Chapter 18: Can You Spare Me a Little Face?

Zhang Xuan Zhen froze, his face a mix of confusion, neither able to laugh nor cry, with his beard and hair trembling uncontrollably.

He was completely disoriented.

So the voice he had heard earlier was his little senior uncle transmitting a message?

So, his little senior uncle had already arrived in Jing Hai and was here for a matchmaking session at the Tang family?

This wasn’t impersonation at all! Chen Yang was a genuine disciple of Long Hu Mountain, no doubt about it!

In fact, he was probably far more powerful than Zhang Xuan Zhen, the registered disciple.

Wasn’t this just like a flood invading the Dragon King Temple, where family members can’t even recognize each other?

“Huh? Why is Zhang Xuan Zhen stunned?”

The Tang family members had all assumed that Chen Yang was doomed, but seeing Zhang Xuan Zhen, wide-eyed, staring at Chen Yang without making a move, they exchanged puzzled glances.

“What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean he’s stunned? Zhang Xuan Zhen is gathering his strength to deliver a fatal blow to this little conman!”

“Right, Zhang Xuan Zhen never makes a move unless it’s a deadly strike.”

“Look at him, this little conman is still smiling. He’s probably so scared he’s turned into an idiot.”

Tang Fei Er swallowed nervously. This detestable guy really had good mental fortitude.

Once you’re truly finished, I’ll burn incense for you every year.

Chen Rui retreated far away, shaking his head secretly. He felt that Chen Yang’s death was only a matter of time.

For a moment, the atmosphere was eerily quiet, almost… strange?

“Li… little master…”

However, at this moment, there wasn’t the slightest trace of anger left in Zhang Xuan Zhen’s eyes. Instead, he felt like he wanted to find a hole in the ground to crawl into!

He had almost attacked his little senior uncle just now?

This person was the most beloved and proud disciple of his master, and also the little senior brother that his master often talked about.

If he had even touched him, not only would his promotion be impossible, but his life might also be in jeopardy.

Thinking of this, Zhang Xuan Zhen’s imposing aura immediately deflated.

His white hair and eyebrows drooped, his fingers nervously rubbing together. Gone was the ferocity, he now looked like a primary school student caught misbehaving in class.

And before he could finish saying “little master,” Chen Yang shot him a glare, causing the word “uncle” to get stuck in his throat.

Zhang Xuan Zhen was a sensible man, and a crafty one at that. He realized that since Chen Yang had transmitted a message to him secretly, it was clear that Chen Yang didn’t want his identity revealed just yet.

“Zhang Xuan Zhen? I’ve heard you’re quite impressive. Still want to hit me? Come on, let’s spar,” Chen Yang said, rolling up his sleeves, a playful smile on his face.

Zhang Xuan Zhen shuddered. His entire face turned the color of a bitter melon, and he looked as docile as an old dog.

Even if you gave him a hundred times the courage, he wouldn’t dare lay a finger on his little senior uncle!

“Cough, cough… Well… A gentleman uses words, not actions. We’re in a society governed by the rule of law, advocating for harmony and civilization. How can we resort to violence?”

Zhang Xuan Zhen cleared his throat and forced a smile.

The members of the Tang family were all stunned.

Even Tang Fei Er and Chen Rui were left utterly bewildered.

Just moments ago, Zhang Xuan Zhen was full of murderous intent, but suddenly he became as docile as a kitten?

This wasn’t his usual character, was it?

“Why didn’t Zhang Xuan Zhen kill him?”

“What do you know? Zhang Xuan Zhen is giving this little conman a chance to live. If this little conman kneels and admits his mistakes, Zhang Xuan Zhen might spare his life!”

“I’ve heard that enlightened masters usually don’t kill easily, always leaving a chance for survival.”

“I see! Zhang Xuan Zhen truly is a wise person from Long Hu Mountain, with a heart of compassion!”

“Hmph, this guy is lucky to be alive!”

Before Zhang Xuan Zhen could explain himself, the Tang family members had already come up with their own reasons for why he hadn’t acted.

“Fine, so a gentleman uses words and not actions? A society governed by law, huh? Then let’s have a proper discussion.”

“Just now you wanted to kill me? Does that count as betraying your master and ancestors? Should I give my senior sister a call and tell her about it?”

Chen Yang placed his hands on his waist, still smiling.

But that smile made Zhang Xuan Zhen’s heart race, a little scared at what might come next.

Quickly, he cautiously approached Chen Yang, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear:

“Well… little senior uncle, I’m the representative of Long Hu Mountain in Jing Hai. Could you please spare me a little face?”

After speaking, he looked at Chen Yang with a pitiful gaze.

With his Taoist robe and graying beard, he almost made Chen Yang burst out laughing.

This little old man was really something.

“Want face, huh?”

“Alright.”

“Since you’ve asked, as your senior uncle, I can’t refuse you, right?”

Chen Yang put on a kind and loving smile, patted Zhang Xuan Zhen on the shoulder, and walked toward an alley nearby.

“Thank you, little senior uncle! You’re the best!”

Zhang Xuan Zhen was extremely grateful. He was relying on this face of his to get by, so if he kneeled down to show respect to Chen Yang, how would he survive in the future?

Quickly, he followed Chen Yang, wagging his tail in gratitude.

“Zhang Xuan Zhen, where are you going?”

The others were more confused than ever.

Not only were these two not fighting, but now they were walking away together? Where were they going?

“As a master of the Tao, do you all really want to follow me and eavesdrop?”

Zhang Xuan Zhen glanced around and once again took on the demeanor of a transcendent sage.

“We wouldn’t dare… we wouldn’t dare…”

Everyone jumped in fright and quickly stepped back!

Who would dare follow them to eavesdrop? That would be seeking death!

“That’s more like it!”

Zhang Xuan Zhen nodded in satisfaction.

If they saw how pathetic he looked later, would he even be able to survive with his dignity intact?

Thus, under everyone’s watchful gaze, Chen Yang strolled leisurely to the corner of the street, his hands behind his back, walking as casually as an elderly man taking a stroll.

Zhang Xuan Zhen also walked with his hands behind his back, his back straight, exuding the air of a true enlightened master, an immortal-like figure, completely in control.

However, if one looked at him from the front, they would see Zhang Xuan Zhen’s awkward and stiff smile, full of embarrassment.

Sweat, as large as beans, kept dripping from his forehead, and he couldn’t wipe it fast enough.

“Zhang Xuan Zhen didn’t strike directly to kill him, this kid is really lucky.”

Tang Bo snorted coldly, still unwilling to accept it.

“Wait and see, this kid may not die, but Zhang Xuan Zhen will definitely peel his skin off!”

“Right, provoking the majesty of Long Hu Mountain, he may have escaped death, but he certainly can’t escape punishment!”

“Dad, Uncle, this whole mess was actually caused by me, that fool is innocent. Can you please speak up for him in front of Zhang Xuan Zhen and save his life?”

Tang Fei Er’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, loosened a little.

She quickly looked at Tang Shan and Tang Bo with pleading eyes, hoping the elders could speak on the fool’s behalf.

“Impossible, I already gave him a chance. He didn’t cherish it and insisted on courting death. Now that Zhang Xuan Zhen is enraged, who can stop him? Even if a god were to come, they couldn’t save him!”

Tang Shan flatly refused.

“Big brother is right.”

Tang Bo immediately chimed in with a smile, “Such a fraud doesn’t deserve a good outcome.”

“A guy riding a broken tricycle, and he wants to take away our precious young lady? Ridiculous!”

“Fei Er, you should spend more time with Young Master Chen Rui. Only someone from the upper echelons of society, like him, is worthy of you!”

“You… you’re making me furious!”

Tang Fei Er gritted her teeth, so angry that she couldn’t speak.

Meanwhile, Chen Rui stroked his chin, looking puzzled.

Why did he feel like Zhang Xuan Zhen was acting a little off today?

But he couldn’t quite figure out what exactly seemed wrong. Maybe he was just overthinking it?