111: Chapter 111 The Seven Beauties of the Moon Fairy

Shangguan Yun's gaze, filled with a sense of pure curiosity and anticipation, was firmly locked onto Chen Fan.

This question was like casting a pebble into a calm lake.

Chen Fan's hand, holding the teacup, did not tremble in the slightest.

Beneath his mask, however, a sense of absurdity welled up within him.

A living Shangguan Yun was asking a living Chen Fan for news about a living Chen Fan.

The coincidences in this world are sometimes more bizarre than the fabrications of a storyteller.

He slowly brought the long-cooled tea in his cup to his lips, and the bitter taste spread across the tip of his tongue.

"The Jianghu is vast, hiding dragons and crouching tigers."

His voice was flat, revealing no ripples of emotion.

"I am merely a drop in the ocean; how could I possibly know such a legendary figure who sees the head of the Dragon but never its tail?"

These words were watertight, simultaneously elevating "Chen Fan" while distancing himself from the matter.

A look of obvious disappointment appeared on Shangguan Yun's Face. He let out a long sigh, and that regret did not seem feigned.

"Brother Luo is right; it was I who was abrupt."

He quickly composed his emotions and put back on that gentle smile.

"My elder sister often says that true masters of literature and martial arts are not those who scramble for fame and fortune. That Mr. Chen Fan does not wish to appear, so he must have his reasons. It is just a pity that my sister's expectations will likely go unanswered."

He raised his wine cup and offered a toast to Chen Fan from afar.

"But let's not dwell on that. At this literary gathering, besides the poetry meet my sister is so set on, my younger brother has also invited a Great Master of sword-casting from the Imperial City. He will light the furnace on the spot to demonstrate the forging method of a divine weapon. Brother Luo is a master of the sword, so I am sure you will be interested."

He paused, then added.

"Furthermore, my father has taken out a 'Three-Day Drunk' that has been cellared for thirty years. This wine is rich and long-lasting with a powerful kick; ordinary martial artists fall after just one cup, hence the name. At that time, we can use this wine to drink heartily with Jianghu heroes like Brother Luo!"

Fine food, divine weapons, and excellent wine.

This Shangguan Yun was indeed a smooth and tactful person; in just a few words, he had steered the conversation back after being refused.

Chen Fan glanced at Hong Shao, whose eyes were shining, and Qing Luo, who had a curious look on her Face.

"I will definitely be there."

"Good!" Shangguan Yun clapped his hands and laughed, appearing extremely happy. "Then I shall wait in the estate for Brother Luo's arrival!"

After saying this, he bowed solemnly to Chen Fan once more, then turned and left leisurely with his two guards.

Not until his back completely disappeared at the entrance of the second-floor staircase did the oppressive atmosphere around them finally relax.

Those Jianghu men looked toward Chen Fan's direction, whispering to each other, their words filled with awe and envy.

"That is the Young Master of the Shangguan Family, and he treated Master Luo with such courtesy!"

"Nonsense! The top of the hero ranking list—where does that title not carry weight?"

"The Shangguan Family's literary gathering... tsk tsk, that invitation is worth a thousand pieces of gold, yet Master Luo got it with a single word."

Listening to these discussions, Hong Shao and Qing Luo wore expressions of pride, feeling honored by association.

"Just a sour scholar showing off his literary talent; what's so great about that?" Hong Shao curled her lip, but despite her words, the upturned corners of her mouth betrayed her true feelings.

Chen Fan ignored this and simply poured himself another cup of tea.

The Shangguan Family, Mr. Know-It-All, and Yuexian Pavilion.

This Jiangzhou City was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

Just then, those wealthy Young Masters at the neighboring table, who were deep in conversation, started a new topic.

"Lady Yueji's rendition of 'Guangling San' is truly divine; she is worthy of being the 'Master of the Qin' among the Seven Beauties of Yuexian Pavilion!"

"That goes without saying! I heard that the seven courtesans of Yuexian Pavilion are collectively known as the 'Seven Beauties of Yuexian Pavilion.' Each one is a national beauty and possesses unique skills. Lady Yueji's zither, the Painting Fairy Great Master's paintings, the Dance Fairy's dance... tsk tsk, to see even one of them would make this life worth living!"

Another Young Master lowered his voice and said mysteriously.

"You don't know this, but the most enchanting of these seven beauties is the Dance Fairy, named Ni Chang. It is said that her dance could make a hundred flowers lose their color and rivers flow backward. It is just a pity that half a year ago, for some unknown reason, she was transferred to another province, and we have no chance to see her again."

Ni Chang.

This name caused a slight stir in Chen Fan's heart.

The courtesan in Xiushan Province who had once given him a token.

His hand subconsciously reached toward the cloth bag on his back.

The jade pendant carved with a crescent moon was lying quietly inside.

What kind of organization is this Yuexian Pavilion exactly?

Just as he was pondering, a maid dressed in a light green servant's outfit walked through the noisy crowd and went straight to their table.

She performed a graceful bow to Chen Fan, her manners and demeanor impeccable.

"Young Master, our Lady Yueji invites you."

As soon as these words were spoken, not only Chen Fan but even Hong Shao and Qing Luo were stunned.

The guests at the surrounding tables all cast looks of astonishment in unison.

Lady Yueji, one of the Seven Beauties, only sold her art and not her body. She was aloof and proud; it was never heard that she would take the initiative to invite a male guest.

This Jade-Faced Asura, what a huge amount of Face!

Hong Shao and Qing Luo reacted almost simultaneously. One on the left and one on the right, they both wrapped their arms around Chen Fan's arm, the strength of their grip clearly signaling their claim of ownership.

"What does your lady want with our Master Luo?" Hong Shao raised her chin, her words carrying a hint of imperceptible jealousy.

The maid seemed to have anticipated this question and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"My lady says that, like high mountains and flowing water, it is hard to find a true soulmate. Young Master is at the top of the hero ranking list, and my lady has heard your name and admires you, wishing to see the demeanor of a hero."

These words were spoken so elegantly that no one could find fault with them.

But to the ears of the two sisters, the meaning changed.

What soulmate?

It was clearly that she had her eyes on their man!

Qing Luo's small Face was taut, and her fingers gripping Chen Fan's sleeve had turned white.

Chen Fan felt the two forces coming from his arms and looked at the sisters' expressions, as if they were facing a great enemy. A smile couldn't help but appear on his Face beneath the mask.

Go and see Lady Yueji?

Perhaps he could learn some secrets about Yuexian Pavilion from her.

But... was it necessary?

He lowered his head, looked at Hong Shao on his left, and then at Qing Luo on his right.

Compared to those ethereal secrets, taking care of the sisters' emotions seemed more important.

He raised his head and slowly shook it at the maid.

"Thank Lady Yueji for her kind intentions on my behalf."

"It's just that these two companions of mine are a bit tired, and we... should be returning."

A look of astonishment flashed across the maid's Face.

She clearly had not expected that anyone would refuse Lady Yueji's invitation.

The surrounding guests let out a suppressed exclamation, looking toward Chen Fan's direction as if they were looking at a monster.

That was Lady Yueji! The Lady Yueji whom countless princes and young nobles sought to see but could not!

He just... refused?

On Hong Shao and Qing Luo's Faces, a victorious smile bloomed instantly, and that joy almost spilled out from their sparkling eyes.

They looked at Chen Fan, and that adoration and attachment could no longer be concealed.

The maid quickly regained her composure and bowed to Chen Fan once more.

"Since that is the case, I will not disturb you further."

After saying this, she turned and retreated.

In a quiet private room on the third floor, by the railing, a white figure stood quietly.

It was none other than Lady Yueji.

When she heard the maid's report, a trace of surprise and regret flashed in those beautiful eyes hidden behind the veil.

She slowly raised her hand, and a slender finger gently plucked the zither string beside her.

"Zheng..."

A soft sound, carrying a hint of indescribable desolation.

Downstairs.

Chen Fan stood up and patted the backs of the sisters' hands.

"Let's go. The song is over and the people are dispersing; we should return too."

The sisters beamed with joy, quickly stood up, and followed behind him, one on the left and one on the right, like two victorious peacocks.

However, they had only taken two steps.

The maid in green returned, blocking their path once again.

This time, in her hand, there was an exquisite black lacquered wooden box the size of a palm.

She presented the wooden box with both hands toward Chen Fan.

"Young Master, our lady said."

"If Young Master is unwilling to grace us with your presence, then please accept this item."