Ian Song had no idea that, at this very moment, his name had already landed on Vergil Beigong's kill list.
Vergil Beigong stormed off in a huff, but this little drama was quickly noticed by quite a few sharp-eyed onlookers.
Heavenly Phoenix Tower.
Inside one of the Ten Great Brothels of the imperial capital, a lavish private room bustled with activity. Gorgeous dancing girls swirled in gauzy dresses, while a pack of young nobles, each with one or two beautiful women in their arms, drank and laughed without a care in the world.
Suddenly, a young man in a green robe froze, then burst out laughing.
"Hey, Young Master Nangong, what's so funny?"
The girl next to him asked curiously.
This was Brandon Nangong, notorious playboy of the Nangong clan and one of the capital’s better-known wastrel young masters.
"Yeah, Brother Nangong, did something good happen? Don’t keep us guessing—share the joy!" piped up a slick-faced youth in a red robe. This was Jasper Easton, son of a high court official, though not quite as influential as Brandon Nangong's father.
"That's right, Brother Nangong, don't keep it to yourself—spill it and let everyone join in the fun!"
With everyone egging him on, Brandon Nangong coughed theatrically and announced, "Just got word—Miss Haitang Shangguan personally sent Honor Shangguan to the city gate to welcome some nobody who just showed up out of nowhere!"
The crowd gawked in disbelief.
"No way! Haitang Shangguan might be one of the Four Beauties of the Capital, but she’s never shown any man that kind of favor!" one of the nobles exclaimed, full of doubt.
Brandon Nangong grinned smugly. "Not only that—she actually invited that guy into Shangguan Manor!"
"No way, how is that possible?"
"Seriously, who is this guy, anyway? What’s he got that we don’t?"
The room erupted in noisy disbelief—after all, more than a few of them secretly considered Haitang Shangguan their dream girl.
Brandon Nangong raised a hand for silence. The whole private room quieted down as he swept his gaze around and asked, "You guys know who’s the most obsessed with Haitang Shangguan, right?"
"Who doesn’t know? Vergil Beigong!" someone called out.
Jasper Easton snickered, "Vergil Beigong always puts on that gentleman act in front of Haitang Shangguan, but everyone knows he’s a real wolf underneath. So, Brother Nangong, how do you think he reacted when he heard the news?"
Vergil Beigong's study, Beigong Manor.
Outside a certain study, maids and servants kept their heads bowed, faces full of fear. Inside, the sound of shattering objects had continued for a full quarter hour, interrupted only by furious roars.
Just then, a black-clad man hurried over.
Hearing the noise from inside, he frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "Young Master, I've found the information you wanted!"
The room instantly quieted. After a moment, a hoarse voice replied, "Come in!"
The black-clad man pushed open the door and swept his gaze across the room, seeing the floor covered in shards of broken objects.
"Young Master, this is intel from the Sky Eye Guild." The man respectfully handed over a jade slip.
The Sky Eye Guild—a secretive organization that buys and sells information. As long as you can pay the price, you can get any news from them.
Vergil Beigong took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense, quickly reading all the details on Ian Song.
A cold smile crept onto Vergil's face. "So that's all he is—a lowborn from the Tang Dynasty. Hmph, does he really think he's worthy to compete with me for Haitang Shangguan?"
The black-clad man twitched his lips, wanting to correct Vergil—Ian Song wasn't even trying to compete for Miss Haitang; it was all Vergil's jealousy talking.
But after thinking it over, he kept quiet. He knew that when it came to Haitang Shangguan, his young master had zero rationality. If not for his grandfather being the Grand Preceptor, Vergil would probably have been killed off long ago.
Even so, every few months, Vergil still faced assassination attempts—over ten personal guards had already died for him.
After a long silence, Vergil spoke again: "Send my calling card to Shangguan Manor for that brat. Tomorrow, I want to invite him to the Purple Immortal Pavilion!"
Shangguan Manor.
After a hearty meal, Ian Song politely asked Miss Haitang to let them take their leave.
She didn't try to keep them, but personally escorted the group out of the estate.
This scene, of course, was noticed by all the interested parties.
Soon after, Ian Song and his companions found an inn and settled in. But as soon as they checked in, someone delivered an invitation card.
Ian glanced at the signature on the card and found it odd—there was no name, only a purple locust flower crest. The whole invitation was made of rare materials and gave off a faint fragrance.
"Show-off," Ian muttered, tossing the invitation aside, not planning to bother with it.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
Ian opened the door to find a middle-aged cultivator at late Soul-Split standing outside.
"Greetings, Young Master Song. My young master is waiting for you upstairs and hopes you'll come meet him," the man said sincerely.
Ian frowned slightly. "And who is your young master?"
"Please don't misunderstand, Young Master Song. My master means you no harm. If you meet him, you'll understand." The man remained very courteous.
"Alright then."
Ian nodded and followed the middle-aged man upstairs to a private room.
Inside, a green-robed youth stood up as soon as Ian entered, smiling. "Forgive me for the sudden invitation, Brother Song."
"And you are?" Ian asked, puzzled.
"Brandon Nangong, at your service."
"Ah, Brother Brandon." Ian nodded, still not knowing much about him—he'd just arrived in the capital and was clueless about the local circles.
After some small talk, the two sat down.
"Brother Song, did you just receive an invitation card?" Brandon Nangong asked.
"That's right." Ian replied calmly.
"The sender is none other than Vergil Beigong, grandson of the Grand Preceptor." Brandon revealed the answer.
"I don't know him," Ian said.
Brandon Nangong sighed. "Brother Song, you might not know, but Vergil Beigong is Miss Haitang's most devoted suitor. By entering Shangguan Manor today, you've already seriously offended him. Trust me, that invitation is anything but friendly."
Ian Song just smiled, unconcerned.
Brandon added, "Vergil's reputation is... well, let's just say you're better off steering clear of him. The Purple Immortal Pavilion is a fancy place, but don't let that fool you—he's probably plotting something nasty."
Ian tapped the table and replied, "Noted. Thanks for the heads-up, Brother Brandon."
Brandon grinned. "No problem. If you need backup, just let me know. Vergil's not the only one with friends in this city."
The two exchanged a knowing look—one side warning, the other calmly accepting.
Outside, the capital's noble circles were already buzzing with rumors about Ian Song and his clash with Vergil Beigong.
The stage was set for tomorrow's showdown at the Purple Immortal Pavilion.
Who would be face-slapped next? Stay tuned!