Chapter Thirteen: Reliance

Tonight, Jiang Xiaotian did not continue his cultivation but instead allowed himself a good night's sleep to restore his energy. The next day, as soon as school was over, he hurried toward Old Street.

He felt a touch of nervousness, but the anger over what had happened to Zhang Wei still burned in his chest. This was a score that needed settling!

By the time he arrived, dusk had already fallen. There were leftovers at home, and he had already informed Ling’er, so there was no rush tonight.

Having scoped out the area the day before, Jiang Xiaotian found the Jiujiang Restaurant with ease. It was one of those small, family-style eateries on the street, always bustling with people drinking and chatting—so much so that no one paid any attention to a nondescript figure like him.

He picked a seat at random, ordered a soda and a few small dishes.

Instantly, the chatter behind him dropped to a hush, whispers passing back and forth—perhaps about him, perhaps not. The atmosphere here truly left much to be desired.

The only advantage was the low prices.

Zhang Wei really didn’t have much money, but Han Yue didn’t seem to mind, which only made Jiang Xiaotian envy him more.

After just ten minutes, Jiang Xiaotian was already thinking of leaving. Maybe Zhang Wei came on a workday, but now it was the weekend, and the place was filled with all sorts of idlers. The boisterous drinking, bragging, and shouting were nothing out of the ordinary.

Fortunately, no one bothered him.

He kept observing, hoping to spot the group that had assaulted Zhang Wei.

After a while, a commotion erupted at the door.

Jiang Xiaotian turned and was taken aback.

A woman stood at the entrance, surveying the room—her expression cold, yet her beauty utterly arresting.

The more he looked, the more familiar she seemed. Jiang Xiaotian thought carefully—wasn’t this the stunning woman he’d seen yesterday at Zhang Wei’s apartment complex?

What was she doing here?

He frowned, thinking it odd for a woman to come here alone.

The place was already in an uproar, especially among the idle men. Faced with such a beauty, none could tear their eyes away. Some even whistled, brazen and lewd.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaotian let out a cold laugh. No wonder Zhang Wei had clashed with these types. Never mind a girlfriend—just witnessing the way they treated an unfamiliar woman made him itch to teach them a lesson.

But the beauty completely ignored them. Her eyes swept the room and landed on Jiang Xiaotian in the corner, growing sharp and icy.

Ye Wan’er’s impression of Jiang Xiaotian plunged instantly. She had a good memory and hadn’t forgotten him from yesterday.

What kind of man would frequent a place like this? Besides, she had sensed the unique aura that only a martial artist possessed coming from him before. Regardless of his strength, a martial artist mixing with these thugs was hardly admirable!

She snorted in disdain and averted her eyes, unwilling to sully her gaze any further.

Noticing her clear dislike, Jiang Xiaotian pursed his lips. What was this about? Why did she seem to detest him so much? He hadn’t offended her, had he? Was it just for looking at her a few times?

And anyway, what was a young woman doing here, stirring up trouble? He found her even less impressive for that.

He snorted as well.

It wasn’t as if he’d never seen a beauty before—he had his own little Dragon Maiden at home!

Outside, Ye Wan’er was on the verge of losing her temper.

Her character was fiercely intolerant of evil. Just days ago, her best friend had been harassed here, and her friend’s boyfriend beaten. She was livid, and now, seeing Jiang Xiaotian only stoked her anger further!

She strode into the restaurant, her gaze immediately locking onto the young men at the last table.

To Jiang Xiaotian, that table seemed perfectly normal. No drinking, no rowdiness, just a few dishes and light conversation.

But Ye Wan’er saw things differently. She had done her homework and knew exactly what kind of people controlled this restaurant.

She said nothing, walking in without a glance at the men trying to strike up a conversation.

As she approached, one of the men smiled, “What’s the matter, miss? Looking to share a table? Ours is full, you see.”

His tone was playful, and he appeared friendly enough.

But Ye Wan’er found him repulsive.

Without a word, she raised her hand and flipped the entire table over.

The restaurant fell silent.

Anywhere else, the patrons would have fled at the first sign of a fight. But this was Old Street—troublemakers were a dime a dozen, and some regulars were even excited, knowing a bit about the undercurrents here.

A beauty provoking the most refined-looking group in the room—though only in appearance.

Those at the overturned table exchanged glances, then forced awkward smiles. “What’s this about...? We don’t seem to have offended you.”

Ye Wan’er’s face was icy. “I want to see Brother Long. Tell him to come out and speak with me.”

The men exchanged looks and broke into laughter. The atmosphere subtly shifted.

Several customers, upon hearing “Brother Long,” turned pale and hurried to leave, wanting nothing to do with the impending drama.

Jiang Xiaotian didn’t notice this, but he was just as surprised.

The aura this girl exuded was unlike that of ordinary people, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint what made her different.

He decided to stay and see how things unfolded.

Soon, most of the spectators had left.

One of the more polite-looking men stood up, adjusted his clothes, and waved his hand. “Clear the place. Someone’s looking for trouble. No one dares speak to Brother Long like that—you’re the first.”

His tone grew cold; his demeanor shifted.

The staff obediently ushered out the remaining guests, even the boldest reluctant to linger.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaotian realized Brother Long must be someone important.

But to his surprise, while nearly everyone had been driven out—presumably only Brother Long’s people remained—no one bothered to evict him.

Was he really that inconspicuous?

Damn!

He even made eye contact with a staff member, who seemed momentarily confused before nodding knowingly.

What was that about?

Unable to make sense of it, he put it aside. He’d watch for now. After all, for a girl to come here alone was like stepping into a den of wolves. Fortunately, he had some skill; if things got out of hand, he wouldn’t just stand by and let her suffer.

If danger arose, Jiang Xiaotian was ready to help her escape.

Once everything was in place, the slick-haired man adjusted his clothes, dragged his chair to the center, and sat down, his companions surrounding him.

“This young lady truly carries herself with distinction. If I’m not mistaken, you must be Ye Wan’er?”

She started slightly, though she did not show it, only growing more vigilant.

How did they know her name?

She remained silent, but the man’s smile grew wider. “No need to be nervous, Miss Ye. The genius girl of the martial world—your reputation precedes you. With your looks, it’s hard not to recognize you.”

In truth, they didn’t know much about martial artists. To them, it was akin to the legendary fighters in martial arts films—far removed from ordinary folk.

Jiang Xiaotian instantly understood. No wonder she had such a unique presence—she was a martial artist!

Ling’er had once mentioned that there were strong people in the world, called martial artists. But she’d also said that most of the truly powerful ones were much older, not someone who looked his own age...

But if these men knew she was a martial artist, why did they still act so brazenly? Was Brother Long a martial artist too?

“So, Miss Ye, to what do we owe the pleasure? I don’t believe we’ve ever wronged you,” the man asked.

Ye Wan’er showed no fear; she was here for answers. Their display was laughable if meant to intimidate her. She was only curious how these small-time thugs had even heard of martial artists. Brother Long must have some real ability.

“Several days ago, your men harassed my friend and assaulted her boyfriend.” Her words were simple, but her tone brimmed with suppressed anger.

Jiang Xiaotian paused, startled.

But the slick-haired man put on a dramatically troubled face, leaning toward Ye Wan’er. “Well... Miss Ye, how could I possibly know which one you’re talking about? My men act as they please. If your friend was beaten, he must have provoked my people. Ah, I see—you’re here to apologize, aren’t you?”

He kept smiling, but Ye Wan’er was at her limit. She refrained from acting, uncertain what their real backing was.

Though she doubted these fools truly understood martial artists—likely they’d only heard rumors—since they dared act so recklessly, they must have some confidence.

“Bring out Brother Long. I’ll speak to him myself. Don’t make me repeat myself a third time,” Ye Wan’er said again, her patience nearly gone.

“Wait, wait!” Suddenly, a voice called from the corner. Everyone turned—it was Jiang Xiaotian.

“The friend you’re talking about—is her name Han Yue?” Jiang Xiaotian was stunned. Could it be that they were on the same side?

Ye Wan’er was also surprised.

“Didn’t you hear? Answer her!” the slick-haired man suddenly roared.

Ye Wan’er snapped out of it, nodding, but she had reached her breaking point. With a swift backhand, she slapped the man across the face.

“You talk too much.”

But the man was not angry. Instead, he grinned and looked sinisterly around. “Everyone saw that—she struck first. From now on, it’s self-defense.”

He caressed his swelling cheek as he stood. “Miss Ye, you must be wondering why we’re not afraid of you? Actually, Brother Long has also hired a martial artist. He said true masters hide among the crowd—you never know who they are, but they’re always watching over us. So, we’ve always minded our own business. But since you insist on causing trouble, you won’t be leaving tonight.”

With that, the whole group turned to Jiang Xiaotian. “Sir, it’s time for you to act.”

Jiang Xiaotian looked behind him—there was nothing there. He instantly understood. Pointing to himself, he asked,

“Me?”