Wu Di didn't mind being called "Fatty" because his friends used to address him that way. While initially annoyed, he had grown accustomed to the moniker over time.
However, a frown creased his brow when he saw Wen Ningyang leering at Xuan Qingniao. "Young Master Wen," he said, "as the saying goes, one should not mistreat a friend's wife. Aren't you disrespecting Brother Chen and his wife by behaving like this?"
*Slap!*
Without any warning, a sharp crack echoed through the room. A bright red handprint instantly appeared on Wu Di's face. He looked at Wen Ningyang in disbelief, his eyes filling with anger. "Are you fucking out of your mind?"
Wen Ningyang burst into laughter. "Fatty, did you really think I wanted to be genuine friends with you and Chen Nan? Humph, what right do you two have to be my friends?"
"The only reason I got close to you was to set this up," he continued. "Yes, Chen Nan beat up my subordinate, which is an insult to my dignity. I have to make him pay a heavy price."
"Of course," he added, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're not entirely useless either. If it weren't for your gluttonous nature, how else would I have found a good reason to lure you to Lingxi Mountain?"
Wu Di's pupils contracted sharply, his gaze burning with fury. "You are a deceitful and despicable scoundrel! I must have been blind to have ever called you a brother."
Wen Ningyang chuckled. "What's so despicable about that? It's simply a means to an end. Don't put it so crudely!"
"Brother Chen, it's all my fault," Wu Di said, his face etched with apology as he turned to Chen Nan. "If it weren't for me, you and your wife wouldn't be in this predicament." He knew Chen Nan was a formidable fighter, but what was the use of strength against powerful cultivators? Ordinary people had no chance to resist.
"Chen Nan, the conflict between us can be easily resolved," Wen Ningyang said with a smile, looking at Chen Nan. "As long as you're willing to hand over your woman to me, I'll spare your life."
"Of course, you don't need to worry about me killing her," he continued, his voice laced with a predatory glee. "Not only that, but I'll cherish her, love her, and train her well. If, one day, I get tired of her, I'll definitely return her to you. She might be a bit darker, a bit looser. But I guarantee she'll help you unlock many difficult poses." As he spoke, his eyes fell on Xuan Qingniao again, his Adam's apple bobbing, as if he wished he could ravish her on the spot.
A flash of killing intent flickered in Xuan Qingniao's eyes. Never in her life had anyone dared to lay claim to her. She longed to kill Wen Ningyang right then and there.
"Do you think those two old guys you brought can kill me?" Chen Nan's lips curved into a sneer. "Do you really think I don't know your intentions?"
Wen Ningyang scoffed. "If you knew, why would you still have followed me to Lingxi Mountain?"
Chen Nan replied, "Because I don't give a damn about those two old geezers you brought."
The fat man gasped, sucking in a sharp breath. At a time like this, he was still engaging in verbal sparring? Those were two super-powered individuals at the Divine King realm. Killing him would be as easy as crushing an ant. Could it be that he was trying to provoke them into a quick death?
"Insolent!" Wen Ningyang roared. "Chen, I was going to spare your life, but I didn't expect you to be so arrogant, showing no regard for my clan's protectors. If you wish to die, then I shall oblige." He then turned to a grey-robed elder and said, "Senior Kong, this person is too arrogant and unforgivable. Please, strike him down!"
"Killing him is hardly a challenge," the elder said with a cold smile, raising his hand to strike Chen Nan.
But just then, the room door was abruptly kicked open with a dull thud.
Wen Ningyang flew into a rage. "Which scoundrel has the audacity to interrupt my… fine… !"
Before he could finish his sentence, he felt an invisible hand grip his throat. A troop of soldiers clad in black armor adorned with dragon scale patterns filed in, each radiating a formidable aura of killing intent that sent shivers down one's spine. As one of the four notorious playboys of the Eastern Mulberry Kingdom's capital, Wen Ningyang recognized the Black Dragon Guard. They were the Third Prince's private army, and rumor had it each soldier possessed the cultivation of a Divine General. While their individual strength might not be overwhelming, they represented the Third Prince and the supreme imperial power of the Eastern Mulberry Kingdom.
The appearance of the Black Dragon Guard sent Wen Ningyang into a trembling panic, for he knew that whenever the Black Dragon Guard appeared, someone was destined for utter destruction.
"Did I disturb Young Master Wen's pleasant mood?" a slightly aged voice said, accompanied by the entrance of an elder with white hair and a youthful countenance, walking in leisurely with one hand behind his back.
Wen Ningyang's heart lurched. He immediately bowed. "This junior was unaware of Elder Dong's presence. I beg for your forgiveness for any offense caused!" His voice trembled, filled with profound unease. He knew Dong Qiu was the Third Prince's steward, a figure of supreme status. Not to mention himself, even his father would have to greet Dong Qiu with utmost respect.
Of course, Wen Ningyang's fear of Dong Qiu wasn't solely due to his position as the Third Prince's steward. The fundamental reason was that he was a super-powerful expert at the Divine Venerable realm. Such a powerful being was considered among the top experts in this realm.
The two Divine King realm protectors of the Wen family felt an immense pressure and a surge of panic. They knew that if Dong Qiu wished to kill them, he wouldn't even need to act personally. The mere intent of a Divine Venerable realm expert was enough to obliterate two ants at the Divine King realm.
Dong Qiu casually sat in the seat opposite Chen Nan, a cold smile on his face. "I heard you were the one who killed Jiang Zhuo at the Fragrant Courtyard?"
*Boom!*
Wen Ningyang's scalp tingled. Why would Dong Qiu ask this question? Could this be the reason for his appearance? Thinking this, he couldn't help but shiver. The mystery in his mind was suddenly solved. He had figured out the true backer behind Jiang Qiu, the leader of the Fierce Tiger Gang. It was none other than the Third Prince. Otherwise, Dong Qiu wouldn't have asked such a question out of the blue.
Without further thought, Wen Ningyang quickly said, "Elder Dong, I can testify that this fellow killed Jiang Zhuo. Song Dahu of the Fierce Tiger Gang told me this, and there's no mistake. That's precisely why this junior befriended him and lured him here. I originally planned to capture him and hand him over to you for judgment. I never expected you to arrive so quickly." He needed to impress Dong Qiu. After all, with the Third Prince's support, the Wen family's influence in the Eastern Mulberry Kingdom would soar to unprecedented heights.
His tone shifting, Wen Ningyang glared at Chen Nan. "Chen, why don't you kneel down and beg Elder Dong for forgiveness?"
Chen Nan let out a soft laugh. "Who the hell does he think he is?"