Everyone on the scene turned toward the source of the voice: a young, well-dressed cultivator. He eyed the people in the crowd like goshawk, while lightly fanning himself in an unhurried fashion.
The crowd parted instinctively, creating a path for him as he strode forward with confident ease. His commanding presence drew every gaze, the energy emanating from him demanding attention.
Clad in a flowing robe of deep blue silk embroidered with golden dragons, his long black hair tied back in an elegant knot, he exuded a calm authority. His piercing brown eyes swept over the scene with a mix of curiosity and control. The fan in his left had matched his robes perfectly, further enhancing his charismatic image.
"It's Zhen Tian!" a bystander exclaimed. He had just come to the market to purchase a few vegetables and spices, but the events unfolding in the market made it troublesome moving past the large crowd that had gathered.
"The young master of the Zhen clan," another murmured. "What's he doing here?"
Zhen Tian stopped at the center of the commotion, his gaze locking onto Shen Mu. Though his expression remained composed, his eyes carried an edge of quiet dominance. "Why are you pointing your weapon at a defenseless woman, Brother Shen Mu?"
Shen Mu straightened, unwilling to back down even as he recognized Zhen Tian. The Shen clan was also a major power in Crescent Moon City, and his pride refused to falter. He had wanted to act the very moment the upcomer swept through the pavilion and had taken his beloved from his grasp, but things became chaotic immediately afterwards forcing him to make his exit with a bellyful of anger.
"Brother Zhen Tian, it's good that you're here. An arrogant young man stole my woman and had the audacity to be friendly with your fiancée earlier today at the Heavenly Treasures Pavilion," he said bitterly, frustration dripping from every word. The events that unfolded earlier were still fresh in his mind, causing him to flare up even more after retelling the story to Zhen Tian.
Zhen Tian's gaze shifted to the Liu clan members, settling on Zhou Wen, whom he recognized. "Senior Zhou," he said with measured respect, "is what Shen Mu claims true?" Zhou Wen wasn't born yesterday, he had been residing in Crescent Moon City for over four decades. He wasn't someone that would be support false accounts.
Zhou Wen, seizing the chance to put Li Wei's arrogance on display, gave a slight bow. "You are correct, Young Master Zhen Tian. However, I do not know the full details of their connection. It would be best to ask him directly. The man you seek is at the Liu clan residence." As a senior familiar with a art of scheming, Zhou Wen knew how to rouse the temper in any youngster. The way he phrased his words made it seem like he only wished for the problem to be resolved quickly, but he had other agendas.
Zhen Tian's expression hardened slightly, and he gave a firm nod. "Very well. I'll go to the Liu clan residence and get to the bottom of this myself." He then turned to Shen Mu. "You're coming with me. Let's see if this young man has the gall to show such disrespect to both the Zhen and Shen clans."
Members of the Liu clan silently cursed Zhou Wen as they adjusted their holds on the baskets they carried, resentment simmering.
'Damn that Zhou Wen,' one elder thought bitterly, glaring daggers at Zhou Wen's back. 'He could have diffused the situation, but now we're all dragged into this mess.' He had long grown tired of Zhou Wen's ambitious tendencies, seeing the situation worsen the elder chose to fall silent and look up at the heavens in disbelief.
Another elder scowled. 'I've seen enough schemers in my time to know one when I see one. Zhou Wen's definitely up to something.'
Ning Xue, standing silently nearby, shared their suspicions. 'Zhou Wen always has a hidden agenda, but I can't afford to offend the Zhen clan.' She maintained a neutral expression despite her unease. in her heart, she could only place all hope on the authenticity of Li Wei's words
Zhou Wen, however, ignored the disdainful looks. His mind was already calculating the potential outcomes. Turning to Zhen Tian, he gave a practiced smile. "Young Master Zhen Tian, we can return together. We've been gathering food for a feast to honor our guests."
Zhen Tian inclined his head politely. "Thank you, Senior Zhou. I hope this matter can be resolved peacefully." If anyone was familiar with the Zhen clan, they would know that these words could not be more false.
Before Zhen Tian could move toward the Liu clan, Mei Yue mustered her courage to speak. It was imperative to her that no lives were to be lost in senseless violence, especially hers.
"Uhm… Senior Zhen Tian, Master Li Wei is currently resting, so now might not be a good time to see him," Mei Yue said timidly, her voice barely above a whisper as she avoided meeting his sharp gaze. This was all the short lass could muster up, causing several gazes to land in her direction.
Her partner was in the crowd, but he didn't possess any notable background. No one in the crowd pay any heed to him as he tried to force his way through, "Let me through!! I know that girl." Unfortunately as the lad continued to press his way past several onlookers, "Out of the way!! Uwah..." an elbow appeared out of nowhere hitting him squarely in the face causing his figure to crumple to the ground.
Zhen Tian stopped and turned to her, a polite smile appearing on his face. "And who might you be? His servant?" he asked, his tone curious yet authoritative. The proud young master was oblivious to the figure that had just lost his footing, who was just about to interrupt him.
Mei Yue lowered her head, trembling as she struggled to respond.
Jia Lin stepped forward and bowed toward Zhen Tian. "We are his disciples, Senior Zhen Tian. We mean no disrespect. It's just… our master can be a bit difficult."
An elder nearby nearly spat in frustration. Difficult? Try impossible.
Though Zhen Tian appeared calm, his curiosity deepened. If what Shen Mu says is true, and this Li Wei disrespected two of the city's most powerful clans without hesitation, he must either be insane or an extraordinary expert. And to have elders carrying baskets for him...
The absurdity of the situation intrigued him further. He was even more determined to meet Li Wei. More importantly, if he didn't, rumors would quickly spread that he had ignored the man who dared approach his fiancée.
"Don't worry," Zhen Tian said, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. "I'm sure your master will see reason. It would be bad for both parties if this matter remains unresolved. I'm in no rush. If you wish to continue shopping, I'll wait patiently." His polite words masked a steel resolve that set the Liu clan elders on edge.
Li Wei's disciples exchanged uneasy glances, while the elders inwardly cursed Zhou Wen once again. 'This old bastard! He just loves stirring up trouble..' Mei Yue began having thoughts that didn't match her appearance in the slightest.
Zhou Wen, on the other hand, wore a faint smile. He was clearly looking forward to the upcoming confrontation.
The elders turned toward Ning Xue, who had become the de facto leader of Li Wei's disciples. As the decision to continue shopping or return fell to her, she forced a stiff smile while inwardly joining the others in cursing Zhou Wen.