On the street, some people wore their usual casual clothes, while others were dressed in retro martial arts attire.
These martial arts outfits resembled those from animated shows, possessing a distinct aesthetic appeal.
Despite martial cultivation being widespread, significant disparities in strength existed among ordinary citizens due to varying aptitudes.
Fortunately, the Shenzhou Pavilion had established strict laws to protect the weaker populace from oppression.
However, where there were people, there were connections, and thus, a martial world.
Every city had individuals who, relying on their powerful backgrounds, acted with impunity.
Their formidable connections allowed these transgressors to disregard the law.
For three consecutive days, Qin Hanchu and his family enjoyed themselves immensely.
But on this particular day, they encountered such a lawless individual.
This person was yet unaware of the predicament they were about to face.
The root of the conflict was a common trope: Baili Cai Xia's beauty.
Although A Xiang was also beautiful, she and Qin Hanchu bore the subtle marks of middle age.
Even if they appeared to be in their thirties, the aura of age was difficult to conceal.
Consequently, the young and beautiful Baili Cai Xia was the source of trouble.
"The three of you, have we met somewhere before?"
The young man who spoke was rather handsome, dressed in a "costly" spiritual artifact combat suit.
This suit alone hinted at the young man's distinguished family background.
"No, you've mistaken us," Baili Cai Xia replied.
"Quite possibly."
"However, I feel a strong connection with you three. Would you honor me with a meal?"
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet."
"My name is Xie Tenghuo. The Xie family of the capital is my direct lineage."
The young man appeared courteous, yet arrogance emanated from his brow.
"We're not interested. You may leave now and stop bothering our shopping," Qin Hanchu stated calmly.
As Qin Hanchu and the other two walked past, a somber look flashed in Xie Tenghuo's eyes.
Xie Tenghuo beckoned, and an elder approached.
The elder bowed respectfully, "Third Young Master, what are your commands?"
"I am quite taken with that girl."
"I also find that stunning older sister very appealing."
"Bring them to my villa. I wish to enjoy their company."
"Handle it discreetly. Leave no traces."
The elder nodded respectfully, "Third Young Master, rest assured. It's not the first time, I know how to proceed."
Xie Tenghuo nodded in satisfaction, "Go, I'll be waiting at the villa."
The elder turned and left, following Qin Hanchu and the other two from a distance.
This elder was a martial artist of the Spirit King realm.
In a modern city, such strength was formidable.
However, he was unaware of whom he was tailing.
"This kid has ill intentions," Qin Hanchu transmitted telepathically to A Xiang and her daughter.
"Let's see what he does."
"If he truly acts lawlessly, we can rid the people of a menace," A Xiang remarked.
Baili Cai Xia nodded, "Mother is right. Judging by this kid's actions, this isn't his first time."
Chatting amongst themselves, the family of three continued their stroll, paying no mind to the elder behind them.
Unbeknownst to them, night had fallen.
Emerging from a restaurant, the trio strolled along the pedestrian walkway.
Just then, the elder approached them from the front.
As he reached their side, he blocked their path.
"Excuse me, could you tell me the direction to Villa No. 7?"
As the elder spoke, a minivan drove towards them.
At the same moment, a faint fragrance permeated the air.
This scent was a poison used by martial artists of the Spirit realm.
Those with weaker cultivation or caught off guard would quickly be subdued.
"Your drug's effect is too weak; it has no impact on us," Qin Hanchu said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, the elder's eyes widened in astonishment.
This poison could incapacitate Spirit realm cultivators, yet Qin Hanchu and the other two were completely unaffected?
"Dad, I was going to pretend to faint and play along with him," Baili Cai Xia said awkwardly.
"You should have given me a heads-up."
"Shall I wipe his memory and start anew?" Qin Hanchu inquired.
"Forget it, let's leave it at this."
"Next time something like this happens, let me play first," Baili Cai Xia said with a smile.
"Who exactly are you people?"
The father and daughter's conversation greatly startled the elder.
Not only were these three immune to his poison, but he couldn't even sense their strength.
Even a fool would know he had stumbled upon formidable opponents.
"That vehicle is yours, isn't it? Let's talk inside the car." Qin Hanchu placed his hand on the elder's shoulder.
As Qin Hanchu's hand made contact, the elder attempted to evade.
But to his shock, he found himself unable to move.
An invisible pressure had pinned him in place.
This sensation terrified him to the point of near collapse.
Only a cultivator of Spirit God realm or higher could render him utterly incapable of resistance.
"Senior, please forgive me, I have no ill intentions…" the elder said, his face ashen.
"No ill intentions? What do you mean?"
"You attempted to drug us, and you claim no ill intentions?" A Xiang asked with a light laugh.
"This…" The elder didn't know how to respond.
"Xie Tenghuo sent you, didn't he?"
"You've been following us all day; don't pretend you mistook us," Baili Cai Xia stated.
The elder then realized they had been aware of him all along.
At that moment, the minivan stopped.
"Let's go. If you wish to die now, I can oblige," Qin Hanchu said.
With no other recourse, the elder led the three into the minivan.
The driver of the minivan was perplexed. Previously, they were always brought in bound; why were they walking in today?
"Drive, to the villa."
The elder had no choice. In the presence of Qin Hanchu and the other two, he lacked the capacity to employ any tricks.
Half an hour later, the minivan entered a villa complex.
The car stopped at a detached villa, and the four of them entered together.
In the villa's living room, Xie Tenghuo was enjoying spiritual wine while wearing his pajamas.
Upon seeing the elder enter with the three individuals, Xie Tenghuo paused in surprise.
Noticing that Qin Hanchu and the other two did not appear to be under duress, Xie Tenghuo chuckled, "Have you three come to your senses? Are you willing to accept my invitation?"
The elder, his face pale, frantically signaled Xie Tenghuo.
Xie Tenghuo finally sensed that something was amiss and asked with a darkened expression, "What's going on?"
"Haven't you read the laws of the Shenzhou Pavilion?"
"Abusing one's strength and influence to act lawlessly is a capital offense." Qin Hanchu stated coldly.
"Who are you to lecture me here?"
"Your strength must be considerable to make my protector fearful."
"However, I must remind you, our Xie family has a Profound realm expert."
"If you leave now, we'll pretend this never happened."
"If you intend to antagonize the Xie family with your strength, you will be the ones to die." Xie Tenghuo looked at Qin Hanchu and the other two with a chilling gaze, showing no trace of fear.