Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

His heart suddenly sank, a very ominous feeling rushing to his mind as he looked in astonishment at the dark-faced man in front of him. He was very clear about his own strength; there were quite a few masters in the whole world who could withstand his Iron Palm, but none who remained unfazed as if nothing had happened.

This dark-faced man, however, had taken his attack without changing his expression and was even looking at him with a smile, as if the palm strike was merely a gentle breeze brushing his face.

Why had he never heard of such a master before? At this moment, the house servant looked around, always feeling that this seemingly lively Brothel hid a murderous intent.

Big Black Donkey would not give him a chance to think. Daring to bully him, typically a bully himself but afraid of those tougher than he, was now brimming with a fighting spirit, especially since the opponent couldn't even breach his defense.

A punch landed on the house servant's head, instantly causing the other to stagger dizzily. Before he could steady himself, Big Black Donkey's slap followed on his face, and with a smack, the house servant was sent flying, breaking the railing and rolling on the ground in pain.

Seeing that he had already lost the ability to fight, Big Black Donkey then showed a trace of disdain on his face, looking at the house servant writhing in pain on the ground, and raised his middle finger, saying, "Weakling!"

Having said that, he strode forward, heading towards Young Master Chen who had already been scared silly. At this moment, the previously unchallenged Young Master Chen was shivering. He had grown up here and had never encountered such a situation. With his greatest reliance lying on the ground, he didn't know how to face the fiercely approaching Big Black Donkey. At this moment, he deeply regretted not heeding his father's advice to stay home.

He looked at the approaching Big Black Donkey, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "What do you want?"

The Young Master Chen, who had previously bullied men and dominated women, now sounded like a bullied wife, weakly uttering these words, much to the disappointment of many onlookers.

"What do I want, you ask me what I want, guess," Big Black Donkey said with a mocking smile, slowly approaching the terrified Young Master Chen, who kept retreating backwards in fear.

"Don't come any closer, my father is the City Lord, and if you kill me, you certainly won't leave this city alive," Young Master Chen mustered the courage to say.

That reminder seemed to catch Big Black Donkey's interest. He took a keen look at Young Master Chen, and with a delighted expression, he asked, "Your dad is the City Lord? So, he's very rich then?"

Young Master Chen appeared confused by this question and blankly said, "Of course, we, the Chen Family, own this city."

Hearing this, Big Black Donkey burst out in laughter and said, "That's just great, today you are my hostage, hurry up and let your dad bring the ransom money."

Intentionally displaying a ferocious expression, he threatened Young Master Chen. He had long wished to be a bandit, but unfortunately, ever since he encountered Lu Yu, he never got the chance to experience the bandit life the storyteller described. Now wasn't Young Master Chen the perfect hostage? Interest surged within him.

Once these words were spoken, the surroundings erupted in commotion. Young Master Chen was somebody important, the beloved son of the City Lord and the young master of the Chen Family. It was unbelievable that this dark-faced man dared to publicly declare his intention to kidnap Young Master Chen. It was hard to tell if it was a case of great skill or fearless ignorance.

Young Master Chen was also stunned by Big Black Donkey's proclamation, and instantly realized he had encountered the legendary foolhardy kind. The thing they feared most about such people was their unpredictability and disregard for reputations, and it was tough to track their movements.

His heart sank, a very feigned smile emerging on his face as he said, "Esteemed warrior, this is all a misunderstanding. Let's not be strangers after a fight, if it's money you want, let me go, and I'll prepare as much as you need, let's be friends."

The education of the Noble Families and Clans had him instinctively trying to recruit Big Black Donkey, but such effort was clearly wasted on this simpleton.

"Cut the crap, I just want to be a bandit, I'm not interested in making friends! Hey you, hurry up and let him prepare the money, or else I might tear up the ticket," Big Black Donkey grabbed Young Master Chen's collar and lifted him into the air, shouting at the house servant lying on the ground.

The house servant struggled to his feet, looking resentfully at the triumphant Big Black Donkey, clutching his chest as he rushed out the door.

"This guy is really interesting!" the middle-aged man said with a laugh.

"There's a good chance he might even bring over the City Lord," Lao Han added quietly, glancing at the middle-aged man. Given the situation, it was clear that the City Lord wouldn't come alone, likely mobilizing the city's Defending Army; thus, their continued presence here seemed unsafe.

"No matter, with such a guy here, the City Lord won't notice us. I always felt this man might bring us a surprise. Go and inform our brothers, if he's held up here, we'll immediately opt to attack the city," the middle-aged man said softly, his words carrying a naturally authoritative tone.

Lao Han nodded slightly and quietly went down, instructing some hidden individuals.

Meanwhile, Patriarch Chen, Chen Tao, who was stationed at the City Lord's Manor, angrily threw a beautifully crafted porcelain piece he was holding onto the ground. With a crisp sound, the exquisite porcelain, valuable enough to feed a poor family for a year, shattered into pieces.