Chapter Thirty-One: Causing Trouble for Others

Then, in a rather rude tone, he addressed the two people across from him. "Which one of you is Dao Sansheng? Come with me, and don't you dare pretend to be him. If I find out you're lying, the consequences will be severe." The man's tone was particularly harsh with his final words.

Dao Sansheng took a step forward. "This young master’s name is Dao Sansheng—I neither change my name nor my surname wherever I go." He sighed theatrically. "Am I really so handsome that, in the time I've been away, someone has actually dared to impersonate me? Truly, a tall tree catches the wind; fame brings trouble, and being handsome is its own kind of affliction." Dao Sansheng gazed up at the sky, his face full of gloom, voicing his inner thoughts.

The group opposite him looked as if they were about to be sick, staring at this outrageous fellow with lines of exasperation on their faces. No wonder Elder Liu recommended him for that place; he’s really asking for trouble.

"We are members of the outer enforcement team," said one of them. "The Grand Elder has ordered us to invite you to the main hall for a discussion. Please come with us." As he spoke, he made to grab Dao Sansheng.

"So this is how you invite someone? I’ve grown up as Dao Sansheng and never seen such a thing. Whenever I see someone being invited, it’s always with a sedan chair, delicacies, and the utmost respect. What you’re doing is simply unheard of, and I don’t care for it."

"Looks like you’ve got nerves of steel," one of the youths spat angrily, pointing at Dao Sansheng’s nose. "Do you believe we won’t just beat you down and carry you there? You really don’t know what’s good for you!"

A youth in a light blue robe stopped the angry boy and whispered a few words in his ear. "This Dao Sansheng is someone the Grand Elder needs to deal with the zombies. He only seems to be at the third level of Qi Refinement, but it’s best not to provoke him and risk angering the Grand Elder."

After that, the youth in the blue robe explained gently to Dao Sansheng, "We’re simply delivering the Grand Elder’s orders. For his sake, please depart at once. If any delay occurs, neither you nor I can afford the consequences." He gestured politely, a faint smile on his face.

Dao Sansheng replied lazily, "I’m in no rush for the Grand Elder’s matters. But if you really want to show sincerity, you should carry me over in a sedan chair. I also want that hotheaded fellow from before to lead at the front, clearing the way for me. Since he’s so energetic, he might as well shout and help me make an entrance."

The youth in the light blue robe’s smile became stiff, but he quickly managed to compose himself. "We can carry you in a sedan chair, but sounding gongs and clearing the way is unnecessary. Not even the outer elders receive that treatment," he tried to reason with Dao Sansheng. "Such a thing has never happened in the outer sect."

Dao Sansheng shrugged, "Well, if there’s no sincerity, then forget it. Bear, let’s go back. I feel like sleeping before I head over. Enough talk, I’m going to sleep." With that, Dao Sansheng stretched, yawned, and headed back towards his room.

The youth in the blue robe shot a look at the boy who had offended Dao Sansheng, signaling him to act quickly.

The youth blocked Dao Sansheng’s path, bowed deeply, and said, "I, Yuan, am willing to clear the way for Young Master Dao with a gong. Please proceed to the elders' council hall."

"That’s more like it!" Dao Sansheng said. "But it’s not about the gong—it’s about you announcing my presence. I’ve been back for a while, and everyone should know it. Young people really need to learn how to speak properly."

Before long, they produced a sedan chair. Dao Sansheng climbed aboard, while the youth surnamed Yuan led the way, striking the gong, and the others followed behind in a grand display.

Disciples living along the road rushed out, whispering among themselves. Many hadn’t met Dao Sansheng before and were astonished to see such a young man riding in a sedan chair, with the vice-captain of the enforcement team leading the way, the captain bringing up the rear, and seven or eight others standing guard around him.

"This guy must have an impressive background," they murmured. "All these famous figures from the outer sect are carrying his sedan chair; he must be incredibly powerful."

Someone else remarked, "Isn’t that the guy who fought with Young Master Liu—the one who nearly roasted him alive? I think his name is Dao Sansheng. I heard he was new at the time. That’s him."

Another said, "No wonder he dared to fight Young Master Liu. With this kind of show, he’s surely related to an inner sect elder. We’d better avoid provoking him in the future."

The outer sect disciples gossiped animatedly. Those carrying the sedan chair grew even more frustrated—clearly this fellow was a rascal, yet he forced them to carry him, and now rumors were making him out to be some kind of legend. How were they supposed to live this down?

The blue-robed youth, captain of the enforcement team, could see the discontent on his team’s faces and tried to reassure them. "You all know this guy is being sent to fight zombies. The chance of him returning is slim to none. Let him enjoy his day of arrogance; soon enough, he’ll be dead and gone."

This message, transmitted quietly, finally brought them some satisfaction.

The sedan chair slowly passed through the residential quarters and soon arrived at the Affairs Hall. Dao Sansheng instructed his bearers to set him down. They looked to the blue-robed youth, who nodded, and so they lowered the sedan chair.

Dao Sansheng stepped out. The elder of the Affairs Hall had gone to the council chamber, and the officer on duty was still Dong Fei. From afar, Dong Fei had heard the commotion but had been too busy with official business to step away until now.

Seeing the sedan chair stop at the door, he came out and bowed low in greeting.

"Brother Dao from the inner sect, please accept this token of respect," Dong Fei said, offering a storage pouch with both hands, his head bowed, prostrating himself on the ground, not daring to utter a word or even breathe too loudly.

Dao Sansheng reached out and took it without hesitation. Free gifts were not to be refused. He had only come to report in and ask about his elixirs, but hadn’t expected this unexpected windfall.

Dong Fei’s body trembled slightly from remaining prone so long. Dao Sansheng finally remembered and helped him up.

"I just came to the Affairs Hall to ask something, and I didn’t expect Brother Dong to be so hospitable, greeting me with such ceremony. Look at you! I’ve even accepted your gift—am I generous or what?"

Seeing who it was, Dong Fei felt a wave of disgust at Dao Sansheng’s wily, self-satisfied grin. Here was someone who got the better deal and still acted the victim.

The elder had just left for a meeting, Dong Fei was swamped with work, and when he’d heard the commotion, he’d assumed someone important had arrived—but it was just this kid. Still, seeing the enforcement team taking orders from him, Dong Fei dared not offend Dao Sansheng.

Dao Sansheng noticed Dong Fei’s darting eyes and knew he must be seething inside, but he himself was quite pleased.

"Brother Dong, I just wanted to ask if I can still collect the elixirs I missed these past few months?"

Seeing Dao Sansheng’s questioning expression, Dong Fei understood his intention. Half a year ago, Dao Sansheng had gone to refine materials and hadn’t collected his monthly allotment since then.

But that had been blocked by some people from the inner sect’s pill room. Dong Fei couldn’t interfere, and given Dao Sansheng’s attitude, he wouldn’t help even if he could.

Dong Fei could only reply with a smile, "Brother Dao, I really don’t know. You’ll have to ask the person in charge at the inner sect’s pill room. They’re the ones who handle such matters."

Dao Sansheng realized what he meant—he simply didn’t want to get involved and wouldn’t help. It seemed he’d have to rely on himself.

With a forced smile, Dao Sansheng replied, "Brother Dong, you’re too kind. I’ll remember your good intentions. Thank you."