Chapter 35: The Difference in Rank (1)

"So, you want me to beat him up?"

"In the end, yes."

"You're fucking with me. Using me to get back at him, isn't it obvious that you're trying to kill him with borrowed hands?"

"Then are you going to leave him alone?"

"......"

"He's trash. Just like you said."

"You're no different, trash. If it weren't for you......"

"If it weren't for you, you'd still be wallowing in defeat, gnawing on your collar."

"Shut up."

"I heard your family has a clear grudge. You have a vendetta against him. And I plan to give you information. Isn't it simple?"

"......"

"What will you do?"

"...... Get lost."

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Let me ask one thing."

"What is it?"

"Do you have a grudge against him?"

"I don't have any grudge."

"Don't lie; even a dog wouldn't believe it. I can see the killing intent in your eyes. You definitely hate him, intensely."

"I'll let you know when he leaves. Whether you do anything is up to you. Do as you please."

"Hmph! What makes you think I'll believe you? To me, you and that guy are both idiots."

"The pride of the Tang family is unmatched in the world."

"Perverted brat."

"Don't forget. Good opportunities are always recognized only after they pass."

* * *

"Ugh! This is no joke, right?"

Yan Zhiping was almost dead.

He was experiencing a hangover for the first time in his life. From the way he was swaying, it seemed even standing up was a struggle.

Yan Hozheng clicked her tongue.

"Regulate your qi. You'll feel better."

Once you reach a certain level of inner strength, you can expel alcohol on the spot. However, it was still too much for Yan Zhiping.

"Yesterday, Brother Da Hu said that regulating one's insides with inner strength is not something a drunkard should do, right?"

"So, are you a martial artist or a drunkard?"

"I'll regulate my qi."

"Alright."

After half an hour of qi regulation, Yan Zhiping's face showed some signs of life.

"Definitely better."

"Do you want to sober up?"

"I want to, but...... it's still a bit early to put anything in my stomach."

"Then let's start preparing."

"Preparing? For what?"

"We need to go home."

Upon realizing this, Yan Hozheng was already dressed neatly, seemingly having finished all preparations.

Yan Zhiping's eyes widened.

"Without saying goodbye to everyone?"

"We've shared enough camaraderie. Now we need to return to our respective lives and do what we're supposed to do. If you get hungry on the way, we can stop at a suitable place."

"Oh......"

"The Changying Team is also ready."

"Then, let me say a quick goodbye."

"Sure."

Yan Zhiping quickly changed his clothes. Perhaps he didn't expect to leave so soon; a deep sense of regret was evident.

Normally, Yan Hozheng would have given Yan Zhiping more time, but this time she was firm.

'I've found a lead.'

There was no need to stick around with Ming Hulin any longer. The martial arts of the Ming family were similar to those of the attackers.

'When will I hear from them?'

Gadu Shang's abilities are outstanding. This was true during the Dragon Head Gang era and remains so now. With fewer responsibilities, he might even handle things faster.

Until then, I'll return to the family and make all necessary preparations. There are still many aspects of my martial arts that need improvement.

'I hope they come soon.'

Thus, Yan Hozheng led the Changying Team to the outer courtyard.

"Phew! Brother Yan! You're leaving already? Come on, have breakfast with us!"

Yan Zhiping and Yan Hozheng had become close, and now Peng Da Hu was also trying to get closer.

However, the regret on Peng Da Hu's face was genuine. The same went for Peng Man Hu. They seemed to be very honest people.

Yan Hozheng said,

"If we have a connection, we'll meet again, won't we?"

"Ahem! You're making it sound so sad. Let's have a drink at a nearby tavern after this. You said it yourself! We'll pass around a cup of wine!"

"Sorry, I'm busy."

"Huh."

Peng Da Hu smacked his lips. It was impossible to hold onto someone who was busy.

Peng Man Hu revealed his shoulder with a serious face.

"The bruise hasn't healed yet. Give me a chance to avenge myself later."

"Of course."

"Huh."

Peng Da Hu patted Peng Man Hu's shoulder. Peng Man Hu let out a scream and rolled away.

"Ah, sorry."

What a pleasant pair of brothers.

At that moment, Zhuge Nan and Zhuge Yan came running over with Yan Zhiping.

"Phew! What, what's going on? You're leaving already?"

"Yep."

"Why?! Stay until lunch and go together!"

"Anyway, the paths to the Zhuge family and us are different."

Such a cold-hearted guy.

Zhuge Yan's face was filled with regret. The same went for Zhuge Jun.

"Brother Yan. How about we go together in an hour? Let's have lunch together."

Zhuge Jun, who rarely spoke, initiated a conversation.

Zhuge Jun was strangely intimidated by Yan Hozheng. However, after seeing him fight a few times, he also admired him. His personal regret was probably as big as Zhuge Yan's.

Yan Hozheng patted Zhuge Jun's head.

Zhuge Jun's eyes widened.

"Come visit Jiangsu sometime. I'll show you around."

"Really, really?"

"Except for your sister."

Zhuge Yan shouted,

"Why am I excluded?!"

"You're too noisy."

"Ugh."

Zhuge Yan, trembling, said regretfully,

"Do you really have to go?"

"I have things to do."

His face was still indifferent. However, Zhuge Yan could sense the seriousness and urgency behind his expression.

"......Okay, I guess there's no choice."

After hesitating for a moment, Zhuge Yan sighed and took out a silk pouch from her bosom.

"Here, take this."

"What is it?"

"Just take it."

Yan Hozheng took the gold pouch with a slightly uncomfortable look. Anyone watching might think he was receiving garbage.

"It's the Ming family's horse token."

"Ming family's horse token?"

Zhuge Yan whispered,

"Our main family recently started a weapons business. We also have a branch in southeastern Anhui. There's a map inside, so if you need to go, you can check it out."

Yan Hozheng's eyes sparkled.

"Why are you giving me this?"

"Do you think I'm blind? The Changfeng Technique isn't your real martial art, is it?"

You managed to figure that out. Your perceptiveness is indeed remarkable.

"I don't know what your main weapon is, but if you have time, go check it out. They say the weapons we introduced this summer are all in excellent condition."

"Is it okay to give me this?"

"Thanks to you, the eldest daughter and son of the Zhuge family survived. This is a profitable deal. If Father knew, he'd probably give you a fortune."

Yan Hozheng put the gold pouch in his bosom.

"Thank you."

Zhuge Yan smiled.

"See you again."

"No problem."

"Try to be a bit more polite when we meet again."

At that moment,

"Brother Yan! Have a safe trip!"

"Ping! I'll visit Jiangsu later! See you!"

"Come to my house. I'll give you a whole jar of wine."

The Peng brothers and the Zhuge siblings were waving from behind, and many other young martial artists were also waving.

Few were looking at Yan Hozheng. Most of them were regretful about Yan Zhiping's departure, indicating that they were deeply impressed by the drinking session last night.

Yan Zhiping waved with a bright face.

"See you later!"

Despite his deep regret, he didn't show it. He had built good relationships, so he could see them anytime in the future.

A smile spread across Yan Hozheng's face.

'Good.'

Yan Zhiping had a certain charm. These proud young martial artists wouldn't have just found him cute because he was young.

Yan Hozheng sincerely hoped that he would cultivate his personal charm well.

The Yan brothers turned their backs.

Zhuge Yan looked at Yan Hozheng's back with a regretful face. She said it, but the reality of his departure kept hitting her.

At that moment,

"Quite an impressive person, wasn't he, sister?"

Zhuge Yan turned her head.

"Oh, it's Lianhua."

Muyong Lianhua. She had a different, calm demeanor compared to Zhuge Yan.

"I can understand how the Bi Shan Yan family became one of the seven major families in such a short time."

"Indeed."

Muyong Lianhua also looked at the departing Yan brothers.

Unlike the young martial artists who were filled with pure goodwill and regret, her eyes held a meaningful glint.

'Will we meet again?'

Although she was young, she participated in all major family affairs.

It wasn't because she was the daughter of the family head. It was because she had proven her capabilities.

'No matter what, the main family needs to swallow the Yan family, so there's no need to be sentimental.'

She knew that her father had proposed a business deal to the Yan family.

If the Yan family head accepted, she might see them again. But if they refused...... it would probably be hard to see them again.

'Whether we partner or not, the future of the Yan family is set.'

Muyong Lianhua glanced at the tall building in the inner courtyard.

It was Ming Hulin's residence.

"He's leaving."

Nangong Xian, who was looking down from the window, had a cold expression.

"Jingu."

"Yes, Master."

"Send a letter."

"......Understood."

Nangong Xian smiled crookedly, a bizarre smile he had never shown to anyone, not even his family.

"You picked the wrong person to mess with, Yan Hozheng."

At that moment, Yan Hozheng turned his back.

'......?'

Nangong Xian was startled.

The distance was too great to discern his expression, but he could tell that Yan Hozheng's eyes were fixed on him.

Nangong Xian's face twisted.

"What a repulsive brat!"

He left the place roughly.

* * *

After leaving Hefei, the group set their course for Chaohu. They planned to have a meal there and then take a boat to Jiangsu.

The journey to Chaohu wasn't far.

Or rather, it didn't feel far.

"Phew! Phew!"

"Phew, are you okay?"

"No, I'm not okay."

Yan Zhiping was panting heavily. Even with his thoroughly trained breathing from practicing inner strength, he was almost collapsing.

It wasn't just him. Most of the Changying Team members, who were supposed to protect the prince, also had pale faces. The only one who seemed fine was Shen Mo.

Yan Hozheng smiled and helped Yan Zhiping stand.

"You still have a long way to go."

"Ugh. The hangover is making it worse."

"Still? I thought it would be gone by now."

"It's almost gone. I'm just starving."

It's impressive that he could feel hunger amidst all this. The Changying Team members looked like they just wanted to collapse and sleep.

Shen Mo glared fiercely.

"Can't you maintain the formation properly?"

Yan Hozheng added,

"Exactly. How can the Changying Team be known if you act like this?"

Shen Mo's face turned grim. Hearing such words from the prince, his neck felt stiff.

The Changying Team members looked at Yan Hozheng with despair. How could someone be so evil?

Shen Mo roared,

"How dare you be so disrespectful to the prince! Lower your eyes!"

It was a terrifying scolding. The Changying Team members, who were about to collapse from exhaustion, stood rigidly.

Yan Hozheng said to Shen Mo,

"Don't be too harsh. This is their first time with such training."

"The difficulty of the training is not the fault of the team members. However, the lack of mental strength is my fault. I will apologize on behalf of the team members."

"It's fine. A martial artist should have that level of determination. At least no one has fallen behind."

Although he was trying to encourage them, Shen Mo's face twisted even more. The team members' faces turned black.

Yan Hozheng realized he had made a mistake. But why? He wasn't sorry.

"You seem too exhausted to move. Rest here. I'll go get some food."

"Prince, I......"

"Shen Mo, take care of the team members. We need to eat and leave immediately."

With that, Yan Hozheng headed to a tavern. From behind, he could hear Shen Mo's loud scolding.

"Hmm, this place will do."

The tavern by the large lake was surprisingly empty. Despite being the only tavern in the area.

At least he could order food quickly. Yan Hozheng entered the tavern without hesitation.

Creak.

Yan Hozheng paused as he opened the tavern door.

A surge of undeniable killing intent hit his head.

"Two days, huh?"

The empty first floor of the tavern.

A young man was sitting casually by the window, his right arm in a splint, seemingly broken.

It was Tang Yangxian.