, Chen Ping'an let out a sigh of relief.

"Very well, I'd like to purchase that Profound Grade, Superior Class martial skill from your hall. How many spirit stones would that cost?" Chen Ping'an asked.

Wu Haoku was taken aback for a moment.

Why would someone of the Esteemed One's caliber need such a martial skill?!

But after a moment's thought, he understood.

The Esteemed One surely wasn't cultivating it himself; he must have some plan in mind.

"Esteemed One, if you want it, I'll simply gift this martial skill to you!" Wu Haoku said directly.

Chen Ping'an quickly waved his hand, "That wouldn't be right. Please follow your usual procedures."

He thought it best not to take advantage of the situation. It was always better to owe fewer favors.

Hearing this, Wu Haoku seemed to realize something.

The Esteemed One definitely had a deeper meaning!

He tentatively asked, "Then... how about 5,000 spirit stones?"

Chen Ping'an nodded and smiled, taking out a prepared storage ring and handing it to Wu Haoku, "Yes, there are 5,000 spirit stones here."

Wu Haoku took it somewhat awkwardly, then prepared to go fetch the martial skill.

Chen Ping'an stopped him, saying, "By the way, Hall Master, how much is your hall's best movement technique? I'd like that as well!"

And so, Chen Ping'an acquired two Profound Grade books for just 8,000 spirit stones.

With everything settled, Chen Ping'an bid farewell and left.

Wu Haoku saw Chen Ping'an to the door and watched him walk away before letting out a sigh of relief.

At least the Esteemed One hadn't made things difficult for him; that was a blessing amid misfortune.

However, after a moment, he turned angrily towards the hall.

Qian Mingyuan, I almost got ruined because of you!

But when he went to find Qian Mingyuan, he discovered that the man had fled!

His entire house was empty...

After leaving the Treasure Gathering Hall, Chen Ping'an had nothing else to do, so he teleported directly back to Qingyuan Town.

He had missed Little Ling'er after not seeing her for several hours.

Upon reaching the courtyard, Chen Ping'an pushed open the door and entered.

But as soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he was dumbfounded.

This...

Seeing that the courtyard had become very lush, turning into an orchard, his face gradually darkened.

It seemed Little Ling'er's backside was itching for a spanking again!

But before he could call for Little Ling'er, someone walked out of his room.

It wasn't Little Ling'er.

It was a woman with an extremely voluptuous figure!

It was none other than Duan Xinxin, the owner of the Infinite Realms Bookstore.

"Mr. Chen, you're back?" Duan Xinxin smiled charmingly, looking very beautiful.

Chen Ping'an blinked, not expecting Duan Xinxin to be in his home.

"Madam Duan, why are you here?" Chen Ping'an asked, puzzled.

In five years, he had never seen Duan Xinxin come to his place.

Duan Xinxin suddenly smiled adorably and said, "To be honest with you, Mr. Chen, this was originally my uncle's home. Five years ago, when you asked for my uncle's permission to live here, I never came back. However, recently the bookstore needs to be renovated, so I had to return here to stay for a while. There's still an empty room, so I'll be imposing on you for some time, Mr. Chen."

What?!

Hearing this, Chen Ping'an was stunned.

Wasn't this courtyard given to him by the system?

System, come out! What's going on?!

[She's telling the truth. I used the system's functions to borrow this courtyard from her uncle, who had moved far away.]

Hearing this, Chen Ping'an was at a loss for words.

This... this doesn't seem right!

Wouldn't this mean a single man and woman living under the same roof?

I... I've been single for five years, I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself!!