Chapter 263 - Zhao Yuan’s Hostility

“Hoho, I’m just a rogue cultivator; I am not affiliated with any clan or sect,” Chen Fan said indifferently.

Granny Rong regarded him skeptically and said, “A rogue cultivator?”

“Ah, Granny, why are you asking so much?” Chu Xuan’er walked up to Chen Fan and said, “I’m Chu Xuan’er. Thank you very much for today. Without you, I might have ended up as Scarface's chieftress."

Chu Xuan'er playfully stuck out her tongue, looking rather quirky.

Scarface had killed Uncle Fu easily, and Granny Rong had been about to sacrifice herself to buy her time. Suffice to say, Chu Xuan'er had been terrified.

Chu Xuan’er knew that Granny Rong couldn’t have stopped Scarface, so her chances of escaping had been slim to none.

When she thought about what Scarface would have done to her, Chu Xuan’er could not help but shiver.

Fortunately, Chen Fan had descended from the sky. Not only did he save them, but he also killed Scarface.

Chu Xuan’er asked, “Oh, right, I still don’t know your name.”

Observing Chu Xuan'er's demeanor, Granny Rong couldn't help but furrow her brow slightly.

Although Chen Fan had saved their lives, one should always be vigilant. After all, Chu Xuan’er’s identity was extraordinary.

Countless people with ulterior motives had tried to get close to Chu Xuan’er. Naturally, Granny Rong would be suspicious of Chen Fan.

Chen Fan casually said, “Wang Dongfan.”

Chu Xuan’er repeated the name to herself and said, “You said you were passing by. Did you come from the imperial city, or are you going there? If you’re going, you can come with us.”

Granny Rong hurriedly raised her voice at the invitation.

“Young Miss!”

Chen Fan subtly glanced at Granny Rong, understanding her unspoken concerns. However, he disregarded them and replied, "I'm on my way to the imperial city."

Since Chu Xuan’er had such extraordinary status—a princess of the imperial city—she would know the structure of the imperial city like the back of her hand.

This was his first time going to the imperial city. Being unfamiliar with the area, he could learn more about the city from Chu Xuan’er.

Chu Xuan’er immediately said happily, “That’s great. I’m heading back there. Let’s go together. You saved my life. I’ll surely repay you properly. Also, I will introduce you to a good sister of mine.”

On the sidelines, Granny Rong found herself at a loss for words. She decided to no longer dissuade Chu Xuan'er and investigate Chen Fan upon their return to the Calm Sun Marquis’ mansion.

Chen Fan nodded and said, “Sure.”

With that settled, the group left Cloudsun Town amid the gratitude of the townspeople.

Walking out of Cloudsun Town, Chu Xuan’er instructed Granny Rong, “Granny, send Lin Ziang’s corpse back to the Lin Clan mansion when we’re back in the imperial city and tell the Lin Clan what happened truthfully.”

Although the Lin Clan was only a second or third-rate clan in the imperial city, it was still prestigious. Lin Ziang was a descendant of the Lin Clan, so they were obligated to report this matter to them.

Granny Rong nodded and said, “Yes.”

The group had traveled less than ten miles when someone suddenly came flying toward them.

“Xuan’er, are you guys alright?”

The newcomer was Zhao Yuan.

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

He had taken off in the imperial city’s direction and hid nearby. He had already signaled his clan for assistance and awaited the arrival of Zhao Clan experts. Surprisingly, Chu Xuan'er's group appeared unharmed.

Chu Xuan’er was also surprised. Then, she said coldly, “Zhao Yuan, didn’t you run away?”

Although it was understandable for Zhao Yuan to flee alone, Chu Xuan'er couldn't help but feel uneasy. She displayed a less than friendly attitude towards him now.

With an awkward expression, Zhao Yuan said, “You’ve misunderstood, Xuan’er. I wasn’t trying to flee. I went to call for reinforcements.”

Chu Xuan’er sneered coldly, “Reinforcements? Where are they?”

“This...” Zhao Yuan felt even more awkward. He did not know how to answer her, but he quickly spotted Chen Fan and changed the topic. “Xuan’er, who is this person?”

“Hmph, he is none of your business! Also, please call me Chu Xuan’er!” she retorted with an attitude. However, she immediately turned to Chen Fan and said sweetly, "Big Brother Dongfan, can I address you like this?"

Chen Fan shrugged and said, “Whatever you want. It’s just a name.”

“Heehee.” Chu Xuan’er giggled gleefully and asked, “Big Brother Dongfan, where are you from? Why are you going to the imperial city? Do you have any friends there? Do you have a place to stay? If you don’t, then why don’t you stay at my place since you saved me? My home is really big...”

Behind them, Zhao Yuan saw how intimate Chu Xuan’er and Chen Fan were acting. A frosty light shone in his eyes, revealing a hint of killing intent deep within.

He pulled a guard over and asked, “Who is this guy?”

The guard told Zhao Yuan what happened previously.

Zhao Yuan caught up to them with a jog and said carelessly, “Xuan’er, be cautious not to be deceived by someone with hidden motives. Who knows if he’s in cahoots with those bandits?”

Hearing the slander, Chu Xuan’er immediately said coldly, “Hmph, Zhao Yuan, don’t go slandering others. How could Big Brother Dongfan be with those people?

“Also, Zhao Yuan, I've already told you to call me Chu Xuan'er. We're not acquaintances. Keep your distance!"

“You...” Zhao Yuan’s expression became even uglier. “Fine, Chu Xuan’er, I’m not spouting nonsense. Consider your status as the commandery princess of the Calm Sun. Numerous people want to get close to you. This person's unknown origin is suspicious. Is it merely a coincidence that he appeared during the bandit raid on Cloudsun Town? I'm only looking out for you, as I don’t want you to fall victim to deception.”

Chu Xuan’er’s expression turned ugly. She looked at Zhao Yuan angrily and said, “Zhao Yuan, I don’t need your concern. Stay away from me in the future, and don’t appear in my line of sight. I don’t wish to see you.”

She then pulled on Chen Fan’s arm and said, “Don’t worry, Big Brother Dongfan, I trust you and won't doubt your character. Let's go. Ignore this annoying guy.”

“Alright,” Chen Fan said succinctly.

He knew why Zhao Yuan bore such hostility against him, but he did not put it to heart.

Earlier, he had already learned of Zhao Yuan’s identity from Chu Xuan’er. The Zhao Clan was Zhao Ru’s clan, so he didn’t have a good impression of them.

If it had not been for Chu Xuan’er and the others being around, he would have ended Zhao Yuan with a slap.

Zhao Yuan stood on the spot, looking at the backs of Chu Xuan’er and Chen Fan as they spoke and laughed. Killing intent showed in his eyes.

Zhao Yuan roared furiously in his heart.

Damn it! You little bastard, you dare lay your hands on the woman I, Zhao Yuan, have my eyes on. You’re destined to die! And you, Chu Xuan’er, you bitch, I’ve been pursuing you for so long, following you everywhere and being at your beck and call, yet I can’t compare to this little bastard?!

Zhao Yuan's feelings morphed into intense hatred for both Chen Fan and Chu Xuan'er.