Chapter 12: Shan Zheng’s Betrayal

Chapter 12: Shan Zheng’s Backstab

What a fierce blaze, and how fast it spreads!

Just moments ago, the house was perfectly fine—how could it suddenly catch fire?

Moreover, the fire’s outbreak is so suspicious! A hall built of blue bricks, with no flammable materials around, suddenly bursts into flames just like that?

But no matter what, once the fire started, extinguishing it quickly was the priority.

Among the gathered heroes, many kind-hearted individuals immediately organized a firefighting team. Ignoring Qiao Feng, they promptly sought water sources under someone’s leadership and began battling the fire.

Seeing this, Zhang Fang couldn’t help but flash a slight, triumphant smile in his heart.

In truth, their reactions were exactly what Zhang Fang had anticipated.

The reason Juxian Manor could gather hundreds of martial heroes was solely due to the prestige of Doctor Xue.

As for notions of upholding justice or the irreconcilable strife between Han and Khitan—that was merely lip service.

It was undeniable that many truly came out of patriotic zeal, willing to sacrifice for the nation.

Yet such true heroes were rare, like phoenix feathers and unicorn horns among these so-called martial champions.

Most of them couldn’t care less whether Qiao Feng was Han or Khitan, or even if he had truly lost his mind and killed his adoptive parents and mentors.

What really mattered was Doctor Xue’s reputation.

Though martial artists were proud, few believed they were invincible. Even those who thought themselves the strongest might fall ill or be wounded. Having Doctor Xue as an ally meant an extra chance at survival; as long as they didn’t die on the spot, Doctor Xue’s healing hand could save them from death.

Anyway, for a gathering aimed at opposing Qiao Feng, he certainly wouldn’t attend.

They only needed to shout a few slogans and curse the “Khitan dogs” before the world’s heroes to gain close access to Doctor Xue. They gained face and benefit—that was too good to miss.

But who would have expected that Qiao Feng would actually show up? While these keyboard warriors spewed venom behind his back, the man himself suddenly stepped onto the stage.

He was breaking all the rules!

This was hardly good news for those martial heroes who sought only advantage without risk.

Especially after witnessing Qiao Feng’s overwhelming power—one commanding shout, one palm strike—and seeing fierce fighters like Tan Qing and Yun Zhonghe fall dead or wounded, many began to regret wading into this mess.

Doctor Xue’s friendship might save their lives someday, but Qiao Feng could end them immediately.

Yet at this critical moment, showing weakness would cost them not only Doctor Xue’s favor but also their reputation, so they had no choice but to steel themselves and confront Qiao Feng to the bitter end.

Suddenly, the fire at Juxian Manor provided a perfect excuse to make a dignified retreat, so everyone scrambled to help put out the flames.

After all, fighting fire was tough but better than facing the ferocious Qiao Feng.

Seeing more and more people joining the firefight, You Ju finally grew restless. Taking a step forward, he bypassed Zhang Fang and turned to You Tiao, whose face was full of confusion, asking, “What’s the real cause of this fire?”

You Tiao was stunned. “Wasn’t this fire set by you and the manor master?”

Just as he hesitated, Zhang Fang hurried over with an anxious tone: “Second Uncle, now is not the time to investigate the fire’s origin. We must organize people to extinguish it as soon as possible.”

Hearing this, You Ji suddenly realized something. Stepping forward, he grabbed Zhang Fang’s arm and sternly asked, “Tanzhi, could this fire be related to you?”

Was he exposed so quickly?

Zhang Fang was well prepared. Having set the fire openly, he never intended to cover it up. Adjusting his emotions, he met You Ji’s stern gaze with clear eyes, ready to admit his role righteously—when suddenly a deep voice sounded from nearby: “Brother You, please calm down.”

Turning toward the voice, they saw an elderly man dressed in a silkworm silk robe stride forward. It was the famed “Iron-Faced Judge” Shan Zheng, a man renowned in the martial world for decades. Both You brothers regarded him highly; just days ago, on the day Shan Zheng visited the manor, You Tanzhi had been summoned to pay respects.

Zhang Fang, inheriting You Tanzhi’s memories, wasn’t very familiar with Shan Zheng but recognized him.

Shan Zheng’s face was gentle as he approached, speaking in a calm, soothing tone: “Brother You, please do not be angry. In my view, although Tanzhi’s actions were reckless, they also reveal his profound sense of justice, clear distinctions between love and hate, and his willingness to disregard minor matters for a greater cause. He should not be blamed but rather encouraged.”

You Ji frowned slightly in confusion. “Brother Shan, why do you say this?”

Shan Zheng smiled faintly and said, “Have you not noticed that although the fire is large, under broad daylight, it could hardly harm the heroes present?”

“Of course, the fire itself cannot harm Qiao Feng. But the injured girl he carries has no ability to protect herself in the blaze. Since Qiao Feng is willing to risk danger for her alone, it shows how important she is to him.”

“If the fire had been lit after our move, it would have unsettled Qiao Feng’s mind, allowing us to defeat him sooner and reduce casualties among the heroes.”

“Unfortunately, he acted too hastily, resulting in…”

Listening to Shan Zheng drone on, Zhang Fang, if he hadn’t known he couldn’t win, would have slapped him across the face long ago.

Who causes such harm?

At this moment, Qiao Feng was at his lowest point, burdened by countless negative emotions. A Zhu was also very important to him now.

In the original story, Shan Zheng once ordered his son to attack A Zhu to distract Qiao Feng, only to be split in two by Qiao Feng himself. Now this old bastard was trying to pin the blame on Zhang Fang—that was a death trap!

The hatred boiling inside Zhang Fang was intense.

But before he could explain, a sudden system notification struck him like a heavy blow:

[You have successfully triggered Qiao Feng’s hatred level. Current hatred points: 10 (Mutual Disgust)]

Hearing this, Zhang Fang felt as if hundreds of alpacas had trampled over his heart. Instinctively, he turned to look at Qiao Feng, who stood tall and proud, staring back with undisguised disdain and hostility.

This isn’t how it is, Qiao Feng! Let me explain!

Seeing the fierce hostility in Qiao Feng’s eyes, Zhang Fang immediately wanted to speak but was too late.

Qiao Feng snorted coldly, waved his massive hand, and a powerful burst of energy pressed down on Zhang Fang, making it hard to breathe, let alone speak.

At the very moment Qiao Feng struck, a mighty dragon’s roar rang out from nowhere, resounding throughout Juxian Manor!

(End of Chapter)