Wuxia: Starting Off With 60 Years of Inner Strength

Before the horrified storyteller could react, the man seized him by the collar and lifted him right off his feet.

The man strode forward, dangling him over the second-floor railing until his feet were kicking in empty air.

"I’ll ask you this: Are you going to change it or not?"

"If you don’t, I’m letting go!"

Jiang Ran and the others watched, stunned.

’Who gets so engrossed in a story that they try to force the author to change the plot?’

’Besides, this isn’t even the author...’

The storyteller’s legs turned to jelly with fear. He hastily replied:

"It’s... it’s not that I don’t want to change it."

"It’s just... it just can’t be changed."

"And, uh, sir... you need to calm down. This is the Golden Goblet Tower. It’s not a place without protection."

"Oh? Are you threatening me?"

The man gave a sinister laugh. "Just a measly restaurant. Who’s going to protect it? Believe it or not, I’ll tear this whole place down today!"

"Insolent!"

An angry roar came from the top of the stairs.

It was immediately followed by the THUMP-THUMP-THUMP of heavy footsteps as a group of people ascended the stairs.

In the lead was none other than the restaurant’s Shopkeeper, followed by a group of thugs in black.

Judging by their postures, they weren’t common street ruffians; they clearly had some martial arts training.

The burly man shot the Shopkeeper a cold look.

"Who did you say was insolent?"

"Who else?! Daring to cause trouble in my Golden Goblet Tower, are you blind?"

The Shopkeeper snorted. "Get him!"

With a wave of his hand, the thugs behind him charged forward.

The man roared with laughter, yanked the storyteller back, and tossed him aside. Then, he lunged forward into a low stance. With a powerful shoulder slam—BANG!—the first thug to reach him was sent flying.

He was like a tiger among sheep.

His skills were exquisite. Though the thugs had some training, they were no match for him.

In a matter of moments, the floor was littered with them.

Li Tianxin frowned and started to rise, but Jiang Ran stopped him with a look.

He glanced around the second floor.

Normally, when a fight like this broke out, the other patrons would have long since vanished.

But now, they all remained seated, completely unfazed. They seemed not only used to such scenes but even eager to see what would happen next.

’That means this place has other backers,’ he thought. ’It’s not our place to interfere.’

By now, the burly man had reached the Shopkeeper. He slapped him twice across the face—SLAP! SLAP! The Shopkeeper’s cheeks instantly swelled, and clutching his face, he yelled:

"Quick, get the Chief Steward!!"

"It won’t matter who you call today!"

"This is just a podunk place like Three Waters County. You think there’s some hidden dragon lurking here?"

The man roared with laughter, but as his voice faded, another voice drifted up from downstairs:

"And what kind of ’river-crossing dragon’ are you, daring to stir up trouble on the Three Rivers Gang’s turf?"

As the words fell, a figure flashed into view, leaping up from the floor below. With a low hum, a longsword left its sheath and shot straight for the burly man’s brow.

The man in black was taken aback.

He immediately clapped his hands together, catching the longsword tightly between his palms in a prayer-like gesture.

The blade vibrated violently, forcing him back three or four steps.

Finally, he planted his feet, deflected the blade to the side with his palms, and slid them forward along the steel until he reached the hilt. Only then did he strike.

The newcomer’s skills were also formidable. They exchanged a flurry of blows in the tight space, a rapid series of CLACKS echoing through the room.

Finally, they both landed a palm strike simultaneously, each stumbling back a few steps.

They stared at each other, their expressions shifting slightly.

Seeing the newcomer, the Shopkeeper hurried forward, cupping his fists in a respectful bow.

"Young Master, what brings you here?"

"Hm?"

The newcomer frowned.

"The Golden Goblet Tower is my family’s business. Am I not allowed to come?"

"That’s not what I meant."

The Shopkeeper quickly explained, "It’s just, you didn’t send word of your arrival, sir. I would have made proper arrangements for you."

"There’s no need for such trouble."

After speaking, the Three Rivers Gang’s Young Master glanced at the man in black across from him.

"Your skills are impressive. You can’t be a nobody."

"Do you dare to state your name?"

"Why wouldn’t I dare?"

The man in black sneered.

"I have nothing to hide. My name is Chang Sheng!"

"Chang Sheng?"

The Young Master’s brow furrowed. "That name’s a bit shameless, don’t you think..."

"How dare you!"

Chang Sheng was enraged.

The Young Master just smiled and was about to speak when he suddenly heard a rush of air.

Chang Sheng’s expression changed.

"Not good!"

A glint of steel suddenly appeared, striking for the vital spot on the Young Master’s back.

The attacker had been well-hidden, and the strike was lightning-fast. The Young Master’s full attention was on Chang Sheng; he never anticipated such a move.

It was too late for him to react. In that split second, Chang Sheng reached out and pulled the Young Master aside.

With a sickening tear, the blade plunged into Chang Sheng’s side.

In an instant, blood gushed from the wound!

Chang Sheng roared in fury:

"You cowardly rat!"

As the words left his mouth, he struck out with his palm. With a heavy THUD, the attacker was sent flying off the balcony to the floor below.

Chang Sheng tried to give chase, but the moment he moved, blood poured from his side, and he couldn’t take another step.

The Young Master’s face darkened. He ground out through his teeth:

"Go after him!"

As he spoke, he moved to Chang Sheng’s side. His expression grew even uglier as he looked at the wound.

"Quick, get a doctor!"

While shouting, he pressed several points around Chang Sheng’s waist to stanch the bleeding.

The whole scene had been quite a rollercoaster.

Li Tianxin was ready to keep watching the show, but then he saw Jiang Ran suddenly stand up and walk over.

"Young Master, I am a doctor. No need to look any further."

"Oh?"

The Young Master froze for a moment, then said hurriedly:

"Please, Doctor, you must save him..."

If Chang Sheng hadn’t intervened, he would most likely be dead right now.

So even though Chang Sheng had just been causing a ruckus on the Three Rivers Gang’s turf, saving his life was the priority.

Jiang Ran nodded. His eyes swept over the longsword in the Young Master’s hand, then to the wound in Chang Sheng’s side. He smiled faintly.

"Don’t worry. With me here, he won’t die."