Martial Universe: The Eyes That Determine the Fate

Chapter 40 Taunt

"Alright, esteemed guests! Coming right away!" The shopkeeper hurriedly responded, not daring to glance at Li Yi's trouser legs again, afraid that he would lose his composure. He turned and walked quickly towards the kitchen, barely able to suppress his smile as he walked.

The young waiter dawdled over to set out the bowls and chopsticks, keeping his head down the whole time and not daring to look up. Occasionally, when he accidentally caught a glimpse of that crimson color out of the corner of his eye, he would immediately look away in a panic, barely daring to breathe, his hands and feet somewhat restrained and flustered.

Li Yi noticed the waiter's strange expression, raised an eyebrow slightly, and casually asked, "What's wrong?"

The waiter stiffened and quickly shook his head: "No, it's nothing. Young master is so dashing and has such an extraordinary demeanor. I just admire him."

He stammered as he spoke, and then hurriedly turned and slipped away, afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would burst out laughing in front of everyone.

Only two people remained at the table, sitting opposite each other. Li Yi waited calmly for the food to be served, his expression composed.

Zi Yue rested her chin on her hand, glancing at him quietly from the side. From his sharply defined eyebrows and eyes, she saw his tall and imposing figure, and then her gaze slowly fell upon the crimson glimpse beneath his battle skirt.

"Look at the shopkeeper and the shop assistants in the shop, they're all trying not to laugh." Zi Yue's eyebrows curved, her cold temperament had faded a lot, and she had become more lively and playful as a young girl. She said, "Only you are completely unaware that you are wearing a peerless battle suit, but you have to wear red thermal underwear with it."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi glanced down at his exposed trouser leg, his expression remaining calm. He said indifferently, "The battle suit protects me, making me look dignified and imposing. The red thermal underwear is comfortable against my skin. As long as I'm comfortable, why should I care about what others think?"

In his eyes, external things are all fleeting, and he only cares about dressing comfortably and happily. What others think or think is never within his scope of concern.

Zi Yue was taken aback by his self-righteous words, then laughed even harder: "Only you can say something so matter-of-fact."

As they spoke, the aroma wafted from the kitchen, and the manager himself carried over steaming dishes. Large plates and small bowls filled the table, the broth was rich and flavorful, the pastries were crispy and fragrant, and the rising steam instantly filled the surrounding air.

The shopkeeper put down the food, deliberately keeping his gaze fixed on the table and the two men's upper bodies, resolutely refusing to look down, afraid that catching a glimpse of that crimson color would ruin his composure. After exchanging a few polite words, he hurriedly retreated to the side, standing far away, where one could vaguely see his shoulders trembling as he suppressed a laugh.

Li Yi picked up his chopsticks and began to enjoy the food as if no one else was around, eating with a calm and composed demeanor.

Zi Yue ate slowly, occasionally glancing at the young man beside her. She looked at his handsome face, his sharp battle clothes, and the stubbornly conspicuous red long johns under his skirt. She found it both amusing and strangely exciting.

Such a free-spirited, unconventional, and powerful young man with a pure heart is truly hard not to notice.

By the time the two finished their meal, it was getting late. Dusk was settling over the streets and alleys, and the evening breeze carried the smells of cooking fires from the streets.

Ziyue was on her way home to see her father. She said goodbye to Li Yi at the entrance of the restaurant, promising to meet again at the Talisman Masters' Gathering the next day. Then she turned and left into the twilight.

Li Yi stood alone on the street, looking up into the depths of the city. He could vaguely sense a strong aura of talismanic energy lingering in one direction, which must be the location of the Talisman Master Association.

After quickly determining his location, he started walking along the street, looking for the inn closest to the Talisman Master Association to stay at.

This inn has a quiet courtyard and simple, ancient buildings. It is frequented by practitioners and traveling talisman masters, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

Li Yi paid the room fee, chose a quiet superior room, took a short break to adjust his breathing, and then closed his eyes to rest. The night passed uneventfully.

The next day, as dawn broke and the morning mist dissipated, the rising sun shone on the streets and buildings of Yan City, and the entire city gradually became bustling.

The area where the Talisman Masters Association was located was bustling with activity. Young disciples from various factions and talisman cultivators who came from afar were all dressed in fine clothes and had an extraordinary demeanor. They exchanged pleasantries and discussed the Dao with each other, and the air was filled with an atmosphere of competition and rivalry.

Those who can enter the territory of the Talisman Master Association are all proud sons of the land or have powerful clans behind them. They are all arrogant and value their demeanor and outward appearance.

Li Yi walked slowly, his battle armor fluttering in the wind. He was tall and slender, with his black hair casually draped over his shoulders. His sharp eyes and brows gave him an aura of intimidation that kept strangers at bay.

His steps were steady, each step exuding a profound and weighty presence, far surpassing that of the other young men around him.

In an instant, many eyes from all around converged on him.

"What an extraordinary young man! His aura is far too powerful, far beyond that of ordinary disciples."

"With his handsome face, extraordinary figure, and otherworldly temperament, I wonder which powerful faction he belongs to?"

"Judging from his young age, he has such a composed demeanor; his cultivation is probably unfathomable."

The crowd whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with admiration and wonder. Many young women from prominent families also secretly glanced at the handsome young man who had appeared out of nowhere.

But just as everyone's gaze shifted downwards and landed on the crimson glimpse inadvertently revealed at the hem of the battle skirt, the scene instantly became eerie.

The words of praise came to an abrupt halt. Many people's pupils contracted slightly. They were stunned for a moment, and then their shoulders twitched uncontrollably as they suppressed their laughter, their faces turning red.

Suppressed gasps rose and fell around them. Some turned their heads and secretly covered their mouths, while others avoided eye contact but couldn't help but steal glances. Many young men brazenly looked them up and down, their eyes full of mockery and ridicule.

"Good heavens, such a majestic battle suit, and he's even wearing red pants underneath?"

"It's so incongruous. A person of such high status, yet their behavior and attire are so crude and casual. It's simply laughable."

"Judging from his demeanor, I thought he was the heir of a reclusive family. I never expected him to be so unrefined. He's a laughingstock."

Rumors and whispers spread quietly, tinged with undisguised mockery.

Among the crowd were several elderly men with graying beards and hair, all seasoned talisman masters with profound experience and a keen eye for the world. They had been secretly admiring Li Yi's extraordinary aura, but when their eyes caught sight of that crimson hue, even with their calm demeanor, they couldn't help but let out a soft "pfft" of laughter. They quickly composed themselves, put on a stern face, and forcibly suppressed their laughter, though a hint of barely suppressed amusement still lingered in their eyes.

Just then, a harsh voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, particularly jarring.

"I thought he was some kind of extraordinary genius, but he's just a showy brute!"

The speaker was a young man in brocade robes, in his early twenties. He had a faint talisman on his forehead, the mark of a talisman master. He was backed by a second-rate power in the city and usually thought highly of himself, often acting arrogantly.

He glanced at Li Yi sideways, his face full of disdain and sarcasm, making no attempt to restrain his words.