Chapter 384: Xu Xiaoshou, Fame Spreads Far and Wide

Xu Xiaoshou hid in a corner of the banquet hall, devouring food voraciously while scanning the many powerful experts present.

"Zongshi, Zongshi peak, Wangzuo... Another Wangzuo!"

"Hiss, this is a bit terrifying—these old men are something else!"

He completely looked down on the so-called young talents on the east side.

His plan was first to figure out the strongest forces here, then locate Zhang Taiying and keep a close eye on him.

Tonight, with the full moon, it was time to strike at the badger!

His gaze swept back and forth across the banquet, searching for his target, while his ears were filled with a jumble of voices.

Suddenly, one table caught Xu Xiaoshou's attention.

He focused his eyes on it.

There were two middle-aged men holding wine glasses, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of refinement.

But their conversation was laced with sarcasm.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Chao Da. How is it that you've finally stepped out of your home?"

The one who spoke first was a Zongshi peak expert. Xu Xiaoshou thought he looked familiar but couldn't place him.

"Oh? Brother Wen?"

The responder was a Wangzuo-level man, who let out a cold laugh and said:

"I've heard that the Wen family has just had a funeral not long ago. So, who did you send off? Old Wen Worm? Or Old Wen Snake?"

"Or perhaps, a younger one? A parent burying their child?"

"Hah, Chao Nong!" The familiar-looking elder retorted sharply: "Don't just focus on me. Didn't your family lose a disciple from the inner court of Ling Gong?"

"Tit for tat. That boy was just foolish and met his fate—I don't dwell on it."

"Heh, so in the eyes of Mr. Chao Da, human life really is worthless!"

"It's worth something, at least. I'd love to buy your life, for instance."

Xu Xiaoshou listened halfway and realized something was off.

It seemed these two were discussing...

Ahem!

He quickly pulled Mu Zixi away from this trouble spot and changed their position.

Something was wrong!

It appeared he had more enemies here than just Zhang Taiying.

Just then, a passing woman glanced at him twice and exclaimed in surprise.

Xu Xiaoshou froze at the sound and quickly looked over.

He had too many enemies here—he couldn't afford to be exposed.

"You're..."

Upon seeing her, he realized he didn't actually know this person.

Qu Qing'er was wearing a purple evening gown, holding a tall-stemmed wine glass with graceful poise, though her face was flushed from drinking, adding a touch of allure.

She leaned forward slightly and smiled, saying:

"From Duojin Trading Company, Qu Qing'er, I've met you, Young Master Xu."

"Do we know each other?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, puzzled.

Could this be...

The legendary...

Picking up?

At the thought, his eyes lit up.

So, he was the type who could attract bees and butterflies at a banquet?

He immediately flipped his bangs and said, "We've met before!"

Qu Qing'er: "..."

"Young Master, you've seen me before?"

"Of course!"

"Oh?" Qu Qing'er suddenly became interested.

She had investigated Xu Xiaoshou because of Elder Jin's connection.

Plus, that day at the upper floors of Duojin Trading Company, she had witnessed this guy's confrontation with those from major forces.

But he shouldn't have seen her, right?

"When did you see me, Young Master?" Qu Qing'er asked curiously, tilting her head, a strand of hair brushing past her ear and sliding onto her shoulder.

Xu Xiaoshou maintained a perfectly upright demeanor, not letting his eyes wander.

After "perceiving" the woman's figure, he released his junior sister's hand and said deeply, "I've seen you many times."

He gazed into the woman's eyes. "You look just like the woman in my dreams!"

"Though I've never met you in person, we've connected in spirit. I'm sure you've gotten to know me the same way."

This sudden flirtatious remark made Qu Qing'er's face turn red.

She stammered for a while, unable to say a word.

"Cursed, passive value, 1, 1, 1, 1..."

Xu Xiaoshou glanced back at that moment. "Junior sister, go play by yourself. I just remembered I have something to handle."

Mu Zixi looked on in shock, unable to believe this was her senior brother.

Wasn't he supposed to be dense as a block of wood? How did he suddenly get so savvy?

Could it be because...

Her gaze swept over Qu Qing'er's chest, and with a shift in focus, Mu Zixi understood.

"Cursed, passive value, 1, 1, 1, 1..."

"Xu Xiaoshou, you're going too far!"

Startled by his junior sister's outburst, Xu Xiaoshou thought to himself: Damn it, don't shout recklessly—you know how many familiar enemies I've spotted just by walking around!

He hurriedly covered the young girl's mouth and apologized to Qu Qing'er: "Sorry, something came up. Excuse me."

Indeed, deal with internal issues before external ones!

He should never have brought his junior sister here.

What a miscalculation!

Qu Qing'er smiled warmly; she didn't mind. But from just a few exchanges, she had already sized up what kind of person Xu Xiaoshou was.

Just a playboy, nothing more!

She nodded in agreement and was about to leave with her wine glass when, suddenly, a surprised voice rang out from afar.

It was another female voice, and this exclamation carried over several yards, drowning out the crowd's chatter.

"Damn, do I know this many people?"

Xu Xiaoshou looked over in a panic and realized—he actually did know this person!

Fu Yin Hong!

Their first meeting, she had been in armor, trying to capture him in the back street of Duojin Trading Company.

The second time, she was in a alchemist's robe, bumping into him at the Dan Tower.

Now, in a red dress, Fu Yin Hong's unique heroic air made her seem even more like a princess.

And in the City Lord's Manor, she was indeed a princess!

Fu Yin Hong was already the center of attention among the young talents. She had just come from the west side platform, bringing a large group of young experts with her.

Her call made everyone's eyes turn to Xu Xiaoshou at once.

Even some of the elders began pondering the name, deep in thought.

"Under scrutiny, passive value, 172."

Xu Xiaoshou's hair stood on end.

He had messed up!

He should have disguised himself!

Following the crowd's gaze, he turned around.

"Who's Xu Xiaoshou?"

Qu Qing'er couldn't help but burst out laughing. Wasn't this just a futile attempt to hide?

She was about to tease him when, abruptly, another voice full of doubt rang out.

Xu Xiaoshou: "..."

What the hell was going on?

Had his reputation spread this far?

How did everyone know him?

Not just Xu Xiaoshou, but Qu Qing'er, Fu Yin Hong, and a whole group of people turned to look.

Because that voice clearly held ill intent.

Wen Song stared at Xu Xiaoshou's face as he turned, matching it instantly with the wanted poster. His expression darkened immediately.

"You're Xu Xiaoshou?"

Beside him was Chao Nong, also at Zongshi peak.

Chao Nong looked at the young man not far away, incredulous that someone so young, only at Yuan Court mid-stage, could have killed Chao Shu.

"Under suspicion, passive value, 1."

Unlike the elders present, most of the young talents here weren't from Tian Sang Ling Gong and didn't recognize Xu Xiaoshou at all.

At that moment, doubts arose in everyone's minds.

"Xu Xiaoshou... Who is that?"

"Is this guy really that strong? Why do so many seniors know him? He's just at Yuan Court mid-stage, right?"

"Xu Xiaoshou—what a strange name!"

The young talents glanced at Fu Yin Hong and Qu Qing'er, jealousy flickering in their eyes.

They didn't care much about the elders' attention, but why should such a weak guy get special treatment from Tian Sang City's two golden flowers?

In that instant, a competitive spirit ignited in everyone's hearts.

They had come here to compete, after all!

How could a mere Xiantian stand out like this and steal the spotlight?