Chapter 108: Zheng Jian: Call Me the Heartbreaking Contrarian
Chapter 108: Zheng Jian: Call Me the Argument Master
A crowd quickly gathered at the entrance of the tavern.
No matter where he went, there was never a shortage of onlookers eager for entertainment.
Among the crowd stood a tall, imposing man beside Bamboo Leaf Green. His towering figure made him stand out like a crane among chickens, instilling a sense of awe.
"Iron Fist, what do you think? Facing this guy, how many moves can you hold up?" Bamboo Leaf Green chuckled.
Iron Fist Ayong was one of the top two experts under the big boss, the other being Iron Tiger.
Ayong looked at Zheng Jian’s two ordinary fingers and was at a loss for words. He couldn't very well admit he couldn’t withstand a single move.
In the center of the scene, Gaotong’s face flushed red—perhaps from shame, or maybe from exertion—but it was unmistakably crimson.
He tugged hard on his sword, but Zheng Jian’s two fingers, like iron pincers, held it fast, immovable.
Gaotong knew he had hit a brick wall.
Zheng Jian smiled gently at Gaotong, then scanned the crowd again. His gaze briefly swept over Bamboo Leaf Green and the towering man beside him before he subtly applied more force.
“Bang!”
The long sword snapped in two. The broken tip flew backward at a speed even faster than before, spinning back and struck Gaotong’s throat directly.
Gaotong’s eyes widened in disbelief as he collapsed, unwilling to accept his fate.
Zheng Jian smiled once more and looked toward Bamboo Leaf Green.
Though Zheng Jian was smiling, Bamboo Leaf Green felt a chill rise up his spine, shooting straight to his forehead.
Gaotong lay in a pool of blood; the crowd was stunned and quickly dispersed.
Bamboo Leaf Green stepped forward a few paces, forcing a smile. “One sword through the heart, Gaotong—truly overestimating himself, daring to draw a blade before the Return-to-Heaven Swordsman! Ayong, what are you waiting for? Clean up his body quickly so as not to dirty Master Zheng’s establishment.”
Iron Fist Ayong had been dazed but snapped out of it upon hearing this. He hurriedly bowed and lifted Gaotong’s corpse away.
“Ah ha, Master Zheng.”
“State your business,” Zheng Jian said impatiently, having no kind words for this sly man.
Bamboo Leaf Green forced a smile. “It’s like this: the big boss wishes to invite you for a meeting tonight at Han’s Tower, but we wonder if Master Zheng is available? If not, no pressure…”
He thought Zheng Jian would ignore him completely.
“Alright.”
Bamboo Leaf Green was stunned, thinking he misheard. He stared at Zheng Jian in astonishment but saw only calm eyes. Overjoyed, he said, “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Master Zheng! Tonight at the third floor of Han’s Tower, we await your arrival.”
...
Night descended. Most shops in town had closed, but Han’s Alley remained bustling, especially Han’s Tower, brightly lit and embodying an era of extravagant indulgence.
Zheng Jian strolled through Han’s Alley, seeing people entering and leaving Han’s Tower—wealthy merchants, wandering heroes of the martial world, and occasionally those who had squandered their fortunes and were cast out.
Upon entering Han’s Tower, a middle-aged courtesan approached. “Ah, young sir, please come this way…”
Before she could grasp Zheng Jian’s arm, she was pushed aside—not by Zheng Jian, but by Iron Fist Ayong, who had been waiting nearby.
“Madam Han, this is no ordinary guest, but a VIP of our big boss!” Ayong explained as he stepped aside, then bowed to Zheng Jian. “Master Zheng, please. Our boss tends to be argumentative; please don’t mind him later…”
Zheng Jian’s heart stirred. Argumentative? Perfect! I like that!
Along the way, decadent music filled the air, and from some rooms came soft sounds of men and women—best not to dwell on those.
Passing through the resplendent main hall and the winding, ornate corridor, Zheng Jian arrived at a garden.
It was late autumn; the maple leaves had turned red, while chrysanthemums still bloomed brilliantly.
Despite the late hour, the area was brightly lit. The big boss stood with his hands behind his back in a pavilion, Bamboo Leaf Green by his side.
“Boss, he’s here,” Bamboo Leaf Green whispered.
The big boss turned gracefully. Seeing Zheng Jian, a warm smile spread across his face. “Ah, a distinguished guest’s arrival truly brightens this humble place!”
Zheng Jian stepped forward with a faint smile. “You flatter me, sir.”
The big boss chuckled heartily. “Please sit! Ayong, quickly arrange the wine and dishes—hurry up.”
The two sat facing each other; Bamboo Leaf Green stood silently behind the boss, eyes lowered.
The big boss said, “I’ve long heard of Master Zheng’s fame but never had the chance to meet. To find you so young is truly a testament to the ancient saying: heroes emerge in their youth.”
Zheng Jian pondered for a moment. “Early promise does not guarantee greatness.”
The big boss faltered.
His resentment meter +500.
He thought: I refuse to accept this!
Regaining his composure, he continued, “There is a saying: wealth is dirt, but righteousness is worth a thousand gold!”
Zheng Jian replied, “Yet another says: a penny can bring down a hero.”
The big boss felt a pang in his chest.
Resentment meter +999.
“There’s also the saying: better to die standing than live kneeling!”
Zheng Jian countered without hesitation, “But others say: a good death is not as good as a bad life.”
The big boss’s hand trembled slightly. How could this person be so contrary? Had he met a master debater?
Resentment meter +999.
Still, the big boss, having roamed the martial world for years, refused defeat. He pressed on, “They say seeing is believing.”
Zheng Jian smiled faintly. This was a battle of wits—beautiful! I shall argue you into despair!
“But others say: meeting is overrated—better to cherish the memory.”
The big boss grunted, feeling his chest ache more.
Resentment meter +999.
The big boss said, “They say: the first time you’re deceived, the second time you’re wise.”
Zheng Jian retorted, “Yet another says: if you’re tricked every time, the tricks vary.”
“Pfft…”
The big boss spat blood…
Resentment meter +1999.
Zheng Jian versus the big boss, round one: Zheng Jian wins decisively!
The big boss faltered. Bamboo Leaf Green saw the situation and quickly added, “There is a saying: he who does not foresee far will have near troubles!”
He was hinting: your current prowess doesn’t guarantee the future. Think ahead; more friends mean more paths.
Zheng Jian considered this and replied, “But another says: the world is peaceful, it’s fools who trouble themselves.”
Bamboo Leaf Green’s expression stiffened. He had never seen someone so argumentative!
Resentment meter +1999.
“There’s also a saying: honest advice is harsh but beneficial; bitter medicine cures sickness!” Bamboo Leaf Green said through gritted teeth.
His meaning was: what I say may be unpleasant, but it’s for your own good!
Zheng Jian did not back down. “Yet another says: flattering words please the ear but cause annoyance when acted upon!”
“Pfft…”
Bamboo Leaf Green also coughed up blood.
Resentment meter +1999.
Zheng Jian versus Bamboo Leaf Green, round two: another win for Zheng Jian!
Zheng Jian was overjoyed. The reason for coming here was to reap some benefits, and unexpectedly, the big boss was so magnanimous in playing along. In moments, his resentment meter soared.
What a good man—may good fortune follow him always.
No, wait, another saying goes: good men don’t live long; their calamities linger for a thousand years!
Ah, sorry, I got carried away…
...
Thanks to the kind brother who just happened to pass by and gifted 100 points. Much appreciated—several times now.
(End of chapter)