Chapter Thirty-One: An Old Acquaintance

Master Ye watched everything unfolding before him, feeling utterly incredulous. The young man before him, though seemingly not very old, possessed an ability so admirable it left everyone in awe.

Ye knew well what kind of strength Huo Wu commanded, but he had never imagined that this youthful figure would also possess such formidable skill. It was truly astonishing.

Clapping his hands, Master Ye laughed heartily, “Hahaha, I didn’t expect our young friend to be such a master.” His praise was sincere.

Beside him, Ye Yu’er was equally shocked, never having imagined that Brother Zhao possessed such power.

“Master Ye, you flatter me. In your presence, I am merely showing off my meager skills,” Zhao Yuan replied with a humble smile.

This outcome was somewhat unexpected—he had not intended for Huo Wu to die, merely to teach him a lesson.

“No need for modesty, young man,” Master Ye said warmly, his fondness for Zhao Yuan growing. If it weren’t for the young lady beside him, he would have wanted to marry her off to this promising youth. But he could see clearly that the two shared affection for each other, and the young lady was no ordinary person herself. He would not interfere with their romance.

“Hahaha, but this incident will surely bring trouble. With Huo Wu dead, his people will not let this go easily. Master Ye, I apologize for bringing you trouble,” Zhao Yuan said apologetically.

“What are you saying? Since it happened here, I will take responsibility for it,” Master Ye replied, his temperament aligning well with Zhao Yuan’s.

“Since you’ve said so, I’ll leave this matter in your hands.” After a brief exchange, Zhao Yuan understood Master Ye’s character and saw no need to prolong the topic.

“There is one thing, though, that I am very curious about!” Master Ye placed his hands behind his back, observing Zhao Yuan with an unhurried gaze. His tone was so casual it almost seemed as if he were speaking to himself.

“Please, Master Ye, go ahead,” Zhao Yuan answered.

“Young man, your constitution is extraordinary. Might I ask if you’ve had any remarkable encounters?” From the fight between Zhao Yuan and Huo Wu, Master Ye had already discerned that Zhao Yuan’s physique was quite rare, markedly different from ordinary people.

Years of wandering the world had exposed Master Ye to countless strange tales and phenomena, nurturing his habit of wanting to unravel every oddity he encountered.

Moreover, he felt a deep sense of familiarity—Zhao Yuan’s constitution seemed somehow reminiscent of someone he had met before...

...

“Sister Ling’er, where are you and your father headed next?” With his own father engaged in conversation, Ye Yu’er found herself turning to Zhao Ling’er.

“I don’t know. It depends on where he wants to go,” Zhao Ling’er replied with a gentle smile.

Ling’er—her name was fitting, for she was full of spirit. Her presence was fresh and elegant, her aura untouched by worldly dust. Just standing there, she drew the attention of all around her.

“I see...” Ye Yu’er’s face fell, a hint of disappointment in her expression.

Despite being the heiress of a prominent family, Ye Yu’er had few friends. Even those she did have approached her with ulterior motives. Thus, she cherished her friendship with Zhao Yuan and Zhao Ling’er all the more.

“All banquets must end; we will meet again,” Zhao Ling’er embraced Ye Yu’er, comforting her.

Her conviction in leaving stemmed from her understanding of Zhao Yuan. She knew he would never burden others or drag them down; after the recent events, he would surely not linger here.

...

“Hahaha, so that’s it! No wonder you seemed so familiar—you are the child of an old friend!” Master Ye was in high spirits after hearing Zhao Yuan’s explanation.

“I had no idea my mother knew you, Master Ye!” Zhao Yuan was equally surprised.

“It’s a long story...” Master Ye began, but before he could finish, something unexpected happened to Zhao Yuan.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” Hearing the commotion, Zhao Ling’er and Ye Yu’er rushed over, only to find Zhao Yuan kneeling on the ground, clutching his chest in pain.

“Wait, help him up and see—he’s about to break through!” Master Ye, seasoned in such matters, quickly assessed the situation.

“Grandfather, are you sure? He looks as though he’s seriously injured,” Ye Yu’er asked worriedly. She knew nothing of Zhao Yuan’s unique constitution, and his suffering unsettled her.

“Don’t worry, his constitution is different from ordinary people. This is a sign he’s about to break through,” Master Ye reassured them, guiding the group to his own bedroom.

Within his bedroom was a secret chamber, for breakthroughs required utmost privacy to avoid interference. Only in such a concealed space could one succeed.

“What’s happening?” After ushering them into the chamber, Master Ye stepped outside and was met by a servant’s urgent report.

“Master, the three of Wild Dragon’s men have gathered many others, seemingly bent on revenge. They’re heading here with great momentum, and the reward they’ve offered is very high!” The servant, trembling, was clearly frightened. Such events were beyond what most could endure.

Those three men were notorious local tyrants, the scourge of this region. If one were to describe them, “villainous” would be apt. With their strength, they could wreak havoc unchecked, and the common folk dared only grumble in secret.

Zhao Yuan’s actions had won the hearts of the people—he had finally given them a taste of justice.

Within the chamber, Zhao Yuan successfully advanced to the second level, though his unique constitution made the process agonizing.

“He’s awake!” Zhao Ling’er hurried to support him.

“What’s happening outside? Why is it so noisy?” Though he had entered in a daze, he was still aware of the events unfolding beyond.

“Wild Dragon and his two companions are seeking revenge. They’ve gathered many men and offered a high bounty. We’re in for a fierce battle,” Ye Yu’er said gravely.

“Go check on your grandfather,” Zhao Yuan said, still weak from his breakthrough but worried about the situation outside.

Ye Yu’er stepped out and found Master Ye already coordinating efforts in the main hall.

After inquiring with the servants, she learned that the three men had not only gathered a large group for revenge, but also paid a hefty sum to hire desperate killers to assassinate Zhao Yuan and his friends.