ushernet Chapter 25 - A Show-stopping Entrance
Chapter 25 - A Show-stopping Entrance
Chapter 25: A Show-stopping Entrance
Out from the crowd stepped a frail and diminutive youth, his small frame seeming even slighter against his sallow complexion. In his hand, he clutched a short black stick, and his unremarkable features did nothing to suggest he was someone of extraordinary abilities.
It was he who had just spoken.
“Young hero, have you also studied the mystical arts? May I ask your name, your sect, and lineage? And what treasure is it that you wield?”
The elderly village chief scrutinised the youth with a doubtful expression. Internally, he couldn’t help but compare: the venerable ascendant from before had been broad-shouldered and brawny, able to shatter a wall with a single swing of his spiked mace. By contrast, this boy looks malnourished, more like a scrawny little monkey than someone capable of any great feats.
Hearing the chief’s inquiry, the youth hesitated, nervously gripping the black stick in his hand. In a voice that betrayed his timidity, he replied, “My name is Zhang Fanchén. I am a third-generation disciple of the Zhuxian Sect. My master is the head of the Bamboo Peak. As for my treasure... my treasure...”
[Zhang Fanchén can be interpreted as “Ordinary Celestial Body” or “Humble Morning Star,” suggesting a name with a balance between humility and aspirations toward greatness or cosmic significance.]
His voice faltered as he mentioned his treasure, his face clouded with unease. Clearly apprehensive about being mocked, he tightly clutched the black stick, summoning all his courage before whispering, barely audible, “My treasure is... a fire-poker.”
“A fire-poker?!”
The village chief nearly fainted upon hearing this. Never in his many years had he encountered anyone who dared claim such a mundane object as their mystical weapon. It was beyond absurd.
“Zhang Fanchén!”
“Fire-poker!”
“Chief, I am Xiao Yu, senior disciple of Tianyong City. I happened to pass through while on my training journey and am willing to help exterminate the monsters troubling your town,” Xiao Yu announced with a dignified air.
“What a fine young hero!”
The village chief looked at Xiao Yu with wide-eyed admiration. The image of an immortal often conjured thoughts of men gliding through the air on flying swords, their serene demeanour untouched by worldly concerns. Few had actually seen such a figure, but at this moment, the chief was certain: this was what an immortal should look like!
The townsfolk shared his sentiments, especially the young women among them, whose gazes toward Xiao Yu burned with fervent admiration. Their hearts raced wildly.
“A disciple of Tianyong City!”
Vajra could scarcely believe his ears. Turning toward Xiao Yu, he beheld a figure as radiant as sunlight—his bearing noble, a sword strapped to his back. The sight left Vajra in awe.
“Such elegance, such beauty!”
Zhang Fanchén stood frozen, slack-jawed as he stared at Xiao Yu. Never had he encountered someone so dashing, so transcendent. Standing before Xiao Yu, he felt a twinge of inferiority.
“Immortal Master, will you truly assist us in slaying the monsters? This is wonderful news!”
The chief felt realised fortune had finally smiled upon their troubled town.
“Yes,” Xiao Yu replied with a slight nod. “As Tianyong City’s senior disciple, it is my duty to uphold righteousness and protect the innocent. Furthermore, this aligns perfectly with my training objectives.”
“That’s marvellous!”
The chief’s elation was echoed by the townsfolk, their faces lighting up with newfound hope and reverence.