Chapter 59: The Nie Family's Shadow Guards

Song Qianqian heard the awkward tone in Wu Tian’s voice, and saw the determination in his eyes. She already had no fondness for Wu Tian, and now with his mocking words, she could hardly restrain herself.

“Miss, please, don’t get agitated. Before we left, the City Lord specifically instructed you to keep your composure,” Captain Ma whispered urgently when he saw her anger flaring.

“Composure? Didn’t you see how arrogant this brat is? Wu Tian, just because you won first place in the Sect Tournament, you think you’re untouchable? My father is the City Lord, and bestowing a gift upon you is already a great honor. Not only do you refuse it, but you even dare to ridicule me? Do you truly think you’re extraordinary? Do you know how much a fourth-rank demon beast core is worth? At least several hundred thousand taels of silver! You couldn’t get something this valuable in ten years!”

Song Qianqian was utterly furious. She had regretted breaking off their engagement long ago and now didn’t want to see Wu Tian become powerful. The stronger he became, the more she felt her own slap in the face.

“Ten years? Ha! Song Qianqian, I used to think you just had poor judgment, but now I see you’re utterly ignorant! A fourth-rank demon core? You think I don’t have one?”

Without hesitation, Wu Tian struck back, and in his palm appeared the fifth-rank demon core he’d acquired from slaying the Giant-Armed Bear. “Do you know what this is? The demon core of a fifth-rank Giant-Armed Bear! Yes, your fourth-rank core is very precious—far too much for me to accept!”

Both Song Qianqian and Captain Ma stared wide-eyed; the demon core in Wu Tian’s hand radiated a powerful spiritual aura, vastly superior to the fourth-rank core they carried. Clearly, Wu Tian’s was indeed of the fifth rank.

Compared to Wu Tian’s fifth-rank demon core, their fourth-rank core seemed utterly inferior—a blatant humiliation. Both Song Qianqian and Captain Ma realized this, their faces flushing scarlet, especially Song Qianqian, whose eyes were a mix of shock and mortification.

“Song Qianqian, please do not show yourself before me again, will you? You are such an illustrious figure—your radiance is simply too much for me to endure. I nearly vomited from your overwhelming brilliance. Please, I beg you, show mercy and spare me!” Wu Tian said with a mock bow, his words dripping with sarcasm.

“Pfft!” Song Qianqian was so enraged by his words that she coughed up a mouthful of blood and nearly lost her footing.

“You… Wu Tian, how dare you humiliate me like this! I swear you’ll regret this, you will!” Song Qianqian shouted furiously, pointing at Wu Tian before turning and storming off.

“Miss!” Captain Ma called after her, but it was in vain. “Young Master Wu, I apologize for this scene. Allow me to congratulate you on behalf of the City Lord. I’ll take my leave.”

With that, Captain Ma hurried away after Song Qianqian.

“Such arrogance, bringing a gift as if I were still the useless wretch of old. A fourth-rank demon core? How generous of them!” Wu Tian watched Song Qianqian’s receding figure with open disdain.

After the City Lord’s people left, another group arrived. At the front was an old man Wu Tian recognized from the auction house—the very one from the Sun family who had appraised his elixir on stage.

“Young Master Wu, please forgive my unannounced visit. I am an elder of the Sun family of Pingyang City. This time, I came specifically to congratulate you on your victory in the Qitian Sect’s grand tournament. Achieving such success at your age is truly worthy of celebration! On behalf of the Sun family, I have brought a small gift as a token of our esteem. I hope you will accept it,” Sun Siqing said, bowing politely with a warm demeanor.

“So it’s Elder Sun. I’m deeply honored by your visit—it graces my humble abode. If you don’t mind, please come in for some tea,” Wu Tian responded courteously.

“Haha, then I shall gladly accept your invitation!” Sun Siqing laughed heartily and followed Wu Tian inside.

…

Meanwhile, Song Qianqian left, seething with rage, tears brimming in her eyes. Never before had she suffered such humiliation; since childhood in Pingyang City, she had been everyone’s darling, showered with flattery. Yet only Wu Tian dared disregard her, even openly mocking her, and her father refused to intervene on her behalf.

In her fury, Song Qianqian went straight to the Nie family estate, where she happened to run into Nie Huixiang as he was about to leave.

“Qianqian, what’s the matter? Why are you crying—did someone upset you?” Nie Huixiang hurried over, concerned.

Sobbing, Song Qianqian replied angrily, “It was Wu Tian, that scoundrel! He not only ignored my father but also publicly humiliated me…”

With tears and indignation, she recounted the incident to Nie Huixiang, exaggerating with every word, painting Wu Tian as a villain of the worst kind.

Nie Huixiang already harbored resentment toward Wu Tian, and now, hearing that Wu Tian had bullied Song Qianqian, his hatred only deepened.

“Despicable Wu Tian! How dare he insult you so brazenly? Who does he think he is? Just because he won first place in the Sect Tournament, he’s become so arrogant—unforgivable! Don’t worry, Qianqian, I will get revenge for you—I’ll see to it myself!” Nie Huixiang declared with steely resolve.

Song Qianqian, having found someone to rely on, nodded fiercely, saying, “Yes, Nie Huixiang, thank you. Only now do I see who truly cares for me. You’re the one who treats me best. From now on, I’ll follow you wholeheartedly!”

Nie Huixiang’s heart leapt with joy as he gazed at her, excitedly asking, “Qianqian, do you truly mean it?”

“Of course. I never lie.”

“I’m so happy—overjoyed! Qianqian, don’t worry, I’ll start preparing at once to deal with Wu Tian. No matter the cost, I’ll make him pay! When the time comes, you’ll see him kneeling before you, begging for mercy!” Nie Huixiang was almost delirious with happiness.

“Thank you. I’ll be waiting,” she replied.

Nie Huixiang returned in high spirits.

“Steward, I want you to assign me ten of the family’s shadow guards at once! There’s something I need them for!” Nie Huixiang demanded upon his return.

The steward was taken aback. “Young Master, the shadow guards are our family’s elite. What do you need ten of them for?”

“It’s all because of that wretch Wu Tian! I’m taking the shadow guards to deal with him!” Nie Huixiang’s eyes flashed coldly.

The steward shook his head. “Without the family head’s orders, I can’t give you the shadow guards. They are the backbone of our clan—all of them are at least first-rank Martial Spirits. If the other three great powers in Pingyang City learn of them, it would bring disaster upon our family!”

“I am the Nie family’s heir! Are you defying my orders? Old man, I command you to assign me ten shadow guards right now—or I’ll kill you where you stand!” Nie Huixiang drew his sword in anger.

The old steward sighed, produced a token, and said, “Young Master, you’re dooming the Nie family. Please reconsider.”

“That’s none of your concern! Just give it to me!” Nie Huixiang snatched the token and hurried off to summon the shadow guards.

The old steward promptly went to report the matter to the family head.