Volume 4: Hidden Battles – Chapter 262: Endless Romance

As Chu Tianyu spoke these words, he realized what he had said. It was already too late to regret. Xue Ning’er’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her face full of longing. Her small hands instinctively grabbed Chu Tianyu’s clothes as she cooed sweetly, “Brother-in-law… can I go too? Please…?”
Hearing this, Chu Tianyu shuddered and said coldly, “Ning’er, I’m asking you as your brother-in-law—can you please stop speaking in such a drawn-out manner? And if possible, avoid a nasal tone. Otherwise, all I hear is ‘cold’!”
“Okay, I promise, brother-in-law. But if you say that, does it mean you agree to take me too?” Xue Ning’er asked, blinking mischievously.
“Fine, okay, I’ll take you. But someone will have to take care of you there!” Chu Tianyu replied irritably.
“Hehe, are you talking about my sister? She definitely won’t take care of me—she loves me the most! By the way, brother-in-law, if that’s the case, do Ni Ran and Zi Yi also coming?” Xue Ning’er asked, tilting her head.
Faced with her guesses, Chu Tianyu could only nod, looking impressed by her quick thinking.
“Oh!” Xue Ning’er cheered immediately, her excitement evident.
Chu Tianyu shook his head with a wry smile—really helpless with this little sister-in-law. But seeing her calm down and become lost in daydreams, he stopped being disturbed by her for now and returned to his earlier thoughts.
That was about the numerous experts possessing the energy of heaven and earth he had encountered. What was once a mysterious and hard-to-find opportunity had suddenly become worthless, as if anyone could master this art. This had put Chu Tianyu and even his master Wang Ru in an unprecedented state of tension at first.
Chu Tianyu’s decision to act alone was based on this concern. But now it seemed these experts, who appeared like mushrooms after rain and possessed the energy of heaven and earth, weren’t as powerful as they thought. They were merely deceived by appearances. The gains from tonight’s mission gave Chu Tianyu a new perspective on this phenomenon.
That is, all the energy of heaven and earth he encountered now, compared to the true integration he had with Ni Ran and Fei Fei, was actually fake. Even the two spirits within Ouyang Zi Yi weren’t truly integrated but more like those of the Zhan family—offered in a sacrificial manner. Back then, when she absorbed the natural essence from the Illusory Flame True Vein, Chu Tianyu suppressed them temporarily and allowed them to absorb energy within controlled limits.

At the same time, since Ouyang Ziyi didn’t possess any internal energy or true qi in her body, Chu Tianyu took advantage of the connection between their minds and energy pathways to unblock all her meridians and combine them with the essence of the elves. He infused her body with ready-made natural essence energy, creating a unique form of true qi that complemented the two elves, allowing them to support each other—this is what enabled Ouyang Ziyi to reach her current level.

This method also unleashed the elves’ potential. Although it wasn’t true absorption, it was equivalent to having two selfless helpers in her body, giving her unparalleled agility. This was why Ouyang Ziyi’s true strength was not much lower than that of Qin Nianran and Xue Feifei.

Compared to these so-called masters who possessed the energy of heaven and earth that she had encountered recently, their methods were merely alternative practices that required sacrificing their lives or bloodlines—clearly a loss in return for gain.

Thinking of this, Chu Tianyu couldn’t help but recall Xue and that girl he met by chance at the bar. Her name seemed to be Ning Shuang. As he repeated the name, he suddenly froze—yes, Ning Shuang had introduced herself as having a sister named Ao Xue. Could it be…?

Their energy of heaven and earth also seemed innate, giving off an impression of natural perfection. This was another way such energy could exist. However, apart from observing the normal flow of energy in Xue’s body while healing her, Chu Tianyu hadn’t found anything unusual. Perhaps their way of possessing this energy was even more advanced than their method of fusion—it was truly natural!

What puzzled Chu Tianyu, though, was that their displayed skills didn’t match the strength one would expect at such a level. In fact, their cultivation was only slightly higher than that of those brothers and sisters from the Nether Realm.

Chu Tianyu shook his head, realizing that what he faced this time wasn’t just complicated—it also involved many phenomena beyond his imagination. Perhaps this act of substitution could uncover a glimpse of the truth…

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, it’s already dawn. What are you thinking about? Are you free this morning? Come with me to buy a evening gown,” Xue Ning’er suddenly rushed to Chu Tianyu’s side, leaning close to him, taking his arm, and saying in a coquettish voice.

Faced with Xue Ning’er’s repeated questions using the word “ba,” along with the enticing touch of her full breasts brushing against his arm, Chu Tianyu immediately felt overwhelmed and helplessly said, “Okay, fine…”
…
Before buying the dress, Chu Tianyu took Xue Ning’er back secretly to the hidden place where his master and Li Rou were, mainly to discuss the latest discoveries in person. Of course, he also wanted to tell Xiao Yuji about news regarding her family.
However, upon returning, aside from Li Rou, Jin Yuji, and Angel staying behind, his master, Auntian Ran, Fernandi, and Sophia were all absent. According to Li Rou, his master Kuangru had gone out to handle some matters, while Fernandi had taken Sophia on a trip, saying that as a foreigner, he shouldn’t interfere in other countries’ affairs. Since Sophia couldn’t find Ouyang Ziyi either, she went with him.
“Sister Yuji, do you have any special way to contact your family, or did they give you anything special before you left?” Chu Tianyu asked after explaining everything. He then looked at Jin Yuji, who seemed very excited.
“I don’t know. When I left, my grandmother and mother didn’t give me anything special. They just told me to come to China to attend some kind of college exchange event,” Jin Yuji said after frowning and thinking for a long time before shaking her head.
Chu Tianyu could only feel helpless. He comforted Yuji a few words and instructed Li Rou and Angel to take better care of her, making sure she didn’t go out alone. “Tianyu, don’t worry. These past few days, we’ve been practicing the martial arts manuals given to us by Master Kuangru. Sister Yuji is very sensible. She knows that going out alone would be pointless, and even if she found something, her skills wouldn’t help much. It might even put things in a worse situation,” Li Rou said gently with understanding.
Chu Tianyu was relieved by Li Rou’s understanding and kindness. He gently took her hand and asked about their situation these days. Their tender words were not hidden from the girls nearby, including Xue Ning’er, Yuji, and Angel.
The girls had mixed expressions. Xue Ning’er, of course, looked envious and dreamy. Xiao Yuji was preoccupied with news about her grandmother and parents, while Angel remained as reserved and quiet as ever. Yet, her large, doll-like eyes revealed an indescribable emotion as they inadvertently glanced at Brother Chu and Sister Li Rou…

“Rou, these past days…” Before Chu Tianyu could finish his comforting words, Li Rou gently covered his mouth and said, “Tianyu, don’t worry. I’ll take care of the two of them. It’s not boring here either. Master Kuangru has taught us a lot. Besides me needing to start from the basics, Yuji and Sister Angel have both made great progress in their skills. Especially Angel—she’s even fallen in love with traditional Chinese medicine and is now studying hard a medical book left by Master Kuangru that combines it with martial arts!”
Hearing her name mentioned, Angel’s face immediately turned red as she shyly lowered her head. Her delicate hands fiddled unconsciously with the hem of her clothes, showing the bashful demeanor of a young girl.
“Good, good, Rou. With you here, I’m much more at ease. Things are starting to take shape. For now, we can only ask you to endure temporarily. After all, staying here is the safest option until the situation becomes clearer. You know, for me, nothing is more reassuring than your ‘safety’—because in my heart, no one can replace you!” Chu Tianyu said gently and earnestly, looking into Li Rou’s eyes.
As soon as Chu Tianyu finished speaking, several “Mm…” sounds came from the room. Jin Yuji and Angel also showed firm expressions.
In fact, Chu Tianyu’s words were meant only for Li Rou, and his intention was directed solely at her. It was only because Jin Yuji and Angel were also present that he temporarily changed the address to “you all.” Otherwise, those sensitive girls might not know what to think!
…
The business conference, gathering industry leaders, had actually started in the afternoon. The afternoon sessions mainly involved group discussions among various companies, covering practical matters such as investment projects, trade cooperation, and strategic development.
Thus, those who attended in the afternoon were mostly key figures from various companies, including Chu Fangshan from the Chu family, Chu Tianfeng, Qin Nianran, and Chu Tianao. There was also Chairman Bai Han from Xunlei Technology, Ouyang Boshu and Ouyang Ziyi from Oulijiabao Group, as well as Shi Yundong from Hengyun Group, Xue Feifei from Tianyu Company, and others.
According to incomplete statistics, the transaction volume completed in just one afternoon amounted to an unimaginably huge figure. Amidst it all, there were hearty laughs of mutual satisfaction, though only heaven knows who benefited from whom behind those smiles…

This afternoon held even greater significance for Chu Tiandong and Qin Nianran, Chu’s two competitors. Whoever seized this opportunity would gain the upper hand in future competitions. Yet this was merely superficial speculation. Although Chu Tiandong valued this partnership opportunity, he had other dependencies in mind. For him, those “projects” involving cooperation with Lord Qin and the covert acquisition of hidden forces were the real sources of his vast funds and wealth. The current trivial matters were merely icing on the cake. Chu Tiandong had his own plans, but Qin Nianran also had her own strategies. After learning from the phone call in the afternoon about Lord Tai’s cooperation with her elder brother and his covert acquisitions, she adjusted her plans accordingly. Since these projects weren’t her elder brother’s priority, she decided to press hard and compete in every aspect, adopting a full-blown confrontational stance. As a woman, she put her elder brother Chu Tiandong in a dilemma—neither to fight nor to back down. Qin Nianran’s approach was like knowing one’s opponent’s hand in a poker game, targeting their weaknesses with decisive strikes. If they offered low terms, she would go even lower. In the end, relying on his covert forces, Chu Tiandong didn’t care much about these small gains, allowing her to secure several major projects at this trade fair and overshadow her elder brother Chu Tiandong. Faced with Qin Nianran’s assertive attitude and the huge investments and partnerships she secured, Chu Tiandong couldn’t help but shake his head with a smirk, looking at her as if she were a frog stuck in a well. The slight curl of his lips revealed a hint of mockery. Meanwhile, Qin Nianran, seeing Chu Tiandong’s expression, smiled back—partly as thanks for his generosity, partly out of pride—which made Chu Tiandong feel pity for her, thinking to himself, “Daughter-in-law, smile away. The happier you smile now, the more devastating the eventual emptiness will be…”
……
Unlike the scheming scenes in the afternoon, the evening banquet was truly a relaxed time. Especially for those who had achieved their goals in the afternoon, it served as a celebration. They arrived with their partners, turning it into an elite social gathering that pushed the atmosphere of the conference to a climax.

Although the trade fair would continue in the following days, it would only involve sporadic discussions or small-scale deals. Thus, the evening banquet served both as a welcome party and a celebration of completion. In short, business elites regarded the evening banquet as a true venue for interaction and communication, not only to lay the foundation for future cooperation but also to strengthen personal relationships and solidify the outcomes of the afternoon.

For playboys and wealthy heiresses from prominent families like Chu Tianyu’s, the dull business transactions of the afternoon certainly held no interest or attention for them, as it was the lively and grand evening banquet that served as their stage to show off their style and charm.

Even before the evening banquet officially began, the lobby of the “Golden Wall Splendor” hotel was already bustling with activity.

Yet, among all the grandeur, the most eye-catching figure was Chu Tianyu, the third young master of the Chu family! The reason was simple—just look at the four companions surrounding him! Tai Nianran, Ouyang Ziyi, Xue Feifei, and Xue Ning’er each wore evening gowns that were either regal and elegant, dazzlingly beautiful, noble and graceful, or pure and innocent. Walking alongside Chu Tianyu, it was hard not to be impressed—how could anyone not stand out in such a scene?

Although the onlookers, bound by their status, couldn’t shout in excitement like fans upon seeing the Xue sisters, their eyes sparkled with envy as they silently “congratulated” Chu Tianyu in their minds. Many imagined themselves in Chu Tianyu’s place, adopting an air of charm and allure. Some even lamented for him: “Sigh, heaven gave a person two hands, but it seems they’re still a bit insufficient!”

“What does it mean to be a wealthy young master? What does it mean to be unrestrained? What does it mean to have endless charm? Everything before us is the best illustration of these!”

“Wow, are those the Xue sisters? Oh, my idol—she’s like a fairy descended from heaven, even more graceful than those on TV. I can hardly breathe!”

“Huh? Why is Qin Nianran here this afternoon? It’s hard to believe—such a sophisticated woman is part of this group. It’s completely different from her calm, wise, and aloof image from earlier. Truly, times have changed!”

“Go away, what do you know? They were betrothed since childhood and had a formal engagement ceremony. Now she even holds half of the power in the Chu family. With such huge interests at stake, even if that Chu family boy is a bit flirtatious, she’ll still turn a blind eye. That’s what real ‘marriage’ is!”
“The young lady from the Ouyang family is also on the list. Could it be she wants a share of the Chu family’s wealth too?”
“That’s unknown. Maybe the third young master of the Chu family has some special ability.”
“What special ability?”
“You idiot, of course it’s his skills in bed! You’re such an idiot!”
“Oh…”
Facing the gossip around them, the women around Chu Tianyu showed no reaction at all, maintaining a natural expression. They weren’t embarrassed at all being the focus of everyone’s attention. Especially since Chu Tianyu subtly released a gentle aura around them, making them feel enveloped, as if they were one entity, creating a sense of mutual support and unity.
However, this situation benefited Xue Ning’er as well. Staying by Xue Feifei’s side, she enjoyed Chu Tianyu’s unique way of holding her close, completely immersed in this feeling. A warmth arose from deep within her, making her wish to be surrounded by this aura for life, never to be separated.
As for Chu Tianyu, unlike his usual low-key demeanor, he never expected to act so boldly and unrestrainedly. Surrounded by these radiant beauties, feeling their heartbeat and breath, smelling their delicate feminine scent, he walked around freely in public, smiling softly, unapologetically enjoying their affection and the smooth, elastic touch of their skin wherever his hands and aura touched them. For a moment, he felt an urge to indulge in pleasure and romance…