Zhang Zhuanghe's gaze was sharp as an eagle's, as though he wanted to see straight through Duan Xuan, inside and out.
Afraid that Zhang Zhuanghe might suddenly lash out and kill them, Huang Zhen and Huang Liang did not dare approach.
Yet the two of them vaguely sensed that something was off.
But they could see nothing unusual about Duan Xuan. He was merely an honest, unassuming martial arts hall disciple.
His appearance was utterly ordinary, and even when he taught the disciples boxing techniques, there was not the slightest novelty to it.
Presumably, his martial prowess was equally mediocre.
"Steward Zhang, is there a problem?" the Third Madam, Zhang Bihuan, asked.
Zhang Zhuanghe shook his head. "I merely feel that this young friend looks rather familiar, as though I have seen him somewhere before."
Chen Feng turned back and interjected, "The steward must have mistaken him for someone else. My disciple does nothing but practice boxing from dawn till dusk. Though his natural frame is ordinary and his talent lacking—
"He is the most persevering disciple in our martial arts hall. Every day, he arrives before everyone else and leaves after them all.
"It is only a pity that he did not take this year's martial examination.
"If he had gone, then with his steady, solid skills, our Broken Mountain Martial Arts Hall might have gained a third Martial Scholar!"
Zhang Zhuanghe looked him over several more times, then gently shook his head and withdrew his gaze.
Duan Xuan had noticed Zhang Zhuanghe the moment he entered alongside the Third Madam, Zhang Bihuan.
But he suppressed his suspicions and pretended not to have noticed Zhang Zhuanghe's presence, continuing to teach boxing.
Only after two servant disciples reminded him did he put on a bewildered look and turn around to