Chapter 21: A Soft Target

After living in the Fuwei Escort Agency for nearly half a month, Wang Jingyuan finally received word from the escorts he had tasked with keeping watch. A group of young outsiders with Sichuan accents had entered Fuzhou City, all of them carrying swords. It was clear they were disciples of the Qingcheng Sect.

Lin Zhennan, seeing that Wang Jingyuan’s prediction had come true, immediately sought him out. "The Qingcheng Sect has arrived in Fuzhou. Young Hero Wang, what do you suggest we do?"

Wang Jingyuan replied nonchalantly, "Handle it as you would any other matter. They traveled all the way to Fuzhou likely to test the legitimacy of your 'Bixie Sword Manual.' Once they realize your technique is just for show, their real move will follow. Regardless, they are intent on provoking a conflict with you. Since a low-ranking disciple wouldn't carry enough weight, the person who arrived is most likely Yu Canghai’s son."

Having long known the script, Wang Jingyuan was merely reciting lines. With the advantage of foresight, the escorts of the Fuwei Agency had little trouble confirming his suspicions. In truth, it didn't take much effort; as soon as Yu Renyan and his fellow disciples entered the city, they checked into a brothel. Whenever he sat in the main hall drinking, he would boast loudly about his father, Yu Canghai. By now, every veteran escort in Fuzhou knew that a young master from the Qingcheng Sect had arrived.

One night, Yu Renyan used the travel funds his father had given him to visit the brothel again. He stood on the second-floor corridor, his hands wandering over a courtesan, while his chief lackey, Jia Renda, stood by, looking distracted. Jia knew exactly how much money Yu Canghai had provided. Under normal circumstances, it was more than enough to ensure a comfortable journey between Mount Qingcheng and Fuzhou. Yet, Yu Renyan had been extremely frugal on the road, leading Jia to believe his young master had finally learned to be thrifty. Instead, the moment they reached Fuzhou, Yu Renyan began squandering it all in the city's largest pleasure house.

Jia Renda was anxious. If his master found out they had ignored their mission to indulge in debauchery, Yu Renyan might be spared punishment, but he, a mere underling, would surely suffer. Yu Renyan, however, had a different plan: once the money ran dry, he would pick a fight with the Fuwei Escort Agency to replenish his funds.

Suddenly, the tavern grew quiet. Even the courtesan beside Jia Renda looked toward the main hall below. Jia followed her gaze. A sound of chiming jade pendants echoed, and Wang Jingyuan emerged from behind the screen, wielding a gold-flecked folding fan. He wore a moon-white robe with silver-threaded trim, his presence carrying a faint scent of jasmine. The noise in the hall died down instantly. Wang flashed a smile at a nearby servant girl, who blushed and stared at him, dazed.

Yu Renyan’s expression soured, especially when he saw his own courtesan staring at Wang. Being the son of Yu Canghai, he was not a man of great character, and jealousy flared within him. He grabbed the woman and retreated into a private room.

Wang Jingyuan loosened his belt and turned to Lin Pingzhi, who was following him. "Junior Brother, your clothes are too tight on me. You’re far too thin. A man must build some muscle; otherwise, he just looks like a sissy."

Lin Pingzhi, looking at this "pretty boy" senior who was even fairer than himself, could only offer an awkward smile. "Senior Brother is right."

Wang scanned the room, spotted Yu Renyan and Jia Renda entering their room, and strode over. He kicked the door open and sat down at their table. The occupants were stunned, their hands still fumbling with the courtesan.

"Give her here!" Wang snatched the courtesan into his own arms and splashed his drink into Jia Renda’s face.

"Damn it—" Before Yu Renyan could finish, Wang backhanded him across the face.

Wang Jingyuan was never one to wait for trouble; in games, his "charge" skill was always mapped to the easiest key. Since the Qingcheng disciples were here, he was going to take the fight to them. He slipped into his native Sichuan dialect, mocking them: "Oi! I heard all the racket from upstairs. I thought some idiots were up here doing a dance, but it’s just you two losers? Is the food at Mount Qingcheng that bad? You look like starving monkeys fighting for corn on Mount Emei."

With a clang, Yu Renyan drew his sword. "Damn you, do you know who I am—"

Wang used his fan to strike Yu Renyan’s wrist; the sword clattered to the floor, followed by another slap. Jia Renda tried to intervene but was easily subdued by Lin Pingzhi.

"I know exactly who you are—Yu Canghai’s brat, Yu Renyan. Did your old man teach you that light-foot technique just for groping women? You think just because you’re Yu Canghai’s son, I won’t touch you? Do you even know who I am?"

Yu Renyan looked at him with fear. "Who are you?"

"You don't even know who I am? Take this!"

Jia Renda, who had been keeping an eye on the Fuwei Escort Agency, suddenly realized something and stammered, "You... you're a disciple of the Huashan Sect?"

"Good eyes. Your Huashan Grandfather is here." Wang tapped Jia’s cheek with his fan and called for fresh wine and food.

Upon learning that their opponent was from the prestigious Huashan Sect, Yu Renyan regained his bravado. He had feared a vendetta or a reckless rogue, but if this was a fellow righteous sect member, there was nothing to fear. "How dare you Huashan disciples bully me! Do you really think the Qingcheng Sect is so easily pushed around?!"

Wang Jingyuan spread his hands. "And if I do?"