Chapter 34: Faceslapping

In any place, traditions and cultures were paramount, woven into the very core of life. One could not easily mend or break them.

Even on Earth, countless customs bound societies together; this Xianxia world was no different. Here, traditions were upheld with a similar if not higher regard, especially those surrounding conflict resolution. The most notable of these was the Trial by Might—a duel sanctioned by the empire, allowing cultivators to resolve disputes through combat, bound by strict rules to ensure fairness and safety. It was a custom respected by all and carried significant importance among cultivators.

Yet, it was rare to see such a trial between mismatched power levels. To challenge someone weaker was to court dishonour; only equals met in such an arena. Perhaps that explained why, when Chen Ren uttered the words “Trial by Might,” an unnatural silence gripped the courtyard. The father and son duo, Bai Hu and Bai Shen, turned to him with expressions torn between disbelief and suppressed amusement, as though he had just declared the most ridiculous jest.

The servants, who had gathered at the fringes of the courtyard, exchanged bewildered glances. A few gasped while others muttered nervously, unable to fathom that the young man before them would dare invoke such an audacious challenge.

“Trial by Might?” Bai Hu’s deep voice cut through the silence, laced with incredulity. His eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, the golden embroidery of his robe shimmering in the late afternoon sun. “Do you even realise what you are saying, boy?”

Chen Ren met his gaze without wavering. The feeling of the stares, the scepticism, and the murmurs of disbelief pressed down on him like a storm, but he held firm. He was certain of his decision, and nothing could make him change that now.

“I do,” he said with a sturdy voice. “And I have more than enough reason to challenge your son to a Trial by Might.”

A hushed tension fell over the courtyard at his words.

“Preposterous,” Bai Shen muttered, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face.

Chen Ren ignored the whispering servants and the stunned expressions around him. He took a deliberate step forward, lifting a scroll in one hand. “To ensure the legitimacy of this challenge,” he continued, “I have already requested the presence of an official from the City Lord’s office.”

As Chen Ren spoke, he gestured to the back where Liu Wen stood alongside an older gentleman, an official from the City Lord’s office. The man’s role was unmistakable: he was a special official tasked with overseeing Trials by Might, a position that ensured such matches adhered to the laws and traditions of Cloud Mist City and Kalian Empire. Given the city’s proximity to a sect, these trials were not uncommon.

Bai Shen’s eyes widened with shock, darting between Liu Wen, the official, and Chen Ren.

“You’re claiming I’ve done something deserving of a Trial by Might? Where’s your proof?” Bai Shen yelled, his voice strained with disbelief. “And aren’t you ashamed of yourself, challenging me? I'm only a second-star body forging realm cultivator, while you’re a fourth-star one.”

Chen Ren shrugged at that, acting nonchalant at his words as if they meant nothing.

“No, I’m not ashamed. I believe it’s you who should be.” He held up a note, the parchment swayed gently with the wind passing by as he spoke. “Not only did you try to seize our supply lines—which, while legal, is underhanded—but you didn’t stop there. You sent the Blood Snakes to destroy my businesses and even threatened the lives of my employees and business partner Tang Yuqiu, the daughter of the Tang Clan’s head Tang Jihao. I have it here in writing, evidence that implicates you in these acts. And I believe it’s sufficient grounds for this challenge, unless you’d prefer I take this matter to the city guards.”

Both Bai Hu and Bai Shen paled visibly at Chen Ren’s declaration. Bai Hu’s composure cracked as he rushed to descend the stairs, snatching the note from Chen Ren’s grasp and scanning its contents with frantic eyes.

Chen Ren couldn’t help but notice the slight shakiness of the old man’s hands.

“Don’t try to destroy it,” Chen Ren warned. “The official has already reviewed it. You’ll only make things worse if you do.”

“This… this is fake,” Bai Hu sputtered, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his doubt.

“Ask Yu Kuang if you think it’s fabricated,” Chen Ren retorted. “Your son is well-acquainted with him, after all.”

Bai Hu’s gaze shifted to Bai Shen, who stood frozen in place, eyes wide and face ashen as the weight of the accusations crashed down upon him.

At that moment, the official stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. “Bai Hu, Bai Shen, the letter is authentic. We have Yu Kuang’s signature in our records, and it matches those from his time in our custody decades ago, well before he formed his gang. Everything Chen Ren has claimed has been verified. There are indeed enough incidents to justify a Trial by Might, even with a disparity in star levels. Both are in the same realm, so it stands.”

Chen Ren’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “If you don’t want a Trial by Might, I can take this proof straight to the city guard. I’m sure Tang Jihao will also pursue the matter, considering his daughter’s life was nearly threatened.

“That’s not true!” Bai Shen blurted out, “It was never meant to harm Yuqiu.”

Chen Ren raised an eyebrow. Before he could respond, Tang Yuqiu stepped forward, her eyes fierce. “Oh really? Then what was it? Do you think I’m unaware of how you despise me and wish me gone because I rejected your proposal? And don't you dare call me Yuqiu!”

Bai Shen’s face flushed, and he stammered, “It’s not like that. My intentions for you are—”

“You can try to persuade her again later,” Chen Ren interrupted sharply. He heard some snickers from behind, coming from the crowd who were now gathered around. “Right now, we’re discussing the terms of the Trial by Might.” He turned to Bai Hu, who seemed deep in thought as he weighed his options.

His eyes scanned the parchment again and again as if he was trying to find something to get out of this mess. But it was foolproof. He could do anything, but accept Chen Ren's terms.

Finally, Bai Hu looked up, his expression guarded. “What do you want in exchange for sparing my son?”

Chen Ren’s eyes hardened. “I won’t kill him—that’s not my way. I only want him to fight. The prize will be five thousand silver wen.”

“Five thousand?” Bai Hu’s voice rose, incredulous. “You must be joking.”

Before he could protest further, Tang Yuqiu stepped in, her voice resolute. “Originally, I wanted to claim your businesses, but since Bai Shen doesn’t truly own them, that’s not possible. If you value his life, put up the five thousand silver wen as the prize. It’s simple: if you don’t want to lose your money, ensure your son wins.”

The official cleared his throat, glancing between the parties. “Is this acceptable to both sides?”

The tense air in the courtyard was thick. Chen Ren could feel it, and he was sure the father and son duo too knew what was coming.

It was evident by how Bai Hu’s clenched jaw and white knuckles betrayed the turmoil swirling in his chest as he turned sharply towards his son, Bai Shen. His eyes burned with a ferocious mixture of frustration and helplessness. Bai Shen, standing at the edge of the stairs, trembled under his father’s glare, his voice a weak whisper.

“Father... you’re not really going to agree, are you? Do you understand what will happen to me?”

Bai Hu’s fists tightened, his face a storm of fury and defeat. “You idiot,” he growled, the words dripping with venom. “They have actual proof, Bai Shen. Do you think I could stop this once it reaches the City Lord’s ears? My reputation will be shattered, no matter what. All of this... all of it because of you.” He stepped closer, his towering frame casting a long shadow over his son. “I can’t afford to make an enemy of the law. Do you understand that?” He paused for a moment and scanned his son’s face. “He said he won’t kill you. So just, get it over with.”

Stolen novel; please report.

His son’s expression faltered, and the fear deepened in his eyes. “But what if he cripples me, Father?” Bai Shen’s voice wavered, as though speaking louder might make the threat more real.

Bai Hu’s gaze softened, before he could reply, Chen Ren spoke up.. “I won’t kill you, but I will make sure you can’t get up from your bed for the next few months.”

Bai Shen paled, the blood draining from his face. “Please... no. Please, I beg you.” His hands shook violently, his knees visibly threatening to give way beneath him.

Bai Hu’s patience seemed to have worn thin as he huffed at his son. With a sharp motion, he gestured to the servant standing nearby. “Get me a spear. The best quality one you can find.”

The servant, without any question or hesitation, hurried off, returning moments later with a gleaming spear, its blade polished and sharp enough to draw blood with the lightest of touches.

Bai Shen gasped loudly as his gaze fell upon the weapon, his face turning pale.

“Take it,” Bai Hu commanded, pushing the spear into his son’s trembling hands. “Get it over with.”

Bai Shen barely held the spear, his fingers seemingly numb with fear.

“Get the best healer. We’ll need him afterward,” Bai Hu ordered loudly.

With that, the trial was set to begin. The crowd around them parted, giving space for the trial to begin. The official, standing tall in the centre, raised his hand, announcing the trial by might.

"The allegations against Bai Shen will be settled here today. Bai Hu, in his wisdom and to save his son from further disgrace, has taken full responsibility in his son's place." His gaze swept across the spectators, ensuring every ear caught the gravity of the moment. "This trial, unlike others, will not result in death or permanent crippling. The only outcome will be one of victory or defeat, based on the ability to continue. The victor will be awarded five thousand silver wen, a sum that should not be taken lightly."

He paused, his eyes flickering toward Bai Hu and his son, both standing on opposite sides, tension thick in the air. "The fight will end when one combatant can no longer continue. Whether through submission or incapacity, when one fighter is unable to stand, the contest is over."

Bai Shen’s gaze locked with the figure standing before him, Chen Ren. There was no warmth in his eyes, only cold calculation. He swallowed hard, his throat tight as he made one last desperate attempt to sway his opponent.

“I have no intention of harming you, Chen Ren,” Bai Shen called out, his voice trembling, but still trying to sound dignified. “You must understand—if you hurt me, you will never recover from the humiliation you’ve brought upon us. No relationship will ever be formed between the Bai Hu Trade Association and you.”

Chen Ren remained calm at his words, but his lips curved into a smirk. “I don’t care about your association,” he replied flatly, his tone devoid of empathy. “I’ve already made my decision.”

Bai Shen’s face twisted with frustration, but desperation clawed at him. “Then take the prize money, spare me, and walk away. That’s all I ask.”

Chen Ren’s eyes darkened, and he stepped forward. “I won’t. You tried to harm me first and I need to give it back. That's the way of the world.”

Bai Shen’s face twisted with rage, his nostrils flaring up. “In that case...” His grip on the spear tightened, his knuckles turning white. “I will show you the might of the future leader of the Bai Hu Trade Association!”

With a loud noise, he surged forward, the spear aimed at Chen Ren’s chest, his movements fueled by desperation and the last remnants of his pride.

But Chen Ren had already seen the strike coming. It was too slow, too predictable. With a casual sidestep, he evaded the spear’s thrust effortlessly.

Bai Shen let out a squeal like a little girl as the spear sliced through empty air.

Before he could react further, Chen Ren’s hand flashed out.

A sharp slap echoed through the courtyard, ringing like a clap of thunder. Chen Ren watched as Bai Shen’s head snapped to the side, the force of the strike leaving a deep red mark across his cheek.

The man glared at him, his eyes burning with anger, but it was clear from the tremor in his stance that he wasn’t prepared for the level of humiliation he was about to endure.

The crowd gasped collectively, murmurs rippling through the onlookers, but Chen Ren didn’t pay them any mind.

His focus was solely on the man lying before him. Bai Shen’s face twisted in shock as his body flew backward, crashing into the stone with a sickening thud. The impact knocked the breath out of him, and Chen Ren could see the disbelief written across his face.

For a brief moment, Bai Shen struggled on the ground, his fingers twitching as he reached for his spear. Chen Ren could see the panic begin to settle into Bai Shen’s chest, his desperation making his fingers tremble as they brushed against the shaft of his weapon.

Chen Ren moved with an inhuman speed, his voice cold and cutting. "No."

With a quick motion, he stomped down hard on the shaft of the spear, pinning it to the ground with a sharp crack. Bai Shen’s weapon was useless now, and the man was completely at his mercy. Chen Ren stepped closer, watching as Bai Shen’s shallow breaths came in quick, panicked bursts.

“Please… don’t,” Bai Shen’s voice was barely a whisper, a mix of fear and desperation, but it held no power. Chen Ren saw the way the words faltered in his mouth, his plea hanging in the air and falling uselessly at his feet.

"I'm just teaching you the meaning of face slapping." Chen Ren said.

As he spoke, his hand lashed out once more.

Whap!

Another sharp slap echoed across the courtyard, Bai Shen’s head snapping to the side with the force of it. Chen Ren watched the man’s face redden, his eyes widening as the sting of the strike hit him once again.

Slap!

Before Bai Shen could recover, Chen Ren slapped him again, his palm connecting with the other side of his face. Each slap landed with a sickening force, and Bai Shen’s body jerked with every blow. The crowd’s stunned silence was only broken by the sound of slaps, each one making the man’s face swell more, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Chen Ren could see the fear now, the trembling in Bai Shen’s hands as he tried to shield his face, but it was futile. Every time Bai Shen tried to move, tried to beg, another slap came.

Each one was more brutal than the last, and Bai Shen’s pleas for mercy were drowned out by the sharp cracks of Chen Ren’s hand against his skin.

Thwack!

The man’s body jerked again as Chen Ren slapped him for the final time, his movements deliberate, his expression hard and unwavering. Bai Shen had completely given up now, his face swollen, his body slack and defeated.

Bai Hu, his father, watched helplessly, the anger in his eyes turning to a bitter resignation. His voice broke through the chaos, desperate and hoarse. “Spare him, Chen Ren! Please!”

But Chen Ren’s gaze never wavered from Bai Shen. He kicked him once, sending him stumbling backwards toward the stairs, the force of the blow sending him crashing against the stone steps.

Bai Hu stepped forward, his expression torn between anger and helplessness, but Chen Ren’s voice rang out.

“I am already sparing him enough.” He turned his back on Bai Hu, his focus returning to Bai Shen, who was now sprawled unconscious on the ground, his face a complete mess of blood and drool hanging from the corners of his lips. His face—it was an ugly crimson.

The official, still standing off to the side, quickly declared, “The match ends! Chen Ren wins!”

Bai Hu’s face twisted with a barely contained rage, but he swallowed it down. "Get him to the healer now, quick!" he barked at his servants, the desperation evident in his voice. “Get him a bed, get him anything—just make sure he’s alive!”

But before Bai Hu could turn to leave, Chen Ren’s voice stopped him. “Consider this a warning, Bai Hu,” he said, his tone calm, yet icy. "I’ll always have the letter, and if you try anything... I’ll remember my grudges. The next Trial by Might will not have the rule of no killing." His eyes bore into Bai Hu with an unspoken promise. It came out exactly how he wanted—cold and ruthless. “Now, why don’t you give me my money?”

Bai Hu’s teeth ground together, his mouth opening as if to retort, but then his gaze shifted to his son, who was still lying unconscious on the stone floor. With a deep, reluctant sigh, he turned to his servant. "Get me a bag with the money," he ordered.

As Bai Hu personally helped lift his son onto a stretcher, the servants quickly moved to push it up the stairs, their faces drawn with worry. Bai Hu sighed defeatedly and walked slowly behind the son, his eyes never leaving the latter’s battered form.

A few moments later, one of the servants returned, a heavy bag of coins in hand. She handed it over to Chen Ren, and bowed subtly before running back.

Chen Ren took the bag, his fingers feeling the weight of it, the sound of coins clinking inside almost mocking Bai Hu’s defeat.

“Good job with that bastard,” Tang Yuqiu’s voice broke through the silence, her footsteps approaching from behind. Chen Ren turned to see her and Xiulan walking toward him, both of them wearing expressions of approval. "I doubt Bai Shen will try anything now."

Chen Ren’s lips curled slightly, the satisfaction of the victory lingering in his eyes. “Probably not. His face will take time to recover. And every time he looks in the mirror, he’ll remember this. Either way, Bai Hu won’t bother us anymore.” His gaze drifted toward the retreating figure of Bai Hu, then back at the bag of coins in his hands. A wide smile plastered itself on his face. “I thought businesses will help me pay back my debt, but I should have just challenged an idiotic young master. With this, our perfume shop will thrive more and my major worry is gone. I'm debt free!”

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A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon.