Chapter 163: When Rivals Meet

Lin Xiaobao was filled with doubt regarding the tavern's attitude. However, since the other party had not yet shown any wrongdoing, Xiaobao planned to leave immediately after finishing his meal. As for staying here overnight, he simply could not set his mind at ease.

Nevertheless, as batch after batch of guests were welcomed into the establishment by the waiter, Xiaobao's guard lowered considerably. Although he could not recognize some of the sects, the young disciples of these factions were all accompanied by their elders, and they even booked their accommodations right away. Xiaobao began to feel that his worries were somewhat superfluous.

Another group of guests was ushered in by the waiter. After sweeping his gaze across the main hall, the leader's eyes finally landed on Xiaobao's table and slowly walked over.

"Miss Mengling, it truly seems that no matter where one goes, fateful reunions happen!" The person at the head was none other than Qi Yuxuan, the Young Master of the Pure Yang Sword Sect.

"It is merely a coincidence!" Perhaps from having spent a long time around Lin Xiaobao, Si Mengling's speech now carried a touch of Xiaobao's unique style.

Qi Yuxuan did not mind Si Mengling's tone. Instead, he smiled and said, "Coincidence is also a form of destiny, is it not? Since that is the case, why don't we travel together?"

Looking at the passion in Qi Yuxuan's eyes, Lin Xiaobao could not help but appraise Si Mengling. She did indeed possess some charm, but surely not to the level of a femme fatale that could toppled nations? First Long Xiuping, and now Qi Yuxuan—why did everyone who looked at her display such infatuated expressions?

Could it be that his own aesthetic values differed so drastically from this world? Or was Si Mengling simply destined for a life surrounded by romantic entanglements?

"I wonder if you all would mind if I share this table?" Qi Yuxuan spoke as if he were completely oblivious to the fact that they clearly did not welcome him.

"We are finished eating anyway. If Young Master Qi likes it, I will gladly cede this table to you." Si Mengling glanced at Lin Xiaobao. Seeing that Xiaobao had not expressed any stance, she stood up right away.

The only reason Si Mengling glanced at Lin Xiaobao was because they had been following his lead all along, but in Qi Yuxuan's eyes, this gesture took on a completely different meaning.

Youths, under such circumstances, always had an abundance of surging hormones. Staring fiercely at Lin Xiaobao, Qi Yuxuan sneered, "Who would have thought that Chen Zhong's sworn brother would be such a cowardly person, not even daring to share a table with me!"

"Just what kind of person is Young Master Qi? Under your mighty prestige, ordinary mortals can only tremble!" A person of Qi Yuxuan's status would always have a group of sycophantic followers wherever he went. No sooner had his voice fallen than his companions immediately chimed in.

Lin Xiaobao instantly recognized that fellow as the exact same youth who had flattered Qi Yuxuan at the auction. It seemed this kid was quite practiced in this profession.

"Fight! Fight!"

Aside from those hoping to enter the Dragon Soar Academy, there were many locals from Black Wind City present in the main hall. Now that there was a spectacle to watch, they naturally became excited one by one.

Over the past few days, because of the Dragon Soar Academy's admissions, no one dared to cause trouble, leaving these fellows feeling far too lonely. Seeing the conflict erupt between Lin Xiaobao and Qi Yuxuan, they immediately began to heckle and roar. They themselves were not allowed to cause trouble, but if these visiting scholars wanted to fight, that was none of their concern.

"Well? Do you dare?" Although he knew that picking a fight with Lin Xiaobao right now would make them look like performing monkeys, Qi Yuxuan did not care. He believed that as long as he defeated Lin Xiaobao in front of Si Mengling, she would fall for him, because this was an era where the strong were respected.

As for Chen Zhong, who stood behind Lin Xiaobao, others might have reservations, but as the young master of the Pure Yang Sword Sect, Qi Yuxuan was confident he could handle the consequences.

Lin Xiaobao furrowed his brows slightly and glared at Si Mengling. This was entirely an unprovoked disaster! "I don't suppose we have any reason to fight?"

"Do we need a reason?" Lin Xiaobao's earlier glare obviously provoked Qi Yuxuan once again. "Then let's just say I don't like the look of you!"

"You don't like the look of me? Then I'll just leave. Why must it always come to blows and bloodshed?" Though Lin Xiaobao was not particularly afraid of Qi Yuxuan's early-stage Dao Foundation cultivation realm, he truly had no interest in such a meaningless battle.

"What a coward indeed!" As Young Master Qi's flunky, that youth clearly remained dedicated to his post at all times, knowing precisely when and what lines needed to be spoken.

"Who are you cursing? Do you believe this daddy will tear you apart right now?" Before Lin Xiaobao could speak, Wang Dashan grew furious.

"Dashan, stop making a fuss. If you get bitten by a dog, are you going to bite the dog back?" Xiaobao hurriedly stopped Wang Dashan. He had no desire to stir up major trouble at this moment.

"Alas, Sister Mengling, how could you ever take a fancy to a man like this? He can't even stand up for you at a time like this. I truly feel it's not worth it for you!" Before long, Ding Mengqiu also walked in, followed by three young maidens of similar age.

Upon seeing Qi Yuxuan, those three maidens clearly flashed extraordinary brilliance in their eyes. "Young Master Qi!"

Noticing the young ladies, Qi Yuxuan greeted them one by one. After all, anyone able to associate with Ding Mengqiu could not possibly have a low background.

"Mengqiu, what nonsense are you spouting!" Si Mengling had not expected Ding Mengqiu to suddenly appear, let alone utter such remarks.

"How am I spouting nonsense? Back at the Treasure Exchange Assembly, didn't you mention that you liked Lin Xiaobao? Yun Keke can testify to this. You aren't going to deny it, are you?" Ding Mengqiu put on an air of having both evidence and reason.

A slight twitch immediately crossed Qi Yuxuan's face. However, noticing the growing crowd around them, he weighed his options within his heart. Suppressing his burning rage, he glared at Lin Xiaobao and said, "I hope you have the luck to enter the Dragon Soar Academy. When that time comes, I will definitely make you witness my true prowess!"

With a fierce flick of his wide sleeves, he turned and strode away with his entourage. Seeing that the show was over, the diners from Black Wind City in the hall let out waves of disdainful jeers. Naturally, Qi Yuxuan transferred all of this lingering resentment straight back onto Lin Xiaobao.

Seeing the situation grow increasingly troublesome, Si Mengling stamped her foot and protested, "Mengqiu, what are you talking about? When on earth did I ever say such a thing?"

"Did you not?" Ding Mengqiu patted her forehead. "Then I must have remembered incorrectly. It must have been Yun Keke who said it!"

Turning around, Ding Mengqiu cupped her fists toward Lin Xiaobao and said, "My deepest apologies, Young Master Lin. It was entirely my bad memory causing you trouble!"

Watching Ding Mengqiu's performance, Lin Xiaobao felt a headache coming on. This girl had clearly come to stir up trouble, yet she was now putting on an innocent and pitiful act. He smiled coolly and retorted, "I call the Fairy of Remembering Fragrance 'elder sister,' yet you address me as 'young master.' Doesn't that make our seniority generation a bit mismatched?"

Since Ding Mengqiu had tried to set him up, Lin Xiaobao naturally intended to tease her right back.