The number of people who could mobilize the Ten Thousand Martial Guards could be counted on one hand. They were merely the handful of individuals from the upper echelons.

Everyone shook their heads and chuckled softly. They laughed at Liu Xuan for being so naive. They also laughed at Chen Yang for not knowing what was good for him, failing to defend himself in such a crucial matter and thus risking becoming a laughingstock.

Chen Yang, ever one for shocking statements, asked, "How do you know it was me?"

"Because right after you arrived yesterday, this area fell into chaos!" Liu Xuan said.

Liu Changzheng walked over and quickly grabbed Liu Xuan, reprimanding her in a low voice, "What did I warn you about yesterday? Did my words go in one ear and out the other?"

Liu Xuan stuck out her tongue and fell silent.

"Kid, don't spout nonsense here! It's fine for a young man to be proud, but being arrogant without understanding how the world works and pretending to be a big shot will only lead to disaster!" Liu Changzheng stared at Chen Yang with a sullen gaze.

After speaking, he quickly pulled Liu Xuan away, advising her, "This kid might be quite skilled, but his temperament is lacking. You can't get too close to him, or you might get dragged down with him if he gets into trouble one day!"

"Grandpa, you're overthinking things, aren't you? I think Big Brother Chen is a good person. He isn't pretentious at all!" Liu Xuan muttered under her breath, glancing back at Chen Yang.

Liu Changzheng's brow furrowed as he sternly cut her off, "What do you know? I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice; do you think I can't see people for who they are? This kid is just like Old Ghost Ren. He has no filter. He dares to say anything and promises anything."

It wasn't just the grandfather and granddaughter; others in the small square began to murmur among themselves, echoing Liu Changzheng's sentiment.

"I thought he was someone to be reckoned with. But with his tendency to brag and his ignorance of his own limits, his achievements will go no further."

"Heh, like father, like son."

"He's simply making a fool of himself."

Incidents like the one last night, regardless of whether they involved the Martial Department, personal grievances, or something else, were considered taboo once the Ten Thousand Martial Guards were mobilized.

But this guy, far from avoiding the topic, seemed to be hinting to everyone that he was behind it. It was simply outrageous!

Chen Yang, of course, heard all these comments but merely smiled without saying a word. In truth, ever since seeing how poorly Ren Tong was treated by the others in the community yesterday, he had been looking for a chance to reveal his identity. It wasn't that he wanted to show off, but rather to bring honor to Ren Tong's name so no one would dare look down on him here again. He wanted to prove that Ren Tong wasn't just a braggart, but a man of genuine substance.

"What is all this nonsense you're spouting?"

Though Ren Tong was old, his hearing was still sharp. Hearing their words, he instantly bristled, his wide eyes blazing. "My son is incredibly skilled! He could crush all you old geezers with a single finger, and you'd do nothing but kneel and beg for mercy!"

In reality, he had said things like this many times before but had never revealed Chen Yang's true identity. The main reason was the deep-seated pride in his heart.

The Zhennan Prince is my son. Why the hell would I need to explain myself to you withered old coots? I'm not boasting, and this isn't personal, but every single one of you here is trash.

It was this pride that kept him from fawning or currying favor, allowing him to remain dignified and upright.

"Old Ghost Ren, I spit on you! For a man your age, your words grow more shameless by the day!"

"We were once figures who commanded our own domains! Even though we've retired, our connections and disciples are numerous. What makes you think this adopted son of yours could make us kneel and beg?"

Some of the more hot-tempered individuals immediately shot back, their words sharp and unforgiving.

Others tried to play the role of peacemaker, advising, "We've all known each other for years. We know each other's personalities. There's no need to get so worked up."

In reality, his words were a subtle attempt to placate the others, implying that Ren Tong's habit of bragging was nothing new and not worth getting serious about.

Ren Tong snorted in disdain. "A bunch of frogs at the bottom of a well. I can't be bothered with you!"

"You've gone too far, Old Ghost Ren!"

"We're the ones who can't be bothered with you, you old ghost!"

After another round of bickering, the small square finally quieted down.

Ren Tong turned to Chen Yang and asked, "Yangzi, was that huge commotion yesterday really your doing?"

"I destroyed Pan Hong's entire family. You won't blame me for that, will you?" Chen Yang countered.

Ren Tong: "..."

Zhou Yufei: "..."

It… it was really him!

GULP.

Despite being a seasoned veteran of countless battles, Ren Tong couldn't help but swallow hard.

After a long moment, Ren Tong finally asked, "What exactly happened? How did they offend you?"

"It was his precious granddaughter, Pan Xue," Chen Yang explained, detailing how Pan Xue had betrayed Zhou Yufei and how arrogant and overbearing her family had been afterward.

"What a wretched old Pan dog! I always knew he was no good. And after his scheme was exposed, he even wanted to kill you?" Ren Tong jumped to his feet, cursing furiously. His eyes were wide with rage, and he was seething.

"People like that deserve it!" Ren Tong exclaimed, planting his hands on his hips as he continued his tirade.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yufei stood frozen, her gaze fixed on Chen Yang. She had thought Chen Yang was just going to teach that detestable rich kid a lesson. She could never have imagined…

This…

Suddenly, a flood of mixed emotions washed over Zhou Yufei. She was touched, her heart was warmed, but she was also bewildered.

This man… he's so domineering. Wait a minute… The Ten Thousand Martial Guards. Could it be… he… Instantly, Zhou Yufei's eyes flew wide. Her chest heaved, and it felt as if a tidal wave was crashing through her heart. He… he really is the Zhennan Prince!

Thinking back to the scene at her home on Qingqiu Dao, the truth was now laid bare before her.

HISS. Zhou Yufei drew a sharp breath, feeling both shocked and overwhelmed with emotion.

So, you're the most dazzling and brilliant figure of this era, the great hero whose name is known to all. It was you who drove back the Barbarians, safeguarding the peace and prosperity of this land. It was you who expanded our nation's borders, filling every citizen with pride and confidence. No wonder you fought in the bloody battles of Night Quiet Valley and Hundred Flowers Valley.

"Hmph!" A moment later, Zhou Yufei wrinkled her nose and muttered in dissatisfaction, "That damn bastard… he fooled me for so long! How could he!"

「Meanwhile.」

A commercial van abruptly pulled over on the road beside the small square. As the door slid open, two middle-aged men, an elderly man, and a man in his thirties stepped out and strode toward them.

The two middle-aged men were, naturally, Pang Dongqiang and Feng Zhen. The elderly man was none other than Lu Wentao—Old Monster Lu—reputed to be the strongest expert in Tianque City. The young man behind him was his only disciple, Fan Chen, who was also the eldest son of the Fan Family, Tianque City's most powerful clan.

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