Chapter 19: It's Time to Showcase True Skill

Chapter 19: Time to Show Real Skill

Why does Zhang Fang wear a mask? Of course, it’s to change his luck!

Last night, after sequentially gathering information from You Ji and You Ju upon their awakening, as well as from Doctor Xue, Zhang Fang meticulously organized all the clues he had gathered so far. Finally exhaling with relief, he also took a moment to reflect on his performance throughout the day.

In summary, his first day in this replica world could be described with just two words: unlucky!

Originally, he had devised a perfect breakthrough plan, just waiting to execute it smoothly. But the two You brothers, unwilling to let him roam freely, stirred up five rounds of arena battles.

Well, if it’s to fight, then fight. With his trump cards—the “Eternal Saint Qi” and “Regret of the Soaring Dragon”—Zhang Fang was unfazed by ordinary challenges.

Especially when there were task rewards involved!

Unexpectedly, before the fifth battle ended, Qiao Feng barged in.

This forced Zhang Fang to scramble and reshuffle his original plan. Before anything else, he had to provoke an immediate clash between the two sides. Hence, he thought of setting a fire.

According to Zhang Fang’s original reasoning, once the flames broke out, the battle would be impossible to continue. He could then seize the opportunity to discuss his plan with Doctor Xue and later turn to tackle Qiao Feng.

Such an almost perfect revised plan was completely thrown into chaos by just a few words from Shan Zheng.

As a result, Qiao Feng abducted him directly, forcing a second alteration of the plan.

After finally subduing Qiao Feng and gaining his initial trust—and even surpassing expectations to achieve the rare “Eight Oaths Brotherhood” accomplishment—before Zhang Fang could discuss breaking the deadlock in detail, the severely injured You Ju appeared, compelling him to abandon this golden opportunity and prioritize saving lives.

Looking back, his actions that day felt like dragging a heavy cart across rough ground, stumbling at every step—literally unlucky to the core.

Any mishandling of these sudden turns could have led to irreparable disaster.

After this painful realization, Zhang Fang began to thoroughly investigate the root of his misfortune.

Through rigorous and scientific deduction, he finally concluded that all the bad luck was caused by You Tanzhi’s unfortunate appearance!

In the original story, as soon as You Tanzhi appeared, his family fell apart and he was forced to wander the martial world; after donning an iron mask, he mastered unparalleled martial arts and, even with a different mask, still ascended to the position of Beggar Clan chief; but once the mask was removed, Qiao Feng immediately broke both his legs.

In short: wear a mask and you soar; remove it, and you fall into ruin.

Zhang Fang felt as if he had transmigrated into the unlucky body of You Tanzhi. To turn his luck around and successfully complete his main quest, he had to find a mask to conceal his ill-fated visage.

Hence, he adopted his current appearance.

When Doctor Xue MuHua asked about it, Zhang Fang, sensing genuine concern, lifted the mask above his head to reveal an unremarkable, common face before putting it back on and saying, “My face is fine, thank you, Uncle Xue, for your concern. It’s just that now both my father and uncle are injured, and I have to manage all affairs of the Juxian Manor. I worry that my youth and inexperienced appearance might make it hard to command respect, so I wear this mask.”

Hearing this, Xue MuHua nodded gently, showing understanding. Meanwhile, Zhao Qian Sun responded with a hint of disdain, “Whether one can command respect depends on one’s own ability. What use is a mask?”

Before Zhang Fang could reply, Shan Zheng cut in, “Enough about the mask. Let’s get back to business.”

It was clear that Shan Zheng’s focus on dealing with Qiao Feng far surpassed anyone else present, and he would not tolerate distraction over a mere mask.

Zhang Fang’s gaze naturally fixed on Shan Zheng’s aged face, calmly asking, “Senior Shan Zheng, where would you like me to begin?”

At that moment, Elder Xu of the Beggar Clan, seated centrally near Xue MuHua, spoke before Shan Zheng could, “Then start by telling us where you learned the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.”

Clearly, many present hoped to verify this crucial point with Zhang Fang.

Normally, speaking up first in such a situation might seem immodest or even rude, but Elder Xu was the eldest and most respected among them. Moreover, the matter involved the Beggar Clan’s highest legacy. Despite some dissatisfaction, no one dared offend the Beggar Clan and all remained silent, waiting for this issue to be settled before raising their own concerns.

Upon hearing Elder Xu’s question, Zhang Fang instinctively showed a trace of helplessness but quickly remembered his mask concealed his expression. He then abandoned any elaborate acting and candidly repeated the fabricated story he had previously used to deceive Qiao Feng.

This story, adapted from the tales of Hong Qigong and Feng Qingyang’s teachings, proved exceptionally effective.

The Beggar Clan members listened and, like Qiao Feng before them, began to imagine the scene vividly.

However, compared to Qiao Feng, the Beggar Clan was more cautious. Elder Xu pressed on, “When did you meet that old man? What did he look like? How old was he?”

Zhang Fang shook his head resolutely. “I promised that old man never to reveal anything about him to anyone. I only mentioned him to you all because the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms is vital to the Beggar Clan. Since I have learned it, I owe you an explanation. But if I disclose more details that help you unravel his identity, wouldn’t that be the same as revealing his name outright?”

“A true man, born under heaven and earth, should keep his promises. I hope all heroes here will not force me to be unfaithful.”

Seeing Zhang Fang’s firm stance, the Beggar Clan members, though reluctant, dared not press further.

All eyes then turned to Elder Xu, who gave a subtle signal for patience.

This seasoned elder had thought of another way to verify Zhang Fang’s claims.

With the questioning halted, Zhang Fang’s lips curled into a faint smile beneath the mask. Indeed, the matter of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms had been deftly glossed over.

Judging by the Beggar Clan’s lingering dissatisfaction, he might be able to use this later to his advantage.

With that in mind, Zhang Fang resumed, “Since the Beggar Clan seniors have no further questions, do the other elders have any? I promise to answer all openly.”

At that moment, Doctor Xue suddenly asked, “Tanzhi, it’s not that Uncle Xue distrusts you, but according to what you said yesterday, Qiao Feng stayed with you after abducting you and never left your sight. Yet, after your father, uncle, and Ma Tianshu woke up, they all said the rescue team was attacked by that Qiao Feng.”

“This seems inconsistent with your earlier account.”

The room fell silent as everyone fixed their gaze on Zhang Fang, awaiting a reasonable explanation.

Zhang Fang’s eyes brightened, and a broader smile spread beneath his mask.

It was time to show real skill!

(End of Chapter)