Chapter 2: Showing Off Before Uncle Jiu

Master Ren directly had someone deliver one hundred silver dollars. Zhang Cheng did not stand on ceremony either; he said, "Immeasurable Longevity and Fortune, Heavenly Venerable. Having walked to this place, I am already penniless. I shall accept this money from Master Ren."

Master Ren was very pleased. Since this young Daoist priest lacked money, things would be easy to handle.

Qiusheng and Wencai saw Zhang Cheng accept the one hundred silver dollars and were so envious their eyes turned red. Qiusheng muttered, "One hundred silver dollars... how long would I have to work to earn that?"

Uncle Nine gave Qiusheng a "smack" and barked in a low voice, "Wouldn't it be enough if you two just worked hard to learn your skills properly!"

Qiusheng said aggrievedly, "Master, I see his footsteps are unsteady; he definitely hasn't trained. He must have just been a blind cat bumping into a dead mouse to get those things right."

Wencai immediately followed up, "That's right, Master. Everyone knows quite a few of these things; he must have just guessed."

Lin Yingjiu gave each of them a knock on the head and said, "Even if someone else is a swindler, they are still more diligent than you two!"

In reality, Uncle Jiu was also suspicious of Zhang Cheng, and he felt the timing of Zhang Cheng's appearance was far too coincidental. He somewhat suspected that Zhang Cheng had a connection to that feng shui master from back then.

However, this didn't quite make sense. If Zhang Cheng were related to that feng shui master, why would he speak up to offer a warning? Uncle Jiu shook his head to himself; he felt he was overthinking things.

In any case, they were going to the righteous manor, which was his own turf. How much trouble could someone with unsteady footsteps like Zhang Cheng possibly stir up?

Uncle Jiu saw the look Master Ren cast his way; he nodded slightly, signaling that it was no matter.

Seeing Uncle Jiu nod, Master Ren felt much more at ease. He immediately took Ren Tingting to pack their things, preparing to head to the righteous manor.

Uncle Nine also took the opportunity to follow Master Ren inside, instructing Qiusheng and Wencai not to cause trouble before leaving.

Zhang Cheng ignored all of this. In any case, his mission was to help Master Ren survive this crisis, and Master Ren had even given him one hundred silver dollars. He was currently thinking happily about his colorful transmigrated life.

Although he didn't know what the cost of living was in this era, one hundred silver dollars was enough to solve his current problems. Staying at the righteous manor next wouldn't cost him anything, but once he resolved the matter of Old Master Ren, he would likely have to find a place to stay on his own. At that time, these one hundred silver dollars would certainly come in handy.

As soon as Qiusheng saw his master leave, he swaggered over to Zhang Cheng and said, "Little brother, you're quite something, bluffing your way into one hundred silver dollars just like that. Hmph, it's fine if you swindle Master Ren, but you can't fool us."

Awakened from his thoughts, Zhang Cheng listened to Qiusheng's words with a slight frown, though he wasn't angry. After all, Qiusheng was a disciple of the Maoshan sect; it was natural for him to be suspicious of a wild Taoist like himself.

He smiled and said, "Whether it is true or false, it will be revealed in time. Furthermore, I will be following you back to the righteous manor, so you need not worry about me swindling Master Ren."

Qiusheng said with full confidence, "Hmph, I've seen plenty of your kind of wild path."

"I've seen plenty." Wencai, standing behind Qiusheng, also chimed in. Wencai's eyes were extremely clear—a clarity untainted by wisdom.

Qiusheng nodded with great satisfaction, saying, "I could tell at a glance that you haven't trained. Your footsteps are unsteady, just like an ordinary person's. Those of us from the orthodox schools of the Mysterious Gate not only practice techniques but must also train in martial arts. How about that?"

Zhang Cheng nodded slightly and said, "Impressive, impressive. I truly haven't trained in martial arts. I really envy you disciples of the orthodox Profound Gate."

Upon hearing Zhang Cheng's flattery, Qiusheng and Wencai both immediately lifted their proud heads, revealing the arrogance of Maoshan disciples, though in Zhang Cheng's eyes, it seemed somewhat discordant.

Zhang Cheng took a look and only then remembered that these two were always causing trouble for Uncle Jiu.

Qiusheng said brazenly, "Little brother, as long as you admit your mistake now and split half of that money with me, I guarantee you'll be safe and sound."

Zhang Cheng was taken aback. Good grief, if it weren't for the fact that you two are Uncle Jiu's disciples and I wanted to give you a way out, you'd be putting on airs now.

He smiled and said, "You needn't trouble yourself with my affairs. As for you, I see you have peach blossom luck on your face; it's a bit dangerous."

Wencai asked in confusion, "Peach blossom luck? Isn't that a good thing? How could it be dangerous?"

Zhang Cheng shook his head slightly and said, "Because this is rotten peach blossom luck; it is a calamity. Fellow Taoist Qiusheng, as the saying goes, if you walk the night path too often, you're bound to run into a ghost. You had better be careful."

Qiusheng said angrily, "You wild Taoist, I was kind enough to want to help you, and you curse me in return? Just you wait!"

Inside the hall, the Ren family servants began moving things. Uncle Jiu and Master Ren walked out chatting and laughing, followed by Ren Tingting. Wencai immediately ran over to help, and Qiusheng also turned and left.

Zhang Cheng shook his head slightly, then walked up to Uncle Jiu and Master Ren and said, "Daoist Lin, Master Ren, I shall accompany you to the righteous manor as well."

Uncle Jiu nodded and said, "Very well. With little brother's help, I shall have an easier time."

The group immediately left Ren Family Town and headed toward the righteous manor. The road from Ren Family Town to the righteous manor was not far, but they had been delayed for some time, and by the time they reached the vicinity of the righteous manor, it was already dark.

Zhang Cheng looked at the large moon in the sky, feeling a sense of unease in his heart. It seemed as if the zombie was escaping tonight.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Just as Zhang Cheng was thinking about the zombie, Old Master Ren jumped out from the bushes not far away. Fortunately, Uncle Jiu reacted in time and kicked the zombie away.

Uncle Jiu's expression was somewhat grim. He hadn't prepared anything when he went out today; relying solely on fisticuffs now would certainly not work.

"Wencai, protect Master Ren and Miss Ren! Qiusheng, come over and help!"

Qiusheng responded and hurriedly rushed over to assist.

Seeing that Zhang Cheng was holding a peach wood sword but not making a move, Wencai shouted, "Why aren't you going over to help?"

Zhang Cheng glanced at Wencai, who was trembling with fear, shook his head slightly, and still did not step forward.

At this moment, Old Master Ren repelled Qiusheng and Uncle Jiu and charged directly toward Master Ren. Wencai screamed in terror and hid behind Ren Tingting.

Instead, Zhang Cheng, who had been motionless all along, rushed forward and struck Old Master Ren with his sword.

"Bang!"

A spark appeared, and Old Master Ren let out a wail and was sent flying directly.

Qiusheng exclaimed in shock, "Wow, is this wild Taoist really that brave?"

Uncle Jiu, standing to the side, also wore an expression of disbelief. He hadn't borrowed the peach wood sword earlier because he thought the one in Zhang Cheng's hand might just be a prop; he hadn't expected it to truly be a magical artifact.

Having been struck, Old Master Ren retreated into the bushes and then turned and ran. After all, he had just been born and his strength had not yet reached its peak; being injured now, he naturally intended to flee first.

Zhang Cheng did not pursue, and Uncle Jiu also stopped Qiusheng, saying, "Don't be impulsive. Let's return to the righteous manor first."

Seeing the zombie flee, Master Ren also breathed a sigh of relief. It had been truly dangerous just now. He hurriedly thanked Zhang Cheng, saying, "Daoist Zhang, I cannot thank you enough for your great kindness. Once we return to town, I shall properly repay you, Daoist Zhang!"

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(End of chapter)