"The rules you set?"

Chen Yuan asked gently.

"Kid, how dare you..."

One member of the Fish Sea Gang immediately stepped forward, pointing at Chen Yuan, about to curse.

But in the next moment.

"Smack!"

A crisp sound was heard as the gang member was struck down to the ground by the young Gang Leader. Immediately after, he knelt on one knee, smiling obsequiously as he asked:

"May I ask this esteemed person, may I ask who you are..."

From the first moment of eye contact with Chen Yuan, the young Gang Leader felt a jolt in his heart upon sensing a powerful presence, dominating the center of the entire universe.

His eyes seemed to contain an endless ocean; despite the lack of any Martial Artist's aura, the pressure he exuded was more terrifying than a towering mountain.

Definitely not an ordinary person!

An ordinary person would not remain so calm before a gang leader, so he determined this person must hold a position of high authority.

In any place, there exist gang forces, but to those at the top, these people are no more than ants, and being seen is an honor.

Thus, he knelt, without hesitation.

Chen Yuan gazed at him, his fingertips slowly tapping the table, a faint smile on his face, he said softly:

"I am merely an ordinary person."

"Honored one, honored one, today it's my fault, I should not have offended you, please grant me a chance, spare the lives of my brothers..."

Upon hearing Chen Yuan's words, the young Gang Leader's fear increased even more, he dropped his other leg down as well, kneeling on both knees, his tone sincere.

"Alright, withdraw for now."

Chen Yuan nodded, waved his hand.

"Thank you, honored one, thank you, honored one, may I ask your esteemed name, so I can formally apologize another day, I beseech you to give me a chance to repent."

Crisis turns into opportunity.

The young Gang Leader hopes to establish a connection; should it be useful, he could truly establish himself in the North City of Shuzhou.

Connecting with all possible friends is his guiding principle.

Otherwise, he would not have gone from being oppressed as a fish vendor to establishing the Fish Sea Gang.

"Someone will come to find you."

Chen Yuan patted his shoulder.

"Yes, yes, yes..."

The young Gang Leader beamed with joy, quickly leading the gang members to retreat.

Zhou Zhong stood frozen, seemingly shocked by the kneeling of the Fish Sea Gang Leader; the once swaggering Gang Leader now kneels at Chen Yuan's feet, begging.

"Uncle Zhou?"

"Ah...."

"It's alright now."

"Oh, oh... since we were in Ping'an County, I knew you would achieve great things." Zhou Zhong rubbed his palms, displaying the bashfulness and compliment typical of honest folks.

"If you ever need anything, you can find me at the Government."

"Alright, alright..."

"Uncle Zhou can keep busy; I'm leaving now."

Chen Yuan stood, followed closely by Su Ziyue.

"You... you... take care..."

Zhou Zhong's wrinkled face was full of smiles.

"Alright...."

Watching the distant figures of Chen Yuan and Su Ziyue, Zhou Zhong paused for a moment, then turned around, his smiling face gradually returning to a calm demeanor, he sat down again and resumed chopping ingredients....

...

"That Uncle Zhou, seems a bit off, when he talked about the past, he sounded too smooth, like reciting from memory, even remembering small matters from years ago..."

On the streets of Shuzhou City, Su Ziyue leaned against Chen Yuan, sharing her thoughts.

Earlier, after Zhou Zhong finished speaking, she sensed some issues, restraining her smile, but due to his presence, she said nothing.

"I know, from the first moment I saw him, I felt something wasn't right."

Chen Yuan's gaze was calm, his expression steady.

When he turned to see Zhou Zhong, he felt an unexpected and uneasy feeling but didn't show it.

It was too coincidental!

Previously, Chen Yuan had inquired about the whereabouts of the father and daughter, but to no avail. He hoped they could live peacefully without disturbance.

But now, today.

During his casual stroll, coincidentally, he encountered Zhou Zhong.

He refused to believe there was no issue with this.

In this world, there are no coincidences.

He didn't believe in fate either.

Most coincidences are planned ahead.

"Why not capture and interrogate him directly...." Su Ziyue's eyes sharpened, she said sternly.

"He came for me, likely with a purpose, the most important thing now is to eliminate Xiang Qianqiu, not confront another unknown enemy.

If they can start with Zhou Zhong and his daughter, it shows they know me well, daring to meet in Shuzhou City, clearly they aren't afraid of capture, best not alert them now.

After dealing with Xiang Qianqiu, and claiming half of the Central Plains, it's not too late to handle him..."

Chen Yuan spoke steadily.

"Alright."

As they conversed, Chen Yuan waved his hand in a direction, soon, a young man in a brocade robe arrived, bowed:

"Prince."

"Go, turn the Fish Sea Gang Leader into an undercover agent, and have them secretly protect Zhou Zhong."

"Understood!"

The man in the brocade robe bowed and withdrew.

"Protect?"

Su Ziyue raised her eyebrow, seeming surprised.

"Just for show, keep him steadied for now, deal with him after handling Xiang Qianqiu..."

...

Yan King Mansion, backyard.

On a stone table, tea utensils were arranged; Chen Yuan sat on a green jade stone stool, pouring tea for himself, the rich fragrance enveloped the senses, with a faint spiritual energy filling the air.