Free Web NovelChapter 564: Chapter 564: Exposed
Facing the gentle morning breeze, Zhang Yuan rode the Gray-toothed Lynx, galloping along the official road leading to West Plain City.
No urging was needed; the profound beast, connected to Zhang Yuan’s mind, sprinted forward with all its might, like a whirlwind passing by the side of a caravan.
It stirred up cries of astonishment!
When the caravan’s guards came to their senses, they could only see the dust swirling in the distance.
As they neared the city gate, Zhang Yuan slowed the Gray-toothed Lynx to avoid causing greater commotion.
In fact, he often rode the profound beast in and out of Dao City, making the Gray-toothed Lynx’s fame known everywhere.
The majority of citizens in the city were no longer surprised by it.
But with many merchants traveling to and from the West Plain, Zhang Yuan still tried his best to minimize the trouble he caused.
As for the three hundred Daoist Soldiers he led earlier, they had long been left far behind by Zhang Yuan.
Because alongside exterminating the bandits, he confiscated a significant amount of loot, not wanting to waste time on the return trip, he left Mo Wei in charge of the aftermath and hurried back to the West Plain himself.
At that moment, Zhang Yuan suddenly felt a stir in his heart, his gaze landing on the side of the official road.
The commerce and trade in West Plain City were very prosperous, and along with Dao City’s special status, it attracted a large population to settle.
Unable to accommodate all citizens within the city, many built mud huts and shelters outside, forming quite a large settlement over time.
Numerous individuals also set up tea stalls and roadside shops by the official road, providing rest and meals for passing merchants and travelers.
Zhang Yuan’s attention was drawn to a rather humble tea stall, offering breakfast like pancakes, hot soup, and rice porridge.
Beside one small table sat an elderly man with graying hair in plain clothes and a young girl with twin buns.
The plain-clothed elderly, with eyes tightly shut, appeared blind, and an old huqin was propped beside him.
He and the young girl wore worn-out clothes, sharing a single bowl of rice porridge between them.
It looked quite pitiful.
Zhang Yuan’s gaze flickered, and he suddenly leapt down beside the tea stall.
The owner of the tea stall, a middle-aged man with an honest face, was taken aback upon seeing Zhang Yuan visiting his stall, hurriedly approaching and bowing in respect: "Dao General."
Other diners in the tea stall also greeted him fearfully and respectfully.
Nowadays, Zhang Yuan’s prestige in West Plain City had surpassed that of Fei Hongming, who had been stationed at the Daoist Government Office for ten years.
The Gray-toothed Lynx had become his most distinctive symbol.
Seeing the profound beast, everyone immediately recognized Zhang Yuan’s identity.
Thus, they all behaved obsequiously!
However, fearful as they were, these people, including the owner, weren’t very afraid.
Since Zhang Yuan took office as Dao General, the security inside and outside West Plain City had improved significantly, especially with him leading Daoist Soldiers to eliminate bandits and thieves, effectively securing trade routes and the countryside.
Most importantly, Zhang Yuan had never oppressed civilians or bullied the populace!
People can weigh in their hearts, and compared to previous Dao Generals, the citizens of West Plain naturally knew what was good.
So Zhang Yuan’s reputation among the people was exceptionally good.
In response to the tea stall owner’s warm greeting, Zhang Yuan simply waved his hand, then sat down opposite the plain-clothed elderly.
The little girl beside him instantly showed a fearful expression.
Though the plain-clothed elderly was blind, he had a very keen sense.
He heard the tea stall owner’s words and detected Zhang Yuan’s presence opposite him.
The plain-clothed elderly opened his mouth slightly, asking in a raspy voice: "May I ask, esteemed sir, is there any command for this old man?"
The little girl couldn’t help but lean closer to him, whispering: "Grandpa."
Her small hand quietly grabbed the corner of the plain-clothed elderly’s garment.
The plain-clothed elderly raised his hand to stroke the little girl’s head, softly saying: "Don’t be afraid, this is an esteemed person."
Zhang Yuan chuckled, ordering the tea stall owner: "Two baskets of buns, and two bowls of hot rice soup, please."
Tea stall owner quickly replied: "Yes."
He brought the buns and rice soup to Zhang Yuan at the fastest speed.
Zhang Yuan reached out, picked up a steaming meat bun, and in a few bites, swallowed it.
In the blink of an eye, he finished half a basket.
"Not bad."
Zhang Yuan nodded in satisfaction, then pushed the steamer basket on the table, saying to the plain-clothed elderly: "Why suffer unnecessarily, try this freshly steamed bun, it’s quite tasty."
The tea stall owner was genuinely honest, making buns with thin skins and large fillings using fresh ingredients.
Saying this, Zhang Yuan picked up a large bowl and drank the rice soup in one go.
Satisfying!
He revealed a faint smile.
However, the plain-clothed elderly’s expression froze.
This blind elderly man stretched out a withered hand, took a bun and handed it to the little girl beside him, sighing: "Dao General Zhang, how did you see through?"
He was genuinely curious.
The plain-clothed elderly believed his mastery of the Concealing Breath Secret Technique had reached a high level, even Divine Powers wouldn’t easily see through his disguise unless they deliberately probed.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuan, a Tier Six Martial Artist, noticed his anomaly from a distance with just one glance.
Given the situation, the plain-clothed elderly saw no need to pretend ignorance anymore.
"You could call it a talent."
Zhang Yuan asked in return: "Why serve the Blood Shadow Building when you are a formidable Tier Six?"
A Tier Six expert, even blind, had the qualifications to be an exceptional figure in any faction.
Like a Supreme Elder stationed at the core.
The benefits and quality of life must surely surpass that of being an assassin.
So Zhang Yuan genuinely couldn’t understand the other’s reasoning.
"I’ve been asked this question by many before."
The plain-clothed elderly chuckled hoarsely: "This old man can’t answer, just living by the rules of the martial world, but..."
His aura suddenly became sharp and unparalleled, like a sword drawn from its sheath: "Those who’ve asked me are now all reincarnated, and Dao General Zhang, you won’t be the last one!"
Before the words finished, the plain-clothed elderly suddenly lifted his left hand, which was resting on the table.
The entire table, along with the buns and hot soup atop it, was flipped and hurled at Zhang Yuan.
The next instant, an arc of light silently pierced through the tabletop, stabbing toward Zhang Yuan’s throat with lightning speed.
This thrust was exceedingly fast, insidious, and vicious to the utmost!
However, Zhang Yuan was well-prepared; at the instant the sword light reached him, a long blade suddenly appeared in his hand, splitting the thrusting rapier at the last moment.
Clang!
"Die!"
The plain-clothed elderly roared like thunder, and the slender sword artifact in his hand twisted suddenly, stabbing again toward Zhang Yuan’s heart at an incredible angle, the sword tip exuding a chilling glow a foot long.
Killing intent surging to the heavens!
