Zheng Niu's face contorted in fury as he glared at Fang Mo. "You little attendant! Dare to threaten me? Do you really think Liao Xiaoli will protect you if I want you dead?"
Liao Xiaoli frowned. Though she didn't like Zheng Niu, it was true that Fang Mo's words had gone too far. After all, he was just a mere attendant, while Zheng Niu was the son of a duke. If Zheng Niu wanted to kill Fang Mo over the insult, it would be difficult for her to stop him.
But the man in question only smiled faintly. "Young Master Zheng, I think you're mistaken. When did I threaten you? I merely stated a fact. Hasn't your little friend down there been failing you lately? At this rate, you won't be producing any heirs."
Zheng Niu's eyes widened, his face turning pale. That was something only his father and a handful of doctors knew. For it to leak—especially to a lowly attendant—was unthinkable.
With an innocent, almost warm smile, Fang Mo stepped closer and patted him on the shoulder. "Cultivate well, Young Master Zheng. Perhaps cultivation will cure you of your affliction."
The crowd turned to look at Zheng Niu with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. It seemed there was truth, or at least some truth, in Fang Mo's words.
Shao Huiqing leaned toward Liao Xiaoli and whispered, "Sister Xiaoli, what is this 'little friend' Fang Mo mentioned?"
Liao Xiaoli blushed, unable to reply. Fang Mo, who had heard the question, turned to Shao Huiqing with a chuckle. "It's his manhood, of course. The part that distinguishes males from females."
Realization dawned on Shao Huiqing. Her face flushed bright red. "Scoundrel!"
Around them, muffled laughter rippled through the crowd. Moments ago, Zheng Niu had mocked Liao Xiaoli's so-called disgrace, but wasn't his even worse? As Duke Zheng's only son, he was expected to carry on the family line—yet he couldn't even do that.
Still, most onlookers stifled their amusement. Zheng Niu was, after all, a duke's son. Before the situation could escalate further, a flying vessel descended above the plaza.
It resembled a seafaring ship, complete with a curved hull and reinforced frame, yet no sails or propellers were in sight. Instead, glowing formations etched into the wood pulsed with energy, keeping the vessel aloft.
Several faintly glowing runes shimmered along the ship's draught. These runes were part of the formation array that powered the ship, allowing it to defy gravity and glide through the air.
As it hovered above the plaza, a gangplank slowly descended, creaking into place. Two elderly men appeared at the end of the gangplank, standing atop the ship.
"Greetings, participants of the annual Winter Immortal Conference. I am Liang Li from the Wood Turtle Sect. This is Tao Hai from the Sea Sect. Come aboard so we can proceed to our destination."
With Liang Li's words, everyone began making their way onto the ship. Despite their excitement, no one dared to cause a scene, lest they upset the elders in charge.
On the ship's deck, Fang Mo was amazed by how spacious it was. Even with so many people aboard, it wasn't cramped. In fact, there was still plenty of room to spare.
"Those invited, move to the front of the ship, where two-person rooms are located to accommodate you. Attendants, head to the back, where communal rooms have been prepared," one of the elders announced.
Shao Huiqing looked at Fang Mo before they separated. "Be careful, Brother Mo."
Fang Mo found her words a little strange. Why should he be careful here? Is it because of Zheng Niu? Would that idiot really try something here?
As he walked toward his assigned area, Guo Qingsheng struck up a conversation. "Brother Mo, how did you know about Zheng Niu's condition?"
Fang Mo glanced at him. Guo Qingsheng had proven to be a man of few words, so for him to ask meant he was truly curious. Zeng Chonglin, walking beside them, perked his ears with interest.
Seeing their curiosity, Fang Mo smiled faintly. "It's nothing special. I'm a doctor, after all. Zheng Niu is too promiscuous for his own good. He probably slept with too many prostitutes and contracted a venereal disease."
Guo Qingsheng and Zeng Chonglin looked at Fang Mo with newfound respect. They didn't know much about medicine, but they knew it was incredibly difficult to identify such a hidden condition just by observing someone.
"Brother Mo, you must be an amazing doctor. I was already impressed when I heard you survived the Storm Forest," Zeng Chonglin said, excitement evident in his voice.
Fang Mo sighed. He knew his survival was more due to a stroke of luck than anything else. If those two strong demon beasts fighting each other had turned their attention on him, all he could've done was offer his neck to their jaws to chew. And if the white snake that attacked him had been just a bit stronger, his resistance would've been futile.
After no more than five minutes, they arrived at the room that would serve as their accommodations for the remainder of the journey. While the participants were placed in two-person rooms, the attendants were assigned to a large communal chamber that could house up to a hundred people.
Rows of futons were lined up beside one another, providing enough space for everyone. At the far end of the room, four doors leading to bathrooms could be seen. Without any ceremony, Fang Mo placed his things on the nearest unoccupied futon and lay down to sleep.
Not even an hour had passed before he was awakened by the sound of a woman's shout. "I said I'm not interested!"
Fang Mo opened his eyes and saw Zheng Niu, accompanied by two of his attendants, surrounding a woman with long red hair. Her face was partially concealed by a black mask, but her curvaceous figure and striking eyes made it clear she was the desire of many men.
"Xiao Meihui, Young Master Zheng has taken an interest in you. You should feel honored and accept his favor. Not just any woman gets the chance to gain his favor," said one of the attendants, a fit man with a spear slung across his back.
"That's right. Young Master Zheng has already been accepted as a disciple by an elder from the Mad Blade Sect. That's an Earth-ranked sect, far stronger than any Mortal sect. If you stick with him, you might have a chance to cultivate immortality together."
Zheng Niu said nothing. He merely smiled at the woman, trying to appear gentle, though the lust in his eyes showed his true intentions. His subordinates were doing a great job sucking his balls.
Xiao Meihui narrowed her eyes, her face contorting with disgust. "I don't want your pathetic help. If I'm not fated for immortality, so be it. My path is mine to walk alone."
Zheng Niu's expression darkened. This lowly attendant had dared to refuse him. She clearly didn't know what was good for her. "Woman, whether you like it or not, you're coming with me!" he snapped, grabbing her wrist. Xiao Meihui struggled, but it was futile. Though pampered, Zheng Niu was still a cultivator at the first level of the Meridian Opening Stage.
Many in the room saw what was happening, but no one dared to intervene. Not only was Zheng Niu the son of a duke, but he was also a cultivator.
A mocking smile tugged at Fang Mo's lips. This idiot doesn't even know if his cock will work and still wants to force himself on a woman? No wonder he caught a venereal disease despite being a cultivator. I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me he slept with ten different women a day. Fang Mo closed his eyes, trying to return to sleep.
But once again, a voice interrupted him. "Bastard, get away from her!"
Fang Mo opened his eyes just in time to see Zeng Chonglin lunging at Zheng Niu with a clenched fist.
Zheng Niu sneered and easily sidestepped the blow before countering with a punch of his own. Zeng Chonglin was nowhere near General Wan's level and stood no chance against a cultivator, even a foolish one like Zheng Niu.
The punch struck his stomach and sent him flying, blood spraying from his mouth as he hit the wooden floor. He lay there, barely conscious. Not satisfied, Zheng Niu released Xiao Meihui and approached Zeng Chonglin, who was sprawled on the ground with a thin line of blood streaming from his lips.
"Idiot. Trying to play the hero when you're this weak?" Zheng Niu snarled, raising his foot to stomp on Zeng Chonglin's head. He had no intention of showing mercy.
Fang Mo sighed. He really is an idiot, but he's still my companion on this trip. Never mind helping him, punching a pampered young master like Zheng Niu is good for my mental health.
Before Zheng Niu could bring his foot down, Fang Mo rose from his futon, closed the distance in a flash, and landed a solid punch on Zheng Niu's right cheek. Blood and two teeth flew from his mouth as he staggered to the side.
"Young Master!" one of the attendants cried out, eyes wide in shock.