The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2720 - 2695: Young City Lord of Houtu City! Wang Qian!
Previously on The Unparalleled Sword Emperor...
Lin Bai made his way back to the Tang Family and took a brief rest. By the time he emerged, dusk was rapidly approaching. He noted that Ban Ye and the Fatty had not yet returned, surmising they were likely still at the Fighting Arena, occupied with the collection of their Merits. Given the colossal sum of several hundred million Merits involved, the Fighting Arena authorities would undoubtedly exercise utmost caution.
Departing the Tang Family premises, Lin Bai entered a secluded alley near the Celestial Immortal Tower. There, he donned his mask and cloaked himself in a dark robe before proceeding towards his destination.
Upon reaching the Celestial Immortal Tower, Lin Bai was taken aback to find it heavily guarded by numerous soldiers clad in gleaming silver armor. These sentinels stood vigilant, preventing any Warrior from approaching the establishment. From a distance, Lin Bai could discern the inscription on their battle armor: 'Houtu City, Wang Family.' It was evident that these soldiers hailed from Houtu City.
Voices from the surrounding crowd buzzed with awe. "The Young Lord of Houtu City certainly lives extravagantly!" "He's managed to book the entire Celestial Immortal Tower with a mere gesture!" "To secure the Celestial Immortal Tower for a single night must cost millions in Merits!" "Ah, the advantages of wealth!"
Lin Bai, moving through the throng, overheard these conversations, noting the envious glances cast towards the Celestial Immortal Tower. It became increasingly clear that the entire establishment had been reserved for the night by the Young City Lord of Houtu City.
Lin Bai navigated through the crowd, reaching the main entrance of the Celestial Immortal Tower, and walked directly towards it.
A stout, middle-aged man in battle armor noticed Lin Bai's approach and stepped forward with a smile. "Sir Sword Demon, the Young City Lord has been awaiting your arrival. Please, follow me!"
Lin Bai offered a slight nod, his silence undisturbed.
The armored escort guided Lin Bai inside the Celestial Immortal Tower. The interior was alive with music and revelry, the air thick with an intoxicating perfume.
Graceful dancers, each a vision of beauty with their lithe, curvaceous figures, captivated the onlookers with their alluring performances. Nearby, skilled musicians played a variety of instruments, their melodies weaving a tapestry of sound, akin to a divine symphony from the mortal realm.
As Lin Bai entered, his gaze swept across the opulent scene.
"Excellent! That beauty dances splendidly—come here, this young master shall lavish you with rewards!" On the third floor, a flamboyant young disciple, surrounded by a bevy of beauties, laughed boisterously. More than a dozen women attended him closely; some were peeling grapes, others massaged his legs, and one diligently brewed wine for him... It was a life truly befitting an immortal!
The armored escort led Lin Bai forward, clasped his fists, and announced, "Young City Lord, the Sword Demon has arrived!"
This ostentatious disciple was indeed the Young City Lord of Houtu City, Wang Qian. Wang Qian, however, paid Lin Bai little immediate attention, his eyes fixated on the dancers twirling above. With a casual wave of his hand, he gestured, "Sit, sit!"
The armored man inclined his head, guided Lin Bai to a seat, and then departed.
Once Lin Bai was seated, he immediately felt an intense gaze fixed upon him.
Lifting his head, Lin Bai traced the source of the stare. Not far behind Wang Qian, a middle-aged man in a black robe, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's, was looking directly at him!
Their gazes met across the room, and both men offered a subtle, knowing smile.
"This individual is a true expert!" Lin Bai mused silently, assessing the man. This was Jiang Yang, the Undefeated General of the Houtu City Fighting Arena, and Wang Qian’s personal guardian.
As a breathtaking performance of song and dance concluded, Wang Qian, slightly intoxicated, stood up, clapping enthusiastically. "Magnificent, truly magnificent! That dance was exquisite!"
After offering his compliments, Wang Qian sank back into the embrace of the surrounding beauties. Only then did he turn his attention to Lin Bai, a smile on his face as he addressed him, "Sword Demon!"
Lin Bai met his gaze, cupping his fists, and replied, "Young City Lord Wang Qian."
Wang Qian chuckled, "Sword Demon, tonight at the Celestial Immortal Tower, partake in whatever food and drink you desire!"
Lin Bai shook his head. "There is no need. Young City Lord Wang Qian, let us dispense with pleasantries and discuss the matter at hand. May I inquire as to the reason for your summons?"
Wang Qian paused, then declared, "Since Brother Sword Demon is so direct, I shall be equally forthright..."
"I, this Prince's Son, truly appreciate you. If you are willing to join my Wang Family in Houtu City, we can guarantee one million Merits every month. Other arrangements can be discussed at leisure!"
"The Wang Family will fulfill any of your desires!"
"Whatever Black Water City can offer you, my Houtu City can give ten times that amount!"
"If you desire Merits, the Wang Family shall provide them!"
"If you seek beauties, my Wang Family will present you with a hundred monthly!"
"Just name it, and we can negotiate!"
Wang Qian, embracing the beauties in his arms, spoke to Lin Bai with a smile.
He radiated an aura of immense wealth.
Lin Bai's eyes gleamed as he softly replied, "I hold little interest in Merits or beauties. However, if the Young City Lord genuinely wishes to win me over..."
"I do have one request."
Wang Qian let out a laugh. "A request is good. It signifies a foundation for cooperation. The most bothersome individuals are those who want neither wealth nor beauties, nor power—they are the most troublesome!"
"Brother Sword Demon, please, speak your mind!"
Upon hearing that Lin Bai had a request, Wang Qian became immediately delighted.
Lin Bai continued, "I have heard that the Wang Family possesses an ancestral Cultivation Skill known as the 'Houtu Divine Thunder Skill'?"
Wang Qian laughed heartily. "Indeed, that is correct. It is a Cultivation Skill passed down from our Ancestor. Although not many Warriors in the Wang Family practice it, according to the Ancestor's decree, this Cultivation Skill remains the cornerstone of our Wang Family..."
"Brother Sword Demon, what do you mean by this?"
Wang Qian was taken aback, his expression then turning slightly frigid as he inquired.
Lin Bai stated, "I am particularly interested in this Cultivation Skill. I wonder if the Wang Family would be willing to impart it to me?"
Wang Qian swiftly responded, "Impossible! This is the bedrock of my Wang Family. Even if our own Wang Family disciples do not cultivate it, we would never entrust it to an outsider!"
"This matter is not up for further discussion. The Wang Family will not agree!"
"Aside from this, the Wang Family can accommodate any other request you may have!"
"Brother Sword Demon, please consider another request!"
Wang Qian's expression was resolute.
Lin Bai could discern that Wang Qian was not merely evading the issue; he genuinely could not hand over the Houtu Divine Thunder Skill!