Wu Han's appearance, backed by his formidable background, left no one daring to provoke him. With just a few words, he not only suppressed the Spirit-Capital Sect and the Bingxuan Sect but also cowed the Nine-Hua Alliance. As for the others in the tavern, they glanced at each other, none daring to speak out, only whispering among themselves.
However, it wasn't long before the previously somewhat quiet tavern suddenly became noisy and lively again.
Because of one person.
A woman.
A woman with three thousand strands of crimson hair, a stunningly beautiful face, and an enchanting figure. She wore a light gauze over her upper body, her fragrant shoulders exposed, her ample bosom breathtaking. Below, she wore a red skirt, slit at the hem, revealing glimpses of a pair of alluring, shapely legs.
Red hair, red clothes, red skirt, along with fiery red lips—she was like a flame. The moment she appeared, she ignited the souls of everyone present. Every single man in the tavern, without exception, raised their heads, eyes wide, mouths agape, their expressions filled with infatuation, their gazes brimming with awe.
Even Luo Jinheng of the Spirit-Capital Sect, Wen Huayu of the Bingxuan Sect, and Murong Tai and Murong Li of the Murong Clan were no exception. Even the hearts of those old True Beings who had cultivated for over a thousand years couldn't help but pound.
Applause rang out.
It came from Young Master Wu Han, seated at the very front. He had stood up at some point, clapping while his eyes roamed brazenly over the woman's body. He praised, "I've long heard of Miss Liu's peerless beauty across the Great Northwest Territory. Seeing you today truly lives up to your reputation."
Liu Piaopiao appeared somewhat languid. Her exquisite, fox-like face was utterly captivating, the corners of her mouth curved in a bewitching, ambiguous smile. Every glance and smile could stir one's heart. Her soul-stealing eyes swept over lightly, making it impossible for anyone to break free.
"Is that so..." She stepped onto the stage, glanced at Wu Han, and replied lazily.
"I am Wu Han. My father is Wu Xingfeng, the Great Manor Lord of Chixu Manor..." Liu Piaopiao's reputation for beauty was well-known. Before the Great Calamity, she was quite active in the Great Northwest. After the Calamity, although she had emerged a few times, it was only occasionally—once every few years, without a fixed pattern. Therefore, few had seen her in person. Many in the tavern were seeing this legendary, beautiful songstress for the first time. Wu Han was no exception. The moment he saw Liu Piaopiao, he was instantly conquered by her beauty and immediately introduced himself, trying to attract her attention.
However, as he was introducing himself, Liu Piaopiao seemed uninterested in listening further. She walked onto the stage, sat on a chair, took out a crimson ancient zither, and asked lazily, "So, that would make you Old Sen's grand-disciple, then."
Everyone knew that Old Sen was the true master of Crimson-Letter Manor, though in recent years he had long lived in seclusion. The manor had been managed by his two disciples: one was Wu Han's father, Wu Xingfeng, known as First Master Wu; the other was Second Master Hai, known as Second Master Hai.
"Exactly."
Wu Han stood ramrod straight, fanning himself with a white jade fan, a confident and arrogant smile playing on his lips.
Indeed.
With his status, he had every right to be arrogant. Although he was not a member of the Crimson-Letter Sect—nor was his father—the only true member of the Crimson-Letter Sect was Old Sen himself. But with this connection, it was enough for Wu Han to run rampant in the surrounding regions.
At that moment, another person stood up to greet Liu Piaopiao: "Miss Liu, we meet again."
This person was tall and thin, with a somewhat sinister air—it was Murong Tai. His standing up and saying this was quite surprising. The phrase 'we meet again' indicated they had met before and seemed acquainted.
"Since last time I heard Miss Liu play 'Drunken Glaze,' I have been unable to forget it. To have the fortune of hearing you play again today is truly the honor of three lifetimes."
Murong Tai's stepping forward at this moment was unclear whether he genuinely wanted to greet Liu Piaopiao or was deliberately showing off to Wu Han.
If it was the latter, then his goal was achieved. Because the moment he stood up, Wu Han was already somewhat displeased. Although he didn't show it, those familiar with Wu Han knew that this young master disliked nothing more than someone stealing his spotlight.
However...
It seemed Murong Tai wasn't the only one acquainted with Liu Piaopiao.
Right after Murong Tai's greeting, another person stood up.
"Miss Liu, it's been a while."
Everyone looked over. It was a man in white robes, rather unremarkable in appearance. Everyone recognized him—Wen Huayu of the Bingxuan Sect. A faint smile hung on his lips as he added, "Thinking back, it's been over ten years since you last visited our Bingxuan Sect as a guest. I never expected to encounter you here again today."
Liu Piaopiao had visited the Bingxuan Sect as a guest?
Was there such a thing?
Unclear. No one had heard of it.
Then Murong Tai spoke again: "In a few days, our Bingxuan Sect will hold its grand ceremony. I presume Miss Liu has already received the invitation?"
On the stage, Liu Piaopiao sat on her chair, poured herself a glass of crimson wine, lifted her head, raised the glass, parted her fiery red lips slightly, took a small sip, and said with that ambiguous smile, "Of course. I will definitely attend."
After saying this, she repeated the word: "Definitely."
"In that case, we eagerly await Miss Liu's esteemed presence!"
The Bingxuan Sect members were quite excited. Even True Being Liangong, who had cultivated his Golden Core to the Second Revolution for a thousand years, couldn't help but stroke his chin, a smile appearing on his face.
After all, this was a matter of great face.
Especially since this face was snatched from the hands of the Crimson-Letter Sect and the Nine-Hua Alliance's Murong Clan.
Clearly, the arrogance displayed earlier by Young Master Wu Han had displeased not only the Murong Clan but also the Bingxuan Sect. They might not dare to break the Crimson-Letter Sect's rules, but that didn't mean they didn't dare to challenge the Crimson-Letter Sect. Moreover, Wu Han was merely Old Sen's grand-disciple.
"Heh heh..." Wu Han chuckled but said nothing. He simply picked up a glass of wine, drained it in one gulp, a shadow flashing in his eyes.
Within the hall, another person stood up. It was none other than Luo Jinheng of the Spirit-Capital Sect.
This was quite strange. Murong Tai had met Liu Piaopiao before; Wen Huayu of the Bingxuan Sect knew her. Could it be that Luo Jinheng of the Spirit-Capital Sect also knew her?
"I am Luo Jinheng, direct disciple of the Spirit-Capital Sect. I have long heard of Miss Liu's name. To have the fortune of witnessing your stunning beauty today is truly our honor. If it is convenient for Miss Liu, please do visit our Spirit-Capital Sect. Our entire sect..." Obviously, Luo Jinheng of the Spirit-Capital Sect did not know Liu Piaopiao. His standing up was merely to introduce himself and make an appearance. But just as he was trying to show his face and introduce himself, he was abruptly interrupted by Wu Han sitting in front.
"What kind of thing are you, Luo Jinheng?
What kind of thing is the Spirit-Capital Sect?"
Murong Tai and Wen Huayu standing up one after another had already put Wu Han in a foul mood. Now, even Luo Jinheng of the Spirit-Capital Sect was standing up to steal his spotlight, which naturally annoyed him even more. After finishing the wine in his cup, he slammed it heavily on the table and said disdainfully, "A minor sect, a petty faction, a small-time lackey—how are you worthy of inviting Miss Liu as a guest?"