The Strongest Person

Night had fallen like a vast black shroud draping the sky, scattered here and there with a handful of stars. Beigong Qiyi leaned his chin on his hand, gazing listlessly at the stars above. From within the inner chamber came the steady sound of running water. Turning his head, he looked through the translucent white paper of the window toward the source.

A warm yellow glow cast shadows upon the paper, faintly outlining a tall, slender figure. Beigong Qiyi’s bright eyes followed the movements within. After a while, his eyes grew tired and he blinked to ease the sting, then slowly rose and walked over. He did not enter, but leaned against the doorframe instead.

Inside, the silhouette moved in the golden light. Beigong Juechen curled his lips in a faint smile, scooping a bucket of water with a bamboo ladle and pouring it over his body. The water scattered like translucent petals across his flawless white back, then trickled into the bath, raising tiny ripples.

Bored, Beigong Qiyi rapped his knuckles lightly on the door. “Brother, aren’t you finished yet?” Only the sound of water answered him. After quite some time, a man’s languid, low voice drifted out, “If you’re bored, go outside for a stroll. There are plenty of beauties out there to amuse yourself with.”

Beigong Qiyi pouted and called back, “With a beauty like you here, who else would dare claim the title?” Long black hair floated atop the bathwater as Beigong Juechen let out a soft laugh. “Look in the mirror and you’ll see another.”

“Are you saying I’m beautiful, Brother?” Beigong Qiyi teased. In response, a droplet of water pierced the window paper, falling to form a tiny hollow at his feet. He traced the small hole with his finger and laughed. “Then I’ll go take a look around first.” Beigong Juechen nodded indifferently, “Alright.”

As Beigong Juechen had said, there were indeed many beauties downstairs, for they were in Spring Courtyard, a famed brothel renowned for miles around, where both women and men served.

Beigong Qiyi wandered idly, surveying the scene. The halls were festooned with red lanterns and silk ribbons twined around the pillars as if for a wedding celebration. From time to time, flirtatious eyes stole glances at him. Everyone in Spring Courtyard, male or female, was alluring, their features fine and captivating. Yet, beside Beigong Qiyi, all others seemed to pale and fade.

His own appearance was dazzling, a peerless beauty unmarred by artifice. Every gesture and word bore the effortless grace of a noble young lord, so though many harbored secret intentions toward him, few dared approach.

But “few” did not mean “none”; there were always the fools.

He tilted his head, eyeing the rotund, bejeweled man before him with faint distaste. The man craned his neck, a lecherous grin plastered across his face. “Hey there, little lord, where are you from? You sure are handsome!”

Beigong Qiyi blinked at the man’s flaring nostrils and suddenly chuckled, “And where did this fat bastard come from? You sure are ugly!” His voice was neither loud nor soft, but all who heard it around them burst into laughter. The man glared at them fiercely, then fixed a scowl on Beigong Qiyi. “I am a man who cherishes beauty,” he sneered, “Don’t be ungrateful, or else...”

His smile grew filthier, “Or else, it would be such a pity if that pretty little face got ruined!” As he spoke he reached out, aiming to touch Beigong Qiyi’s cheek.

Beigong Qiyi tilted his head slightly, dodging the greasy hand. The man’s expression darkened instantly. He spat on the floor and cursed, “Hmph! Shameless brat, don’t refuse a good thing.” Beigong Qiyi’s expression did not change. “If your face were given to me, I’d rather refuse.”

The man’s face grew stormier, eyes bulging in anger. Beigong Qiyi let out a cold laugh and turned to leave. But in the instant he turned, the man’s hand clamped down on his shoulder. Beigong Qiyi shot him a sidelong glance. As the man puffed himself up, a sharp crack sounded, followed by a wave of agony creeping from his fingers through his entire body.

The man stared in horror at his limp, useless hand, then howled, his cries echoing through Spring Courtyard. Having just descended the stairs, Beigong Juechen raised his brows at the sight: a burly brute hopping and clutching his hand, while the golden-clad youth stood aside, arms folded, gaze ice-cold.

Beigong Juechen approached, his voice low, “What happened?” At his arrival, the youth’s impassive face blossomed into a smile. He turned, winked at the man, and said with a laugh, “Nothing, just one more fool.”

Beigong Juechen glanced indifferently at the man. “On the contrary, I think he sees far too much.” Beigong Qiyi pursed his lips. Just then, the injured man suddenly sprang in front of Beigong Juechen, burning with rage and ready to vent it on anyone. But the moment his eyes met Beigong Juechen’s, he froze, all pain forgotten.

Beigong Qiyi was beautiful, dazzlingly so, but Beigong Juechen’s beauty was cold, imperious. That arrogance struck a primal desire within the man, a wish to shatter and possess it. His anger turned to lust.

Beigong Qiyi narrowed his eyes. To look at him with such eyes—how bold... Suddenly his hand shot out, gripping the man’s throat. Beigong Juechen took a slight step back, watching with a faint smile.

The man’s face turned red as he struggled to breathe, clawing at Beigong Qiyi’s slender hand—astonished at the strength of one who seemed so delicate. His feet left the ground; the youth lifted him as if he weighed nothing.

Spring Courtyard fell silent. The onlookers melted into the shadows, watching with bated breath. Beigong Qiyi’s lips curved in a smile, though it barely touched his face. “If you can’t control your eyes, let me help you.” As he spoke, his fingers pressed a mute point on the man’s neck.

The man’s eyes bulged. The youth’s fingertip drew ever closer to his eyeball, and though he struggled to close his eyes, he found himself paralyzed. Beigong Juechen observed with a hint of amusement.

With swift, slender fingers, the youth gouged out the man’s eyes. Blood and shreds of flesh splattered. The man fell, howling in agony, as Beigong Qiyi wiped his bloody hand on the man’s garments. “You might thank me one day. If I hadn’t ruined your eyes, it would have been your life next.”

The silence in Spring Courtyard deepened. All present trembled, heads bowed. The curious cast furtive glances at the writhing figure on the floor, then quickly looked away.

Beigong Juechen, who had stood quietly by, suddenly clapped his hands. Two black-clad shadows appeared, dropping to one knee before him. He glanced at the unconscious man. “Throw him out,” he said coolly.

The two shadows whisked the man away. Beigong Qiyi stroked his chin. “Brother, do your shadow guards watch you even while you sleep? Because—” He left the rest unsaid, arching a mischievous brow at Beigong Juechen. Beigong Juechen narrowed his eyes, reached out, and in an instant, the youth was trapped in his arms.

Beigong Qiyi blinked in surprise as the man’s hand landed on his rear. The crisp slap echoed in the quiet hall. He stared dumbfounded at the man until suppressed laughter sounded around them, and at last his cheeks reddened. “Brother, I told you not to spank me!”

Beigong Juechen arched a brow, smiling ambiguously. “And you think I’d actually listen?” Beigong Qiyi laughed softly, seized the man’s shoulders, and whispered in his ear, “Brother, since you like spanking so much, why not play with me in bed tonight?”

Beigong Juechen gave a cool laugh and, without hesitation, flung the youth away. Beigong Qiyi soared to the second floor, landing lightly on the railing before descending again like a golden oriole, swift and graceful.

Landing beside Beigong Juechen, he straightened his immaculate robe and laughed, “Brother, do you think my skills have improved?” Beigong Juechen gave him a sidelong glance. “I was about to ask what you’ve been up to—your progress is negligible!”

Beigong Qiyi’s smile froze. “I’ve just been thinking of you, Brother.” Beigong Juechen snorted, “Save your nonsense. When we return to the manor, copy all the internal classics for me—ten times.” Beigong Qiyi pouted, nodding reluctantly. “Alright…”

Seeing his sullen face, Beigong Juechen smiled slightly, patting his head. “Qiyi, you know as a member of the Beigong clan, you are still too weak. Only the strong are respected; only the strongest can stand at the summit.”

A flash of light passed through Beigong Qiyi’s lowered eyes. He looked up, meeting Beigong Juechen’s emerald gaze, and nodded solemnly. “I understand, Brother.” Only by growing stronger, only by becoming the strongest, could he bind this man by his side—forever.

Satisfied, Beigong Juechen nodded. Then he swept his gaze around the room. “This is a place of pleasure. Everyone comes here for enjoyment!” His low, rich voice soothed the crowd, and even those who had just witnessed bloodshed found themselves gradually at ease again.

Beigong Qiyi stretched languidly and called out, “Judging by the decorations, I’d say there’s a celebration here tonight!”

“You are quite right, young master. Tonight, indeed, brings a joyous occasion!” No sooner had Beigong Qiyi spoken than a soft yet powerful woman’s voice sounded.

Author’s Note: Oh la la, a new adorable character will appear next chapter~
Guess who? It’s related to our big brother!
This story has been censored... I can’t stand it anymore!! Damn it!!