Chapter 40: Who Dares Outshine My Arrogance (Ranking Rush, Votes Please)

Every woman dreams of marrying an outstanding husband. Xu Feng is knowledgeable, handsome, gentle and considerate towards girls, devoid of the annoying habits typical of noble heirs. Coupled with his astonishing magical talent, there is no second young man in the empire as exceptional as him. Corona truly thanks the heavens for granting her such a perfect love.

As is often the case, girls tend to be more talkative than boys. As a Court Mage, Corona’s duty is to protect Princess Ailiya. Since they are close in age, she has always had a good relationship with Her Highness. Though nominally ruler and subject, they are actually very close confidantes. Corona often shares stories about her love with Xu Feng in private conversations with Aelia.

The young princess is very curious. She is hailed as the First Beauty of Mankind, yet Sister Corona also holds the title of Magician’s Flower and is a renowned beauty in the capital. With a proud and aloof personality, she has always regarded men as dirt, yet she holds Xu Feng in such high esteem. Seeing her radiant expression of happiness, the little princess grows increasingly curious about Xu Feng.

After all, he is the one who saved her life. Although they briefly met at the last palace ball, it was a hurried encounter with no time to truly understand him. What kind of person is he, to win the heart of such an exceptional woman like Sister Corona?

Philosophers say curiosity is the beginning of fate. What beautiful story will unfold between Xu Feng and this lovely little princess in the future?

A drizzling rain clung to the earth. Several days of overcast rain had eased the summer heat, bringing a hint of coolness to the air. After the rain stopped, it was perfect weather for an outing.

“Young Master, an invitation!”

Xu Feng took it from the butler’s hand. It was from Count Lloyd, inviting him to hunt in the outskirts of the capital. Although Xu Feng had no desire to wade into the murky waters of the empire’s official circles, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Some social engagements were necessary. Since the count had invited him, it would be impolite to decline. Besides, hunting was a pleasant pastime.

“Alright, Uncle Mortan, please prepare the carriage for me.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

In the room, Xiao Yun was helping Xu Feng change. Since it was a hunting trip, he needed to wear light, easy-to-move clothing. The girl carefully adjusted his attire. Although she was still nominally his handmaiden, since they had become intimate, Xu Feng treated her differently. Apart from lacking an official title, he provided her with everything she needed in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities. Xiao Yun was clever and never let favoritism go to her head. She knew the young master treated her well out of affection, so she remained dutiful, continuing her work as a little maid.

With such a thoughtful and sensible girl, it was hard for Xu Feng not to cherish her.

Perhaps it was love's glow, or perhaps clothes really do make the woman. Previously, Xiao Yun’s main appeal lay in her youthful vitality. In terms of appearance, she wasn’t an exceptionally stunning beauty, merely quite delicate. But now, Xu Feng realized that this girl was actually quite pretty. Well, women are like books—the more you read, the more charm they reveal.

Recalling her passion and responsiveness during their tender intimacy last night, Xu Feng felt a surge of tenderness. He gently cupped the girl’s face and kissed her deeply.

The girl’s eyes grew hazy. She wrapped her arms around the young master’s neck, parted her lips, and offered her delicate tongue, surrendering herself completely to the passionate kiss. Xu Feng’s hands gradually grew restless, slipping into Xiao Yun’s clothes…

Just as he grasped her alluring peaks, the girl broke free from his embrace. Facing Xu Feng’s puzzled gaze, Xiao Yun blushed. “Young Master, the carriage is waiting outside. You’re going hunting, remember? When you return, I’ll serve you properly, alright?”

Seeing the girl’s shy expression, Xu Feng felt a stir in his heart, then inwardly scolded himself. When had his self-control become so weak? Shaking his head, he pushed aside his desires and smiled. “Alright, when I return, shall we take a mandarin duck bath together?”

Xiao Yun’s face flushed even redder. She lowered her head to adjust Xu Feng’s clothes, her voice barely a whisper reaching the young man’s ears. “My life and body belong to the young master. Whatever you desire, I will obey.”

“Such a good girl.” Xu Feng hugged her, kissed her forehead, and then walked out of the room with a smile.

The clouds were light, and the breeze was gentle. Several days of rain had dispelled the summer heat, bringing a hint of coolness to the air—perfect weather for an outing or hunting.

As the empire’s capital, Alsace City was situated in a blessed location. To its north lay vast mountain ranges, which not only blocked the biting winds from the northern wilderness but also served as a natural barrier during battles. Throughout history, several wars with the Orc Kingdom had seen the orcish cavalry halted here.

To the south of the capital stretched endless plains, lush with water and grass, fertile land ideal for both farming and herding—a major granary for the empire.

To the east lay valleys, basins, and forests, with complex and varied terrain teeming with abundant flora and fauna, making it a prime natural hunting ground.

It was only twenty miles from the capital, less than half an hour by fast horse, making transportation very convenient.

Since it was a hunting trip, Xu Feng did not bring his family. The reason was simple: he and Yu Sha and Corona had not yet held a formal ceremony. Although in his heart, they were already his wives, gossip was fearsome. He might not fear it, but for girls, reputation was important. So before the official marriage, it was best to keep a low profile.

Xu Feng was in no hurry, riding leisurely. An hour later, he arrived at the hunting grounds but was stopped. Several men dressed as noble servants blocked the path.

“Halt! Baron Riva and the other noble lords are hunting ahead. No entry for commoners.”

Xu Feng frowned. “I was invited. Step aside.”

“Invited?” The lead servant sneered. “Kid, do you think you can fool us? Brothers, look at him—does he look like a noble? Would our young master Riva invite him? Haha…”

Speechless. Truly, lowly people judge by appearances.

As a Transmigrant from Earth, Xu Feng dressed more casually than the native nobles of Hailan Star. For today’s hunt, he had chosen light, practical clothing—neither luxurious nor overly adorned, unlike the nobles who always emphasized “taste.” Moreover, Xu Feng had come alone on horseback, unlike other nobles who traveled with entourages of guards and servants. Thus, the men blocking his path scoffed at his claim of being a viscount.

A viscount? Could a viscount be this shabby?

“Kid, if you don’t leave now, don’t blame us for being rude!”

“Get lost!”

Xu Feng saw no need to waste words on such snobbish people.

Enraged, the men lunged at him fiercely. A cold smile touched the young man’s lips as he lightly flicked his fingers. After all, he was now an Intermediate Upper Mage, having stepped into the ranks of experts. Dealing with a few snobbish servants was child’s play.

A Slow spell was cast, making even raising a hand take several seconds. Facing these sluggish opponents, Xu Feng rewarded them with a whipping from his horsewhip.

Instantly, cries of pain erupted. The men were whipped into a sorry state, scrambling to flee. Unfortunately, under the Slow spell, they had nowhere to hide and could only beg for mercy.

“Stop!”

The sound of hooves echoed like raindrops as a large group rode up. Leading them was a young man around twenty years old, dressed as a noble, fairly handsome but with an arrogant expression that made one… want to punch him.

“Young Master, Young Master, you must stand up for us!”

“This commoner attacked us—your servants, which means he disrespected your dignity.”

“Yes, you must do something.”

…

The lowest-level Slow spell lasted only about ten seconds. Once they regained movement, the wicked servants rushed to their master to complain. The baron’s sinister gaze swept over Xu Feng’s face. “Beat him! Beat him to death! How dare a commoner act so arrogantly!”

Impressive. Truly, like master, like servants. Based on those wicked servants, Xu Feng had guessed that Baron Riva was no good, but meeting him proved even worse than imagined. Arrogant and domineering were the only words to describe him. Without even asking about the situation or who was at fault, he ordered a beating—to death, no less. Wasn’t that treating human life as worthless?

Xu Feng’s gaze turned icy. He watched as the baron’s servants, numbering over a hundred, charged forward. Hmph, quite the spectacle. Did they think numbers would win in a brawl? Unfortunately, they had picked the wrong opponent. The surrounding elements grew active. Since the other side was ruthless, he would not hold back either.

Just as the situation was about to erupt, a voice interrupted.

“Stop!”

The sound of hooves clattered as another large group approached from the south. Leading them was a middle-aged noble in luxurious attire, exuding a calm demeanor. Xu Feng gently lowered his hand. The newcomer was the Royal Chief Advisor, Lord Marquis Loshiki, who had repeatedly shown him goodwill.

“What are you two doing?”

“Your Excellency.” Riva bowed slightly to Loshiki, though his eyes still held arrogance. Xu Feng was slightly curious—what made this guy so cocky? He was just a petty baron, a playboy.

“This commoner disrespected me and attacked my servants. To uphold noble dignity, I was merely teaching him a lesson.”

“Commoner?” Loshiki glanced at Xu Feng with a wry smile. He had long heard that this new noble of the capital had no interest in dressing up or putting on airs. An Imperial Viscount, going hunting with just one horse and not even a single servant to attend to him.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Loshiki shook his head. “Riva, there must be some misunderstanding. This gentleman before you is an Imperial Viscount personally conferred by His Majesty—Lord Xu Feng.”

“A viscount?” Riva’s face showed a flicker of surprise, then turned to disdain. “Lord Marquis, are you joking? In all of imperial history, I’ve never seen such a shabby viscount. You’re not being too kind and getting fooled by an imposter, are you?”

“Hmph.” Xu Feng gave him a cold look. “Kid, watch your words. My title was personally conferred by His Majesty. Can I interpret your earlier statement as contempt for the royal family’s authority?”

“You…”

When it came to picking apart someone’s words, Xu Feng was a master. This statement instantly infuriated the arrogant baron, but since it involved the royal family’s dignity, he dared not say more. His face turned green with suppressed rage, looking utterly ridiculous.

“Farewell!” The baron viciously whipped his horse and shot Xu Feng a venomous glare. “You’ll regret crossing me.”

Just as he rode away, about seven or eight meters away, a voice called out from behind, "Wait!"

Riva reined in his horse and turned back with a haughty smile, thinking Xu Feng was scared and about to apologize. Little did he know that the next words would nearly make him fall off his horse in fury.

Xu Feng casually waved his hand, as if shooing away a fly, a lazy smile on his face. "Baron Riva, was it? Were you threatening me just now? Well, I’ve been a bit bored lately. If some mutt is looking for trouble, beating it silly a few times might just cure my boredom. But do me a favor—whether you come at me openly or sneakily, make it creative. I don’t like low-IQ opponents; they offer no challenge at all."

If there was ever a case of "the arrogant meeting someone even more arrogant," this was it. Riva had always been known for his extreme arrogance since childhood, but today he encountered someone even bolder. Xu Feng’s words left him speechless for a long moment. His face flushed red, then turned pale, then green with rage, his hair practically standing on end. He roared, "You bastard!"

Then he howled and tried to charge at Xu Feng, but his servants quickly grabbed hold of him.

"Let me go! I’ll kill him, kill him! You all go, kill him for me!"

But no one dared to move. Though these thugs were used to terrorizing the locals and pushing commoners around, they weren't complete idiots. The man before them was a viscount personally ennobled by the emperor. Killing him in broad daylight, no matter how powerful the young master’s family might be, would be unforgivable. Openly murdering a noble was a guaranteed death sentence.