Chapter 943: The Steel Straight Man

Boom—

A deep rumble of thunder suddenly echoed in Wang Chen’s ears.

He glanced up at the sky, where dark clouds were swiftly rolling toward him. Flickers of electric snakes danced within the leaden clouds, heralding the arrival of a heavy downpour.

Sensing the approaching storm, the yellow steed beneath Wang Chen snorted uneasily.

Wang Chen gently patted the horse’s neck to soothe it.

He tightened his legs, urging the horse to quicken its pace as he searched for a place to take shelter from the rain.

Though Wang Chen, having reached the level of a fifth-level martial sect master, could release his inner strength to shield himself from the rain, not a single drop would touch him.

Yet, he couldn’t extend the same protection to his mount.

The yellow steed, though not the finest of horses, had journeyed thousands of miles with him, forging a bond of companionship.

Wang Chen had no intention of letting it fall ill from the rain.

The horse’s hooves clattered against the hard stone road as they galloped several miles along the mountain path. At last, Wang Chen spotted a thatched rain pavilion by the roadside.

This pavilion was built specifically for travelers to rest and seek shelter, spacious enough to accommodate ten to twenty people with ease.

However, when Wang Chen arrived, only a young woman sat on one of the stone benches inside.

Wang Chen found it slightly peculiar but paid it little mind. He guided his horse to the pavilion, pulled on the reins, and came to a halt.

Click—

Wang Chen dismounted and led his steed into the pavilion.

The pavilion was thoughtfully designed, with stone benches and tables for resting, as well as a designated area for tethering horses.

After securing the yellow steed, Wang Chen took a seat on the stone bench opposite the young woman and cupped his hands in a polite greeting, acknowledging his intrusion.

It was a simple courtesy, as she, like him, was merely a traveler.

It was then that Wang Chen noticed the woman wore a white veil, revealing only a pair of eyes that sparkled like stars.

Her graceful posture and attire exuded the aura of a stunning beauty.

Such a breathtaking woman, alone on a remote mountain path, struck him as rather strange.

As Wang Chen observed her, the woman smiled softly and said in a gentle voice, “Lord Baihu, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Wang Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Who are you?”

A stranger, whom he had never met before, had just addressed him by name, yet Wang Chen had no memory of her. This was undeniably unusual.

Still, Wang Chen felt only mild surprise, not a trace of fear.

With his current strength, even if she were a spirit beast possessed by evil, he was confident he could defeat her.

“I am Qin Qingxuan…”

The veiled woman rose gracefully and bowed to Wang Chen. “The Yuhua Sword Sect has been traveling and has heard of Lord Baihu’s renown. I’ve come here today to welcome you. Please forgive my boldness.”

“Yuhua Sword Sect?”

Wang Chen’s gaze shifted to the long sword resting on the stone bench beside her. Yet, both “Qin Qingxuan” and “Yuhua Sword Sect” were entirely unfamiliar to him; he was certain he had never heard of them before.

However, the other party showed no sign of hostility, so Wang Chen returned the greeting, saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Qin Qingxuan smiled and replied, “Baihu Ling, my Yuhua Sword Sect is a hidden sect. It’s normal that you haven’t heard of us. How about…?”

Wang Chen furrowed his brow, “Do you have something to discuss with me?”

In just a couple of sentences, this so-called Yuhua Sword Sect traveler revealed a domineering side, with a tone that even hinted at looking down on him.

Though her voice sounded heavenly, Wang Chen felt quite uncomfortable and decided to interrupt.

Let’s get to the point; enough chit-chat!

Qin Qingxuan paused for a moment.

She had never encountered a young man who seemed so impatient in front of her!

After a brief thought, Qin Qingxuan raised her hand and removed the veil covering her face, revealing a stunningly beautiful visage.

Wang Chen’s gaze froze.

Since his rebirth into this world, this Qin Qingxuan was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen!

Moreover, she had an unusual charm that made people want to get closer.

However, Wang Chen’s will was incredibly strong. He hesitated for only a moment before his eyes returned to clarity and calmness.

Qin Qingxuan was surprised again.

She realized that Wang Chen was very different from the young handsome men she had met in the past!

But on the surface, Qin Qingxuan still maintained a cheerful smile, “If I am here waiting, it’s just to establish a Good Relationship with Baihu Ling. I wonder if you believe that?”

A Good Relationship?

Wang Chen’s mindset raced, and he nodded, saying, “I’d like to hear more.”

His arrogant demeanor showed he didn’t regard himself highly, which nearly made Qin Qingxuan grind her teeth in frustration.

The stunning beauty smiled, “Baihu Ling, do you know how mere girl learned you would be passing this way?”

Wang Chen glanced at her, “Let’s hear it.”

Qin Qingxuan felt like she might spit out blood.

She had never met a steel straight man like Wang Chen and couldn’t help but wonder whether her charm was suddenly ineffective, instinctively reaching up to touch her face.

If she had a mirror on her, this stunning beauty would definitely take it out to check!

Taking a deep breath, Qin Qingxuan maintained her elegant smile and answered, “Someone told mere girl.”

Wang Chen replied, “Oh.”

A thin vein suddenly appeared on Qin Qingxuan’s pale forehead, giving rise to an impulse to draw her sword.

Wang Chen chuckled, “Miss Qin, do you really want to establish a Good Relationship with me?”

This question suddenly jolted Qin Qingxuan awake, leaving her very shocked.

She had always prided herself on her strong composure, but after merely conversing with Wang Chen a few times, her mindset had faltered, and she was caught off guard.

Regaining her composure, Qin Qingxuan withdrew her smile and said in a deep voice, “Brother Ling, Qingxuan is very sincere!”

Referring to Baihu Ling as Brother Ling and using her real name brought them closer together.

If it were another man, he would probably have already been floating with joy.

“Wait a moment.”

Wang Chen frowned, “Miss Qin, I am sixteen this year. You aren’t younger than me, are you?”

Crack!

A fissure suddenly appeared in the stone bench where Qin Qingxuan was sitting.

Wang Chen was taken aback, “…”

Qin Qingxuan’s lovely face instantly flushed, and she moved to another stone bench while gripping her sword.

“Meeting here is fate, regardless of age.”

She said nonchalantly, “For someone as talented as Brother Ling, Qingxuan feels she is reaching too high.”

Wang Chen laughed heartily and stopped teasing her, saying, “Miss Qin, you flatter me; I am not worthy!”

After pausing, he added, “I have already changed my name and surname; just call me Wang Chen.”

Qin Qingxuan nodded, “Brother Wang.”

In Cangqing, even for common people, changing one’s name was a very serious matter. Unless it was absolutely necessary, no one would willingly take on the label of "forgetting one’s roots."

Wang Chen’s actions could largely be seen as ruining his own future!