Compared to her eldest cousin, her second cousin always treated her better. He protected her, never tattled, and was genuinely kind.
Naturally, she liked her second cousin far more and kept her distance from the eldest.
So when the two of them suddenly showed up, Hua Kongque was first surprised, then furious. She was certain it had to be someone in her own entourage who'd secretly sent a message, which was why they came so suddenly. There was a traitor among her people, and the thought made her seethe. Her expression grew uglier by the moment.
Her eldest cousin was a white peacock, named Bai Ye.
He fixed his eyes on her, displeasure flashing within them. "I heard you wasted a fortune just to vent your anger, buying a bunch of useless junk. Did you forget why you came here? All the elders are waiting for you to bring something back to the clan!" His tone carried the same old reprimand.
Hua Kongque felt both nervous and annoyed. She stiffened her neck and snapped, "I spent my own money. It won't affect the Peacock Clan in the slightest.
Besides, they were the ones being too much. I was going to invite them into the Peacock Clan, but they dared to look down on us. Of course I couldn't swallow that!"
She laid out the whole story. When Bai Ye heard that the other side was both an alchemist and an array master, his heart skipped a beat.
His brows drew tightly together.
"You went to invite them, so how could you act with that attitude?" He was a rational man. Ordinary cultivators might feel honored to be approached by the Peacock Clan, but for someone that skilled, such treatment would only backfire.
No wonder they'd toyed with her like that. Every time Bai Ye thought about Hua Kongque's way of doing things, his head hurt. With her personality, how could she ever manage the Peacock Clan?
But her talent was undeniable, and the clan valued her highly. They couldn't openly criticize her.
He sighed. "I'll handle this myself. I'll explain things and extend the invitation again. As for you, just focus on bidding for the Beast King Map. Don't stir up trouble, understand?"
Bai Ye's gaze turned cold as he issued the warning.
She nodded, but her heart was sour. To her, it felt like losing face.
"Second Brother, watch her. I'll be right back."
With that, Bai Ye left the room and headed toward Song Wanníng's private booth.
The moment he stepped out, Hua Kongque erupted in anger, cursing out everyone around her. Her second cousin, Bai Feng, quickly tried to soothe her. "You know how Big Brother is, don't take it to heart."
"Those two women are overestimating themselves. They don't deserve respect. And yet Big Brother is going to invite them personally!"
"Exactly! I was furious, and he still wants to invite them. Isn't that a slap in my face?"
Her cheeks flushed red with rage.
Seeing this, Bai Feng leaned close to whisper, "What's there to fear? Once they enter the Peacock Clan, it'll be even easier to play them to death, won't it? Am I wrong?"
His words were like a spark. Her anger vanished in an instant.
"You're right. They'll never escape my grasp!"
A sly gleam flickered in her eyes as she finally settled down and returned to bidding.
Meanwhile, Bai Ye had already arrived at Song Wanníng's door. He knocked lightly and said in a calm voice, "Excuse me, I'm Bai Ye of the Peacock Clan. I hope Daoyou will grant me a meeting."
His polite tone drifted through the door. Both Song Wanníng and Liu Lanyi exchanged a look.
This was completely different from that woman earlier.
Song Wanníng waved her hand, opening the door. Standing outside was one of the men who'd entered the auction earlier.
"What's the matter?"
She raised a brow and studied him curiously.
The moment Bai Ye saw her, he froze.
For a heartbeat he just stared, then quickly composed himself, his demeanor softening further.
"I came to apologize on behalf of my younger sister for her offense," he said, cupping his hands.
He then produced several rare medicinal ingredients and offered them to her. "I hope Daoyou won't hold a grudge against her. She's always been reckless, often causing trouble, but she's not malicious. If she offended you, I beg you not to take it seriously."
Even as he spoke, frustration churned inside him. He didn't know when Hua Kongque would finally learn to stop causing problems for the clan.
"Oh?"
Song Wanníng looked at the herbs, then at him, amusement flickering in her gaze.
A playful smile tugged at her lips as she said lazily, "If she's got no brains, then she shouldn't run around picking fights. Not everyone will put up with her.
And I'm a vengeful person. If she comes at me again, don't blame me for not holding back." She waved her hand, pulling the herbs over with a flick of spiritual power, accepting the apology.
It wasn't as if there was any deep grudge. As long as they didn't push too far, she had no desire to stir up more trouble.
Seeing her accept the gift, Bai Ye finally let out a breath of relief.
"Thank you, Daoyou. I'll discipline her myself. Farewell."
He didn't mention the invitation to join the Peacock Clan again and strode away.
Liu Lanyi watched his retreating figure, her brows knitting in thought.
"Don't you think he seemed like he recognized you?"
She turned to Song Wanníng. That man's reaction said it all.
Song Wanníng noticed it too. She chuckled.
"Probably. Who cares?"
She toyed with the herbs in her hand, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement.
She figured plenty of people knew her by now.
…
"When's the Beast King Map coming up?"
Hua Kongque was already impatient, fidgeting in her seat.
Bai Feng teased her with jokes, managing to coax a laugh.
But the moment Bai Ye returned, that laughter vanished.
She straightened her face, looking at him expectantly.
"Big Brother, well? They must've agreed, right? With you personally asking, they must've been thrilled!"
Bai Feng joked with confidence. With his brother's looks alone, women usually melted. Add in his noble status, and they'd fall over themselves.
Hua Kongque huffed unhappily. "Hmph, I thought they were supposed to have backbone. Turns out they're just shallow women too."
Her eyes filled with disdain as she looked down on Song Wanníng even more.
But Bai Ye's face darkened. His voice was cold as he barked, "Watch your tongue! Do you even know who you provoked? And you still dared to make trouble!"
The instant he recognized Song Wanníng, his heart had nearly stopped. Inside, he cursed Hua Kongque a thousand times over. Thank the heavens Song Wanníng had been magnanimous enough to accept the apology. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had a clue how to end this mess.