El joven amo desvergonzado - Capítulo 7
Chapter Four: Indulging in the Pleasure of a Pure First Love
Tan Huan's attacks were fast, but against Pei Jin, who was going all out, this speed was nothing. Even though he could clearly see her movements, and even though her skill level wasn't particularly high, Pei Jin strangely discovered that every time he thought he would defeat his opponent in the next move, this little girl would miraculously dodge, her moves a mix of feints and real attacks.
Yes, he couldn't win.
Pei Jin focused more intently on the fight, while secretly becoming alarmed. How old was this girl? Who in the martial arts world could train such a disciple? Pei Jin asked himself honestly; he might not have possessed such skill when he was about her age.
Tan Huan's dark eyes shone like stars in the night. She grew increasingly excited as the fight progressed, her moves becoming increasingly agile and adaptable. While most competitors unleashed their entire sword or fist techniques in a duel, Tan Huan's approach was quite different. She dispersed almost all the martial arts she had learned, then adapted her moves to best suit her opponent's style.
Du chuckled softly. She was reluctant just a moment ago, but now? Her eyes were practically burning with anger.
Because Tan Huan had scattered the Wu family's martial arts too much, Pei Jin couldn't discern anything in a short time. However, given enough time, it naturally wouldn't escape Pei Jin's eyes, who was familiar with the martial arts of various schools. "You're from the Wu family?"
Tan Huan's breathing became somewhat rapid. He leaned back and nodded, asking, "Is there a problem?"
Pei Jin thought to himself, he had never known that the Wu family's martial arts could be this powerful. "Let me ask you another question, how old are you this year?"
"Twelve years old."
Pei Jin gave her a deep look. "Since you are a member of the Wu family, I can't stop you from protecting Du Suizhi. After the competition just now, you should know that you can't beat me. I won't make things difficult for the Wu family, as long as you hand Du Suizhi over to me."
Tan Huan had long forgotten about protecting Du Suizhi. Hearing this, she blinked, hesitated for a long time, and said, "No need, let's continue the competition." After a pause, she added what she thought was a very appropriate statement, "Whatever you want to do, wait until you beat me."
Pei Jin was frustrated. He had intended to let his opponent off the hook, a rare act of leniency, but it was met with ingratitude. However, he did want to test the little girl's limits. A glint in his eyes flashed, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. He was ready to fight with all his might; it had been a long time since he had done something like this. "Well then, be careful."
A gust of wind, a blurry black shadow.
Tan Huan only felt a flash of silver light before her eyes, and her body instinctively ducked down, barely avoiding Pei Jin's attack. Her heart almost jumped into her throat, and she felt tense and her blood rushing. Tan Huan gasped for breath, unable to suppress a smile. This feeling was so good, so good that even her fingers began to tremble.
She switched her sword from her right hand to her left. Before she could even stand up, the longsword shot upwards with incredible speed and a tricky angle. Pei Jin blocked it head-on. With a clang, Tan Huan staggered back several steps, her arm numb and sore from the impact, blood streaming from her hand. Yet, she still smiled, seemingly oblivious to the injury on her hand.
Pei Jin almost forgot that his opponent was a twelve-year-old girl. When a master like him encounters an opponent with exceptional talent, he inevitably feels a bit excited, and his attacks become even more rapid.
Tan Huan's left hand was almost completely numb, but her moves were still aggressive, leaving no room for herself or her opponent. As she brushed past Pei Jin, her empty right hand suddenly tightened, her fingertips like swords, the speed and viciousness even surpassing when she held a sword in her right hand.
Pei Jin suddenly felt a chill in his chest, and with a backhand slash, the sword flashed fiercely. Seeing that his opponent was unable to defend and was still relentlessly attacking, he immediately struck Tan Huan's shoulder with his left fist.
Tan Huan let out a soft "Ah!" and staggered back several steps. A surge of blood rushed to her head, and her right hand hung limply in an odd position. Although she had unknowingly neutralized most of Pei Jin's power, her right hand was still dislocated.
Seeing the girl's disheveled appearance, Pei Jin finally realized what he had done and stood apologetically in front of her. But given his usual pride, he was unwilling to apologize, especially not in this situation, and simply asked, "Are you alright?"
Du interrupted, "Young Master Pei, you're quite the show-off, dislocating a little girl's arm. Aren't you afraid of damaging your reputation?"
Tan Huan touched her arm, gasped in pain. The pain brought a sense of calm to her. Her eyes darted between the two of them, finally settling on Pei Jin's apologetic expression. She said slowly, "Shouldn't you come with me to see a doctor?"
Du then asked, "Where can we find a doctor in a place like this?"
Tan Huan glanced at this heartless man, took two steps forward, and stood in front of Pei Jin. "What do you think? Shouldn't you come with me to see a doctor?"
Pei Jin looked embarrassed. "We can go back to town. Even though it's late, the clinic might still be open. Is that alright?"
Du then exclaimed, "Young Master Pei, you've taken my bodyguard away. Who will protect me now? I'm just an ordinary businessman with no strength to even kill a chicken."
Tan Huan said disdainfully, "Do you think I can still protect you in my current state?"
Which is cuter, a kitten with claws or a kitten without claws? The answer is obvious. Du then feigned a sigh, "You clearly took my money... what if I get assassinated on the street?"
Before Tan Huan could speak, Pei Jin sneered, "Du Suizhi, why bother acting?"
Tan Huan blinked. Was he acting? What was he acting out? Thinking of this, she unconsciously reached out to touch the gold and silver she had received from Du Suizhi. Uh, could this be fake?
"You go out without any hidden weapons?" Pei Jin's eyes were sharp. "As far as I know, the 'Thousand Mountains and Dense Rain Needles' that the Tang Clan recently sold was bought by you, Du Suizhi, for ten thousand taels of silver. You can't even protect yourself with that?" The Thousand Mountains and Dense Rain Needles is the most powerful hidden weapon in the martial arts world. With the Tang Clan's technology, they can only make one a year. It is priceless.
It is said that only Baili Liushang in the martial arts world could dodge this hidden weapon; everyone else who faced the Thousand Mountains Dense Rain Needles was doomed. Of course, as for whether Pei Gumo could dodge it, no one in the martial arts world dared to try. After all, the identities of Alliance Leader Pei and Baili Liushang were different. Assassinating Baili Liushang would be praised by everyone, but anyone who dared to lay a hand on Pei Gumo would be condemned by all.
Du paused for a moment, then smiled and pulled a round black ball from his clothes. "Is this what Young Master Pei is talking about?"
Tan Huan's gaze also turned curiously over, "Is this a hidden weapon?"
Seeing that the beauty was interested, Du waved to her generously and said with a smile, "Do you like it? Want to come over and touch it?"
Tan Huan walked over decisively, almost forgetting her own injuries. She boldly reached out to touch it, initially just lightly, but later taking it in her hand to examine it closely. "How do I use this hidden weapon?" she wondered.
Du then quickly unfolded his fan, half-covering his face, and said, "It's a secret."
"The usage of the Thousand Mountains Dense Rain Needle is known only to a few members of the Tang Clan and to the buyers," Pei Jin said calmly. "Why would he tell you such a secret?"
Tan Huan looked up at him, then tilted her head and thought for a moment, "This hidden weapon is very powerful?"
Du chuckled softly, "Mm."
Tan Huan then asked, "Since you possess such a hidden weapon, why do you still need me to protect you?"
Du Sui said, "The Thousand Mountains Dense Rain Needle can only be used once. Am I supposed to use it every time I'm attacked? No matter how you calculate it, it's not enough." The smile in his eyes deepened. He reached out and rubbed Tan Huan's head. Tsk tsk, it feels so good. "Besides, this Thousand Mountains Dense Rain Needle cost me ten thousand taels of silver. You only cost me one ingot of gold. It's much more cost-effective."
Tan Huan was speechless. What a shrew! She really was just cheap labor.
Du Suizhi's hand was still on Tan Huan's head, but his gaze had already turned to Pei Jin in the distance. He smiled and said, "Young Master Pei, you can take my bodyguard away to see a doctor if you want, but at least leave me a token so that when the other pursuers arrive, they can know at a glance that you, Young Master Pei, are going to let me go."
Pei Jin smiled faintly, as if she didn't care about anything. "When did I say I would let you go? I only remember telling you to leave one leg behind before you left."
Du Suizhi feigned surprise, "Does Young Master Pei mean he wants to continue fighting with my bodyguard? So Young Master Pei enjoys sparring with injured little girls? Hehe, that's quite an interesting hobby."
Pei Jin glared at him with disgust, her expression cold. "Du Suizhi, everyone in the martial world knows that I, Pei Jin, am not a soft-hearted person. If you think a girl can stop me, you are sorely mistaken."
Tan Huan nodded secretly, took a step back. Hmm, she was already injured. What she needed now was a doctor; she couldn't continue the fight.
Du sighed softly and looked at her tenderly, "Tan Huan, Young Master Pei is not willing to let you go."
It's clearly you who's unwilling to let it go; don't think you can fool people just because she's a child. Tan Huan's dark eyes stared intently at him.
"Your arm must hurt, right? Bear with it. Once you beat Young Master Pei, I'll take you to see a doctor right away."
Tan Huan shook his head, "I'm not fighting anymore."
Du Suiyi froze, not expecting her to refuse, and so decisively at that. "You should finish what you start. If your uncle finds out, you'll get scolded."
No matter what she does, she'll get scolded. Tan Huan sighed and honestly said, "I can't beat him."
Du then laughed and said, "Weren't you having a lot of fun just now? Why don't you want to play anymore now?"
"Hmm, I was really excited just now. I've been cooped up at home all this time, and it's rare to run into such a skilled opponent. I got a little carried away during the fight. Sigh, it's precisely because I got so engrossed that I dislocated my arm; otherwise, why would I have gone for it?" "Now that I'm injured, I want to see a doctor." Saying this, she turned to look at Pei Jin, "You'll take me to see a doctor, right?"
Pei Jin nodded. "It's my responsibility." He thought for a while, then reluctantly said, "Du Suizhi, you can come with me. I can promise you I won't take your leg now, and will bring you before my father so he can make the decision." Pei Gumo was kind-hearted and lenient. If he were to make the decision, Du Suizhi would most likely be unharmed. Pei Jin's willingness to say this was already a great show of leniency.
Du Sui smiled slightly, "Very well, thank you for showing mercy, Young Master Pei." He paused, then stared at Tan Huan, his smile enigmatic, "Tan Huan, I owe you a debt of gratitude this time. I have no way to repay you, how about I offer myself to you?"
She wouldn't want that. If she had to make a promise, she preferred Pei Jin. He was good-looking and would even take her to see a doctor. Tan Huan shook her head and said, "If you want to thank me, you can just show it with silver."
Du laughed heartily, "Alright, as long as you come to my house, you can take whatever you want."
After saying this, the three of them headed towards the town to find a clinic.
It was already quite dark, and most of the shops on the street were closed, except for Flower Street, which was still bustling with activity. The street was a vibrant scene of bright lights, perfumed cosmetics, soft whispers, and the presence of self-proclaimed refined scholars and poets.
As they passed through the red-light district, Du Suizhi, already accustomed to this environment, occasionally let out a knowing smile. Pei Jin, surprisingly calm and collected, walked on without a care in the world. Only Tan Huan stared blankly with her large, emotionless eyes, showing no shame whatsoever.
Du laughed and said, "Are you curious?" He paused, then added, "If you want to go, just tell me, and I'll definitely take you to broaden your horizons."
Tan Huan didn't look at him, shaking her head. "No," she lowered her head, "it's alright." A long, long time ago, she had also been in a place like this. So long ago, it seemed like a lifetime ago.
The three walked for three whole streets, but still couldn't find an open clinic. Tan Huan was numb with pain; she'd grown accustomed to the constant agony. Besides the pain, she was also hungry; she hadn't had a proper meal since arriving in town. Since she didn't say anything, no one noticed. Tan Huan didn't expect her companions to be so considerate, so she had to fend for herself, finally speaking up, "I'm hungry."
Du then smiled and asked, "Would you like to see a doctor first or eat first?"
Tan Huan said, "I want both." Both are very necessary.
Du raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that too greedy? There has to be an order to things..."
This guy just likes to tease her all day long. She's too lazy to pay attention to him because she's enjoying herself. Even if she talks to him for ten sentences, she might not get any results. So she turned to another person and said, "I'm hungry."
Pei Jin wasn't exactly a philanthropist, but given his manners and upbringing, he certainly wouldn't let a little girl go hungry. "Although the clinics are all closed, we can go to the inn to buy some food. It's getting dark, and we need to find a place to stay." He bent down slightly, seeking Tan Huan's opinion. "What do you think?"
Tan Huan nodded. See? Asking this person was definitely the wise choice.
Du, wanting to stir up trouble, asked, "What about Tan Huan's arm?"
Pei Jin hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly, "I'll do it."
Du Suizhi smiled slyly. Tan Huan blinked, puzzled. This handsome and skilled martial artist could also treat illnesses?
Pei Jin wasn't a doctor, but he had often injured himself while practicing martial arts as a child, so he could handle simple fractures and dislocations. However, given his poor medical skills, to heal Tan Huan's dislocation, he would have to make her take off her outer clothing and expose her arm. Although she was just a little girl, she was already twelve years old and could get married in two years; he didn't want to tarnish her reputation.
Du Suizhi naturally understood the reasoning behind it, so when he saw Young Master Pei struggling to treat Tan Huan, he immediately followed him with a look of anticipation.
They booked three rooms on the second floor of the inn. Du followed him into the inn without any regard for propriety, and into the room as well.
Pei Jin glanced at him coldly, then casually flicked her hand, sending Du Suizhi flying out the door before she could even touch him. "Get out!"
The door slammed shut with a bang, shutting out the person who had been watching the commotion.
Du then started yelling, "Hey, why did you lock me out? Aren't you afraid I'll run away?"
"Run if you dare, as long as you're confident you'll never be caught by me."
Du Suihui huffed, "A man and a woman alone in a room, Pei Jin, you're a fucking hypocrite..."
Pei Jin looked impatient. "Du Suizhi, do you want me to acupuncture your pressure points?"
Du immediately shut up. Fine, if he didn't want to watch, he didn't. He returned to his room to rest, feeling rather uninterested.
Pei Jin coughed twice, slightly embarrassed. "Um... my medical skills are very poor... I need you to take off my clothes..." Before he could finish speaking, Tan Huan cleverly interjected, "Do you need me to take off my clothes?" As she spoke, she had already taken off her clothes, revealing the girl's fair and tender body, wearing only a soft-colored bodice.
Pei Jin was speechless, and for some reason, her face suddenly turned red.
Tan Huan blinked innocently, her expression completely unconcerned. "And then?"
"Just cover your chest with your clothes, you only need to show your arms." Pei Jin was too embarrassed to look Tan Huan in the eye and said softly, "You are a girl, you shouldn't take off your clothes in front of men so casually."
Tan Huan asked in bewilderment, "Didn't you tell me to take it off?"
Pei Jin's face flushed slightly again. He didn't say anything, but naturally he wouldn't hold a grudge against a little girl, especially one he had injured. "Sigh, didn't Wu Canyang teach you proper etiquette between men and women?"
She couldn't recall whether her father had ever mentioned etiquette or anything like that, and even if he had, she had forgotten. She mostly let her father's words go in one ear and out the other. "You think I was wrong just now? That I was embarrassing?" Tan Huan realized, "Father often says I've embarrassed him too."
Pei Jin glanced up at her; his eyes were so beautiful that Tan Huan was mesmerized. "I've seen Wu Qingfeng's swordsmanship; it's not as good as yours. Do you think you're shameful?"
Tan Huan shook her head subconsciously. She didn't even realize she was shaking her head. Since her right hand couldn't move, she used her left hand. Her fair palm unconsciously touched Pei Jin's face. Tan Huan stared at him intently. "You are so handsome."
Pei Jin's face darkened, half helpless and half angry. "You shouldn't use 'handsome' to describe a man anymore."
"Why not?" Tan Huan asked in surprise. "You're clearly very handsome. Even Du Suizhi said you're the most handsome man in the martial arts world. Don't you think you're good-looking?"
Pei Jin was speechless again and could only explain, "I don't like people talking about my appearance all the time."