NOVPUBZhang Zhenlin's face was sallow, and beads of sweat dripped from his palms, even his breathing became rapid.
This old martial artist, who had dominated the Jianghu for decades, felt an unprecedented chill running up his spine from the soles of his feet at this moment!
Although Zhang's Martial Arts Hall held some influence in the Provincial City, in front of a Great Grandmaster, it was nothing more than an ant! 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
Not to mention, Chen Nan's strength was formidable enough to even pose a challenge to a Great Grandmaster...
"Father..." Zhang Zhilong's voice sounded as if it was choked, his usually authoritative face was now as pale as paper, beads of sweat rolling down his temples, "If Chen Nan is indeed that person... then we..."
Zhang Zhenlin slowly closed his eyes, his wrinkled eyelids twitching violently.
When he opened them again, his old and turbid eyes were filled with determination.
He flicked his sleeve fiercely, the fabric making a crisp sound in the air: "Prepare the sedan chair! No..."
His voice suddenly rose: "Prepare the eight-carrier sedan! The one painted with red lacquer and gilded!"
The disciples in the courtyard looked at each other, and a few young disciples even stepped back in shock.
That was the Zhang Family's ancestral wedding sedan, which even the master of the hall dared not use lightly!
"Father, what happened? Why are you using the eight-carrier sedan?" The Hall Master of Huichun Hall, Zhang Zhicheng, walked in with a face full of curiosity.
He knew that the martial arts hall had taken down the plaque of the Health Care Hall to lure Chen Nan there, which was the reason he rushed back to watch the spectacle!
He wanted to see Chen Nan humiliated!
Seeing his son appear, Zhang Zhenlin was furious and shouted: "Unfilial son, kneel for your father!"
Thud!
Zhang Zhicheng was just an ordinary man, how could he withstand the yell of a Grandmaster level expert, especially when the person was his biological father!
His legs went soft, and he knelt on the hard bluestone without hesitation, cold sweat visible on his forehead: "Father? What is wrong with you? Who made you angry?"
"Who else but you, you unworthy son!" Zhang Zhenlin raged, glaring with bulging eyes.
Zhang Zhicheng was almost in tears, aggrieved: "Father, I've been behaving properly, how did I make you unhappy?"
Zhang Zhenlin snorted heavily: "Was it you who sent Qingxue to cause trouble at the Health Care Hall?"
Zhang Zhicheng nervously swallowed: "Is it just this little thing?"
Slap!
Zhang Zhenlin slapped his face, making it bruised, and then furiously roared: "You blind fool, do you know who Chen Nan is? His strength is extraordinary, even a Great Grandmaster is no match for him!"
"You sent Qingxue to make trouble for him, aren't you trying to destroy my Zhang's Martial Arts Hall?"
Boom!
With these simple words, Zhang Zhicheng felt as if struck by a bolt from the blue, indifferent even to the pain on his face, deep fear filling his pupils!
He knew Chen Nan was strong, but he didn't expect him to be this powerful!
"I'll deal with you, you wretched thing, later!" Zhang Zhenlin fiercely glared at his son and then looked at his second son, Zhang Zhilong, and said in a low voice: "Prepare the eight-carrier sedan, return the plaque with utmost respect!"
"Moreover, go to the storeroom to fetch that three-hundred-year-old ginseng, and that box of South Sea Pearls..."
His voice suddenly choked, his Adam's apple moving up and down: "Bring me that pair of Dragon and Phoenix Jade Pendants I've cherished!"
Zhang Qingxue lifted her head abruptly, shock in her almond-shaped eyes: "Grandfather! Those are..."
"Silence!" Zhang Zhenlin barked sternly, unprecedented severity in his voice.
He turned to the stupefied disciples standing, and shouted sharply: "What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and prepare!"
Zhang Zhilong nervously said: "Father, do we really have to do this?"
Zhang Zhenlin sighed softly, the whole person seemingly aging in an instant, saying weakly: "He has already given us much face, allowing us to return the plaque with an eight-carrier sedan, if we let go of this chance..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but everyone felt a chilling sensation on their back.
If Chen Nan really wanted to eliminate Zhang's Martial Arts Hall, he wouldn't even need to make a move himself, just a word would attract countless Jianghu people eager to raze Zhang's Hall to the ground!
------
Eight strong disciples dressed in brand new indigo martial robes, with big red sashes tied around their waists, marched in unison towards the Health Care Hall!
The red-lacquered sedan they carried on their shoulders glimmered with a dark red glow in the sunlight, the golden tassels atop the sedan swaying gently with their steps.
The plaque of thousand-year-old yellow pear wood, wrapped in red silk, was securely placed inside the sedan.
Zhang Zhenlin walked in the front, his dark brown long robe washed and pressed crisp, his grizzled hair combed meticulously.
His steps were steady and firm, but upon closer inspection, it could be seen that his right hand constantly clenched a jade pendant at his waist, his knuckles turned pale.
Zhang Zhicheng, Zhang Zhilong, and Zhang Qingxue followed nervously behind!
Citizens on both sides of the street stopped to watch, guests at teahouses leaned out, even street vendors paused their shouting.
"Isn't that Old Master Zhang, the martial artist?"
"Heavens, isn't that the Zhang Family's ancestral sedan?"
"What are they carrying? It looks like the plaque of the Health Care Hall?"
Whispers spread among the crowd, as Zhang Zhenlin had already led the team to a stop in front of the Health Care Hall.
He took a deep breath, suddenly cupped his fists and bowed, his voice booming like a bell: "Zhang Zhenlin of Zhang's Martial Arts Hall, along with unworthy disciples, has come to return the Health Care Hall plaque and humbly apologize to Mr. Chen!"
Before he finished speaking, he led everyone to kneel with a thud!
This scene deeply shocked the citizens.
Every gaze carried a profound sense of astonishment!
Everyone knew the influence Zhang's Martial Arts Hall wielded in South City and across the Jianghu!
Who would've thought Mr. Zhang would lead everyone to kneel at the Health Care Hall's entrance?
Even witnessing it with their own eyes, they were stunned speechless in disbelief!
Chen Nan leaned against a rosewood armchair, his slender fingers quietly tapping on the armrest.
Hearing the commotion outside, he slightly lifted the corners of his lips, picked up the blue porcelain teacup, and took a sip.
The tea was clear, reflecting his deep-set eyes.
------
With a creak, the wooden door of the medical hall slowly opened.
Sunlight slanted in, casting a long shadow on the ground.
Chen Nan walked out slowly, his moon-white long robe gently swaying in the breeze.
His gaze swept lightly over the Zhang Family members kneeling on the ground, finally settling on Zhang Zhenlin: "Old Master Zhang, what are you putting on today?"
Beads of sweat dripped from Zhang Zhenlin's forehead onto the cobblestones: "Mr. Chen, this old fool failed to recognize a great person and caused my disciples to offend you."
"We have come today to beg pardon!"
Chen Nan chuckled softly: "Since the plaque was taken down, returning it isn't that simple."
Zhang Zhenlin's heart trembled, a sense of foreboding, but he quickly steadied his breathing and said solemnly: "Whatever demands you have, just say the word!"
"This old man will do anything, even if it costs his life!"
Chen Nan's lips curled slightly: "I happen to be short of a few attendants and Protectors, I want you to arrange some people from the Zhang Family to serve as housewatchers and Protectors for me!"
Zhang Qingxue lifted her head, her eyes wide with anger: "Surname Chen, don't push people too far. With your skills, why would you need anyone to watch your house?"
