Everyone behind Lin Ke stood tall and straight.
"Though I am lowly, I still know what gratitude means."
Chen An stood quietly, raging flames burning in his eyes. "My father died, none knew. Only teachers, only friends, held that grief close to their hearts. The Storyteller, spirit soaring, laid it before you all. Though millions stand against me, I shall go forth."
From the very first time, from the very beginning, Chen An had been someone who stood up.
Back then, the son of the Capital Prefecture Left Secretary had come to Chaoyang Street, using his power to oppress others. Lin Ke had met him like a needle point against an awl, utterly unafraid, opening with Brother Xun's Thunderclap.
And back then, after hearing Brother Xun's poem, the first person to stand had been Chen An.
There was thunder in Chen An's heart!
Now, though Chen An was weak, he stood tall, his gaze utterly resolute.
"Hehe, I'll take this losing deal too!" Shopkeeper Tong's bald head gleamed with oil, his face brimming with delight. "Lin Ke, while you're at it, clear out the chronic rot in the Buddhist Path too."
Shopkeeper Tong had always been this greedy for money.
Of course, when it came to matters of right and wrong, that greed vanished.
Li Chungang, Shopkeeper Tong, Butcher Zhang, and Matchmaker had all stepped forward to support Lin Ke.
Next, they turned to look behind them.
Bai Zhantang and Wang Lin!
Behind the Sage Emperor, a clear voice rang out as well.
"Lin Ke, I am willing to help you."
It was none other than Bai Zhantang's voice, perfectly serious for once!
A handsome, graceful young man, radiant as the sun and stars, took a step forward.
The Third Prince!
Formerly-Bai Zhantang.
"How dare you! Third Brother, get