Chapter 27: Me? Go and give Zhang Zhiwei a reality check?

Night fell.

After everyone had eaten and drank their fill, they bowed to bid farewell to Old Master Lu and returned to the rooms arranged for them by the Lu family. Zhao Zhen was, of course, also provided with a room. To prevent a repeat of that afternoon’s events, Lu Jin had even arranged a private room for him.

However, after placing his luggage in the room, Zhao Zhen did not immediately lie down to rest. Instead, he headed out toward the courtyard of Zuo Ruotong, having inquired about its location from Lu Jin earlier. The timing had not been right that afternoon, so Zhao Zhen had not found an opportunity to thank Zuo Ruotong in person. After all, the sect leader had staked his own reputation to vouch for him; it was only proper for Zhao Zhen to express his gratitude personally.

Moonlight, like silver gauze, spilled onto the path. The nearby pond rippled, tree shadows danced, and the chirping of frogs and insects wove together into a nocturnal symphony. Passing through the dense grove, he reached the courtyard the Lu family had set aside for Zuo Ruotong.

Just as Zhao Zhen was strolling along the path, enjoying the soothing tranquility, a familiar conversation from up ahead suddenly caught his attention.

"Mr. Lu, Sect Leader Zuo, I won't hide it from you two: this disciple of mine performs well in all his studies, except for the defensive techniques of our sect..."

"Are they somewhat unsatisfactory?"

"Quite the contrary. They are a bit too strong."

...

Zhao Zhen paused, startled. Looking toward the source of the voices, he saw Zuo Ruotong speaking with the Celestial Master in an open area, with Lu Xuan, Lu Jin’s father, also present. Based on their conversation, it was clear that Zhang Jingqing, just as in the original story, wanted to use this opportunity to humble his disciple, Zhang Zhiwei.

Zhao Zhen frowned, wondering whether he should step forward to thank the Celestial Master and the Sect Leader. But the next instant, both of their gazes snapped toward him.

Seeing this, Zhao Zhen smiled helplessly. As expected, compared to these top-tier practitioners of the world, his own cultivation was still too shallow. Even though he had been careful not to make a sound, he had been detected instantly.

With that thought, Zhao Zhen decided to simply walk out openly.

"Zhao Zhen pays his respects to Sect Leader Zuo, the Celestial Master, and Master Lu."

"I wondered who was lurking about so stealthily; so it was you, little one."

Upon seeing it was Zhao Zhen, the wariness in Zuo Ruotong’s eyes vanished, replaced by a faint smile. "Why aren't you resting in the dead of night, instead hiding over there?"

"Sect Leader, Celestial Master, I came tonight to express my gratitude for your support earlier today. I intended to visit both your residences. However, when passing by, I overheard your conversation and was unsure if I should interrupt, so I ended up hiding behind the trees. I hope you will forgive me."

"I see. No matter. Since you are here, you must have heard what the Celestial Master just said, right?"

"I heard," Zhao Zhen nodded.

"Actually, I once had the same concern as the Celestial Master—that if Jin'er had too smooth a path in his training, he might grow arrogant. But that worry vanished after your duel with him five years ago. In a way, you did me a great favor back then. As for me vouching for you, you need not feel indebted. Let us consider this a fair exchange; we are even, how about that?"

"I wouldn't dare. How can what I did compare to the favor you’ve shown me today, Sect Leader?"

"Nonsense. The weight of an action lies in the intent, not the deed itself. How can you know what impact your actions that day had on Jin'er's future?" Zuo Ruotong smiled slightly. Without giving Zhao Zhen a chance to reply, he turned back to the Celestial Master. "Celestial Master, if you want someone to temper your disciple, isn't there a more suitable candidate right here than Jin'er?"

Zhang Jingqing was taken aback, then looked at Zhao Zhen with growing interest. "That is quite intriguing. While I had no intention of asking for a favor in return, since the Sect Leader has said so, little one, how about this? Let us make a trade. If you can find an opportunity to cross paths with my disciple tomorrow and give him a bit of a challenge, regardless of the outcome, we shall be even. What do you say?"

Zhao Zhen fell into a long silence. *Me? Challenge Zhang Zhiwei?*

Although he had promised Zhang Zhiwei he would show him his "Golden Escape: Flowing Light" technique tomorrow, showing him a technique and "challenging" him were two very different things. He had only intended to show off a little and then stop, avoiding a prolonged fight. After all, this was the Lu residence; he certainly couldn't steal the spotlight from the "protagonist," Lu Jin.

But now, it sounded as if he was expected to have a serious, full-blown fight with Zhang Zhiwei.

*Thinking...*

Seeing Zhao Zhen standing there, hesitant to answer, Zhang Jingqing teased with a playful glint in his eyes: "What, little one? Have you lost confidence?"

At that moment, Zhao Zhen really wanted to say that he indeed lacked confidence. But having accepted their help, he couldn't easily refuse them now, especially after they had vouched for him at the banquet. It would seem terribly ungrateful.

With a sigh, Zhao Zhen cupped his hands in a salute. "Since the Celestial Master has commanded it, I shall comply tomorrow."

"Hahaha, good lad! It seems my speaking up for you at the banquet was not in vain." Zhang Jingqing laughed heartily. "It's settled then. Tomorrow, find a chance to let the two of you clash!"

"Hahaha, in that case, this will be a real battle between dragons and tigers. I find myself looking forward to tomorrow's demonstrations even more," Lu Xuan added with a laugh.

"Very well, little one. Both the Celestial Master and I have received your good intentions. It is late; go back and rest, and prepare for tomorrow's trials."

"Yes. Then, Sect Leader, Celestial Master, Master Lu, I shall take my leave."

Watching Zhao Zhen’s retreating figure, Lu Xuan couldn't help but remark with a sigh, "His manners are refined, his speech is neither arrogant nor servile, and most importantly, he possesses a heart that knows how to repay kindness. If he were a disciple of a prominent family, this wouldn't be strange, but Zhao Zhen has been an orphan since childhood and was raised among the heretics of the Quansheng Sect. That he can still maintain such character is rare—truly rare."

"Indeed," agreed the others. "It is hard for me to imagine that someone with Duan Chuan’s character could raise such a disciple. Tsk, the world is truly full of wonders..."

"Enough, gentlemen. Let us get some rest as well."

"Indeed. Sect Leader, Mr. Lu, see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."