NOVEL NEXT Chapter 93: Qian Xiaoli
The woman saw Feng Fan and was momentarily taken aback. She hadn't expected to see him here, but her expression remained unreadable.
Feng Fan, too, was briefly surprised. Her beauty rivaled that of Xue Qiang and Huang Xue!
'This must be one of the top three beauties I've seen in my life, he thought,' his face betraying no emotion.
Already accustomed to the beauty of Huang Xue and Xue Qiang, Feng Fan was surprised, but he didn't let it show on his face. Your next chapter is on empire
Elder Duan began the conversation with a warm smile. "Qian Xiaoli, it's been a long time. Just like your mother, you grow more beautiful with each passing year."
Qian Xiaoli returned his smile. "Thank you, Uncle Duan. And who might the young man behind you be? Is he your son?"
At her words, Elder Duan let out an awkward cough.
Qian Xiaoli's mother, who had just been playing chess with her, chuckled softly.
"No, he's my disciple, Feng Fan" Elder Duan clarified. "I'm teaching him the Array Dao. In fact, I'd even go as far as to say there's no one better than him at the Array Dao in the entire Qian Empire!"
At Elder Duan's words, Qian Xiaoli furrowed her brows in mild surprise. She knew him well and was aware he wasn't one to exaggerate.
She had already observed a glimpse of Feng Fan's personality in Blueriver City but hadn't expected him to be a genius in the Array Dao.
"If that's true, I'm really looking forward to seeing his performance at the young generation competition," she remarked with genuine curiosity.
"Su Liqiu, is your daughter also participating?" Elder Duan asked, shifting his attention to the other woman—Qian Xiaoli's mother and the Qian Emperor's wife.
Su Liqiu nodded gracefully. "Yes, the emperor has requested her presence."
"Hmph. That sorry excuse for a father," Elder Duan said, his tone sharp. "I thought he didn't care about you or his daughter. Who would've thought he'd still have the nerve to ask for your help?"
Feng Fan, standing silently to the side, was taken aback. 'Didn't he just warn me to watch what I say in the capital?' he thought.
Su Liqiu responded with a wry smile. "The emperor has his difficulties. He isn't as bad as you think, Brother Duan."
Elder Duan gave her a stern look, but it soon softened into one of pity. He could tell she didn't even believe her own words.
"Let's not dwell on this," he said, changing the subject. "I came to help with that matter. When are the others expected to arrive?"
"They should be here within a few hours at most. Would you like to play chess with me while we wait, for old times' sake, Brother Duan?" Su Liqiu asked, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Elder Duan nodded, his mood lightening. "Alright, but don't expect me to take it easy on you."
"Since you're going to play, I'll take this chance to explore the capital. See you later!" Feng Fan said, already turning to leave through the door they had entered.
Before he could take a step, Elder Duan extended his spiritual qi, halting Feng Fan in place. "Hold it right there. I'm not letting you wander off alone to stir up trouble."
Feng Fan turned to him with an exaggerated expression of innocence. "What do you suggest, then?"
Before Elder Duan could reply, Qian Xiaoli interjected with a smile. "How about I accompany him? I'm sure I can keep him out of trouble."
Elder Duan gave Qian Xiaoli a questioning look. He knew her well enough to know she wasn't the type to willingly interact with strangers.
His gaze shifted to Feng Fan, recalling how Huang Xue and Xue Qiang, two peerless talents, seemed captivated by his disciple.
'Is he really that good-looking?' Elder Duan wondered to himself, a hint of doubt in his mind.
"Alright," he finally said. "I'll leave him in your hands, Qian Xiaoli. Just make sure he doesn't cause any trouble."
Qian Xiaoli nodded and slowly rose from her seat before walking toward Feng Fan.
"Shall we go?" Qian Xiaoli asked with a calm smile.
Feng Fan felt the restriction on his body lift and began walking behind her.
'Great, now I have a babysitter. She'll only affect the speed at which I draw my sword.' He thought, rolling his eyes.
"Sure, let's go," he replied flatly.
As they exited the room, Qian Xiaoli suddenly made a turn, heading away from the main exit. Feng Fan raised an eyebrow and asked,
"Where are we going?"
"To my room. I need to change clothes, of course," she said casually.
Feng Fan glanced at her outfit—a pristine white robe adorned with elegant black patterns—and frowned slightly. He couldn't understand why she'd need to change. "What's wrong with what you're wearing now? It looks fine to me."
Qian Xiaoli chuckled softly, keeping her pace steady. "These are the clothes I wear to sleep."
Feng Fan raised an eyebrow but quickly shrugged. "Alright, I'll wait here," he said, stopping near the door to her room.
She turned to him with a teasing smile. "What's the matter? Are you afraid of stepping into a woman's room?"
'This Feng Fan seems delicious to play with,' she thought.
Feng Fan froze for a moment, caught off guard by her words—and her thoughts, which he could hear loud and clear.
His eyes narrowed as he processed her intent. 'What is this girl up to?'
"Hmph. Move aside, then," he replied, brushing past her and stepping into the room without hesitation.
Qian Xiaoli followed him inside, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and gently closed the door behind them.
Feng Fan glanced around the room, mildly surprised. He had anticipated something luxurious, maybe adorned with feminine touches, but what he saw was starkly minimalistic.
'No windows, just a bed, a couch, a small closet, and a bathroom. That's it?' he thought, his eyebrows raising slightly.
Qian Xiaoli caught his expression and smirked. "Surprised? Or were you expecting something... more girly?"