Chapter 1498
Chapter 1498: Just at the right time, to restore the freedom
“Who are you? How dare you meddle in my lord’s affairs?”
Before Chu Xiao could respond, Chu Xiao’er stepped forward, casting a displeased and cold glance at Gu Changge as he shouted sharply. As a sycophant, it was unthinkable for him to let his young master lose face at that moment.
“Are you looking for death?”
Witnessing this, Zi Yunchuan, who had initially intended to question Gu Changge, felt his demeanor harden. He shot a glance at Chu Xiao’er and took a step forward. A terrifying aura emanated from him, and a sword-like light seemed to flicker in his slightly enchanting eyes—tyrannical and oppressive. This caused Chu Xiao’er to pale, forcing him to retreat a few steps in fright.
“When did a mere servant dare to be so arrogant?” Zhao Tianfan, Daoist Mingying, and others frowned, their displeasure evident. In Xi Yuan Civilization, no disciple from any other faction would dare to insult them in such a way.
Though Chu Xiao had an extraordinary background, each of them was formidable in their own right. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that they accompanied Gu Changge personally. How could a sycophantic servant in this area dare to speak to their distinguished guest like that?
Near the private room, followers of Zi Yunchuan and the others began to arrive one after another, rushing to the scene and glaring at Chu Xiao’er and Chu Xiao with hostility. The expressions of all the guests in Lin Shuixuan changed dramatically as they witnessed this unfolding situation; they were filled with horror.
No one expected the atmosphere to turn so tense so suddenly. Zi Yunchuan, Zhao Tianfan, and the others represented the contemporary faces of Zixiao Mountain and Lingshen Cave. In Xi Yuan Civilization, who would dare to confront or disobey them?
Moreover, the identity of the young man in white who could produce a piece of Dao Immortal Jade was undoubtedly even more formidable.
“Looks like we’re in for an entertaining night; these few are certainly not harmless…”
“That man in brocade—who knows his identity? Could he really be unaware of who these people are?”
Many guests whispered among themselves, watching the scene unfold in shock.
Madam Liu’s face turned pale, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead. She never anticipated that such a significant commotion would arise over something involving a girl.
“You’re angry, but there’s no need to take it out on a servant.”
Chu Xiao, fully aware of the identities of Zi Yunchuan and the others, feigned indifference as he stepped forward with an air of nonchalance. “However, this girl was the first to express her feelings for me, and when this brother intervened, isn’t it justified?”
Fairy Cai Yun, although reluctant to involve herself in such matters, stood by Gu Changge’s side. She frowned and said, “Lin Shuixuan has never allowed the coercion of guests. There’s no merit in disregarding rules; sense must prevail.”
With Chu Xiao’s support, Chu Xiao’er found newfound courage. He looked directly at Fairy Cai Yun and the others, declaring, “My young master merely wanted her to toast out of good intentions. If she declines, so be it; what’s the significance of knocking over a wine glass?”
“Furthermore, my young master never forced her. As you’ve seen, he didn’t say those words just now.”
After finishing his statement, he cast a cold smile at Madam Liu, who was drenched in cold sweat, as if she had resolved to act.
At that moment, Madam Liu felt the Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone in her arms growing extremely hot, and she was filled with endless regret. Gu Changge paid no mind to the approaching Chu Xiao and Chu Xiao’er, treating them as if they were air.
He merely glanced at the woman in white beside him, who kept her head down and appeared a bit nervous. In truth, she could only be described as a girl; she didn’t seem very old—about seventeen years old. However, there were no ordinary people in Lin Shuixuan, and all had cultivation bases, so her true age couldn’t be discerned by her appearance alone.
“May I have your name?” His voice was calm and gentle.
The girl in white timidly looked up at him, then quickly lowered her gaze and whispered, “They all call me Yiyi.” She hadn’t expected Lin Shuixuan to draw such a large crowd because of her, which made her feel anxious and uneasy.
“Were you playing just now?” Gu Changge nodded and asked again. He was actually contemplating how to find a suitable and reasonable excuse to confront Chu Xiao just moments ago. The appearance of the girl in white had come at just the right time, potentially saving Gu Changge considerable thought and effort.
“Yes…” The girl in white didn’t fully grasp Gu Changge’s question, but she nodded obediently.
“I really enjoyed the piece you played,” Gu Changge said again.
“Thank… thank you…” The girl in white was taken aback by Gu Changge’s compliment. After a moment of surprise, she regained her composure and thanked him in a soft, shy voice.
“Do you want to leave this place?” Gu Changge asked with a slight smile.
Upon hearing this, eagerness flickered in the girl’s eyes. Naturally, she didn’t wish to remain in Lin Shuixuan, a place where she might one day lose her innocence. However, after a moment’s thought, her expression dimmed once more.
“But I can’t leave.” She shook her head.
She still owed a significant amount of spirit stones to her sister, as well as to Madam Liu of Lin Shuixuan, and she needed to repay that debt. Although she knew that Gu Changge must have a way to help her escape this place, she couldn’t bring herself to accept such kindness without reason.
Just moments ago, Gu Changge had come to her aid, helping her to her feet, which had already filled her with gratitude.
“Why can’t you leave? Are they forcing you?” Gu Changge asked casually.
The girl in white opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond or explain, so she simply lowered her head shyly.
“How many spirit stones did you spend to buy her? I’ll give you a hundred times, or even a thousand times?” Gu Changge seemed to understand the girl in white’s thoughts, smiling lightly as he glanced at Madam Liu.
When Madam Liu heard this, she became visibly agitated and hurriedly replied, “My lord, if you want to take Yiyi away, please do so; how could I dare to ask for your spirit stones?”
Gu Changge casually responded, “I won’t take your people for nothing.”
Madam Liu’s face twisted with bitterness as she continued to wave her hands, saying, “Yiyi is worthless; you can just take her away, young master.” She had already retrieved the Phoenix Heart Sacred Stone from her bosom, intending to return it to Chu Xiao, wishing to avoid further entanglement in this messy situation. In her eyes, Yiyi was simply a disaster that would only bring her trouble.
“Brother, is it really right for you to do this?” Chu Xiao interjected. “Everything should follow the principle of first come, first served. Miss Yiyi was chosen first; isn’t your behavior a bit too domineering?”
Chu Xiao had never expected Gu Changge to ignore him entirely, treating him like air. He even intended to redeem the woman named Yiyi directly. Unable to maintain his pretentious and carefree smile any longer, his brows furrowed, and his tone turned rude.
At that moment, Gu Changge seemed to have just noticed Chu Xiao and glanced in his direction. However, he quickly looked away and turned his attention back to the girl in white beside him, speaking slowly, “From tonight onwards, you are free, and you can leave this place at any time.”
The girl in white was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Gu Changge to grant her freedom with just a few words. Could she truly regain her freedom and leave this place?
“Thank… thank you, my lord…” The girl in white regained her composure and started to express her gratitude.
However, Chu Xiao, who stood nearby, suddenly snorted coldly. His eyes darkened as he said, “Brother, you are being quite presumptuous; this is truly unacceptable. No one has ever dared to snatch the woman I like.”