Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Eastern opulence, western wealth, the Xu Family in the west side of the city possesses considerable assets.

It was only after Wang Chen had accepted Xu Xinlan's engagement letter and became the Xu Family's worship bodyguard that he realized this widow's fortune was substantially more considerable than what was publicly declared.

Therefore, it was completely natural for the Xu Family to own a vast estate in the affluent district of Wanling City, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.

Pulled by four mixed-blood dragon horses, the Purple Carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Xu residence.

At this time, as the sky had just darkened, the luminous stone lamps hanging under the front porch of the Xu Family's main gate were all lit, the gate was wide open, and Xu Xinlan, veiled, stood on the steps with a group of servants waiting.

When Wang Chen stepped down from the Purple Carriage, she immediately bent her knee and greeted him, "I've seen the Superior."

The butler and servants who followed executed an equally grand salutation, "Greetings, Immortal Master!"

The level of courtesy was impeccable!

Wang Chen smiled, "No need for formalities."

Without a doubt, the widow had made such a grand gesture not only to curry favor with him but most likely also to use his renown to deter the ill-intentioned.

Wang Chen was unconcerned about this.

Having accepted the Xu Family's generous offer, it was only right that he protect them from the storms.

"Thank you, Superior/Immortal Master!"

Xu Xinlan respectfully led Wang Chen into the estate, through the front courtyard, and into the main hall.

To Wang Chen's surprise, Xu Xinlan did not host a banquet for him in the main hall but led him to a small building in the inner courtyard.

Inside the three-tiered tower, a table spread with delicious dishes and two charming maids awaited.

"Superior, please."

Xu Xinlan invited Wang Chen to take a seat and then sat opposite him.

The widow smiled radiantly, "I am honored by the Superior's care, and tonight I have prepared some modest wine to express my respect."

As she spoke, she picked up a white jade wine jug and poured Wang Chen a full cup of Spiritual Wine.

Wang Chen detected a faint, alluring fragrance.

"Thank you."

He picked up the wine cup with composure and took a sip.

His gaze fell upon Xu Xinlan's face.

Wang Chen found it strange that despite having met Xu Xinlan twice, she always wore a veil.

It made sense at public events, but tonight, within the private inner courtyard, the fact that Xu Xinlan still refused to remove her veil seemed somewhat disrespectful to him as the Purple Mansion Superior.

Xu Xinlan noticed Wang Chen's gaze, hesitated, then lifted half of her veil.

Wang Chen was momentarily stunned.

The part of Xu Xinlan's lower face that was revealed was covered in red blotches, presenting a gruesome sight!

"After my husband's death, I was poisoned by a villain in the household,"

Xu Xinlan let her veil fall back into place and explained, "Although I narrowly survived, the toxin seeped into my bones and flares up from time to time, so I must wear this veil, for fear of offending the Superior's eyes."

So that was the reason!

Wang Chen didn't feel that his sight was defiled. Xu Xinlan clearly seemed to be a woman of outstanding beauty and grace, yet to think she had suffered such a catastrophe.

He asked, "Is there really no way to cure it completely?"

"There is a way, as long as you are willing to spend the wealth,"

Xu Xinlan whispered, "But I feel that not being cured can be stronger than being cured."

Wang Chen immediately understood.

With her face ruined, Xu Xinlan was wealthy but devoid of beauty, already the target of covetousness. If her face were to be cured, with both wealth and beauty restored, those wishing to take advantage of her would likely double in number!

This widow truly had a hard life!

Wang Chen nodded in understanding, "That makes sense."

Just then, he suddenly heard a noisy commotion from outside, seemingly at the entrance to the Xu residence.

A moment later, the sound of hurried footsteps followed.

The room door was gently knocked upon.

"Reporting to Madam,"

a hoarse voice sounded from outside the door, "Third Master Chen is here again, making a fuss at the door and demanding to see you."

Xu Xinlan frowned slightly, "Uncle Zhong, could you please hold him off for a moment? I'll be right there."

"Yes."

Footsteps receded.

Wang Chen's eyes flashed as he asked, "What's going on?"

Xu Xinlan replied with a wry smile, "Misfortune at home."

It turned out that the troublemaker, Third Master Chen, was the brother of Xu Xinlan's deceased husband, which made him her brother-in-law.

This man was a wastrel, ignorant and unlearned, and very fond of gambling. Even when Xu Xinlan's husband was alive, he often came to extort money for his squandering.

After the death of her husband, he was instigated to dispute with Xu Xinlan over the inheritance, pestering her incessantly!

Xu Xinlan's reluctance to heal her face had a certain relation to this brother-in-law as well.

"The man is nothing but a scoundrel!"

She said helplessly, "I give him five hundred Spirit Stones each month for expenses, and he can spend it all in three days."

He was proficient in all manner of debauchery and also learned to sniff Five Stones Powder.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I'll just have Uncle Zhong send him away now."

"Wait."

Wang Chen reached out to stop her, "Let me, as your supporter, handle this matter."

Xu Xinlan clearly meant to buy peace by paying him off, not wanting this vile character to dampen her spirits.

But Wang Chen felt that such an approach would only encourage the other party to be more aggressive and unabashed!

He stood up swiftly and darted out of the window, using Shrinking Ground into Inches to flash to the front courtyard.

He saw a crowd gathered in front of the Xu residence. Among them, a gaunt young man with puffy eyelids was standing on the steps, shouting, "Quick, call Xu Xinlan out! I just saw with my own eyes that she let her lover into the house. My brother has not been dead long, and she is already disregarding her womanly virtue..."

Although the young man's features were attractive, he was marred by the look of excessive indulgence in wine and women. As he ranted and pointed at the old man guarding the gate, spit flew from his mouth!

Several onlookers behind him who were grinning and dressed in a certain manner appeared to be his friends, clearly there to support him.

Seeing this scene, Wang Chen did not hesitate even for a moment, sending a slap through the air.

Smack!

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The crisp slapping sound was clear enough to be heard three streets away.

The young man, like a kite with its string cut, spun uncontrollably and flew out.

Blood and broken teeth spewed from his mouth!

He landed on the ground, his face swollen to resemble a pig's head.

This was still a result of Wang Chen showing restraint; otherwise, bursting the pig's head would have been no trouble at all!

Instantly, there was silence in front of the Xu house.

Wang Chen stepped over the threshold, his cold gaze sweeping over the spectators until it finally rested on the young man who was now howling in pain.

"I am Wang Chen, an Inner Sect Disciple of West Sea Sect, the Superior Supporter of the Xu Family!"

"If you speak disrespectfully again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Scram!"

His words fell like hammer blows, resonating heavily with each listener, hushing the onlookers and silencing the young man's cries.

Inner Sect Disciple of West Sea Sect!

Who would have thought that the new supporter of the Xu Family held such an esteemed position.

The young man having insulted first could easily be accused of disrespect and punished accordingly. Even had Wang Chen killed him on the spot, he would not have faced severe reprimand.

Now, having received only a slap, he was quite fortunate!

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The first update is here.