Chapter 18: Everything is Ready, Time to Show Off

Chapter 18: All Set, Ready to Show Off

The location where Xiao Yuanshan fought with the rescue team was not hard to find. After all, the rescue team had been tracking their trail and were ambushed by Xiao Yuanshan along the way. Zhang Fang and Qiao Feng only needed to retrace their steps to find them.

After searching for some time, the two finally found the rest of the rescue team near a mountain path about ten miles from the small town. Upon examination, it was discovered that only You Ji and a man named Ma Tianshu were severely injured but unconscious; they were immediately sent to the care of Doctor Xue, and there was still hope for their recovery. The others, unfortunately, had long since passed away.

With two critically injured survivors added to their burden, Qiao Feng could not carry them both at once. After briefly treating their meridians, he handed You Ji over to Zhang Fang, and then carried You Ju and Ma Tianshu himself, leading the way straight to Juxian Manor.

The journey was silent.

As the grand gates of Juxian Manor came into view, Zhang Fang, having gathered his thoughts, finally spoke: “As for Miss A Zhu, I will take care of her. Brother, it’s best that you don’t come tomorrow.”

Qiao Feng shook his head decisively. “How can that be? A true man must keep his word. I said I would visit the manor again tomorrow, so how could I not come?”

“But...” Zhang Fang smiled wryly and advised, “You once swore in the Apricot Grove never to kill another Han man. Yet by visiting the manor again tomorrow, you force those who didn’t want to fight to risk their lives against you. If they try to kill you then, will you just stand by and do nothing?”

Hearing the mention of the Apricot Grove vow, Qiao Feng’s face grew bitter. Torn between his oath and his promise, he found himself at a difficult crossroads.

Sensing this, Zhang Fang pressed on: “If you insist on coming, at least don’t show yourself openly. Meet me in private first so we can discuss a plan together.”

After a moment’s thought, Qiao Feng felt that, while it might lack straightforwardness, this was better than confronting the martial world’s champions head-on.

He nodded lightly, finally agreeing.

By then, the two had arrived at Juxian Manor’s gate. Qiao Feng set down You Ju and Ma Tianshu and said, “That man in black is likely the murderer of my foster parents and my master. I must leave immediately to track him down. Brother, see you tomorrow!”

With that, he sprang into motion, swiftly disappearing into the distance.

Zhang Fang knew well that Qiao Feng had long wished to find the man in black but had delayed departure to protect him. He didn’t try to stop him but gathered his strength and called the people of the manor.

Moments later, the martial champions arrived upon hearing the news. After learning that the rescue team had been ambushed, some were sent to recover the bodies of the fallen, while others rushed to tend to the wounded in Doctor Xue’s room.

As one of the organizers of the Heroes’ Assembly, Doctor Xue Muhua could no longer ask for medical fees. Immediately upon seeing the wounded, he began treatment—needling and massage—working tirelessly for nearly half an hour before finally breathing a sigh of relief. “The three are out of danger. I will prepare three prescriptions right away. Have someone fill the orders and ensure they take their medicine on time. They should fully recover within half a month.”

Upon hearing that the three were safe, Shan Zheng could no longer hold back and cursed, “That scoundrel Qiao Feng has once again left a blood debt in the Central Plains martial world!”

Without asking a single question, he branded Qiao Feng with a heavy accusation, his skill in casting blame leaving others dumbfounded.

Since Zhang Fang was sworn brothers with Qiao Feng, he would not tolerate such injustice toward his elder brother.

He spoke firmly, “They were not harmed by Qiao Feng. Since kidnapping me, he never left my sight. When my second uncle was gravely injured, Qiao Feng used his own inner strength to stabilize him. Then he saved my father and Senior Ma, escorting us all safely to Juxian Manor’s gate.”

“Qiao Feng so kind-hearted?” Shan Zheng sneered. “There must be some shady scheme behind it!”

Zhang Fang observed the gathered champions’ reactions and found most nodding along, clearly agreeing with Shan Zheng’s suspicion. Though inwardly contemptuous, he refrained from arguing.

Instead, he stood and cupped his fists in salute to the elders. “Respected seniors, I know many questions remain, but I must stay to care for my father and uncle today and cannot answer more. Tomorrow morning, I will give you a satisfactory explanation. I hope you understand.”

Indeed, the champions had many questions—how he mastered the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, what he witnessed after being taken by Qiao Feng, and the details of the rescue team’s injuries, among others.

But hearing his words, no one pressed further. After all, from a moral standpoint, none could question the importance of caring for the two heroes of the You family at this moment.

Loyalty and filial piety—no one could dispute them!

Besides, he promised answers by morning; a single night’s wait was no great matter.

...

The next morning, the champions gathered early in the front courtyard of Juxian Manor.

They waited not only for Zhang Fang’s promised explanation but also hoped to glean information from his words to prepare countermeasures against Qiao Feng.

After a long wait without Zhang Fang’s appearance, Shan Zheng, sitting in the main hall, coldly remarked, “This You Tanzhi is too disrespectful—making so many martial elders wait for a mere youth. Such arrogance!”

In response, Madam Tan shook her head gently. “His father and uncle are injured. It’s understandable he’s late amidst such sorrow.”

Unexpectedly, Zhao Qiansun laughed heartily. “I think he’s just nervous and afraid to show up! Ha ha...”

The group chuckled, easing the earlier tension considerably.

At that moment, a slightly muffled voice reached their ears: “Who says I’m afraid to come?”

The champions turned to see a figure standing just three meters from the main hall’s entrance. Wearing a black mask that shimmered with a metallic sheen, his face was hidden. But from his attire, build, and the shield tightly gripped in his left hand, there was no doubt this was You Tanzhi himself. The mask made his voice sound somewhat strange.

Doctor Xue Muhua looked surprised and asked, “Tanzhi, why suddenly wear a mask? Is there something wrong with your face? Come, let Uncle Xue have a look!”

(End of chapter)