Chapter 148 - 102: Unexpected Reversal

"Brother Cheng, what’s wrong?"

Seeing Chen Cheng staring fixedly at Shen Junmo’s back with an unfriendly expression, Mu Xiaowan asked with a sly smile.

Chen Cheng’s face stiffened. "It’s rare for us to get together. How could you agree to bring Shen Junmo along?"

Mu Xiaowan stepped forward and looped her arm through Chen Cheng’s. Tilting her head up slightly, she blinked her beautiful eyes playfully and said with a smile, "Brother Cheng, Senior Brother Junmo is a Martial Fool. He rarely ever goes out."

’What does that pretty boy’s social life have to do with me?’ Chen Cheng’s scowl deepened.

"Brother Cheng, you’re not jealous, are you?" Mu Xiaowan’s delicate eyebrows arched beautifully, her smile growing wider. She said teasingly, "Don’t you worry. I’m a daughter-in-law of the Chen Family. I belong to the Chen Family in life and in death. No one’s going to steal me away."

He gently tapped her smooth, jade-like forehead. Chen Cheng’s expression softened. Of course, he trusted Mu Xiaowan.

"You silly girl, you’re so carefree. You have to remember, the world is a dangerous place and people can be treacherous. You can’t afford to not be on your guard. Be careful in everything you do."

These words were not only a warning for Mu Xiaowan but also a reminder to himself. On his journey, Chen Cheng had come to deeply understand that the scions of these great families were like jackals and tigers—incredibly dangerous.

Mu Xiaowan rested her head on Chen Cheng’s chest and replied obediently, "Mhm, I’ll be careful."

Seeing Chen Cheng and Mu Xiaowan walk out of the courtyard hand-in-hand, all lovey-dovey and deeply affectionate, Shen Junmo, who was standing at the entrance, touched the hilt of the Short Sword at his waist. He shook his head and sighed softly. "Sigh... Maybe I should just go back and practice my Swordsmanship. I’m just intruding on you two."

"Senior Brother Junmo, didn’t you always say you wanted to get out and about? Let’s go together." Mu Xiaowan remained her usual carefree self.

"Alright." Shen Junmo agreed after a moment’s hesitation. Clearly, the allure of an outing was very tempting to him.

The three of them exited the main gate. Shen Junmo subconsciously started to walk next to Mu Xiaowan, but Chen Cheng made a seemingly casual turn, placing himself between them and shielding her like a mother hen protecting her chick.

’Tch! So this Young Master Chen is afraid I’m coveting Xiaowan? No wonder he’s so cold to me.’ Shen Junmo realized what was happening and couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

When they reached the Double Courtyard, Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui abandoned their cultivation and ran over eagerly.

Luo Chenghu’s eyes widened. He shot a fierce glare at Shen Junmo before turning to Chen Cheng and saying, "Brother Cheng, are you and Sister-in-law going out?"

"Mhm, the weather is nice today, so Xiaowan and I are going out." Chen Cheng replied with a slight nod.

"Oh." Seeing Chen Cheng holding Mu Xiaowan tightly, Luo Chenghu felt much more relieved. He smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. ’Looks like Brother Cheng took my advice to heart,’ he thought.

"Young Master Shen, my Brother Cheng and Sister-in-law are going on an outing. Why are you tagging along?" Luo Chenghu was not so polite with Shen Junmo. His large, round eyes were full of hostility.

First he was misunderstood by Chen Cheng, and now he had to deal with this brute Luo Chenghu’s insolence. Shen Junmo was exasperated. He frowned and said coldly, "Xiaohuzi, are you looking to have another round with me?"

Luo Chenghu suddenly lost his nerve, subconsciously taking two steps back. He mumbled, "Who wants to fight you?"

Chen Cheng asked, puzzled, "You two have fought before?"

Shen Junmo glanced at Luo Chenghu, raised a hand, and made a fist in the air. "When I first arrived," he said lightly, "I did indeed have a match with Xiaohuzi."

"Xiaohuzi, my Iron Fist wasn’t too bad, was it?"

"Hmph, you only barely beat me because you’re in the Muscle Strengthening Realm. What’s there to be so arrogant about?" Luo Chenghu pounded his chest, looking indignant. "My Brother Cheng is here today. Do you dare to fight him?"

Shen Junmo’s eyebrows rose slightly. "I was just thinking the same thing."

Luo Chenghu was instantly energized. He exclaimed, "Brother Cheng, avenge me!"

At his side, Black-faced Zhao Kui added angrily, "Senior Brother Chen, Young Master Shen said Senior Brother Luo and I have nothing but flashy, useless moves! You have to stand up for us!"

"Sigh... Xiaohanzi, it seems I didn’t beat you soundly enough last time either!" Shen Junmo said, again shaking his seemingly delicate, fair fist.

Zhao Kui said with a dark expression, "Our skills are lacking, but Senior Brother Chen is very strong. He’ll definitely put you in your place!"

In his eyes, even when he and Luo Chenghu had teamed up and used their full strength, Chen Cheng had handled them as easily as pinching a baby chick. Even if Shen Junmo was a Muscle Strengthening Realm Martial Artist, Chen Cheng could definitely fight him.

Shen Junmo turned to Chen Cheng, his gaze burning with intense fighting spirit.

"Young Master Chen, how about you and I have a friendly spar?"

’This kind of pointless squabble is really boring,’ Chen Cheng thought. He shook his head and said, utterly disinterested, "Let’s spar some other time when there’s a chance. It’s rare that I have a day off. The outing is more important."

Seeing that Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui were about to speak again, Chen Cheng shot them a look and said, "You two. Instead of thinking about how to cultivate diligently and win your own fights, you look for a backer. You have no ambition!"

"Cultivating the Martial Dao is also about cultivating the heart. If you can’t hold on to the conviction that you are invincible and will always win, then what’s the point of cultivating the Martial Dao at all?"

Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui lowered their heads in shame.

"Your lesson is right, Brother Cheng!"

"Your lesson is right, Senior Brother Chen!"

’I am invincible! That’s not a state of mind an ordinary person could possess.’ Shen Junmo looked at Chen Cheng, a flicker of new light in his eyes, as if he were reassessing this young talent.

"Brother Cheng, Junior Brother Zhao and I want to go on the outing too."

Seeing that Chen Cheng was about to leave, Luo Chenghu quickly spoke up. As he spoke, he didn’t forget to give Chen Cheng a meaningful look, gesturing with his eyes toward Shen Junmo.

Zhao Kui also looked eager to join.

Chen Cheng said irritably, "Your skills are lacking, and you still want to go on an outing? Get back to your cultivation!"

Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui could only trudge back to their cultivation, dejected.

"Young Master Chen, I didn’t expect you to have so much authority in the Zheng Martial Arts Hall." Shen Junmo clicked his tongue in wonder. He could tell that Luo Chenghu and Zhao Kui genuinely admired and respected Chen Cheng.