CHAPTER 853: CHAPTER 853: PLAYING DUMB TO OUTSMART ENEMIES, REVENGE IS SWEET

Mu Hanyan then realized that next year would be the triennial competition of the Eight Great Families, and she certainly knew what this competition meant. Different rankings would mean different statuses for the families, and the resources they obtain would also differ. This competition could very well influence the future prosperity or decline of the Mu Family.

Mo Qingkuang probably returned to the Mo Family for this reason too.

Such a big matter, yet her grandfather hadn’t told her, and even her parents hadn’t mentioned it. Clearly, they didn’t want to place too much pressure on her.

Thinking of the elders’ care for her, Mu Hanyan was silently moved, and she made up her mind: No matter what, she would give her all in next year’s competition to surprise her grandfather and parents.

"Master Shen, how exactly is this competition conducted?" Mu Hanyan asked.

"I’m not sure about that. The method of competition varies each time, it’s decided by discussion among the Eight Great Families. However, no matter how the competition is held, it’s sure to be closely related to one’s cultivation prowess," Shen Moce replied.

Turns out the method of competition is different each time. Mu Hanyan had originally wanted to prepare in advance, but now she didn’t know where to start. Nevertheless, Shen Moce was right; no matter how it’s held, it’s undoubtedly inseparable from cultivation prowess, so she decided to focus diligently on enhancing her cultivation.

Seeing that it was getting late, Shen Moce and his group voluntarily headed to Nanyan Commerce to fulfill their promise.

Mu Hanyan crossed paths with Che Xiang and instructed him to entertain the masters well, then led Huayue and the others to a restaurant. Initially, she planned a banquet for Shen Moce and the group, but having just learned the Star Illusion Thousand Machine Technique, they didn’t want to waste time on eating and drinking.

Han Yunyun had just witnessed Mu Hanyan’s incredible Star Divination Technique, especially seeing the well-known Star Divination Masters from the Capital showing great respect to her honorary brother, which made her admire Mu Hanyan greatly. She chatted excitedly throughout the journey, her little face flushed with excitement.

"Yunyun, we can talk about what happened among ourselves, but don’t broadcast it to others," Mu Hanyan said.

"Why not? If others knew how amazing Brother Han Yan is, who wouldn’t be shocked? You’d soon become the number one Divine Fortune Teller in the Capital, and the money would come rolling in," Han Yunyun asked, her eyes sparkling with golden stars as she spoke about making money.

It seemed that this little girl was quite the little miser.

Mu Hanyan was about to explain, but Han Yunyun patted her head and realized, "I get it, Brother Han Yan is worried about hurting the pride of those old folks, and they might not support the Chamber of Commerce properly, right?"

"Good that you understand," Mu Hanyan patted Han Yunyun’s small head with a sense of relief, impressed by her insight despite her young age.

In fact, there was another reason. Mo Yanlin had excellent talent, almost too extraordinary. However, his mind was somewhat unstable, sometimes lucid and sometimes confused. If word got out, it might lead to trouble for him.

With next year’s ranking competition of the Eight Great Families looming, anything could happen for the sake of family interests. She didn’t want to bring harm to Mo Yanlin.

What Mu Hanyan could think of, Shen Moce and the others naturally could too. Even if they sincerely admired Mu Hanyan and didn’t find it dishonorable to lose to him, they didn’t mind speaking out. But to keep the Mo Family’s secret, they wouldn’t talk about today’s events.

If they ruined a major matter for the Mo Family and angered Mo Qingkuang, it wouldn’t be something they could bear.

As they talked, they had arrived at Yingfeng Building, reputedly the best restaurant in the Capital. It’s patronized solely by the royal family, family elites, wealthy merchants, and nobility. It’s said that a meal can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of silver taels. Mu Hanyan and Ye Lanfeng had been to several restaurants, but not this one.

Of course, with the Eldest Young Master Mu treating everyone to a meal, having said he would treat them to the best, he wouldn’t bat an eye at spending this amount of silver. Having not been here before, they might as well enjoy it.

"Welcome, please come in." A servant at the door approached as soon as he saw Mu Hanyan and her group.

Although his attitude was enthusiastic, there was a clear hint of disdain in his eyes. Accustomed to meeting wealthy elites, he didn’t pay much attention to Mu Hanyan and her group’s plain clothing, but since they were guests, he dared not be overtly dismissive or drive them away.

Mu Hanyan noticed the servant’s contempt but didn’t take it to heart. Having lived through two lives, she had encountered many such snobbish people and didn’t want to waste energy dealing with such foolishness. Generally, such absurd individuals do not meet a good end anyway.

Entering the restaurant, Mu Hanyan noticed it had two levels; the downstairs hall was elegantly decorated. The diners spoke softly as they ate, listening to the music playing behind them and composing poetry to its rhythm. Although there was a bit of pretentiousness, it did add a touch of elegance.

"The best private room, lead the way." The Big Playboy Mu was hosting thanks to a friendly sponsorship of one million taels. How could they not enjoy themselves?

"Distinguished guests, private rooms cost extra silver taels, and the better they are, the more expensive," the servant reminded them, with a look of disdain, thinking to himself: Where did these upstart bumpkins come from, daring to pretend to be wealthy in the Capital?

"Just lead the way. Why so much nonsense?" Jiang Yuzhe glared, exuding an air of arrogance typical of playboys.

If he hadn’t spoken, Mu Hanyan almost forgot that this guy was a playboy among playboys too.

"This way, please." The servant, unhappy with Jiang Yuzhe’s glare but not daring to talk back, led them to the private rooms, silently cursing them as bumpkins who didn’t know the cost of the best rooms, thinking they could show off in the Capital. They’d be crying if they can’t settle the bill later.

Soon, the group arrived at the private booth, labeled as number one under the heavens.

"What would you like to eat, esteemed guests? Our best dishes are..." Just as Mu Hanyan and the others sat down, the servant asked.

"Bring us your best dishes and finest wine," Mu Hanyan interrupted him. Since she hadn’t been here before, she had no idea what to order, so she might as well go with the best.

Treating guests, Big Playboy Mu had a habit of squandering money.

"Esteemed guests, our finest dishes and wine aren’t cheap," the servant said coldly, casting a frosty glance at Mu Hanyan.

"What, are you afraid we can’t pay?" Jiang Yuzhe snapped, ready to unleash his playboy temper.

"Of course not, but if you can’t pay, leaving this place won’t be so easy," the servant replied sarcastically.

"Courting death!" Jiang Yuzhe, once known as a tyrant in Xiaoyang City, was infuriated that even a mere servant would dare disrespect him, ready to slap him.

Mu Hanyan gently stopped Jiang Yuzhe’s hand. Although she despised this servant’s arrogance, she had no interest in getting physical; it would undermine her status as Big Playboy Mu.

With individuals like him, getting physical was belittling, too straightforward and violent, without any satisfaction. It’s much more gratifying to play the long game and settle scores later. Still, could this so-called best restaurant in the Capital really endure long-term with such an obtuse waiter?

"Just go and bring the dishes. Whether we can pay is none of your concern," Mu Hanyan said calmly.

Upon seeing Jiang Yuzhe almost take action, the servant’s heart was filled with resentment. He huffed but said nothing more, turning to leave.

Hmph, wanting the best dishes and wine, are you? Fine, as you wish. When you can’t pay, see how you manage to leave! A smirk crept onto the servant’s face.

Soon, the dishes were served.

Mu Hanyan and her group ignored the servant’s faint sneer and began eating with enthusiasm.

One must say, Yingfeng Building indeed deserved its reputation as the best restaurant in the Capital. The dishes were a feast for the senses, and the wine was aromatic and long-lasting, leaving everyone satisfied.

Han Yunyun, in particular, ate with relish, constantly praising the food.

As she sipped her wine, Mu Hanyan casually glanced out the window, noticing a group swaggering toward the restaurant. To her surprise, one of the leaders was an acquaintance.

Qu Fengting, this guy is still alive!

As Mu Hanyan looked over, Qu Fengting raised his head and spotted Mu Hanyan, his face immediately turning cold.

Their gazes met, like four long swords sparking an invisible killing intent.

The last time at the Exotic Beast Valley, Qu Fengting deceived the young elites of the families into working for him to open the Qiongqi Temple. Just as it was about to succeed, the plan fell apart when Beast Taming Sword Saint Xia Youchen dragged him back.

Unfortunately, Beast Taming Sword Saint’s luck wasn’t great either, being overwhelmed by an unhatched Auspicious Beast Egg. In the end, he had to rely on Qu Fengting’s Alchemy Artifact to escape.

Since then, Mu Hanyan hadn’t heard from Qu Fengting and assumed he had already perished at Xia Youchen’s hands, only to find him alive and well. It seems Xia Youchen kept his word and spared him.

That old man, clearly not a good person, yet pretending to be honest. Why not just stab him with a sword? Mu Hanyan held deep disdain for Xia Youchen’s hypocritical conduct of wanting to appear virtuous while committing misdeeds.

For someone like Qu Fengting, ruthless and unscrupulous, Mu Hanyan despised him deeply. She wasn’t one to kill indiscriminately, but with Qu Fengting, she was keen to eliminate him.

Unfortunately, this was the Capital, in public view, so she really couldn’t make a move.

Moreover, Mu Hanyan could sense that this guy had already advanced to the Sword Master Realm, and even she couldn’t fully discern his strength. If they were to fight, she was confident in defeating Qu Fengting, but if he chose to flee, she might not be able to stop him.

Forget it, I’ll find another opportunity later. Mu Hanyan retracted her gaze.

True, Mu Hanyan wanted to finish Qu Fengting quickly, and Qu Fengting was just as eager to see Mu Hanyan torn to pieces.