### Chapter 3: The Dark Line Turns Out to Be a Romance (10)
When the glimmering, cold blade was withdrawn from the throat of the Lingnan Sword Demon, he froze, staring at the Woman in Red as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Why don’t you k*ll me? Didn’t you hear them? I’m the Lingnan Sword Demon, a remnant of the Demon Sect!”
Lin Nan replied coolly, “Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I don’t enjoy killing.”
The Lingnan Sword Demon gave a wry smile. “I just wanted to establish my reputation through combat, but here I am, facing this young lady. I truly admire you. I owe you my life. If there’s ever a time you need my assistance, just say the word.”
Lin Nan said, “No need to get so worked up. Just leave.”
He bowed and, who knows if he really understood, dashed into the crowd, disappearing into the narrow alley.
Undoubtedly, their duel was far more thrilling than what Mu Zhi faced against “Treading on Red Dust.”
The crowd seemed unsatisfied, their gazes drifting to the other challengers who had stepped forward earlier.
However, when these guys saw how thoroughly the Lingnan Sword Demon had been defeated, they were suddenly too chicken to step back up on stage. Some even tossed down their silver as per the agreement, while others dove into the crowd, ignoring the disdainful looks shot their way as they scrambled away.
With no one daring to challenge the Woman in Red anymore, the bored masses gradually began to disperse.
The Giant Wave Gang was definitely eyeing the silver at the Woman’s feet, but no one dared to snatch it while she was present. Instead, they kept a close eye on their Little Recipient, hoping to trade him for some reward from this operation.
Just as Little Shiyuan was about to be whisked away from the scene, not knowing when he’d see the enchanting Woman in Red again, he seemingly drew upon every ounce of courage in his body and shouted amidst the chaos, “Heroine, help! Heroine, save me!”
Just when the spectators thought the duel was over and could return to their respective corners, a beautiful young boy shouting for help from “Treading on Red Dust” brought everyone back in a rush!
Lin Nan was left speechless. She intended to wait until the crowd dispersed and follow the Giant Wave Gang, looking for a chance to snag that Little Recipient. But this kid had to go and call out to her in public. Was this the result of her rising favorability?
What a twist!
Opportunity knocking on her door was something she couldn’t pass up, and she needed to use this unexpected incident to solidify her status in Little Shiyuan’s heart. But, she had to be careful not to overly favor him, lest it all seem too staged and ruin her progress.
Unexpectedly, she found herself trapped in the role of a performer; life was truly full of surprises.
As soon as Little Shiyuan shouted, two gang members rushed to cover his mouth, trying to minimize the attention from the nearby crowd.
But Little Shiyuan was determined to attract the attention of “Treading on Red Dust.” He fought back, flailing wildly while calling out, “I’ve been kidnapped! Help! Heroine, save me!”
It was easy to identify the Giant Wave Gang by their flashy red garments and their knives tucked neatly at their waists. Given that the Giant Wave Gang was infamous for their ruthless exploits along rivers and streams, seeing the kid was clearly a wealthy nobleman, freshly abducted for ransom.
Yet people didn’t dare meddle, given the gang’s notorious reputation.
Even Mu Zhi was taken aback and wasn’t keen on clashing with the Giant Wave Gang in the open.
While they might not be the mightiest gang on land, once they hit the waters, the Giant Wave Gang ruled supreme. Who could guarantee they wouldn’t have to set sail someday? Especially for martial artists like them, who often traversed the rivers and lakes.
Pissing them off today could mean a future of retribution.
“Thud!”
The gang leader stepped up, kicking the still-yelling Little Shiyuan to the ground, then stamping on his face with a heel, clearly not caring for the boy’s pretty visage that would fetch them silver.
If he weren’t considering using the kid to snag some cash, he might’ve ground his face into mush with glee.
“Apologies, everyone! My new little brother is just spouting nonsense, disturbing your peace. Please bear with us, and feel free to disperse!”
The remaining gang members moved to disperse the crowd. While the Giant Wave Gang didn’t have the greatest reputation, getting caught in the act was still embarrassing, so they aimed to reduce the fallout.
The boss pretended to be gentle, lifting Little Shiyuan and dusting him off. “Kid, keep it low-key. If you shout again, I might just give you a little slice across that pretty face!”
Little Shiyuan, from afar, could see the Woman in Red standing tall amidst the crowd, and his mood plummeted even further.
Though he grew up in the Shijia Manor, being born of a concubine left him in a lowly position. With two elder brothers who found joy in tormenting him, he couldn’t fathom why their attitudes had shifted later on, but his habits of caution and sensitivity were deeply ingrained from childhood.
Even when kidnapped, he had never expected his father would come to rescue him; after all, compared to his brothers, he was insignificant. If he died, would anyone shed tears for him?
Except for his mother, who left this world too early.
Little Shiyuan opened his mouth, but no sound escaped.
The figure in red seemed oblivious to his cries, or perhaps the gang’s threats had worked. He was just a minor character; rational people would shy away from danger. Who would stick their neck out for someone unrelated?
He felt hope plummeting in his heart, shattering into pieces at the bottom of a valley, never to be whole again.
He thought leaving the stronghold would mean a smooth path home, unaware that for someone without any experience in the martial world, such thoughts were pure fantasy. If danger arose, there was no chance to turn the tides.
Just like now…
Though he wasn’t exactly sure what “male companion” meant, it was clear it didn’t align with the marital “male companion.”
Seeing the gang members’ lecherous grins, he could vaguely guess it was some kind of profession meant for entertaining others.
Was he truly going to bid farewell to his identity as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s son and embark on an entirely different life path?
“Come on, kid, don’t expect anyone to save you! Do you think that woman fought to make a name for herself? Fame! Do you even know?”
“What’s in it for her to save you? Do you think you can offer her anything? Money? Your body?
Do you have money? No, you don’t!
Your body?
Ha! No offense, but a woman like that wouldn’t even glance at a useless brat like you!
To marry her, you’d have to be a renowned young talent in the martial world, so just let that dream d*e.”
“Move it! If we can sell you for 600 taels of silver, we’ll give you ten in return as your ‘dowry.’ Hahaha!”
The gang members around him chattered away.
At this moment, Little Shiyuan, clutching his sore cheek, had fully given up on any hope. With his head bowed, he followed like a zombie in their footsteps.
But in the next second, a melodious voice rang out nearby, making him almost doubt his ears.
