Urban Martial Saint

Ye Qing was kicked in the lower back by Shen Baichuan’s sneak attack, which indeed caused him intense pain in that area. Coupled with the previous night’s injury, where a man had knocked his shoulder out of joint with a wooden box, the two injuries together made his movements somewhat slower for the time being.

Seeing Shen Baichuan kicking at him again, Ye Qing was unable to dodge and could only brace himself with his arms to block Shen Baichuan’s kick.

However, Shen Baichuan was extremely crazed. When his kick missed, he immediately drew a dagger from his waist and stabbed viciously at Ye Qing’s face.

”Baichuan!” Shen Qianyue couldn’t help but shout. Shen Baichuan’s actions were indeed excessive.

But Shen Qianyue’s shout did nothing to stop Shen Baichuan. Just as the dagger was about to pierce Ye Qing’s arm, a large hand suddenly grabbed Shen Baichuan by the neck and lifted him off the ground.

”Despicable scoundrel!” Tie Yongwen shouted angrily, followed by a punch to Shen Baichuan’s stomach. Shen Baichuan was sent flying like a kite with its string cut, traveling four to five meters before tumbling another six or seven meters when he landed. The bloodstain on the ground from his skid showed the great power behind Tie Yongwen’s punch!

Shen Baichuan collapsed on the ground, vomiting several mouthfuls of blood and lacking even the strength to struggle to a sitting position; he was gasping for breath.

”Baichuan!” Shen Qianyue hurriedly walked over and helped Shen Baichuan up. Seeing his pale face, Shen Qianyue also looked rather unsightly.

Tie Yongwen felt no remorse as he stood in front of Ye Qing, his eyes flashing with a sharp light as he glared at Shen Baichuan and declared loudly, ”Go back and tell Old Madame Shen that this punch was delivered personally by Tie Yongwen. It is for your despicable shamelessness and your ingratitude. If anyone from the Shen family has an objection, they can come to Shenchuan City to find Tie Yongwen!”

Tie Yongwen’s voice was rich and resonant like a large bell, and its sheer volume caused everyone’s eardrums to buzz; it was clear that the old hero was truly enraged.

Shen Qianyue helped Shen Baichuan to his feet and bowed, saying, ”Senior Tie, Baichuan was indeed in the wrong, and he deserves your reprimand. Rest assured that the Shen family won’t be unreasonable about this matter. No one from the Shen family will object to what happened here!”

Tie Yongwen looked at Shen Qianyue coldly and said gravely, ”Save your empty words for someone else. I, Tie Yongwen, know exactly what kind of people the Shen family are. If you seek vengeance, feel free to come to Shenchuan City. Others may fear the Shen family, but I, Tie Yongwen, certainly do not. Tell Old Madame Shen that Ye Qing is my nephew, and if he suffers even a single hair less in Shenchuan City, I, Tie Yongwen, will personally go to the Xihang Shen Family and take down Shen Baichuan, even if it costs me my life. If you don’t believe me, you are welcome to try. But don’t say I didn’t warn you: If the Shen family dares to lay a hand on Ye Qing in Shenchuan City, I will show no mercy. If one comes, I’ll kill one; if two come, I’ll kill them both!”

With an icy countenance and murderous intent in his eyes, Tie Yongwen’s commanding tone left everyone present stunned. Especially those from the Shen and Lin families – who in the Southern Six Provinces would dare to confront the Shen family like this after so many years? Tie Yongwen had always had a good relationship with the Xihang Shen Family, but today he had spoken these harsh words; he was truly furious!

It was no wonder, really. Ye Qing had saved Shen Qingyi, and not only did the Shen family not appreciate him, but they also sneak-attacked and harmed him instead. Not just Tie Yongwen – everyone present was especially furious with Shen Baichuan. People like Li Lianshan and Black Bear wanted nothing more than to hack Shen Baichuan to death with a disorderly knife. Now that Tie Yongwen had made his move, it had vented everyone’s anger, which was the only reason they had restrained themselves from charging forward!

Shen Baichuan’s face was as pale as death, his eyes flickering with uncontrollable rage, yet he dared not talk back to Tie Yongwen. He continued to cough nonstop, the coughs leaving his body covered in blood – Tie Yongwen’s punch had caused him serious internal injuries.

”This junior will take to heart Senior Tie’s teachings,” Shen Qianyue said as he supported Shen Baichuan, maintaining a calm demeanor as if not the slightest bit angered by Tie Yongwen’s words.

Tie Yongwen didn’t even spare him a glance and instead turned to look at Ye Qing saying, ”Nephew Ye, how are you?”

”I’m fine,” Ye Qing regulated his breathing, enduring the pain in his back, and bowed, ”Thank you, Uncle Tie!”

”Why the formalities? We’re all family here. Hmph! Though I, Tie Yongwen, am no match for that so-called Xihang Shen Family, still, my relatives should not have to suffer their bullying. What a worthless lot – their Miss couldn’t even prevent being taken right in front of them, and they show no shame. Instead, they attack the person who saved their Miss. It’s like a dog biting Lu Dongbin – they don’t recognize a good heart. Damn it, they are the scum of the earth!” Tie Yongwen seemed to still be angered, his speech still laced with sarcasm.

”Senior Tie, my guess is, nine times out of ten this Shen Baichuan was trying to harm Miss Shen,” Li Lianshan shouted from a distance, ”The Miss was taken away right in front of him, and not only did he not rescue her, he also attacked Ye Zi, the one who saved her. Doesn’t it seem like he doesn’t want Miss Shen to come back? He’s probably coveting the Shen family’s fortune, right?”

”What... what are you talking about!” Shen Baichuan erupted in rage, struggling to suppress the blood rising in his throat, and shouted, ”Qingyi is my sister, I... how could I harm her?”

”You can know someone’s face, but not their heart,” Li Lianshan retorted, making a face, ”If you didn’t want to harm her, then why attack Ye Qing, the one who saved her? Even though I, Li Lianshan, came from a gangster background and have a checkered past, I still understand gratitude. You’re not even talking about repaying a kindness here, you didn’t even have a word of thanks before you started attacking your savior. Heh, the Xihang Shen Family, so powerful, so very powerful – truly too powerful!”

Li Lianshan’s voice, with its odd inflections and mixed vulgarities, suddenly drew a round of loud laughter from the audience. Shen Baichuan trembled with anger, trying to speak, but the blood in his throat could not be held back and sprayed out.

”Baichuan, don’t get too worked up!” Shen Qianyue hurriedly massaged Shen Baichuan a few times until his surging qi and blood calmed down a bit.

”Senior Tie, today’s incident was indeed Baichuan’s fault. Here, on Baichuan’s behalf, I apologize to Mr. Ye,” said Shen Qianyue as she turned to Ye Qing, bending at the waist and said, ”Mr. Ye, I’m truly sorry for what happened just now. Also, I’m very grateful for you saving Qingyi. Our Xihang Shen Family will definitely keep this kindness in mind.”

Ye Qing waved his hand and said, ”It was nothing, Mr. Shen, there’s no need for politeness.”

”Qingyi is the Old Madam’s most beloved granddaughter, and should anything untoward happen to her, I fear the whole Shen Family would be in chaos. And if someone were to threaten the Xihang Shen Family by using Qingyi, then the consequences would be unimaginable. Mr. Ye, by saving Qingyi, you’ve done the Xihang Shen Family a great favor,” continued Shen Qianyue. ”Although I’m not the head of the family, I want to say something to Mr. Ye. If there comes a day when you need assistance, just let Mr. Shen know, and I will do my utmost to help!”

Shen Qianyue’s words were indeed generous, and even Tie Yongwen didn’t flare up anymore. Everyone present also listened comfortably.

Ye Qing bent down slowly and said, ”Mr. Shen, you’re too kind!”

”It’s only right,” nodded Shen Qianyue, before turning to Tie Yongwen and the others, ”Senior Tie, my friends, thank you for your trouble with Qingyi. Fortunately, Qingyi has returned safe and sound. We’ve caused you all enough trouble this evening. I won’t disturb your rest any further and will take my leave now!”

Tie Yongwen didn’t say anything. Ye Qing gestured a fist salute to Shen Qianyue, who politely returned the gesture, then walked over to Shen Qingyi and said, ”Qingyi, let’s go.”

”Okay,” responded Shen Qingyi who then walked straight up to Ye Qing and handed him her jacket.

”Ye, thank you for everything!” Shen Qingyi looked at Ye Qing sincerely and said, ”When you have time, you must come visit me at the Shen Family Manor!”

Ye Qing felt a sense of loss inside. He took the jacket, smelled the faint fragrance lingering on it, and nodded slowly, saying, ”I definitely will.”

Even though he said that, he knew very well in his heart that as the successor of Third Master Li and being virtually at odds with the Xihang Shen Family, how could he possibly step into the Shen Family Manor? This parting could very well be forever!

Shen Qingyi nodded vigorously, slowly turned around to walk to Shen Qianyue’s side. As she was about to get into the car, she turned back, reluctant to leave, and waved at Ye Qing. She had never been as happy as she was last night, and in her lifetime, Ye Qing could be considered her first friend, the first to risk his life to save her.

As Ye Qing watched Shen Qingyi’s car drive away, he felt emptiness within. He looked at the jacket in his hand and remained speechless for a long while.

”Ye Zi, we should leave too,” came Lin Zhen Nan, leading Lin Huayu and Mu Qingrong over, ”Baichuan is too hot-headed. For the earlier incident, I apologize on his behalf. You can rest assured, if the Xihang Shen Family harbors any dissatisfaction over this matter, I, Mr. Lin, will be the first to object!”

Ye Qing nodded gratefully and said, ”Uncle Lin, thank you!”

”Don’t mention it,” Lin Zhen Nan patted Ye Qing’s shoulder and, looking behind at the Dog Field, added, ”Young man, keep up the good work. You’re much stronger than I was at your age. Your future accomplishments will definitely surpass mine.”

Ye Qing shook his head and said, ”I just want to take good care of those kids.”

Lin Zhen Nan paused slightly then sighed and said, ”You have greater aspirations than me, I only wanted to take good care of our Lin family. But, taking care of a whole family is not an easy task, is it?”

Ye Qing knew that Lin Zhen Nan was once again reminded of Lin Tianhao, of Lin Yashi, who had been harmed by Tianhao to this state. It is not difficult to take care of a family’s material needs, but who can manage the matters of the spirit?

Lin Huayu and Mu Qingrong also greeted Ye Qing, both women showing concern for him. Of course, Mu Qingrong’s concern was more hidden, while Lin Huayu was quite direct. The two women were different, but their feelings were the same.