Peng Shizhong said, "Come at me with all your might, I want to see your strength."
Speaking thus, the two began to spar.
After ten moves, Peng Shizhong flicked his saber close to his body, prying Chen Jieâs long spear to one side, and placed the saber on Chen Jieâs shoulder.
"Jiu Si, not bad at all. Among the practitioners of the Iron Bone Realm in Mianshui County, you could rank in the top five."
"Foster father, you flatter me. I used all my might and still am no match for you."
Peng Shizhong laughed, "Hahaha, Jiu Si, even though I have injured my lungs, and seem to cough as if I have a severe illness every day, in fact, itâs nothing serious, and it doesnât affect my strength. Being able to withstand ten moves under the normal techniques of an Energy Transformation Master, you can indeed be proud of yourself in the Iron Bone Realm."
"The gap between Energy Transformation and the Iron Bone Realm is like a chasm."
As Peng Shizhong spoke, Chen Jie truly experienced the power of Energy Transformation. Just now, except for not using his Seventeen Dragon Capturing Palms, he had used all his other signature skills yet he still lost within ten moves.
No wonder Energy Transformation Masters hold such high status in Mianshui County, while Iron Bone Realm practitioners do not possess such dominance.
The gap is indeed vast.
Just as Peng Shizhong once said: the only ones who can injure an Energy Transformation Master are other Energy Transformation Masters!
Peng Shizhong put down the saber, coughed twice, sat down and dabbed at his sweat, "Tell me, whatâs the matter? You always have a reason for coming to see me."
Chen Jie said, "Itâs really nothing. By the way, foster father, are you going to listen to the opera tonight?"
Peng Shizhong replied, "Yes, why? Would you like to listen too?"
Chen Jie said, "Hehe, I donât really understand it."
Peng Shizhong said, "I donât understand much either, but itâs nice to listen to."
"Why did you bring this up?"
Chen Jie paused slightly upon hearing this, pondering how to speak up, knowing that the first rule of the System was absolute secrecy.
Secondly, he knew that Feng Xuan was up to no good, but in Peng Shizhongâs eyes, his eldest son was improving. If he spoke ill of Feng Xuan, he might be seen as the petty one causing discord.
Thirdly, he didnât know how far things had gone between Miss Huadie and his foster father.
As the saying goes, do not come between those who are close; if they are deeply in love, accusing her of having ulterior motives at this point could well backfire.
After some thought, Chen Jie found an approach and said, "Foster father, the thing is, these past few days as I passed by the Spring Breeze Theater, I noticed quite a few suspicious individuals. Upon investigating, I discovered they were all people sent by the Gang Leader. Iâm worried they may have ill intentions and could harm you in secret."
"Therefore, Iâve come to inform you. Could we perhaps not attend the opera tonight?"
Chen Jie shared his concerns.
"Harm me?"
Peng Shizhong frowned but then laughed, "Hahaha... No, I may be seriously injured, but Nan Batian wouldnât be so foolish as to harm me in the theater. Youâre worrying too much," and waved his hand dismissively.
Chen Jie said, "Foster father, it is wise not to harm others but to be on guard against them."
"Our relationship with Nan Batian is so delicate; he might just take advantage of your injury to do something. So you must not take the risk!"
Peng Shizhong chuckled and said, "Hehe, Jiu Si, youâre overthinking it. My issues with Nan Batian have Darugachi mediating. We might fight among ourselves, but direct action against each other is prohibited; anyone hurt would be a loss to the court."
"Otherwise, why would he wait until now to ambush me in a theater? Couldnât he have ambushed me while I ate or drank?"
"Donât worry, he wouldnât dare!"
Seeing Peng Shizhong so confident, Chen Jie said, "Foster father, things can change; please give me this respect, and letâs not go tonight, alright?"
"This?"
Peng Shizhong looked at Chen Jie, somewhat troubled.
Just then, Ying Er entered the room and said, "Hall Master, Miss Huadie has arrived!"
"Oh, why has she come?"
Hearing the name Huadie, Peng Shizhongâs eyes lit up as he stood up and said, "Have her wait for me in the guest hall."
"Yes,"
Ying Er replied.
"Jiu Si."
Looking at Chen Jie, Peng Shizhong said, "Alright, I will consider this matter. Iâd better go and meet Miss Huadie first."
Chen Jie frowned and said, "Foster father, let me accompany you to meet her."
Hearing this, Peng Shizhong asked, "Hey, have you eaten breakfast yet?"
Chen Jie had eaten, but he lied, "No."
"Letâs eat together then."
"Alright."
Inside, Chen Jie felt that something was off. Why would Huadie visit at this time?
In the guest hall, dressed in plain clothes, Huadie greeted Peng Shizhong with a bow, "Mr. Peng, I have seen you."
Peng Shizhong laughed, "Haha, Huadie, what brings you here?"
Huadie said, "I heard Mr. Peng was unwell. I couldnât sleep well last night and just had to come see you."
Peng Shizhong responded, "Hahahaha, let me introduce you. This is my fifth son, Chen Jiusi."
Huadie immediately paid her respects, "I have seen Fifth Master."
Chen Jie returned the gesture, "I have seen Miss Huadie."
After finishing his greeting, Chen Jie quickly said, "Foster father, itâs early, and Miss Huadie probably hasnât had breakfast. Letâs eat and talk."
"Good, weâll eat and talk."
"What would you like to eat?"
Looking at Huadie, Chen Jie said, "Foster father, letâs have something light for breakfast. How about three bowls of cilantro noodles?"
Cilantro, also known as coriander, isnât that something Huadie doesnât eat?
There was no other choice now; he had to pin his hopes on this.
Huadie gave Chen Jie a complex look at his suggestion, tinged with a bit of resentment.
Peng Shizhong said, "Alright, Huadie likes eating cilantro, so letâs have cilantro noodles."
Chen Jie responded, "Okay, three bowls of cilantro noodles with extra cilantro!"
As the three sat down to small talk, the noodles were ready in the kitchen, as they were precooked and quick to serve. Heeding Chen Jieâs request, the noodles were served with extra cilantro.