Chapter 28: Xishui Yayuan

Xishui Yayuan!

This pinnacle of restaurants is not only home to countless exquisite delicacies, but also a place where high-ranking officials, nobles, and socialites linger, reluctant to leave. In the past, Li Xuan would never have dared to imagine himself dining in such a luxurious establishment. The constant flow of people—the wealthy and the elite—and the endless stream of traffic were a testament to the prosperity of this golden age.

"Xuan'er, why are you wandering about? Your Second Sister is here!" Seeing Li Xuan darting around like a headless chicken, Li Chenxi feared he might stir up trouble and quickly beckoned him over.

Li Xuan, brimming with excitement, grabbed his Second Sister’s arm. He then turned his face, plastered with a grin, toward Jiang Qingyue. Brazenly, he clung tightly to her arm as well and asked, "Sister Yueyue, you don’t mind, do you?"

Jiang Qingyue raised a delicate hand and chided, "You’re asking for a beating!"

Li Xuan playfully dodged, his eyes as blue as the West Lake blinking as he teased, "A blow to my body is a pain in your heart!"

At these words, Jiang Qingyue’s ears turned beet red. She could neither strike him nor scold him, and she was left stomping her feet in frustration.

Li Chenxi stepped in to smooth things over, giving Li Xuan a playful kick. "You brat, you never have a serious bone in your body. Watch out, or your brother-in-law will thrash you. You get more impudent by the day!"

Li Xuan quickly pleaded for mercy. "Alright, alright, I was just lightening the mood! My dear sisters, I’m hungry. I want to feast on delicacies!"

"Haha, Li Xuan! I have a 'delicacy' right here, you want a taste?"

Two young masters of similar height approached slowly, shouting, "What has become of Xishui Yayuan today? Just anything is allowed in!"

These two were old acquaintances of Li Xuan: Wang Zifan and Kong Xuan. Both were students at the Saint Dao Academy, with Kong Xuan and Tang Ruoxian being the most prominent figures, serving as the two banners of the Four Academies. Speculation about who would be the top student was rampant; while many favored Tang Ruoxian, more leaned toward Kong Xuan, reasoning that men were naturally superior to women in such matters. Kong Xuan had long coveted Tang Ruoxian, but she was haughty and never gave him a kind look, leading him to seek advice from that scoundrel, Wang Zifan. Their temperaments matched, so they naturally became cohorts.

"Xishui Yayuan, are you still in business? Don't you know today is Lady Tang Ruoxian's birthday? Why are you letting people from the Li family in?" Kong Xuan’s expression was cold and harsh; he held Li Xuan and Li Chenxi in total contempt.

"Customers are guests, and Xishui Yayuan is open for business..." Before the waiter could finish, Kong Xuan grabbed him by the hair and threw him aside violently, leaving blood smeared across his forehead. The waiter dared not make a sound, merely sobbing quietly.

Li Xuan let go of Li Chenxi and was about to step forward when she grabbed him firmly. "Don't be a hero. At most, we can give the waiter some Source Crystals later as compensation!"

Li Xuan glanced at Li Chenxi, pried her fingers off, and walked straight over. He pulled out a silk handkerchief and said, "Cover your head to stop the bleeding."

The waiter looked at Kong Xuan and Wang Zifan, shivering in terror. She pushed away Li Xuan’s handkerchief and whispered, "Go away, it’s all your fault!"

Li Xuan felt his mind reel. Were the Kong and Wang families truly so tyrannical that even a waiter had to fear their gaze before accepting an act of kindness?

"Hmph, what a pathetic sight! Always cozying up to women!" Kong Xuan targeted Li Xuan both openly and covertly. It wasn't for anything else but a glimpse Li Xuan had caught three years ago—a scene so tender: a fairy bathing, a lotus flower emerging from the water. Li Xuan hadn't just humiliated Wang Zifan in public; he had even slapped him. The grudge was now one of life and death.

"Impressive. Shipping your sister off to this brothel of a place—you really are a freak," Wang Zifan said, his words dripping with malice. In truth, Xishui Yayuan offered comprehensive services—dance halls, banquets, dining, lodging—everything to ensure the elite could indulge in nightly revelry, serving as a nightmare for the impoverished.

"Xuan'er, don't be angry. We can't afford to offend the Wang and Kong families. Let's just finish our meal and head back," Li Chenxi said, feeling helpless. The Saint Moon Imperial Court had bestowed the title of "First-Class Family" upon the Li family, but everyone knew it was merely a gilded exterior hiding rot within. The Li family lacked the foundation and, based on surface wealth alone, could not compare to them.

"This is outrageous! Xuan'er, Sister Yueyue has your back. If anyone makes trouble tonight, beat them black and blue!" Jiang Qingyue was naturally overbearing and full of confidence; her words were clearly meant for Kong Xuan and Wang Zifan.

"Yueyue, and here I thought you were my best friend! You’re leading my Xuan'er into a trap! I have..."

Li Xuan changed the subject. "Second Sister, Sister Yueyue, have you forgotten why we came to such a high-end restaurant? First, to celebrate the Li family’s imperial title; second, to thank my two sisters; and as for the third..." Li Xuan waved a hand. "Never mind!"

Li Xuan led his two sisters inside with a confident stride. When they bumped into Tang Ruoxian and Tang Xuan, he offered a faint smile and passed by calmly.

"Li Xuan, stop right there!" The icy-cold Tang Ruoxian called out to him just as her birthday banquet was about to begin.

Li Xuan was somewhat surprised. He turned back and asked, "What is it?"

Tang Ruoxian said coldly, "You’re feeling quite bold, aren't you?"

Li Xuan gave a wry smile. "You're too kind!" The fault had been his three years ago, and he had already received his punishment. The past was gone; why live in it? Li Xuan had long since moved on; he was looking to the future.

The banquet was about to begin. The door to the Pear Blossom Hall, where Li Xuan was seated, creaked open. Li Xuan hurried to welcome the guest, bowing deeply. "Welcome, Elder Xiyue! Your presence makes our entire Pear Blossom Hall shine!"

"Heh, you brat, you’re getting more glib by the day, but I like it!" Elder Xiyue smiled at Jiang Qingyue and Li Chenxi. "I was delayed by some matters, please forgive me!"

Li Xuan, for no apparent reason, remarked, "Elder Xiyue, this outfit of yours is stunning!"

"Xuan'er, stop talking nonsense..." Before Li Chenxi could finish, she realized her blunder. Elder Xiyue’s face flushed pink, but she showed no sign of offense.

"Elder Xiyue, please!" Li Xuan pulled out a chair with a flourish, inviting her to sit like a true gentleman.

As the banquet began, Li Xuan went on a spree of flattery—praising Elder Xiyue’s unique grace, calling Jiang Qingyue a peerless beauty, and describing Li Chenxi as radiant. These were clearly hyperbolic words, yet they were well-received by the three beauties.

"Xuan'er, don't you think you should excuse yourself? There are things we women need to discuss that aren't for your ears." Li Xuan hesitated for a moment before standing up and leaving.

He went to the service desk and pulled out some Source Crystals. "Settling the bill for the Pear Blossom Hall!"

The waiter smiled. "The total is one million Source Crystals!"

Li Xuan felt his head throb as if he’d swallowed something foul. He erupted, roaring, "What did you say? For a few measly dishes, you dare charge me one million Source Crystals!"

The waiter explained patiently, "There is also the birthday banquet in the Hibiscus Hall opposite; they said to ask you to cover their bill as well!"

Only then did Li Xuan realize he’d been played for a fool. He tossed down the million Source Crystals and marched straight to the Hibiscus Hall. He grabbed a wine glass, walked up to Tang Ruoxian in front of everyone, put an arm around her slender waist, and said, "Tang Ruoxian, happy birthday! Bottoms up!"

Li Xuan tilted his head and drained the wine. Emboldened by the drink, he pressed his lips to hers, then waved a hand and declared, "The bill for the Hibiscus Hall is on me, Li Xuan!"

The Hibiscus Hall fell into a deathly silence. It wasn't until Li Xuan reached the door that Tang Ruoxian snapped out of her shock and hurled her wine glass at him.

Li Xuan caught the glass behind his back and dropped a parting shot: "No matter who is pulling the strings behind the scenes, I, Li Xuan, will pay them back tenfold!"

He smashed the glass onto the floor, his eyes blazing with authority as he swept his gaze over Kong Xuan and Wang Zifan.

Tang Ruoxian chased after him, fuming. "Li Xuan, you bastard! How dare you humiliate me like this? I should have killed you three years ago!"

Li Xuan stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at her with a strange expression. "It’s not too late. Come and try!"

Tang Ruoxian clenched her fists and threw a punch, but Li Xuan dodged it easily. With a clatter, the *Chiyue Imperial Shadow* sword began to hum, emitting a sharp, metallic ring.

"Tang Ruoxian, if you want to kill someone, use a sword. Here!" Li Xuan tossed the *Chiyue Imperial Shadow* toward her without hesitation. "I won't let what happened at Wuying Mountain happen again. No matter who it is, I, Li Xuan, will defeat them one by one!" His expression was void of emotion, his tone resolute.

"Li Xuan, are you threatening me?" Tang Ruoxian was sharp and realized his intent. The reputation of the Star Elder was too dazzling; everyone had to show some respect.

"I wouldn't dare! I’m just giving a reminder: everyone here should be careful not to overstep their bounds." As he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Wang Zifan and Kong Xuan.

"Damn it, how dare he talk to me like that!" Kong Xuan slammed his palm onto the table, roaring, "I’ll kill you!"

Kong Xuan lunged at Li Xuan, bringing down a palm strike with the force of a thunderbolt. Suddenly, Kong Xuan’s expression changed drastically. His strike missed, and the source energy within his body began to drain uncontrollably. In an instant, his energy sea was empty.

The next moment, he felt a chill on his neck—a cold blade was pressed against his throat.

"You wouldn't dare!" Though restrained, Kong Xuan’s pride as a scion of a noble house remained; he still held Li Xuan in contempt.

Li Xuan gave a slight nudge, the cold edge of the blade cutting into Kong Xuan’s skin. "Say one more word."

Only then did Kong Xuan realize that Li Xuan was ruthless enough to actually kill him. He wouldn't beg for mercy.

Li Xuan’s expression shifted, a flicker of cruelty in his eyes. Just as his arm moved, Tang Ruoxian intervened. "You humiliate me at my birthday banquet and now you dare to kill someone here? Do you really think the Tang family is easy to bully?"

Li Xuan’s tense heart finally relaxed. He knew that one Li Xuan—even ten thousand Li Xuans—wouldn't dare harm Kong Xuan, and he was fortunate that Tang Ruoxian had spoken up at the critical moment.

Li Xuan sheathed the *Chiyue Imperial Shadow*. "And what do you propose? I’ve already paid for the banquet, and let’s just consider that kiss a special birthday gift, shall we?"

Tang Ruoxian was trembling with rage. "Li Xuan, you’re courting death!"

But Li Xuan’s next words made her even more furious: "Well, I’ve seen what I’ve seen, and I’ve kissed what I’ve kissed. At worst, I’ll just send a marriage proposal to the Tang family in a few days!"

At this, Wang Zifan jumped up. "Bastard, you’re too arrogant!"

Li Xuan looked at him. "Have you forgotten the pain from a few days ago?" Wang Zifan thought back to that day and deeply regretted provoking that madman.

"Where did this wild brat come from, daring to cause trouble at our little princess's birthday banquet?" A deep, booming voice echoed from afar, making the heads of everyone present ring.

"Grandfather, someone is bullying Xian'er!"

The man who entered had a mole on his eyelid. He growled in a low, rumbling voice, "Who is it? Stand out at once, or I’ll carve you into a human pig!"