Chapter 137: He’s Not My Boyfriend!
External Strength Master? Is he that impressive?
Tian Boguang and his disciple’s comments were aimed squarely at Lin Mu, and Lin Mu’s counterattack was equally sharp. As a result, Tian Boguang’s expression instantly grew grim.
"Kid, it seems you’re tired of living!" Xiao Wu said, looking at Lin Mu with a glacial gaze. "Who do you think you are to speak to my master like that?"
Lin Mu looked at him indifferently. "And who are you to speak to me like that?"
Stung by Lin Mu’s retort, Xiao Wu could only stammer, "You..."
Tian Boguang sneered, "What a sharp-tongued brat."
He turned to Guan Chengye and said, "Elder Guan, what’s your call?"
He was forcing Guan Chengye to take a stand.
Guan Chengye replied with a wry smile, "Master Tian, how about you do me a favor? Let’s all take a step back."
Tian Boguang snorted coldly, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked away, completely ignoring Guan Chengye.
His disciple, however, spoke up. "It’s not impossible for my master to take a step back. Just have this kid apologize to him. Otherwise, we’re not sticking around to help!"
Xiao Wu’s demeanor was arrogant, his tone cold. This was a threat.
Guan Jiaojiao was not having it. Although she was somewhat annoyed with Lin Mu, that was a private matter between them. She wouldn’t stand by and watch an outsider humiliate him like this.
"What are you so proud of? Why should Lin Mu apologize? You don’t want to help? As if we want your help anyway!" Guan Jiaojiao huffed coldly, completely unfazed that her words made Tian Boguang’s eyes darken instantly.
"Guan Jiaojiao, shut your mouth! You have no say here!" Guan Feifei’s expression changed as he immediately scolded her.
Tian Boguang was an expert invited by their grandfather. If she angered him and he left, would their grandfather have to get on stage himself at the River City martial meet? What would be left of the Guan Family’s reputation then?
Tian Boguang’s skills weren’t weak. Plus, having lived in Lingcheng for years, he knew countless masters of the Martial Way. With him present, their chance of success at the River City martial meet was at least sixty percent. As for Lin Mu, while Guan Feifei respected him, it wasn’t to the same degree as his grandfather. Therefore, he still hoped both sides could sit down and talk things over calmly instead of creating a conflict.
"I didn’t say anything wrong," Guan Jiaojiao said indignantly. "Grandpa hasn’t even said anything. Why are you yelling at me?"
Guan Chengye felt a headache coming on. He looked at Lin Mu and asked, "Master Lin, what are your thoughts?"
Lin Mu smiled. "I’ll leave it to Elder Guan."
After all, he had to give the old man some face.
Guan Chengye gave Lin Mu a grateful look, then said to Tian Boguang, "Master Tian, can we just let this matter drop?"
"Let it drop? Elder Guan, I, Tian Boguang, may not be some Martial Arts Grandmaster, but I have some standing in Lingcheng. If this kid doesn’t give me a proper explanation today... then you can handle this River City martial meet on your own!"
Having said that, Tian Boguang left with a flick of his sleeve.
Before leaving, Xiao Wu made a threatening gesture at Lin Mu. "Kid, we’ll see about this!"
After Tian Boguang and his group had left, Guan Chengye said, "Alright, let’s go."
"Grandpa, are we really just going to let Master Tian leave like that?" Guan Feifei asked worriedly.
Guan Chengye glanced at him. "What else do you suggest?"
Before Guan Feifei could respond, Guan Chengye continued, "He’s just a mere External Power Martial Artist. How can he presume to call himself a master? In my eyes, ten of Tian Boguang wouldn’t be a match for a single Master Lin."
"Ten of them, huh?" Guan Jiaojiao winked at Lin Mu.
In response, Lin Mu just gave a faint smile and said nothing.
"Master Lin, let’s go inside and rest for a bit," Guan Chengye said.
Lin Mu was about to agree when he suddenly changed his mind. "No need, you all go ahead. I plan to wander around a bit."
Since he was already here, he wanted to experience the local culture of Wufeng Town. Besides, he thought he had just run into someone he knew.
"How about I send someone to accompany you, Master Lin?" Guan Feifei suggested.
Guan Jiaojiao quickly interjected, "No need, no need! I’ll go with Lin Mu. I happen to need to buy some things anyway."
Guan Feifei said, "Don’t be ridiculous. You’ve never been to Wufeng Town. You’re completely unfamiliar with the place, so how can you act as a guide?"
"Lin Mu just said he wanted to wander around," Guan Jiaojiao replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Why would he need a guide for that?"
Seeing that Guan Feifei was about to argue further, Guan Jiaojiao said impatiently, "Oh, brother, would you stop being so annoying? I’m not a child. Besides, with Master Lin here, I won’t be in any danger."
Lin Mu was a Martial Arts Grandmaster, after all. Who would dare bother her? At that thought, Guan Jiaojiao felt a surge of excitement.
"How about this," Guan Chengye suggested. "We’ll have Bing’er accompany them."
Guan Feifei nodded and sent someone to fetch Bing’er. She was the daughter of one of his subordinates and usually handled some business in Wufeng Town. As a local, she was very familiar with the area.
A short while later, a young woman in her twenties with a delicate appearance came over. Her demeanor was shy and reserved.
"Master Lin, to be honest, the people of Wufeng Town can be a bit xenophobic. Having Bing’er with you can help avoid some unnecessary trouble," Guan Chengye explained.
"That’s fine," Lin Mu naturally wouldn’t refuse and nodded in agreement.
Thus, Lin Mu and Guan Jiaojiao began their leisurely stroll through the town, with Bing’er leading the way. The town was surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful scenery. The air was fresh, as the area had been largely untouched by development.
Guan Jiaojiao’s mood improved instantly. She stretched lazily and said, "It would be nice to live here forever. You could enjoy the breeze, bask in the sun, and when you have free time, go hiking or have a barbecue. That would be great."
Lin Mu said, "That’s just the novelty of it talking. You wouldn’t be able to stand it for long."
The young woman named Bing’er nodded, casting an envious glance at Guan Jiaojiao. Compared to the rich young lady from the big city, she felt like a country bumpkin. Her skin wasn’t fair nor was her face delicate; she worked outside often, leaving her with a tan. She wholeheartedly agreed with Lin Mu’s words.
Guan Jiaojiao balled her small fist. "I was just saying. Do you have to argue with everything?"
Lin Mu shook his head, not bothering to quibble with her, and continued his leisurely walk through the town, which only made Guan Jiaojiao huff in annoyance.
Bing’er smiled gently. "Miss, I really envy the relationship you and your boyfriend have."
Guan Jiaojiao’s face went blank. "Who said he’s my boyfriend?" she retorted. "Hmph, what nonsense!"
Despite her words, she stole a glance at Lin Mu, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Bing’er grew flustered. "I’m so sorry, Miss. I didn’t realize."
Guan Jiaojiao gave a magnanimous wave of her hand. "It’s fine, I don’t blame you. After all, plenty of people like me."
Bing’er said with envy, "Of course. A young lady as beautiful as you must be very popular."
Guan Jiaojiao said, "Oh, don’t call me Miss. Just call me Jiaojiao."
"Alright, Miss."
Guan Jiaojiao: "..."