Protect Our Patriarch
Book 5: Chapter 152: I, Huari, can hold a grudge

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"Luo Fairy, I'm counting on you for everything," Wang Ningxi cupped his hands and entrusted a woman.

"Don't worry, Young Master Ningxi. The ones I've gathered this time are our top-notch fashion stylists and image designers. You must believe, we are the most professional," the woman replied confidently, a smile playing on her lips.

The woman, dressed in a light purple modified long dress, was beautiful and had a capable demeanor. She was Luo Yuqing, responsible for expanding the business of the Immortal Dynasty.

The two of them were standing in a spacious hall.

Above them, a luxurious crystal chandelier sparkled with transparent brilliance. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, the bustling streets outside and the crowd moving back and forth were clearly visible.

On either side of the hall, the gleaming corridors extended, leading to shops with various signs.

At the moment, many young people were casually browsing these shops, making the place quite lively.

This place was called [Changning Mall]!

As a commercial complex established in the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty for less than a few decades, although it was still "young," it had gradually become the favorite spot for the younger generation of the Immortal Dynasty.

Here, one could experience one-stop shopping, with many exotic East Qian specialties, including clothing, food, tea houses, cafes, and even various operas, stage plays, and storytellers.

Of course, there were also practical shops like [Pill Shop], [Artifact Workshop], and [Immortal Spring Bath], and even arenas of various levels for people to spar.

Nowadays, many avant-garde young people of the Immortal Dynasty loved coming here because they could find everything they needed.

At this moment, the members of the [Hundred Refinements Hall Boy Band] had already undergone a complete makeover under Wang Ningxi's arrangement, improving their appearance significantly.

But this was far from enough, nowhere near Wang Ningxi's standards.

To win the hearts of the spiritual plant cultivator ladies, merely cleaning up wasn't enough; they had to showcase their style and charm.

While speaking, Wang Ningxi and Luo Yuqing led the members of the [Hundred Refinements Hall Boy Band] into a shop specializing in styling and design.

Inside the shop, dozens of professionals responsible for fashion design, image design, and beauty were already waiting.

As people at the forefront of fashion, these professionals, regardless of gender, wore the most fashionable clothing styles of the Wang's Clan, and their makeup was exquisite, forming a stark contrast with the rugged men of the Hundred Refinements Hall.

Luo Yuqing assigned tasks to them, and these professionals immediately understood, eagerly surrounding the [Hundred Refinements Hall Boy Band] members, discussing design plans enthusiastically.

The brothers of the Hundred Refinements Hall had never experienced such a scene before, feeling awkward under the scrutiny, almost not knowing where to place their hands and feet.

Even the Hundred Refinements True Monarch seemed overwhelmed, looking like he wanted to escape.

Fortunately, these professionals were truly professional, quickly coming up with a rough plan, dividing into groups to take the brothers to different corners for makeovers.

Based on the different characteristics of the Hundred Refinements Hall Boy Band members, they quickly got busy, selecting different clothes, shoes, and accessories for them to try on, tailoring their personal image to showcase their style and charm.

Even Old Pei couldn't escape, being dragged off for a makeover as well.

As for Wang Ningxi, he moved around, observing the situation and occasionally offering suggestions.

"I think Brother Luo's feature is his height, but he's a bit too thin. Try a white-clad swordsman look, ethereal like an immortal."

Although he hadn't formally studied image design, Wang Ningxi had absorbed a lot from the Wang's Clan, and his suggestions were often quite pertinent.

However, his main focus was on the Hundred Refinements True Monarch.

After all, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch was the main character of this matchmaking event.

"Master's image isn't bad, with a burly and strong physique, but he's too unkempt, with messy hair and beard. No, no, don't dye it all black, just highlights. While creating a dignified aura, it's best to have a mature and steady vibe, having seen the vicissitudes of life, yet not losing the passionate heart of a young man..."

Wang Ningxi gestured and adjusted the Hundred Refinements True Monarch's style several times before finally nodding in satisfaction: "As the saying goes, 'After seeing a thousand sails, the heart finds its home.' This feeling is about right now."

The Hundred Refinements True Monarch, who was almost dozing off from the makeover, quickly looked at himself in the glass mirror upon hearing this.

"This, is this me?"

He widened his eyes, almost doubting if he was seeing correctly.

"Ahem~ Master, pay attention to your gaze," Wang Ningxi coughed and reminded, "Tone it down, make it deeper, have a sense of having seen the world."

No matter how successful the makeover, if paired with a silly look, it would be ruined.

"Oh, oh, oh."

The Hundred Refinements True Monarch finally reacted, quickly adjusting his expression, and when he looked at himself in the mirror again, his mood instantly lifted.

He never imagined that the "professionals" of the Wang's Clan could be so amazing. It was like he had become a different person.

Vaguely, he seemed to see hope.

However, before he could get excited, Wang Ningxi solemnly began the next round of bombardment.

"Master, let me test you. What topics are you prepared to discuss when you meet Lanxin King, whom you haven't seen for a long time?"

"No, no, what do you mean you're only good at refining artifacts? Talk about planting? Of course not, you're not a spiritual plant cultivator, talking about planting would be like showing off in front of an expert."

"The first meeting is crucial; you need to give her a transformative perception, make her curious about you, and leave a lingering impression. The topic should be in a field she's interested in but relatively unfamiliar with."

"Based on my investigation and intelligence gathering, Lanxin King has tendencies of being war-weary, literary and artistic, and self-appreciative. Her personality is softer compared to Chaoyang King and others, not someone who firmly holds her own views. Therefore, our initial tactic is to oppose her war-weariness, firmly standing by our viewpoint. At the same time, cater to her literary and artistic side, and shatter her self-appreciative shell."

"......"

The little confidence the Hundred Refinements True Monarch had painstakingly built up gradually disappeared, and by the end, his voice was trembling: "Ningxi, isn't this too complicated? Your master can't handle it."

"Even if you can't handle it, you must. Master, this is your dream," Wang Ningxi encouraged him, "Bring out the confidence you have in refining artifacts. Pursuing a wife is like refining an artifact; you need to understand the properties of each material and manipulate and refine them accordingly. Only after countless steps can you create a perfect piece."

"Listening to you, I seem to understand a bit," the Hundred Refinements True Monarch's eyes gradually brightened.

"Understanding isn't enough; we need to conduct practical exercises," Wang Ningxi waved his hand, and Luo Yuqing immediately understood, summoning a group of prepared women.

They were elite women trained locally in Changning Garrison, working at the Changning Mall of the Immortal Dynasty. Because Changning Garrison was at the forefront of various ideological trends, they were much more astute than ordinary clan ladies. Now, dressed in luxurious clothes, they looked quite impressive.

"Master, one by one, treat each woman as if she were Lanxin King."

"This, this is too exaggerated, isn't it?"

"Master, only by enduring hardships can one become a superior person. Don't let your disciple down."

Under Wang Ningxi's constant encouragement, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch finally mustered the courage to approach the first "Lanxin King." As expected, he was defeated in less than five breaths.

"Master, keep going. Just like when you first learned artifact refining, you need to learn from each failure and make progress," Wang Ningxi was always quite strict when teaching.

Subsequently, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch began practicing under strict supervision, from initially stammering and incoherent speech to gradually becoming fluent, and then correcting his posture and tone.

After half a day, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch finally went through dozens of "Lanxin Kings."

"Ningxi, is this enough?" The Hundred Refinements True Monarch felt much more confident.

"Far from it, proceed to the second round."

After another half day.

"Not bad, not bad, Master has improved. Let's start the third round of, no, the third round of practice."

"Master, are you tired of this batch? Luo Fairy, bring in a new batch! Let the previous batch practice with the brothers."

Round after round, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch didn't know how many rounds he had gone through. He became numb, casual, and increasingly relaxed.

Gradually, he felt himself merging into the persona Wang Ningxi had set for him.

A man who loved refining artifacts, had seen the world, wandered far and wide, lost a beloved woman, experienced ups and downs, and simplified his understanding of life.

At least, when the Hundred Refinements True Monarch was disheartened, he did wander for hundreds of years, providing ample space for Wang Ningxi to work with.

As for whether Lanxin King would see through it?

Kidding, no high and mighty goddess would pay attention to a former admirer, alright, "admirer."

Under Wang Ningxi's hellish training, in just a few days, the male group led by the Hundred Refinements True Monarch had already taken shape.

Of course, they weren't very strong yet. At their current level, if they encountered someone like Wang Mei, they wouldn't even know how they died. But to bully the inexperienced female spiritual plant cultivators of the Hundred Herb Garden, they were more than enough.

Moreover, Wang Ningxi only hoped to increase their success rate in pursuing wives, not to cultivate a group of heartless playboys.

On this day.

Jinxiu Lake Manor.

[Jinxiu Lake Manor] was located in the northeast corner of the Immortal City, originally one of the properties of the old family Han Yue Wang's Clan. The manor was full of spiritual energy, with beautiful scenery, top-grade spiritual farmland, and a large spiritual lake, producing a lot.

Inside the manor, there was also an old semi-operational, semi-private restaurant, usually used to entertain the Wang's Clan disciples and visiting relatives and guests, not known to the public.

However, after Wang Lici was invited to dine by the Han Yue Wang's Clan and found it quite good, she gave it a [Lici Three-Star Recommendation].

Since then, Jinxiu Lake Manor's fame skyrocketed, attracting many food enthusiasts.

Due to the top-notch ingredients used and the extremely high prices, those food enthusiasts were originally wealthy and picky, and unknowingly, the reputation grew, making it one of the hottest dining spots in the Immortal City.

At lunchtime, flying carriages occasionally landed at the entrance of Jinxiu Lake Manor, and several distinguished guests would step out, being greeted by well-trained attendants and led to lakeside pavilions for dining.

In the reception hall at the entrance, Yao Chengchao, who had been in high spirits recently, was sipping spiritual tea and occasionally glancing out the window, seemingly waiting for some distinguished guests.

"Young Master Chengchao, who are you entertaining today?" The manor's manager, with a warm smile, chatted to relieve his boredom, "Could it be a noble lady from a direct lineage?"

"That's right, this young master is indeed inviting a direct lineage lady from your Wang's Clan," Yao Chengchao chuckled, teasing, "Manager Wang, are you planning to waive the bill for me?"

Upon hearing this, Manager Wang's face twisted, and he replied helplessly, "Young Master Chengchao, please don't joke. The eligible direct lineage lady of our Wang's Clan has already been betrothed to the young heir of the Dingxi Wang's Clan. If such rumors spread, the young heir might come to beat you up."

"Hahaha~ That brat Yantai Di, whether he can beat me is another matter," Yao Chengchao laughed heartily, clearly not afraid of the young heir of the Dingxi Wang's Clan.

Having recently inherited the family treasure, although not the family heir, he was a genuine Void seed, holding a position in the family not much inferior to the heir. Moreover, with the Yao's Clan currently on the rise, he was full of confidence, speaking with a demeanor of self-assurance and arrogance.

Seeing Manager Wang's face wrinkle like a bitter melon, almost unable to hold it together, Yao Chengchao waved his hand and explained, "Yantai Di and I are friends, just joking. But this time, I am indeed inviting a direct lineage lady from the Wang's Clan, but not from the Han Yue Wang's Clan, rather from the Eastern Qian Changning Wang's Clan."

"Could it be the same Wang's Clan as Young Master Fugui and Miss Lici?" Manager Wang's eyes lit up, "The direct lineage lady of the Changning Wang's Clan has secretly come to the Immortal Dynasty, this is big news! I'll send someone to inform the family head."

Currently, the Changning Wang's Clan held a special place in the eyes of the Han Yue Wang's Clan, even more so than the Eastern Qian Wang's Clan.

Especially Young Master Fugui, who was practically a celestial being. The Han Yue Wang's Clan sent their family army to follow him to war, reportedly winning consecutive victories and earning a fortune.

And Miss Lici was also extraordinary, being contested by two True Monarchs in the Immortal Palace to become their disciple, with Yuan Yuan True Monarch ultimately prevailing, promising a bright future.

Judging from the overall situation, the Changning Wang's Clan was highly likely to grow into a formidable super-grade family, one of the pillars of the Immortal Dynasty.

If the Wang's Clan were to establish their own nation, the "Eight Pillars of the Immortal Dynasty" might become nine.

Therefore, although the Changning Wang's Clan was not yet as powerful as the Han Yue Wang's Clan, the Han Yue Wang's Clan unanimously believed they should firmly embrace the potential of the Changning Wang's Clan.

As the saying goes, "The pavilion closest to the water enjoys the moonlight first," and "One cannot write two 'Wang' characters with one stroke," the Han Yue Wang's Clan was eagerly embracing the Changning Wang's Clan.

"Hold on, hold on," seeing Manager Wang about to leave, Yao Chengchao hurriedly stopped him, "If you report this, won't you be taking away my reason for inviting guests? Even if you want to flatter Princess Huari, let's take turns. I'm telling you, if anyone dares to steal my bill this time, I'll be furious."

Now, Yao Chengchao was a future big shot.

Manager Wang naturally didn't dare to offend him: "Rest assured, Young Master Chengchao, since they are your guests, we won't compete for the bill."

"That's more like it."

Yao Chengchao was smug, secretly giving himself a thumbs-up for his precise prediction.

At this moment.

The sky suddenly echoed with the neighing of flying horses.

Yao Chengchao immediately looked up, seeing a deep blue flying carriage, drawn by flying horses, spiraling down and slowly landing in the plaza at the manor's entrance.

Upon closer inspection, a Suiyun Princess Mansion token, carved from spirit jade, hung low-key at the front of the carriage, swaying slightly with the carriage's movement.

It was said that Princess Huari had been staying at the Suiyun Princess Mansion recently, so most likely, Princess Huari was inside this flying carriage.

"They're here!"

Yao Chengchao perked up, eagerly stepping forward to greet them.

Sure enough, as soon as the flying carriage stopped, a lively and adorable eight or nine-year-old girl jumped out.

She was dressed in an exquisite mini princess dress, looking impeccably dressed. Who else could it be but Princess Huari?

However.

Before Yao Chengchao could step forward to flatter her, another young woman descended from the flying carriage.

The woman appeared extraordinary, her luxurious light golden silk dress accentuating her noble and elegant demeanor, as radiant and captivating as a blooming peony.

Upon closer inspection, Yao Chengchao was taken aback.

This, this, this, wasn't this the renowned Princess of Suiyun?

Could it be that Princess Huari had invited Princess of Suiyun to accompany her?

In an instant, Yao Chengchao's legs almost went weak with fear, feeling both nervous and excited.

Having the opportunity to flatter two princesses at once and dine together was a double blessing.

"Hey, you there, Yao whoever, aren't you coming over?"

At this moment, Princess Huari, Wang Jidie, also noticed Yao Chengchao and waved him over.

Yao Chengchao didn't take offense, feeling honored instead, and eagerly trotted over: "This humble Yao Chengchao greets Princess of Suiyun and Princess Huari."

"Are you the rising young talent of the Yao's Clan, Yao Chengchao?" Princess of Suiyun glanced at him and nodded encouragingly, "Keep up the good work and strive to contribute more to the human race and the Immortal Dynasty."

"Yes, yes, Chengchao will heed the Princess's advice," Yao Chengchao replied solemnly.

While speaking.

The curtain of the flying carriage was lifted again, and another extraordinary beauty gracefully descended.

She seemed to be of a certain age, yet her figure remained graceful and charming, exuding a charm like a secluded orchid in a valley, elegant and captivating, intoxicating to behold.

Such a charming beauty left Yao Chengchao mesmerized, his eyes fixed, unable to look away.

"Hmph!"

The woman snorted coldly, her voice not loud, yet it felt like a muffled thunder exploding in Yao Chengchao's ears, shaking his soul, causing his eyes to spin as he hurriedly averted his gaze.

"This is Lanxin King," Princess of Suiyun introduced with a faint smile.

Lanxin King?

This graceful beauty was actually Lanxin King?!

Caught off guard, Yao Chengchao felt a surge of joy amidst his shock, hurriedly bowing respectfully: "Greetings to Lanxin King. It's an honor for Chengchao to invite the three of you to dine together."

However, before he could fully enjoy the moment, two more flying carriages arrived in the sky.

After the flying carriages landed, a group of over ten various beauties stepped out. They had clearly dressed meticulously, each as radiant as a blooming flower.

"Sisters, let's thank Young Master Yao Chengchao for inviting us to dinner," Princess Huari clapped her hands.

"Thank you, Young Master Yao Chengchao, for your generosity," a group of beautifully dressed spiritual plant cultivators chimed in with sweet voices.

What, what, what?

Yao Chengchao's heart ached as if struck by a heavy hammer, causing him to stagger back several steps, his face pale.

This group of ladies was also here to freeload?

That's over ten people~

If it were just Princess of Suiyun and Lanxin King, although it would cost quite a bit more, they were, after all, Princess of Suiyun and Lanxin King, so he would pay. But with over ten more, how much more would it cost?

He felt his wallet bleeding.

"Young Master Chengchao, you don't look well," Princess Huari noticed Yao Chengchao's expression and frowned slightly, "Are you unhappy with the number of people I brought? If so, it's fine, this princess has plenty of money."

"How could that be?" Yao Chengchao's expression changed immediately, quickly straightening his neck to emphasize, "Princess Huari, don't look down on me~ Even if there were ten more, I could still afford it."

"That's right, Young Master Chengchao already said that whoever dares to compete for the bill today, he'll be furious."

At this moment, Manager Wang also came out to greet everyone, bowing to each: "Greetings to Princess of Suiyun, Princess Huari, Lanxin King, and all the ladies."

"Indeed. No one competes for the bill today!" Yao Chengchao declared, his voice tinged with a hint of sobbing.

But fortunately, he was inviting a group of beautiful women. Making more beautiful friends always had its benefits, and if he found true love, it wouldn't be a total loss.

"Young Master Chengchao is indeed generous," Princess Huari praised, then turned to Princess of Suiyun, "Sister Suiyun, as ladies, we shouldn't just wait here at the entrance for those straight men."

With that, she invited the ladies to enter Jinxiu Lake Manor, instructing Manager Wang like a little host: "Prepare a larger venue for us, enough for three to five dozen people to have private conversations."

"Yes, Princess," Manager Wang respectfully recorded Huari's request and asked, "Regarding the dishes, does the young princess have any dietary restrictions?"

"No restrictions, just bring whatever's good," Princess Huari said nonchalantly.

Manager Wang understood and arranged a menu according to the recommended level. After confirming with Princess Huari, he ordered the preparations.

He then respectfully led the way, guiding Princess Huari, Wang Jidie, Princess of Suiyun, and the group of ladies to a suitable venue.

"Uh...?" Yao Chengchao cautiously approached, puzzled, "Princess Huari, isn't a venue for dozens a bit too large?"

"No, it's not. For this kind of matchmaking event, the venue needs to be spacious; being cramped together isn't ideal," Huari replied.

"Match, matchmaking event?"

Yao Chengchao felt as if struck by lightning, dumbfounded.

After a long while, he finally found his voice: "Who, who is the matchmaking with?"

"Of course, with those bachelors from the Hundred Refinements Hall," Princess Huari said matter-of-factly, "Did you think this princess would gather over ten beauties to matchmake with you alone?"

"Then, can I join the matchmaking?" Yao Chengchao's heart bled, yet he stubbornly asked, hoping to perhaps win someone over and recoup some losses.

"Chengchao, stop joking. You're one of the heirs of the Yao's Clan, a future Ancestor of the Lingxu Realm. The family will assign you a wife," Princess Huari stood on tiptoe, gently patting his shoulder, "Do you really want to compete with those bachelors from the Hundred Refinements Hall?"

"This, this, I was indeed joking, hahaha~" Yao Chengchao forced a "cheerful" laugh, "Princess, don't take it to heart, hahaha~"

Yet, in that "hahaha," there was an indescribable sadness.

"However, it's not like we didn't prepare anything for you," Princess Huari said mysteriously, "To commend your generosity, we prepared a gift for you."

Yao Chengchao perked up, though his mouth said otherwise, "Since we're here, there's no need for gifts."

"That's not right; you're the sponsor of this matchmaking event, we must express our gratitude," Princess Huari clapped twice, "Bring out the sponsor banner."

Upon her words, two beautiful spiritual plant cultivators brought out a prepared banner, hanging it at the matchmaking venue.

On it, a line of bold characters was written with special paint—"Thanks to Young Master Yao Chengchao of Yao's Air Transport for sponsoring this matchmaking event. Everyone, please support Yao's business!"

"Just, just this?" Yao Chengchao's eyes widened.

"Just this!" Princess Huari raised an eyebrow, "Is Young Master Chengchao dissatisfied?"

"No, no, very satisfied, I'm very satisfied," Yao Chengchao forced a smile, "Princess Huari, you're so thoughtful."

Though he said so, his heart had shattered into pieces, yet he dared not shed a tear, swallowing it silently.

Seeing this, Princess Huari felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Yao Chengchao, oh Yao Chengchao, who told your people to bully this princess on the Yun Yao flying boat? I, Huari, can't hold those small people accountable, but I must vent my anger on you, right?

Humph!

I, Huari, hold grudges.

...

Meanwhile, as the [Hundred Herb Garden Girl Group] arrived at Jinxiu Lake Manor and settled in, the [Hundred Refinements Hall Boy Band], reborn like a phoenix, also arrived at Jinxiu Lake Manor.

In the sky, the flying carriage spiraled down.

Wings cut through the air, creating ripples of wind.

Inside the carriage, the brothers of the Hundred Refinements Hall were full of energy, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness, as if heading to a battlefield.

Wang Ningxi stood up, once again rallying the troops: "Brothers, our slogan is..."

"We are the strongest boy band in the Immortal City!"

"Our goal is..."

"Catch them all! Bring the wives home!"

"Good, good, good," Wang Ningxi was also full of morale, "Let's go, I'll lead everyone to bring the sisters-in-law and the master's wife home."

"Awooo awooo!"

The excited howls, like wolves, echoed within the carriage, lingering for a long time.

...