Chapter 987: Not Knowing What’s Good for Them

Chapter 987: Chapter 987: Not Knowing What’s Good for Them

The young noble was dressed in a brocade robe embroidered with gold threads, with a pattern of a coiling golden dragon, appearing extremely luxurious. A jade pendant hung at his waist, producing a clear clinking sound as he moved.

The whole person seemed overwhelmingly wealthy, with a demeanor that exuded the aura of someone in a position of power.

Next to him was a middle-aged man, tall and imposing, with a cold and stern gaze, dressed in a black outfit, with an ancient longsword hanging at his waist.

This person appeared silent and reserved, yet his gaze was as sharp as a torch, always alert to the movements around him.

He stood one step behind the young noble, evidently serving as both the attendant and the bodyguard for this noble, but the powerful aura faintly emanating from him indicated he was no ordinary expert.

The young noble approached Ye Qingchen’s table, his gaze sweeping over the two, carrying a hint of scrutiny and disdain.

He then slightly raised his chin and coldly said, "You two seem interested in the treasure in the deep mountains as well. Are you willing to accompany this gentleman?"

His tone carried a trace of arrogance that allowed no refusal, as if he had already assumed Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao would agree to his proposal.

Xiao Xiao frowned slightly, casting a displeased glance at the young noble, her eyes immediately landing on the expert behind him, showing a hint of wariness.

Ye Qingchen maintained his usual calm, lightly raising his eyes to glance at the young noble, asking with a half-smile, "Who might you be? And why do you want to accompany us?"

Upon hearing Ye Qingchen’s question, an even more arrogant expression surfaced on the young noble’s face.

He straightened his back, his gaze showing intense pride, with a palpable sense of superiority in his tone: "You probably don’t know who I am, do you? I am Chen Rui, the eldest son of the Chen Family of the Jiang Ancient Clan! In the Jiang Ancient Clan, the Chen Family is someone nobody dares to offend, and I am the future heir of the Chen Family!"

As he spoke, he slightly raised his chin, his gaze sweeping over the people in the teahouse as if proclaiming his noble identity.

His voice was not loud, but carried a commanding presence, as if the world should make concessions for him.

The expert standing behind him also straightened his back slightly at these words, his expression becoming even more stern.

Xiao Xiao watched coldly from the side, secretly frowning, while Ye Qingchen maintained a composed expression, though a barely noticeable chill flickered in his eyes.

As soon as Chen Rui finished speaking, the other guests in the teahouse all widened their eyes, showing expressions of surprise and awe.

Someone exclaimed in a low voice, "So it’s the eldest son of the Chen Family! No wonder he has such an extraordinary bearing!"

Others whispered among themselves, "The Chen Family is one of the most powerful families in the Jiang Ancient Clan. Who dares to defy the Chen Family when they take action?"

Some even looked terrified, whispering, "Chen Rui, the eldest son of the Chen Family, is a renowned genius, reaching the Seventh Layer of the Martial Emperor Realm at a young age. It’s said the elders of the Jiang Ancient Clan highly favor him. Offending him would be truly disastrous!"

"Indeed, the Chen Family’s position in the Jiang Ancient Clan is unparalleled, and this young noble is the future heir, with formidable strength and a deep background. Who would dare provoke him?"

The discussions among the crowd grew louder, and the atmosphere in the teahouse became tense, as if Chen Rui’s presence brought an intangible pressure upon everyone.

Hearing the crowd’s discussions, Chen Rui’s smile deepened, clearly enjoying the praise and awe from the others.

It was as if he felt the people’s reactions completely matched his expectations of his own identity. He looked at Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao again, his tone carrying a hint of mocking: "So, are you willing to accompany me now? There will naturally be benefits for you if you follow this gentleman."

However, in the face of Chen Rui’s arrogance, Ye Qingchen remained as usual, seemingly indifferent to the identity of this Jiang Ancient Clan Chen Family noble.

Xiao Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly, showing a hint of displeasure but did not speak immediately.

The atmosphere in the teahouse became exceedingly subtle at this moment, as everyone awaited Ye Qingchen’s response.

Upon hearing Chen Rui’s words, Ye Qingchen’s expression darkened slightly, and his brows involuntarily furrowed.

He was never one to respond lightly, especially when the other party was such a self-righteous person.

His gaze cooled, his tone carrying obvious displeasure, he coldly said, "What’s the Chen Family’s noble son to me? I, Ye Qingchen, never fawn over anyone, especially not the Chen Family."

His voice was not loud, but each word carried a resolute and uncompromising attitude.

These words instantly heightened the tension in the teahouse, the surrounding clamor seemed to disappear at once, and everyone held their breath, looking at Ye Qingchen in surprise.

Chen Rui’s expression darkened abruptly upon hearing this, clearly not expecting this seemingly unremarkable young man to so blatantly disregard him.

His gaze flickered with a hint of chill, and his tone became instantly sharp, "Do you realize that your words could bring you a lot of trouble?"

Ye Qingchen’s gaze remained calm, utterly unmoved.

He calmly looked at Chen Rui, sneering, "Trouble? Do you really think you’re above everyone, that everyone should fear you? No matter how strong the Chen Family is, it doesn’t mean I, Ye Qingchen, will bow down to you. You think your noble identity demands respect, but you must understand that not everyone in the world cares about it."

His tone carried a sense of disdain and contempt, as if Chen Rui’s so-called identity was nothing to him at all.

Xiao Xiao, seeing her master being looked down upon by Chen Rui, suddenly felt a surge of anger.

Her loyalty and admiration for Ye Qingchen had always been beyond question, not allowing anyone to rashly offend, especially not a conceited and arrogant son like Chen Rui.

Thus, she stood forward without hesitation, coldly saying, "So what if you’re the Chen Family’s eldest son? Do you think your noble status allows you to casually cause trouble for us? Who my young master respects is not your place to dictate!"

Xiao Xiao’s words were light, yet filled with undeniable determination, like a sharp dagger directly piercing through Chen Rui’s arrogance and conceit.

The fiery glare in her bright eyes locked onto Chen Rui, giving him no room for rebuttal.

The crowd in the teahouse gasped at this sight.

Ye Qingchen’s earlier words had already startled them, and now with Xiao Xiao’s added fuel to the fire, this master and servant duo dared to boldly counter Chen Rui without fear. The crowd whispered and discussed:

"These two are too ignorant! That’s the Chen Family’s eldest son! Who dares offend the Chen Family without facing dire consequences?"

"Exactly, the Chen Family’s standing within the Jiang Ancient Clan is incredibly high. These two are truly fearless!"