Chapter 32: Provocation

Damn it, damn it... This time I really ended up empty-handed. Not only did I gain nothing, but Chu Xi’er’s favor toward me decreased. What on earth is going on here… Li Jian San was feeling the urge to curse.

After a while, the two of them arrived at the entrance of a restaurant. Noticing Chu Xi’er’s expectant expression, Li Jian San smiled and pointed inside, “Xi’er, you must be hungry. Let’s go in and have something to eat first.”

Chu Xi’er was momentarily stunned as she looked at the grand restaurant before her. It was the first time in her life she’d been in such a place. She had wandered with Ye Tian, never knowing when her next meal would come, living a rough life under the open sky. Even now, she’d never tasted any of the world’s delicacies.

She glanced at Li Jian San, hardly daring to believe, and asked, “Can I really eat here?”

“Of course. I, Li Jian San, always keep my word—I never deceive anyone,” he replied with a smile.

They entered the restaurant and found a table to sit at.

“Waiter, waiter! Stop dawdling and hurry over—bring out your best wine and dishes! Today, take good care of my junior sister, and I’ll reward you handsomely.”

Hearing Li Jian San’s words, a waiter with a cloth draped over his shoulder quickly rushed over. “Ah, Young Master Kongxu! You’re one of our esteemed guests. Please wait just a moment; the food and wine will be out soon, just a little patience.”

Li Jian San pulled out some spirit stones and tossed them onto the table. “Take these—they’re your tip.”

Spirit stones were the universal currency in this world.

Seeing the spirit stones on the table, the waiter bowed repeatedly in gratitude. “Thank you, Young Master Kongxu!”

This tip was nearly a year’s wages—he never expected Li Jian San to be so generous. Though the waiter was inwardly thrilled, Li Jian San remained indifferent; after all, these things were plentiful in Shengjing Sect and nothing rare.

The waiter hurriedly pocketed the spirit stones, his attitude becoming even more enthusiastic. “Thank you, Young Master Kongxu! Your food and wine will be out right away. If you need anything, just let me know.”

After Li Jian San nodded, the waiter departed.

Seeing this, Chu Xi’er tried to advise him, “Senior Brother Li, I know you like to help others, but isn’t that a bit much?”

“Heh, I’m used to it.”

Li Jian San was momentarily taken aback. He’d only wanted to show off, yet was mistaken for a good Samaritan?

“All right, Xi’er, let me tell you the story of this restaurant.”

“Yes, please!” Chu Xi’er had never seen such a place, and was curious about its history.

“This restaurant has been here for centuries. They say the one who built it was a great cultivator, who has since ascended to the outside world…”

Seeing Chu Xi’er’s keen interest, Li Jian San slowly recounted the origins of the restaurant.

“Oh, so that’s how it is. Has this place really hosted the king of our Jiang Kingdom before?”

Li Jian San nodded, “Yes, and right where you’re sitting now.”

“What? I’m sitting in the seat the king once occupied?” Chu Xi’er was startled, her face full of surprise.

Li Jian San laughed at her expression. “Silly girl, I was just teasing you. The king visited here ages ago, and the layout has changed countless times since. There’s no way you’re sitting where he once sat.”

“Your dishes are here!” This time, the owner himself brought the food, showing his respect for Li Jian San.

“How have you been, boss?” Li Jian San greeted him warmly.

“Thanks to you, business is decent. But you haven’t been by in a while—where have you been enjoying yourself lately? Haha.” The owner responded with a chuckle.

Just then, two burly, bare-chested men swaggered in, their eyes leering at Chu Xi’er by Li Jian San’s side.

These fools must be from the neighboring village, daring to stir up trouble in my territory? They really don’t know their place—this is Shengjing Sect’s domain, surrounded by our experts.

As the men approached, Li Jian San couldn’t help but sneer. Still, it was a good opportunity to showcase his strength before Chu Xi’er. With luck, he’d get a few scratches and she could tend to him afterward—then everything would go much smoother.

The two men arrogantly strode over to Li Jian San.

“Hey, pretty boy, move aside for us. We’ve got our eye on that girl next to you. Step aside and we won’t rough you up.”

“Who knows, if we have our fun, maybe we’ll give her back to you,” the other added with a lascivious grin.

“If you don’t know what’s good for you, don’t blame us for being rude. I’m warning you—we’ve killed before!”

They ignored Li Jian San and addressed Chu Xi’er directly, “Sweetheart, come to our room tonight and let us have some real fun. As long as you please us, you’ll be well rewarded.”

At this, Li Jian San spoke coldly, “Who said you could come over here?”

“Huh?” The two thugs were taken aback, then grew furious. “I’ve seen tough guys, but never someone as reckless as you!”

“Do you know who you’re dealing with? We’re from the Wang family! If you dare oppose us, you must be tired of living!”

The owner tried to interject, “He’s actually…”

But before he could finish, Li Jian San waved him off.

“This is Wang family turf. Any woman we want, no one can stop us!”

Chu Xi’er, frightened by their aggression, tugged Li Jian San’s sleeve, “Senior Brother Li, let’s just ignore them.”

Li Jian San glanced at her and said, “Don’t worry; these scoundrels are no match for me.”

“Big brother, looks like we’ve got a live one here.”

“Haha, let’s just kill this kid and take the girl. The rest of the brothers can enjoy her later—she’s a real beauty.”

One of them stepped forward and threw a fierce punch at Li Jian San’s head.

The attack revealed considerable strength—eighth level of Qi Refining.

Chu Xi’er, seeing his cultivation, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, he’s only at the eighth level. Senior Brother Li won first place in the monthly competition; handling them should be no problem.

But the next moment, Chu Xi’er was stunned.

Though Li Jian San dodged the blow to his head, the punch landed squarely on his back, sending him flying several meters as he coughed up blood.

Chu Xi’er’s face changed dramatically, her heart filled with anxiety.

How could this happen…