"Ying Young Master!"

The man’s expression slightly trembled. After all, Yingchen Wen was a scion of a renowned aristocratic family, someone of a status far beyond what a small place like Tianxiang Study Hall could hope to accommodate!

Even the mere presence of Yingchen Wen here had already been enough to astonish everyone at Tianxiang Study Hall!

But now, here came someone who dared to directly call Yingchen Wen by name!

Looking at Ye Luo’s attire, though plain, his entourage was clearly extraordinary, so the man dared not obstruct him.

"Yes, yes, Ying Young Master just entered not long ago. If you wish to meet him, I would be honored to lead the way!"

Ye Luo understood; this was Tianxiang Study Hall’s way of ensuring order. After all, Yingchen Wen’s unique status meant that if anything were to happen to him here, the entire study hall would likely be doomed!

Thus, despite his apprehension toward Ye Luo, the man proactively offered to guide him, partly to keep an eye on him.

Of course, Ye Luo couldn’t care less. With a casual wave of his hand, he motioned for the man to lead the way.

Soon enough, Ye Luo was led to a grand hall.

Inside the hall were dozens of disciples from Tianxiang Study Hall, but their expressions betrayed the fact they could only simmer with anger, impotent and subdued.

As it turned out, Yingchen Wen had come to Tianxiang Study Hall multiple times with the singular, brazen purpose of pursuing the beautiful female mentor here. However, after failing to win her over, his patience had worn thin. In his eyes, Tianxiang Study Hall was nothing more than a trifling establishment unworthy of his regard.

Today, regardless of whether the female mentor agreed or resisted, Yingchen Wen brazenly sought to force her into leaving with him!

At this moment, a dozen of Yingchen Wen’s followers surrounded the hall, flaunting their magical treasures and subduing everyone present. Full of sinister delight, Yingchen Wen stood before the mentor, boasting excessively. "Mentor, I harbor true affection for you. If you accept me, anything you desire will be yours! Your family dreams of running study halls, doesn’t it? With but a word from me, forget one—you’ll have hundreds without issue!"

"Yingchen Wen, mind your conduct! I am your mentor. If you no longer wish to study here at Tianxiang Study Hall, you’re free to leave. No one is keeping you!"

Zhuo Tianxiang’s face burned with restrained anger. She understood Yingchen Wen’s background all too well. Unfortunately, her father had been seduced by the lure of Yingchen Wen’s influence and disregarded her warnings, insisting on admitting him!

Regrettably, Yingchen Wen’s addition had brought not growth but decline to the study hall, driving away many other students.

Even more infuriating was the fact Yingchen Wen hadn’t joined the study hall for training at all—his objective had been her all along!

Zhuo Tianxiang had no clue when this arrogant scion had first laid eyes on her, but one thing was evident: this situation would be near impossible to resolve!

Past attempts had been relatively minor; Yingchen Wen had, at least, feigned gentlemanly decorum, retreating each time he was rejected. But now, for reasons she couldn’t fathom, Yingchen Wen intended to resort to force!

"Mentor, what are you saying? How could I ever bear to leave you? I merely intend to return to my family’s domain soon. Mentor, deep down, surely you have feelings for me too, don’t you? A romantic gentleman such as myself must have kept many young women awake through sleepless nights!"

"Fear not, mentor—today, I’ll take you back with me. Though the title of my principal wife may be out of reach for you, becoming a consort bride is definitely within your grasp!"

Yingchen Wen shamelessly teased Zhuo Tianxiang and, as he spoke, dared to reach his hand toward her face!

...

"You shall not insult our mentor!"

Suddenly, one of the younger disciples stood up. Judging by his age, he wouldn’t yet be twenty, and his martial abilities were clearly abysmal.

Zhuo Tianxiang’s expression shifted instantly, as she admonished the student, "Sit down! When the mentor is speaking, when did it become your place to interrupt?"

Zhuo Tianxiang knew well that to someone like Yingchen Wen, a mere student meant nothing—neither he nor the entirety of Tianxiang Study Hall was worthy of his regard. Today, even if he killed that student, there would be no repercussions, merely compensation paid to bury the matter!

She had hoped her rebuke would quash Yingchen Wen’s inclination to harm the student.

But Yingchen Wen was far above playing by such rules.

Turning toward the student, his lips curled into a sneer. "Oh? A dog dares to lecture me? Who gave you permission to stand up?"

"Boom!"

Without warning, one of Yingchen Wen’s followers struck out, shattering both the student’s legs!

It was evident the follower deliberately held back, intending only to cripple the student temporarily for Yingchen Wen to toy with him further!

Yingchen Wen, reveling in the student’s agony, was overtaken with glee.

"Dogs like you—I could end your life as easily as squashing a bug. If you value your life, shut your filthy mouth. For this study hall—which belongs to my beloved mentor—I wouldn’t want to shed blood here and upset her!"

Dozens of students seethed with frustration but dared not speak!

Fight back? They were powerless!

Compete in influence? The Yingchen Family was an aristocratic dynasty, unreachable to the likes of them!

Yingchen Wen wasn’t wrong—these low-born disciples were indeed ants in his eyes.

Suddenly, the faint sound of clapping resonated through the hall!

All eyes turned to find a young man entering, softly applauding as he strode forward.

"What overwhelming arrogance! Seems I’ve walked into quite the spectacle today!"

Who else could the newcomer be but Ye Luo?

None of Ye Luo’s Imperial Guards entered the hall with him. He knew their presence might scare Yingchen Wen into submission, and this time, Ye Luo had specifically come to stir trouble. If Yingchen Wen didn’t resist, Ye Luo’s visit would amount to nothing.

Indeed, upon noticing Ye Luo’s modest attire, Yingchen Wen immediately displayed disdain!

"Another dog has come to throw himself to death, eh? What’s with the dawdling? Take this dog and throw him out for me!"

Yingchen Wen barked loudly.

Little did he know that this brazen remark had already provided Ye Luo with ample leverage!

Dog? Wasn’t that a disappointment? Yingchen Wen’s insults, among all curses, had to choose such a fatal one?

Who was Ye Luo?

None other than the legitimate Ninth Prince of the Great Tang Empire!

A distinguished member of the Imperial Family, officially listed in the Royal Family registry!

Calling him a dog was tantamount to slandering the entire Royal Family!

Ye Luo’s lips curled into a subtle smile. How convenient—this fool had delivered himself straight into his hands without any effort!