abcnovels
Chapter 14
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.
The young man shoved the old man vehemently, threatening, “Old man! It’s your lucky day that I’ve taken a liking to your granddaughter. If you dare obstruct me again, I’ll hasten your demise.”
Powerless against the youth, the old man succumbed to the push.
Meanwhile, the young man addressed the girl with a sinister grin, “Girl! Come with me, and I’ll provide you with sumptuous meals for life, ensuring your welfare.”
The girl, independent in her thoughts despite her youth, retorted defiantly, “I’d rather die than go with you!”
“Your decision is inconsequential.”
The young man’s smirk widened as he exerted force, pulling the girl closer. Witnessing her imminent capture, bystanders could only sigh helplessly.
Aware of the young man’s formidable stature, onlookers resigned themselves to the inevitable, watching as the girl fell prey to this tyrant.
Just as despair enveloped the crowd, a large hand seized the girl’s other hand and whisked her away.
Then, a voice echoed in the young man’s ear.
“If she refuses to accompany you, why must you make her life difficult?”
Caught off guard, the young man erupted in anger. He slammed the table and rose to his feet, bellowing, “Insolent brat! Do you dare to interfere in my affairs, Chen Tai’s affairs? Do you value your life at all?”
Without uttering another word, Chen Tai charged toward the source of the voice.
It was evident that the person acting wasn’t Chen Shaofeng. Seeing Chen Tai approach, he displayed a disdainful expression and remarked, “To openly attempt abduction in an inn, truly disgraceful conduct for someone of your stature. As someone of the same gender, I am thoroughly ashamed.”
“I, Chen Tai, have no need for your concern regarding my affairs. If you possess any wisdom, relinquish the girl in your possession, or prepare to face dire consequences,” Chen Tai shouted furiously.
“Then I am truly curious about the crimson hue of flowers,” Chen Shaofeng responded impassively.
“You’re asking for death!”
Chen Tai lunged forward, aiming a punch at Chen Shaofeng’s torso.
Despite his swiftness, Chen Tai paled in comparison to Chen Shaofeng’s agility. In a swift motion, Chen Shaofeng sidestepped, causing Chen Tai’s fist to meet nothing but empty air.
Exerting too much force, Chen Tai lost his balance completely, tumbling forward with his limbs flailing in the air.
Hahahaha!
Laughter erupted from the gathering, including Chen Shaofeng and others.
These individuals harbored deep-seated resentment towards Chen Tai for his past transgressions. Were it not for his influential father, they would have reprimanded him long ago.
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.