Chapter 0013: Are You Even Worthy?

Zheng Tiger was discussing matters with Daoist Wu when, at that moment, the phone rang. Zheng Tiger picked it up casually, and immediately Zhao Daniu’s voice came from the other end.

“Boss, things didn’t go as planned. We ran into some tough opposition and a dozen brothers got hurt,” Zhao Daniu reported everything in detail.

Zheng Tiger was already furious, and upon hearing Zhao Daniu’s words, his rage boiled over; he nearly shouted into the phone, “You useless bunch! You can’t even handle such a trivial matter?”

Zhao Daniu replied, deeply aggrieved, “Boss, listen to me. I brought the brothers, thinking that even if we had to bury that Zhao girl alive, we’d demolish the house today. But suddenly, someone unexpected intervened. That guy is formidable—he injured a whole group of us with just a few moves, and I myself was seriously wounded. Now everyone’s in the hospital. He’s far too strong, not someone ordinary folks can handle. We really had no choice.”

Zheng Tiger was so angry that he laughed, squinting his eyes. “Why are there so many blind fools lately, daring to oppose me everywhere? Did you get any information on this man?”

Zhao Daniu answered immediately, “Not yet, but from what he said, it seems his ancestors had some connection with the Zhao family, which is why he got involved.”

Zheng Tiger cursed, “Useless! What’s the point of keeping you around?”

With that, Zheng Tiger ended the call.

Daoist Wu, who was beside him, opened his mouth and asked, “Is there trouble at Wolong Lane?”

Zheng Tiger related Zhao Daniu’s account, upon which Daoist Wu smiled faintly. “Probably just a skilled fighter. Zhao Daniu and his thugs are no match for someone like that. I still need to personally deal with the master behind the Jiang family, so it’s not wise to be distracted by these side issues. Let’s put Wolong Lane aside for now. Once we’ve handled the Jiang family, we can settle accounts there.”

Zheng Tiger found Daoist Wu’s suggestion reasonable and agreed, “Alright then, we’ll follow your lead. I’ve lost patience with the Jiang family. This time, you must strike swiftly and decisively! I’m done playing games with Jiang Yan. Let’s wipe out the Jiang family in one go!”

Daoist Wu sneered coldly, “Rest assured. If I act myself, even if that kid has extraordinary abilities, he won’t escape my grasp.”

…

Wolong Lane, Chen family ancestral home.

Zhang Xiao, Chen Wei, and Chen Yue each recounted the course of events. Only then did Zhang Xiao realize that Zheng Shaowen was Zheng Tiger’s son; fate had truly led adversaries together.

Chen Wei felt regretful. When he first returned to Tianhe, he hadn’t gone straight home but wanted to earn some money to secure his sister’s future. Unexpectedly, he ended up as a hired thug for Zheng Shaowen. Only after returning home and hearing from Chen Yue did he learn that Zheng’s Tianwang International wanted to develop Wolong Lane, using every means to forcefully demolish homes. Had Zhang Xiao not happened by to visit and intervened on his grandfather’s behalf, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

“How foolish I was! I actually helped Zheng’s family commit evil!” Chen Wei pounded the table in remorse.

Zhang Xiao retorted, “Congratulations, at least you know you were stupid.”

Chen Wei didn’t take Zhang Xiao’s jibes to heart. Though they hadn’t interacted much, he had already experienced Zhang Xiao’s sharp tongue. At least the man was kind-hearted; it was just a bit of verbal teasing.

Now Chen Yue’s eyes darted; she spoke cautiously, “Brother Zhang, you’ve completely offended the Zheng family now. Zheng Tiger is not someone to be trifled with—he won’t let this go easily.”

Zhang Xiao listened, interest piqued, and stared at Chen Yue. She felt uneasy under his gaze and asked, “Brother Zhang, why are you looking at me like that?”

Zhang Xiao smiled, “You’re young, but you’re clever. I underestimated you at first. No need to hint at things. Even if I hadn’t had previous conflicts with Zheng Shaowen, I would still see this matter through. At the very least, I owe your grandfather for the great kindness he showed my family.”

Chen Yue’s earlier words were meant to tie Zhang Xiao’s fate to theirs. With Chen Wei’s martial skills not yet restored and Zheng Tiger determined to seize Wolong Lane, who knew if more trouble would arrive tomorrow? She deliberately highlighted Zhang Xiao’s enmity with the Zheng family, hoping to bind him to their side and rely on his strength to defend their home.

That was why Zhang Xiao remarked on Chen Yue’s shrewdness.

Chen Yue appeared innocent and clean, a pure and lively girl, but she was far more calculating than she seemed; Zhang Xiao almost missed it.

Chen Wei understood the implication and, feeling ashamed, said, “Brother Zhang, don’t mind my sister. She’s only doing what she must; she just doesn’t want to lose our home. She means no harm.”

Zhang Xiao nodded, “No need to apologize or explain.”

He then made as if to stand, preparing to leave.

Chen Wei and Chen Yue rose as well.

Zhang Xiao motioned for them to sit, saying, “But I have other matters lately and can’t stay here every moment. The urgent thing is to restore your martial arts, Chen Wei, at least so you can handle people like Zhao Daniu. I’m going to find a pharmacy to see if I can get the herbs I need for alchemy. If I’m lucky, you might regain one or two levels of your strength soon.”

Chen Wei was instantly moved and grateful, but also more ashamed.

Zhang Xiao’s abilities intrigued him further. So young, yet already a fifth-level martial artist, skilled in medicine and alchemy. Though his grandfather had mentioned a life-and-death comrade named Zhang Xuan, the Zhang Xuan described was just an ordinary man. How could someone like that raise such an outstanding descendant?

Who could have molded Zhang Xiao so well?

But Chen Wei didn’t ask; he understood not to overstep bounds in conversation.

Zhang Xiao walked to the door, then paused and turned to Chen Yue, holding out his hand. “Do you have a phone?”

Chen Yue immediately handed him a smartphone from her pocket.

After asking for the password, Zhang Xiao said, “I don’t have a phone; I’ll use yours for now. This way, I can be reached if anything comes up.”

With that, Zhang Xiao left.

Watching his departing figure, Chen Wei and Chen Yue were speechless. What era was this—who still went out without a phone?

Leaving the Chen house, Zhang Xiao stood at the crossroads, frowning in thought. He took out the phone and dialed Jiang Yan’s number from her business card.

When the call connected, Zhang Xiao said, “If you need me, call this number. Oh, and I’ve heard of Zheng Tiger. Be extra cautious these days; I’m afraid he might do something desperate.”

Jiang Yan wanted to ask more, but Zhang Xiao said he had business and hung up.

Zhang Xiao then walked to a spot where taxis were easy to hail and flagged one down. As he got in, he laughed—what a small world! The driver was the same one who had brought him to Wolong Lane earlier.

The driver recognized Zhang Xiao and chuckled, “Did you find your friend?”

Zhang Xiao nodded, then asked, “Sorry to trouble you again. Is there a pharmacy nearby that sells traditional herbs? I need a place with a sizable storefront.”

The driver immediately mentioned that, in this area, only small shops could be found. For a large pharmacy, he’d have to go to Huanghu District, where Tianhe’s biggest pharmacy was located.

Without further ado, Zhang Xiao told him to drive there.

Arriving at the pharmacy, Zhang Xiao was satisfied—the store was indeed large enough to have the herbs he needed.

He purchased over a dozen types of herbs at once, spending nearly fifty thousand yuan. But Zhang Xiao didn’t feel any pain over it; he never cared much for money.

Leaving the pharmacy with all his herbs, Zhang Xiao encountered a problem. Everything was ready except for an alchemy furnace. The usual market furnaces wouldn’t do; they couldn’t withstand the potency of his concoctions.

Where could he find a suitable furnace?

Just as Zhang Xiao wavered, his gaze landed on an unassuming antique shop across the street. Hoping for luck, he crossed over and entered.

Though small, the shop was tastefully decorated. All the furniture was made of high-quality rosewood; even the display shelves were crafted from premium pear wood. At the back, a recliner lay with someone asleep—presumably the owner.

Zhang Xiao got straight to the point. “Do you have any alchemy furnaces here?”

The owner lazily opened his eyes and sized Zhang Xiao up. He’d been in the business long enough to spot details; Zhang Xiao’s plain attire marked him as a pauper, so the owner didn’t bother with pleasantries and pointed to a shelf. “They’re over there. Look for yourself. Ask if you want a price.”

Zhang Xiao wasn’t offended by the owner’s attitude. He walked to the indicated shelf and examined the items.

After a while, Zhang Xiao turned and said, “These are all subpar. Do you have anything better?”

The owner became impatient, sitting up abruptly in the wicker chair and glaring at Zhang Xiao. “There are good things, but can you afford them?”

Zhang Xiao smiled, “Show me what you have. You haven’t named a price yet—how do you know I can’t pay?”

The owner sneered, “I’ve seen plenty like you. No money, act important, look around, then say the price is too high and leave. You think I have time for your nonsense?”

Still unruffled, Zhang Xiao replied with an edge in his voice, “Show me your best. If I like it, I’ll name a price that’ll satisfy you.”

The owner laughed, unmoved. “You? Satisfy me? Young man, you might talk big, but be careful not to burst your bubble and bite your tongue!”

Zhang Xiao said nothing more, but reached for a string at his waist, revealing three dragon-patterned jade pendants, crystal clear and flawless, difficult to take one’s eyes off.

The owner gaped, his hand trembling as he pointed at the jade, “Let me see that—quick, let me see!”

He hurried over to Zhang Xiao, reaching for the jade, but Zhang Xiao deftly pulled it away and said, “You? Are you worthy?”