Chapter 18: The Warlord Is Truly Irresistible

Through the screen, she glimpsed a strong figure soaking in the bath. His long, damp hair was loose, and he looked... truly tempting.

Le Qianxue had seen men’s bare chests before when performing acupuncture, but a man like Zhan Lianjing—she had never encountered. Her body felt hot, though she didn’t know why. Distracted, she didn’t notice the screen wobble; suddenly she and the screen crashed to the floor!

Le Qianxue cried out, nearly rolling into the bath, but fortunately her reflexes were quick. She sighed in relief—just barely saved herself. Yet, as she looked up, she met Zhan Lianjing’s dark, intense gaze.

He seemed somewhat angry.

Le Qianxue forced a laugh, embarrassed. “Actually... Your Highness, I just tripped by accident.”

Zhan Lianjing had intended for her to wait outside, but she had caused such a commotion. Was she attracted to his beauty?

He glanced at her figure—thin, but still tolerable. But given her status, he shouldn’t entangle himself further. Though not truly crippled, he couldn’t let anyone discover his secret and jeopardize his plans.

“Have you seen enough?” Zhan Lianjing prompted, unable to move lest he betray himself.

Le Qianxue immediately turned away, refusing to look. Footsteps approached; servants were helping Zhan Lianjing out of the bath and dressing him.

She muttered inwardly—pretending to be lame, always putting on a show for others, it must be tiresome for him. And she had to feign ignorance, which was equally exhausting.

After some time, Zhan Lianjing was wheeled out, dressed in a simple white robe. Though unadorned, the moonlight flowed over his garments, adding a certain allure.

Clearly, it was fine material.

The maids served tea, but none was prepared for Le Qianxue.

Zhan Lianjing spoke only one word: “Le Qianxue.”

She answered, “Your Highness, I’ve come as requested. About the clothes—”

Zhan Lianjing said, “Now I’ll give you a chance. If you help me with one thing, I’ll overlook tonight’s incident. But if a third person learns of it, I will kill you.”

Le Qianxue trembled, but then suddenly smiled.

She pulled out a banknote from her bosom and tossed it down. “Your Highness, this is sixty thousand taels—enough for two new outfits.”

Zhan Lianjing’s expression remained unchanged, but he was puzzled. Le Qianxue was greedy; why would she willingly hand over money?

“Your Highness must find it strange. I’ll be frank: I’m just a woman. I don’t know or care about your schemes or grand plans. My greatest wish is to marry a suitable husband, so I need to stay alive for that.”

Zhan Lianjing’s gaze darkened. This woman was clever—if she knew too much, she’d be courting disaster. Clearly, she wanted no part in these intrigues.

So he asked no more.

He turned away, waving for her to leave.

Le Qianxue saw this and, relieved, hurriedly took her midnight snack and exited.

“Wait,” Zhan Lianjing called. “Leave what’s in your hand.”

Le Qianxue paused. “That’s my midnight snack.”

“I know. It’s a gift for our first meeting,” Zhan Lianjing replied, as if explaining himself.

She pursed her lips—she’d never met a man like this.

Zhan Lianjing looked at her again, seeing her sulkily set down her things, her lips pouting.

She muttered under her breath, “He’s just taking advantage of being a prince...”

Back at her residence, Le Qianxue was still fuming—her winnings all lost, and she’d even paid out a few hundred taels more. Her heart ached.

Moreover, Zhan Lianjing had taken interest in her, wanting her help. Fortunately, she kept her composure; otherwise, getting mixed up with him would mean a lifetime of bad luck.

Tomorrow was the beast-fighting tournament, her first time seeing such excitement—she was genuinely thrilled.

She went to bed early to rest.

On the second day, at the beast-fighting arena.

Hundreds attended each match, and the premium seats were excellent—not exposed to the sun, supplied with fresh fruit, and each guest could bring a servant.

Peach Blossom was also excited—she’d benefited by tagging along to watch the tournament.

There were only ten premium seats. She and Yu Nanfeng occupied two, Zhan Lianjing and Fu Xiao were there as well. The others were wealthy merchants, but two were especially notable.

The three great princely estates of Tianlong were Zhan, Mu, and Zhuang.

Today, the heirs of Mu and Zhuang Estates were present.

Everyone knew the Zhan Estate’s fame had long provoked the resentment of Mu and Zhuang. Both estates were eager to seize any opportunity to eliminate Zhan Lianjing.

Yu Nanfeng whispered, “The Mu heir is notorious for his amorous ways; the Zhuang heir holds grudges. Keep your distance from them.”

Le Qianxue understood—the rivalry among the three estates was fierce, and she knew a bit about it.

Only she was the lone woman in the premium seats—she stood out.

The Mu heir glanced at Le Qianxue, then at Yu Nanfeng, and sneered, “So it’s true—clouds part and the moon shines through. Le Qianxue, you’ve watched over the Fourth Prince for years, and now he finally returns your gaze.”

Le Qianxue found the words grating, glaring at him. “Mu heir, this tournament is for watching. Kindly keep your mouth shut.”

The crowd was already in uproar, yet her voice rang out clear, tinged with mockery.

The Mu heir had heard Le Qianxue was cleverer these days. Seeing her now, it was indeed so.

On the arena, two fierce beasts were being driven out for the match.

The Mu heir smirked, losing interest in arguing with her.

Two tigers, their roars deafening, made even her ears ring.

The arena was surrounded by iron bars with a moat—a solid safety measure.

Le Qianxue gnawed on seeds, watching with genuine interest.

Few women attended these tournaments—they were far too bloody.

Yet Le Qianxue seemed unfazed and even munched happily, prompting Zhan Lianjing to glance at her.

She and Yu Nanfeng sat together, looking very much the golden couple.

The tournament began.

The beasts fought fiercely, their claws sharp, neither yielding.

Yu Nanfeng found it cruel, while Le Qianxue watched intently, not blinking.

“Qianxue, aren’t you afraid?” Yu Nanfeng’s voice trembled—these were real tigers.

Le Qianxue didn’t turn. “No, it’s just tigers playing.”

She’d seen circuses before; Night City’s tricks were nothing new.

These tigers were trained, not truly vicious.

So this beast-fighting tournament was nothing special.

After the first round, it was man versus beast.

Le Qianxue was surprised. “When did they add this?”

Yu Nanfeng was puzzled as well. “I don’t know—there wasn’t this before.”

Le Qianxue frowned, sensing something off.

The Night City master announced, “This man-beast combat is a new event. Night City has a warrior who can match a beast in bravery!”

His expression barely changed, but with Le Qianxue’s experience, she sensed something was wrong.

She wanted to leave, but since Yu Nanfeng had invited her, she couldn’t let him die here.

She leaned toward him. “Fourth Prince, this isn’t worth watching. Let’s take a walk outside.”

Yu Nanfeng was stunned—this was the first time she’d been so close to him, and his heart soared.

He nodded eagerly and hurried out with her.

Le Qianxue wanted to pull away, but wasting time on decorum seemed pointless.

As they left the arena, shouts of terror erupted inside!

“Help—wolves have jumped onto the seats!”

“Quick, run!”

The arena descended into chaos, and people surged outward.

Yu Nanfeng was shocked—they had just left, and trouble began. How could it be so coincidental?

Thanks to Le Qianxue—without her suggestion, he’d never have left, and she’d saved him yet again.

“Qianxue, thanks so much... Wait, where is she?” Yu Nanfeng turned, but she was already gone.

Where had Le Qianxue gone?

She couldn’t have hidden somewhere—surely she wouldn’t return to the dangerous arena.

In truth, Le Qianxue had climbed over a rooftop and returned to the arena.

Squinting, she saw chaos everywhere; the iron gates broken, many civilians hurt.

Several wolves attacked the premium seats, but Mu and Zhuang heirs, skilled in martial arts, could defend themselves.

That fake cripple...

Le Qianxue rested her chin in her hand—she’d returned to watch how he handled disaster, curious if he would truly keep up his act.

It was a challenge for Haoyue—a woman fighting wolves, while Zhan Lianjing sat calmly sipping tea.

“This fake cripple really doesn’t panic under pressure,” Le Qianxue frowned. So many wolves, and civilians injured—even if she wasn’t a paragon of virtue, Tang Sect rules forbade ignoring those in peril.

Of course, she wouldn’t save Zhan Lianjing.

Wherever he was, danger followed; even her simple enjoyment of a beast-fight had been ruined—all his fault.

Le Qianxue drew her silver needles, took aim, and fired several in quick succession!