Chapter 16 The Guest
Even though Chu Tian had always been steady, he was momentarily speechless upon hearing those words.
Ever since his second brother brought this junior sister Wen back, only a few days had passed, yet Chu Tian had already noticed—this junior sister was rather strange.
She was quiet and rarely spoke, but not because she was cold in temperament.
In truth, she was lively and restless, unable to sit still for a single day. If she wasn't wandering here, she was strolling there.
Each time she returned, she would always bring something back with her.
A cracked bowl of unknown origin, a torn face towel, a dagger stained with blood...
Chu Tian felt that if this girl ever happened to bring back a corpse one day, he would not be surprised.
Though thinking of his brother's junior sister this way seemed impolite, that was precisely the impression she gave.
At this moment, as he looked at the shoulder pole before him, he pondered for a moment and asked, "Where did you find it?"
Junior sister Wen answered every question. Though she sounded indifferent, she still raised her hand and pointed.
"In the rockery over there."
Chu Tian did not ask why she had been wandering in the middle of the rockery. He only nodded slightly.
"So they disguised themselves as porters to sneak in."
"What happened?" Chu Fan quickly asked.
"Some petty thieves broke in and, for some reason, started fighting. One of them died, and another should still be somewhere in the residence.
"Come, let's report this to Father.
"I fear today's banquet will have some uninvited guests."
"Uninvited guests? What kind of people?"
Seeing Chu Tian already heading for the door, Chu Fan hurried to catch up and asked.
Without turning his head, Chu Tian uttered three words.
"Mirror of Retribution."
...
...
The morning chaos within the Chu household did not reach outsiders.
In the blink of an eye, the sun was high in the sky, and crowds began to gather outside the Chu residence.
After all, this banquet was hosted by Chu Yunfei. Anyone with a name or reputation in Tianwu City and its surrounding regions came flocking to attend.
Chief steward Zhou Miao welcomed guests from all directions with a broad smile, receiving invitation cards and gift lists, while servants loudly announced each arrival.
Guests cupped their hands in greeting, offering congratulations before stepping into the courtyard.
Within moments, the courtyard was already full.
Those of insufficient status, unable to cross the Chu family threshold, could only hand over their gifts and name cards before sitting outside to await the feast.
Amid the lively commotion, a loud voice suddenly rang out.
"Liu Shijie of Luoyu Hall has arrived!"
Before the echo faded, hearty laughter followed.
"I've long wished to visit the esteemed disciples of our Taiyi Sect, yet feared it might seem abrupt. Today's banquet is the perfect chance to see the Chu family's prodigy for myself.
"Where is Nephew Chu Fan?"
With those words, a middle-aged man entered the courtyard accompanied by a handsome young man.
Though his voice was clear and resonant, his figure was not burly but rather slender.
He had a proper, refined face, clean-shaven and fair, wearing a square headscarf and wide-sleeved robe, looking every bit the scholar, though his aura carried a boldness uncommon among men of letters.
Upon seeing him, the surrounding guests all rose and cupped their hands.
He responded to each greeting with a mild smile, unhurried and composed.
At this moment, Chu Tian's voice reached everyone's ears.
"So it is the young hall master Tang and Vice Hall Master Liu. Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner."
The crowd naturally parted as Chu Tian approached with a smile, Chu Fan following beside him—but the junior sister Wen was nowhere in sight.
The young man beside Liu Shijie laughed softly.
"Brother Chu, you flatter us. We're hardly strangers; there's no need for such formality.
"My father had wished to come personally this time, but with so many affairs at the hall, he sent Uncle Liu and me instead."
Chu Tian smiled.
"The young hall master's presence already brings great honor to our humble home—how could that be considered an intrusion?"
Chu Tian then turned to introduce the two beside him.
"These are Tang Xi, the young hall master of Luoyu Hall, and Liu Shijie, the deputy hall master."
"I have met the two seniors before," Chu Fan said with a polite bow.
Liu Shijie looked at him and nodded repeatedly.
"As expected of the Chu family's prodigy—truly outstanding in appearance and bearing! However, your elder brother is even more remarkable. The hall master once said that among the younger generation, Chu Tian stands unmatched.
"I truly envy Master Chu. The 'Two Talents of the Chu Clan' reputation is well deserved."
At these words, expressions shifted throughout the room.
They felt his remark was somewhat tactless. Today's banquet was hosted by Chu Yunfei to celebrate Chu Fan's return after mastering his arts.
It was understandable to praise Chu Fan, and praising Chu Tian was not unexpected either.
But to say Chu Fan was merely outstanding in appearance while calling Chu Tian unmatched among men—what was that supposed to mean? The guests exchanged glances, each harboring different thoughts.
In a corner, a young man dressed as a servant was busily serving tea and pastries to every table.
Hearing those words, he turned slightly and glanced at Liu Shijie from the corner of his eye.
"Liu Shijie of Luoyu Hall... I've heard that name before."
That young man was none other than Chu Qing.
After killing the assassin, he had used the sound of shattered tiles to draw people toward the courtyard, allowing himself to slip away unnoticed.
He quickly found a servant's outfit to change into. Before the banquet began, he had been meditating quietly within the residence.
He knew this place too well—where people were, where they weren't, where the secret passages lay, and where gold and silver were hidden—all clearly in his mind.
If he wanted to hide, even Chu Yunfei might not be able to find him.
When the banquet began, he blended in with the servants. Busy all day, who would notice that there was one more unremarkable servant in the crowd?
But upon hearing the name Liu Shijie of Luoyu Hall, he suddenly recalled something from before—when he had executed the Iron Horse Seven Bandits.
Back then, the bandit leader and the third brother had spoken of their next move, saying they intended to seek refuge with Liu Shijie of Luoyu Hall.
At the time, Chu Qing hadn't thought much of it, but now it seemed that Luoyu Hall was no simple organization.
The Iron Horse Seven Bandits had caused chaos on the borders of Tianwu City's territory. Despite Wu Ganqi sending the Tianwu Guards multiple times to eliminate them, they always escaped unscathed.
Such foresight and cunning could only mean Liu Shijie was involved.
While he was pondering this, Chu Fan spoke coldly.
"Senior Liu, please be careful with your words. The Chu family has three brothers—where does that leave my third brother if you call us the 'Two Talents of the Chu Clan'? I ask that you refrain from saying so again."
Chu Qing was momentarily speechless.
This second brother really showed no mercy in his speech.
Sure enough, Liu Shijie was struck dumb, glancing toward Chu Tian—only to find him calmly gazing at his nose, his mouth, and then his heart, as if he hadn't heard a word of what Chu Fan said.
Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, Tang Xi quickly interjected.
"Brother Chu Fan is indeed straightforward. I've heard that you hail from Taiyi Sect and are a top disciple under the venerable master Cui Bunu, known for the Wrathless Divine Fist.
"By coincidence, I have a question about martial arts that has troubled me. I wonder if Brother Chu Fan might be willing to offer some guidance?"
It was clearly an attempt to ease the tension.
But Chu Fan seemed oblivious to his intent. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh? Does Young Hall Master Tang wish to exchange pointers with me? Perfect timing—I've long wanted to witness the renowned martial arts of Luoyu Hall!"
As he spoke, he took a step forward.
Internal energy surged within him, and a powerful aura burst forth.
Tang Xi's face darkened.
What in the world—where did this reckless man come from? A single disagreement, and he's already about to fight?
He was still wondering how to respond when the servant at the door suddenly called out loudly.
"Miss Wu of Tianwu City has arrived~~~~~"
"Huh?"
Chu Qing, who had been preparing to watch Chu Fan beat up Tang Xi, froze in surprise.
Didn't she say she wouldn't come? Why did she go back on her word?
(End of this chapter)
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