Why do I have so many masters?

He appeared to be in his thirties, with a pair of phoenix eyes, a few strands of long beard, exuding hidden might without ostentation. In his right hand, he held a hundred-forged longsword, and with a casual exertion of strength, he crushed it into pieces, laughing as he said:

"So bustling, so very bustling."

"With so many people gathered here, is there something exciting to watch?"

The crowd was intimidated by his demeanor and dared not speak much. Ren Yongchang recognized the newcomer, hurriedly saluted, and the man smiled and nodded at him, saying it was commendable, which made Ren Yongchang's heart surge with excitement, leaving him speechless. The man seemed to have just noticed the people from the Tian Qing Sect, slapped his forehead, and laughed, saying:

"I was wondering who it was, with such great prestige and presence. Turns out it's the esteemed guests of the Tian Qing Sect. Gentlemen, may I know if Brother Tian Qingzi is also here?"

From the sedan, there was a moment of silence, then an elderly laughter sounded, saying:

"I was wondering who it was, turns out it's the world-renowned Master Jin Yu Mantang, Lord Jin."

"It seems the Lord is planning to make an appearance?"

Jin Gaochi smiled without speaking, only slightly raised his right hand. His fingertips faintly shimmered with a golden jade hue, clearly an extraordinary technique. Tian Qingzi snorted coldly, saying: "Jin Yu Mantang, such a great prestige."

Jin Gaochi lowered his right hand, softly saying:

"Brother Tian Qingzi, after all, this is the Royal City."

He stopped speaking here, believing that with Tian Qingzi's nature, he could hear the implied meaning in his words, appearing composed, though there was some bitter intent in his heart.

Originally he planned to reveal himself only after Tian Qingzi had established his prestige, so he could simultaneously bestow favor upon the people of Great Qin without diminishing Tian Qingzi's face. But who would have thought that the Iron Guard, under his guidance, truly managed to defeat a disciple of Tian Qingzi?

Under the eyes of the public, although Tian Qingzi was by nature vengeful, he was a man of his word and would not make things difficult today. But thus, he had no reason to intervene, making it difficult to show favor to the people of Great Qin, leaving him no choice but to come out.

However, Jin Gaochi also understood that this way, any resentment Tian Qingzi held would inevitably be directed at him. Although he wasn't afraid of him, it was still a hassle.

From inside the sedan, after a brief silence, came a cold laugh, saying:

"Very well, I'll give you this face."

"Boy, you're quite good..."

"Let's go!"

The furious young disciples glared fiercely at Wang Anfeng. Just as the crowd was about to rise and leave, Wang Anfeng suddenly drawled:

"Wait a moment."

One of the disciples turned back, sneering:

"What, are you scared?"

"If you're scared then..."

Wang Anfeng shook his head, gestured to the surrounding mess of the courtyard, and said lightly:

"I, a poor scholar with no strength to truss a chicken. You broke my house's doors and made such a mess of it. Not to mention the materials, hiring someone to repair it would also be no small expense. The Tian Qing Sect, with its vast wealth and status as a Jianghu sect, surely wouldn't want to take advantage of a poor scholar like me."

The young disciple was momentarily stunned by his words, seemingly incredulous, widened his eyes and said: "You, you..."

Wang Anfeng, holding a warming stove, squinted his eyes slightly, lazily saying:

"I must beg you, if you wish to leave, please leave some silver before doing so."

On hearing this, it was as if a surge of anger erupted in the disciple's chest and abdomen, his face flushed. Over the years in the sect, no matter if he was with noble clans or major factions, he was always treated with respect and courtesy. Encountering extortion in such a straightforward manner was indeed the first time in the world.

At this moment, filled with rage, he was just about to draw his sword when one of the maids, seemingly on command, coldly tossed out a pouch, deliberately throwing it at Wang Anfeng's feet, a few pieces of silver spilling out, intending to humiliate him.

Unexpectedly, Wang Anfeng was unfazed, stooped to pick up the money bag, not wasting a single copper coin, tossed it in his hand, and smiled warmly, saying:

"Indeed worthy of such a sect, truly well-endowed."

"The extra money will not be returned to you."

"Take care on your way, not seeing you off..."

Jin Gaochi couldn't help but take a deep breath. The scholar before him appeared cordial and polite, yet his tongue was a bit too sharp, speaking lightly, without seeming impolite, yet hitting painful spots everywhere. It was hard to say where he learned this from; now the other side would surely be resentful, likely even turning that resentment towards him.

Feeling a moment of regret inside, he had initially planned to be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware he would end up with a face full of embarrassment. Moreover, this person's current appearance suggested a rather arrogant heart, and if he were to be recruited under the prince's command, one couldn't be sure if it would be good or bad.

Before he could figure it out, he saw the Great Qin man, who appeared like a scholar, putting away the money bag, turning around. Jin Gaochi's face instinctively displayed a calm and steady smile, proactively saying:

"Young master has been startled."

Wang Anfeng took a look at the Second Prince's retainer before him, sincerely smiled, nodded, and said:

"Not at all."

"Thanks to mister for resolving the situation, please come in for tea."

Then, as if chilled, he couldn't help but cough twice, appearing even more frail. Seeing this, Jin Gaochi slightly relaxed, thinking that although he was arrogant and had sharp eyesight and medical skills, his weak health was his biggest limitation, and wouldn't cause trouble.

He merely stood aside with a smile, watching Wang Anfeng thank Ren Yongchang with a few words of gratitude, even taking out an elixir as a gift. Ren Yongchang repeatedly declined, yet Wang Anfeng forcefully pressed the elixir into his hand, his right hand covering his palm, laughing and sighing:

"Don't refuse, I must thank you for stepping up to resolve this situation."

Only then did Ren Yongchang accept, still offering numerous thanks, while Wang Anfeng nodded with a smile, silently adding in his heart.

If you hadn't come, I would have had to do it myself.

A frail young master from Great Qin wielding a chain whip to beat up an eighty-year-old man while coughing?

Just the thought of the possible scenario gave Wang Anfeng a headache.

According to the Third Master, he would say, 'This art style is a bit too wild', certainly not like a retainer, even if the Great Prince was kicked in the head by a donkey, he wouldn't conceivably recruit such a person, let alone the Second Prince.

Fortunately, fortunately...

He let out a slight sigh of relief in his heart, shifted his gaze to Jin Gaochi beside him, his face momentarily appearing like a contented old farmer at harvest, before becoming placid again, shaking his long sleeve, saying:

"Mr. Jin, please come inside."

"After you, young master."

PS: Here's the first update of the day...

Five thousand two hundred words, ah, ah, ah, power, power is bursting forth.

Yan ZK, super evolution mode activated.