This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

Chapter 129 Enemies meet on a narrow road

Fists rained down on him like a storm, and Xiao Xingchen covered his head with his hands, like a candle flickering in the wind, letting Xu Zhonghou's fists and feet fall on him like a tempest, occasionally letting out a bloodcurdling scream.

He could clearly feel that as the demon blood entered his body, his body was now as hard as steel, and the punches and kicks felt like scratching an itch through a boot, without him feeling anything.

Yet he still feigned unbearable pain, performing the act flawlessly. Having chosen to fade into obscurity, he had to bear the bitterness of that obscurity.

"He's really done for. He's a complete waste of space, he didn't even dare to fight back."

"I never expected to actually beat up a so-called young sword immortal today. It was totally worth it!"

"Damn it! You dare to act all high and mighty in Yong'an? Today I'm going to beat you to a pulp!"

The insults, like a thunderclap, startled the Chen residence. Soon after, a swarm of people rushed out of the mansion like bees leaving their nest.

"What are you doing? Who gave you permission to cause trouble here at the Chen residence gate?"

The eyes of passersby were drawn to the scene like a magnet. When they saw that it was a group of richly dressed spoiled brats beating someone up, their interest immediately waned. However, some people felt pity for the boy who was lying on the ground curled up, and secretly lamented the injustice of the world.

After kicking Xiao Xingchen a few times, Xu Zhonghou also lost interest and cursed angrily.

"Damn it, he doesn't even dare to resist. He's utterly boring. How dare he call himself a young sword immortal? Bah!"

Upon catching sight of the Chen family members slowly approaching, he abruptly flicked his sleeve, like a proud peacock, and spat fiercely at Xiao Xingchen. Then, he swaggered forward, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and...

"I am Xu Zhonghou, a retainer of the Marquis of Guoyun. Today I have come to pay my respects to Lord Chen and wish him a smooth and successful career."

"If you are a distinguished guest, why are you causing trouble here for no reason?"

"I didn't hit anyone. It was just a stray dog. Dogs like that are as common as hairs on a cow in Yong'an City. Why do you have to hold a grudge?"

Xu Zhonghou's words were like a sharp sword, piercing straight to the steward's heart. The steward was startled, then glanced at the disheveled young man. After confirming that the man was still alive, he could only helplessly give up.

Although the young master before them was arrogant and domineering, it was better to avoid trouble. The Chen family had just arrived in Yong'an and had not yet established themselves. It would be a loss to cause trouble for a beggar.

"Then please come into the mansion, young master. It would be beneath your dignity to argue with a beggar."

"Haha, of course, of course, why would I stoop to the level of a dog? Let's go, brothers, come with me to congratulate Lord Chen."

Xu Zhonghou laughed triumphantly, completely ignoring the disdainful looks around him. As for Xiao Xingchen, who was being beaten, although he curled up like a wounded little animal, he could still hear every sound around him. He finally realized that those who want to achieve great things must first learn to be patient. However, patience is really too difficult.

Given his personality, if it were in the past... well, he sighed inwardly. After all, he had cut off someone's manhood in his previous life, so he might as well consider it paying off a debt.

Only after Xu Zhonghou had swaggered away did he slowly rise, revealing his true colors, which surprised everyone.

"How could this person look so much like that young sword immortal?"

"I just overheard those spoiled brats talking about teaching the Sword Immortal a lesson. Could it be true?"

"Isn't this the young man who came out of the Flower Language Pavilion? That good-for-nothing who fell from the rank of Sword Immortal overnight?"

Xiao Xingchen knew perfectly well that this would be the outcome, so he stopped hiding and swaggered towards the Chen residence.

"It really is him! His skin is thicker than a city wall! How dare he come to the Chen residence?"

"Alas, what a pity. He was a sword immortal, how could he have been ruined by a courtesan?"

Ignoring the pointing and whispering of the crowd, Xiao Xingchen went straight to the gate of the Chen residence.

"Go away, go away! Go beg somewhere else! Can't you see that we're hosting a banquet for important people at the Chen residence today?"

The gatekeeper frowned, looking at the ragged beggar who had just been beaten, who dared to try to enter the Chen residence. Wasn't this a slap in their face?

"I'm here for the banquet."

"Get out of here! Go to the banquet? You, a mere beggar, dare to spout nonsense here?"

"I asked Chen Miao to come out because she invited me."

"Pah! Get out of here right now! This is the Chen residence. If you dare to cause trouble here, I'll take your life."

Xiao Xingchen frowned, realizing he had forgotten about this matter. No wonder others looked down on him; his current disheveled state was indeed quite pathetic.

"Then please inform them that the young sword immortal has come to visit."

"Get lost. If you cause any more trouble here, I'll take you directly to Yong'an Prefecture for legal proceedings."

The servant waved his hand impatiently, but his eyes remained fixed on what was behind him.

"Get out of here, don't block the way of the important person, or you'll suffer the consequences."

Xiao Xingchen frowned even more deeply before he came to his senses and saw a procession slowly approaching in the distance. When he saw the pattern on the banner, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly at his bad luck. It was truly a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road today; Xu Zhonghou had just left, and the Princess had arrived right after.

"The Princess has arrived! What are you still standing here for? Get out of here now, or I'll make you need to hit me."

The servant was extremely anxious. He stepped forward and pushed Xiao Xingchen aside, then immediately shouted loudly into the mansion.

"The Princess has arrived!" With three announcements, a large number of people rushed out of the mansion, including Chen Haoran.

He couldn't help but sigh. Although this Ghost King had not yet become a force to be reckoned with, her status had already risen. Even a prince would probably only be greeted with this kind of reception.

"Welcome, Your Highness, the Eldest Princess."

Chen Haoran took the lead and led the crowd in paying homage, standing out like a crane among chickens.

The delicate figure floated down like a feather, and Huangfu Lingxue, dressed in a martial arts outfit, looked like a fairy descending to earth as she slowly walked down.

However, Xiao Xingchen keenly noticed that there was a man beside her this time.

The young man exuded a strong scholarly air, as if he were not an ordinary servant, but rather someone who lagged slightly behind Huangfu Lingxue, following her like a shadow.

"Lord Chen, congratulations! I heard you're having a promotion banquet today, so I've come to ask for a drink."

Huangfu Lingxue's voice was clear and melodious, like a nightingale singing in a valley, instantly attracting everyone's attention. Immediately afterwards, servants came forward in a steady stream, carrying box after box of congratulatory gifts.

"Your Highness's presence is truly an honor for this humble subject! Please, Your Highness!"

Chen Haoran quickly bowed in greeting.

"The Chen family of Hanhai has made outstanding contributions, which is the duty of the royal family. These are my congratulatory gifts, and I hope Lord Chen will accept them with pleasure."

Huangfu Lingxue stood with her hands behind her back, her clothes simple yet striking, making her appear tall and elegant, like a plum blossom braving the snow.

Her gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, fixed on Chen Haoran, who was bowing his head. Her face seemed to be scrutinizing him. Her demeanor, so different from that of other princesses, was like a beautiful sight, stunning everyone.

Many people couldn't help but feel envious, realizing that women could be so heroic and spirited.

"please."

Chen Haoran naturally didn't say much. The princess's visit was clearly for ulterior motives. Moreover, her attire made her intentions self-evident. Let's skip the formalities and keep things simple.

Huangfu Lingxue nodded slightly to the man beside her and was about to take a step forward, but when she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her steps froze and she suddenly stopped.

"Why are you here?"

A surprised voice rang out from the eldest princess, and like a bolt of lightning, it instantly drew everyone's attention, all turning to Xiao Xingchen.

"He came to the banquet, but was beaten up instead."

Xiao Xingchen, on the other hand, walked out without any hesitation or awkwardness. As for the formalities such as bowing, he didn't care about them at all. "You do your thing, I'll do mine," as if these were all trivial matters in his eyes.

"This is?"

Chen Haoran was taken aback at first, then his eyes lit up as if he had discovered a rare treasure, "It's him!"

Huangfu Lingxue also became interested, stopped and circled around Xiao Xingchen, then couldn't help but laugh.

"You're really something! Everyone else is getting better and better, but you're actually regressing. It's truly astonishing!"

"Sailing against the current, if you don't move forward, you fall behind. Life is like a play, and the ups and downs are what make the story exciting."

Xiao Xingchen's words were like a gentle stream, soothing and comforting.

"Such a silver tongue, so eloquent and persuasive! How about we come in together?"

Huangfu Lingxue took the initiative to extend the invitation, and she didn't ask any further questions in front of so many people.

The princess's invitation was undoubtedly a great honor for Xiao Xingchen.

Some people secretly sighed, even though this young sword immortal had been crippled, he had still stepped forward to help the princess when she encountered difficulties at the city gate.

This is the eldest princess's man, so he should not be underestimated. Moreover, there are rumors that he is the late empress's illegitimate son!

"No, I'd better go in by myself. If I go with you, people might mistakenly think I'm with you, and I might get beaten up even more."

These words were like a sharp sword, piercing everyone's hearts, making them want to laugh but afraid to, only able to cover their immense embarrassment with dry coughs.

Surprisingly, Huangfu Lingxue didn't care. She snorted coldly and ignored her, walking straight inside.

Chen Haoran gave him a look, signaling him to follow.

Xiao Xingchen, on the other hand, stared arrogantly at the servant who had stopped him earlier, a smug smile on his face.

Are you still stopping me? Can I come in now?

"Yes, of course, please go ahead!"

The servant was sweating profusely.

"Hmph, kid, I advise you to be kind and stop looking down on people. I'm a person of status too."

Xiao Xingchen flicked her sleeves and strode after him, not forgetting to roll her eyes at the onlookers.

That's like saying, "Are you mocking me? Do you even deserve to?"