Chapter 30: A Small-Time Hooligan Playing a Minor Role
Zhang Ruochen walked out of the inn and headed straight for the city center.
The streets of Yunwu Commandery City were bustling with activity. Along both sides of the road, stalls were set up one after another, selling everything from exotic fruits and spirit medicines to beast bones and weapons. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted demon beast meat, mingled with the shouts of vendors hawking their wares.
Zhang Ruochen wore a bamboo hat, its brim pulled low to cover most of his face. He moved inconspicuously through the crowd.
He had already changed into a set of coarse linen clothes, looking no different from an ordinary martial artist. Unless someone deliberately probed him with spiritual power, it would be difficult to recognize him at a glance.
After all, he had been in a coma for eight years. The current Zhang Ruochen had grown taller, his features had matured, and his temperament had undergone a drastic change. Even if he stood right in front of an old acquaintance, they might not immediately recognize him.
"News has spread. The imperial court has issued a wanted order for the Ninth Prince. The reward is a thousand taels of gold, a top-grade spirit weapon, and a third-grade holy pill!"
"Tsk tsk, such a generous reward. If I could capture the Ninth Prince, I'd be set for life."
"Dream on. The Ninth Prince is a martial arts genius who reached the Fish-Dragon Realm at the age of sixteen. Even if he's been in a coma for eight years, his strength is still not something we can mess with."
"Besides, the Ninth Prince has been wronged. He was framed by the Empress. Anyone with a clear head knows that."
"Shh! Keep your voice down. Do you want to get yourself killed?"
Hearing the discussions around him, Zhang Ruochen's expression remained calm. He had long anticipated this outcome.
The imperial court's wanted order was nothing more than a move by Empress Chi Yao to force him into a corner. She wanted him to have nowhere to hide, to be hunted down like a stray dog.
But Zhang Ruochen had no intention of hiding.
He needed to find a way to leave Yunwu Commandery as soon as possible and head to the Martial Market Academy in the Eastern Domain. Only there could he find a chance to grow stronger.
The Martial Market Academy was one of the most powerful forces in the Eastern Domain. Even the imperial court would have to tread carefully there.
Just as Zhang Ruochen was pondering his next move, a commotion suddenly erupted ahead.
"Move aside, move aside! Don't block Young Master Wang's way!"
A group of servants in fine clothes pushed through the crowd, clearing a path. Behind them, a young man in luxurious robes swaggered forward, his chin held high and his eyes full of arrogance.
This young man was about twenty years old, with a pale complexion and a frivolous look in his eyes. He held a folding fan in his hand, pretending to be refined, but his demeanor only made him look more ridiculous.
"Who is this?" Zhang Ruochen asked a passerby in a low voice.
The passerby glanced at him and whispered, "You don't know? He's Young Master Wang from the Wang family, one of the four great clans in Yunwu Commandery City. He's a well-known local bully who loafs around all day, bullying the weak. Everyone in the city hates him, but no one dares to provoke him."
The Wang family was one of the four great clans of Yunwu Commandery, with deep roots and formidable power. Even the Commandery Prince had to show them some respect.
Young Master Wang was the most notorious good-for-nothing of the Wang family. He had no real skills but relied on his family's influence to do whatever he pleased. He was a classic example of a useless rich kid.
"Move, move! All of you, get lost!"
Young Master Wang swaggered through the streets, his eyes scanning the crowd. Suddenly, his gaze locked onto a young girl selling vegetables by the roadside.
The girl was about fifteen or sixteen, dressed in plain clothes, but her features were delicate and pretty, with a natural charm.
A lecherous smile curled at the corner of Young Master Wang's mouth. He strode over, reached out, and grabbed the girl's chin. "Not bad, not bad. This little girl has some looks. Come with me to the Wang residence and keep me company. I guarantee you'll have plenty of food and drink."
The girl was terrified, her face turning pale as she stumbled backward. "Young Master Wang, please spare me. I... I'm just a poor girl selling vegetables..."
"Spare you? Hah, do you know how many women in Yunwu Commandery City dream of serving me, Young Master Wang? I fancy you—that's your good fortune!" Young Master Wang laughed lewdly, reaching out to grab the girl.
The surrounding crowd watched with indignation, but no one dared to step forward. The Wang family was too powerful. Offending them meant inviting disaster.
Just as Young Master Wang's hand was about to touch the girl, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Stop right there."
Zhang Ruochen stood before Young Master Wang, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.
Young Master Wang was startled, then furious. "Where did this blind fool come from? How dare you interfere in Young Master Wang's business? Do you have a death wish?"
Zhang Ruochen looked at him coldly. "Bullying a weak girl in broad daylight—are you even human?"
"Hahaha! What a joke! In Yunwu Commandery City, I, Young Master Wang, am the law. I can do whatever I want. Who do you think you are to lecture me?" Young Master Wang sneered, waving his hand. "Men, teach this meddler a lesson!"
Several burly servants immediately rushed forward, their fists and feet aimed at Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen's eyes turned cold. He didn't even move, just flicked his finger lightly.
A streak of sword qi shot out, instantly piercing the thighs of the charging servants.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
Screams rang out as the servants collapsed to the ground, clutching their wounded legs and writhing in pain.
Young Master Wang's face changed drastically. He finally realized he had run into a tough opponent. Backing away, he stammered, "You... you dare to lay hands on someone from the Wang family? You're asking for trouble!"
Zhang Ruochen stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a blade. "I'll say this once: get lost. If I see you bullying the weak again, I won't just cripple your legs next time."
Young Master Wang felt a chill run down his spine under Zhang Ruochen's gaze. It was as if he was being stared at by a fierce beast. He didn't dare to say another word, turned around, and fled in panic.
The surrounding crowd erupted in applause.
"Well done! This hero has done a great deed!"
"That's right, that bastard Young Master Wang finally got what he deserved!"
The girl selling vegetables knelt down to thank Zhang Ruochen. "Thank you for saving me, young hero. Please tell me your name so I can remember your kindness."
Zhang Ruochen helped her up and said gently, "No need to thank me. Just be more careful in the future."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
After this incident, Zhang Ruochen became more cautious. He knew that the Wang family would not let the matter rest and would surely send people to hunt him down.
But he wasn't afraid. If they came, he would deal with them.
What he needed to do now was find a way to leave the city as soon as possible.
Just as he was thinking, a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Brother, please wait."
Zhang Ruochen stopped and turned around to see a young man in his twenties, dressed in Confucian robes, chasing after him with a smile on his face.
This young man had a refined appearance and a gentle demeanor, giving off a scholarly air.
"Brother, do you need something?" Zhang Ruochen asked cautiously.
The young man cupped his hands in greeting. "I just witnessed your heroic act, brother, and I deeply admire you. I am Lin Yue, a student of the Martial Market Academy. I wonder if I might have the honor of knowing your name?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart stirred. Martial Market Academy?
He hadn't expected to run into a student from the Martial Market Academy here. This was a perfect opportunity.
"I am... Lin Yue," Zhang Ruochen said, using a pseudonym. "I've long admired the Martial Market Academy. I wonder if Brother Lin could give me some guidance?"
Lin Yue laughed heartily. "Of course! Since we share the same surname, we must be fated to meet. If you're interested, brother, why not come with me to a nearby tavern for a drink and a chat?"
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "Then I'll gladly accept your invitation."