TRWSB – Chapter 92 Lu Ming’s Inquiries

Evan stepped down from the stage, and Qi Shaorong tilted his head with a teasing smile. “Qianmian, you’ve advanced to Level 7 already? Why didn’t you say so earlier? I was genuinely worried for you.”

“My apologies for troubling you, Young Master,” Evan replied with a faint smirk.

Shen Yuan stared at Evan, his eyes filled with shock. When Yi Bing was injured in the secret realm, the Yi family had thoroughly investigated every fire magic user present but found nothing. Now it seemed they had overlooked one.

“Young Master Shen, why are you staring at me like that?” Evan asked.

Shen Yuan jumped slightly at the question and quickly said, “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just surprised. Both you and Young Master Qi held back during the Hundred Academy Competition. It seems Tianlan Academy’s victory wasn’t due to luck—it was well-deserved.”

Mu Tingxuan approached Qi Shaorong and respectfully said, “Greetings, Young Master.”

Qi Shaorong looked at Mu Tingxuan and smiled. “Tingxuan, I was just about to call you over. Good timing. But forget that for now—I’m heading to Liu Yun’s place to talk business. The food there is excellent. Want to join me?”

Mu Tingxuan nodded. “Sure, I’ve been looking for a place to settle. I might as well go to Liu Yun’s.”

Evan spoke up eagerly, “You can stay at my place.”

“Aren’t you staying at the academy?” Mu Tingxuan asked, puzzled.

“I have a private estate in the capital as well,” Evan explained.

“You should stay at the academy and focus on learning from Principal Hu Feng,” Mu Tingxuan said coolly.

Evan looked at Mu Tingxuan with disappointment. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Zhuang Hao observed the exchange and began to piece things together. No wonder Qi Shaorong was trying to create opportunities for Qianmian. This Mu Tingxuan fellow, with his cold and aloof demeanor, seemed like a tough nut to crack.

Evan accompanied Qi Shaorong to the Luohua Pavilion. News of Evan being a dual-element mage who had mastered both water and fire spread through the capital like wildfire.

“Miss, are you alright?” Xiang Yun asked, concerned.

Mu Xuelan shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“I didn’t expect Qianmian to be a Level 7 mage, and a dual-element one at that. He’s not far off from Young Master Zhuang Hao in skill. Before, I thought he was just Qi Shaorong’s lackey,” Xiang Yun muttered.

“Qianmian truly is remarkable.”

Mu Xuelan’s heart pounded. Earlier, Yi Bing had been injured by a fire mage in the secret realm, but the culprit was never found. Now it was clear that Qianmian had been hiding his fire magic ability all along. Could it be…?

Why would Qianmian do such a thing?

Qi Shaoru glanced at Qi Shaokang and said, “Second Brother, I didn’t realize Qianmian was so powerful. I think I underestimated him.”

Qi Shaokang took a deep breath and said, “That guy isn’t just strong in magic; he’s also cunning.”

He looked over at Yi Chuxue, saying, “Yi Chuxue doesn’t seem to be taking it well.” The girl might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she probably had her suspicions.

“That silly girl—both her brothers have been ruined, yet she still has time to attend auctions and compete for Snow Lotus Flowers. Truly heartless,” Qi Shaoru scoffed.

Qi Shaokang shot her a look. “Enough. Let’s head back.”

Whether it was Qianmian or the wood mage he had purchased, both seemed to be connected to their fourth brother.

That fourth brother of theirs was growing more enigmatic by the day. What a pity…

At the Luohua Pavilion.

Zhuang Qian looked at Zhuang Hao and said, “Big Brother, Qi Shaorong, Qianmian, the wood mage Qianmian bought, and even Qi Heng have all gone into the inner courtyard of the Luohua Pavilion. Who knows what they’re whispering about. Honestly, Qi Shaorong is too much. We’re all so familiar with each other, yet he doesn’t include you in these private conversations.”

Zhuang Hao exhaled slowly, his face solemn. “To Qi Shaorong, I’m still just an outsider.”

Zhuang Qian scratched his head. “Big Brother, don’t think so little of yourself! You have a contract with him, after all. Once the marriage contract is finalized, Qi Shaorong won’t be able to escape.”

Zhuang Hao shook his head. “Qi Shaorong isn’t someone who can be bound by a mere piece of paper.” Someone capable of mastering both light and dark elements, while navigating life-or-death situations with ease, wouldn’t be so easily constrained.

Although Qi Shaorong often appeared unreliable, deep down, he was a decisive and ruthless individual.

“That’s true. Fourth Young Master Qi isn’t easy to deal with. But you’re really generous, Big Brother—spending 400,000 gold on a flower to gift someone without batting an eye. With that kind of wealth, shouldn’t you consider supporting your little brother?” Zhuang Qian teased.

Zhuang Hao glared at him. “Keep dreaming.”

Zhuang Qian: “…”

Shen Yuan rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. Shen Manwu had mentioned that the Qingcheng Cosmetics Shop had one main owner and four minor ones. Coincidentally, Qi Shaorong, Qianmian, Liu Yun, Qi Heng, and Mu Tingxuan made five.

“Brother Shen, why aren’t you saying anything?” Zhuang Qian asked.

Shen Yuan gave an awkward smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking… I might’ve really upset Qi Shaorong. I wonder if there’s any way to make amends.”

Zhuang Qian glanced at Shen Yuan. “Brother Shen, Fourth Young Master Qi holds grudges, you know. Just look at my brother.”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Backyard of Luohua Pavilion.

“Why did you fall into the hands of the Mohe Mercenary Group? Were you careless?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“On the surface, it was indeed the mercenary group, but I believe they were just a knife in someone else’s hand,” Mu Tingxuan replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Recently, many people have been investigating the affairs of the Allure Cosmetics Shop, and my connection to it has been exposed,” Mu Tingxuan explained.

Qi Shaorong narrowed his eyes. “A long line to catch a big fish. Looks like this was aimed at me. Sorry to have dragged you into it.”

“Young Master, don’t say that,” Mu Tingxuan said.

Bi Liuyun, brushing his hair back, glanced at Yi Fan. “Too bad Ah Fan was too thorough—he left no survivors.”

“Even if he did, it wouldn’t matter. The other side was very meticulous. I doubt the mercenaries themselves knew much,” Mu Tingxuan said calmly.

Qi Shaorong stroked his chin. “We don’t need to know who it was—just that they have ambitions for the Allure Cosmetics Shop is enough.”

“Boss, if you marry Zhuang Hao and secure the Zhuang family’s backing, the Allure Cosmetics Shop will definitely remain untouchable,” Bi Liuyun suggested.

Qi Shaorong shot him a look. “I’m not at the point where I need to rely on Zhuang Hao yet. Let’s just wait and see.”

Bi Liuyun continued, “With your skills, Boss, even if the shop collapses entirely, you’d still have endless opportunities to generate wealth. The real issue now is… Ah Fan. After your display earlier, I fear the Yi family has their eyes on you.”

Yi Fan shrugged indifferently. “It’s fine. What happened in the secret realm was so long ago. Who would dig up old grievances now?”

“Someone will, inevitably,” Bi Liuyun said.

Yi Fan: “…”

After a lengthy discussion, Qi Shaorong and the others finally emerged from Luohua Pavilion. Upon seeing Qi Shaorong, Zhuang Hao stood up and approached him. “Done talking?”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “We’re done.”

“Why, Zhuang Hao, haven’t you left yet?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“Zhuang Hao, were you so entranced by the song and dance that you couldn’t bear to leave?” Yi Fan teased.

“Qian Mian, so noble to rage for your ‘blue beauty.’ But tell me, didn’t that Mu fellow keep you there?” Zhuang Hao quipped.

Yi Fan: “…”

“I was waiting for you. Done? Headed back to the academy? I’ll escort you,” Zhuang Hao offered, ignoring Yi Fan and turning to Qi Shaorong.

Qi Shaorong replied, “I know the way, Zhuang Hao. No need to trouble yourself.”

Zhuang Qian chimed in, “Qi Shao, don’t be so distant. What if you run into danger on the way? My brother can save you! After all, you’ve got a dangerous person tagging along.”

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Yi Fan: “…”

“It’s late—let’s go,” Zhuang Hao said, grabbing Qi Shaorong’s hand.

Qi Shaorong glanced at him but didn’t object.

The trio returned to Tianlan Academy, with Yi Fan trailing behind them, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes.

“Qian Mian, you’re finally back!” Li Hong greeted him.

As soon as Yi Fan arrived, he noticed Li Hong pacing nervously by the campus gates.

“Vice Principal, is there something you need?” Yi Fan asked.

“Qian Mian, don’t joke around. With your skills, how could I possibly lecture you? Principal Lu Ming is here and has been waiting for you for some time,” Li Hong explained.

Qi Shaorong remarked, “I thought the Yi family would send someone, but it turns out it’s Lu Ming.”

Yi Fan waved dismissively. “Shall I go, then?”

Qi Shaorong followed. “I’ll go with you.”

Li Hong looked between the two, unsure of what to say as they headed towards the principal’s office, Zhuang Hao joining them as well.

Yi Fan pushed open the office door and walked in. Upon seeing him, Lu Ming frowned deeply.

“My disciple, you’ve returned!” Hu Feng greeted cheerfully. “Qian Mian, Principal Lu Ming has some questions for you.”

“Master, why didn’t you just kick him out? Couldn’t beat him?” Qi Shaorong grumbled.

Hu Feng’s eyes widened, speechless.

Lu Ming was still present, yet Qi Shaorong was openly suggesting ejecting him.

Yi Fan chuckled. “Master, Shaorong is joking. Principal Lu Ming is an esteemed guest. How could we possibly kick him out? Doing so would tarnish Tianlan Academy’s reputation. Principal Lu Ming, what would you like to ask? Surely, as a busy man, you wouldn’t visit without reason.”

“I’ve heard that Qian Mian is a dual-element mage of water and fire?” Lu Ming asked.

Yi Fan shrugged. “There were plenty of spectators at the life-and-death arena today. I assume the entire imperial city knows by now.”

“If you’re a dual-element mage, why was only water recorded when you registered at Tianlan Academy?” Lu Ming inquired.

Yi Fan smirked. “Principal Lu, why not just ask directly? Are you implying that I’m responsible for injuring Yi Bing? It’s quite admirable that you’d personally come all this way for a useless person like him. Truly, dedicated principals like you are rare these days.”

Lu Ming: “…”

Hu Feng: “…”

“Since you’ve come, I won’t let you leave empty-handed. Yes, it was me. In the secret realm, I used fire magic to destroy Yi Bing’s meridians.”

Lu Ming stared at Yi Fan. “Why would you do that?”

“Why? I did it because I wanted to. Does everything need a reason?” Yi Fan replied. “If you insist, then… when food is scarce, strong chicks in a nest will push the weaker ones out to die. Survival of the fittest, isn’t it?”

Hu Feng, watching, remarked, “My disciple, you make a good point.” Though he was unsure what chicks had to do with this.

“Qian Mian, as the name suggests, ‘Thousand Faces’ must mean this isn’t your real face, is it?” Lu Ming asked.

“Principal Lu, your insight is truly impressive. Nothing escapes you.”

Yi Fan removed his human-skin mask, and Hu Feng spat out his tea.

“As I thought,” Lu Ming said, staring at Yi Fan. “Family affairs are beyond my jurisdiction. Since this concerns the Yi family, I won’t intervene. Today, consider me absent.”

As Lu Ming left, Yi Fan didn’t even spare him a glance.