Chapter 505: Old Man, You

The grim-looking man ignored Zhang Chengyong's question, gave Zhang Chengyong a glance, then swept his eyes over Wang Lin's family, who were dressed as ordinary folk, all in tattered clothes.

If it weren't for the white lion under Liu Dongzhu's feet, which made him envious, for ordinary families like this he wouldn't even bother to look, let alone pay attention.

Afraid of dirtying his own eyes!

"This is Yuan Ziming, the son of the Fengyin County Governor, Young Master Yuan!"

The burly warrior beside Yuan Ziming, seeing that Yuan Ziming ignored Zhang Chengyong's inquiry and instead glanced at him, being a longtime companion of Yuan Ziming, could not possibly fail to read Yuan Ziming's gaze, and said arrogantly:

"Aren't you all going to kneel quickly and pay respects to Young Master Yuan?"

"Fine, I have no achievements and no official rank; how could I have others kneel before me?"

Zhang Chengyong's party had not yet moved when Yuan Ziming waved his hand to stop them.

Whether Zhang Chengyong's party kneels or not, he doesn't care; he likes to display his status.

That doesn't mean he likes to flaunt his status before people like Zhang Chengyong—common folk.

In his eyes, showing off before such a person, who is not even worth an ant, would only make those who know him a laughingstock.

Only people of status and background kneeling before him would spread his prestige.

Zhang Chengyong felt a sudden shock; upon seeing the cluster of armored warriors behind Yuan Ziming, wielding spears or long knives, he vaguely guessed that Yuan Ziming's background was extraordinary—either rich or noble.

Eight or nine out of ten must be children of the powerful!

Otherwise.

How could such elite warriors be assigned as personal guards?

However.

He never imagined that Yuan Ziming could be the son of the Fengyin County Governor; he doubted whether the burly warrior was deceiving him.

Otherwise, the son of the Fengyin County Governor is such a noble person; why wouldn't he stay in Fengyin County? How could he possibly show up here, in such a remote, barren mountain region?

Only…

Zhang Chengyong furtively glanced at Yuan Ziming; whether it was him or his warriors, all wore arrogant expressions. Seeing the indescribable aura of nobility, Yuan Ziming's status as the Fengyin County Governor's son was likely genuine, not just talk.

"Damn, this is trouble now!"

Zhang Chengyong muttered under his breath; when Yuan Ziming saw the white lion that Ping'an had subdued, the greed on his face was genuine, not an act. Suppressing his inner tension, he forced a flattering smile and said:

"Young Master Yuan, sorry, we blocked your path; we'll clear the way right now!"

He was hesitant, unsure whether Yuan Ziming would shamelessly ask him for the white lion—would he give it or not?

If he refused, he'd offend Yuan Ziming, and given the current remote setting, aside from their group and Yuan Ziming's party, there are no outsiders; even if Yuan Ziming were to commit murder or robbery here, no one would intervene.

Yuan Ziming remained silent, looked at the burly warrior beside him, who stepped forward and said arrogantly:

"Our young master is not the overbearing, arrogant type. This road is wide and not ours; we can walk it, and you can as well. Our young master doesn't need you to yield!"

Zhang Chengyong opened his mouth, eager to follow the topic and continue asking. Yuan Ziming's party suddenly blocked their path, perhaps intending something, but he worried that asking would prompt Yuan Ziming to directly demand the white lion.

Although.

Even if he didn't continue the topic, Yuan Ziming would likely still ask for the white lion.

But perhaps a miracle could happen!

At this moment, Zhang Chengyong's entire demeanor was like an ostrich; before Yuan Ziming could openly demand the white lion, he pretended the issue didn't exist. "Why would our young master block your path? I think you know the reason in your heart!"

The burly warrior, seeing Zhang Chengyong's hesitant expression, realized he had guessed something but wasn't ready—or dared—to confirm, and said bluntly:

"Your white lion is quite decent; although it's just an ordinary beast—not a demon beast nor a monster—the white lion is rare throughout Fengyin County, a true oddity. Our young master likes it; name a price, regardless of amount, and our young master will take it!"

"This one, this one, this one…"

For a moment, Zhang Chengyong hesitated; he wanted to offend Yuan Ziming, yet he was also reluctant to sell the white lion.

He believed that given Yuan Ziming's status, if he shouted a price—no matter how extravagant—the young master could afford it.

But the white lion's value is not something money can compare to.

Not to mention.

This white lion isn't his; it's his nephew Wang Ping'an's. He is indeed Wang Ping'an's senior, but Wang Ping'an's mother and even his grandparents are still here, so he has no authority to act on Wang Ping'an's behalf.

"Young master, you favor our white lion; it is an honor for our family!"

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Wang Lin walked over from behind; not wanting Zhang Chengyong caught between both sides, his gaze at the white lion showed a hint of concern, and he said:

"As for the money, Young Master Yuan, give whatever you deem fit; it's no problem. Having this white lion with you is our honor!"

If possible, he would never sell this white lion to Yuan Ziming. The white lion was drawn to Ping'an's family, wanting to serve Ping'an—not as a mount, but to protect Ping'an's safety. It's not a creature beneath contempt.

How could he sell the white lion for money in exchange for benefits?

His family is poor, but they still have pride.

Only…

The situation is unfavorable.

Under the eaves, one has to lower one's head!

In this desolate wilderness, Yuan Ziming's party came with ill intent. His nephew Zhang Chengyong has some skill, having trained many years at the county's martial hall, yet the burly warrior beside Yuan Ziming—no, not even the armored warriors behind him—might still be beyond his nephew's capability.

They are willing to spend money to make him sensible; if he remains unsensible, Yuan Ziming might resort to murder and robbery!

If he dares to oppose Yuan Ziming's wishes and not sell the white lion, not only would their lives be in danger, but even afterward they might not be able to protect the white lion, which would still be taken by Yuan Ziming.

He.

Can only say sorry to the white lion!

"Alright, elder, you are a clever person!"

The burly warrior, surprised, glanced at Wang Lin, expecting a refusal, ready to utter harsh words and threats, and said:

"Rest assured, our young master is magnanimous; as long as you sell this white lion to our young master, our young master will certainly bring good to your family!"

(End of Chapter)