Chapter 8: An Interesting Kite
Zhang Ruochen's gaze was calm as he looked at the young man before him. This person was none other than the Ninth Prince, one of the Yunwu Commandery's princes.
The Ninth Prince's cultivation was not weak, having reached the Fish-Dragon Realm. However, in Zhang Ruochen's eyes, he was nothing more than an ant that could be crushed with a single finger.
"You want to take me away?" Zhang Ruochen asked indifferently.
The Ninth Prince sneered, "Zhang Ruochen, you are a wanted criminal of the imperial court. I have received orders to arrest you. If you know what's good for you, come with me quietly. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."
Zhang Ruochen shook his head slightly. "With your strength, you are no match for me."
"Hmph, arrogant!" The Ninth Prince's expression turned cold as he activated his sacred power, a golden light radiating from his body. He struck out with a palm, sending a golden palm print hurtling toward Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen did not even dodge. He simply raised his hand and gently pressed forward.
With a loud bang, the golden palm print shattered instantly. The Ninth Prince let out a muffled groan as he was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into a wall.
"How... how is this possible?" The Ninth Prince's face was filled with shock. He was a Fish-Dragon Realm expert, yet he couldn't even withstand a single move from Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen looked at him calmly and said, "I'll say this once: leave. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."
The Ninth Prince's face alternated between pale and red. After a long moment, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Zhang Ruochen, just you wait!"
After saying this, he turned and fled.
Zhang Ruochen paid him no further attention. He turned around and continued walking forward.
Not long after, he arrived at a lively street.
This street was the busiest area in the entire royal capital, lined with shops and stalls of all kinds. Pedestrians came and went in an endless stream.
Zhang Ruochen walked along the street, observing his surroundings.
Suddenly, his gaze fell on a kite stall not far away.
The stall owner was an old man with white hair and a kind face. He was selling all kinds of kites, some shaped like eagles, some like butterflies, and some like dragons.
Zhang Ruochen walked up to the stall and picked up a kite shaped like an eagle.
"Old man, how much is this kite?" Zhang Ruochen asked.
The old man smiled and said, "Young master, you have good taste. This kite is made from the finest materials and is very durable. It costs only one silver coin."
Zhang Ruochen took out a silver coin and handed it to the old man. Then he took the kite and left.
He found an open space, tied the kite string, and then ran forward, letting the kite fly into the sky.
Looking at the soaring kite, a faint smile appeared on Zhang Ruochen's face.
He remembered that when he was very young, his mother had also taken him to fly kites. At that time, he was very happy.
Unfortunately, those happy times were gone forever.
Just as Zhang Ruochen was lost in thought, a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Interesting kite."
Zhang Ruochen turned around and saw a young woman standing not far away, looking at him with a smile.
This woman was dressed in a white dress, her features delicate and her temperament extraordinary. She was none other than Huang Yanchen.
Zhang Ruochen frowned slightly. "Why are you here?"
Huang Yanchen smiled and said, "I was passing by and saw you flying a kite, so I came over to take a look."
Zhang Ruochen said indifferently, "If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
"Wait." Huang Yanchen called out to him.
Zhang Ruochen stopped and asked, "Is there something else?"
Huang Yanchen looked at him and said seriously, "Zhang Ruochen, I know you have a grudge against the imperial court, but I want to tell you that not everyone in the imperial court is bad. There are also many good people."
Zhang Ruochen was silent for a moment, then said, "I know."
After saying this, he turned and left.
Looking at Zhang Ruochen's retreating figure, Huang Yanchen sighed softly.
She knew that the hatred in Zhang Ruochen's heart was not something that could be dispelled with just a few words.
But she believed that one day, Zhang Ruochen would understand that not everything in this world was black and white.