Chapter 10: The Debauchery of Wine and Lust Diminishes Wisdom

Your father has taken a liking to this girl from the Lu family himself

The burly man with a tiger's nose brightened his eyes upon seeing Zhang Qianfeng, who indeed possessed an ethereal demeanor and an extraordinary appearance, which greatly pleased him. He laughed heartily and said, "You are the one I was looking for. I am Shebo Dong Caiying. I have heard that your skills are impressive. Come, come, let us engage in a battle of three hundred rounds." With a swift movement, he approached Zhang Qianfeng at an astonishing speed, his massive palm striking towards Zhang Qianfeng's chest. Before their bodies even made contact, Zhang Qianfeng already felt his protective energy about to shatter, leaving him astonished. With a quick thought, he turned his palm to meet the attack. With a loud clap, both retreated a step and stood firm in their stances.

Dong Caiqi reprimanded, "What nonsense are you talking? You are also a member of the Tai family. Do you also have a liking for that girl from the Lu family?"

Although Zhang Qianfeng possessed formidable protective skills, upon hearing this unusual situation, he did not dare to be careless in the slightest. He thought to himself, "This person is deliberately showcasing their abilities, making a commotion like a beggar beating a drum." He glanced over and saw Dong Caiqi with a look of delight, while Dong Gengjie appeared displeased, and the eldest young master looked particularly anxious, realizing that an extraordinary individual had arrived

Zhang Qianfeng said: "How do you intend to rely on the crowd, to rush forward all at once?"

Zhang Qianfeng inquired: "Do you wish to spar with me"

Zhang Qianfeng said: "Indeed, excellent skill." The left palm exuded a soft energy, while the right palm radiated a strong force. In an instant, a surge of true energy spiraled out, resembling a dragon and a phoenix, with immense power. The burly man let out a tiger's roar, his fists darting out like snakes, colliding with the yin-yang palm technique. He immediately changed his move, transforming his attack into tiger claws, with fingers exerting sharp force, akin to five six-foot-long swords, slashing towards Zhang Qianfeng. As the two engaged in close combat, Zhang Qianfeng displayed his cleverness, while Dong Caiying exhibited fierce strength. In a moment, a tempest arose, making it impossible for anyone to stand within several zhang around them.

Although Dong Caiying was brave and agile, his martial arts skills were ultimately not as profound as those of Zhang Qianfeng. After two hundred exchanges, Zhang Qianfeng employed the Bagua footwork and executed a move called "Water and Fire Cannot Coexist." The force of his palm seemed empty yet was substantial, causing Dong Caiying to exclaim "Ouch!" as he was grazed on the neck, leaving half of his body numb and sore. He hurriedly retreated and waved his hands, saying, "I concede, I concede. The skills of the immortal are superior to mine. I, Dong Caiying, am convinced both in heart and mind."

Zhang Qianfeng said: "This matter has not yet reached a conclusion, but I want you to swear an oath. As the dignified Lord of Shebo City, you must not harbor any thoughts towards Miss Lu Zhenying, nor may you lay a finger on her. Otherwise, you shall not be tolerated by heaven and earth, and will face divine retribution."

Dong Caiqi said to the big man with a tiger nose, "Second brother, where did you run off to earlier that you have just returned now"

Suddenly, a rumbling of footsteps echoed outside the grand hall, as several individuals approached. Although few in number, their presence was imposing; long before they arrived, their sound had already announced them, resembling the might of dragons and tigers.

Zhang Qianfeng possessed celestial powers and had a keen gaze. Upon seeing this person raise a cup to drink, he occasionally glanced at Lu Zhenying, his eyes filled with mirth, the corners of his mouth curving upward, displaying an expression of an old man with a lustful disposition. Zhang Qianfeng harbored a deep-seated hatred for evil, and upon witnessing this, he felt as if a thorn was lodged in his throat, secretly thinking: "If this city lord truly harbors such treacherous intentions, I will certainly not spare him." He himself was highly skilled in martial arts, hailing from the Wansian Sect, with over one hundred thousand celestial masters backing him, making it rare for any force in the world to rival him, thus he was not afraid of these mortal lords.

Dong Caiqi, seeing his father act so arrogantly, had long been dissatisfied. He stood up and advised, "Father, the young lady from the Lu family is our esteemed guest. We must fulfill our duties of hospitality. How can we force her to stay and become a laughingstock for the world, subject to the scorn of thousands?"

Lu Zhenying was taken aback, never expecting that Dong Gengjie would have such thoughts. However, she had great faith in Zhang Qianfeng, and upon hearing his words, she immediately believed him. Her pretty face flushed bright red, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Zhang Qianfeng stood up abruptly and said loudly: "The Lu siblings are under my protection; this matter is absolutely inappropriate, and I cannot agree to it."

Behind him stood an elderly man in a robe with green hair and a green beard, a long-haired beauty with deer antlers and hooves, a gigantic and robust warrior with tusks, and a lean and agile swordsman with stripes. Zhang Qianfeng and Pan Yan did not know who the newcomers were, but they were aware that Shebo City was home to many supernatural beings, so they were not particularly surprised by the sight.

Zhang Qianfeng waved his sleeve, and a gust of wind rushed forward. He was seven zhang away from Dong Gengjie, yet the power of the Yin-Yang Palm he unleashed did not diminish. Dong Gengjie immediately sensed it, crossing his arms to block. Suddenly, the sound of wind became urgent, and with a series of crashes, his food was sent flying all over the table, juices splattering everywhere. Dong Gengjie staggered, retreating a few steps, his face a mix of shock and anger, looking utterly disheveled. He shouted, "Zhang Qianfeng, you are truly audacious, relying on the name of the Ten Thousand Immortals, thinking I would not dare to move against you?"

Lu Zhenying said: "Thank you for your kind intentions, City Lord. However, as the ancients say: 'Do not approach the living, to prevent rumors.' How could my sister and I dare to stay overnight in Uncle's inner palace, thus provoking gossip and slander"

In an instant, five individuals swiftly entered the grand hall, each with peculiar and extraordinary appearances, far from ordinary. The foremost among them had long, glossy black hair, a face resembling that of a human, yet with features akin to a tiger's for the ears and nose. Standing at nine feet tall, he was exceptionally strong and imposing, clad in snow-white armor adorned with dragon carvings, draped in a cloak that billowed like the northern wind, with a waist encircled by tiger skin and feet shod in elephantine boots. His demeanor exuded both majesty and martial prowess, yet his eyes were strikingly wise.

Dong Gengjie was greatly shocked when she spoke his thoughts so clearly. He gazed at the young girl before him and suddenly felt an inexplicable stir in his heart, faintly thinking: "With such beauty and talent, how could my unworthy son possibly be worthy of her? Only a hero like myself could take her as a concubine." He was a formidable figure of his time, known for his strong and domineering nature. Immediately changing his mind, he wished to possess this rare beauty for himself. While he was urgently devising a plan in his heart, he smiled and said: "What a remarkable young lady! Since that is the case, please allow me some time to consider this matter." His tone was exceedingly gentle and accommodating.

Dong Gengjiadao said: "I have carefully considered what you mentioned earlier and find it quite commendable. You two are just in time to stay overnight and discuss matters with me in private, aiming for great undertakings. Moreover, in my northern border country, the people are straightforward and do not have as many rules as you do in the Central Plains. Why worry about slander? This matter is settled. Who knows, if I am in a good mood tonight, I might even send troops for your brother and sister by tomorrow morning!" After saying this, he burst into hearty laughter.

Only then did Pan Yan address Dong Caiqi: "Miss, I have something to say, but I am unsure if it is appropriate to speak it."

Zhang Qianfeng heard clearly and felt suspicious, so he turned to look at the Snake Elder City Lord

Dong Gengjie, upon witnessing Zhang Qianfeng's display of divine skills, realized that he was no match for him and found himself momentarily at a standstill.

The winding path: "In ancient times, it was said that the Lu family of the Chou Kingdom was of the bloodline of the Beast Enclosure clan, while the Tai family of the Northern Region has been a descendant of the White Feather clan since ancient times. The White Feather clan has intermarried with the Beast Enclosure clan for generations, which has become second nature. Your grandmother is from the Tai family, and your father is from a collateral branch of the Tai family, so it is only natural that he would easily develop feelings for a woman from the Lu family"

Zhang Qianfeng, seeing him so open-minded, felt a sincere sense of admiration and respect, and thus developed a mutual appreciation. He smiled and said, "Young Master Dong Caiying, you have graciously allowed me to take my turn; how can this be considered a defeat?" He then immediately ceased the contest.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone felt a sense of anxiety for Lu Zhenying. The Lord of Shebo City is renowned throughout the world, known for his martial prowess. Lu Zhenying, a mere young girl, with no strong allies to support her, dares to confront this powerful feudal lord and does not yield in her words, thus demonstrating her wisdom and courage.

Zhang Qianfeng let out a long howl, causing the crowd in the hall to be shaken by the sound. A sudden resonance echoed in their ears as he spoke: "Dong Gengjie, we are honest people and do not engage in underhanded dealings. You insist on inviting the Lu siblings into the palace; what are you plotting? I, Zhang Qianfeng, see through it all clearly."

Decades ago, Dong Gengjie was also a renowned martial arts hero of his time, well-respected and widely admired. However, since he inherited his father's position and became the city lord, he has indulged in wine, women, and wealth, no longer the bold and heroic figure he once was. At this moment, upon hearing Zhang Qianfeng speak ill of him, he became furious, stood up, and coldly said: "Since the immortal has come as a guest, it is best to heed the host's arrangements." He instructed his trusted aides: "Clean the palace for the young master and young lady of the Lu family, and invite them to stay."

Lu Yangming, seeing his sister out of danger, felt relieved. He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Sister, why do you treat yourself so unfairly"

Lu Zhenying smiled and said: "Yang Ming, my father often says that national affairs are of utmost importance, while personal matters are of little significance. Do you not understand? As long as it allows you to return to your homeland and restore the court's authority, what does my mere marriage matter? Moreover, marrying a noble son of a feudal lord is hardly a grievance."

Although Dong Gengjie is valiant, he also weighs the pros and cons and does not dare to truly offend the Ten Thousand Immortals. He argued, "The niece of the Lu family has already agreed to marry my son; how could I have any ulterior motives for her residing in my palace? Is it not a matter of course?"

Dong Caiqi's face changed color, and he shouted: "Your mouth truly deserves a beating. I have tolerated your teasing in the past, but now you have dragged my father into this. If others hear it, it would be strange if I don't pull out your tongue."

After having a few more drinks, Dong Gengjie, feeling tipsy and unable to contain his excitement, playfully said: "Niece of the Lu family, nephew of the Lu family, you have suffered along the way, enduring the elements and sleeping outdoors. It is truly commendable. Although my Snake Uncle City is a nice place, the ordinary inns and lodgings here cannot compare to the comfort of the royal palace of your country. Why not stay in my palace tonight? I will have someone attend to you well, and I assure you, you will not be neglected."

Zhang Qianfeng angrily said: "I never expected that you, a marquis of your generation, could be so shameless, Miss Lu. Young Master Lu, to conspire with a tiger is to seek one's own destruction. Let us leave at once."

Dong Caiqi smiled and said, "What concerns do you still have? Feel free to speak without hesitation."

Dong Gengjie shouted sternly: "Hold on, Zhang Qianfeng, you have insulted me in such a manner, do you really think you can just walk away from this?"

Panyan thought: "So this person is the second son of Dong Gengjie, his appearance is truly extraordinary, resembling a celestial being, making one tremble at the sight of him"

Pan Yan smiled and said, "There is indeed a slight stirring of the heart, but sitting beside the young lady, I can manage to endure it."

Dong Gengjie indeed harbored intentions of domination over Lu Zhenying, and firmly believed in the efficacy of oaths, thus he did not dare to make a vow lightly. He merely sneered and said: "I originally had no such thoughts, but under your coercion, how could I cower and submit"

Dong Caiqi smiled slightly, feeling a bit shy, and said: "You are so fickle and alarmist, I don't believe you at all"

At this moment, the atmosphere had cooled down, and everyone was drinking in silence. Zhang Qianfeng was lost in thought, feeling a deep sense of reluctance. Although he did not wish for Lu Zhenying to sacrifice her pure body in exchange for the assistance of the Snake Elder, he was at a loss for words on how to dissuade her. As he turned his gaze, he noticed the person across from him, Pan Yan, winking at him incessantly. Zhang Qianfeng thought to himself, "What trick is this strange person up to now?" He then focused his mind and channeled his energy, and in an instant, his hearing became clear and his vision sharp.

At first, the crowd was captivated by the spectacular exchange between the two individuals, continuously cheering and shouting in support. However, as their techniques became increasingly bizarre and far exceeded the crowd's imagination, the noise gradually diminished, and expressions of astonishment and fear spread across their faces. They thought to themselves: "The masters of the myriad immortals are indeed living deities of this world, their reputations unblemished, yet our Second Young Master, known as the Serpent Uncle Little Demon, is not inferior to this person."

The burly man with a tiger's nose laughed and said, "I have just returned from subduing the barbarians. Upon hearing that a master named Zhang Qianfeng from the Ten Thousand Immortals has arrived at my home, I hurried back without delay, eager to spar with him.

Dong Gengjie, filled with a surge of emotion, spoke without reservation: "If Zhang Xianren wishes to leave, we naturally have no ability to keep him. However, it is imperative that the young nephew of the Lu family must stay."