NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 32: The Third Young Master
Chapter 32: The Third Young Master
"Ye Chen?"
Chen Zhixing raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing a hint of contemplation.
He couldn't be sure if this person was one of the fated protagonists of the great cultivation world, but based on the man's actions, it seemed highly possible.
"I'll go take a look."
With that, Chen Zhixing got up and left, heading down from Mount Ziwei.
"Young Master, at least finish your meal..."
Before LuoLuo could finish her sentence, Chen Zhixing was already descending from the Third Peak.
Lin'an City, one of the major cities of Yan State, had always been prosperous.
It was traditionally a territory under the Chen family.
Ever since an attack on Chen Zhixing ten years ago, the Chen family had begun to take such matters seriously, and they had set up a barrier in Lin'an City.
The barrier would automatically activate to suppress any combatants if a battle beyond the Illusory Transformation realm occurred.
After ten years of rest and recovery, Lin'an City's prosperity had surpassed its former glory.
Among the various emerging factions was the Black Dragon Gang, a grassroots organization.
The Black Dragon Gang was a major faction in Lin'an City, boasting over a thousand members. Its leader, Xu Dalong, was even a Spirit Nourishment realm cultivator.
Such cultivation might not be remarkable in the broader world of cultivation.
But among ordinary people, Xu Dalong was an untouchable figure.
However, Xu Dalong was cautious and never crossed the line, leading the Black Dragon Gang with discipline.
Thus, the Chen family had turned a blind eye.
After all, a society with no trouble was unrealistic; where there were people, there were disputes.
It was better to have the Black Dragon Gang dominate rather than endless disputes among smaller factions.
If one day the Chen family found the Black Dragon Gang objectionable, they could easily crush it and cultivate a new faction.
On this day.
In the headquarters of the Black Dragon Gang, within a courtyard.
Xu Dalong, the dark-skinned leader, sat grandly in a large chair, holding a cup of hot tea, gently blowing on the floating tea leaves.
On either side of him, two charming maids were massaging his legs.
"This is the life!"
Xu Dalong couldn't help but sigh.
Life was but a few decades; instead of struggling in the cultivation world, it was better to find a place to lie low and live peacefully.
He had once roamed the world of cultivation but, after many setbacks, had long since given up on seeking longevity.
After all, he had neither talent nor background.
Chasing the elusive goal of immortality was pointless; it was better to enjoy life.
"Leader, there's a young man outside asking to see you!"
A sturdy gang member hurried into the hall.
"He wants to see me? Tell him to leave while I'm in a good mood."
Xu Dalong waved impatiently.
"Yes!"
The gang member nodded, about to send the young man away.
Suddenly.
Xu Dalong seemed to remember something and quickly asked, "Wait! What does he look like?"
The gang member thought for a moment and replied, "He looks quite handsome and refined, wearing elegant clothes with an outstanding demeanor, not like the usual poor city folks. He must come from a distinguished background."
Xu Dalong shivered and straightened up, muttering, "Could it be the Third Young Master?"
He quickly asked the gang member, "You didn't offend him, did you?"
The gang member, well aware of the situation, quickly replied, "Leader, don't worry. Seeing his distinguished appearance, I was very respectful and dared not offend him."
"Hmm, you did well."
Xu Dalong sighed in relief, then pushed the maids aside, stood up, and tidied his clothes.
He then hurried outside.
From a distance.
He saw a young man in a moon-white robe, holding a folding fan, standing at the gate like a refined nobleman.
"Oh, I was wondering why my left eye kept twitching today—it turns out the esteemed Third Young Master is visiting!"
Xu Dalong quickly put on a fawning smile and rushed to Chen Zhixing.
Seeing the gatekeeper, Xu Dalong slapped him and scolded, "You idiot! The Third Young Master is here, and you dare block him?"
The gatekeeper, understanding the cue, quickly played along, "Leader, I didn't know it was the Third Young Master. Blame me for being blind..."
"Alright, cut it out."
Chen Zhixing waved his hand, stopping their act.
Xu Dalong awkwardly laughed, then Chen Zhixing straightforwardly asked:
"Xu Dalong, did you recently capture someone named Ye Chen? Where is he now?"
Hearing this, Xu Dalong quickly replied, "Third Young Master, that foolish boy is currently locked up in our Black Dragon Gang's dungeon. Rest assured, I haven't harmed a hair on his head..."
Before he could finish.
"Take me there," Chen Zhixing commanded.
"Yes, right away, Third Young Master, please follow me."
Xu Dalong led the way, taking Chen Zhixing through various rockeries and courtyards.
Along the way, many young and beautiful maids bowed respectfully to Xu Dalong.
"Xu Dalong, you're living quite comfortably," Chen Zhixing commented with a hint of a smile.
Xu Dalong stiffened, cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"Th-Third Young Master, these are just poor people who came to work for a meal. I didn't force them..." Xu Dalong cautiously replied, his legs trembling slightly.
Though he was the feared leader of the Black Dragon Gang, in front of Chen Zhixing, a direct descendant of the Chen family, he was nothing.
Any sign of displeasure from Chen Zhixing, and Xu Dalong could find his head displayed on the city wall the next day, courtesy of someone seeking favor from the Chen family.
"If there's no problem, why are you so nervous? Lead the way," Chen Zhixing nodded, satisfied with the effect of his subtle warning.
"Yes..."
Xu Dalong quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead and led the way to a hidden dungeon behind a rockery.
Inside the dungeon.
A young man with a striking appearance sat cross-legged on a bed of straw.
Before him lay an ancient, rusty sword.
Suddenly, the rusty sword quivered.
"Ye Chen, someone is coming."
A female voice echoed in his mind.
Ye Chen opened his eyes, unconcerned, "It must be that Black Dragon Gang leader Xu Dalong. This man is evil; I'll kill him and uphold justice. It'll also help the common people."
The rusty sword vibrated again, and the female voice sighed, "Ye Chen, I just woke up and only have the strength of the Illusory Transformation realm. This is the territory of the Chen family; causing trouble could be risky. Besides, the Black Dragon Gang leader isn't inherently bad; he hasn't committed major crimes. Let's avoid trouble."
Ye Chen frowned, dissatisfied, "Qing'er, you're a sword spirit. What's there to fear about the Chen family? We'll leave after killing the Black Dragon Gang leader; no one will react in time."
After a pause, Ye Chen continued, "I don't care; I just dislike that Black Dragon Gang leader. I ask you, Qing'er, will you help me?"
The female voice sighed, "Fine, I'll help."
"That's more like it. The Black Dragon Gang will be the first step in my rise in the cultivation world!"
Ye Chen smiled, satisfied.
Suddenly.
The female voice grew tense, "Wait! Ye Chen, there's someone else with the Black Dragon Gang leader!"
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*Note: This story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.*