Chapter Sixty-Two: Meeting Across the Way, Yet Failing to Recognize You

"You were never as good as Zuo Shi. At the martial tournament, you will be utterly defeated—that is an inevitable fact," Shi Yan glanced at the agitated Ling Yueyue, his expression indifferent, not the slightest hint of anger.

"Inevitable, you say?" Ling Yueyue's face was full of annoyance, and she sneered, "Who do you think you are? You think you can decide what hasn't happened yet?"

Shi Yan shook his head and ignored her, clearly not taking her seriously.

Mo Zhan's face was grim as he rose from the wine table and strode toward Shi Yan, head held high, shouting, "Boy, who are you? I don't recognize your face. Are you from the Shi family too? Or do you plan to cripple yourself before the tournament even begins?"

Shi Yan's expression turned cold in an instant. He lowered his voice and asked Han Zhong, "Is it allowed to kill?"

Han Zhong's body jolted, clearly startled, and he hurriedly said, "Yan, what are you thinking?"

Although he had spent some time with Shi Yan, Han Zhong only knew him as someone fond of eating, drinking, and pleasure. He was aware Shi Yan had suddenly gained refined energy and miraculously broken through to the third stage of Innate Realm.

But Han Zhong had never seen Shi Yan in a fight, nor did he know what kind of attitude Shi Yan would take toward his enemies.

Now, seeing Shi Yan consider killing over a mere argument, Han Zhong was genuinely shocked. He had never imagined that this young master, so skilled at enjoying life, could be so ruthless when confronting foes!

Shi Yan glanced over, signaling his intention to take action.

"Absolutely not!" Han Zhong, face full of alarm, quickly stopped him, thinking: You're just at the third stage of Innate Realm, and those over there are skilled as well! If you act recklessly, I can't intervene, and if you end up disadvantaged and unable to participate in the tournament, the patriarch will skin me alive.

"No killing?"

"Of course not!" Seeing Shi Yan hadn't yet dropped the idea, Han Zhong hurried to explain, "Those over there are the future hopes of the Mo and Ling families. If any of them die, those families will retaliate without restraint, and it will be impossible to resolve cleanly. Don't do anything rash!"

"Is crippling allowed?"

Han Zhong shuddered inwardly, rolled his eyes, and forced a bitter smile, "Yan, I'm begging you! Whatever grievances you have, settle them during the tournament. If you win, you could help our family reclaim a mine. Let's leave it for now."

"Oh."

Shi Yan said no more, coldly watching as Mo Zhan approached, raising his voice, "What do you want?"

"Boy, who are you?" Mo Zhan didn't act immediately, but after coming over, he glared coldly at Shi Yan, "Your words upset my fiancée. If you don't identify yourself, don't blame me for what comes next!"

Ling Yueyue, seeing Mo Zhan step forward, sat back down, watching coldly and feeling secretly surprised.

Her hearing was sharp, and even though Shi Yan and Han Zhong had lowered their voices, she still caught key words like "kill" and "cripple."

Who was this arrogant, boastful fellow, anyway?

Ling Yueyue, full of doubt and unable to guess Shi Yan's background, decided it was safest to be cautious. With the tournament about to begin, she worried Shi Yan might be some expert the Shi family had brought in, so she dared not provoke him further.

"Gentlemen, please don't cause trouble in my Spring Pavilion—I'm begging you, for my sake," the Pavilion's fat manager, Long, shuffled onto the third floor, bowing repeatedly. Behind him were several graceful young women carrying the food and wine Han Zhong had ordered.

"You'll know who I am at the tournament," Shi Yan gave Mo Zhan no heed and beckoned to the hesitant young women, smiling, "Come, set the dishes for me. I want to enjoy good food and drink before anything else."

The young women, fearful, dared not approach, only looking to Manager Long.

After receiving his signal, they nervously brought over the dishes, quickly arranged them, and hurried down the stairs like startled birds.

Shi Yan was indifferent, opening a jar of wine for himself, pouring a cup, drinking it in one gulp, then eating as he pleased, treating Mo Zhan as if he were invisible.

"Young Master Mo, you’re not a stranger here—I've always taken care of you. Please, don’t make trouble," Manager Long pleaded, bowing to Mo Zhan.

"Manager Long, I'll give you face today," Mo Zhan snorted, then sneered at Shi Yan, "Boy, you'll see what I can do at the tournament!"

"Very well, I'll be waiting," Shi Yan didn't even look up, continuing to drink, pouring Han Zhong a full cup, smiling, "Come, Han, let's begin."

Mo Zhan glared at Shi Yan in anger, then, persuaded by Manager Long, returned to his seat.

Mo Yanyu had been watching this side for some time. Her bright eyes lingered on Shi Yan, curious, but as Mo Zhan returned, she withdrew her gaze and continued to stare coldly at Blue Moon Lake, paying no attention to the minor incident.

Thud, thud, thud!

Suddenly, heavy footsteps sounded at the stairway, followed by Beiming Ce's voice, "Xiao Die, Yalan, the food and wine here at Spring Pavilion are famous throughout Tianyun City. Today you must taste it for yourselves. The 'Flame' wine is spicy, but has a unique flavor—it's not to be missed!"

As the words faded, Beiming Ce appeared, with Mu Yudie and Di Yalan following him up.

"Now you've said it, I really have to try that 'Flame.' Haha, I can handle a bit of wine myself," Mu Yudie, dressed in a simple white gown that made her look ethereal and refined, climbed the stairs with graceful steps.

Di Yalan followed, her eyes tinged with sadness, clearly preoccupied.

Shi Yan, drinking, heard the familiar voice and his expression darkened for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. He didn't even glance over, continuing to drink with Han Zhong.

Han Zhong, a bit surprised, glanced at Mu Yudie and Di Yalan, secretly worried Shi Yan might cause some trouble now.

"Ah, people are already here," Beiming Ce scanned both tables, indifferent. "All familiar faces."

Ling Shaofeng, Mo Zhan, and their companions, seeing Beiming Ce arrive, looked uncomfortable, forcing smiles and nodding in greeting.

Ling Shaofeng and Mo Zhan, after greeting, stole glances at Mu Yudie and Di Yalan, their faces showing hidden admiration.

Han Zhong stood and nodded to Beiming Ce with a smile, "Ce, what brings you out today? I heard you rarely leave the Beiming residence these days?"

"With two beauties at home, the place feels lively again. I hardly want to go out," Beiming Ce smiled faintly, gazing at Shi Yan who kept his head down, but said nothing more, turning instead to Mu Yudie, "Let's sit."

"Alright."

"Young Master Ce, this way please!" Manager Long hurried over, his smile brighter than ever, bowing as he led Beiming Ce to a seat, then shouted downstairs, "Master Guo, Young Master Ce is here today—make sure to prepare the best dishes!"

"Of course!" came a hearty voice from below.

Beiming Ce’s smile deepened, clearly pleased with Manager Long’s attitude, "Alright, Manager Long, no need to fuss over me, just take care of your business."

"Very well! I'll personally cook a couple of my specialties for you, but I must warn you, it's been a while since I cooked myself. If my dishes don't suit your tastes, please forgive me," Manager Long laughed.

"No need to be so formal," Beiming Ce grinned, "To eat your cooking is my good fortune. No matter how the dishes turn out, your hospitality alone whets my appetite."

"I'm not worthy, not worthy. I'll get to work then," Manager Long bowed and went downstairs.

...

"I'm done eating," Mo Yanyu suddenly stood.

Ling Shaofeng and Mo Zhan exchanged glances and stood as well, Ling Yueyue, frowning, also got up. The three followed Mo Yanyu toward the stairs.

Before going down, Mo Zhan called, "Ce, take your time. We're heading out first."

"Alright, see you," Beiming Ce glanced back and paid no mind, continuing his conversation with Mu Yudie.

Soon, the four from the Ling and Mo families disappeared from the third floor.

Shi Yan continued drinking, listening to Beiming Ce and Mu Yudie's laughter, feeling irritated. He turned to Han Zhong, "Han, I'm about done. How about you?"

"I'm ready," Han Zhong, knowing Shi Yan was annoyed, stood and addressed Beiming Ce, "Young Master Ce, we'll be leaving now."

"Okay," Beiming Ce answered simply, not even looking up as he chatted with Mu Yudie.

"Let's go," Han Zhong tugged at Shi Yan, and the two headed for the stairs.

Before descending, Shi Yan paused at the stairway, his expression icy as he glanced at Mu Yudie and Di Yalan, then disappeared down the stairs.

Beiming Ce, his back to Shi Yan, didn't notice the look. Mu Yudie, busy talking to Beiming Ce, didn't pay attention either.

But Di Yalan happened to look up and caught Shi Yan's glance. In that look, she saw a familiar cold indifference and a hint of disdain.

Di Yalan trembled inwardly, her expression momentarily stunned.

After a while, she gently shook her head, sighing to herself: Am I being foolish? How could he possibly be that person? Aside from his gaze, nothing else is similar. Clearly, they're two different people. Why am I overthinking this? What's wrong with me?

...

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