Chapter Forty-Two: Trouble

"Damn it, he actually dared to touch the woman I, Guo Liu, have my eyes on. That Chen Bo really deserves to die!" Young Master Guo—none other than Guo Liu himself—spoke with a vicious tone.

"You—what are your names, the three of you?" Guo Liu managed to suppress the surge of anger in his heart and asked.

Before Chen Long could reply, Chen Yizhang eagerly stepped forward and said, "Young Master Guo, my name is Chen Yizhang! This is my elder brother, Chen Long, and that's my sister, Chen Yue."

"Oh? Your sister?" Guo Liu's gaze fell on Chen Yue, who was hiding behind Chen Long. He sized her up and down, then scoffed, "Not bad looking, and quite a figure too—just as alluring as a brothel girl. But just like those women, who knows how many men have already had her? Disgusting."

"But that Chen Long fellow seems to have some strength. Interested in becoming my follower? There will be no shortage of benefits for you. Of course, you two useless siblings can tag along as well," Guo Liu said, idly playing with his fingernails.

Chen Long hesitated inwardly. He had no desire to live under someone else's roof, much less become anyone's lackey. Yet looking at the other party's posture, if he refused, they would likely resort to violence—and if he died here, all would be lost. What harm, then, in enduring humiliation just this once? When his strength grew, he would have his revenge.

At this thought, Chen Long quickly put on a look of heartfelt gratitude and said excitedly, "I, Chen Long, have long heard that Young Master Guo Liu is one of the most outstanding talents in Tianyang City, and I've always wanted to serve under your banner. I simply never had the opportunity before."

"Now my wish is finally granted. Thank you, Young Master Guo! I am willing to become your loyal subordinate, and even if a mountain of blades or a sea of flames lies ahead, I will charge forward without hesitation to clear a path for you!"

"Heh, quite the smooth talker. But do you truly dare to charge through blades and fire for me?" Guo Liu suddenly fixed an intense gaze on Chen Long.

Chen Long met his eyes without blinking, his expression resolute. "I, Chen Long, swear to the heavens! If I utter even half a word of complaint, may the heavens strike me with thunder!"

"Interesting, very interesting. Hahaha! Not bad, you're quite good!" Guo Liu clapped in appreciation, then turned to scold his followers, "You useless lot, even a nobody from some backwater is better than you!"

Chen Long watched coldly, sneering inwardly. What he said was that he would never utter a word of complaint—but he never said he wouldn't lie. So what if Guo Liu had a lofty status and great talent? In the end, wasn't he just being played in the palm of Chen Long's hand?

All Chen Long needed was to use Guo Liu to get rid of that eyesore Chen Bo. Once that was done, the world would be his to roam—who would care about some city lord's son?

"Do you know where Chen Bo is now? I want him to understand the price of touching a woman I've set my sights on!" Guo Liu demanded.

"Young Master, I don't know where he is right now, but when night falls, he will definitely return to his dorm. His dorm is number 666," Chen Long replied.

"Nightfall? No, we're going right now," Guo Liu sneered. "Let's go! I want to see for myself what kind of trash Chen Bo really is!"

"Brother Chen, I don't believe I know which faculty you're in! When we have time, let's all get together for drinks and conversation!" On the way, Guo Zi'ang laughed heartily.

Even Du Gu Yixiao, who cared for nothing but the sword, grew curious—after all, Chen Bo’s inability to cultivate was already common knowledge. What reason could there be for someone like him to receive a special student quota?

Chen Bo didn't beat around the bush. "I suppose I'm in the Artifact Refining Department."

He had no intention of hiding it; the matter would be known sooner or later. His "fame" was now widespread—any slight rumor would sweep across Tianyang Academy. The students here were insufferably gossipy.

His words shocked the three companions into silence. After a moment, Guo Zi'ang, as if seeing Chen Bo for the first time, said, "Brother Chen, stop joking. Tell us the truth!"

Chen Bo forced a wry smile. "Brother Guo, I really have no reason to lie to you. I truly am in the Artifact Refining Department. Otherwise, how could I have entered Tianyang Academy with my abilities?"

"Well, damn!" Guo Zi'ang couldn't help but curse, then burst out laughing. "From now on, all our weapons and gear are in your hands, Brother Chen! Don’t you dare refuse—if you do, we’re not brothers!"

"Alright then," Chen Bo said helplessly. These three were all wealthier than him—would they really covet the work of a rookie like himself? He didn't quite get it, but was nonetheless impressed.

"Brother Chen, you truly keep your talents hidden. Everyone only sees the surface, but who would have thought you’re a rare artifact refiner?" Bai Ge exclaimed. Even he had been fooled, foolishly thinking Chen Bo had gotten in through connections.

"Are artifact refiners really that rare? With your backgrounds, don’t your families have artifact refiners?" Chen Bo asked, puzzled.

"You don’t understand, Brother Chen. As soon as an artifact refiner is discovered, the empire recruits them immediately. That’s why there are so few serving in the noble families."

"Even though we offer them great benefits, the royal family is even richer, with endless resources. Anyone would know which side to choose."

So it was like everyone wanting a government job—a lifelong iron rice bowl.

Chen Bo wanted to ask more, but suddenly a loud voice rang out, "Chen Bo, I’ve been waiting for you forever!"

"Hmm?" Chen Bo looked over and saw Chen Long not far ahead, accompanied by a group that clearly belonged to him. The most eye-catching was a young man in blue robes, to whom Chen Long seemed most respectful.

A bad feeling rose in Chen Bo’s heart.

Suddenly, the blue-robed youth flashed forward, appearing before Chen Bo in a few breaths. He frowned and asked, "Are you that good-for-nothing, Chen Bo?"

"What is it? If you have something to say, say it," Chen Bo replied, matching the other's hostility.

"Hmph! What is your relationship with Yu Xin’er? You’d best tell me the truth!" Guo Liu demanded coldly.

Yu Xin’er?!

Hearing her name, Chen Bo's expression turned strange. He remembered the incident when he had spied on her, and felt a touch embarrassed. From this guy's tone, he was obviously serious about her. If the usual pattern held, this man was likely Yu Xin’er’s suitor, and now, upon discovering Chen Bo's ambiguous connection with her, had come in a jealous rage to cause trouble.

Would the plot now continue as in the novels, with him giving Guo Liu a slap in the face?

Guo Liu saw Chen Bo's silence and his odd expression, and his anger flared.

At that moment, Guo Zi'ang’s booming voice rang out, "Guo Liu, what the hell are you trying to do? This is my brother! You touch him and see what happens!"

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And when he brings over Tang and Song poetry and Yuan drama, he ushers in a golden age for Chinese literature, becoming a star guest at the Swedish Academy's awards ceremony.

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In this new era, China rises as the cultural center of the world.

If there is any challenge left, perhaps it is only world peace.