My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 312: Chapter 160: Seeking Alms

Xue Yi appeared quite welcoming, inviting Qin Fang to take a seat and personally pouring him wine.

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow. Xue Yi had already lifted his cup with a smile. "Brother Qin, allow me to toast you first. Thank you for helping me vent some frustration."

"Oh? And what frustration might that be?" Qin Fang asked with a look of surprise.

"HAHAHA! Brother Qin, you’ve clearly figured it out. Why feign ignorance?"

Xue Yi laughed heartily. "To be honest, the Xue Family and the Shen Family are at odds. I’ve had plenty of friction with that Shen Han myself. But for the sake of the Martial Arts Examination, my family told me to restrain myself, so I usually can’t be bothered to bicker with him... However, I thoroughly enjoyed the show you put on. That brat is always so arrogant, with that high-and-mighty act... Now that he’s been knocked down to C Courtyard, I’d like to see how he can keep being so cocky! HAHAHA..."

It was clear that Xue Yi and Shen Han were truly at odds. He was overjoyed at Shen Han’s misfortune.

A glint flashed in Qin Fang’s eyes as he smiled. "So, Shen Han has been pulled from his pedestal by a bumpkin like me? Has he become the laughingstock of the noble family circles?"

Xue Yi started to reply out of instinct, but he caught himself and chuckled. "Brother Qin, what are you saying? You’re already a Huajin Martial Artist at such a young age, and you’ve even entered the Martial Arts Third Realm. In the face of such Talent, I’m truly humbled. And what’s all this about a humble birth? Go back a few hundred or a few thousand years—who among us wasn’t a commoner? It’s as they say: a hero’s origins are irrelevant! How can you belittle yourself like that, Brother Qin?"

He smiled in admiration. "In two more months, when the Martial Arts Examination begins, Brother Qin will surely astound everyone, soar to great heights, and claim one of those twelve seats. Who knows? Once you’re on the inside, I might even need to rely on you to look out for me, Brother Qin."

"Oh? You think so highly of me, Brother Xue?" Qin Fang asked with a look of surprise.

"Brother Qin’s strength is plain for all to see. It’s not just me who thinks so," Xue Yi said with a smile.

"If that’s truly the case... then I hope your auspicious words come to pass," Qin Fang said with a smile.

"HAHAHA! Come, let’s drink!"

"By all means."

The two began to eat and drink.

The two had no prior friendship and barely knew each other, but after a few drinks, they gradually warmed up.

This Xue Yi seemed like a carefree young noble, but his personality was so frank and his speech so direct that it was easy to take a liking to him.

At last, Xue Yi laughed and said, "Brother Qin, your forthright personality is really to my liking. We should get together more often. If you ever have any trouble, Brother Qin, just say the word. If it’s something I can do, I will absolutely get it done for you!"

Qin Fang, in the middle of a drink, raised an eyebrow at his words. A harmless smile spread across his face. "Brother Xue is a man of direct words, so I won’t beat around the bush... I have, in fact, come today to ask for something."

Xue Yi froze for a moment, then smiled. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Qin Fang smiled. "Actually, I’ve come Seeking Alms."

"Seek...ing Alms?"

Even someone like Xue Yi was taken aback.

But he quickly recovered with a laugh. "HAHAHA! Brother Qin, I may not have much, but I’m not lacking for ready cash... Name your price, Brother Qin."

"In that case... how about thirty-five thousand taels," Qin Fang said with a smile.

At these words, the smile froze on Xue Yi’s face. The maids and servants around him also subconsciously lifted their heads to stare at Qin Fang...

’Seeking Alms? Thirty-five thousand taels?’

’Even for a Noble Family’s Heir like Xue Yi, there’s no way he could just pull out such a huge sum of money on a whim!’

"Brother Qin... you must be joking, right?"

Xue Yi’s expression stiffened for a moment before he narrowed his eyes and gave a strained laugh.

"Does it look like I’m joking, Brother Xue?" Qin Fang, however, wasn’t smiling. He simply asked in a level voice.

Xue Yi’s face instantly went rigid. As he stared at Qin Fang’s expression, his own gaze began to darken.

The gazes of the maids and servants in attendance turned hostile...

But then, suddenly, Qin Fang burst out laughing, the sound growing louder and louder.

"HAHAHAHA! Of course I’m joking! No way... Brother Xue, you didn’t actually take me seriously, did you?"

Qin Fang was laughing so hard he seemed to be out of breath.

This abrupt change in demeanor left Xue Yi, whose gaze had turned cold just moments before, stunned. For a moment, he couldn’t quite process what was happening.

"Just a little joke, Brother Xue, don’t take it personally... Come on, let’s drink."

As if exhausted from laughing, Qin Fang raised his cup and gestured for Xue Yi to drink, acting as if he were the host.

This sudden switch from a cold expression to boisterous laughter made Xue Yi’s gaze flicker with uncertainty as he watched Qin Fang.

His expression was still stiff, but for some reason, he subconsciously accepted the cup offered to him.

Acting as if nothing had happened, Qin Fang started making small talk with Xue Yi again, smiling all the while.

Xue Yi, however, couldn’t quite manage a smile. The man before him... Qin Fang... was starting to feel utterly unpredictable.

After forcing out a few more pleasantries, just as Xue Yi was wondering how to send Qin Fang on his way, Qin Fang himself put down his cup. He smiled at Xue Yi and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Xue. I’m afraid I can’t hold my liquor, so I’ll take my leave for today. Next time, it’ll be my treat. You must do me the honor of attending, Brother Xue."

He acted as if nothing at all was amiss.

Hearing this, Xue Yi felt a wave of relief, as if he’d been granted a pardon. He forced a smile and stood up. "Nonsense... Brother Qin, you should... come by more often..."

"I will, I will. Farewell."

Qin Fang smiled, offered a few more pleasantries, and even greeted several of the maids and servants before sauntering out of the courtyard.

The moment the courtyard gate closed, the stiff expression on Xue Yi’s face completely collapsed, and his brow furrowed deeply.

"That Qin Fang... So incredibly rude!"

A maid, only now daring to speak, muttered under her breath.

But Xue Yi’s brows remained tightly knitted, his gaze flickering.

’...What did he come here for?’

’At first, I thought it was just a casual visit to get acquainted.’

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