Chapter 14

C14 – Help

Following their departure from the forest, Chen Shaofeng and Yue Shan trekked for another half a day until they reached a diminutive city.

With dusk encroaching, the duo decided to dine and lodge at a local tavern for the night, planning to resume their journey come morning, as they still had nearly two weeks until the Great Tang Academy entrance exam.

“Waiter!” Du Ping’ang boisterously hailed upon entering the inn. “Bring forth your finest wines and fare!”

His proclamation echoed through the establishment as they crossed the threshold.

Seizing a vacant table, they swiftly settled into their seats.

“What will you two be having?” inquired the waiter with a genial smile, approaching their table.

“Do you not comprehend? If we order premium dishes and wine, do you doubt our ability to settle the bill?” Du Ping’ang retorted, a touch of irritation creeping into his tone, revealing his ingrained clan upbringing.

Du Ping’ang’s discontent surfaced promptly, a reflection of his clan-bred habits.

Placing his pouch of gold upon the table, he signaled his willingness to pay.

Upon spotting the bag of gold, the waiter’s smile widened, exclaiming joyfully, “Excellent! I shall attend to your needs forthwith.”

Chen Shaofeng remained unperturbed by these exchanges. To him, money was merely an external concern; had they not been outside, he wouldn’t have even carried any.

Considering their overnight stay, he turned to Du Ping’ang, remarking, “I’ll secure a room for us.”

“Big brother! I’ll go!”

Du Ping’ang rose and strode towards the counter, regardless of Chen Shaofeng’s concurrence.

Initially overwhelmed by Du Ping’ang’s fervor, Chen Shaofeng gradually acclimated and began to trust Uncle Ming’s counsel.

Du Ping’ang wasn’t inherently malevolent; rather, he harbored certain affluent habits typical of disciples from prominent clans, habits that could be gradually amended.

Despite their brief acquaintance, Chen Shaofeng trusted his intuition. Thus, he tacitly acknowledged Du Ping’ang as his younger brother.

As they awaited Du Ping’ang’s arrangement for a room and meal, they idly surveyed their surroundings. Unbeknownst to them, an elderly man and a young girl had entered the tavern.

The girl, aged fourteen or fifteen, was a few years younger than Chen Shaofeng. Despite her shabby attire, her beauty shone through.

However, Chen Shaofeng’s concern wasn’t solely her appearance; rather, it was the young man forcibly tugging her along while the feeble old man attempted to intervene.

Their jubilation at his current predicament was palpable.

Hearing the derisive laughter, Chen Tai’s fury intensified.

“Insolent brat! If I don’t teach you a lesson today, my name isn’t Chen Tai.”

Suddenly, a loud noise resounded.

Chen Tai’s aura surged abruptly. Though lacking in formal training or techniques, his innate talent was commendable. Presently, he had attained mastery at the Great Circle of the True Realm.

He stood on the cusp of the Innate Mortal Martial realm.

It was quite an achievement for a commoner’s offspring to attain such strength in a small city. Despite his youth—barely twenty—he had achieved notable prowess.

However, such strength paled in comparison to Chen Shaofeng’s.

While Chen Tai exuded a formidable aura, it paled in comparison to his appearance. Confronted by him, Chen Shaofeng remained steadfast, not budging an inch.

Observing Chen Shaofeng’s disdainful expression, Chen Tai’s fury intensified. Anguish consumed him, his complexion resembling a pig’s liver.

At last, Chen Tai launched his assault, delivering a powerful blow aimed at Chen Shaofeng.

Despite his relentless onslaught, Chen Shaofeng remained unmoved, as immovable as Mount Tai.

Conversely, Chen Tai gasped for air, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

After a prolonged struggle, Chen Tai ceased, his breaths labored. His rage morphed into astonishment, stunned by Chen Shaofeng’s strength.

Yet, fear eluded him. This was his domain, belonging to Chen Tai.

Even acknowledging Chen Shaofeng’s superiority didn’t alter the situation.

“Feeling exhausted, are we? Now it’s my turn,” Chen Shaofeng remarked calmly.

Addressing the little girl tenderly, Chen Shaofeng instructed, “Stand aside and witness how your brother defeats this villain.”

“Be cautious, brother!” The compliant little girl complied, stepping aside.

Chen Shaofeng offered her a gentle smile.

With a swift motion, he darted forward. Before Chen Tai could react, Chen Shaofeng stood before him.