"There's no need for this. Life isn't easy for anyone."
Chen Yan smiled and shook his head, taking out two copper coins from his sleeve and handing them over.
The vendor hurriedly wiped his hands, accepted them with both hands, and carefully tucked them into his robes. These two copper coins would probably be put on display once he brought them home.
Of course, that was a story for later.
Seeing that Chen Yan seemed to have something to discuss with the two women, the vendor tactfully took his leave.
"My lord, please carry on. This humble one will not disturb your enjoyment."
As the vendor departed, the passersby watching the scene also dared not linger. Yet whenever they passed by the young man, they would cast him a respectful glance.
"This isn't a place to talk. Would you two care to come somewhere else with me?" Chen Yan asked.
The woman silently nodded, still keeping the little girl behind her as she followed Chen Yan to a secluded pond.
Seeing the vigilance beneath the pallor of the woman's face, Chen Yan asked, "You know me?"
The wariness in the woman's eyes did not lessen. Forcing a smile, she answered, "Nowadays, among cultivators who come to Shanxi Town, is there anyone who doesn't know Lord Chen?"
"Oh? Even demons?"
The moment those words left the young man's mouth, the woman's face turned deathly pale. Her grip on the little girl's hand tightened as though she were about to make a move, while the little girl stood there at a loss.
As though he had not seen the woman's movement, Chen Yan's expression remained unchanged as he slowly said, "What do people outside say about me?"
Seeing that the young man showed no sign of attacking, the woman forcibly suppressed her