Chapter 34: How Dare a Weak NPC Provoke a Player? Seeking Death?

“???” Ma Ku was baffled. What did he mean it wasn’t here?

“Let’s go according to the gentleman’s direction.” Wang Li naturally spoke up to support Chen Xiyi.

This made Ma Ku even more puzzled. What was going on?

Could it be that he knew his own home less well than the other person? Or was this strange man up to something else?

But out of deference to Wang Li, Ma Ku could only agree: “Then please lead the way, sir.”

Saying this felt very strange to Ma Ku—letting someone else lead the way in his own home was utterly ridiculous.

Chen Xiyi didn’t hesitate and immediately headed toward the blue dot on the map. However, Duke Rui’s Mansion was quite large, taking up an entire street, and its layout was complex. Chen Xiyi took quite a few wrong turns before finally arriving at the entrance.

“This is the courtyard where my son usually lives. Why have you come here, sir?” Ma Ku looked at the courtyard with mixed feelings. Why had they ended up in his son’s courtyard?

Sounds of laughter and play came from inside the courtyard. Listening carefully, they were discussing poetry, which showed that his son was not a frivolous playboy but rather someone who enjoyed refined pursuits.

This made Ma Ku look somewhat embarrassed. He was about to explain something when Chen Xiyi casually pushed the door open and stepped inside.

His entrance naturally caused exclamations of surprise in the courtyard. After all, the sudden appearance of a strange man fully clad in armor would startle most people.

“What is all this commotion? Show some respect! Greet Prince Zhuang and this gentleman!” Ma Ku followed him in, his face darkening as he loudly scolded.

This made the exclamations in the courtyard cease.

“Greetings, Father. Greetings, Prince Zhuang.” From among the group of young ladies, a graceful young man stepped forward to bow.

This single incident made Wang Li think less of him. Wasting his prime years indulging in feminine pleasures—though he didn’t show it, he nodded slightly.

Chen Xiyi paid no attention to any of this and walked straight toward the crowd. This caused the young man and the group of young ladies to become somewhat flustered, as Chen Xiyi’s attire was quite intimidating.

“Move aside. Don’t block the way.” Chen Xiyi coldly pushed the crowd aside, revealing a stone table. Upon closer inspection, there was a stone chessboard on the table—exactly what Chen Xiyi needed.

[Item with Historical Connotation: Stone Chessboard]

Chen Xiyi casually picked up the Stone Chessboard. “This is what I want.”

Seeing this, Ma Ku breathed a sigh of relief. It was just a shabby stone chessboard, nothing valuable.

He was about to say, “Since you have taken a liking to it, sir, please take it as a gift,” but his son spoke first.

“This was a gift from Sister Wang. I always use this chessboard when playing with my sisters. How can you just take it because you want it?” The young man, having been spoiled, spoke defiantly.

“So, this belongs to you?” Chen Xiyi turned to look at the young man. The strong scent of perfume made it clear he spent all his time among women.

“Sir, please don’t listen to my foolish son. If you fancy this chessboard, please take it.” Ma Ku hurriedly said.

But Chen Xiyi ignored Ma Ku. The owner of the Stone Chessboard wasn’t Ma Ku but his son, so Ma Ku’s words were useless.

“That’s right, it’s mine.” The young man mustered his courage to speak.

“It seems you’re unwilling to give it to me. Then tell me, what would make you willing to part with it?” Chen Xiyi asked.

It wasn’t that he wanted to take it for free, but he sensed that the young man valued emotions over etiquette—in other words, he hadn’t yet experienced life’s harsh lessons.

“I can’t give this to you. I—”

“Mm. In that case, forget it. I hope you take care. This object of my old friend isn’t easily obtained.” Chen Xiyi casually placed the Stone Chessboard back on the stone table, spoke coldly, and turned to leave without showing any respect.

Seeing this, Wang Li’s expression turned grim.

“General Ma, your son is so engrossed in the company of women that he fails to understand proper conduct. I fear he is unfit to inherit the family legacy. You should find a solution soon, lest he lose even the right to inherit the title.” Wang Li’s tone was sharp. After speaking, he turned and left to catch up with Chen Xiyi.

This made Ma Ku’s expression change drastically. What could have been a chance to build a relationship had turned sour over a few words. He turned and glared fiercely at his son. “Guards! Lock this little beast in his room! And put this chessboard away carefully. I will deal with it later.”

After saying this, he too hurried out, intending to apologize to Prince Zhuang and the others.

This matter wouldn’t be easily resolved.

That strange man in full armor seemed to hold a high status and had an unpredictable temperament.

…

“Great Immortal, why did you…” Back in the carriage, Wang Li asked with some confusion.

Though he felt the Ma family’s son was disrespectful, Chen Xiyi’s reaction had been quite abrupt.

“I wanted the object, but the other party refused. That’s only natural.” Chen Xiyi said calmly.

But the more he said this, the more Wang Li couldn’t understand.

Ma Ku had already agreed, so why didn’t he just take it?

‘Wait… Could it be that he plans to have that Ma family boy deliver it to him later?’

Noticing his strange expression, Chen Xiyi immediately said, “I believe in willingness. If he isn’t willing, I won’t force him.”

“Great Immortal, your virtue is noble. It’s just a chessboard, not some valuable treasure. This humble prince will handle it for you. I guarantee the Ma family boy will willingly gift it to you.” A flash of ruthlessness appeared in Wang Li’s eyes.

In front of Chen Xiyi, he had never shown the harsh tactics he used in court, but that didn’t mean he lacked them. He wanted to maintain a good impression with Chen Xiyi.

“In that case, I’ll trouble you with it. The path of immortality is lonely; all my old friends are gone. Now that I’ve seen an object from an old friend, I can’t help but feel nostalgic.” Chen Xiyi didn’t refuse.

Chen Xiyi wasn’t one to stand on ceremony. He always chose the most convenient way.

On the other hand, the young man clearly had been pampered all his life. Though he had no major vices, his mind was filled with poetry, romance, and idle fantasies—more like an idealist. If Chen Xiyi had tried to barter or curry favor to get the chessboard, it might have provoked defiance.

If he were a normal person, seeing a powerful prince like Wang Li ask for it and his own father’s attitude, he would have handed it over. This wasn’t modern society but an ancient feudal one.

Moreover, building rapport through normal channels would take a long time. It was better to let Wang Li handle it—low cost and fast results.

As for using underhanded methods? Sorry, he was a Player. He would choose whichever method offered the most benefit at the lowest cost.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Li said, “This humble prince understands.”

This really wasn’t a big issue—it was just a matter of attitude.