Ren Tong's carefree nature meant that he rarely took things to heart. Even if he enjoyed a momentary victory in a war of words, it would soon dissipate like smoke. But at the height of his emotions, his true feelings naturally showed. At this moment, having spoken these words, he felt extremely exhilarated.

Those who had been haughty before, who hadn't given Ren Tong or Chen Yang a second thought, could no longer muster the face to speak. They could only hang their heads low and let Ren Tong have his say.

Liu Changzheng turned his head away, overwhelmed with shame, feeling as if there was nowhere to hide.

Forming cliques, scheming, and relentlessly climbing the ladder—everyone in this circle did it, and over time, it had become a matter of course. But once exposed and laid bare under the sun, the whole affair instantly soured.

If an ordinary person had said it, they naturally wouldn't have cared. They could have easily suppressed it with a few tricks.

But what if the father of the Zhennan Prince said it?

They were helpless. All they could do was stand still under the sunlight, enduring a scorching torment as if in hell.

As for the authenticity of Chen Yang's identity as the Nine Gates Admiral, who would dare to doubt it? Not only would no one dare impersonate such a significant figure, but Wu Yue's actions moments ago had already said it all.

Old Ghost Ren, you have such a powerful son, why didn't you just say so from the start! If we had known earlier, who wouldn't have treated you with the utmost respect?

Chen Yang tugged at Ren Tong, signaling him to stop. After all, they were all neighbors who saw each other every day. They had to live with one another for a long time to come.

Ren Tong's carrot-thick fingers jabbed toward the crowd. "You can say I don't have any skills, but what right do you have to say anything about Chen Yang?"

"And he is my son!"

His words made the heads of those present bow even lower.

It turned out they were the ignorant frogs at the bottom of the well—arrogant, conceited, and utterly laughable.

"Hmph!" Ren Tong let out a heavy snort, finally falling silent.

Then, his tiger-like gaze locked onto Lu Wentao. He strode forward and kicked the top expert of Tianque City, who was already trembling uncontrollably, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"You were the one who said he couldn't be left alive?" Ren Tong pointed at Chen Yang. "Go on, make your move!"

"A misunderstanding! There must be a misunderstanding!" Lu Wentao simply knelt on the ground, waving his hands frantically. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead as he continued, "Even if you gave me a hundred times the courage, I would never dare to move against the Zhennan Prince."

From the moment Wu Yue had spoken, he had realized he'd run into a steel wall.

"Don't be like that. The words have been said, so you must fight! Otherwise, everyone will think Chen Yang is just throwing his weight around!" Ren Tong persuaded him earnestly. "You can forget his identity as the Nine Gates Admiral, and I guarantee I won't do anything to you. Just have a fair fight with him."

Lu Wentao: "..."

Everyone else: "..."

It was common knowledge that the Zhennan Prince's martial arts were exceptional, among the absolute top tier. Forget the so-called number-one experts of small cities; even looking across the entire Martial Association, who could possibly be his match?

In his heart, Lu Wentao cursed Ren Tong endlessly. This is just shameless bullying!

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Lu Wentao pleaded desperately, "I... I truly know I was wrong. Please, seeing as I am a man with one foot in the grave, spare me this once."

His heart was bitter with endless regret. Wasn't enjoying his golden years in peace a good thing? Why did I have to get involved in this mess? Now, not only is my lifelong reputation ruined, but I'll probably lose my life here as well.

"Then you might as well be in the grave right now," Chen Yang said nonchalantly, lighting a cigarette.

Lu Wentao: "..."

"Kill!" Yang Hu drew his saber and lunged forward. The single word was like a clap of thunder.

Terrified, Lu Wentao scrambled backward. He cast aside all composure, turned, and fled at full speed.

"You think you can escape?" Yang Hu flashed a sinister smile.

A moment later, Lu Wentao collapsed to the ground, completely motionless.

WHOOSH.

Chen Yang's indifferent gaze fell upon Pang Dongqiang and Feng Zhen.

Veins bulged on the foreheads of both Pang Dongqiang and Feng Zhen as sweat streamed down like a waterfall. They had just spoken insolently to the Zhennan Prince, telling him to get lost.

"Hiring assassins to plot against the Zhennan Prince?" Yang Hu chuckled menacingly as he walked toward them, a cold glint in his eyes.

THUD! THUD!

The two men collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

"I... I..." Pang Dongqiang started to speak, but his lips trembled so violently he could barely form words.

In an instant, Pang Dongqiang fell over, stiff as a board.

Feng Zhen followed half a second after him.

Yang Hu sheathed his saber and returned to his position behind Chen Yang.

Chen Yang stubbed out his cigarette and offered an apologetic smile to the crowd in the plaza. "My apologies. I'm sorry to have spoiled such a beautiful day with bloodshed and disturbed everyone's good mood. It is truly my fault."

The crowd was stunned at first, then, one after another, they all began waving their hands and speaking courteously:

"Governor, what are you talking about? It was no disturbance at all!"

"It is our utmost honor to finally meet the Zhennan Prince in person!"

"The Governor's presence brings light to our humble community!"

"..."

These people completely changed their tune, each one more subservient than the last, their faces masks of fawning and flattery.

Chen Yang didn't linger and turned to leave.

Thanks to Wu Yue's arrival, by a strange twist of fate, Chen Yang's identity had been revealed in such a public manner. Although it caused quite a commotion, the outcome was rather satisfying.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, a cry echoed across the plaza.

Chen Yang and his group turned around, puzzled.

Liu Changzheng, meanwhile, felt his soul nearly flee his body. He scrambled to grab his daughter but was a step too slow, clutching at empty air.

Liu Xuan dashed before Chen Yang like a gust of wind and pleaded with hopeful eyes, "You... you really aren't taking disciples? I-I'm very smart, and I'm very well-behaved!"

Chen Yang couldn't help but let out a wry smile. The girl was a bit headstrong at times, but her character was fundamentally good. The scene reminded him of that little girl, Zheng Xiaoduo.

Should I start teaching her when I get back? The thought alone gave Chen Yang a headache.

He quickly waved his hands. "No, I'm not taking any!"

"Oh." Liu Xuan looked disappointed. Then she asked timidly, "In that case... can I take a picture with you?"

"Alright."

...

「Tianque City, Renxin Hospital—Intensive Care Unit」

A middle-aged man burst into the ward, ignoring the doctors' attempts to stop him.

Looking at Fan Chen, who was completely wrapped in bandages, the middle-aged man ground his teeth. "Tell me. Who did this!"

"..."

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