Upon arriving at the market, Xiao Yan eagerly began spending his money. Kurumi and Xun'er were happy to relax. Being in the Xiao Clan's market meant that with many Xiao Clan servants around, no one dared to act too recklessly toward the Xiao Clan members.
Wutan City's markets were divided among the three prominent families, and disputes usually involved only a few market stalls. The streets were bustling with vendors, and many mercenaries sought medicinal powders to heal injuries. High-quality pills were reserved for the strongest mercenaries, while others settled for whatever they could afford.
Xun'er, holding Kurumi's hand, wandered through the market. Seeing the two beautiful girls walking side by side caught many eyes, and some bold individuals even considered approaching them. However, seeing the Xiao Clan attendants behind them quickly dissuaded any such thoughts.
But troublemakers are always around. A tall, skinny youth with a group of cronies noticed them, and his eyes lit up. He wore a flashy robe adorned with gold and silver magic cores, looking rather garish. His curly hair and thin mustache gave him a pretentious look. One might mistake him for a gentleman if not for his predatory gaze.
"Young ladies, what brings you to the market today?" the youth asked.
Kurumi glanced at him and immediately recognized him as a young wastrel drained by excessive indulgence. This must be Jia Lie Ao, the cannon fodder character from the original story. She always found his name amusing.
Jia Lie Ao was thrilled to see the beautiful girls. He initially approached because he saw Xun'er, but the stunning girl beside her caught his eye even more. Kurumi's figure and enchanting wine-red eyes captivated him.
Xun'er frowned. This was not her first encounter with Jia Lie Ao's harassment, but her mild nature had always deterred her from causing a scene, which only encouraged him further.
"Miss Xun'er, who is this?" Jia Lie Ao asked, trying to sound polite.
"My sister," Xun'er replied curtly.
"Oh, I see. No wonder she looks so much like you, both equally beautiful," Jia Lie Ao said, eyeing Kurumi with greedy admiration. He had never seen such a captivating beauty.
His cronies quickly surrounded Kurumi, Xun'er, and their attendants. The street vendors remained silent while some mercenaries watched with interest. The more cautious ones went to inform the market guards.
Kurumi assessed Jia Lie Ao. His name was well-known in the original story as a typical antagonist. His presence here was laughable. Xun'er, holding Kurumi's hand tightly, wished to avoid trouble, but she also despised the lecherous youth before her.
"Jia Lie Ao, please step aside. My sister and I wish to go elsewhere," Xun'er said, her voice firm.
Feeling the necklace in his hand, Jia Lie Ao decided against presenting it. The appearance of Kurumi, Xun'er's sister, had changed his plans. The thought of winning over both sisters was tantalizing.
"I just visited the market. Why not join me, ladies?" Jia Lie Ao suggested with a smile.
"Hey!"
A hand suddenly grabbed Jia Lie Ao's shoulder, startling him. He turned to see Xiao Yan, accompanied by numerous Xiao Clan enforcers.
Jia Lie Ao's cronies were quickly separated, which disadvantaged him. Trying to maintain his composure, he tucked the necklace into his pocket.
"Oh, it's you, the one who got rejected by Nalan Yanran. Here to patrol the market?" Jia Lie Ao sneered. His cronies laughed loudly, creating a tense atmosphere.
Xiao Yan smiled, showing his white teeth. "Jia Lie Ao, have you forgotten whose territory this is?"
Jia Lie Ao's unhealthy complexion turned even paler. Xiao Yan ordered, "Disable the troublemakers, cut off their arms!"
"You dare!" Jia Lie Ao yelled.
"Why wouldn't I?" Xiao Yan retorted.
Enraged, Jia Lie Ao challenged, "Xiao Yan, if you have guts, fight me one-on-one!"
"Oh~" Xiao Yan feigned surprise, then mocked, "Jia Lie Ao, you..."
"Boom!"
Without warning, Jia Lie Ao was engulfed in pitch-black flames. The intense heat forced Xiao Yan back. A cold voice rang out, "Ant!"
The market fell silent. Jia Lie Ao was instantly reduced to ashes by the dark flames. A black-clad youth with flaming wings hovered in the sky above, watching.
"Dou... Dou Wang!" Those familiar with cultivation levels were shocked.
Kurumi frowned. The black flames had been dangerously close, though her Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame had easily blocked them. This figure was not in the original story.
Looking up, Kurumi saw the youth, around Xiao Yan's age, with wings formed from Dou Qi and flame, indicating he was a Dou Wang.
The flame emblem on his forehead made her think of the Yan Clan, one of the ancient clans. The black flames were the Eighth Destruction Flame, ranked sixth on the Heavenly Flame list.
Could this be Huo Xuan?
As Kurumi speculated, the youth retracted his wings and descended toward them.