Chapter 22: Xia Qingxue's Provocation

"Not a problem, consider it done."

After listening to Su Chen's request, Chen Feng agreed without hesitation.

Su Chen's eyes glinted with satisfaction. With a casual smile, he pulled out a jade token from his robes and handed it over to Chen Feng. "Just a small token of appreciation, Uncle Chen. Please, accept it."

Chen Feng's hands trembled as he received it. "This… this is Dragonbone Blood Jade! Su Young Master, you…"

Dragonbone Blood Jade was one of the rarest gemstones in all of Tianxuan Continent. It was rumored to contain the ancient essence of a dragon, granting cultivators a chance to glimpse the Dao and potentially ascend to the revered Emperor Realm.

Such a treasure was enough to make even the most powerful cultivators risk everything to obtain it. Yet here was Su Chen, carrying one casually on him, and gifting it away without a second thought. Chen Feng, a man accustomed to witnessing the grandest treasures, found himself genuinely shaken.

His breath grew heavy, and his eyes gleamed as he studied the jade, unable to tear his gaze away. The Su family's resources… they were astonishing.

Seeing Chen Feng's reaction, Su Chen laughed. "To be honest, Uncle Chen, this Dragonbone Blood Jade doesn't serve much purpose for me. But for someone as accomplished as you, it could be invaluable in refining your cultivation. Please, do accept it."

"Thank you for this great kindness, Young Master Su. In that case, I'll accept with gratitude."

Chen Feng's heart brimmed with appreciation. He also saw Su Chen in a new light—not only was he of noble lineage, but he carried himself with charm and tact, effortlessly winning people over. Such a man was destined for greatness.

"Then I'll leave this matter in your capable hands, Uncle Chen. I'll take my leave."

With the arrangements set, Su Chen clasped his hands in farewell and departed.

Watching Su Chen's departing figure, Chen Feng was filled with admiration. "The Su family has truly raised an extraordinary young man. If he ascends to power someday, he'll surely lead the Su family to new heights."

---

At dawn, the entrance of the Skydome Auction House bustled with activity. Cultivators entered and exited in an orderly flow, for today promised a grand auction, the kind seen but once a year.

"Miss Xiao, this way."

Walking ahead, Ye Fan wore a courteous smile, gesturing to the two beautiful women behind him. He basked in the envious gazes from those around him, feeling an almost proprietary pride.

Both Xiao Ruoyu and Xia Qingxue were breathtaking beauties, their presence captivating the crowd. People paused just to watch them, entranced by their elegance and grace.

Xiao Ruoyu, showing no hint of annoyance, smiled and nodded at Ye Fan, which only fueled his confidence. He thought, Given time, even this icy beauty would yield to his charms.

As he imagined her under his sway, his face flushed slightly, a heat sparking within him. But his reverie was quickly broken by a sharp voice beside him.

"You're acting like you come here all the time." Xia Qingxue's words dripped with disdain as she eyed him with open scorn.

Her mission—helping Su Chen win Xiao Ruoyu's favor—was always on her mind. She knew that in doing so, she'd elevate her standing with Su Chen. Watching her friend Xiao Ruoyu receive Su Chen's affection filled her with regret; the position of Su family's main wife should have been hers. But she'd been foolish, failing to appreciate Su Chen's love.

If she could turn back time, she'd cherish him deeply.

But the past was gone. And now, seeing Ye Fan hovering around Xiao Ruoyu like a pesky fly only filled her with disgust.

Ye Fan's face darkened at Xia Qingxue's taunt. "I don't need your permission to associate with Miss Xiao," he snapped.

"Oh, of course not. I'm just reminding you. My sister Ruoyu isn't someone a backwater bumpkin like you could ever dream of winning. So why don't you do yourself a favor and keep your distance, before things get unpleasant?" Xia Qingxue's voice was icy, her stance unyielding, daring him to provoke her further.

Ye Fan's face turned a shade darker, his fists clenching. "Is that a threat?"

"Yes, it is. Problem?" Xia Qingxue's confidence was unshakable. As the eldest daughter of the Xia family and Su Chen's future wife, she had no reason to fear a nobody like Ye Fan.

She relished the chance to deflate Ye Fan's arrogance, savoring the satisfaction.

"Qingxue, enough." Watching the two bicker, Xiao Ruoyu sighed, gently patting Xia Qingxue's arm. "Ye Fan was only being considerate, guiding us here."

She knew Xia Qingxue's fiery temperament; only she could calm her down when she got worked up.

"Hmph!" Xia Qingxue shot Ye Fan a final glare before falling silent.

Ye Fan glowered but swallowed his frustration. He turned away, leading the two women forward.

As they walked, Xia Qingxue sidled up to Xiao Ruoyu, whispering, "Sister Ruoyu, you really shouldn't trust him. That guy clearly has designs on you. I'm warning you; stay away from him."

"Qingxue, you've misunderstood Ye Fan." Xiao Ruoyu replied, her tone both amused and exasperated.

She knew her friend's concern came from a good place, but Ye Fan had always behaved like a gentleman in her presence.

"Misunderstood? That guy's intentions are written all over his face! Stick with him, and sooner or later, you'll regret it." Xia Qingxue's tone was urgent, her warning clear.

Xiao Ruoyu chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't worry. I know how to handle myself."

Just then, a heated argument broke out ahead.

They looked up and saw that Ye Fan had already reached the auction house's entrance, and he appeared to be clashing with the guards.

"Ye Fan seems to be in trouble. Qingxue, let's go check it out."

Xiao Ruoyu quickly pulled Xia Qingxue forward, her steps hurried.

While Ye Fan was strong, this was the Skydome Auction House. If he lost his temper and attacked someone here, it could spell disaster. After all, even the powerful Xiao family wouldn't dare challenge the auction house, let alone Ye Fan.

"Let me in! I'm here for the auction!"

Ye Fan's face was flushed with anger as he confronted the guards who blocked his way.

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