Chapter 28 - Third Prince Please Behave with Dignity!
Shortly after, a soldier escorted two individuals inside. Both appeared to be no more than thirteen or fourteen, clad in cloaks and shivering from the cold. Their flushed faces evoked sympathy.
“Are these the Seventh Young Masters of the Huo Family?” A playful voice interjected, laced with a hint of menace. “Come closer, let me get a better look.”
Yin Xu felt the chill acutely. Despite bundling up, the frigid weather persisted.
He glanced up at Teng Yu, momentarily taken aback. In the dim basement, shrouded by a cape, discerning Teng Yu's features had been challenging.
Were it not for shadowing them all the way, Yin Xu would have never believed the jovial rascal before him was the same silent, cold individual.
Stepping forward, he presented himself before Teng Yu, granting him a thorough examination. Yet, upon catching sight of Han Qing, a flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes before swiftly dissipating.
With his back to the others, only Teng Yu and his son caught the fleeting astonishment. They naturally comprehended its source.
Teng Yu's lips curved into a playful smile as he abruptly seized Yin Xu's hand, pulling him into an embrace. Tilting his chin upward, he unabashedly scrutinized him.
“You…”
“Pfft…”
“Thud…” Everyone stood stupefied, never anticipating such a display from the Third Prince.
Unperturbed by the myriad gazes fixed upon him, Teng Yu lowered his head, inhaling Yin Xu's scent. Astonished, he adopted a coquettish expression, praising, “It's delightful!”
This scent… Teng Yu glared at the figure in his arms, attempting to decipher him.
Yin Xu blushed, struggling against Teng Yu's hold, though his efforts lacked conviction. He protested, “Hey, what are you doing? Let me go!”
“And if I refuse?” Teng Yu chuckled, tightening his embrace around Yin Xu.
To onlookers, the Third Prince appeared to have one hand placed on Huo Tian's abdomen and the other grasping his wrist, assuming a conventional stance reminiscent of courting a maiden from a respectable family.
Only Yin Xu was aware that this man was probing his meridians. Despite feigning resistance with punches and kicks, he surreptitiously employed Demonic Qi to disrupt the flow of Qi in his veins. As for the Demonic Qi in his dantian, its detection eluded ordinary individuals.
Whether due to inadvertent exposure or excessive caution, it was evident that this Third Prince excelled in concealing his true prowess.
Teng Yu harbored no concerns about revealing himself to the youth. If the other party concealed his strength akin to him, further collaboration might be feasible. Conversely, if his assumption erred, someone devoid of Inner Qi wouldn't discern his intentions.
In silent communion, the pair engaged in clandestine struggle. Their sinews tensed as if poised for imminent eruption. Yet, to an outsider, their interaction appeared affectionate.
“Cease, Third Brother!” The First Prince intervened, albeit belatedly, “He is the son of Marshal Huo; decorum must be observed!”
Initially contemplating leveraging the Huo Family Brothers to sever ties between Teng Yu and the Huo Family, upon glimpsing the countenance resembling Huo Zhengquan in Teng Yu's embrace, an inexplicable flame ignited within him.
Huo Yiloong, also rising unsteadily, hastened to disentangle Teng Yu from Yin Xu. Seizing Yin Xu's arm, he remonstrated, “Third Prince, maintain decorum! The honor of the Huo Family remains sacrosanct even in death!”
Withdrawing his internal energy, Teng Yu released his grip on Yin Xu's arm, feeling a twinge of disappointment as he watched him being pulled away.
Truly lacking in meridians, Yin Xu evoked disappointment. Yet, the scent enveloping him mirrored that from the morning's encounter in the basement. Was this mere coincidence?
After Huo Yiloong forcibly separated Yin Xu, he impulsively struck him with a resounding slap, jolting the bystanders from their stupor.
Recoiling, Wu Sheng shielded his face and retreated. Witnessing his young master being struck, he summoned courage to interpose himself. Confronted by Huo Yiloong's fierce gaze, fear gripped him.
“Humph! Shameful!” Exhaling a breath tainted with alcohol, Huo Yiloong shoved Wu Sheng aside and admonished Yin Xu, “You've brought disgrace upon the Huo Family!”
Yin Xu positioned his befuddled attendant behind him, meeting Huo Yiloong's gaze squarely, each word pronounced with emphasis, “Brother, your authority does not extend to disciplining my attendant!”
“Master…” Wu Sheng tugged at Yin Xu's sleeve, his speech faltering, “I'm alright now.”
Unnoticed by all, Yin Xu's eyes gradually darkened, resembling thick ink. Across from him, Huo Yiloong wore a momentary blank expression before slumping to the ground, fast asleep.
“Fifth brother seems to have imbibed too much,” Yin Xu remarked calmly.
Hastily, a companion assisted Huo Yiloong to his feet. Only upon confirming his inebriation did they express surprise and lend aid.
The First Prince and company didn't dwell on the incident. After all, Huo Yiloong had indeed consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.
Teng Yu's scrutiny remained fixed on Yin Xu. Though sensing the peculiarity of the scene, he couldn't discern its nature.
Rising with Han Sen's assistance, Teng Yu yawned, remarking, “Drinking alone lacks allure without the company of a beauty. Thus, I shall take my leave.” With that, he departed.
Passing by Yin Xu, Teng Yu cast him a sly glance, smirking as he jested, “Should insomnia plague you tonight, Seventh Young Master Huo, feel free to join us in the hall.”
Yin Xu, head bowed, gritted his teeth in response, “I appreciate your concern, Third Prince.”
“Haha…” Teng Yu chuckled as he exited.
…
Teng Yu: “Are we meeting tonight?”
Yin Xu: “Depends on your mood.”
Teng Yu: “And what might induce such a mood?”
Yin Xu: “Offer more olive branches.”
Teng Yu: “Declined.”
Teng Yu, “…”
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