Chapter 132: Qingqing is not hungry, let me go!

After listening to the system's task prompt, Cheng Guang was momentarily stunned.

Even after having completed the previous system task, Cheng Guang never expected that the next one would turn out to be this.

It was strikingly similar to the earlier task involving Zhang Shunlong.

Befriend Li Tongzhen.

Just who in the world was this Li Tongzhen?

In the system's timeline, countless years had passed, yet his appearance had not changed in the slightest.

Even more astonishingly,

in that very same timeline, the true heir had already ascended to the realm of a Heavenly Man, yet he was still severely injured by the aftermath of a battle between Li Tongzhen and an unknown mighty figure.

Could it be that Li Tongzhen had somehow grown from an obscure, humble beggar into a peerless powerhouse in just a short span of time??

Deep in thought, Cheng Guang slowly sat up, gently lifting the quilt so as not to disturb Qin Yanqiu, and walked over to the desk at the side to take a seat.

He poured himself a cup of clear tea, furrowing his brows as he contemplated quietly.

Complex thoughts tangled and twisted in his mind like a ball of frayed yarn.

Cheng Guang could not make sense of it.

If this Li Tongzhen was just like Zhang Shunlong—someone who had inexplicably obtained formidable power—then why had he not caused the slightest ripple for such a long time?

He seemed to have simply vanished into the vast sea of humanity.

Had it not been for the fact that Li Tongzhen was now fighting that mysterious powerhouse and inadvertently injuring the heir from the future timeline,

the heir probably still wouldn't have discovered that this Li Tongzhen was the very same beggar who used to beg on the streets of the capital.

Cheng Guang's eyes flickered. He knew for a fact that Li Tongzhen was by no means simple, and his background was arguably even more complicated than Zhang Shunlong's.

Zhang Shunlong's future whereabouts were quite certain; he bore the moniker of the True Sun Martial God and was universally recognized across the realm as the foremost Heavenly Man of his era.

He had founded the True Sun Monarch, and even harbored ambitions of establishing a dynasty of his own—a dynasty completely devoid of any nobility.

At this point, a sudden realization struck Cheng Guang.

Because of his own appearance in this world, Zhang Shunlong's future seemed to have undergone changes as well.

In the original timeline, Zhang Shunlong had already established the True Sun Army by this juncture, and it had been disbanded by him even before the Emperor of Great Zhou entered the mystic realm and vanished.

However,

within the timeline of this current world, Cheng Guang had yet to hear any news of Zhang Shunlong establishing the True Sun Army.

Not even the moniker of Zhang Shunlong as the True Sun Martial God had spread abroad.

Cheng Guang tapped a finger lightly against the tabletop, shaking his head with a wry smile, "Is it because of my appearance that Zhang Shunlong's view of the nobility has somehow changed? Coming here to assist me this time—he probably made a special trip just for this."

"Could it be that he has pinned all his hopes of changing the world upon me?"

Cheng Guang muttered to himself, feeling that the whole notion was somewhat absurd.

Yet, upon closer reflection, such a possibility did indeed exist.

Only...

what Cheng Guang could not comprehend was this:

If Zhang Shunlong truly thought this way, why hadn't he ever brought it up to him directly?

Could it be that he harbored some misgivings?

Was he worried that since I am myself a noble, I would never dare to strip the nobility of their lives and privileges?

With a sudden stir in his heart, Cheng Guang looked past the ancient round lattice window toward the distant horizon.

Early summer had arrived, and the morning air held a faint chill, with a thin layer of mist drifting lazily like delicate silk—a breathtaking sight.

A touch of pink appeared on the distant skyline, resembling a brushstroke gently swept across a canvas by an artist. That rosy hue gradually spread, dyeing half the sky and heralding the rising sun.

Dawn had broken.

Cheng Guang sat dazedly beside the desk.

Before long,

he saw Ning Qianxue washing up in the courtyard's stone pavilion, attended by Qingluan.

The sky was barely parting, what on earth were they waking up so early for?

Sitting by the desk, Cheng Guang stared at the two figures in the distance, utterly bewildered.

After finishing her ablutions, Ning Qianxue was pulled by Qingluan into an adjacent side room to be dressed and made up.

Shortly thereafter, scattered groups of servants began entering the courtyard under the direction of Steward Wang.

"Come, paste this right here."

"In the young master's courtyard, do not touch or fondle things at random. Any unremarkable trinket here is worth a fortune; if you break even one, none of us can bear the responsibility."

"Hang a lantern up there, yes, not too high... a little lower... hmm..."

As Steward Wang and his entourage stepped into the courtyard, the entire place instantly bustled with activity.

Watching the servants paste festive red paper strips all over the courtyard walls, the corners of Cheng Guang's mouth twitched slightly.

He suddenly remembered.

This was likely at the behest of Lady Wu. Ning Qianxue had already been residing in the manor for quite some days.

Previously, because Cheng Guang had entered the mystic realm and had no way to hold a wedding ceremony, the matter had been temporarily shelved.

Now that Cheng Guang had returned,

Wu Yuemei had wasted no time in getting things moving.

Cheng Guang sighed inwardly; the entire realm was on the verge of chaos, yet here he was, getting married.

He held no particular aversion toward Ning Qianxue, nor any deep affection.

Since she had come to the Estate of the Protector of the Country and stayed for so many days,

he owed her proper recognition and a formal title.

After pondering for a moment, Cheng Guang decided to put off searching for this Li Tongzhen until today; he would complete the wedding first, and once he had some free time, he would search the capital for him.

According to the information in the system's task prompt, Li Tongzhen should still be a beggar at the present time.

Even right under the Emperor's nose within the capital city, the number of beggars across the entire city was vast.

Even as the Heir to the Protector of the Country, trying to find someone named Li Tongzhen amidst countless beggars would still require some effort.

As Cheng Guang was thinking this, Qingluan quickly pushed open the door to the room.

Holding a set of crimson robes, Qingluan was slightly startled to see that Cheng Guang was already sitting by the desk. Recovering quickly, she hurried over to his side and helped him dress neatly.

As she straightened his garments, Qingluan spoke up, "Young master, the mistress already sent word to the people of the Taihao Sword Sect yesterday, asking them to rush over today."

"Furthermore, early this morning she instructed Steward Wang to arrange the wedding preparations for you, and Miss Ning has already finished dressing and applying her makeup."

"Young master can also change into these ceremonial robes first; once Miss Ning's kinsmen arrive in the capital, the wedding ceremony for you will officially take place."

Cheng Guang was not particularly surprised by what Qingluan said, and nodded in agreement.

He cooperated fully by donning the red ceremonial garments.

Once he was properly dressed, Qingluan stepped back a few paces to look him over, nodding softly with a beaming smile.

"The young master truly looks handsome in these robes."

With that, Qingluan shifted her gaze toward the pristine, jade-like body lying upon the bed.

"Is Miss Qin still sleeping...?"

Reaching out to stop Qingluan, Cheng Guang said, "Let her sleep a bit longer. There's no need to specially decorate this room."

Obediently, Qingluan nodded, slowly withdrawing her gaze from Qin Yanqiu on the bed while imperceptibly biting her lower lip.

Unaware of the small wave of emotion flickering across Qingluan's face, Cheng Guang pushed open the door and stepped out into the courtyard.

Seeing Cheng Guang, Steward Wang hurried over at once and offered a respectful greeting.

"Young master."

Nodding slightly, Cheng Guang asked, "Aside from my courtyard, has everywhere else been decorated?"

Steward Wang bowed hastily and replied, "Young master, my men began preparations since last night. All other areas of the manor have already been tidied up. Earlier, we worried that the unusual phenomenon caused by the young master might lead to changes regarding the wedding, so we hadn't decorated your courtyard yet. Today, this place is the only spot left."

Cheng Guang nodded lightly.

Just as he was stepping out of the courtyard gate to take a look,

Steward Wang seemed to recall something and added, "Young master, since today is your wedding day, the mistress has set up banquets spanning ten miles both inside and outside the manor, treating the entire city."

"When the time comes, the young master will need to take a ride around the city outside the estate; that is an indispensable ritual."

Cheng Guang gave another nod, "Just let me know when the time arrives."

With that, Cheng Guang walked out of the Myriad Phenomena Garden.

The Estate of the Protector of the Country was decked out in festive lanterns and colorful streamers everywhere. The servants scurrying to and fro all wore joyful expressions—not only because they were truly happy for the young master's marriage, but also for a far more important reason:

Wu Yuemei had handed out red packets to everyone in the manor today, granting them an extra bonus.

For this reason, nearly everyone wore genuine smiles from the bottom of their hearts.

Cheng Guang strolled through the estate for a moment before heading toward the southeastern courtyard where Wu Yuemei and Cheng Zhihai resided.

His pace was unhurried, step by measured step.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour, several figures approached from a distance.

Among them were precisely Wu Yuemei and Cheng Zhihai.

And following closely behind them was also a familiar face.

The newcomer seemed to have just entered through the main gateway of the Protector's Estate. Upon spotting Cheng Guang, he paused for a fraction of a second before breaking into a hearty, ringing laugh.

"Young master—ah no, my good son-in-law!"

The visitor was none other than Ning Liang,

Ning Qianxue's father.

With his spiritual cultivation realm now comparable to a Heavenly Man, Cheng Guang scrutinized Ning Liang's physique and felt as though he was looking not at a human being, but at a razor-sharp sword.

Although his cultivation had not yet formally reached the realm of a Heavenly Man, it was even more terrifying than that of ordinary Heavenly Men.

In Cheng Guang's perception, Ning Liang seemed to be perpetually suppressing his own cultivation, constantly tempering himself and treating his very body like a sword being forged day and night.

When the day finally came for Ning Liang to unsheathe his sharp blade, perhaps the people of the world would truly come to recognize the master of the Taihao Sword Sect anew.

Had Cheng Guang not consumed the Heavenly Transformation Dao Pill and fused with the Dao Fruit of Sagehood, he likely wouldn't have been able to detect the anomalies within Ning Liang, and would have simply assumed him to be a normal peak ninth-rank Martial Emperor just like Cheng Zhihai.

If Ning Liang were to engage Cheng Zhihai in combat,

under normal circumstances, Cheng Zhihai might emerge victorious.

Yet if Ning Liang were truly driven to extremes, the one who ultimately ended up dead would most likely be Cheng Zhihai.

Secretly observing Ning Liang and clicking his tongue in wonder, Cheng Guang did not neglect his manners, stepping forward to bow respectfully to his elder.

"Uncle Ning."

Seeing Cheng Guang treat him with such courtesy and entirely devoid of the airs of a Protector's heir, Ning Liang felt even more gratified and hastily stepped forward to steady him.

"The young master need not be so formal. I am truly overjoyed that you and Qianxue are marrying today. It really shouldn't have been dragged out until now due to various matters."

With a smile, Cheng Guang replied, "I must ask Uncle Ning to forgive the delay."

Exchanging a few pleasantries with Ning Liang, Cheng Guang suddenly noticed another gaze fixed upon him.

Looking past Ning Liang, his eyes landed on an elderly woman standing beside him.

The elderly woman was dressed in a purple robe embroidered with golden threads, presenting a rich, dignified, and honorable air.

"Uncle Ning, who is this...?"

Turning back to Ning Liang, Cheng Guang inquired about the old woman.

Smacking his forehead in sudden realization and remembering that Cheng Guang had not yet met her, Ning Liang offered an explanation.

"This is Mother Qianhua. Qianxue was the name given to her by Mother Qianhua, and ever since she was little, that child has been raised by her, so she hasn't spent much time by my side."

"Come to think of it, Qianxue is probably even closer to Mother Qianhua than she is to an old father like me."

Ning Liang let out a hearty laugh as he spoke.

At this moment, Cheng Zhihai smiled and chimed in from the side, "Guang'er, it was this very Mother Qianhua who brought the child Qianxue to our Protector's Estate and settled the marriage alliance with us."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Guang let out an "Oh" of sudden understanding. Maintaining his courtesy, he bowed respectfully to Mother Qianhua.

With a warm, kindly smile in her eyes, Mother Qianhua looked upon Cheng Guang and said, "The young master need not be so overly polite with an old woman like me."

As she spoke, Mother Qianhua lightly touched the edge of Cheng Guang's robe, and a gentle wave of force effortlessly dissolved the bow he had just made.

Before Mother Qianhua's casual gesture, Cheng Guang felt his body behave just like a fledgling chick; even a physique that had been reinforced by the Dao Fruit of Sagehood could put up not the slightest bit of resistance against her.

With a startled twitch of his pupils, Cheng Guang looked at Mother Qianhua in sheer astonishment.

Could this Mother Qianhua...

be a Heavenly Man?

Carefully sensing Mother Qianhua's aura at this moment, Cheng Guang found it to be profound and unfathomable.

Hiss...

Cheng Guang could not help drawing a sharp breath of cold air.

This sensation felt even more formidable than an ordinary Heavenly Man, almost matching the likes of the Empress of Great Wei.

Could the heritage of the Taihao Sword Sect—one of the four hidden sword sects—really be so profoundly deep??

Gazing at Cheng Guang with aged yet limpid eyes, Mother Qianhua seemed to perceive the shock written across his face and smiled lightly, "We are all old fogies now; the future world still belongs to young people like you, Young Master."

"The young master possesses extraordinary cultivation and abundant fortune; I could feel the commotion you stirred up last night, Old Woman that I am."

"Truly remarkable."

...

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"When traveling outside, the young master must still exercise caution."

Mother Qianhua offered a smiling reminder.

Obediently, Cheng Guang acknowledged her words, and then walked onward into the estate, chatting and laughing alongside Cheng Zhihai and Wu Yuemei.

Inside Cheng Zhihai's southeastern courtyard, a lively gathering of guests ensued.

Throughout this period, dignitaries and nobles flocked to the estate in droves.

Except for the imperial palace, which sent no representatives, virtually every powerful and influential official of the Great Zhou court arrived at the Estate of the Protector of the Country.

Outside the estate, banquets were laid out across ten miles of the main avenue.

Anyone who offered a sincere word of congratulations was entitled to partake in the feast.

The scene was extraordinarily lively and full of grand momentum.

When the sun reached its zenith and the bell signaling the auspicious hour rang out,

Wu Yuemei set down her teacup, interrupting the conversation between the two families, and said to Cheng Guang, "The auspicious hour has arrived; let the wedding ceremony commence."

"Guang'er, go and escort Qianxue over here. Even though she has already arrived at our Protector's Estate, none of the proper etiquettes or rituals should be omitted."

As Wu Yuemei's voice trailed off,

Cheng Guang nodded slightly and stood up, walking toward the distant Myriad Phenomena Garden.

During this walk, the gazes of numerous guests gathered within the Myriad Phenomena Garden converged upon Cheng Guang.

Without the slightest trace of stage fright, his expression remained unchanged under the watchful eyes of the officials and dignitaries as he walked straight toward the garden.

Upon entering, one could distinctly sense that the place had been meticulously arranged under Steward Wang's orders; festive red paper decorations were visible everywhere, yet they were tastefully understated, hitting precisely the right notes.

"Young master, Miss Ning is inside the room."

Stepping forward, Qingluan served as a guide for Cheng Guang.

Nodding slightly, Cheng Guang, clad in his crimson robes, walked up to the door and pushed it open.

Bathed in sunlight, Cheng Guang's figure stepped into the room alongside the morning rays.

This side room had also been specially decorated.

Dressed in red with a veil covering her head, Ning Qianxue sat demurely before the dressing table.

Before her lay the red paper that had just been used to tint her cherry lips.

Judging by the faint lip imprint left upon it, it had clearly been applied only moments ago.

Ning Qianxue had sensed Cheng Guang's entry the moment he pushed the door open.

Her delicate white hands clenched tightly together, her fingers intertwining in a nervous, restless circle.

Seeing this, Cheng Guang could not help but smile inwardly.

Someone like Ning Qianxue, who could practically be described as a social butterfly, was actually capable of feeling nervous.

Yet feeling nervous under such circumstances, after all, was a first in her life.

It was understandable enough.

With a gentle smile, Cheng Guang walked slowly forward and took Ning Qianxue's hand in his.

It felt slightly warm,

like a piece of smooth, warm jade.

"Let's go."

Cheng Guang spoke softly.

Hearing his voice, Ning Qianxue felt her tense nerves relax considerably.

Slowly rising to her feet,

she pressed close to Cheng Guang's side,

clinging to his hand tightly like a child lacking in a sense of security.

Leading Ning Qianxue out the door,

Cheng Guang escorted her into the bridal sedan.

As for himself, he mounted the dragon-horned steed prepared in advance by Steward Wang.

"Lift!"

At a servant's cry,

the sedan carrying Ning Qianxue was hoisted into the air.

Riding the dragon-horned steed, Cheng Guang led the procession carrying Ning Qianxue for a tour around the inner city of the capital.

Because he was the heir to the Protector of the Country, throngs of pedestrians had gathered along the streets all across the capital city.

Everyone was fixing their gaze upon Cheng Guang.

Having grown accustomed to being the center of attention, Cheng Guang felt no particular discomfort.

Not so for Ning Qianxue.

Having spent her childhood growing up in the ancient courtyard of the Taihao Sword Sect's Sword Pool, she had rarely interacted with outsiders—which was precisely how she had developed her talkative disposition.

Suddenly finding countless people staring at her,

she instantly grew nervous, her delicate hands gripping each other tightly.

With a wry, amused shake of his head, Cheng Guang slowed the pace of his steed, drew closer to Ning Qianxue, and gently patted the top of her head.

Sensing Cheng Guang's presence right beside her,

her initial tension inexplicably faded away,

as if she had suddenly found something to lean upon.

Having completed the tour outside the Protector's Estate,

Cheng Guang led the procession back toward the manor to complete the final rituals.

Just as they arrived at the front gates,

he suddenly spotted a solitary figure standing quietly by the entrance, exuding an aura that kept others at a distance.

Upon seeing this person, many of the visiting dignitaries and officials paused in bewilderment before displaying looks of profound apprehension.

The guards of the Protector's Estate had blocked the entrance when they saw her, hesitating for a long time before ultimately daring not to approach.

Whether by Cheng Zhihai's orders or Wu Yuemei's, no one knew.

Noticing the exquisite beauty, the luxurious crown prince's attire, and the raven hair neatly combed behind her head with delicate hands resting quietly before her, Cheng Guang stopped in his tracks.

"Wu Ling?"

Arriving at the gates, Cheng Guang halted.

The procession behind him ground to a halt as well.

Under the gaze of Cheng Guang and the countless onlookers around them, Wu Ling nodded slightly, her clear eyes fixed upon Cheng Guang with an unreadable expression.

In the end, she did not speak a single word to Cheng Guang.

Instead, her gaze shifted past him toward Ning Qianxue, who sat demurely with her hands folded upon her lap inside the bridal sedan behind him.

"What is your name?"

Ning Qianxue, too, had noticed the woman blocking the gates of the Protector's Estate, and through the red silk veil, she could perceive that the woman's beauty was in no way inferior to her own.

"Ning Qianxue."

Hesitating for a moment, Ning Qianxue stated her name before looking toward Cheng Guang, "Young master, is this lady a friend of yours?"

Sensing something amiss, Ning Qianxue's tone carried a faint trace of sourness without her even realizing it.

Hearing her words, Cheng Guang smiled faintly, "Yes."

Giving Cheng Guang a noncommittal glance upon hearing his reply, Wu Ling remarked, "You certainly have quite an affinity for romantic entanglements."

Slightly embarrassed, Cheng Guang smiled at Wu Ling and asked, "Why didn't you send word beforehand when you came today? I could have welcomed you properly."

Slowly shaking her head, Wu Ling wore a somewhat downcast expression, "No need."

"I merely came to see what kind of person your heir's wife is."

"And, by the way, to bring you a wedding gift."

With that, Wu Ling produced a Go board and two bowls of black and white Go stones from somewhere.

The board and stones were carved from precious jade, and appeared to have been painstakingly chiseled out piece by piece by someone's own hands; while not entirely flawless, it was evidently crafted with immense care.

Clearly,

this was Wu Ling's own handiwork,

carved presumably over a long period of time.

Thrusting the Go board and stones into Cheng Guang's arms, Wu Ling hesitated briefly before murmuring softly beside his ear.

"You big liar, who knows if we'll ever get the chance to play Go together again."

With those words, she turned and hurried away.

Halfway down the road, as if suddenly resenting something, Wu Ling spun around, made a playful face at Cheng Guang, and stuck out her tongue.

Immediately afterward, her figure quickly vanished from his sight.

Watching her depart, Cheng Guang stood in place with a puzzled look, holding the meticulously carved Go board and stones in his arms, feeling a complicated mix of emotions.

This Wu Ling—

she really put a lot of heart into this.

Even the gift she gave was so special.

Yet...

why did she call him a big liar?

He had never lied to her about anything.

Shaking his head in bemusement, Cheng Guang stored the Go board and stones gifted by Wu Ling into his spatial ring.

When he turned back around, he noticed Ning Qianxue was still staring at him.

Touching his own face, Cheng Guang asked, "What is it? Is there something on my face?"

Shaking her head, Ning Qianxue pouted her red lips thoughtfully, "No, I just feel like that young lady seems to hold rather extraordinary feelings for you."

With a soft chuckle, Cheng Guang tapped Ning Qianxue lightly on the head.

"What do you know about feelings or anything of the sort? The amount of salt I've eaten is more than the amount of road you've walked."

With that, he took Ning Qianxue by the hand and walked into the Protector's Estate.

Rubbing her head, Ning Qianxue wanted to retort, but upon seeing Cheng Guang leading her inside while all the surrounding gazes focused even more intently upon them,

she slowly lowered her hand and followed obediently behind him.

Meanwhile, just as Cheng Guang and Ning Qianxue entered the Protector's Estate,

at one of the banquet tables outside the gates, a guest was about to turn his head to withdraw his gaze from the young master of the Protector's Estate and resume eating,

when he suddenly noticed

a pair of grubby hands stealthily reaching toward the serving tray in front of him, slowly gripping a chicken drumstick resting upon it.

With eyes widening, the guest lifted the tablecloth and lowered his gaze,

meeting a pair of pitch-black, sparkling eyes.

"Hey, you little beggar, you actually dare to come stealing food from your grandfather here, do you?!"

The guest made a motion to strike.

Startled, the beggar displayed incredible agility for his scrawny frame, grabbed the chicken drumstick, dove under the guest's seat, and bolted away.

"I'm not stealing! The people from the Protector's Estate said that anyone who comes with sincere congratulations can partake in the food!"

Running as fast as he could, the beggar shouted back with a cheeky grimace.

The guest turned red with anger, "Is the food of the Protector's Estate meant for just anyone to eat?!"

"You get back here!"

Infuriated, the guest rose to give chase,

but noticing the amused smiles on the faces of the people around him,

he paused.

On second thought, if he left his seat now, by the time he returned, his spot might already be taken.

A mere chicken drumstick—forget it, forget it.

Reseating himself at the banquet, the guest resumed drinking toasts with those around him, loudly congratulating the young master of the Protector's Estate on his marriage.

As for the beggar who had just stolen the chicken drumstick, he ran wildly, fearing someone might be pursuing him from behind. Even though he was almost out of breath, he kept fleeing like mad.

Before long,

the beggar ran out of the inner city and reached an abandoned residential compound in the outer city.

Deftly scrambling over a windowsill, he squeezed through a narrow gap before pulling out the chicken drumstick from his bosom and racing toward a pile of hay.

"Qingqing, Qingqing, I'm back."

Hearing his voice, a small, grimy head poked out from the hay, matching the beggar's blackened face, though it was paler, with hair as unkempt as weeds—evidently a little girl.

Helping the person he called Qingqing to sit up, Li Tongzhen handed over the chicken drumstick.

"Qingqing, eat up."

Upon seeing the chicken drumstick, Qingqing's eyes lit up instantly. She swallowed involuntarily and reached out to take it, but hesitated and pushed Li Tongzhen's hand back.

"Brother Tongzhen, I just had some millet porridge, I'm not hungry, you eat it."

Hearing this, Li Tongzhen glanced at the remaining millet porridge in the iron pot nearby and shook his head vehemently, "We'll share it."

Seeing that Qingqing still wanted to refuse, but knowing that Li Tongzhen would stubbornly refuse to eat if she didn't, she nodded softly.

With a smile, Li Tongzhen quickly tore the slightly cold chicken drumstick in half and handed one half to Qingqing.

Clutching her hands nervously and wiping them briefly on her clothes, Qingqing finally accepted the drumstick.

"Eat, eat! Today the young master of the Protector's Estate is getting married, and there is so much delicious food! Once you finish this, I'll go get some more for you later."

A grin spread across Li Tongzhen's blackened face as he sat cross-legged on the ground, eagerly stuffing the chicken meat into his mouth.

Swallowing it almost without tasting it,

the rich aroma of the chicken instantly filled his mouth, making his teeth water.

Wolfing it down in a flash, Li Tongzhen could not resist chewing the chicken bones clean as well.

Reluctantly, he finally licked the oil stains off his fingers one by one.

Patting his stomach, though still a little hungry, he felt much better.

Loosening the cloth belt tied around his waist, he sat aside and watched Qingqing.

Qingqing was a little girl,

and she ate much more slowly and demurely than Li Tongzhen.

Noticing that Li Tongzhen had finished, Qingqing didn't hesitate to thrust the remaining fraction of her chicken drumstick—less than a third left—back toward him.

"Tongzhen, you eat it, I only ate a little bit and I'm full."

Qingqing mumbled softly.

Licking his lips, Li Tongzhen shook his head, "No, you eat it. I'll just go get some more right now."

Pushing the drumstick a bit closer to Li Tongzhen, Qingqing insisted, "Eat."

And then added,

"I'm not hungry."

Skeptical, Li Tongzhen looked at her.

"Really?"

Nodding heavily, Qingqing opened her mouth and exaggeratedly let out a loud, theatrical burp.

Believing her,

Li Tongzhen reached out to take the piece of chicken.

Just then, a somewhat abrupt sound echoed.

"Gurgle—"

Embarrassed, Qingqing covered her stomach and hastily waved her hands, "That wasn't Qingqing's tummy making noise..."

Biting his lip, Li Tongzhen shoved the chicken drumstick back into Qingqing's hands.

"You eat it! The young master of the Protector's Estate is getting married today, there's endless good food! I'll go get more!"

Without another word, Li Tongzhen scrambled out of the ruined house and sprinted toward the Protector's Estate.

Left behind in the ruins, Qingqing beat her tummy in frustration.

"It shouldn't have made a noise... I clearly drank water just now..."

"Qingqing drank a lot... not hungry at all..."

Muttering to herself, Qingqing popped the chicken piece into her mouth.

Relishing the delicious flavor on the tip of her tongue,

she instinctively wanted to finish it quickly, but then remembered that Li Tongzhen might come back empty-handed this time.

"He's a boy, he eats more. Qingqing should save some for him."

With that thought,

she slowly lowered the chicken drumstick back down.

...

Running along the street, Li Tongzhen sprinted toward the Protector's Estate.

The closer he got, the more distinct the bustling, lively clamor became.

As he ran, the pedestrians near the estate grew denser; most were famous aristocratic families of the capital, and at the very least, prominent merchants.

Although the Protector's Estate was treating the entire city, not just anyone could simply walk in.

Ordinary commoners of the capital lacked that kind of standing,

and what standing did a beggar like Li Tongzhen possess?

The moment Li Tongzhen approached the avenue, the pedestrians walking nearby pinched their noses and cast looks of disgust in his direction.

"Why has this beggar run all the way over to the Protector's Estate?"

"Who knows, probably trying to curry favor for some good luck, or just coming to scrounge for food."

"Lady Wu of the Protector's Estate is simply too kind-hearted; otherwise, we'd have driven him off long ago."

"Sigh, ignore the beggar. Beggars can't sit at the tables anyway, at most they just pick up scraps."

"Still, it's quite repulsive. Seeing this beggar makes me lose my appetite."

Covering their noses as they passed Li Tongzhen, the gentry and nobles muttered incessantly.

As if he carried some foul stench that disgusted them to their cores.

Hearing their remarks, Li Tongzhen's expression didn't change much. Having long grown accustomed to such disdain from people around him, he merely muttered inwardly in response:

"I specially went to wash in the river this morning, I don't smell bad at all."

Dashing into the avenue, Li Tongzhen eyed the long rows of banquet tables, scanning for a target. He couldn't steal from martial cultivators; he lacked the capability and the courage.

His targets could only be ordinary merchants without cultivation.

Having learned the rules of survival in this harsh world,

Li Tongzhen searched quickly.

Soon enough, he spotted a target.

At a banquet table sat a fat merchant whose bulk resembled a small mountain, surrounded by various concubines.

Using fingers buried in folds of fat, the merchant raised his cup, his face flushed with wine as he boisterously offered a toast:

"Congratulations to the young master on his nuptials!"

After saying his piece, consumed by wine, he turned back to urge his concubines to eat.

A rather youthful-looking noblewoman was eating leisurely when, just as she raised her chopsticks to pick up a dish, she noticed the tablecloth beneath her move slightly.

Before she could react,

a pair of grubby hands emerged from under the table and reached for the food on top.

Startled for a moment, the noblewoman then saw a pair of pitch-black yet remarkably alert eyes peering out from beneath the tablecloth, scaring her out of her wits.

"Ah!"

Shrieking, she tried to stand up, only to slip and fall to the ground.

Taken aback, Li Tongzhen lunged forward and grabbed wildly to steady her. His hands happened to land on a soft, plump texture resembling delicious fatty meat, causing him to instantly salivate.

Propping the noblewoman up and noticing the surrounding atmosphere growing eerily still,

he dared not linger. Stuffing the unknown food item he had grabbed into his bosom, he bolted away at top speed.

After Li Tongzhen fled,

the noblewoman finally recovered her wits, her face turning pale and ashen.

Staring at the black handprint left upon her clothes,

she felt an urge to commit murder.

The merchant's face darkened as well. Glancing between the noblewoman and the distant retreating figure of the beggar, he stamped his foot in fury and roared angrily at his bodyguards nearby:

"You bunch of trash, what are you all good for?!"

"Didn't you see my wife being bullied by a beggar?!"

"After him! Teach him a proper lesson!!"

At the merchant's command, his tall, sturdy bodyguards—who possessed little to no cultivation—hastily acknowledged the order and chased after Li Tongzhen.

Once the bodyguards had departed,

the merchant turned to soothe the noblewoman, immediately seizing the opportunity to grope and fondle her while offering comfort.

The noblewoman, who had felt utterly distressed just moments ago from being touched by Li Tongzhen, found herself thinking that the merchant's fat hands weren't quite big enough.

Nor was his fondling thorough enough.

"Master, that beggar was truly hateful, stealing our food and treating me like that..."

Wiping the corner of her eye, the noblewoman put on a deeply fragile and pitiful air.

With a reassuring smile, the merchant promised, "Rest assured, once the guards drag him back, I'll beat him to death."

Time slowly ticked by.

After only a brief moment,

shouts of commotion echoed from afar.

"Let me go! Let me go!!"

"Let me go, you guys!!"

Several burly men—some nursing injuries on their faces, others wincing and gritting their teeth—were dragging along a flailing, kicking Li Tongzhen as they returned.

Catching sight of Li Tongzhen, the surrounding onlookers were momentarily startled,

before breaking into gloating expressions.

"That beggar, how on earth did he manage to provoke Pork-Cleaver?"

"Most of us wouldn't bother arguing with a beggar, but Pork-Cleaver is different; he holds the grudge of a beast."

"We've got a good show to watch now."

Amidst the surrounding chatter,

the merchant swaggered up to Li Tongzhen.

The noblewoman also trotted over tearfully, pointing at Li Tongzhen and telling the merchant, "Master, look at this depraved little wretch. It was with those very claws that he pawed all over me."

"I'm defiled now."

Heartbrokenly soothing her once more, the merchant suddenly and without warning swung his palm across Li Tongzhen's face.

"Bastard! You beggar! Who gave you the gall?!"

Struck hard across the face, Li Tongzhen's cheek swelled instantly. He couldn't understand the noblewoman's words, nor did he know what she was accusing him of.

Presumably, it was because he had stolen their food that they were this angry.

Yet...

the food he stole wasn't theirs to begin with.

It belonged to the young master of the Protector's Estate.

Besides...

he hadn't even truly stolen it.

At this thought, Li Tongzhen spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with saliva and shouted defiantly while struggling, "I did nothing wrong! I did nothing wrong!!"

"You fat pig, let me go!!"

Hearing Li Tongzhen's words—especially being addressed as a "fat pig"—the merchant's mouth twitched violently.

"Damn it, you little beast, I'll beat you to death!!"

Shoving the noblewoman off him, the merchant unleashed a frenzy of punches and kicks upon Li Tongzhen,

paying no heed whatsoever to whether he was striking fatal points.

Initially, Li Tongzhen could still struggle a bit, but his breathing quickly grew faint.

"Damn you, die! Die!"

Not stopping until Li Tongzhen lost most of his movement, the merchant delivered a few more vicious kicks to his head before spitting on the ground and instructing his guards,

"Throw him somewhere far away, lest people from the Protector's Estate see him and it leaves a bad impression."

Shuddering slightly, the guards acknowledged the command, hoisted the unconscious or dead Li Tongzhen, and hurried off.

As they ran,

Li Tongzhen was still clutching tightly to his bosom.

Out of curiosity, one of the guards wondered what on earth he was protecting so fiercely.

Glancing sideways, he took a peek.

It was food.

Nothing but food.

Sighing, a middle-aged guard said, "Brothers, let's take this beggar to a medical clinic. If he really dies, the master won't be able to answer to the Protector's Estate."

"After all, today is the young master's wedding day; we can't have blood on the streets."

At the middle-aged guard's suggestion, the other guards exchanged uncertain glances.

Someone muttered, "I don't have any silver left."

"Me neither. You going to pay for this medical fee?"

Gritting his teeth, the middle-aged guard checked his own coin pouch, looking down at Li Tongzhen—who was hanging by a thread, exhaling more than he inhaled—and ultimately shook his head.

"Forget it. Just dump him at the gates of a medical clinic. Whether some kind-hearted physician saves him is up to his own fate."

With that, the middle-aged guard made the decision for everyone.

Dumping Li Tongzhen outside a medical clinic, the guards quickly turned and fled.

...

(End of Chapter)