Chapter 0006: The King of Soldiers, Chen Wei

As soon as the burly man spoke, a look of smug satisfaction appeared on the faces of Zheng Shaowen and Master Zhang. Zhang Xiao's guess had been spot on: this strong man was precisely the person they had specially brought in to deal with him.

Based on their previous encounter at the hospital, Master Zhang had concluded that Zhang Xiao was a third-rank martial artist capable of projecting true energy. As for himself, he was merely a first-rank cultivator with mediocre martial skills—certainly no match for Zhang Xiao. But this burly man was different; he was a genuine fourth-rank martial artist, once renowned as the king of mercenaries among underground forces at the border in his youth.

With a fourth-rank warrior on their side, they swaggered confidently into Yunshui Manor, determined to humiliate their opponent.

The burly man stepped forward, and a powerful aura immediately radiated from him. Everyone present, except for Zhang Xiao, felt an oppressive force that made it hard to breathe, as though their very chests were being crushed.

This was the same technique Zhang Xiao had displayed during his earlier clash with Steward Zhao—one yawn, and Steward Zhao had been too intimidated to make a move. As the saying goes, “bear’s heart and leopard’s gall”—such is the might of a fourth-rank martial artist; with their sheer presence alone, they can force others to bow their heads.

Steward Zhao stared wide-eyed, truly feeling the aura emanating from the burly man. He felt as if his guts were about to burst. Was the fourth rank of martial arts so common now? Why did they seem to be everywhere? Moreover, the aura of this burly man was wholly different from Zhang Xiao’s—it was saturated with the scent of slaughter, chilling to the bone.

Jiang Yan and Jiang Kongqing felt as if they had fallen into an abyss. The man’s aura was terrifying; under its weight, sweat had already soaked their backs.

Just then, Zhang Xiao spoke, his expression unchanged as he stared at the burly man. “You look to be just over thirty, and you’ve already stepped into the fourth rank of martial arts. That’s quite a talent—far stronger than that so-called Master Zhang.”

Master Zhang was instantly enraged. Pointing at Zhang Xiao, he shouted, “You bastard, still so foul-mouthed when death is at your door! Let’s see if you can keep talking after you’ve been dealt with!”

But the burly man frowned slightly, for he noticed his own oppressive aura seemed to have no effect on Zhang Xiao.

Wasn’t this young man supposed to be third rank? How could he so easily withstand the pressure of a fourth-rank martial artist?

“You’re impressive yourself,” the burly man said. “To resist my fourth-rank aura with merely third-rank strength at your age is no small feat.”

Zhang Xiao only smirked mockingly. “Third rank? Did that dog Master Zhang tell you that? His dog eyes really do underestimate people.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a forceful aura burst forth from within Zhang Xiao. This time, Zheng Shaowen and Master Zhang, who had been standing calmly behind Chen Wei, suddenly felt a tightness in their chests; the oppressive force made it difficult to breathe. Master Zhang fared a bit better, but Zheng Shaowen’s knees felt as heavy as lead, trembling as if he would collapse with a single push.

He—he’s a fourth-rank martial artist!

Master Zhang nearly exclaimed in shock. He had assumed, given Zhang Xiao’s youth, that he could only be third rank at best. Yet, he was a fourth-rank martial artist, just like the man they had brought, both having reached the realm of courage!

Surprisingly, Chen Wei did not seem shocked. Instead, he gave a rare smile. “Oh? Now this is interesting. I thought I’d be bullying you with my higher rank, but now I don’t mind going all out.”

Zhang Xiao merely replied, “Since we’re about to fight, why not take it outside? If something gets broken, we’d have to pay for it, wouldn’t we?”

Chen Wei nodded. The two of them simultaneously withdrew their auras, and everyone else inside felt the oppressive force vanish, each drawing a deep breath in relief.

Steward Zhao and Master Zhang discreetly wiped sweat from their brows. Compared to Jiang Yan and the other ordinary people, these two—a third-rank martial artist and a first-rank cultivator—felt the pressure far more keenly.

Zhang Xiao and Chen Wei strode toward the garden outside, with Zheng Shaowen and Master Zhang hurrying after them.

Seeing this, Jiang Yan signaled for Jiang Kongqing to follow, and Steward Zhao was naturally eager to witness the duel between two fourth-rank martial masters—a spectacle he might never see again in his lifetime.

On the way, Jiang Kongqing tugged at Steward Zhao and asked, “Steward Zhao, you’ve told me a bit about martial arts before, but I still don’t quite understand. Both Zhang Xiao and Chen Wei are fourth-rank martial artists? Is that really impressive? Since they’re at the same rank, who do you think has the better chance?”

Steward Zhao replied at once, “Miss, the path of martial arts is arduous; among the six ranks, each is undoubtedly stronger than the last. Besides, to reach the pinnacle of martial arts, one needs not only steady, diligent cultivation but also talent and opportunity. Zhang Xiao looks to be under twenty and has already reached the fourth rank—this proves his extraordinary talent or perhaps some fortuitous encounter. As for Chen Wei, though he’s much older, it only means his talent is somewhat inferior to Zhang Xiao’s, nothing more. If they truly come to blows, in my opinion, Chen Wei still has the greater chance of victory…”

Although Jiang Kongqing was not well-versed in martial arts, she was highly intelligent and immediately grasped the point. For Zhang Xiao to reach the fourth rank at his age meant he was either exceptionally talented or had some rare opportunity. But the path of martial arts, no matter what, must be walked step by step. Chen Wei, being much older, naturally had more experience. That’s why Steward Zhao believed Chen Wei had the better odds.

Steward Zhao paused, then continued, “The reason I say Chen Wei has a higher chance is not only his experience, but also that aura he displayed earlier. Unlike Zhang Xiao’s, his carries a murderous intent—clearly a man who’s walked through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. He must be a veteran killer, someone truly dangerous.”

Steward Zhao didn’t speak loudly, but Jiang Yan, walking nearby, heard him clearly and became even more worried for Zhang Xiao. Up ahead, Zheng Shaowen and Master Zhang also caught the words, and their faces became all the more pleased.

Old Zhao has sharp eyes, they thought. Chen Wei really is a battle-hardened mercenary king!

Arriving at the garden of Yunshui Manor, Zhang Xiao and Chen Wei stopped a few meters apart. Zhang Xiao’s face was calm and inscrutable, while Chen Wei seemed eager for the fight, barely able to restrain himself.

Jiang Yan and the others soon arrived as well. Steward Zhao specifically warned Jiang Yan and Jiang Kongqing to keep their distance, lest they be accidentally hurt—after all, when two fourth-rank martial artists fought, collateral damage was always a risk.

Zheng Shaowen was pulled aside by Master Zhang, and the two began whispering.

Zheng Shaowen asked, “Didn’t you say this kid was third rank? How is he suddenly fourth rank now?”

Master Zhang replied awkwardly, “Before, when he made a move, I saw his true energy projection and thought, given his youth, that he could only be third rank. I didn’t expect he was hiding his strength—a mistake on my part. But don’t worry, Young Master Zheng, Chen Wei is no pushover. When he was killing, Zhang Xiao was probably still wetting his pants somewhere!”

Zheng Shaowen frowned. “Another careless mistake? What did you tell me before? You said he was just an ordinary fighter, no match for your Soul-Binding Array. But now, Jiang Yan is standing here safe and sound. How do you explain that?”

Master Zhang looked troubled. “That’s what puzzles me. I can’t see through this man’s martial rank, but there’s no trace of spiritual energy on him—he’s definitely not a cultivator like me. Besides, my Soul-Binding Array can’t be broken unless the person is from the same path. If it’s forced open from the outside, Jiang Yan’s soul would have been destroyed instantly. I really don’t know how he managed it. But rest assured, Young Master Zheng—this man will die today. I’ve already secretly instructed Chen Wei: if he can kill him, he mustn’t leave Zhang Xiao with a single breath!”

At this, Zheng Shaowen’s grim expression finally eased, and a cruel smile curled at his lips. “Then let’s just wait and see.”

Over in the garden, Chen Wei and Zhang Xiao faced each other. Chen Wei asked, “Any last words?”

Zhang Xiao caught the implication and chuckled. “Why, are you asking me for my dying words? Does Zheng Shaowen want me dead that badly?”

Chen Wei was blunt, letting out a cold laugh. “Take the money, ward off disaster. Just count yourself unlucky.”

With that, Chen Wei launched himself forward, moving as fast as lightning!

Jiang Yan and Jiang Kongqing were both stunned; they hadn’t expected someone so burly to be so agile!

In the blink of an eye, Chen Wei was upon Zhang Xiao, his fist lashing out. To those watching, it felt as if even the air around them exploded—a suffocating pressure clamped down on their hearts.

Had that punch landed on an ordinary person, it would have meant instant death.

While everyone waited to see how Zhang Xiao would respond, Chen Wei’s fist struck him squarely.

Bang!

With a thunderous crash, Zhang Xiao was sent flying, smashing through a wall and vanishing beneath a pile of falling bricks.

A one-hit kill!?

Zheng Shaowen was so excited that, if Jiang Kongqing hadn’t been right there, he would have shouted aloud.

Master Zhang, too, wore a triumphant smile. Serves you right, boy—facing Chen Wei, you were doomed from the start!

Jiang Yan and Jiang Kongqing were both shocked. They never imagined Zhang Xiao would fail to dodge, or even defend himself, and would be sent flying by a single punch.

Staring at the pile of bricks, both were tense with worry. There was no movement at all from Zhang Xiao—could he have been killed with just one punch?

Chen Wei stood where he was, squinting at the rubble, a satisfied sneer on his lips. “I thought he’d be tougher, but he’s only…”

But at that moment, the mound of bricks suddenly exploded outward, as if shattered from inside. Dust and debris flew everywhere, and a lone figure stood amidst the chaos.

Everyone stared, eyes wide.

Zheng Shaowen cursed inwardly: “You really are hard to kill, brat!”

“What were you going to say? ‘Only so-so’?” Zhang Xiao stepped from the dust, apparently unharmed, though rather disheveled and covered in dirt.

Then he glanced at Jiang Yan and the others with an embarrassed smile. “Sorry, it’s been a long time since I’ve fought like this—I’m a bit out of practice…”