Collecting Powerful Girlfriends: My Invincible Harem
Chapter 61 – A hypocrite with a knife hidden behind a smile

"Sorry, I refuse..."

As everyone’s eyes fell on Xiao Chen, anticipating his response, he didn't even hesitate before rejecting the offer.

Becoming an honorary elder of the Ziyun Commerce Guild wouldn't restrict his freedom and would help him gather resources more efficiently. However, joining the King of Zhen'nan's mansion would only drag him into power struggles.

Trying to collect resources through the mansion would require him to constantly explain himself and guard against the mansion's people coveting his gains. The efficiency would be far less compared to the Ziyun Commerce Guild, and there was even the risk of being backstabbed.

For him, the disadvantages far outweighed the benefits.

Moreover, this Heir of the King of Zhen'nan seemed to be trying to recruit him, but his attitude was still somewhat condescending, as if he were bestowing a favor. This made Xiao Chen very uncomfortable.

"You refuse?!"

Hearing Xiao Chen's response, Yang Xiao squinted slightly, his tone filled with surprise.

"Brother Xiao, do you not know what the King of Zhen'nan's mansion represents within the Great Qian Dynasty?"

Nalan Shijie and the gray-robed elder beside him also looked at Xiao Chen in disbelief, clearly not expecting Xiao Chen to refuse.

One must know...

The King of Zhen'nan's mansion was one of the top forces in the Great Qian Dynasty, second only to the royal family, the Myriad Flowers Sect, the Blazing Flame Valley, and the Ziyun Commerce Guild!

The mansion housed several Heavenly Being Realm experts, one of whom had even reached the astonishing eighth level of the Heavenly Being Realm.

Even the Great Qian royal family had to show some deference to the King of Zhen'nan's mansion and make concessions in certain matters.

As for the Desolate State, it was just one of the eighteen southern states of the Great Qian Dynasty. Even the Supreme Sword Sect, the top force in the Desolate State, had to curry favor with the King of Zhen'nan's mansion.

"I know, the King of Zhen'nan's mansion is one of the five top forces in the Great Qian Dynasty."

"However, I value my freedom and don't want to get involved in disputes."

"So, I can only refuse the Heir's kind offer."

Xiao Chen responded with a faint smile, his tone showing no fear.

"The Heir has kindly invited you, but you act so arrogantly. Do you look down on the King of Zhen'nan's mansion?"

As Xiao Chen finished speaking, Nalan Shijie's eyes flashed, and he suddenly stepped forward to fan the flames.

"Get lost!"

"Did I give you permission to speak?!"

Before Nalan Shijie could finish, Yang Xiao shot him a cold glance, instantly making Nalan Shijie turn pale with fear.

"Since Brother Xiao is so straightforward, I won't force the matter."

After reprimanding Nalan Shijie, Yang Xiao turned to Xiao Chen with a faint smile.

"However, fate has brought us together..."

"If Brother Xiao changes his mind in the future, the doors of the King of Zhen'nan's mansion will always be open for you."

As he spoke, Yang Xiao's gaze shifted to Murong Qingxue. After carefully examining her, a hint of desire flashed in his eyes.

"This must be Miss Murong from the City Lord's Mansion of Heavenly Capital City?"

"I didn't expect that under Brother Xiao's treatment, she would transform so stunningly."

As he spoke, Yang Xiao walked up to Murong Qingxue, his tone as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Miss Murong, would you be interested in joining our King of Zhen'nan's mansion?"

"If you are willing, I can arrange for a Heavenly Being Realm expert to be your teacher."

"I can even have my father allocate a thousand Black Scale Guards to help the Murong family guard Heavenly Capital City, making it the most powerful City Lord's Mansion within a thousand miles."

This woman had a beauty comparable to Zi Luo and an extraordinary talent, though her background was slightly weaker. If he could bring her into the King of Zhen'nan's mansion and nurture her well, she could become his queen!

However, due to Zi Luo's presence, Yang Xiao didn't dare to reveal his ambitions and could only speak in a roundabout way.

Hearing Yang Xiao's words, everyone present was stunned. They didn't expect that after failing to recruit Xiao Chen, Yang Xiao would turn his attention to Murong Qingxue.

"Sorry, when Young Master Xiao healed me, I had already decided to stay by his side."

"So, I must refuse the Heir's kind offer."

Feeling everyone's eyes on her, Murong Qingxue's palms were sweating from nervousness. But after glancing at Xiao Chen, she mustered the courage to speak.

From the moment Xiao Chen pulled her out of the abyss, she had decided to live only for him in this life. No other man or force could sway her heart!

"......"

After being rejected by Murong Qingxue, Yang Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing within. However, he didn't show it on his face and instead smiled regretfully.

"That's a pity..."

"I didn't expect Brother Xiao to be so fortunate, to have such a stunning woman like Miss Murong willing to follow and serve him."

"But with Brother Xiao's extraordinary talent, it's no wonder Miss Murong would choose to follow him."

Hearing Yang Xiao's words, which seemed to carry a hidden meaning, Xiao Chen couldn't help but frown, looking at Yang Xiao with some wariness.

A hypocrite with a hidden agenda... It seemed that this trip to the Ziyun Commerce Guild had introduced him to a troublesome character.

"Fifth Heir, I have some matters to discuss with Young Master Xiao. If you have nothing else, please leave the VIP room."

Zi Luo, sensing the increasing tension in Yang Xiao's words, immediately frowned and issued a polite but firm request for him to leave.

"Hahaha, since Miss Zi Luo says so, I won't continue to disturb you."

"Once Miss Zi Luo finishes her business, let's find some time to catch up."

Yang Xiao didn't get angry upon hearing this. He simply waved to the others.

"Let's go!"

Under the watchful eyes of Xiao Chen and Zi Luo, Yang Xiao and his entourage left the VIP room of the Ziyun Commerce Guild.

"Young Master Xiao, it seems you need to be careful from now on. Yang Xiao might try to cause trouble in the dark."

Watching them disappear around the corner, Zi Luo warned Xiao Chen with a serious tone.

Yang Xiao was known to be petty. Xiao Chen's refusal today would surely make the Heir hold a grudge.

Although Xiao Chen was now an honorary elder of the Ziyun Commerce Guild, and Yang Xiao wouldn't dare to act openly against him due to the Guild's influence, he would likely resort to underhanded tactics.

"No matter."

"If people don't offend me, I won't offend them!"

"But if anyone dares to cross me... no matter their background, they will pay a heavy price!"

Xiao Chen responded nonchalantly, waving his hand dismissively.

If Yang Xiao held a grudge and tried to mess with him, he would make sure Yang Xiao understood the consequences of provoking him!

"How about... Young Master Xiao stays in the Guild for a few days? That way, we can look out for each other."

Zi Luo frowned, still worried.

Yang Xiao's protector was at the eighth level of Mystic Mastery, just one level below her own protector. Such a presence was nearly invincible within Heavenly Capital City.

If Yang Xiao decided to act against Xiao Chen in secret, Xiao Chen could face a life-threatening situation.

After all, many who had offended Yang Xiao in the past had mysteriously disappeared in the following years.

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