Chapter 105: The Girl of a Foreign Race (Third Update)

Amidst the toasts and clinking of cups between Fang Xu and Zhuge Jun, Murong Fu watched from a distance, his eyes sharp and full of simmering rage. Especially seeing that all those on his side were his own people, yet just moments ago, they had all been feigning ignorance as if playing dead.

Why were his comrades such worthless rubbish? Sensing Murong Fu’s loathing and reproachful gaze, not a single one dared to meet his eyes.

To Murong Fu, failing to obtain the Jade Delicacy was a minor issue. But the real disgrace was that everyone now knew that he, Murong Fu—the rightful heir of the prestigious Murong clan—held no authority or influence whatsoever.

“They’re all a bunch of useless bastards!” If it weren’t for the prize he still hoped to claim, Murong Fu would have smashed his cup and stormed out of this humiliating banquet.

Meanwhile, watching Fang Xu and Zhuge Jun exchanging drinks was none other than Shangguan Lian. A faint, knowing smile played on her lips as she observed Fang Xu.

“Have you achieved your goal? This is quite amusing,” she murmured to herself, though Fang Xu remained oblivious to her unusual demeanor.

It was evident that Zhuge Jun was genuinely delighted for two reasons. First, Fang Xu had not only helped him secure the Jade Delicacy but also helped him regain some lost face, preventing the Zhuge family from public embarrassment. Second, Zhuge Jun saw Fang Xu as a new friend—a cause for celebration.

Yet Fang Xu was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Who could have guessed Zhuge Jun’s tolerance for alcohol was so poor? Though already tipsy himself, Zhuge Jun stubbornly refused to let him leave, insisting that since Fang Xu was his brother, he must continue drinking by his side.

From friend to brother in one step? Well then.

With no other choice, Fang Xu resolved to accompany his companion in this perilous venture. Fortunately, his previous life’s experience with social drinking had honed his tolerance, and it seemed to have carried over with him through this strange journey—allowing him to drink copiously without succumbing to drunkenness.

***

“This is the final item in today’s auction! These young women hail from the distant borderlands!” the auctioneer announced with a smile, while Murong Fu’s eyes gleamed with a peculiar light.

Fang Xu’s attention was caught by the auctioneer’s words. Could they really be auctioning living beings?

But when he saw the women up for bid, they appeared no different from the women of the Qin Empire—around fifteen or sixteen years old, their hair unbound, eyes wide with palpable fear as they gazed upon the assembly of privileged young gentlemen below.

With a sudden snap, the teacup in Fang Xu’s hand shattered under his grip.

“These aren’t foreign tribes at all! They’re clearly commoners of the Qin Empire!” he muttered through clenched teeth. Though Fang Xu had never ventured beyond the borders himself, he had heard from Old Wu that most of the borderland people were more robust and larger in stature than Qin’s citizens, with men towering and strong, and women bearing distinctly different hair colors.

These were the hallmarks distinguishing barbarians from the borderlands. Yet these girls bore none of those traits.

“Of course, I have good news for everyone. These young maidens from the borderlands are not only skilled in song and dance but are also all virgins! Surely, the gentlemen here understand the significance?” the auctioneer said with a knowing smile.

The assembled young lords chuckled, eager at the prospect of ‘sampling’ exotic beauties from beyond the borders.

Yet Fang Xu sensed that Shangguan Lian behind him was on the verge of losing her composure.

“Let the bidding begin! Which young lord is interested?” the auctioneer asked, smiling broadly as several bidders showed interest.

“I’ll take them all! Who dares to challenge me?” Murong Fu slammed his hand on the table, rising to his feet with disdainful eyes surveying the eager scions of noble families and officials.

At his declaration, those who had intended to bid hesitated and fell silent.

They were no Zhuge Jun and dared not offend Murong Fu; thus, they chose to endure.

“How much is Murong Fu willing to offer?” the auctioneer asked professionally, eyeing him.

Murong Fu held up five fingers. “Five hundred taels of gold! That should cover the price for these young ladies, right?”

His boldness stunned the room. Though not quite matching Zhuge Jun’s earlier bid, theirs were vastly different purchases.

Zhuge Jun had acquired the Jade Delicacy, a masterpiece worthy of a hundred taels in both material and craftsmanship, whereas Murong Fu’s acquisition was clearly motivated by desires of a more carnal nature.

***

“Jun, just now, were you treating me as a brother?” Fang Xu lowered his head, addressing a visibly intoxicated Zhuge Jun.

“Of course... naturally... *hic*!” Zhuge Jun belched, clearly drunk.

“So, do you regret it?” Fang Xu smiled slyly, but Zhuge Jun looked puzzled, not grasping the implication.

What did it mean to regret? Yet meeting Fang Xu’s determined gaze, Zhuge Jun straightened, nodded firmly.

“Good! Then for this lifetime, I shall truly consider you my brother! Old Wu! Bring me the blade!” Fang Xu’s smile faded as he commanded the elder.

“Young master? What do you intend to do with a blade? Are you planning to—?” Old Wu grew anxious, suspecting the worst.

“Enough nonsense! Do you not trust your young master?” Fang Xu retorted sharply.

Reluctantly, Old Wu unsheathed the embroidered spring blade from his waist and handed it over.

Fang Xu drained the remaining wine from the shattered cup in one gulp, wiped his mouth, and strode toward the auctioneer, brandishing the spring blade.

His prior actions had already drawn attention, and now this sudden, bold move stirred murmurs of confusion.

Only Zhang He, seated beside Murong Fu, trembled visibly. To Zhang He, Fang Xu’s madness signaled that something drastic was about to unfold.

“Sir Fang, what is this?” the auctioneer asked, bewildered, unable to fathom Fang Xu’s intentions.

Before he could continue, Fang Xu slammed the blade down forcefully before him.