Chapter 121: A Showdown Between the Good Sister and Instructor Yu Xuan
Instructor Yu Xuan had a ready excuse for why she chose to bring Yan Zhen instead of one of the four girls:
No matter which girl she chose, someone would be unhappy, feeling she was playing favorites. Bringing Yan Zhen avoided this problem.
Logically, Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan should all be obediently staying home. However, Yan Meng’er and Mi Xue’er, having lived through this once before, were prepared. They had visited the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon and, using Yan Zhen’s name, secured invitations from Fatty Nian.
After all, Yan Zhen was a Supreme VIP of the Chamber of Commerce, a fact they had known since his enrollment. With his additional status as the mysterious Pill Master, obtaining two invitations was a piece of cake. Now, all four girls could attend the auction.
Shortly after Instructor Yu Xuan and Yan Zhen departed, the four girls discreetly followed.
…
As night fell, a myriad of lights illuminated Silver Moon City, their glow mingling with the soft moonlight.
Instructor Yu Xuan had dressed with care. Her long, black hair, streaked with blue, was perfectly straight, adorned with delicate earrings that dangled from her ears.
A beautiful azure gown, embellished with sparkling diamonds, clung to her graceful figure. The neckline, though plunging, was veiled by a layer of semi-transparent fabric, hinting at her curves without revealing too much.
The sheer fabric extended to the upper half of her back and her long sleeves, concealing her snowy-white arms within their translucent embrace.
The nearly floor-length skirt, a cascade of layered tulle, appeared heavy but was surprisingly light and airy, allowing for ease of movement.
Beneath the skirt, her feet were adorned with crystal slippers.
She looked like a beautiful princess straight out of a fairytale!
— Of course, her actual status was far more exalted than that of an ordinary princess.
Stepping out of the carriage, she ignored the envious gazes directed at them, taking Yan Zhen’s arm in a gesture of intimacy, entering the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce like a loving couple.
He felt a twinge of awkwardness. Some of the people around them were familiar faces from the academy, both instructors and students.
The instructors were there for the spectacle, while the students had accompanied their elders to broaden their horizons.
They greeted him and Instructor Yu Xuan with forced enthusiasm, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
The atmosphere between them was undeniably romantic, more befitting a couple than a student and his instructor.
But he already had Yan Meng’er and Yan Ruyu. They refused to believe he had also managed to capture Instructor Yu Xuan’s heart.
She was the most beautiful flower in the Mystic Academy, a goddess pursued by countless instructors, students, and even influential figures within the city. How could she have fallen for him so easily?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
They vowed to spread rumors of their “forbidden romance” throughout the academy tomorrow, just to see the reactions.
“Instructor, aren’t we attracting too much attention?”
“If I’m not worried, you shouldn’t be either.” She chuckled, her gaze teasing.
He forced a smile. “I’m just concerned for your reputation, Instructor.”
“Don’t bother. Just enjoy yourself. We promised to have a night out together.”
He obediently fell silent. He had made that promise, and he had delayed fulfilling it for far too long. He owed her this much.
He just hoped his “older sister” wouldn’t see them.
Due to her precognitive dreams, she was clearly interested in a romantic relationship with him. Seeing him being so affectionate with Instructor Yu Xuan would definitely upset her.
He didn’t want to upset her, but he also didn’t want to disappoint Instructor Yu Xuan.
Both women were important to him, and he couldn’t choose sides.
— This is a headache.
His biggest headache, however, was her treatment.
He didn’t know the recipe for the medicinal bath. He had no choice but to perform actual dual cultivation with her!
This would deviate from the script, leading him down the precognitive dream path, resulting in a failed performance and a forced restart.
But even if he restarted, what could he do? Without the recipe, he was stuck.
Three failed restarts, and the world would collapse, taking them all down with it.
— System, do you know the recipe for the medicinal bath that can replace dual cultivation?
[Blah blah blah.]
“…”
— Useless system.
…
The auction hall was located underground. They presented their invitations to the receptionist, received their numbered tokens, and found their assigned seats.
He stared at the number 69 on his token, unsure whether to laugh or cry. He decided to rotate it ninety degrees and pretend it was the Cancer zodiac sign.
[Ding! Key Plot Point Activated.]
[Current Plot Progress: Chapter 140 – Auction House Incident.]
[Acting Requirements: ① Be targeted by Lan Ke’s price-gouging at the auction, retaliate, and outbid him for the item he desires. ② Be ambushed by Lan Ke and his men after the auction, defeat them, and dispose of the bodies.]
[Completion Rate: 0%.]
As soon as the system issued the task, he saw Lan Ke approaching, accompanied by a middle-aged man with silver hair at his temples.
It was Lan Ke’s father, the ruler of Silver Moon City.
The City Lord greeted them warmly. “Instructor Yu Xuan, it’s been a while. You’re as beautiful as ever.”
She nodded politely. “You flatter me, City Lord.”
He knew she was always polite but distant, treating everyone with the same indifference. He didn’t take it personally, turning his attention to Yan Zhen.
“And this must be Instructor Yu Xuan’s prized student, the current number one ranked student, Young Master Yan Zhen?”
Yan Zhen nodded, not bothering to stand up. He knew this old man had been lusting after Instructor Yu Xuan, and he wasn’t about to waste his politeness on him.
“Greetings, City Lord.”
The City Lord frowned slightly but said nothing.
Lan Ke, already harboring animosity towards Yan Zhen, sneered. “What a rude brat.”
Yan Zhen glanced at him. “Sudden urge to introduce yourself?”
Lan Ke, momentarily stunned, realized what he meant, his face flushing with anger. “What did you say?! How dare you speak to me like that?!”
“Lan Ke!”
His father’s sharp voice snapped him out of his rage. Noticing Instructor Yu Xuan’s displeasure, he glared at Yan Zhen and fell silent.
The City Lord forced a smile. “The auction is about to begin. It’s quite crowded here. Why don’t you join me in my private box, Instructor Yu Xuan?”
She shook her head gently. “Thank you for the offer, City Lord, but we’re comfortable here.”
“Very well. Please excuse us.”
The City Lord strode towards his private box, located above the auction floor. Lan Ke, shooting Yan Zhen a contemptuous look, followed his father.
Yan Zhen smirked. In the script, he had attended the auction alone. Without Instructor Yu Xuan present, Lan Ke had mocked and ridiculed him relentlessly, spewing nonsense. Today, he was being relatively restrained.
There were eleven private boxes in the auction hall. The central box, number zero, was empty. The other ten were assigned to the ten most powerful factions in Silver Moon City. The City Lord’s box, number one, was to the left of the central box, while number two, likely occupied by Xiao Mie and his father, was to the right.
As for box number zero, if the script was accurate, it belonged to his “older sister.”
The wall facing the auction floor was made of one-way glass, allowing those inside to see out, but not vice versa. However, his sharp senses detected a gaze from the central box.
Moments later, a beautiful servant approached, her demeanor polite and respectful. “Young Master Yan Zhen, the Head Shopkeeper requests your presence in her private box. Would you care to join her?”
He turned to Instructor Yu Xuan, seeking her permission. He had promised to spend the evening with her.
She noticed his hesitation, her heart warming. Taking his arm, she smiled sweetly. “Since she’s requesting your presence, you should go.”
Even the servant, an outsider, could sense the underlying tension in her words. Her legs trembled slightly.
This was the Head Shopkeeper! And this woman… who was she?
“Please follow me.”
…
They followed the servant to box number zero. She opened the door, and they stepped inside.
Two grand armchairs faced each other beside the water feature wall. Ji Ya was seated in the right chair, still clad in her alluring ensemble of qipao, stockings, and high heels, though the style was slightly different.
Behind her, her twin bodyguards, Jin Tong and Yu Nu, stood at attention, while Aunt Mu, the Mystic King, remained hidden, her senses alert.
Hearing them enter, Ji Ya turned, her lips curving into a seductive smile. “Little Brother Yan Zhen, if you hadn’t come, I would have gone looking for you myself.”
He wasn’t sure if she was joking. He simply sighed. “I was busy refining pills.”
“Did you succeed?”
“I did, but I only managed to refine two after working all night.”
He retrieved the bottle containing the Supreme Grade Detoxification Pills from his storage ring, giving it a little shake before offering it to her.
She accepted the bottle, uncorking it for a quick inspection before placing it… between her breasts, her ample cleavage providing a surprisingly secure resting place. “Two is enough for emergencies. Thank you, Little Brother Yan Zhen~”
He blushed furiously at her bold gesture. Even Instructor Yu Xuan’s cheeks flushed slightly.
“Ahem.”
Instructor Yu Xuan decided to make her presence known.
Ji Ya feigned surprise, as if noticing her for the first time. “Little Brother Yan Zhen, who is this beautiful lady beside you? Introduce us~”
Before he could speak, Instructor Yu Xuan introduced herself. “I’m Yan Zhen’s instructor. My name is Yu Xuan. I’ve been taking care of him since he enrolled. I’ve never heard of the Head Shopkeeper of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce being his older sister. What’s going on?” Her voice was soft and gentle, but her words were sharp, laced with a subtle challenge.
“So you’re Little Brother Yan Zhen’s instructor. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Ji Ya stood up, her tone condescending, adopting the air of a concerned parent. “Thank you for taking care of him. He’s been well-behaved at the academy, I trust?”
Instructor Yu Xuan smiled, pleased. She patted Yan Zhen’s head. “Don’t worry, Head Shopkeeper. He’s always obedient. He’s much more well-behaved than other children his age. And his grades are excellent. He’s been the top-ranked student for three consecutive months.”
“As expected of Little Brother Yan Zhen! I’m so proud~”
“As his instructor, I’m also honored.”
“Heeheehee.”
“Hohohoho.”
— What is this, a parent-teacher conference?! Stop treating me like a child!
Yan Zhen cringed inwardly. Stop patting my head! You’re going to make me bald!
I knew I shouldn’t have let them meet! This is a disaster!
“Sister Ji Ya, if there’s nothing else, Instructor Yu Xuan and I will take our leave.”
She glared at him. “Where are you going? You can participate in the auction from here. Don’t you want to spend time with your older sister?”
— I don’t want you to spend time with Instructor Yu Xuan!
“That’s not what I meant… Will we be disturbing you, Sister Ji Ya?”
“I’m bored being alone! Come sit down. I have refreshments prepared.” She gestured for them to join her. “However, I didn’t expect you to bring your instructor, Little Brother Yan Zhen. I only prepared two chairs. And the auction is about to begin. We’re short-staffed, so it would take a while to bring another chair. Why don’t you just sit with me for now?”
She reached out, her hand soft and delicate, taking his hand and pulling him towards her.
Instructor Yu Xuan’s eyes narrowed. She quickly grabbed his other hand, her voice gentle but firm. “I’ll sit with him. We came up together.”
“That’s not appropriate! We can’t let our guest have nowhere to sit, all crammed together! People will think the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce has poor hospitality.” She tugged at his arm, her grip tightening.
Instructor Yu Xuan matched her strength. “There’s no one else here, Head Shopkeeper. You’re overthinking it!”
“Principles are important, regardless of whether anyone is watching.”
“But flexibility is also crucial.”
They tugged at his arms, their words laced with veiled hostility.
What is this? A showdown between my good sister and my good instructor? This is too weird!
This is supposed to be a carefree, no-romance story! Why is there a love triangle? And they’re hurting my arms!
They were both Mystic Masters, one at the Ninth Star, the other at the Seventh Star!
“Stop! Stop pulling! I’m going to split in half!”
They released their grips but didn’t let go of his hands. Instead, they leaned closer, pressing his arms against their ample bosoms, their soft curves brushing against him, trying to sway him to their side.
“Yan Zhen, who do you want to sit with?”
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, sit with me~”
— What kind of impossible question is that?!
Feeling their soft, supple curves against his arms, his thoughts scattered. He gritted his teeth, trying to focus. “I’m not sitting. You two sit. I’ll stand, like the bodyguards.”
“The auction will last for a long time. You’ll get tired standing.” Ji Ya, ever considerate, offered a solution. “How about… we all sit together?”
Instructor Yu Xuan understood. She was trying to make her back down with this… indecent suggestion. But she wasn’t one to give up so easily.
“Alright, let’s sit together.”
And so…
One of the armchairs was removed, and the remaining chair was placed in the center.
The three of them squeezed onto the single chair, their hips and shoulders touching, each woman holding one of his arms, their rivalry simmering beneath the surface.
He was sandwiched between them, feeling the warmth of their bodies against his, their soft curves pressing against him with every slight movement.
Inner Yan Zhen: How can I resist this?/(//o/ω/o//)/
Angelic Yan Zhen: Resist! ヾ(°°)ノ
Demonic Yan Zhen: Resistance is futile. ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌
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