Chapter 20

Let's get back to the main story. Zhu Ziliu, having received a hint from Huang Rong, approached Jiang Chen, feigning a look of surprise, and then, as if by accident, placed his hand on Jiang Chen's shoulder. The onlookers thought he was merely trying to help Jiang Chen brush off some dust from his shoulder.

Jiang Chen was no fool. The moment he saw Zhu Ziliu place his hand on his shoulder, he knew what he was up to. Sure enough, before his thoughts had even fully formed, he felt a surge of internal energy. Zhu Ziliu, having received the true teachings from the Southern Emperor, Dharma Master Yideng, and having developed the One Yang Finger technique into a unique style, was indeed one of the top martial artists of his time. Compared to the likes of Nimoxing, he was not much inferior. At this moment, as he tried to subdue Jiang Chen with a surge of internal energy, he suddenly felt a profound internal force burst forth from Jiang Chen, shaking his hand away. Zhu Ziliu was greatly alarmed, his smile freezing and his face turning ashen.

"Uncle Zhu, what's wrong? Why do you look so terrible? Are you sick?" Guo Xiang, seeing Zhu Ziliu jump back as if electrocuted, had no idea what had happened. Seeing his face turn so pale, she thought he might have a serious illness.

Huang Rong was also greatly alarmed. She knew the depth of Zhu Ziliu's skills, and although he was slightly inferior to her, he was still one of the top martial artists of his time. Jiang Chen, a young man in his twenties, should not have such profound internal energy, even if he had started practicing from the womb. But the fact was right before her eyes, and she didn't know what to say. However, Jiang Chen smiled and spoke first: "Mr. Zhu, your skills are impressive. I am truly in awe."

The words "impressive skills" made Zhu Ziliu's face turn red and then white. He had roamed the martial world for most of his life and was a well-respected figure. He never imagined that he would be outmatched by a young man in his twenties. He was stunned for a moment, unable to utter a word.

"Jiang Xiaoye, you saved my daughter, and I am deeply grateful. I wonder if you would be willing to stay at my residence for a few days so that I can properly thank you for your kindness." Huang Rong had already whispered to Guo Jing for a while, but Guo Jing, being a straightforward man, spoke with genuine sincerity.

Jiang Chen laughed and said, "That's great. I was just worrying about tomorrow's meals. Staying here for a few days would be perfect. I just hope I won't disturb the great matters of Master Guo."

"Jiang Xiaoye, you are too modest. If you have no other business, I hope you can stay in Xiangyang for a while so that we can properly entertain you." These words were spoken by Huang Rong. She couldn't figure out Jiang Chen and didn't want to force him to reveal his background, so she wanted to keep him around to find out more.

"That would be wonderful. I also want to stay for a few days. I've heard that the culinary skills of the leader of the Beggars' Gang are unparalleled. If I have the fortune to taste them, it would be a great honor for me." Jiang Chen was thinking about how to stay, and Huang Rong's offer was like a pillow offered to someone who is sleepy. It couldn't be better.

"You know my mother's cooking is good, but since Xiangyang has been in danger, she rarely cooks for us anymore." Guo Xiang, hearing Jiang Chen praise Huang Rong's cooking, couldn't help but add, revealing a hint of longing and hope.

"Qier, you take Jiang Xiaoye to the guest room. I will stay here with your father and Master Zhu to discuss some matters." Huang Rong gave a meaningful look to Zhu Ziliu, signaling him to stay.

Yelü Qi, hearing this, quickly led Jiang Chen to the guest room. Jiang Chen, understanding that they needed to discuss important matters, smiled and followed. Guo Fu and Guo Xiang, grateful for Jiang Chen's rescue, naturally accompanied him.

When the hall was left with only Huang Rong, Guo Jing, and Zhu Ziliu, Huang Rong carefully examined the body of Nimoxing and his twin staffs, then asked Guo Jing, "Jingge, what do you think?"

Guo Jing shook his head and frowned, saying, "The internal energy is extremely powerful, and the sword qi is unparalleled. If this was done by Jiang Xiaoye alone, his martial arts skills are truly unimaginable."

Huang Rong nodded slightly and said, "This person's background is unknown, yet his skills are so high. He appeared at this critical moment, so we need to be cautious."

Guo Jing, however, was more straightforward, saying, "Although the timing is suspicious, since he saved Fu'er and Xiang'er, he should not have any ill intentions."

On the way, Jiang Chen chatted with Yelü Qi and Guo Xiang, arriving at the back of the Guo residence. Despite the late hour, they met many people, including the "Fisherman, Woodcutter, and Farmer" trio under Dharma Master Yideng, the Wu brothers, and Yelü Yan and Wanyan Ping. They had all heard that Jiang Chen had saved Guo Xiang and Guo Fu, but they didn't know the details.

Seeing that Jiang Chen was just a young man in his twenties, they greeted him politely but didn't engage him further. Jiang Chen was happy to be left alone and didn't bother with them. Yelü Qi, being thorough, asked Guo Xiang to show Jiang Chen to the guest room, also to keep him away while they discussed matters.

Jiang Chen felt a sense of suspicion and was somewhat upset, his face showing it. Guo Xiang, thinking he was upset due to the cold treatment, quietly comforted him, "Brother Jiang, don't mind them. The Wu brothers just don't know how powerful you are. They are actually very nice people."

Jiang Chen chuckled and said, "I don't care what they think. But, little Xiang, are you still thinking about your big brother?"

Guo Xiang's face turned red, and she asked with a hint of worry, "Brother Jiang, do you think he won't come?"

Jiang Chen was about to speak when a young boy ran over, calling, "Second Sister, Second Sister, you're back. How is Old Master Lu?"

"Polu, why are you just back now? Where have you been playing?" Guo Xiang, used to being scolded, didn't hesitate to scold her brother.

"I haven't been playing. Father and Mother made me stay in the room to study. I just heard about the danger you were in at the Temple of Yang Taifu. Are you okay? Oh, who is this?" The sturdy Polu finally noticed Jiang Chen and asked.

"This is Brother Jiang. You've met him before, at Fengling Ferry. Do you remember now?" Guo Xiang said, "As for me, do I look like I'm in trouble?"

"Brother Jiang, I heard that a young martial artist saved Second Sister. It was you? I'm Guo Polu." Polu, who was strong and spoke seriously, had a demeanor similar to the young Guo Jing.

"Polu, that's a good name. I hope you grow up quickly and become a great hero like your father, breaking through the enemy lines." Jiang Chen smiled, looking at the future hero, but he was sad to think that Polu would later die with Guo Jing and Huang Rong in Xiangyang.

"Yes, I will work hard. Brother Jiang, since you can kill Nimoxing, your skills must be very high. Can you spar with me and give me some pointers?" Polu asked earnestly, his face full of admiration.

"Um..." Hearing this, Jiang Chen hesitated. Given his skills, sparring with Guo Jing would be more appropriate. As for Polu, although he came from a famous family and had a strong martial background, he was still young and his skills were not yet fully developed. Accepting would seem like bullying a child, but seeing Polu's sincere face, he couldn't refuse.

"Polu, why so many questions? I need to show Brother Jiang to the guest room. If you want to spar, you can try to beat me first." Guo Xiang, who was better at martial arts than Polu, scolded him.

"Go back and study!" Guo Xiang shouted, and Polu reluctantly left, leaving Jiang Chen with a smile. It was nice to have such a considerate girl by his side.

But before Jiang Chen could finish his thought, as soon as he saw Polu walk away, Guo Xiang's face changed. Her lovely face was clouded with worry, and she asked softly, "Brother Jiang, tell me, on my birthday, will my big brother... will he really come?"

"Bang!" Hearing this, Jiang Chen felt as if he had been shot in the chest!