THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Chapter Ninety-Three — Those Who Humiliate Others Will One Day Be Humiliated Themselves

How was this possible?

Xiao Dandan stared blankly at the torn crimson cloth drifting through the air.

Complete shock filled her eyes.

Nobody understood Lin Tianyu’s abilities better than she did.

Among the Seven Houses—

Merry Forest had always been known as the Family of Wind.

Within the entire Tianyu Empire—

Their movement techniques ranked first.

And Lin Tianyu himself had abandoned raw power entirely in exchange for extreme speed.

Even peak Bone Tempering cultivators struggled matching him.

Only true Heaven Profound experts possessed the qualifications to compete with his movement techniques.

Yet now—

A mere first-layer Bone Tempering cultivator had surpassed him directly in speed.

Impossible.

Absolutely impossible.

Meanwhile—

Lin Tianyu himself stood frozen completely.

Disbelief flooded his face.

As for Dong Tianba and the others—

Their jaws had already dropped completely.

Especially Dong Tianba.

He had known Song Yu for years.

Never in his dreams had he imagined this worthless drinking companion hiding such terrifying ability.

The entire marketplace fell silent.

Nobody even breathed.

Everyone simply stared toward Zhuo Fan standing proudly before the crowd.

Then—

A wicked smile slowly curled across Zhuo Fan’s lips.

He raised the torn red cloth casually before his face.

And inhaled deeply.

“Mm…”

“As expected from a disciple of Blossom Rain Tower.”

“The fragrance truly differs from ordinary women.”

“I doubt I’ll ever forget this scent.”

Xiao Dandan’s cheeks instantly flushed red.

Then she glared at him furiously.

Meanwhile—

Lin Tianyu’s face twisted completely.

His blood nearly boiled from rage.

This bastard…

He actually dared flirt with his future wife publicly?

Before everyone?

It was equivalent to slapping his face repeatedly in front of the entire city.

Too arrogant.

Far too arrogant.

Yet Zhuo Fan merely glanced toward him casually.

Then—

Before anyone could react—

He suddenly appeared directly before Xiao Dandan again.

WHOOSH!

One arm wrapped tightly around her waist instantly.

“AH!”

Xiao Dandan cried out involuntarily.

Her body stiffened immediately.

She instinctively attempted resisting—

But Zhuo Fan’s physical strength completely suppressed her movements.

She couldn’t move even slightly.

“H-Hey!”

“What are you doing?!”

Lin Tianyu roared furiously.

Zhuo Fan merely raised one brow toward him mockingly.

Then lowered his head beside Xiao Dandan’s ear.

“Miss Dandan…”

“I’m different from your cowardly fiancé.”

“When I deal with women…”

“…I’ve always been rough.”

His warm breath brushed lightly across her ear.

Xiao Dandan’s face instantly turned scarlet.

For some reason—

Though furious—

Her heartbeat suddenly accelerated uncontrollably.

Lin Tianyu usually treated her carefully and obediently.

Like worshipping a goddess.

But Zhuo Fan—

This man treated her completely differently.

Wild.

Domineering.

Dangerous.

And somehow—

That unfamiliar feeling sent a strange thrill through her entire body.

“You bastard!”

“Let go of her!”

Lin Tianyu’s killing intent exploded completely.

But Zhuo Fan only tightened his grip further deliberately.

Xiao Dandan cried out softly again.

That delicate trembling sound instantly caused countless men in the crowd to swallow hard unconsciously.

Even several women blushed heavily.

Meanwhile—

Lin Tianyu’s face had already turned green from rage.

Zhuo Fan smirked coldly.

“Why so angry?”

“Wasn’t this your game first?”

“The winner takes everything.”

“The loser gets nothing.”

“If you win…”

“…both women belong to you.”

“But if you lose…”

His eyes drifted lazily toward Xiao Dandan.

Then he leaned closer toward her ear again.

“Miss Dandan…”

“If I win…”

“…how about dumping this useless trash and following me instead?”

The words entered everyone’s ears clearly.

The crowd nearly exploded.

This wasn’t merely humiliating Lin Tianyu anymore.

This was publicly stealing his woman right in front of him.

And even worse—

Xiao Dandan’s face actually grew even redder afterward.

Then slowly—

Very slowly—

She nodded slightly.

Instantly—

The entire marketplace froze completely.

Even Lin Tianyu himself staggered backward slightly.

He felt like vomiting blood.

Everyone stared toward Zhuo Fan with expressions full of shock and admiration.

One minute.

Just one minute.

And this bastard had nearly seduced a Blossom Rain Tower disciple directly away from a Merry Forest heir.

What kind of terrifying womanizing ability was this?

Meanwhile—

Lin Tianyu’s eyes gradually turned bloodshot.

“You…”

“…you shameless adulterers…”

“You’re asking to die!”

Zhuo Fan burst into loud laughter immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can’t accept losing?”

Then his eyes suddenly turned cold.

“Those who humiliate others…”

“…will eventually be humiliated themselves.”

The next moment—

Lin Tianyu vanished again violently.

This time—

His speed increased even further.

Everyone’s vision blurred completely.

Clearly—

He’d finally gone all out.

“You bastard!”

“I’ll strip that bitch naked first…”

“…then kill you afterward!”

WHOOSH!

He instantly appeared before Dong Xiaowan again.

Yet—

PA!

A loud slap echoed across the marketplace.

Lin Tianyu flipped violently through the air once more.

Another swollen handprint appeared directly beside the previous one.

Before he even stabilized—

RIIIP!

Another tearing sound echoed behind him.

Xiao Dandan’s second layer of clothing shattered instantly.

Meanwhile—

Zhuo Fan remained hugging her waist casually.

As though he’d never moved at all.

“Miss Dandan.”

He smiled lazily.

“Wouldn’t you say your fiancé’s completely useless?”

Xiao Dandan bit her lip lightly.

Her face flushed intensely.

Yet strangely—

She didn’t resist anymore.

Seeing this—

Lin Tianyu finally lost his mind completely.

“Bitch!”

“You slut!”

“You’re enjoying this?!”

“Shut up.”

Xiao Dandan suddenly snapped coldly.

Her sharp eyes instantly narrowed dangerously.

“No matter what…”

“…I’m still your fiancée.”

“And yet you’re screaming insults at me publicly?”

Lin Tianyu froze instantly.

Only now did he realize something terrifying.

The more furious he became—

The calmer Zhuo Fan became.

And somehow—

The situation itself had gradually shifted completely out of his control.

Originally—

He intended humiliating Dong Xiaowan publicly.

But now—

The entire crowd looked at him like a pathetic clown instead.

Meanwhile—

Zhuo Fan had stolen every bit of attention effortlessly.

Even Xiao Dandan herself seemed unconsciously drawn toward him.

At that moment—

For the first time—

Real panic surfaced inside Lin Tianyu’s eyes.

Unfortunately—

It was already too late.

WHOOSH!

Lin Tianyu charged again desperately.

But this time—

Zhuo Fan’s eyes suddenly flashed with cold killing intent.

No more games.

BOOM!

Thunder exploded violently beneath his feet.

The next moment—

Zhuo Fan vanished instantly.

Too fast.

Far too fast.

Lin Tianyu’s pupils contracted violently.

Then—

BANG!

A terrifying kick slammed directly into his ribs.

CRACK!

Several bones shattered instantly.

Lin Tianyu spat blood violently while crashing across the ground.

Before he could even rise—

Zhuo Fan had already appeared directly above him.

One foot pressed casually against his chest.

Completely pinning him down.

Lin Tianyu’s eyes widened in terror.

“How…”

“…how are you this fast?”

Zhuo Fan looked down at him coldly.

Then sneered.

“You abandoned everything for speed.”

“You sacrificed strength.”

“Defense.”

“Foundation.”

“You turned yourself into a cripple obsessed with one thing.”

His foot slowly increased pressure.

Lin Tianyu immediately screamed in pain.

“A true expert…”

“…never sacrifices everything for a single advantage.”

Then Zhuo Fan leaned down slightly.

And whispered beside his ear:

“You’re not fast.”

“You’re just weak.”

PFFT!

Lin Tianyu vomited another mouthful of blood instantly.

Complete despair filled his eyes.

Meanwhile—

The entire marketplace remained utterly silent.

Everyone understood one thing now.

The mysterious “Song Yu” standing before them…

…was a genuine monster.

 

Chapter Ninety-Four — Demonic Sound Soul Ensnarement

WHOOSH!

Two streams of emerald silk suddenly shot toward Zhuo Fan like lightning.

Zhuo Fan’s eyes narrowed instantly.

For a brief moment—

He considered dodging.

But then—

He abandoned the idea completely.

With the Thundercloud Wings fused into his body, even without fully deploying them, the explosive speed generated from lightning force already allowed him to surpass ordinary peak Bone Tempering cultivators.

That was still barely acceptable.

Still explainable.

But if a first-layer Bone Tempering cultivator suddenly displayed speed rivaling a Heaven Profound expert—

That would truly be monstrous.

And once that happened—

His identity would almost certainly be exposed.

So—

He gambled.

Zhuo Fan’s expression remained calm as the emerald silk wrapped tightly around his body.

He didn’t resist at all.

The reason was simple.

He wanted everyone here believing one thing:

He was strong.

But not impossibly strong.

Not the kind of terrifying monster capable of slaughtering Heaven Profound experts while still remaining in Bone Tempering.

At the same time—

The second emerald ribbon wrapped tightly around Xiao Dandan’s exposed body, covering her figure completely.

Then—

A graceful figure slowly descended from the sky.

The moment the surrounding crowd saw her—

Everyone immediately lowered their heads respectfully.

Even Dong Tianba and Dong Xiaowan hurriedly bowed.

Zhuo Fan lifted his gaze calmly.

The newcomer appeared to be a woman in her early thirties.

Elegant.

Beautiful.

A thin veil covered half her face—

Yet failed hiding the mature grace radiating from her completely.

Combined with the pressure unique to a Heaven Profound expert—

She carried a natural aura of authority impossible ignoring.

The woman ignored everyone around her entirely.

Instead—

She walked directly toward Xiao Dandan and gently tapped one finger against the girl’s forehead.

HUMMMM.

A faint ripple of spiritual energy spread outward.

Xiao Dandan trembled slightly.

Then the unnatural flush across her face slowly faded.

“My head…”

“…what happened to me?”

She blinked blankly for a moment.

Then suddenly—

Memories flooded back into her mind instantly.

Her face turned scarlet again.

“I…”

“How could I possibly say those things?!”

The veiled woman sighed helplessly.

“Foolish girl.”

“You were manipulated and still failed noticing.”

Then—

Her eyes slowly shifted toward Zhuo Fan.

A sharp light flickered within them.

“Young man…”

“If you wish pursuing women from Blossom Rain Tower…”

“…then pursue them openly with your own abilities.”

“Using Demonic Sound Soul Ensnarement instead…”

“…isn’t that a little shameless?”

Zhuo Fan’s heart shook slightly.

Impressive.

This woman truly possessed broad knowledge.

Demonic Sound Soul Ensnarement specialized in disrupting another person’s consciousness and guiding their emotions subtly.

That was precisely how Zhuo Fan manipulated Xiao Dandan’s reactions earlier.

Among demonic cultivators—

This technique wasn’t especially rare.

But mastering it required extremely powerful soul strength.

Most demonic cultivators beneath Heaven Profound lacked the qualifications entirely.

Meanwhile—

Most Heaven Profound demonic cultivators considered the technique beneath them and refused bothering with it.

Thus—

Very few people in the current world could even recognize the technique.

Yet this woman identified it instantly.

Zhuo Fan studied her carefully.

Then slowly cupped his fists politely.

“Senior speaks correctly.”

“Unfortunately…”

“…I never intended pursuing Miss Dandan.”

“I merely wished teaching her a lesson.”

“Master Uncle!”

Xiao Dandan instantly exploded with anger.

“This bastard publicly humiliated me!”

“He clearly doesn’t respect Blossom Rain Tower at all!”

Tears already shimmered within her eyes.

But the veiled woman merely glanced at her coldly.

“Enough.”

“Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough already?”

Xiao Dandan immediately fell silent unwillingly.

Only then did the woman turn toward Dong Xiaowan instead.

With a gentle smile—

She personally draped another green silk robe over Dong Xiaowan’s body.

“Little girl…”

“Dandan was spoiled too heavily by her master.”

“After returning, I’ll discipline her properly.”

“So please…”

“…don’t take today’s matter to heart.”

Dong Xiaowan nearly panicked from shock.

“N-No…”

“This junior wouldn’t dare…”

The woman smiled faintly.

Then finally floated slowly back into the air.

The emerald ribbons instantly dragged Xiao Dandan and the unconscious Lin Tianyu upward together.

Yet before leaving—

Xiao Dandan still glared viciously toward Zhuo Fan.

As though wanting biting him alive.

Zhuo Fan didn’t care.

The only thing he cared about—

Was the subtle glance the veiled woman cast toward him before departing.

Almost imperceptible.

But impossible escaping his current soul perception.

Instantly—

A dangerous thought surfaced within his mind.

Has my identity already been exposed?

Zhuo Fan narrowed his eyes thoughtfully while staring toward the distant sky.

At that moment—

Dong Tianba rushed over excitedly with Dong Xiaowan and the four elders.

“Brother Song!”

“This time we truly owe you everything!”

“If not for you…”

“…our Dong Clan would’ve lost all face today!”

Then he cursed loudly.

“Damn it.”

“As expected…”

“…territory controlled by the Seven Houses really isn’t somewhere ordinary people can survive peacefully.”

Dong Xiaowan also lowered her head shyly.

“Thank you…”

“…Brother Song.”

Zhuo Fan barely reacted.

Instead—

His eyes remained fixed on the disappearing green figure above.

“That woman…”

“…who is she?”

Dong Tianba instantly grew serious.

“You mean her?”

“That’s the Tower Master of the First Tower among Blossom Rain Tower’s Fifteen Towers—”

“Qin Caiqing.”

“Also known as the Green Flower Tower Master.”

Then he sighed emotionally.

“We got lucky today.”

“Everyone says Tower Master Qin treats people fairly and never bullies weaker clans.”

“If it’d been the Peony Tower Master instead…”

“…we’d probably already be crippled.”

Zhuo Fan nodded slowly.

No wonder.

A Tower Master of Blossom Rain Tower naturally possessed extraordinary strength.

Then suddenly—

CRACK.

The emerald ribbon wrapped around Zhuo Fan shattered apart instantly beneath his physical strength.

Seeing this—

Dong Tianba and the others froze again.

“Brother Song…”

“That was personally sealed by Tower Master Qin.”

“It even contained Heaven Profound spiritual energy.”

“You actually broke it by force?!”

Dong Tianba stared at him like a monster.

Zhuo Fan burst into relaxed laughter immediately.

“Hahaha…”

“Our Song Clan may only be third-rate…”

“…but we still possess inherited treasures.”

Then he casually pulled out a small porcelain bottle.

“This is our clan’s secret Body Tempering Pill.”

“Without it…”

“…how could I possibly attend the Hundred Pill Gathering?”

Dong Tianba’s eyes widened instantly.

“A fourth-grade Body Tempering Pill?”

“That thing can make a first-layer Bone Tempering cultivator suppress seventh-layer Bone Tempering experts?”

“And even break Heaven Profound restraints?”

“That’s absurd!”

Zhuo Fan merely shrugged smugly.

“If it weren’t extraordinary…”

“…would it still qualify as our Song Clan’s secret inheritance?”

Dong Tianba and the others immediately stared toward the bottle with envy burning in their eyes.

Meanwhile—

Zhuo Fan laughed inwardly.

The Body Tempering Pill truly was only an ordinary fourth-grade pill.

Nothing more.

But at this point—

He needed some believable explanation hiding his real abilities.

Otherwise—

Things would become troublesome.

Especially after Qin Caiqing’s final glance.

The more Zhuo Fan thought about it—

The more uneasy he felt.

If she truly recognized him…

…then why not expose him publicly?

Could it be—

She feared fighting him directly and planned gathering reinforcements first?

If that was true—

Remaining near the Dong Clan would only drag them into danger.

Thus—

Zhuo Fan immediately cupped his fists toward Dong Tianba.

“Brother Dong.”

“I suddenly remembered an urgent matter.”

“So I’ll take my leave first.”

Dong Tianba froze.

“So suddenly?”

“I haven’t properly thanked you yet!”

But Zhuo Fan merely waved casually.

Then vanished into the crowded streets instantly.

Watching his disappearing figure—

Dong Tianba sighed deeply.

“Brother Song truly is a great man…”

“He helped us without asking anything in return.”

Then he looked toward his younger sister meaningfully.

“Xiaowan…”

“Regretting that broken engagement yet?”

“Brother!”

Dong Xiaowan blushed heavily.

Yet her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the direction Zhuo Fan disappeared.

A strange warmth flickered silently within them.

At the same time—

Inside the main guest hall of Blossom Rain Tower—

A beautiful woman dressed entirely in crimson sat calmly at the center seat.

Unlike Qin Caiqing—

This woman radiated seductive danger openly.

Even the veil across her face couldn’t hide her intoxicating charm.

Beside her—

A middle-aged man sat lazily stroking his thin mustache.

Yet his eyes constantly drifted toward the woman’s chest shamelessly.

The crimson-robed woman chuckled softly.

“Elder Lin…”

“You’ve stared at me this entire time.”

“Could it be…”

“…there’s something dirty on my body?”

The middle-aged man coughed awkwardly.

“Hahaha…”

“Tower Master Peony jokes too much.”

“I merely wondered why Blossom Rain Tower’s main tower master hasn’t appeared personally yet.”

“And instead sent you receiving guests.”

The Peony Tower Master smiled lazily.

“What?”

“Does Elder Lin find my hospitality insufficient?”

“You require our main tower master personally?”

“Hahaha…”

“Not at all.”

“Tower Master Peony’s hospitality is already perfect.”

At that moment—

A cold snort suddenly interrupted them.

“Hmph.”

“I came for the Hundred Pill Gathering.”

“Not to watch shameless flirting.”

Everyone immediately turned.

A red-haired old man sat on the opposite side coldly.

Murderous energy radiated naturally around him.

The Fifth Elder of Nether Valley.

“Interesting…”

Tower Master Peony smiled faintly.

“Why’s Elder Five so irritated today?”

“Could it be…”

“…Nether Valley still hasn’t recovered from losing three elders to one little monster?”

BOOM!

The red-haired elder slammed the table violently.

“Peony!”

“Watch your mouth!”

But before the atmosphere could fully explode—

Another loud laugh echoed through the hall suddenly.

“Hahaha!”

“So lively already?”

“If you two are planning a fight…”

“…then count this old man in too.”