Chapter 145: Encountering a Nouveau Riche

“This is infuriating.”
Sun Xiaoya watched the figure fading into the distance, her frustration evident.

At that moment, the entire Azure Mountain Sect was abuzz with excitement.

Sun Teng, even more agitated, broke free from the crowd and dashed toward the sect’s entrance.

“Wonderful! Ya’er is safe, she’s not dead.”

He spoke with palpable relief, moving at almost his fastest pace.

Upon reaching the shore, he immediately spotted Sun Xiaoya sulking on the opposite bank.

“Hurry, open the water passage.”

Without hesitation, he ordered the guards in charge to activate the waterway.

The disciples present dared not say a word and promptly turned a large wheel mechanism.

Soon, a series of clicking sounds echoed from underground, like the turning of gears.

Almost simultaneously, the lake’s surface parted into two, revealing a massive water bridge.

The once placid water now formed a grand passage wide enough for people to cross.

Without delay, Sun Teng rushed across.

“Xiaoya!”

He embraced her tightly.

“Father!”

“You reckless girl, no more going out next time.”

“Oh...no, I still want to go find Brother Xiao Yang to play.” Though she had initially agreed, the thought of being unable to go out—and thus unable to see Xiao Yang—made her refuse outright.

Sun Teng was momentarily taken aback.

“Who exactly is this Brother Xiao Yang you keep mentioning?”

Sun Xiaoya’s eyes sparkled as an idea to keep Xiao Yang near suddenly struck her.

“Father! You must go after Brother Xiao Yang quickly. He’s my lifesaver. If you can’t find him, I won’t speak to you anymore.”

As she spoke, she even pushed Sun Teng with her delicate hand, urging him to hurry.

This scene left Sun Teng utterly stunned.

He knew his daughter well—when had she ever cared so deeply about a man?

Immediately, a thought occurred to him.

Could it be that his daughter had fallen in love? Had she found someone dear to her heart?

Without hesitation, he hurriedly inquired about the direction Xiao Yang had taken and prepared to give chase.

He had long worried about his daughter’s lofty standards.

Among the sect’s disciples, there were many gifted individuals—some reaching the seventh or eighth level of Grand Martial Master by their early twenties—a rare talent even in the Northern Star Kingdom.

Yet, his daughter had stubbornly rejected them all.

This had been a constant source of worry for him as a father.

Now, it seemed she had finally found someone special.

Sun Teng resolved firmly in his heart: as long as Xiao Yang was not unworthy, he would welcome him as his son-in-law.

Matters of a daughter’s future could not be taken lightly, and Sun Teng dared not delay.

He sped forward without pause.

In just a quarter of an hour, he caught up to Xiao Yang.

He had originally planned to approach him directly, explain the situation, and invite him to visit the Azure Mountain Sect for a few days.

But then he reconsidered—he knew nothing about this man.

If his character was flawed, he would be consigning his daughter to ruin.

“For my daughter’s sake, I must first test this young man.”

Resolute, he decided to probe Xiao Yang’s character before moving forward.

Even if Xiao Yang lacked extraordinary talent, at least his character had to be sound.

He would never allow the daughter he had raised with such care to fall into the embrace of a scoundrel.

Pondering this, he withdrew a set of night clothes from his spatial ring—a disguise that would conceal his face.

With this, he continued his pursuit.

Unbeknownst to him, his actions had already caught Xiao Yang’s attention.

“Young master, it seems someone is following us.”

Xuan Bing, the White Tiger, whispered softly.

“I’m aware.”

“Should we stop and deal with them?”

“Keep moving.”

Since he sensed no murderous intent, Xiao Yang preferred not to stir up trouble.

As long as the pursuer did not make the first move, he would ignore them.

He also sensed the follower’s cultivation was around the eighth level of Martial Marquis—a challenge he could handle.

To prepare for any sudden incident, he summoned the Black Tortoise Armor and donned it.

“That person seems to have sped up.”

Xuan Bing White Tiger was puzzled.

Initially certain the follower was behind them, the sudden acceleration that surpassed them was baffling.

“Probably just passing by. Don’t worry, let’s keep moving.”

Xiao Yang frowned but said no more.

Since they were not coming for him, he saw no reason to create unnecessary conflict.

In truth, he secretly hoped the pursuer would make a move—for if they truly sought him, he could then legitimately claim a fortune.

A Martial Marquis at level eight would surely possess many treasures.

“That person appears to have stopped ahead.”

Xuan Bing White Tiger grew more confused.

The follower’s behavior seemed erratic—passing them, then halting as if waiting.

“Let’s go directly to them.”

Xiao Yang reasoned that if the follower truly sought him, even if he tried to avoid them, they would catch up and block his path eventually.

Better to confront them now.

If it turned unfavorable, at least he could quickly benefit financially.

“Here they come.”

Sun Teng’s face brightened as Xiao Yang drew near.

He had already devised a plan: disguise himself as a bandit to gauge the young man’s reaction.

“Stop! This is a robbery!”

Seeing Xuan Bing White Tiger approaching, he raised his hand to block the path.

Instantly, the tiger’s eyes darkened with displeasure.

Xiao Yang sensed this and gently patted its back.

The tiger understood the silent command and refrained from attacking the would-be robber.

“Robbing money?”

“Of course, what else? I’m not here to rob for other ‘reasons.’”

Sun Teng chuckled inwardly, thinking the man looked alright but his wits were questionable.

“How much per person?”

Xiao Yang smiled warmly.

Sun Teng was surprised but, after a moment’s appraisal, decided that 100,000 taels was probably Xiao Yang’s limit.

Two people meant 200,000 taels in total.

His plan was to offer 100,000 taels, and if Xiao Yang insisted it was insufficient, threaten to kill Zhen Zhuang to make up the difference.

Everything was set—he just awaited Xiao Yang’s reaction.

“100,000?”

“100,000 per person.”

“Then take this. Here are 300,000 taels—includes payment for my mount as well.”

Xiao Yang produced gold certificates worth 300,000 taels and handed them over.

Sun Teng was dumbfounded.

He stared at the money in disbelief, feeling that something was amiss.

Had he stumbled upon a nouveau riche who haggled in reverse?

He distinctly remembered not charging Xuan Bing White Tiger any toll, yet this man had paid for the mount without hesitation.

It was downright uncanny.

While Sun Teng was still stunned, the gold certificates landed in his hands.

“Count it and see if it’s enough. If not, I’ll add more.”

Sun Teng was utterly bewildered but mechanically began counting.

Only halfway through did he snap back to reality.

What on earth was he doing? He was supposed to be testing his potential son-in-law, but now he was simply receiving money.

Given the situation, it was hardly surprising—any normal person would be taken aback by such generosity.

It was practically a gift.

“Looks like I’m not pushing hard enough. Time to raise the stakes.”

After some thought, he decided he hadn’t pressured enough and would add another 500,000 taels.

“Seems you’re quite wealthy. I’m a little short lately, so here’s another 500,000 to spend.”

Sun Teng said this calmly.