Chapter 34: Mu Gaofeng? Merely a marked man destined for execution

Hengyang. The streets bustled with travelers, many of them martial artists bearing knives and swords, clearly guests invited by Liu Zhengfeng for his Golden Basin ritual.

Zheng Jian slipped into a tavern, found a seat by the window, and quietly listened to the rumors circulating among the patrons. Since ancient times, taverns and inns have been the breeding ground of martial world gossip; after all, who doesn't enjoy chatting about fresh news from the jianghu over a drink?

At that moment, Zheng Jian’s gaze sharpened—he had spotted someone. More precisely, a hunchback, ugly in appearance, but with fierce, intimidating eyes.

It was Mu Gaofeng, the "Northern Bright Camel." Zheng Jian recognized him at once; the original story had painted this man as infamous, vicious, and cunning. He hadn’t expected that the first familiar face he’d encounter on his journey would be this villain.

Beside Mu Gaofeng stood another hunchback. Zheng Jian’s eyes swept over and his heart leapt with joy—what he sought had appeared before him effortlessly. The person next to Mu Gaofeng, disguised and disheveled, could be none other than Lin Pingzhi.

The young man looked grimy and ragged, a far cry from the affluent gentleman he once was. Clearly, just as in the original tale, he had fallen into Mu Gaofeng’s hands.

Lin Pingzhi saw Zheng Jian at the same time, and hope flickered in his eyes. He remembered this young man, whom he had met once at his family's doorstep.

But in the next instant, Lin Pingzhi dropped his gaze. “That older brother is so young; he surely can’t be a match for Mu Gaofeng. How could I drag an innocent man into my troubles…”

Despite his hatred for the Qingcheng Sect and the man before him, Lin Pingzhi still held onto kindness in his heart, not daring to reveal any sign of it.

Zheng Jian observed the changes in Lin Pingzhi’s expression and soon understood his concerns. He laughed loudly and stood up.

The tavern, previously full of boisterous chatter, was suddenly dominated by Zheng Jian’s laughter, which carried true energy and resounded throughout the hall.

"Mu Gaofeng, the Northern Bright Camel! Why aren’t you tending camels in the north, and what are you doing here in Hunan?" Zheng Jian spoke boldly as the tavern fell silent. With his current skill and reputation, he had no regard for Mu Gaofeng, whose fame was built on nothing but silver.

A shadow passed over Mu Gaofeng’s ugly face as he was startled by Zheng Jian’s laughter, which revealed a depth of internal energy. He dared not be careless and replied with a sinister smile, "This friend’s face is unfamiliar. My eyes are poor and I don’t recognize you. What business do you have with me?"

Zheng Jian retorted coldly, "Unfamiliar? I’d say you’re blind! How dare a marked criminal like yourself speak so arrogantly here?"

Mu Gaofeng was instantly enraged. He had roamed the martial world for years, never having suffered such ridicule. Just as he was about to lash out, Lin Pingzhi, still in disguise, grew anxious and called out, "Master, why bother with him? He’s probably a disciple from some great sect, new to the martial world and unaware of your fame. There’s no need to stoop to his level."

Zheng Jian was taken aback, then quickly understood—Lin Pingzhi was helping him avoid trouble, showing kindness even now. Zheng Jian’s appreciation for Lin Pingzhi deepened.

Mu Gaofeng glared coldly at Lin Pingzhi, "Obedient disciple, why are you speaking up for him?" His words dripped with murderous intent.

Zheng Jian laughed loudly, "So, Mu Gaofeng, you even harbor murderous thoughts toward your own disciple?"

Lin Pingzhi inwardly cursed his luck, wondering why the man before him was so oblivious, but he did not regret his words.

"You brat, who are you to call me Mu Gaofeng?" Mu Gaofeng could no longer contain himself. He leapt forward, his palms striking left and right, aiming for Zheng Jian.

Zheng Jian remained unmoved. With a casual thrust of his sheathed sword, he accelerated, colliding with Mu Gaofeng before the latter could react.

"Watch out!" Lin Pingzhi cried, but his mouth fell open in shock.

In the instant he spoke, Zheng Jian’s sword sheath had already pierced Mu Gaofeng’s chest, emerging straight from his humped back.

Mu Gaofeng had not even realized what had happened. He stared blankly at the sword sheath protruding through his chest, unable to believe it.

The tavern fell utterly silent.

With a single move, Zheng Jian had slain the infamous Mu Gaofeng.

Mu Gaofeng tried to speak but could only gasp. Zheng Jian withdrew his sword sheath, and Mu Gaofeng collapsed, dead, without uttering a word.

At this moment, the entire tavern was struck with terror. The young man hadn’t even drawn his sword.

What manner of martial skill was this?

Lin Pingzhi was stunned. In his memory, only the mysterious figure who had broken into his home three years ago could compare to such prowess.

"If only I possessed such skill, how could I fail to avenge my family?" Lin Pingzhi scrambled to Zheng Jian’s side, "Brother, do you remember me? We met three years ago at the entrance of Fuwei Escort Agency in Fuzhou! I’m Lin Pingzhi!"

Zheng Jian placed the bloodied sword sheath on the table and waved his hand, sending a gentle force into Lin Pingzhi’s body to help him stand.

"Of course I remember! Three years have passed, and you’ve changed a lot," Zheng Jian said with a smile.

Lin Pingzhi’s heart ached, nearly moved to tears. A simple phrase brought him warmth he hadn’t felt in ages; all he had encountered lately were wicked people and wicked deeds, never such equal kindness.

"You really remember me..." Lin Pingzhi was overjoyed, feeling as if he had returned from hell to the human world. Even his grandfather had sought to seize the lost sword manual, yet a man he had met only once remembered him after three years.

"I remember, I do. Come, sit and have something to eat," Zheng Jian said with a smile. If Linghu Chong saw this, his jaw would drop—when had his senior brother, the great demon king, ever treated anyone so politely?

Lin Pingzhi was deeply moved, wanting to sit but hesitated, feeling ashamed of his dirty appearance.

Zheng Jian noticed and quickly understood. He laughed, "No need for formality. You call me brother; how could I mind? Others may not know, but I know you’re actually as handsome as I am."

With that, Lin Pingzhi finally dared to sit, though only half his seat touched the chair.

The patrons watched in awe as the demon who had just slain the Northern Bright Camel now spoke kindly to a young hunchback, while Mu Gaofeng’s corpse still lay on the floor. No one dared remain, and they rushed to settle their bills. The clever ones seemed to recognize Zheng Jian, and muttering "Sword Guest Returning to Heaven," they hurried out in panic.

Zheng Jian’s heart stirred. He now knew he was but a visitor in the world of Smiling Proud Wanderer, no longer caring about titles. He tossed a silver coin to the innkeeper, "Clear away the corpse, and bring us a good meal!"

…

(End of Chapter)