Chapter 269: Who the Hell Says Soft Rice Isn't Tasty?

Jiao Shan and the three guards suggested he take a carriage, explaining that this would provide an extra layer of security, as outsiders wouldn't be able to see inside and confirm his presence. Zu An rejected this suggestion, stating that it would obstruct his vision and prevent him from detecting danger in advance. Since his life was at stake, he didn't want to relinquish control to others.

The three guards watched, speechless, as Zu An rode a tall horse, swaggering down the street as if he wanted everyone to notice him. With no other choice, they could only brace themselves and follow, silently praying that nothing untoward would happen.

The moment Zu An stepped out, a peddler in the distance stealthily released a pigeon.

Shortly after, in a secluded courtyard within the city, a red-haired man retrieved a small paper strip from the pigeon's leg. Reading the unique coded message, his brows furrowed involuntarily. "He's out again so soon, and with only three guards?"

An excited subordinate beside him exclaimed, "This fellow is practically asking for trouble! This is a perfect opportunity; if we take him down, we can avenge Second Master."

Annoyed, Chen Xuan rapped him on the head. "What have I always taught you? Never underestimate your enemy if you want to survive. Zu An managed to crush the Plum Blossom Gang, and even Second Master met his end. Do you really think he's a fool?"

The subordinate subconsciously shook his head, replying, "Probably not."

"Exactly," Chen Xuan snorted. "In my opinion, this is a deliberate trap designed to lure us out."

"But what if it isn't?" the subordinate weakly interjected. "It would be such a shame to miss an opportunity like this."

Chen Xuan pondered for a moment. "I'll go assess the situation and act when the opportunity arises. There's no need for you to come; the city is currently swarming with people searching for us, and a larger group would only increase the risk."

"Be careful, boss!" the others said, cupping their hands in agreement.

Chen Xuan nodded, then quietly left the courtyard. Seeing that no one was around, he secretly removed a thin mask from his face. As the mask came off, his appearance subtly transformed into that of an ordinary person, one who would blend unnoticed into any crowd. Even his fiery red hair turned the most common shade of black.

Chen Xuan, the notorious Black Wind Bandit, had roamed the land for years, always elusive and never captured. How could such a man be reckless and impulsive? His previous appearance at the Divine Immortal Inn, with his striking red hair, seemed arrogant and conceited on the surface. In reality, he had deliberately crafted that image to mislead everyone into associating him with red hair. Would Chen Xuan ever be so foolish as to reveal his true face? Not even the entire Black Wind Bandit group knew he consistently wore a mask. Having struggled on the brink of life and death since childhood, he was accustomed to all manner of betrayals. He would never reveal his true cards to outsiders.

He swiftly headed in Zu An's direction, and at his speed, he soon caught up with their group. After observing from the shadows for a while, he found no ambushes nearby. He sneered and was about to move forward when he suddenly noticed Zu An's relaxed demeanor. He seemed to be parading, almost as if he feared people wouldn't see him.

He couldn't help but hesitate. What exactly was this guy planning? Suddenly, he was struck by a realization: "I understand! To capture him, ordinary ambushes would be entirely ineffective. He surmised that top experts must be lying in ambush nearby, perhaps even Chu Zhongtian or Jiang Luofu from the academy were personally accompanying them. Given their capabilities, he naturally wouldn't be able to detect their presence."

"That was close; I almost fell for it!" Chen Xuan wiped cold sweat from his forehead and shot a fierce glare at Zu An in the distance. "This little bastard is truly devious!"

[Rage points from Chen Xuan: 666!]

Noticing the rage points notification, Zu An's heart tensed. He immediately became fully alert, subtly scanning his surroundings for any sign of Chen Xuan. Unfortunately, he had no idea that Chen Xuan at that moment bore no resemblance to the red-haired figure he knew. Although his observational movements were discreet, they could not escape the notice of a seasoned veteran like Chen Xuan. Instantly discerning Zu An's unusual behavior, Chen Xuan was also startled. He knew that given Zu An's cultivation level, it was utterly impossible for him to be detected! Could it be that the powerful figures hidden in the shadows had discovered him? A wave of panic swept over him. He realized he was currently showing his true appearance, and if he were recognized, he would be in deep trouble later.

However, his composure was exceptional; he showed no signs of abnormality and continued to act like a normal passerby, leaving the street. It wasn't until he had walked several blocks away and confirmed no one was following him that he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "It seems I need to be more careful from now on; that was a close call today..."

Meanwhile, Zu An scanned his surroundings for a long time but didn't even catch a glimpse of Chen Xuan. Simultaneously, he no longer received any rage points from the opponent. He immediately realized that the other party had most likely slipped away unnoticed. "Did I act too deliberately?" he wondered. Zu An began to reflect. Based on the information he had gathered, his opponent was someone more cunning than a fox and more cautious than a mouse. It would likely not be easy to trick such a person.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at the Divine Immortal Inn. As he held Qiu Honglei's invitation, a maid quickly led him towards the inn's backyard. Due to the disturbance on the river last time, Qiu Honglei did not arrange any boating activities. Instead, she received him directly in her own room.

Watching the man wolfing down his food at the table, Qiu Honglei was somewhat dumbfounded. "Few men who visit me bother to eat; you are truly the first."

"I couldn't help it; I was too hungry," Zu An mumbled, shoveling rice into his mouth. "I've been starving the whole way, just thinking of getting a good meal here." Seeing his rather undignified eating, Qiu Honglei handed him a cup of tea, unable to resist rolling her eyes. "Eat slower; no one is going to snatch it from you." The captivating charm in her eyes at that moment was truly enchanting, enough to mesmerize any man. Unfortunately, Zu An was too engrossed in his meal to notice the beautiful scene before him.

"By the way, how are my friends doing?" Zu An asked during a pause in his drinking.

Qiu Honglei couldn't help but smile. "It seems you're quite loyal. Don't worry, they will be well entertained, and I guarantee their trip won't be in vain."

Hearing her slightly ambiguous words, Zu An was startled. He had initially thought she simply meant someone would treat them to food and drinks, but the implication now felt like a much more elaborate form of 'entertainment.' Given Qiu Honglei's standing at the Divine Immortal Inn, the arrangements would certainly be top-notch. These guys really hit the jackpot this time. That fool Cheng Shoubing, by not coming, has no idea what he missed. Wait, I hope I don't have to foot the bill for their entertainment later. *Damn it, what kind of world is this? I come for a meal, get no benefits, others have fun, and I'm the one paying?*

As he grumbled inwardly, Qiu Honglei, too, couldn't help but ask curiously: "Does the prestigious Chu family not even provide you with meals?"

"It's a long story..." Zu An vaguely explained his conflict with Qin Wanru, naturally omitting any sensitive details.

Qiu Honglei couldn't help but remark, "Given your character and talent, for the Chu family to treat you like a mere servant, I truly feel it's unjust for you, young master."

Zu An smiled. "Am I to understand that you're trying to sow discord between me and the Chu family?"

Qiu Honglei snorted playfully, her voice filled with a hint of coquetry. "I only speak this way because I consider you a close friend. Otherwise, who would dare to gossip about Duke Mingyue's family behind their backs?"

"Alright, I apologize for misjudging your intentions," Zu An secretly sighed, unable to help himself. People always said courtesans were understanding and knew exactly what to say to please you, and today he had finally witnessed it firsthand. Even though he knew her words were likely part of an act, he couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness.

Qiu Honglei covered her mouth and chuckled. "I am no gentleman, merely a humble woman. I'd be grateful if you didn't find my knowledge shallow."

"Miss Qiu, you jest," Zu An replied with a smile. "If you are considered to have shallow knowledge, then what about the countless men in Mingyue City who have fallen for your charm?"

"Though I can make countless men fall for me, I don't care," Qiu Honglei said, her large eyes gazing at him, sparkling with captivating radiance. "Conversely, if I cannot capture your heart, then what is the meaning of any of it?"

Zu An secretly thought, *Incredible*. This woman was truly a siren, the kind who could charm men to their deaths without consequence.

Qiu Honglei, apparently unwilling to be overly aggressive, quickly averted her gaze and softly asked, "By the way, I heard you were attacked by Chen Xuan earlier today?"

"Miss Qiu, your information is remarkably current," Zu An said, surprised.

"Since I was nearly harmed by Chen Xuan last night, I've been paying close attention to any news about him," she explained. "Young master, please wait a moment." Qiu Honglei suddenly rose and hurried into the inner chamber. A short while later, she emerged with a jade slip, which she handed to him. "Please accept this, young master. It might be of some assistance to you."

Zu An was momentarily stunned, noticing four large characters, "Ming Jing Fei Tai" (Bright Mirror, Not a Stand), flashing across the jade slip with a shimmering glow. Then the light flickered and receded back into the jade slip, vanishing from sight.

"What is this?" Zu An couldn't help but ask.

Qiu Honglei replied, "This jade slip contains the cultivation method for 'Bright Mirror, Not a Stand.' This secret technique allows one to conceal their cultivation and completely hide their aura, preventing enemies from detecting them."

"Chen Xuan is currently hiding in the shadows, constantly ready to assassinate you, young master," Qiu Honglei explained. "I thought long and hard. Giving you a cultivation technique would likely be too difficult to master in a short time and wouldn't help with the current danger. So, I found this secret art. Perhaps in the future, if you face an assassination attempt from Chen Xuan, it will provide you with an extra layer of protection."

Hearing her words, Zu An was stunned. Shang Liuyu had given him a protective jade pendant, Chu Chuyan had given him the "Snowflake Divine Sword," and now Qiu Honglei was giving him a stealth technique...

Who says freeloading wasn't sweet?