Chapter 22: Liu Mei's Concerns

Patriarch Liu Feng's expression hardened as he watched his wife walk away in Li Wei's grasp. His fists clenched, but he held himself in check, even as his pride shattered under the weight of the scene. To have another man leave with his wife, so brazenly and in full view of his clan… It was a humiliation he couldn't ignore. Yet, he stood powerless.

Beside him, Liu Mei crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "Do you think Mother will be all right?" she asked. "I don't trust that man—or what he might do to her."

Liu Feng's jaw tightened. He felt her concern, but no reassurance came to mind. The clan elders, oblivious or indifferent to his turmoil, had already shifted their attention. They crowded around Ning Xue, Jia Lin, and Mei Yu, eager to curry favor with the disciples of Li Wei, who had made it clear he treated his own exceptionally well.

At the forefront of this sycophantic parade was Zhou Wen. Pushing his way to the front, he plastered on a gracious smile and proclaimed, "Don't worry, ladies. As Hero Li Wei's humble servant, it's my duty to escort you through the city. I'll carry whatever you need and, of course, ensure no unsavory fellows bother you."

Ning Xue frowned, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. You're the only unsavory fellow here. She bit back the thought, unwilling to voice it aloud. Li Wei's favor was hers, but she knew she lacked the power to stand against someone of Zhou Wen's caliber.

Even so, the man's shamelessness grated on her. Still, the idea of a powerful escort wasn't unappealing. After a moment of deliberation, she offered a small bow and said, "We'd be thankful for Senior Zhou Wen's protection."

Zhou Wen's chest puffed with satisfaction. 'Smart girl. Despite Li Wei's interest in her, she knows better than to become arrogant or disrespectful.'

Seeing Ning Xue's gesture, Jia Lin and Mei Yu followed suit, bowing in turn.

"Thank you, Senior Zhou Wen."

"We're grateful for your kindness, Senior."

Meanwhile, Patriarch Liu Feng's attention had shifted to this display. Watching Zhou Wen bask in the limelight made his blood boil, but he kept his temper in check. It wasn't the time. With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned to leave.

"I'll be in the main hall attending to clan matters. If you need me, that's where you'll find me," he said curtly before walking off. He had lost quite a bit of his face already, at a time like this.... some time to himself would be for the best.

Liu Mei hesitated. Her gaze lingered in the direction her father had gone, but her unease pulled her focus back to Li Wei and her mother. Narrowing her eyes, she muttered under her breath, "I don't trust that fiend not to try something with Mother." Determined, she followed them at a discreet distance.

A short distance ahead, Li Wei strolled casually, his arm wrapped around Lady Chen Xi's waist. His grip was intimate, possessive, and entirely unbothered by propriety. He had just traversed into a world were women as respectable as Lady Chen Xi had no qualms falling into his arms, which meant that as Young master he didn't need to reserve himself.

Behind them, Leng Yue trailed at a measured distance, her vigilant gaze scanning the surroundings for potential threats. The sun had only risen a few hours back, and yet Li Wei had already made enemies in the city. it wouldn't be strange for an attempt on his life to be arranged by one of several foes, who had a bone to pick with him.

From the shadows, Liu Mei tracked them, her suspicion growing with every step. When she saw them approaching one of the residences, her heart sank. The young maiden watched her mother escorting Li Wei towards the entrance with unhurried steps and a seductive allure to her stride.

No… Don't tell me…

Her irritation flared as realization dawned. They were heading toward her own residence. 'Why is Mother taking him to my house? ' The Matriarch's daughter couldn't believe her eyes as Li Wei grasped her mother's rear end with luscious intent, while playfully massaging her plump ass cheeks.

At the gate, Lady Chen Xi stopped and gestured to the building with a graceful sweep of her hand. "Here we are, Hero Li Wei. It may not look like much from the outside, but I assure you, this is the most luxurious residence in the Liu clan."

Li Wei arched a brow. "And why is that?" In his previous life, Li Wei had the experience of having intercourse with a female in the wilderness. He wasn't exactly picky about were to get the job done, especially in such circumstances were he also had other plans in mind. 

With a warm smile, Lady Chen Xi leaned closer, pressing her body against his. "It belongs to my daughter, Liu Mei. Her father has always spoiled her, so this residence far outshines even the patriarch's quarters. She probably has the most comfortable bed in the city."

Li Wei chuckled softly. Cultivators and their obsession with status, he mused. He understood why Lady Chen Xi had chosen this place. Given his arrogance, she likely assumed he wouldn't settle for less than the finest accommodations. Yet in truth, comfort was far from his mind.

He smirked faintly and said, "You seem confident the bed here will meet my expectations."

Lady Chen Xi's composure wavered for a moment. Unsure how to interpret his words, she let out a soft laugh. "I'm sure it can't compare to what Hero Li Wei is accustomed to, but it's the best my Liu clan can offer."

"Is that so?" he replied, his hand sliding lower down her waist. His fingers brushed against her hip, then moved boldly to her rear, where he gave a subtle but firm squeeze. "I wonder what other fine things your Liu clan has to offer."

A faint blush colored Lady Chen Xi's cheeks. Despite her status as matriarch, the gesture sent a thrill through her. Flattered by his interest, she answered with a coy smile, "Surely nothing we can offer could match what you've already experienced."

Li Wei chuckled, his grip tightening slightly. "Not always. Sometimes the finest fruits come from the most unexpected trees."

The insinuation hung heavy in the air, and Lady Chen Xi's pulse quickened. She convinced herself it was a duty to the clan, not a betrayal of her husband. If this strengthens his favor toward us, it's worth it, she reasoned, returning his suggestive gaze with a sly smile.

"Then I suppose it's only right to let Hero Li Wei judge for himself."

"Of course," he murmured, his smile widening as his hand lingered.

From her hiding spot, Liu Mei's stomach churned at the exchange. She couldn't believe what she was seeing—or hearing.

Lady Chen Xi led Li Wei through the gate, her movements fluid and inviting. They disappeared into the residence, leaving only Leng Yue stationed by the entrance like a silent sentinel.

Liu Mei stared at the closed gate, her fists trembling. Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried a mix of disbelief and anger.

"Mother… how could you?"