Thirteen, Almighty Push!

The two wandered along the broad streets, then turned a corner and arrived at a medium-sized market in the southern part of the city.

This market was managed by the Xiao Household, which maintained order and collected stall fees and protection fees. Those were the everyday rules of the Dou Qi Continent, and few people usually dared to come cause trouble.

At the entrance to the market, they saw two Xiao Household guards standing watch. The moment they saw Xiao Dongchen and Xun'er arrive, they respectfully cupped their fists and bowed.

They had clearly heard of his exploits. Even if they offended the entire Xiao Household, they absolutely could not offend this young master. Not only was his background terrifyingly powerful, but his cultivation talent was monstrously exceptional. Who wouldn't respect someone like that?!

Besides, thanks to him, they received monthly pay several times higher than ordinary guards. It was simply fantastic!

Xiao Dongchen nodded slightly and led Xun'er in by the hand. After only a few steps, he saw the bustling crowd. Quite a few people carried the aura of dou qi, so the market's earnings for the day would likely be considerable.

"Not bad. As expected of Wu Tan City's number one family."

Xiao Dongchen stroked his chin. With just a little help from him, the Xiao Household had become Wu Tan City's leading power. They had not only taken control of the city's sole high-grade market, but their word now carried absolute weight, leaving the other factions with no choice but to yield.

"Young Master Chen, Miss Xun'er, have you come to the market for anything I can help with?"

A calm, respectful voice sounded. Xiao Dongchen turned around and saw more than a dozen burly men in Xiao Household uniforms standing there. The speaker was a middle-aged man at the front with a nine-star emblem embroidered on his chest. His face was covered in a thick beard, giving him a rather bold and forthright appearance.

"Who are you?"

Xiao Dongchen gave him a once-over. He clearly did not recognize him.

"Hehe, Young Master Chen, my name is Pain. I'm the captain of this market's guard squad. You may not remember me, but I've admired you for a long time!"

The bearded man scratched his head and smiled foolishly, though his eyes gleamed brightly.

"Pain? How many floors can one bag of rice carry?"

Xiao Dongchen was speechless. People on the Dou Qi Continent really had distinctive names. It reminded him of a certain anime.

Seeing the worshipful look on the man's face, Xiao Dongchen could tell that he had long regarded him as an idol. That sort of feeling was fine, but it absolutely could not evolve into something else, or he would not be able to handle it.

"Ahem, Uncle Pain, I feel that this name carries too much karma. It's not something you can bear. How about I add another character to it?"

Xiao Dongchen waved his hand helplessly. He did not want such a loyal subordinate to suffer any misfortune.

"Alright, alright! Thank you, Young Master, for bestowing it upon me!"

The moment those words left his mouth, Pain became excited. The smile on his face deepened considerably. To him, being granted a name by Xiao Dongchen was an immense honor.

"Uh?"

Seeing Pain's proud expression, Xiao Dongchen froze. He had merely said it casually, yet the man was actually thrilled. Were names on the Dou Qi Continent really this casual?

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Dongchen, armed with nine years of compulsory education, suddenly realized he had no idea how to make up an otherworldly name. He could only say solemnly, "Today, I'll grant you the character 'Liu.' I hope that under your watch, my Xiao Household's market will enjoy smooth sailing and abundant wealth!"

"Liu... Liu? Liu!"

Pain's thick brows furrowed slightly. Then he slapped his forehead, let out a hearty laugh, and cupped his fists. "An excellent character! From now on, I'll be called Pei Liu'en. Rest assured, I will not fail your trust. If anyone dares to smash up this place, they'll have to step over my corpse first!"

"Good. Uncle Liu'en, go handle your business first. We're just looking around."

Xiao Dongchen spoke gently, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

It was over. Six Paths Pain—this guy was even less able to bear it now!

"Then I won't disturb Young Master Chen's enjoyment. Feel free to look around the market. If you need anything, just call for me."

Pei Liu'en nodded, turned to give his subordinates a few instructions, then turned back with a smile and cupped his fists before heading off to patrol the streets...

Xiao Dongchen waved politely and led Xun'er deeper into the market. Since coming to this world, he had spent most of his time cultivating and rarely went out for a stroll. He wanted to see whether there were any novel things for sale here.

Xun'er did not pull free and simply let Xiao Dongchen lead her forward. Before long, however, she could not suppress her curiosity any longer. She raised her head slightly and asked in confusion, "Is there something wrong with Pain's name?"

The girl pouted, her willow-like brows lightly furrowed, her watery eyes full of curiosity.

"Ah? This..."

Xiao Dongchen hesitated for a moment before blinking and pursing his lips. "I once heard that there was an immensely powerful Dou Sheng in the Central Plains who was also called Pain. His ultimate technique was called Almighty Push. A casual strike from him could move mountains and suppress seas. He was terrifying!"

"Is that so? Why have I never heard of him..."

Xiao Xun'er wrinkled her nose and counted on her fingers, the confusion in her eyes deepening.

Seeing the girl's serious expression, Xiao Dongchen was dumbfounded. He had clearly made it all up on the spot, yet this silly girl actually believed him?

Oh no, he had nearly forgotten about her background!

The Gu Clan patriarch's daughter—seriously?!

If she kept counting like that, he was going to panic!

"Ahem, I read it in an ancient book. Of course, they're all just legends. Legends, alright?"

Xiao Dongchen hurriedly tried to muddle through it, a faint sheen of cold sweat appearing on his forehead.

"Oh~ I see. Then what rank was the Almighty Push dou technique in that ancient book you read?"

Xiao Xun'er blinked. After all, she was quite curious about someone Xiao Dongchen praised so highly.

"Ah, I forgot. Hey, I already told you it was just a legend. Why are you dwelling on it so much?"

Xiao Dongchen held Xun'er's little hand and quickened his pace. He truly did not dare continue talking about this subject.

With light steps, Xiao Xun'er followed closely behind him. Her beautiful eyes flickered as she silently stared at his utterly speechless face.

It seemed rare for her to see him so embarrassed. She could not help but let out a soft laugh, clear as silver bells. Then the gentle smile at the corners of her lips continued to widen, adding an entrancing charm to her already delicate little face.

Dou Sheng, Almighty Push... what sort of ancient book could record such beings?

Brother Dongchen, your background is not to be underestimated either.

Tilting her little head, Xiao Xun'er murmured softly to herself, then pressed her lips together in thought as her mind raced.

Trying to fool me, Brother Chen? You're still a little lacking in that department!

Tonight, I'll go find Ling Ying and investigate what kind of peerless figure could make you care so much!

If the Central Plains has produced a Dou Sheng expert, I need to find a way to make the clan take notice.

Ah, never mind that. What is he going to give me later?

It's worth looking forward to. But no matter what it is, Xun'er will be very happy.

If Xiao Dongchen knew what the girl was thinking, he would definitely cough up a mouthful of blood. He admitted that he had lied to Xun'er, but she should not actually believe it!

He had only made a joke and complained once. How had it turned into such a huge misunderstanding?!