C17 In front of the Drunken Star Tower

Xiao Yu had no interest in engaging in a verbal spar with Wang Fei. He remained silent, yet his gaze drifted to the figure standing behind Wang Fei.

A woman of striking beauty followed him, her allure shining brightly amidst the crowd, drawing eyes towards her without effort.

Lin Xuehan had arrived alongside Wang Fei, a clear indication of the closeness that had developed between them.

"This is no place for a cripple like you. Get lost!" Wang Fei sneered at Xiao Yu, his disdain palpable.

"That's nonsense. What are you implying? Xiao Yu is my brother; why shouldn't he be here?" Ye Wenxuan stepped up, ready to confront Wang Fei head-on.

Given that he had arrived with Xiao Yu and harbored a strong dislike for Wang Fei, it was only natural for Ye Wenxuan to stand by Xiao Yu's side, especially since their animosity was not new.

"Your brother? What does it matter if he's your brother? This is the Drunken Star Tower, not just any place for anyone to waltz into. Moreover, today hosts the Treasure-seizing Organization, attended by scions of the city's noble families. He's nothing but a lowly third-rate servant. If he's allowed to join, what does that make us, the noble descendants? You, Fatty Ye, might be content to degrade yourself by fraternizing with a servant, but bringing one to the Treasure-seizing Organization is an insult to everyone else here," Wang Fei spat out, his intent to embarrass Xiao Yu clear.

Had Ye Wenxuan not been present, Wang Fei might have resorted to violence, still holding a grudge from their last encounter.

"How ridiculous. Even if my brother were a servant, which he is not, he certainly wouldn't be your servant. What gives you the right to dictate anything about him?" Ye Wenxuan stood his ground firmly, clearly not perceiving Xiao Yu as just any servant, or else he wouldn't have sought his friendship.

The onlookers watched the exchange in silence, none daring to interject. They were all intrigued, however, wondering about the identity of this unfamiliar man. Clearly, he was not a member of their usual circles.

"Hehe, you're right, he's definitely not one of my servants. If my family had such a servant, I would have fed him to the dogs long ago," Wang Fei said with a smirk, turning his attention to Lin Xuehan. "Xuehan, since he's from your household, you should handle this. It's quite unbecoming for a servant of your family to not show the proper respect. This kind of servant needs to be disciplined!"

All eyes shifted to Lin Xuehan.

The Lin Family was renowned for producing a prodigious daughter whose talent and strength were unparalleled among her peers—a fact well-known throughout the city. Lin Xuehan was celebrated as the Heavenly Girl of the Lin Family.

Furthermore, the Lin Family was currently arranging a marriage alliance with the Wang Family, with Lin Xuehan and Wang Fei as the intended couple. Their closeness today was expected, and no one was taken aback by it.

Could it be, as Wang Fei implied, that Ye Wenxuan was actually a servant of the Lin Family?

"You should go back," Lin Xuehan sighed, approaching Xiao Yu with a calm demeanor.

Her words were measured and devoid of any commanding tone, yet they inadvertently lent credence to Wang Fei's claim—Xiao Yu was indeed a mere servant of the Lin Family.

Xiao Yu, hearing this, showed no sign of surprise.

Lin Xuehan, in her eagerness to marry into the Wang Family, had long forsaken their past camaraderie. She had stood by when he was nearly beaten to death; now, her indirect participation in Wang Fei's mockery came as no shock.

"What if I refuse to go back?" Xiao Yu asked, his voice laced with a touch of scorn.

"Xuehan, your servant certainly has a bold streak, not even heeding his own master's words. I think it's time for some discipline," Wang Fei said, his face twisting into a cold smile. "He's your responsibility, so you should be the one to correct him. After all, I wouldn't want to be accused of meddling."

It seemed he was suggesting that Lin Xuehan should personally reprimand Xiao Yu.

"Is Lin Xuehan about to take action? Rumor has it she has mastered the Seven Spirit Rivers, making her nearly invincible among her peers!"

"Now we'll get to see just how powerful the Lin Family's Heavenly Girl really is!"

The crowd's eyes sparkled with excitement as they eagerly watched Lin Xuehan.

For them, Xiao Yu's status was irrelevant; they were simply eager to witness the might of the fabled Heavenly Girl of the Lin Family.

"Hehe, Young Master Wang wants you to teach me a lesson. Aren't you going to make your move?" Xiao Yu taunted Lin Xuehan with a sneer.

Even though Lin Xuehan was at the seventh turn of the Spirit Origin Stage, Xiao Yu believed that by deploying a potent Battle Spell, he could at least ensure a draw, if not defeat her. Yet, he was curious to see if Lin Xuehan would actually take action.

"I'm very sorry," Lin Xuehan murmured with a gentle sigh before stepping forward.

Clearly, she had decided to confront Xiao Yu. By doing so, the situation had turned into one where a master was about to discipline a servant, leaving Xiao Yu with no dignity to speak of.

"Miss Lin, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Ye Wenxuan positioned himself in front of Xiao Yu.

He knew he was no match for Lin Xuehan, but he felt compelled to show solidarity with Xiao Yu. His politeness towards Lin Xuehan stemmed from Xiao Yu's association with the Lin Family. He was uncertain about the nature of Xiao Yu's relationship with Lin Xuehan and didn't want to risk offending her and upsetting Xiao Yu.

"Fatty Ye, what's the matter? You want to meddle in other families' affairs now?" Wang Fei interjected with a taunting look.

"Wang Fei, the Treasure-seizing Organization isn't under your family's control. Besides, the more attendees, the greater the chance of uncovering exceptional treasures. Isn't it a bit excessive to be driving people away?" Ye Wenxuan, unable to assert dominance, resorted to reasoning.

Would he normally stoop to reasoning with Wang Fei?

Xiao Yu watched Ye Wenxuan with a hint of astonishment. Ye Wenxuan's conciliatory stance was unexpected, especially in front of an audience. Xiao Yu was taken aback by Ye Wenxuan's willingness to confront Wang Fei on his behalf.

"Hah, treasure?" Wang Fei scoffed, his laughter dripping with disdain. "A lowly third-class servant possessing a treasure? Heh, since you're so confident, I'll give him a chance. If he can present a treasure worth mentioning, nobody will stop him from joining the Treasure-seizing Organization. But if he can't, he'd better scram!"

Ye Wenxuan's demeanor seemed to inflate Wang Fei's ego. The Wang and Ye Families had always been at loggerheads, and their descendants naturally shared the animosity. He and Wang Fei had been rivals for as long as they could remember. Given that their families were equally matched in power, their encounters seldom ended in either's favor.

Yet now, Ye Wenxuan's tone had unexpectedly boosted Wang Fei's spirits. He was also skeptical that Xiao Yu, a mere servant, could produce any sort of treasure.

Ye Wenxuan's face turned sour. He had indeed prepared treasures of significant value for this occasion, but none for Xiao Yu. Knowing Wang Fei, his own contributions would hardly suffice.

"Heh, I may not have treasures of great value," Xiao Yu interjected, pulling out a Spirit-gathering Talisman. "But I have this. Does it qualify?"

The talisman was a crucial component of his cultivation practice. Apart from the hundred he had already sent to Tianming Pavilion, he kept several on his person at all times.