CHAPTER 9: Journey to the Auction - Part 2

Zhen Liang and Brother Lee, the dedicated student of Uncle Shen, strolled leisurely through the bustling market streets of Sun Li City. The smell of fried dumplings and incense drifted through the air, blending with the vibrant chatter of merchants calling out to showcase their exotic goods. Cloth stalls, weapon forges, and alchemy vendors lined both sides of the street.

As they walked, Brother Lee adjusted his robes and glanced sideways at Zhen Liang. "Liang, do you still think about the spirit pool token incident?" he asked, his tone casual but sincere.

Zhen Liang blinked, taking a moment to recall. "Oh, that?" he said lazily. "I almost forgot about it. If you hadn't reminded me, I wouldn't even know we have such a 'talented' young master in the clan."

Brother Lee frowned slightly, keeping his pace steady. "Still, it's better to steer clear of him. His reputation isn't exactly... honorable. I've heard he relied on his mother's influence and rare elixirs to reach the third stage of Qi Refinement. Now he goes around picking fights with anyone weaker than him."

Zhen Liang gave a half-lidded glance. "You know me, I forgot about that mess long ago. Don't worry, even if he tries something, I'll just drown him in library scrolls. I don't have time to play with entitled young masters."

With a grin, Zhen Liang asked, "Wait, don't tell me—you're afraid of him too?"

Brother Lee chuckled with a faint shake of his head. "Not afraid. Even if I did fight him, Uncle Shen would stand behind me. I just don't want to drag our Master into more trouble. You know how the clan favors those 'young masters' and 'young misses.'"

Zhen Liang rolled his eyes dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Respect the young masters and elders and so on. But remember, you can become a young master yourself by beating the current one in a challenge."

Brother Lee sighed, adjusting the small pouch at his waist. "That's true, but we only get one chance to challenge them. The current Thirteenth Young Master always refuses every challenge. Nobody dares push too far because of his mother's influence."

Zhen Liang waved a hand. "Enough clan politics. Let's enjoy the market. If you're not coming, just give me the coin pouch and head back."

"You little devil!" Brother Lee laughed, hurrying to catch up as Zhen Liang darted ahead.

As Zhen Liang continued moving through the crowd, a figure suddenly bumped into him. Zhen Liang's body shifted smoothly, retreating a step with practiced ease, while the other person tumbled to the ground with exaggerated flair.

"AHHH! My arm! My arm is broken!" the man screamed, drawing the attention of nearby onlookers.

Four men quickly gathered around him. One of them examined the arm and then glared fiercely at Zhen Liang. "Boy! How dare you attack a member of the Mountain Lion Gang!"

Zhen Liang raised an eyebrow, tilting his head. "What gang?"

The surrounding crowd began to murmur.

"It's the Mountain Lion Gang," someone whispered. "That boy's in trouble."

"They pulled the same scam on a noble a few weeks ago. Took a thousand gold coins."

"They've been harassing merchants lately too."

Another gang member stepped forward. "Don't know us? Our leader's a mid-stage Qi cultivator!"

"So hand over all your money for our brother's medical bills, or we'll bring our boss to settle things!" one of them barked.

From the crowd, Zhen Liang spotted Brother Lee watching and gestured subtly for him to stay out of it.

Then, turning to the gang, he said with a lazy smile, "Sure, go get your so-called leader."

The gang members froze, stunned by the boy's audacity. One of them growled and rushed at him. "You brat, I'll show you what happens when you mock the Mountain Lion Gang!"

The crowd gasped as the man swung a punch.

But before it could land, he collapsed in a heap—unconscious.

Silence gripped the crowd.

The other three gang members stared in shock.

Before they could react, Zhen Liang appeared in front of the original scammer like a shadow. He grabbed the man's wrist and smiled. "Didn't you say your arm was broken? Looks fine to me. Want me to make it match your story?"

The man tried to pull away, but Zhen Liang's grip was immovable.

Crack!

The arm bent at a grotesque angle. The man shrieked in agony.

The last two gang members snapped to attention.

Zhen Liang turned to them with a pleasant expression. "Go take them to a doctor. They'll live—six months of rest should do it."

He turned and walked away, leaving the gang scattered and the crowd speechless.

As Zhen Liang explored the stalls, Brother Lee caught up with him and sighed. "You spoiled devil. Why do you always stir up trouble for me?" he muttered as he handed Liang a dung candy from a nearby stand.

Zhen Liang raised an eyebrow with a bored expression. "When did I cause trouble?"

Brother Lee pointed back toward the scene. "That was the Mountain Lion Gang. I heard their leader just broke through to mid-stage Qi Refinement. They're ambitious, and now they'll want revenge. And guess who has to clean up your mess?"

He spoke as if narrating a future tragedy, nose lifted with mock pride.

Zhen Liang rolled his eyes. "Just a newly promoted cultivator. Why would I drag the great Brother Lee into this?"

Brother Lee's face turned sour. "If you can beat him, I'll give you my ten spirit stones for the month."

Zhen Liang's expression brightened. He grabbed Brother Lee's hand and said, "Deal!" then strolled ahead.

Brother Lee narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Alright, brat. I've set my stakes. What are yours?"

Zhen Liang replied calmly, "My monthly spirit stones."

Brother Lee's eyes widened. "That's only three!"

Zhen Liang grinned and stuffed the sweet candy into Brother Lee's mouth, silencing him.

Brother Lee could only groan and chew as he followed behind the smirking troublemaker.