Volume Three: The Tenfold Dao Chapter 80: One Must Always Keep Up Appearances in Life (Part 1)

At noon, the house was filled with guests, especially Old Ye’s sons and daughters, who all arrived with their families. The once spacious room suddenly felt rather crowded. Around the table sat Old Ye’s three sons, while the women had been sent off to prepare food.

Ye Ze, a commander in a certain military district, was present this time—previously he hadn’t been. Ye Hua and Ye Guo, whom he had met before, nodded in greeting, though their faces showed a hint of awkwardness. The trouble from last time, though caused by their wives, had not been stopped by them.

Old Ye chatted with Qin Yang, much to the amazement of his three sons, whose eyes widened in disbelief.

Father, who is your son here?

Why are you so much friendlier with an outsider than with your own flesh and blood?

Ye Ze poured a cup of tea, looked at his father, and said with a smile, “Dad, Bing Bing has a boyfriend now. When the time comes, help us take a look.”

“Bing Bing has a boyfriend?”

“What does his family do? I have to say, eldest brother, ordinary families aren’t good enough for our Bing Bing.”

Ye Ze nodded at this, “I haven’t met the boy yet myself. Bing Bing says his family runs a martial arts school, and their background is deep. He’s probably someone from the ancient martial arts world.”

In the ancient martial arts world, that meant he was a martial artist—people who rarely ventured out.

Recently, rumors had been circulating in Bincheng about martial artists residing there. The matter at Nanshan South, passed up to officials in written reports, had shocked everyone.

Martial artists are formidable!

Ye Hua glanced meaningfully at Qin Yang, speaking slowly.

He had been closely following the situation in Bincheng, and knew a bit about Qin Yang’s story.

But his knowledge was limited; if he knew that the young man sitting beside him was the very protagonist of Nanshan South, he would have been astonished.

Watching the busy figures, it was clear the third generation had no place at the main table—they clustered together, discussing among themselves.

“Who is that guy?”

“No idea, but the girl he brought is pretty hot.”

“Yeah, and who knows what connection he has with Grandpa. Honestly, Grandpa is getting muddle-headed, letting someone with an unclear background hang around. Isn’t he afraid of ulterior motives?”

“Shh, don’t say such things. Haven’t you noticed Grandpa is growing younger every day? That’s all thanks to him. Grandpa even gave Dad a good kicking because of him.”

“Eh!”

Everyone was surprised to learn there was such drama, having not been present at the time.

“Ye Bing found herself a boyfriend—let’s see what he’s made of when the time comes.”

“Of course. With Ye Bing’s wild temper, it’s a wonder anyone’s interested.”

A chorus of shameless laughter erupted just then, followed by a knock at the door.

“Speak of the devil, and he arrives! I’ll go open the door.”

Outside stood a lively, mischievous girl, with delicate features, dressed in a white down jacket and a sweet smile. Behind her was a young man.

He looked pale and refined, with short hair and an earring in one ear, giving off a somewhat unruly air. Yet as he stood there, he resembled a sturdy pine, rooted firmly.

Qin Yang glanced at him and immediately discerned the young man’s strength; he had clearly worked hard on his basics.

“Grandpa, this is my boyfriend, Song Peng.”

Ye Bing introduced him, while Song Peng followed with respectful greetings.

Song Peng was clearly personable, quickly integrating into the group. His sweet words delighted Ye Bing’s mother and her friends.

Watching Song Peng, Qin Yang recalled his own awkward visit to Wu Yaoyao’s house—where he simply answered whatever was asked.

The Ye family, truly a large clan, although full of questions and curiosity, was careful not to inquire openly. Such matters would be discussed later.

“Eldest brother, what do you think about the Nanshan South incident?” Ye Guo asked, standing nearby.

“Nanshan South!”

Recently, the name had become almost taboo, evoking fear. The hundred-meter-long fissure atop the mountain still remained.

“This matter is not to be discussed further. The authorities will handle it.”

Qin Yang set down his teacup, spoke a word to Old Ye, and walked toward the backyard.

With a dark expression, he stared at Leng Qianyou. As a bodyguard, she showed little sense of duty—this wouldn’t do.

But seeing her instructing Baili He in cultivation, he walked over.

“Leng Qianyou, doesn’t your Heavenly Demon Sect have plenty of martial arts techniques? Why not teach my little sister a few sets for self-defense?”

Leng Qianyou’s beautiful eyes widened in surprise. “Teach her a few sets?”

“Qin Yang, do you think martial arts techniques are cabbages? Besides, everything I learned is top quality.”

He rolled his eyes at this—what use would ordinary skills be anyway?

“Little sister, did you see that? The big sister who was chatting so warmly with you just now doesn’t even want to share a technique. Isn’t she stingy?”

“Brother Qin Yang, you’re so bad. Sister Qianyou isn’t nearly as stingy as you say.”

Leng Qianyou felt more and more like the two were setting a trap for her. “Fine, fine, I give up—I’ll teach her, alright?”

“Heehee, thank you, Sister Qianyou!”

The two sat cross-legged on the ground, as Leng Qianyou transmitted the martial arts technique directly into the girl’s mind, explaining important points as she went.

The weather was lovely today, warm sunlight bathing them, filling them with warmth.

“Song Peng, are you telling the truth?”

“Of course I am. If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you.”

A few youngsters had slipped into the backyard. Ye Bing looked at Song Peng, her eyes full of affection.

Now he realized what they were up to.

Song Peng claimed he could shatter a sandbag with one punch, which others doubted, so they’d come to see for themselves.

Passing by Leng Qianyou, they couldn’t help but glance at her. Song Peng, in particular, had a strange look in his eyes, unnoticed by the others.

He felt the woman’s silhouette was oddly familiar, though he hadn’t seen her face. Even if he did, he might not recognize her, as the Heavenly Demon Sect’s saintesses in the ancient martial arts world always wore veils.

He stepped forward, channeling energy into his arm, and threw a punch.

Hah!

It was a powerful blow, packed with force. The sandbag ruptured under the sudden impact.

The others jumped back in shock.

They had thought Song Peng was joking—who would have guessed he could actually burst a sandbag?

Sand and grit flew everywhere. Qin Yang frowned, raised his arm slightly, and a breeze swept through, redirecting the debris to land neatly aside.

An expert’s touch reveals all. Song Peng looked at the young man, about his age, his face beaming with joy.

This man must be a martial artist—no doubt about it.

“Are you a martial artist too?” Song Peng suddenly asked, startling everyone. Though they didn’t know Qin Yang’s background, his importance to Grandpa was clear.

Even their fathers had gotten beaten for offending him—if they did, it would be far worse.

“More or less,” came the reply.