Chapter 22: A Partnership

Unexpectedly, the attendant, emboldened by borrowed authority, had clashed with Lin Hao. Upon hearing the commotion, he hurried out of the room, only to witness the attendant being kicked away. The sound of the scuffle, combined with the explosive thunderbolt, startled others nearby, drawing even some cultivators out to see what had happened.

No one expected this incident to unfold at the entrance to Qingyun’s quarters, and even less so that Lin Hao would be involved yet again.

“Isn’t that Senior Brother Lin Hao? What’s he doing here?”

“It looks like he’s fighting with that attendant! But that’s Senior Brother Qingyun’s subordinate. What’s going on?”

“Exactly, if they’re fighting, doesn’t that mean Lin Hao has offended Senior Brother Qingyun? Will he get away with this?”

“Right, wasn’t Lin Hao claiming to be Qingyun’s cousin? How could he end up in a fight here?”

Qingyun surveyed the scene, his eyes flickering with doubt as he looked down at the attendant. The attendant, feeling Qingyun’s gaze, was visibly nervous and dared not meet his eyes. Seeing this, Qingyun began to form suspicions, especially as the crowd started to question Lin Hao’s reputation.

Someone piped up, “Was Lin Hao lying before? If he was really Qingyun’s cousin, why would the attendant block him at the door?”

Hearing this, Qingyun finally raised his eyes to Lin Hao and asked, “Cousin, what’s the matter here?”

At Qingyun’s address, the chatter instantly died down. Lin Hao’s eyes showed surprise; he had assumed the attendant was sent by Qingyun to embarrass him. The surrounding speculation angered Lin Hao, and he looked at Qingyun without much expression. However, upon hearing Qingyun call him “cousin,” Lin Hao was momentarily at a loss.

As Qingyun spoke, the others dared not point fingers or whisper anymore. Lin Hao finally looked at Qingyun and explained, “Oh, it’s like this. I came to see you to discuss some matters, but your attendant obstructed me in every way and spoke rudely. I couldn’t restrain myself, so we exchanged blows. I hope you will forgive me.”

Since Qingyun had given him a measure of face, Lin Hao chose not to embarrass him, glossing over the attendant’s attempt at a sneak attack. After all, the attendant was Qingyun’s man, and exposing him would only bring disgrace to Qingyun.

Hearing Lin Hao’s explanation, the crowd understood.

“Oh, so it was the attendant’s fault. I thought Lin Hao and Senior Brother Qingyun had fallen out!”

“Yes, always the attendant’s fault. Whenever I see him, I have to bow and scrape, otherwise he’ll hold a grudge and retaliate over the smallest slight.”

“Hmph, just a bully hiding behind his master. He’s finally met his match.”

“Serves him right! Let’s see how he gets out of this one.”

Qingyun listened to Lin Hao and, seeing the attendant’s terrified, pale face, knew Lin Hao was telling the truth. Qingyun’s expression grew cold. His gaze became deep and calm, which only made the attendant more anxious, more frightened than when Lin Hao had threatened his life.

“Senior Brother, I—” the attendant stammered, his body trembling.

Qingyun didn’t bother with his excuses. With a flick of his sleeve, the attendant was sent flying into the wall by the door. He landed with a heavy thud, coughing up a mouthful of blood. Attempting to stand, he looked to Qingyun, hoping to beg for mercy.

But Qingyun spoke coldly, “Someone, take him away. Assign him to the lowest servant quarters. I never want to see him again.”

At Qingyun’s command, two men immediately came from outsid