Chapter 13: Departing in Style

Li Wei's question lingered in the air, and, to the astonishment of the crowd, all three women stepped forward. Their expressions betrayed a mix of curiosity and eagerness as they introduced themselves.

The first, a tall beauty with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes, smiled seductively. "I am Jia Lin," she said, her sultry tone drawing every eye in the room. Her curvaceous figure and confident demeanor left no doubt about her intent.

The second, smaller and more delicate, had a youthful innocence that made her stand out. "I'm Mei Yu," she murmured shyly, her big doe-like eyes darting nervously toward the hostile crowd. Despite her reserved manner, her charm was undeniable.

The third, by contrast, exuded an icy authority that seemed to rival Leng Yue's. "Ning Xue," she said curtly, her sharp features and lean, toned figure a testament to her discipline. Unlike the others, she radiated a cold confidence that made her seem untouchable.

Their decisions sent ripples of anger and disbelief through the crowd.

"You dare disrespect us like this?" one man shouted, his face flushed with fury.

Another, overcome with emotion, collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Please, don't leave me," he sobbed, his outstretched hand trembling.

The onlookers whispered among themselves.

"This is becoming a circus," someone muttered.

"Imagine losing face like that," another scoffed.

Zhou Wen stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the chaos. "Making threats you can't enforce is a mistake," he warned the men. "Especially against someone you have no hope of defeating."

One of the spurned suitors turned to Ning Xue, desperation etched into his features. "You can't do this to me," he pleaded. "Everything you have is because of me!"

Ning Xue's cold gaze swept over him. "You look pathetic," she said flatly. "If you wanted me, you should've worked harder in your cultivation."

Even Li Wei, unbothered by the scene, couldn't help but think, 'Savage.' But he quickly shrugged it off. "Do not despair, my delusional admirers," he said loudly, addressing the room. "I, Li Wei, have long sworn to avoid pursuing others' women. But I never promised they wouldn't come to me."

One of the men, unable to contain his rage, lunged at Li Wei, shouting, "I'll kill you!"

Before he could reach him, Shen Fu, the floor manager, intervened, restraining the man. "Please, sir," Shen Fu said tightly, "remember that our esteemed guest has already paid his dues."

Li Wei, entirely uninterested in the commotion, turned away as a system prompt materialized before him.

Quest Completed: A True Young Master Has No Equal in Wealth

Rewards:

500 EXP 200 System Coins 1 Reputation Point

Satisfied, Li Wei smiled. "Liu Mei," he said, addressing the still-seething woman nearby, "prepare for my visit to your clan." Ignoring her glare, he turned and strode out of the pavilion, his entourage of Jia Lin, Mei Yu, Ning Xue, and Leng Yue following closely behind.

Behind him, the pavilion buzzed with murmurs of outrage and disbelief.

"Come back and fight me, coward!" one man shouted, struggling against Shen Fu's grip.

Li Wei didn't even glance back. 'This city might be more entertaining than I thought,' he mused.

A Lavish Retreat

After leaving the pavilion, Li Wei led his entourage to the most renowned restaurant in Crescent Moon City. Without hesitation, he booked the entire top floor, leaving the staff and patrons below in awe.

The group was ushered into an opulent private room, its walls adorned with rare artwork and its golden lanterns casting a warm, luxurious glow. A grand table in the center was laden with an array of exquisite dishes, each more decadent than the last.

Li Wei seated himself at the head of the table, radiating authority. Jia Lin, Mei Yu, Ning Xue, and Leng Yue took their places around him, their eyes widening at the lavish spread.

As they settled in, the women began to speak.

"Senior Li Wei," Mei Yu said hesitantly, her doe-like eyes sparkling with feigned innocence, "where are you from?"

"What brings you to Crescent Moon City?" Jia Lin asked, leaning forward slightly, her dress emphasizing her curves.

Li Wei waved a dismissive hand. "Matters beyond your understanding," he said loftily. "Tell me about yourselves instead. Are you residents or visitors?"

Jia Lin was the first to respond. "I'm a resident," she said confidently. "My family are modest cultivators here in the city."

Mei Yu followed, her voice soft. "I'm also a resident. My family runs a small alchemy shop, and I hope to become a great alchemist one day."

Ning Xue was last. "I'm a visitor," she said simply. "I come from a distant clan and am here to further my cultivation."

Li Wei nodded thoughtfully. "How pitiful," he declared suddenly. "But worry not—I'll take you as my disciples while I'm in the city."

The room fell silent, the women staring at him in stunned disbelief. Even Leng Yue raised an eyebrow.

"You'll take us as your disciples?" Mei Yu asked cautiously.

"Yes," Li Wei said. "But first, tell me your cultivation levels and techniques."

Jia Lin spoke first. "Late Qi Gathering stage. I practice the Vermillion Wind Blade."

"Mid Qi Gathering stage," Mei Yu said. "I use the Silver Leaf Palm."

"Peak Qi Gathering stage," Ning Xue said. "I practice the Frost Lotus Art."

Li Wei leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Very well. I'll provide you with techniques to suit your skills."

Turning to each in turn, he announced their new paths. "Jia Lin, you'll learn the Phoenix Blade Dance. Mei Yu, the Emerald Leaf Palm is yours. And Ning Xue, I'll teach you the Ice Lotus Ascendancy."

The women exchanged glances, their initial skepticism giving way to excitement.

"Thank you, Master!" Jia Lin said, bowing deeply.

"Th-thank you," Mei Yu echoed, her voice trembling with awe.

Even Ning Xue inclined her head respectfully.

Li Wei leaned back, satisfied. 'This should be interesting,' he thought, already imagining the benefits of having these disciples under his wing.