The Empress Chose My Bride, and Now I’m Stuck with a Yandere at -9999 Affection - Chapter 10:

Chapter 10: This Guest Has a Powerful Background:

When Jiang Xuan heard Pavilion Master Mu’s words, he was completely stunned.

He was only here to perform part-time and make some extra money to support himself. How did he end up attracting someone so powerful?

He clearly had the looks to rely on, yet he stubbornly chose to depend on his talent and had never even revealed his true face.

Let alone anything else—if his appearance were exposed, not just that mysterious guest, even Pavilion Master Mu might not easily let him go.

Jiang Xuan knew exactly how attractive his face was to women.

Yet even without revealing his appearance, someone had offered a sky-high price, just to catch a glimpse of him.

They even said that if he agreed to spend one night with them, they’d pay ten billion Spirit Stones.

Even Jiang Xuan was tempted—ten billion High-grade Spirit Stones was simply too much to ignore.

This was the first time he had encountered such a wealthy patron who measured worth in billions.

But Jiang Xuan didn’t dare agree—because of his identity.

If his appearance was revealed, it meant his identity could be exposed too, and he might be blackmailed by certain troublesome women.

Like in scenarios such as these:

[So the famous mysterious courtesan of Tianxiang Pavilion is actually Young Master Jiang?]

[Young Master Jiang, you’re engaged, you know? You wouldn’t want this to be made public, would you?]

[Hmph, if you don’t agree to my terms, don’t blame me if word gets out…]

[If you don’t satisfy me, I might just fail to keep your secret.]

Just the thought of his identity being exposed made Jiang Xuan shiver.

He might not have feared threats in the past, but now, he was truly afraid of Nangong Liuyun finding out.

He couldn’t guarantee what Nangong Liuyun might do if she lost control.

Sigh, he could only blame himself for being too talented.

In reality, Jiang Xuan only visited Tianxiang Pavilion once a month to play two songs.

And on the days he came, the pavilion would be packed beyond capacity.

Not only elders and disciples from nearby sects, even royal princesses—and at times even the Empress herself—would come personally to listen to his music.

For a time, all other courtesans in Tianxiang Pavilion seemed dull in comparison.

His maxed-out skills in Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting truly had no equal—he was simply too dazzling.

Just as Jiang Xuan was deep in thought, Mu Yunxue gently reminded him, “Little Ancestor, have you made a decision yet? This time, it really isn’t that I’m unwilling to help you.

You know that I’ve always respected and admired you. Ever since you came to Tianxiang Pavilion, countless nobles and powerful figures have been curious about your identity and appearance.

Each time, some would come offering hundreds of thousands, even millions of Spirit Stones just to meet with you alone or glimpse your face.

But every time, I turned them away with tact—for your protection.

Even the royal princess’s request was refused by me.

But this guest today is different. She offered one billion High-grade Spirit Stones right off the bat.

She even told me bluntly: if she doesn’t meet you today, then there’s no need for Tianxiang Pavilion to continue existing.

At first, I was furious at her arrogance. But then she revealed a hint of her cultivation…

I fell silent.

Her strength far exceeds mine—she’s at least at the Martial King Realm.

From what I can judge, if she chose to act by force, no one in the entire Imperial City could stop her.

Little Ancestor, can you understand my position now?”

After speaking, Mu Yunxue slapped her own face with guilt, pleading sincerely, “Little Ancestor, as long as you’re willing to meet this powerful guest, Tianxiang Pavilion will pay you an extra fifty million High-grade Spirit Stones for your appearance fee. Is that acceptable?

As for that proposal of spending the night, you can absolutely reject it. If she tries to force you, I’ll use my final means to protect you. You won’t be harmed—don’t worry.”

Jiang Xuan: “…”

After hearing that, Jiang Xuan mocked inwardly:

[You almost had me fooled. If you really had any trump cards, why not use them now?

I’m starting to suspect that this so-called mysterious guest is working with Tianxiang Pavilion.

I’ve never attracted such a big shot before—odds are, they leaked my information themselves.]

Seeing through everything, Jiang Xuan asked his system in his mind:

[System, double-check—does your makeup product truly guarantee concealment? Could a powerful cultivator see through it?]

[Host, rest assured. All products from this system are honest and reliable, quality guaranteed. Even a Martial Sovereign couldn’t see through it.]

[Alright then. If even you say so, then I’m definitely making this money. Not even Jesus can stop me!]

This makeup item was part of a gift pack the system had given long ago. Jiang Xuan considered it the most useful item he’d received.

Ever since his looks were accidentally exposed once, he used this makeup every time he went out or needed to hide his identity.

It could freely alter his facial features, and its effect lasted for three hours.

Once applied, Jiang Xuan looked so ordinary he would never stand out in a crowd.

With this, he dared to openly use his maxed-out skills to earn extra income.

No one could ever link him to the Jiang family’s young master.

After making up his mind, Jiang Xuan finally spoke, “Pavilion Master Mu, for the sake of our half-year relationship, I’ll agree. But the fifty million High-grade Spirit Stones must be paid in advance. Once I’m done playing my songs, I’ll go meet that mysterious guest.”

“Great, great! Little Ancestor, I’m so glad you agreed! Here, this storage ring has fifty-five million High-grade Spirit Stones—your appearance fee is included.”

After receiving the Spirit Stones, Jiang Xuan seemed to think of something and added, “Oh, right. My real face is actually very ugly. Didn’t you say earlier that you wanted to verify that? I’ll remove my mask and show you.”

“No need… no need… Little Ancestor, it doesn’t matter what you look like. I was being thoughtless just now.

Your face is only meant to be seen by the distinguished guest—she’s the one who paid.

Don’t worry. Just explain things to her in advance. If she insists on seeing your face, then take off your mask. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“Sigh, what a pity. I was going to show you my face, and considering our friendship, I’d only charge you fifty million Spirit Stones. That’s not unreasonable, is it?”

Mu Yunxue: “…”

“Little Ancestor, Tianxiang Pavilion doesn’t have that many Spirit Stones left. You’ve already drained us dry… please, take it easy.”

Seeing Mu Yunxue’s pitiful, heartbroken expression, Jiang Xuan mused silently:

[This little girl’s acting skills are improving. She really thinks I’m easy to fool?

When I started working here, the entry fees for Tianxiang Pavilion increased tenfold. And just those fees alone brought in tens of millions of Spirit Stones.

Now she’s pretending to be broke? Alright then—I’ll ditch her next time.

As for that so-called ‘noble guest,’ she’s likely from one of the powerful forces behind Tianxiang Pavilion.

I wonder how her faction compares to the Xuantian Pavilion I founded.]

Outwardly, Jiang Xuan gave a cooperative response, “Pavilion Master Mu, it’s getting late. I’ll go fulfill today’s duty first.”

Hearing that, Mu Yunxue quickly nodded, “Of course, Little Ancestor. Your guqin is already prepared. The guests in Tianxiang Pavilion are waiting for your performance.”

Very soon, Jiang Xuan performed two new pieces as usual.

The audience was ecstatic.

“Wonderful! The master performed two brand-new pieces, both worthy of being passed down for generations!”

“That ten thousand High-grade Spirit Stones entry fee was totally worth it!”

“I’d love to see what kind of extraordinary man could create such immortal works.”

…

As the final note faded, the atmosphere reached its peak, and Jiang Xuan quietly exited.

Led by Mu Yunxue, he entered a luxuriously decorated room with an antique charm.

“Little Ancestor, please wait here. The distinguished guest will arrive shortly.”

“Alright. But let me be clear—I’ll meet her briefly and then leave.”

“Yes, yes! Just a short meeting is enough. Don’t worry, you’re my Spirit Stone tree—I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

“Haha, with Pavilion Master Mu’s promise, I feel much better.”

While flattering her outwardly, Jiang Xuan raised a middle finger in his heart.

[Promise, my foot. First you say she can’t be messed with, then you say you’ll protect me. It’s obvious you’re working together to scam this honest, law-abiding youth.]

[No worries. As long as I look ugly enough, I’ll be safe.]

After a short wait, the door creaked open.

A tall woman in purple walked in.

She had silver hair and blue eyes, her gaze as clear as the ocean.

For a moment, Jiang Xuan was dazed.

But not just because of her beauty—more importantly, his scanning system gave him the following info:

…

Name: Leng Wushuang

Cultivation: 1st stage Martial Emperor Realm

Spiritual Root: Flawless Immortal Spiritual Root

Current Favorability toward Host: 6666

…

At that moment, Jiang Xuan was completely dumbfounded.

In just two days, he’d encountered two Martial Emperor-level powerhouses—how was a small fry like him supposed to handle this?

Just as he regained his senses, Leng Wushuang walked straight up and grabbed his hand excitedly.

“Master, your music is truly soul-stirring.

I’ve admired you for a long time, and I’m finally meeting you today!”

Seeing this Martial Emperor act like a crazed fan, Jiang Xuan was once again stunned.

After a quick cough, he calmly withdrew his hand and slowly spoke, “Uh… thank you for liking my music. So, your purpose today was to see my face, right? Let me be upfront—I’m actually a very ugly man. I’m afraid my real appearance might scare you.

Are you sure you want me to take off my mask? If I do, the image you’ve built of me will be completely shattered.”

As soon as Jiang Xuan finished, Leng Wushuang immediately replied, “It’s alright. What I admire is your talent. Your looks don’t matter to me. I just wanted to get to know the real you.”

Hearing her sincere words, Jiang Xuan paused, then reached up and slowly removed his silver mask.