Chapter 259: Chapter 220: Women May Lie to You, but Fists and Feet Won’t
Things escalated far more quickly than Jiang Feng had imagined.
Almost overnight, Wu Liangchen’s name spread throughout the martial arts world of the Imperial Capital.
Although Wu Liangchen had only defeated Shan Rui this time and hadn’t even seen Gu Yi, the Sect Leader of the Broken Sword Sect, it was still shocking enough.
After all, Gu Yi had rarely made public appearances in recent years, leaving all matters, great and small, to his senior disciple, Shan Rui.
So, in a sense, Shan Rui had become half the public face of the Broken Sword Sect.
And now that this half of their face had been lost, it naturally sent a massive shockwave through the long-peaceful martial arts world of the Imperial Capital.
If, before, Wu Liangchen’s various exploits were just hearsay, people could console themselves by saying rumors were always exaggerated. But now that it had happened right in front of them, they had no choice but to believe.
Immediately after, invitations of all kinds began to pour in.
Everyone knew Wu Liangchen was new to the Imperial Capital and had no established connections. Recruiting him to their side at a time like this would be a massive coup.
Thus, for a time, the once-quiet Xu family residence became as bustling as a marketplace.
Most of the time, however, the visitors couldn’t get an audience with Wu Liangchen. Instead, they could only hand their invitations to Xu Kai.
Xu Kai thus became Wu Liangchen’s de facto spokesman. In less than a day, he had become acquainted with every martial arts school and sect, large and small, in the Imperial Capital.
And he took his duties very seriously. Although Wu Liangchen hadn’t asked him to, with the help of his brother-in-law, Jiang Feng, he meticulously organized the invitations, sorting them by the size and strength of the various factions.
But the one placed at the very top of the pile was a pale pink invitation, exuding a faint, sweet fragrance.
When he finally saw Wu Liangchen, Xu Kai began his report.
"Master Wu, this stack contains the more important invitations. I’ve organized them for you. As for this one..."
A strange smile crept onto Xu Kai’s face as he picked it up.
"This is an invitation from Lady Sujin of the Rain Building. It says she’d like to invite you over for a visit this evening."
"Rain Building?" Wu Liangchen frowned slightly. He didn’t recall knowing anyone by the name of Lady Sujin.
"That’s right. You might not know, Master Wu, but the Rain Building is the most famous and exclusive brothel in the Imperial Capital. Lady Sujin is its headliner. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but her zither-playing is said to be otherworldly."
"Furthermore, she has a proud temperament. It’s nearly impossible for an ordinary person to even get a glimpse of her. Yet today, she took the initiative to send you an invitation, Master Wu. It just goes to show that your fame has truly spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital," Xu Kai explained, his face full of envy.
’When I was young, I was quite handsome myself, but it’s a shame my family was poor. All I knew how to do was bury my nose in books; I never set foot in any pleasure quarters.’
’Later, after I entered the world of officialdom, I went a few times, but it was always just for show.’
’I’ve certainly never received a personal invitation like this.’
’Tsk, tsk. The top courtesan, no less. Master Wu is in for a real treat tonight...’
Just as Xu Kai’s imagination was running wild, he saw Wu Liangchen raise an eyebrow and casually toss the proffered invitation aside.
"From now on, refuse all invitations that come," Wu Liangchen said.
Xu Kai watched, stunned, as Wu Liangchen turned and walked away. It was a long moment before he came back to his senses.
’No wonder he’s so accomplished at such a young age. What incredible self-discipline!’ Xu Kai murmured in admiration.
He never imagined Wu Liangchen could remain so composed when faced with an invitation from the top courtesan, and his face filled with admiration.
Wu Liangchen was, indeed, unmoved.
Not only was he unmoved, he even found it faintly amusing.
’A courtesan...’
’Just a woman accustomed to the world of pleasure and vice.’
Wu Liangchen didn’t look down on prostitutes and entertainers, but he wanted nothing to do with these so-called top courtesans who held themselves in such high regard.
’Wouldn’t it be better to spend that time practicing a few more sets of forms?’
’After all, a woman might deceive you, but your fists never will.’
So when Xu Kai returned to the rear of the residence, the sound of fists cutting through the air from Wu Liangchen’s small courtyard only made him sigh with even greater admiration.
’He’s still training this late? If a man like that doesn’t succeed, who will?’
So much so that even after returning to his room, Xu Kai was still sighing in wonder.
"My lord, what’s wrong?" Xiu’Er said with gusto, setting down a stone lock.
Every night before bed, Xu Kai’s wife, Xiu’Er, would do some strength training.
It was a habit she had formed back at her family home.
As she put it, working up a sweat helped her sleep more soundly.
Xu Kai attentively handed her a hot towel. "It’s nothing," he said. "Just feeling a bit emotional."
He then recounted the day’s events to her.
Xiu’Er listened with her head tilted, a blank expression on her face. These matters were clearly a bit too complicated for her.
"My lord, what’s a ’courtesan’?"
"Er... it’s nothing. You must be tired, my dear. You should get to bed and rest."
"I’m not tired, my lord! If you don’t believe me, watch! I can still toss the stone locks!"
With that, Jiang Xiu picked up a stone lock and tossed it into the air.
The stone lock, weighing over a hundred pounds, whistled through the air, and Xu Kai’s face went pale with fright.
But as it came back down, Jiang Xiu shot out a hand and caught it securely.
Xu Kai finally let out a long sigh of relief. "My dear, please, put away your Divine Power and let’s get some rest!"
A bashful look suddenly appeared on Jiang Xiu’s face. "Then you go wait for me in bed, my lord. I’ll just go wash up and be right there."
"Ah, no, that’s not what I meant at all..." Xu Kai’s face went even whiter.
"Oh, my lord, don’t say another word. I understand completely."
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