Chapter 22

Translator: Larbre Studio  Editor: Larbre Studio

“Bro Xiong, you…” Jiang Hao and the underling were both shocked. They did not expect Zhao Zhengxiong to resort to such drastic measures.

Ling Chen wiped the playful grin off his face and frowned. “What are you doing? Don’t you know that the ground below a man’s knees is measured with gold?”

“A tree only has one bark and a man only has one face. I’ve already lost my face, so what’s gold worth to me now? Boss Chen, I know that I’m wrong in the past and should not have offended you. As long as you can carry out my revenge, even if you ask me to be a slave, I’m willing.”

“Help him to his feet.”

Ling Chen’s face was stormy, and he coldly tossed out that sentence.

Zhao Zhengxiong anxiously said, “Boss Chen…”

“That’s enough, there’s no need to say anything else. Didn’t you say that they want revenge on me? Then, I’d just like to see how they will do so. ”

At this point, Zhao Zhengxiong trembled slightly and immediately gave praise animatedly, “Thank you Boss Chen! Thank you Boss Chen! ”

“Let’s not delay things any further. Since I’m on leave today, let’s quickly settle matters with them. ”

“Great, I’ll ask my men to arrange a car immediately. ”

After leaving the old city district, with Zhao Zhengxiong leading the way, the group drove to a courtyard outside of Donghai City.

This courtyard had been built a long time ago and time had left a clear mark on the place, the walls of the courtyard were aged and crumbling away. There were two stone lions at the doorstep, imposing and brimming with might. Pine trees filled the yard, seeming like they were frozen in time, lush and verdant.

To think that amidst the busy city life, there existed such a scenic and tranquil place.

Standing in front of the gate, Ling Chen raised his head and saw that above the entrance of the crimson gate, there hung a sign board, with two words “Qing Yun” emblazoned on it. The firm strokes used gave off a domineering aura, brimming with vitality and oppressive might, it seemed to dazzle the eyes of anyone who laid their gaze upon it.

Towards the bottom-right of the signboard, on an adjacent wall, there was a piece of calligraphy. A poem was written.

We enter the martial world, valiant and brave;

Yet time and tide wait for no man.

Empires rise and fall in idle chatters;

And I realize life is itself a sin.

Sword slashing in the rain of blood;

I ride through dead bodies and crows.

As transient as a fleeting cloud is the past;

My old fella where are thee now?

Looking at the poem, Ling Chen couldn’t help but marvel at it secretly. Although it was an imitation, this handwriting matched the verse correctly and fully reflected the poignance of the author.

It depicted a heroic spirit and unyielding resilience, but also the inescapable cruelty of reality.

With ‘Qingyun’ being the name of the courtyard, adding on to this powerful and elegant poem, it was evident that the owner of the yard was no simple figure.

“Bro Xiong, did you say that Song Yi and Gao Wei stay in this place?”

Ling Chen was somewhat sceptical as he simply could not believe that the two could match up to the elegant vibe that the courtyard gave off.

“Boss Chen, I’ve already been here twice. I’m definitely not mistaken.”

“Jiang Hao, go call them out.”

Jiang Hao did not say another word, immediately walking up to the front gate and gave it a powerful knock.

A short while later, there was a loud sound and the head of a cute little girl popped out. She looked like a delicate porcelain doll, curiously staring at the strangers outside.

“Who are you looking for?”

“Little fella, don’t you recognise me?” Zhao Zhengxiong walked forward.

“It’s you again! Was the lesson we taught you last time not tragic enough? You still dare to come back?”

“Cut the crap, ask Song Yi and Gao Wei to get out here.”

The little girl slammed the door shut, and before two minutes had passed, the crimson gate opened again and Gao Wei arrogantly strode out.

Only, when he saw who was outside, his face paled instantly paled, and he scurried back into the courtyard.

“Mr Gao, long time no see. How are your fingers?” Ling Chen grinned at him, waving at him with a joyous greeting .

“Ling Chen, you actually dare to come knocking at our doorsteps?”

“I heard that you people want to find me for revenge, so I delivered myself up to your doorstep. Why your sworn enemy is here, aren’t you guys happy to see me?”

Gao Wei looked hesitant, but he quickly shook his head and coldly laughed, “Ling Chen, today I don’t have the time to accommodate you. I’ll come to visit you another day.”

“Why go through all the trouble? Since I’m free today, why don’t we settle everything once and for all?”

“You…”

Gao Wei opened his mouth to retort, but before he could do so, the little girl came running back and whispered a few sentences to Gao Wei. It was unclear what exactly the contents of the little girl’s message were, but Gao Wei’s complexion turned ugly before long.

“You can enter.”

Walking into the courtyard, Ling Chen saw many wooden dummies situated at different parts of the yard and even various assortments of weapons and armaments.

So, this was a weapons dojo.

Walking to the middle of the courtyard, in the opposite hall, more than ten people walked out. An older man in his late sixties was at the helm. He was clad in a white tangzhuang jacket, sunlight glistening off his silver hair. His face was serene and his gait remarkably steady, exuding a refined temperament.

The elderly man had not even approached the group yet, but one was already suffocated by the formless pressure rolling off him.

This old man… isn’t simple!

Ling Chen looked over the elderly man a few times before shifting his gaze over to the people following behind the elderly man.

On his left was Song Yi, while a middle-aged man in his forties was on the right of the elderly man. His looks were somewhat ordinary, but his figure was burly and brimming with power. What made him stand out was the fact that he was the only one wearing a western suit.

“Boss Chen, the last time I came, I didn’t see those two.” Zhao Zhengxiong was referring to the elderly man and the man in the western suit.

Ling Chen nodded slightly. Just now Gao Wei had refused to let him in and seemed somewhat hesitant. Perhaps it was because of these two strangers.

“Master, it’s him.”

At that time, Song Yi pointed to Ling Chen. He gritted his teeth and spat out, “Last time, Junior Brother Gao and I were comparing skills with him. Who knew that he was so vicious! Not only did he cripple all of Junior Brother Gao’s fingers, he even disregarded convention and assaulted me sneakily. Master, you must teach this kind of scum a lesson!”

Ling Chen widened his eyes and could not believe what he was hearing. This bastard is too shameless, the pot was calling the kettle black!

“My friend, this old one is called He Ziyun and I am the owner of this dojo. People also refer to me as Mr Qingyun. Song Yi is my disciple. Sparring and comparing skills is a common occurrence, but you are at fault for attacking with the intent to maim. Today, not only did you show no signs of remorse, you even brought people to cause a ruckus at my dojo. My friend, learning kung fu is used to strengthen one’s body and there are always people out there who are better than you, you…”

“Are you done?”

Ling Chen impatiently cut the man off. The old fogey was long-winded, and he could not stand to hear him talk any further.

“I admit that I attacked your disciple, but that’s because he deserved to be hit. If you want to uphold justice, then you should get the facts right first. Since he is your disciple, then I would like to say a thing or two to you. Before teaching martial arts, one must teach ethics first. You did not even gauge if your disciple has proper ethics before recklessly teaching him martial arts. Aren’t you worried that he would tarnish your reputation by harming others?”

“You…”

“Ling Chen! How impudent, you actually have the gall to lecture my master. Watch how I take care of you!”

Song Yi let out an angry bellow before charging towards Ling Chen.

His fist came smashing towards Ling Chen, but Ling Chen merely turned his body and nimbly evaded Song Yi’s attack. He then casually lashed out, aiming at Song Yi’s face.

PENG!

A miserable wail resounded throughout the courtyard.

Ling Chen’s fist landed a solid blow on Song Yi’s face. The latter stumbled back and crashed loudly onto the ground. One of his hands was clutching his face, and he screamed in pain, blood profusely leaking from the gaps between his fingers.

A man’s dignity is priceless, he should not submit to others easily.