Master Zhou?

Tian Wei continued to stride along the winding road, his robes gracefully flowing in the breeze, embodying an air of majestic nonchalance. Beside him, Xuan Yi seethed with anger, feeling nothing but resentment towards his ill-fated companionship with Tian Wei. In stark contrast, Qing Fu walked with them, her heart filled with gratitude for being safe from the relentless pursuit of the Wangs.

However, their peace was abruptly shattered when the sound of screeching wheels echoed through the air. The trio turned their heads to witness a chariot skidding to a halt just a few paces away. The abruptness of the stop indicated that something was amiss, causing a ripple of curiosity to spread among the onlookers.

The chariot driver, a seasoned individual who sensed the urgency in the situation, anxiously inquired, "Young master, is anything the matter?"

"I told you to stop, not ask questions, you swine," hissed a young man who emerged from the chariot.

He exuded an air of importance, dressed in the finest clothes that bespoke his status as a young master hailing from a wealthy and influential clan. Every thread of his attire seemed meticulously chosen to accentuate his refined taste and opulent lifestyle. With a flick of his intricately designed fan and a satisfying snap as he closed it, he elegantly approached the group.

The young master's impeccable appearance was further accentuated by his pure white fabric boots, which seemed untouched by the dirt and dust of the bustling streets. As he closed in on the trio, his towering figure and effortless charisma became impossible to ignore. He possessed an undeniable charm that had the power to captivate attention effortlessly, leaving those in his presence awestruck and spellbound.

He approached with a wicked smile plastered across his face, adding an unsettling aura to his already impressive presence.

"Mis Qing, fancy seeing you here," he said calmly, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.

Qing Fu, frozen in place, appeared far more terrified than she had been back at the inn. Her eyes were fixated on the man, seemingly staring into the face of death itself.

In that moment, Xuan Yi's instincts kicked in, and he quickly realized that this was no friendly encounter. The sheer terror displayed by Qing Fu confirmed that this man was not to be taken lightly, regardless of his ostentatious fashion that screamed "wealthy clan."

"Miss Qing does not wish to speak to you. Please be on your way," Xuan Yi stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Qing Fu, his gaze locked onto the man's face as he spoke with firm resolve.

"Last I checked, miss Qing had a working tongue." A trace of spite flickered in the man's eyes as he retorted. His words carried a veiled threat, aimed not only at Qing Fu but also at Xuan Yi, challenging his protective stance.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Qing Fu tugged at Xuan Yi's sleeve, signaling him to stop. She knew all too well that this was not an enemy they could afford to offend lightly. The Wangs may have posed a certain level of danger, but the Zhou clan was an entirely different breed, with power and influence that surpassed imagination.

"Please," Qing Fu spoke, as she shook her head, silently pleading with Xuan Yi.

"She remembers her place," the young man mocked, a smug grin playing on his lips. "Now come along. No need for a scene."

Qing Fu, feeling the weight of their powerlessness, bowed slightly, preparing to comply and follow the young man. It wasn't that she willingly submitted so easily, but rather the fear of bringing too much trouble upon Xuan Yi and Tian Wei that compelled her to make this difficult decision. In this world where strength dictated one's fate, their trio was clearly outmatched by the formidable adversary before them.

As she began to walk towards the waiting chariot, a hand suddenly grasped hers, stopping her in her tracks. Startled, her entire body tensed, her instincts on high alert. She swiftly pulled her hand away and turned to look at Xuan Yi. Though her movement was swift, it did not escape the gentleman's notice. His face contorted in visible anger.

"Do you truly wish to depart with him?" Xuan Yi asked, his tone almost intimate, as if they shared a deep history.

"In the face of strength, such considerations become irrelevant," Qing Fu responded, her voice laced with dejection, betraying the weight of her circumstances.

"You are wasting my time," the man sneered, his impatience growing evident.

"Leave, young master. Miss Qing will not be accompanying you today. Return to whatever hole you crawled out of," Xuan Yi insisted, his voice firm and resolute. However, his words proved to be a critical mistake, as if this master Zhou had been eagerly awaiting a reason to unleash his wrath.

With a snap of his fan, the young master unleashed a powerful force that surged through the air, crashing into Xuan Yi with tremendous impact. The sheer strength behind the unexpected attack sent him staggering back several steps, struggling to maintain his balance.

That gentleman was at the ninth turn of the energy gathering phase, while he was at the 5th turn. This gentleman was just about to enter a Tempered veins phase, unless he was hiding his strength he was no match for Tian Wei in his assessment. But Qing Fu knew Tian Wei's assessment yet she remained scared of him. The only valid explanation, he had hidden his true aura, or he had a hidden weapon that would instantly turn the turn.

"I, too, have a clan supporting me," Xuan Yi boldly declared, mustering his courage in the face of the young master's aggression. He realized that it was better to be shameless in this situation, seeking a resolution without resorting to physical confrontation. If he could defuse the tension and avoid a fight, it would be for the best. Xuan Yi held a glimmer of hope that the united front of the three of them, or even just two of them (as Tian Wei might not care to intervene), would be enough to make the young master reconsider his actions.

Moreover, considering the strength displayed by the person standing before him, Xuan Yi believed that engaging in a direct confrontation would, at the very least, prove to be a challenge but not impossible to draw. If matters escalated out of control, he might be able to find a way to escape.