Chapter 78: Chapter 78: You’ve Got Some Nerve! (Third Update)
Cui Wenzheng seemed to have inherited the refined aura of his father, Cui Shengshu, yet for some reason, there was an indescribable ferocity in his eyes. This ferocity was well concealed. Without careful observation, one would not notice it.
As for Cui Yuan’er, there was a hint of scorn in her gaze as she carried herself with the air of an Eldest Miss. Had she not been sitting there, she probably would have already displayed the distinctive pride typical of one.
Xu Nian sat next to Cui Shengshu, while Junlin and his team also took their seats.
They had become accustomed to eating in the game.
It’s a pity this wasn’t made by Little Boss.
"Wenzheng, Yuan’er, have you not offered a toast to Sect Leader Xu yet?" Cui Shengshu spoke from the side. "I am a teetotaler, so I’ll have these two juniors drink in my stead. Sect Leader Xu, please excuse me."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Cui Yuan’er picked up her wine cup, offering a toast to Xu Nian. With a blank expression, she didn’t even deign to glance at him.
Such a pretty boy, is he really the leader of the Profound Yellow Sect? Has Father gotten old and muddle-headed, deceived by someone like him?
"Thank you, but I also do not drink," Xu Nian replied, raising his teacup. "How about we toast with tea instead?"
Cui Shengshu also picked up his teacup, but before he could speak, his daughter interrupted.
"You don’t drink alcohol? Is Sect Leader Xu afraid of losing control after drinking?"
Cui Yuan’er’s unrestrained words caused Cui Shengshu’s face to change abruptly as he glared coldly at his impertinent daughter.
Xu Nian, on the other hand, wasn’t offended. He explained with a smile, "I don’t drink simply because I cannot handle my liquor well."
"Can’t handle your liquor? Isn’t that just another way of saying you lose control after drinking?" Cui Yuan’er said, her face full of disdain.
How many of the younger generation don’t drink? In my opinion, there must be a reason Xu Nian doesn’t drink. Young and full of vigor, after drinking, they might boast, or alcohol might bolster a coward’s courage, leading them to do some outrageous things.
And he (Xu Nian) had indeed guessed correctly regarding this.
Xu Nian, when drunk, was a man who dared to sleep even with the Imperial Consort. He could definitely get out of hand.
But would he admit to such things? Of course not! He would rather die than confess!
"It’s not that I lose control after drinking," Xu Nian said lightly, taking a sip of tea. "It’s just that I get violent when drunk."
Cui Yuan’er: ???
Cui Wenzheng: ???
Everyone: ...
Damn, does the Sect Leader actually have such a hidden tendency? He gets violent when drunk? Good thing we never took the Sect Leader to a brothel before, or those women might have been beaten to death by him! Terrifying! Others turn into mere brutes when drunk; the Sect Leader turns into a savage beast. We definitely have to be more cautious from now on.
Cui Shengshu said with a smile, "It’s good not to drink. Young people should drink less. I myself once caused trouble because of drinking, which is why I specifically gave it up."
Saying this, he lifted his teacup in substitution for wine, making a toasting gesture.
After they chatted amiably for a while, Cui Shengshu finally asked, "Sect Leader Xu, your Profound Yellow Sect just repelled the Blood Demon Sect. So why have you come to our Nine Heavens Alliance? Are you perhaps looking to borrow manpower?"
This was a point of confusion for him. Logically speaking, the Profound Yellow Sect had just won a significant victory and should be consolidating their strength, recuperating, and resting. Why did they come directly to us?
Without elaborating, Xu Nian took a piece of paper from his sleeve and passed it over, speaking softly, "This was found at Jin Mansion, so I came straight to Alliance Leader Cui to see if you recognize this handwriting."
This was precisely the piece of paper they had found in Jin Mansion’s secret chamber. Its content, of course, was related to the Nine Dragon Key.
Xu Nian wanted to confirm whether Cui Shengshu was aware of the Nine Dragon Key and, at the same time, sound him out.
I need to see if I can get my hands on the Red Dragon Sword. If I can avoid fighting, I will; that’s the choice I have to make now. To act within the Nine Heavens Alliance is to court certain death!
Upon glancing at the note, Cui Shengshu’s previously calm and scholarly eyes suddenly became stern. His entire demeanor changed at that moment; he seemed like a vengeful ghost emerging from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
An intangible oppressive feeling settled over everyone.
"Old Li, take Yuan’er back first. Wenzheng, you stay!" Cui Shengshu’s voice was extremely cold, his eyes fixed on the paper in his hand.
The attendant responded and then left with Cui Yuan’er.
Sensing the change in her father’s demeanor, Cui Yuan’er did not dare to provoke him further. She glared at Xu Nian and then promptly left.
After everyone else had left, Cui Shengshu slowly raised his head to look at his son, Cui Wenzheng.
"Wenzheng! Take a look for yourself."
Cui Shengshu tossed the paper over, saying coldly, "Don’t tell me you don’t recognize this handwriting!"
THUD.
Cui Wenzheng took the paper. Just one glance, and he felt as if he had plunged into an icy cellar.
This truly was the letter I had written to Jin Yutang. However... I never imagined Jin Yutang wouldn’t destroy it. And to think it would ultimately end up in the hands of the Profound Yellow Sect Leader!
SLAP!
Cui Shengshu slammed his hand on the table, rebuking in a cold voice, "You have some nerve, doing so much behind my back! Do you realize that these actions could push the entire Nine Heavens Alliance into an abyss of eternal damnation?"
Facing the furious Cui Shengshu, Cui Wenzheng knew he couldn’t escape the blame. After all, his father had taught him to write. No one could imitate his script without his father’s keen eyes spotting it.
THUD!
Cui Wenzheng, pale as a ghost, knelt heavily on the ground.
"You even know about the Blood Demon Sect Leader’s affairs! And you’ve tied our Nine Heavens Alliance to Jin Yutang, that lapdog of the Blood Demon Sect. Do you wish to drag the entire Alliance down with you?" Cui Shengshu shouted angrily. "Who asked you to look into the Nine Dragon Key? Do you have any idea that if the Imperial Court learns of this, our Nine Heavens Alliance will cease to exist?!"
Cui Wenzheng did not offer any explanation but remained kneeling, his hands gripping his clothing tightly.
At this moment, I wish I could flog Jin Yutang’s corpse! That fool is truly beyond help!
Xu Nian glanced at the father and son. He knew the letter was written by Cui Wenzheng to Jin Yutang.
Evidently, Cui Wenzheng intended to collaborate with Jin Yutang. But... how did he know that Jin Yutang possessed the Nine Dragon Key? And how did he know the Blood Demon Sect had located the Nine Dragons Secret Treasure?
Xu Nian, with a calm expression, picked up his teacup and took a sip. He said indifferently, "Alliance Leader Cui, the Imperial Court doesn’t yet know of this matter. However..."
Hearing this, Cui Shengshu breathed a sigh of relief. He was genuinely worried that the Imperial Court would be informed. Once the Brocade Guard took action, the Nine Heavens Alliance would not withstand their bloodbath, no matter how many experts they had.
"However, what?" Cui Shengshu frowned slightly.
"However, the news that you possess the Nine Dragon Key... I’m afraid that can’t be suppressed."
Xu Nian’s words put Cui Shengshu on high alert!
This information... How did Xu Nian know? I could understand if Wenzheng knew; he’s my son, so finding some clues wouldn’t be a problem. But Xu Nian is from Fengxiang Prefecture. How could he possibly be aware of it?
"Heh heh, Sect Leader Xu, you must be joking. How could I possess the Nine Dragon Key? This matter is utterly groundless..."