Chapter 22: Those Who Harm My Brothers Shall Die!

Page 1/3

Chen Tiansheng—a prodigy of the Fan Wu Pavilion in the Fan Dao Association?

The preacher’s words stunned everyone in the inn.

No one familiar with the martial world present was unaware of the Fan Wu Pavilion.

It was the coveted sanctuary every wandering martial artist dreamed of entering. Those admitted were unparalleled talents of the urban underworld, boasting a 30% success rate in Foundation Establishment. Even if they failed to establish their foundation, they still ranked among the elite in the city’s martial circles.

In their understanding, no one under eighteen had ever been admitted to the Fan Wu Pavilion.

Yet now, Chen Tiansheng had achieved just that.

And at not even fourteen years old!

Such genius could only be described as monstrous.

Li Dongshan stood frozen, staring at Chen Tiansheng in disbelief. He sneered, “Preacher, you must be joking. This kid has been a mere errand boy in the inn for three years. I never saw him practice martial arts. He’s frail and weak—how could he possibly defeat the Eighteen Bronze Men or possess the qualifications to enter the Fan Wu Pavilion? Haha, you must be joking.”

Not only Li Dongshan, but all the martial artists present refused to believe it.

It was simply too incredible.

The lead preacher sneered coldly. “Are you saying we’re spreading false information?”

Under the preacher’s icy gaze, Li Dongshan shuddered and stammered apologies. “You misunderstand, that’s not what I meant... maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity—someone with the same name...”

The preacher retorted, “Do you really think the association leader would confuse the identity of a Fan Wu Pavilion member?”

Li Dongshan opened his mouth but swallowed his words.

No matter how arrogant he was, he dared not disregard Gao Runshan.

Seeing Li Dongshan fall silent, the lead preacher strode past him and said coldly, “Short-sighted fool. True geniuses shine brightly regardless of their environment. You’ve been running this inn for three years and never knew a prodigy was right under your nose. You nearly buried him. How can you deserve any of this reward?” With a wave of his hand, he ordered, “Remove the reward money!”

A maid entered and collected the reward coins from the counter.

Li Dongshan felt bitter but helpless as he watched his hard-earned reward vanish and endured public humiliation.

Normally, he would have retorted, but the preacher before him was someone he could not afford to offend. He could speak recklessly only if he wished to die.

Clearly, he did not want to.

So, he lowered his head and endured the scolding silently.

The lead preacher ignored Li Dongshan and approached Chen Tiansheng’s table, clasping his fists respectfully. “Young hero Chen, congratulations on becoming a member of the Fan Wu Pavilion.”

Chen Tiansheng returned the gesture humbly. “Thank you. May I ask your name, sir?”

The preacher answered, “Ma Mingzheng.”

Chen Tiansheng quietly noted it.

In the martial world, having more friends meant more paths. From Li Dongshan’s words, Ma Mingzheng clearly had a grudge against him. To reprimand Li Dongshan in public and even revoke the reward money showed Ma Mingzheng was a shrewd man. It never hurt to have such a person as an ally.

Ma Mingzheng said, “Young hero, if you encounter any troubles, I can help you handle them.”

“No need for such formality, just call me Chen,” Chen Tiansheng smiled and added, “There’s no trouble at the moment, just minor matters I can handle myself. Thank you for your concern.”

Page 2/3

Ma Mingzheng hesitated briefly, inwardly admiring the young man’s composure. Chen Tiansheng showed no trace of fear, spoke politely and sincerely, unlike a typical youth training in martial arts.

Regaining his composure, Ma Mingzheng said, “Then I won’t be polite, Brother Chen.”

They exchanged smiles.

Chen Tiansheng fetched a bowl, filled it with wine, and handed it to Ma Mingzheng. The latter accepted, poured himself a full bowl, raised it, and said, “You’re embarking on your journey in the martial world. I look forward to taking care of you.”

Ma Mingzheng laughed heartily, “It’s an honor to look after a genius of the Fan Wu Pavilion!”

They clinked bowls and drained them in one go.

“Ah! Refreshing!”

The strong liquor burned down Ma Mingzheng’s throat, eliciting a delighted shout.

He looked at Chen Tiansheng and suddenly paused.

The young man had drunk the fiery wine in one gulp without flinching or grimacing, maintaining a clear gaze.

This was no act.

Ma Mingzheng nodded with satisfaction and declared, “Impressive tolerance! Haha! I have business to attend to, but one day soon, we’ll have a proper drinking contest to see who has the stronger constitution!”

“Agreed!” Chen Tiansheng nodded.

With that, Ma Mingzheng and his entourage left the Five Lakes and Four Seas Inn.

Inside, silence reigned.

Everyone stared in disbelief at the young man before them, their minds still processing the fact that he had become a member of the Fan Wu Pavilion.

Ma Mingzheng’s behavior had confirmed it beyond doubt.

No matter how unwilling they were to believe it, the truth was undeniable.

Feng Siniang found Chen Tiansheng increasingly unfamiliar.

This boy was truly beyond expectation.

She chuckled, recalling how she had tried to dissuade him earlier.

“Miss Si, are you staring at me because I’m handsome?” Chen Tiansheng suddenly grinned and asked.

Feng Siniang was momentarily taken aback before bursting into laughter. “Though you’re bruised and battered, it doesn’t hide your striking looks. Handsome—so handsome it touches my very heart!”

Chen Tiansheng shook his empty wine jug and smiled, “Since I finished your wine, you shouldn’t be angry, right?”

The wine had indeed belonged to Feng Siniang, and it was all gone.

She pouted playfully, “Then you owe me a drink. I’m this pretty; you wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

Without hesitation, Chen Tiansheng replied, “A beauty wants a drink? How could I refuse?”

Page 3/3

Feng Siniang was in her thirties, with a sturdy build and a shocking scar across her right cheek. Yet her features remained handsome, indicating she had once been quite attractive.

Chen Tiansheng’s words were not born from lust but genuine gratitude for her care these days.

He spoke freely, knowing Feng Siniang’s frank and jovial nature.

Just then, Li Dongshan approached with a flattering smile. “Little Chen, congratulations on becoming a disciple of the Fan Dao Association and entering the Fan Wu Pavilion. Truly a joyous occasion. Whatever drinks you want, just say the word—I’ll treat you!”

As the innkeeper, Li Dongshan knew how to twist words and wipe away his inner resentment.

Though unwilling, he had no choice now.

A Fan Wu Pavilion member could decide the fate of the Five Lakes and Four Seas Inn’s management.

Chen Tiansheng, aware of Li Dongshan’s practiced flattery, feigned ignorance and asked with interest, “May I resign now?”

Li Dongshan smiled, “Of course! It’s my fault for being blind to your talent. I made a fool of myself earlier. You’re magnanimous—just ignore my words.”

A mere fourteen-year-old, Li Dongshan believed his practiced false smile and words would smooth things over.

Unbeknownst to him, Chen Tiansheng saw right through his act.

Chen Tiansheng hesitated before saying, “Today’s drinks and food for all the martial artists in the inn are on you, and I won’t pursue the matter further.”

Li Dongshan winced but smiled and agreed, “Rare to have a genius emerge from this inn. A feast for everyone is only proper!” Turning to the crowd, he announced, “All drinks and food in the inn today are free! Celebrate Young Hero Chen Tiansheng’s admission to the Fan Wu Pavilion!”

Cheers erupted, and Chen Tiansheng returned everyone’s respectful greetings.

Though displeased with Li Dongshan’s actions, Chen Tiansheng refrained from severe punishment, opting for a light reprimand.

Now a member of the Fan Wu Pavilion, Chen Tiansheng had a place to stay and eat, unlike other wandering martial artists who frequented the inn. Hence, future conflicts with Li Dongshan would be minimal.

Li Dongshan secretly felt relieved.

Suddenly, Chen Tiansheng said, “Go fetch my brother Zhao Daqiang.”

At this, Li Dongshan’s heart skipped a beat.

He had just beaten Zhao Daqiang mercilessly—if Chen Tiansheng found out, who knew what would happen?

The thought made Li Dongshan increasingly anxious.

Chen Tiansheng saw Li Dongshan hesitate and coldly asked, “Do you want me to go get him myself?”

Startled, Li Dongshan snapped back to attention and slapped his head. “No, no! That... I sent your brother Zhao Daqiang out to gather firewood an hour ago. He probably won’t return until tomorrow. Maybe...”

Before he could finish, a clerk from behind the counter stepped forward and interrupted, “He’s lying! Little Chen, this guy nearly beat your brother Zhao Daqiang to death. I just stitched him up; he’s still resting in the dormitory!”

Chen Tiansheng suddenly stood, taking a swift step forward to grab Li Dongshan’s collar tightly.

“Anyone who harms my brother dies!”