Cultivators Are So Weak in This World-Chapter 36 - 35

"Infinite Celestial Venerable, may I ask what the purpose of this is?"

Zhang Rongfang clasped his hands according to the standard Daoist etiquette towards the man in front.

"Daoist, there’s something we need you to come with us for." The leading man rubbed his nose and smiled.

"This... without explaining your reason, you want me to go with you, I’m afraid..."

Zhang Rongfang lowered his hand, showing a troubled expression.

"Your name is Zhang Rongfang, isn’t it?" the leading man asked.

"Indeed."

"Then that’s right. Get him!" The leading man suddenly waved his hand.

Two groups of people, nearly ten in total, charged forward simultaneously.

In an instant, Zhang Rongfang was surrounded both front and back.

Further back, not far away, another person stood by the wall, watching with a calm expression.

This man’s knuckles were large, his hands dark, with a slightly inverted triangular physique. He was Iron Mouth Crane Chen He, one of Mi Gang’s two great masters.

Chen He, over thirty, had a wooden appearance, slightly yellowish eyes, and was one of Mi Gang’s two visible fourth-grade masters.

Mi Gang’s Profound Sand Palm was renowned for its killing prowess, so a fourth-grade Profound Sand Palm was comparable in power to Qinghe Palace’s Rejuvenation Purification Talisman Manual fifth grade.

At this moment, he watched Zhang Rongfang being besieged intently.

"This person is under Zhang Xuan’s tutelage and valued by Zhang Xuan and his son. We can start with him, make some preparations."

According to their plan, they intended to act fully on the wedding day, but it seemed more prudent to lay some groundwork in advance.

As a group was about to attack Zhang Rongfang, Chen He swiftly stepped forward.

"Hold on! How dare you disrespect a Qinghe Palace Daoist in broad daylight?"

As soon as he spoke, seemingly in coordination, the men on both sides stopped.

"Oh, he’s from Qinghe Palace! Guess we mistook him for someone else!" The leading man smiled.

"How come you are also called Zhang Rongfang? Sorry, our mistake nearly caused a catastrophe!" Another henchman laughed.

"Yes, thank goodness Mr. Chen happened to pass by, or we would’ve attacked the wrong person."

The people on both sides kept Zhang Rongfang in the middle, apologizing without moving aside.

Zhang Rongfang remained calm, realizing it was intentional.

No coincidence had people with the same name. Their false politeness clearly intended to show their numbers and strength.

Though Qinghe Palace was weak in martial prowess, it had good relations with the authorities. In Hua Xin County, even a regular Daoist wasn’t easy for common folk to provoke.

The fact that these people dared to provoke him meant they had backing.

But since they were putting on an act, he saw no harm in playing along, to see their true intent.

He felt unafraid. As long as they had no weapons, he was confident he could run even if he couldn’t defeat them.

"Since it’s a misunderstanding, please clear the path." He clasped his hands again.

"Daoist, you’re funny. Since my men offended you, I should apologize and wash away any bad luck." Chen He smiled.

"I’m someone of significance in Hua Xin County. If word got out that I was rude, I’d be laughed at. Besides, seeing you looking impressive today, it’s a chance for acquaintance." Chen He smiled.

"Let’s go, let’s go. If you don’t go today, it would mean disrespecting me."

With his words, everyone stepped forward, revealing a hint of threat.

The meaning was clear.

’Even if you don’t want to, you have to come today.’

Zhang Rongfang’s eyes moved slightly, realizing he couldn’t escape.

If it were just these people around him, he might not fear them, believing he could flee.

But the person in front, with a long, steady breath, strong legs, and a light gait, likely trained in leg techniques. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

He thought it over.

"Though Mr. Chen’s invitation is generous, I’ve just arrived in Hua Xin County and have urgent matters to attend to. Perhaps another day."

The surrounding men showed displeasure, stepping forward with fierce eyes.

Chen He stared at Zhang Rongfang for several seconds. His smile slowly faded.

He exuded a hint of danger.

"It seems this Daoist is determined not to show respect to me?"

Zhang Rongfang felt a tingling sensation, his pores raising goosebumps.

A mere change in expression from the other gave him considerable pressure.

The feeling was profound, like facing a beast, an instinctive threat.

"Mr. Chen jests. I’m just busy today, another day I will be free." Zhang Rongfang said seriously.

"Moreover, respect isn’t something others give you, nor can you have it..."

Chen He squinted, silent for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled.

"Makes sense... indeed, face isn’t something given blandly; one must compel it to be given...."

He clapped his hands, seeing Zhang Rongfang’s fearlessness, showing a hint of appreciation.

Everyone has timid thoughts, but if one can still adhere to their true self in moments of weakness, unafraid of the strong.

Such a person is a talent, a hero.

A person unafraid of authority is truly worth befriending.

Because if you have a genuine friendship with such a person, when you yourself face a stronger opponent in the future, this kind of person will also not retreat due to the other’s dominance.

"Daoist Zhang, it was impudent of Chen. Earlier, I indeed mistook you for someone else. What we’re looking for is also someone named Zhang Rongfang."

Immediately, Chen He took a step back and cupped his fists, giving a courteous bow to Zhang Rongfang.

"I deeply apologize for today’s offense. Someday, Chen will surely host a banquet to express my apologies, and I sincerely hope you’ll grace us with your presence."

Zhang Rongfang thought a fight was imminent, but unexpectedly, the other party retreated as a form of advancement, acting respectfully after being arrogant.

After a moment of silence, he returned the gesture.

"An apology is unnecessary, as long as Mr. Chen does not trouble this humble Daoist anymore, it will be fine."

"Since Chen has underestimated you, it is only proper to apologize. However, since I’ve already offended today, there’s no need to say more." Chen He slightly smiled and gestured for the others to make way.

The group of men immediately parted to create a path, allowing Zhang Rongfang to leave.

Zhang Rongfang nodded, taking the passage and soon disappearing at the corner of the street.

"Brother, is it necessary to treat a small Daoist so courteously?" The leading man earlier was confused.

Chen He shook his head, "He’s not just any small Daoist; he possesses skills. Moreover... it’s not effective to force someone with a straightforward temperament. There’s no hurry... we have time later."

He had ways to make that young Daoist truly experience the benefits of the world.

After all, Qinghe Palace has significant connections officially, and using force in the city is not a wise move.

On the other hand, halfway through his walk, Zhang Rongfang turned into a clothing store.

Shortly after, he came out holding a parcel containing clothes.

That afternoon, he returned to Qinghe Temple, but the abbot Li Heng hadn’t returned. Just the three of them and two attendants had dinner together.

The food was various vegetable and meat pancakes bought from the bakery next door. Accompanied by cold boiled water, it amounted to a meal.

After eating, with no abbot around to oversee, none had any interest in evening lessons, being new in the city, they simply left the temple to amuse themselves.

By night, Qinghe Temple was deserted.

The two attendants were quietly looking at a small picture book in the main hall, illuminated by the candles offered to the deity.

Such small picture books were quite popular in the city, containing a wide array of topics. Judging by the expressions on the two young Daoists’ faces, it was clear they were not reading anything appropriate.

Zhang Rongfang passed by the main hall after finishing his exercises, noticing but choosing not to reprimand them.

Even though it was against the rules, with the abbot Li Heng ignoring it, he couldn’t be bothered to make a fuss.

He walked to the deep well in the backyard, using a rolled rope to fetch several buckets of water with squeaks.

Then, in the open space of the backyard, he removed his clothes and poured the water over his head.

Reaching for the soap he had purchased from the clothing store, he rubbed it all over his hair.

Soap in ancient times was made by grinding pig pancreas and mixing it with ingredients like beans.

Some wealthy people would add various spices; however, such extravagance was too costly for Zhang Rongfang, who hadn’t reached a level where he would spend casually.

Soon finished washing and dried off using a cloth, he let his hair fall loose.

Changing into a set of clean, close-fitting clothes, he returned to his room.

Not long after, holding a small gray fabric bundle, he left the room, having tied his long hair into a bundle with a leather strap, draped behind him.

Returning to the front courtyard, at the incense burner in front of the shrine, Zhang Rongfang took a cushion from inside the hall and sat cross-legged to rest.

Meanwhile, he pondered over the day’s events.

’I merely went to deliver a letter to my sister-in-law’s house and hadn’t gone far before encountering trouble. Those men were definitely not passing by coincidentally, very likely deliberately waiting there.’

Thinking back to Chen He, Zhang Rongfang’s mind was filled with more suspicions.

’If it really is because I went to my sister-in-law’s place, then... does it mean my sister-in-law is in trouble now?’

’Perhaps I should try going again tonight... to see if it really is due to my sister-in-law....’

’Moreover, there are patrol soldiers in the city at night, how can I conceal my appearance without being identified?’

Zhang Rongfang considered methods from episodes of television dramas from his past life.

’Masked in black? Isn’t that blatantly signaling I’m a bad guy? I’d probably be arrested by the authorities halfway....’

Reality and TV dramas ultimately differ...

’A mask? Where would I buy a mask? There’s an option to purchase one for future use. Also, I can’t possibly walk that far always wearing a mask, can I?

Now isn’t a festival or event, walking halfway would lead to interrogation, unable to conceal one’s identity.’

From Qinghe Temple to the sister-in-law’s house, it’s necessary to traverse the entire city. Walking all the way with a mask would only draw more attention.

Once noticed by patrolling soldiers, they are equipped with bows and crossbows.

Zhang Rongfang did not believe he could withstand crossbow arrows now.

Generally, military crossbows have significant power at close range, even greater than that of handguns.

’It seems there is only one way...’

He sat cross-legged for a while, waiting until his hair was sufficiently dry, then stood up.

At this moment, the night sky was brightly lit with moonlight.

Zhang Rongfang tied up his hair, picked up his bundle, and quickly walked out of the Daoist temple.

He decided to visit near his sister-in-law’s house again tonight, see the situation, and ideally capture someone to question them.