208: Chapter 207 Xing Ruoliu's Dinner Invitation

After returning to his island from the Battle Arena, Fan Wujiu was reflecting on exactly where his sword strike had failed just now.

"Could it be that the degree of Fusion was insufficient when combining the Five Elements!?" After stepping out of the Void Gate, he rubbed his forehead.

He couldn't figure it out; he still couldn't figure it out!

"Hmm?" Fan Wujiu stood in place pondering for a moment, then suddenly glanced to the side subconsciously.

He saw a man lazily leaning back in a chair within a nearby pavilion. Holding a wine gourd, the man waved it at him with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Here, catch!"

With a flick of the man's wrist, a wine gourd floated directly over and landed steadily in Fan Wujiu's hand.

Fan Wujiu caught the gourd, gave the man an annoyed glare, and tipped his head back to take a large gulp. As the strong liquor hit his throat, a burning sensation traveled all the way down to his stomach, bringing a bit of color back to his pale face.

Carrying the wine gourd, he slowly walked toward the man.

Plumping himself down on a stone stool, Fan Wujiu looked at this old acquaintance who was handsome but had a face that looked incredibly punchable. He spoke irritably, "Zhan Wuji, you certainly are well-informed. What, did you come here to mock me the moment the battle ended?"

Indeed, this man who looked harmless and handsome yet was extremely punchable was none other than Zhan Wuji, ranked second among the Heaven-Class Disciples!

In the entire Second Heaven, aside from Jian Wuxin who ranked first, this fellow was the strongest and also the most mysterious.

Zhan Wuji looked at Fan Wujiu with a smile. After taking a sip of wine, he asked leisurely, "So, the result is that you lost?"

Fan Wujiu didn't care too much about his victory or defeat. He nodded candidly and let out a long sigh. "That's right, I lost."

"However, I am completely convinced by this defeat. Xia Jin's strength was indeed somewhat beyond my expectations."

He paused, looking up at Zhan Wuji with a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Based on my exchange with him, even you might not necessarily beat him."

"Oh? It's rare to see you think so highly of someone!"

Zhan Wuji swallowed a mouthful of wine and raised an eyebrow, though a strange light flashed deep in his eyes.

He shook his head and said, "Winning and losing are common in battle; if he can beat me, that's his skill. It's just..."

He placed the wine gourd on the stone table and leaned lazily against the back of the chair, a hint of confidence showing in his smile. "Winning against me won't be an easy task."

"Even if you think so highly of him, it's the same!"

"You...!" Seeing Zhan Wuji's 'I'm number one in the world' attitude, Fan Wujiu couldn't help but shake his head, yet he didn't speak to refute him.

Although Zhan Wuji had a smart mouth, when it came to strength, he truly had the right to be arrogant.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Inside the palace where Xia Jin resided.

A Void Gate suddenly appeared, and immediately after, Xia Jin's figure stepped out from within.

But as soon as he found his footing, he looked to the side with some surprise.

It turned out that besides Yin Shixuan, who stood respectfully by the side as usual, Mu Pinger—who had just expressed her desire to follow him—was actually here as well.

Moreover, what surprised Xia Jin was that this woman, who usually dressed so provocatively, had actually changed her attire today!

She wore simple and elegant white robes, her jet-black hair tied up simply and adorned with a smooth white pearl.

She looked pure and refined, like a good girl from next door. Where was there any trace of her former charming and seductive appearance?

Upon seeing Xia Jin appear, the two of them hurried to bow in greeting.

"My Lord!"

"Mu Pinger greets My Lord!"

Xia Jin was slightly taken aback. Looking at the respectful Mu Pinger, he couldn't help but nod.

"Very well, there is no need for such ceremony!"

"Mu Pinger, this kind of attire suits you well today! You can certainly wear it more often in the future!"

He made the casual remark and walked straight toward the seat ahead.

The speaker was casual, but the listener was attentive.

Hearing Xia Jin praise her, a brilliant smile instantly blossomed on Mu Pinger's face. Her eyes were full of joy as she hurriedly followed him with small steps.

Meanwhile, Yin Shixuan watched this scene with a strange expression, secretly grumbling in his heart:

Great. I thought I was the only one in the entire Second Heaven who could cling tightly to Xia Jin's leg. Now it seems another competitor has joined my ranks.

And it's Mu Pinger, a follower who has both beauty and methods.

In the days to come, I'm afraid it will be very difficult for me to distinguish myself before My Lord.

Mu Pinger diligently poured a cup of hot tea and, holding it with both hands, respectfully presented it to Xia Jin. "My Lord, please have some tea."

Xia Jin took a small sip and then slowly closed his eyes.

Yin Shixuan glanced at Mu Pinger beside him, then carefully leaned forward and asked, "My Lord, that Fan Wujiu... was defeated?"

Xia Jin slowly opened his eyes, glanced at him, and said expressionlessly, "What, did you think this Prince would lose?"

"No, no, no! With My Lord's strength, how could Fan Wujiu be My Lord's match? I was just asking casually, just asking!"

Yin Shixuan waved his hands repeatedly, though he was secretly clicking his tongue in amazement.

My heavens, his Lord actually truly defeated the previously third-ranked Fan Wujiu. In less than a month, he had gone from twenty-third among the Heaven Grade to the top three.

Mu Pinger, who had been standing to the side, felt her eyes light up when she heard Xia Jin personally admit to defeating Fan Wujiu.

Beyond the look of reverence on her face, her eyes were brimming with hidden affection as she looked at Xia Jin.

She had indeed followed the right person!

No, she had to win over this Lord as soon as possible. In this Second Heaven, no one had a better advantage than her to get close to him.

Mu Pinger firmly believed that with her beauty and her ways of serving people, no man could escape her grasp.

Once she won him over, she would truly have climbed to a high branch.

Thinking of this, her small face actually began to flush. It wasn't until she saw Xia Jin seemingly looking at her that she quickly composed herself and stopped her wandering thoughts.

At that moment, as if remembering something, Yin Shixuan hurriedly spoke up:

"By the way, My Lord, before you returned, that Xing Ruoliu specifically sent someone over, saying she wanted to invite you to a banquet tonight."

"Xing Ruoliu?"

Xia Jin raised an eyebrow, a trace of suspicion flashing in his eyes. "What does that woman want with this Prince?"

Hearing this, Mu Pinger whispered from the side, "I'm afraid that woman... most likely has her eyes on you, My Lord."

Her tone clearly carried a hint of sour jealousy.

Although Mu Pinger's voice was small, Xia Jin heard it, and his expression became somewhat strange.

He couldn't help but recall the scene at the Battle Arena that day when he was forcibly kissed by Xing Ruoliu, and he involuntarily shuddered.

Xia Jin frowned and suddenly turned to Mu Pinger, saying, "Mu Pinger, you will accompany this Prince tonight."

"Huh!? My Lord, you mean me?"

Mu Pinger couldn't help but widen her eyes, looking at Xia Jin in surprise.

"What, are you unwilling? Afraid of being outshone by Xing Ruoliu?" Xia Jin looked at her with a half-smile.

"I'm willing! Of course I'm willing! Don't worry, My Lord, I, Mu Pinger, will not be inferior to anyone else!"