Chapter 116: Second Brother?!

(Thanks to my brother, wa lilux2563, for the support! PS: I have been living the miserable life of studying for make-up exams these past few days.)

"When we parted ways previously, Brother Qian, I told you that if you ever came to Chang'an, I would certainly treat you well and let you experience the unique charm of the city. We have been by the Emperor's side these past few days, and since your arrival, I haven't had the chance to share a drink with you. Since we have some leisure time today, and there is no time like the present, why don't we stroll around and find a good spot to have a drink?" Wei Qing said to Qin Cheng as they led their horses along the streets of Chang'an.

"I'll follow your lead; I know nothing of Chang'an anyway," Qin Cheng replied nonchalantly, glancing at Wei Qing. "Though I doubt you could find any interesting places."

"..." Wei Qing was left speechless for a moment. "We're just going for a drink; what kind of place are you looking for?"

"A good place, naturally," Qin Cheng said with a wicked, meaningful smile.

"Don't tell me... you're looking for *that*?" Wei Qing asked, stunned.

Qin Cheng rolled his eyes. "Do you take me for someone so low? I meant, naturally, a place with good wine!"

"..." Wei Qing would have to be a fool to believe that.

Little did he know, Qin Cheng was already reprimanding himself internally for his earlier lapse. Since coming to this era, he had never uttered such frivolous remarks. Why did it roll off his tongue so easily today? Perhaps it was because he felt relaxed with Wei Qing, but more importantly, his state of mind was currently unsettled, leading to his loss of composure.

Qin Cheng was only human. He had conversed quite congenially with Liu Che over the past three days, and he could see the Emperor’s appreciation for him. When an emperor highly regards a subject, promotion is sure to follow. This meant Qin Cheng was one step closer to his dream. For someone who lived almost entirely for his ambitions, how could he not be happy?

Qin Cheng was very happy! And when one's emotions fluctuate intensely, a loss of composure is often inevitable.

Neither Qin Cheng nor Wei Qing was in a hurry, so they led their horses, strolling and observing the streets of Chang'an. As a man from the future, Qin Cheng knew little of the customs of this era, and seeing the sights of Chang'an, he found beauty everywhere and couldn't help but gaze about. Seeing this, Wei Qing began to act as his guide, explaining the various sights along the street in detail.

As they spoke, the two headed toward a tavern.

When mature men get together, it seems that if they aren't drinking, they are visiting brothels.

As Wei Qing and Qin Cheng walked along, they suddenly heard a commotion up ahead. Following the sound, they saw a large crowd gathered, as if watching something lively. Curious, they listened closely and heard the citizens of Chang'an cheering.

Qin Cheng and Wei Qing moved closer. After squeezing through, they saw a man of about thirty performing in a circle formed by the crowd. He was wielding an ordinary long sword; his swordsmanship was skillful, his movements agile, and the sword danced in a flash of cold light, creating countless illusions that drew repeated applause. Behind him, leaning against a wall, lay a coarse cloth bundle and a few other long swords.

Qin Cheng had hoped for something novel, but seeing a wandering performer, his interest waned. With over a decade of experience with blades, he could tell at a glance that while the man’s sword play was flashy and vigorous, it was merely an empty display—enough to fool these commoners, but not enough to impress experts like himself and Wei Qing.

The man was quite handsome, dressed in a fitting green robe with his long hair tied up, and he had a sturdy build. As he moved, his performance was quite dashing, enough to enchant a young maiden.

The man in the green robe was performing with great gusto. Hearing the applause, a look of triumph appeared on his face, and a faint smile hung on his lips—he was clearly very satisfied with the effect of his performance.

"It’s a waste for this man to perform on the street. With his build and looks, he could make much more money doing other jobs," Qin Cheng remarked playfully, his good mood leading him to tease.

Wei Qing, naturally unaware of the specific "male profession" from the future that Qin Cheng was implying, asked in confusion, "Other jobs?"

"Yes," Qin Cheng nodded, his face turning serious. "A job with very specific requirements. It's tiring, sometimes quite enjoyable, and sometimes excruciatingly painful. But as long as you are strong enough, it's very easy to make money."

"Oh..." Wei Qing nodded thoughtfully, looking as if he understood a little but not entirely. After a long pause, he asked, "What kind of job is it, exactly?"

Qin Cheng gave an inscrutable smile, his expression mischievous, and drew out his words: "The Buddha says it cannot be spoken, cannot be spoken! Hahaha!"

"..." Wei Qing felt a headache coming on, wondering why this fellow was talking such nonsense today. Had he lost his mind?

"Alright, Brother Wei, we can go now. Watching any longer is quite dull," Qin Cheng laughed.

"Indeed," Wei Qing nodded. "I’ve heard your sword skills are extraordinary, so I imagine such swordplay wouldn't catch your eye. Let's go."

With that, the two turned to leave.

The man in the green robe, emboldened by the cheers, was feeling rather pleased with himself. Hearing the conversation between Wei Qing and Qin Cheng, his expression soured, and he cast an unfriendly glance in their direction. Being quick-eyed, he spotted them as they were pushing through the crowd to leave.

"Stay a moment, you two!" the man shouted. He stopped his performance and strode over to intercept them.

His sudden movement startled the surrounding crowd. Although he was holding a wooden sword rather than one of iron or bronze (if anyone other than a government official brandished a steel sword in the street, they would be headed straight for jail), the onlookers, having witnessed his "superb" skills, still looked on with fearful eyes.

Hearing the shout, Qin Cheng and Wei Qing knew their conversation had been overheard. They had no choice but to stop. "What advice do you have for us, brother?" Qin Cheng asked.

The man sheathed his wooden sword and glared at them, his voice full of dissatisfaction. "Was it the two of you who said my swordplay was unbearable?"

Qin Cheng and Wei Qing smiled slightly. Qin Cheng cupped his hands and said, "It is not that your swordplay is unbearable. You have a magnificent bearing, and your sword moves are vigorous and awe-inspiring, dazzling enough that the average person can't help but applaud. How could such swordplay be unbearable?"

"That's right!" Hearing this, the man initially thought he was being complimented, and he puffed out his chest with an arrogant expression. However, he soon realized that the smile on Qin Cheng's face was somehow uncomfortable, though he couldn't pinpoint why.

"Brother, we won't disturb your work any further. Please continue, we must be going!" Qin Cheng cupped his hands again, and as if remembering something, he took out some silver coins and handed them to the man. "Your performance was so spectacular, please take this as our support! Farewell."

"Wait!" Just as Qin Cheng turned, the man shouted again. His voice was resonant and full of vigor, but because he was standing so close, Qin Cheng’s ears went numb from the volume.

"Brother, are you saying my swordplay is all show and no substance? That it can only fool commoners and isn't fit for the eyes of a true expert?" The man finally caught on.

"Haha! Brother, you jest!" Qin Cheng turned back with an embarrassed laugh, then adopted a righteous, solemn expression. "Your swordplay is astonishing and truly remarkable, possessing the power to topple mountains and conquer the world. Whether it’s an ordinary person or an expert, everyone would be left breathless. We are filled with admiration. Were it not for our family obligations, we would have been unable to resist begging to become your disciples, serving you as our master for the rest of our lives to study the sword!"

Qin Cheng said this without blushing or skipping a beat, looking as serious as if he were stating a hard truth. Beside him, Wei Qing broke into a cold sweat, thinking that this fellow was truly fearless—he wasn't even afraid of being struck by lightning!

The man in the green robe blushed at these words and actually looked embarrassed. He was about to offer some modest reply about how sword training requires talent and isn't for everyone, when he suddenly felt something was off. After struggling for a moment, he finally detected the mockery in Qin Cheng's words. Enraged by his own foolishness, he slammed his wooden sword into the stone pavement and began to curse:

"You scoundrel! Are you here to pick a fight? Do you think I don't dare to deal with you just because we're at the feet of the Emperor? Do you think I won't beat you up right here? Do you think I, the Green-Robed Swordsman, am easy to bully? You're tired of living!"

He had intended the dramatic sword-slam to increase his intimidation, but in his agitation, he forgot he was holding a wooden sword. As he thrust it into the stone floor, a loud "crack" echoed as the wooden sword snapped in two, bounced, and fell crookedly to the side.

This unexpected turn of events made his imposing challenge sound ridiculous. His grand, earth-shaking declaration came out stuttering and weak, making it sound as if he were the one being bullied.

The words effectively became: "I don't dare deal with you, I don't dare beat you, I am easy to bully, I am wrong!"

Qin Cheng managed to stifle his laughter. He hadn't intended to provoke the man—after all, it's hard for anyone traveling far from home—but his mood was just too high today. He had lost control, and his words had veered off course. Seeing the man in this state, he found it immensely amusing.

The man’s face turned deep red. Already on the verge of exploding, he saw Qin Cheng’s irrepressible smile and finally snapped. With a shout of "Ah!", he threw a punch at Qin Cheng’s face!

"Brother Qin, watch out!" Wei Qing, who had been keeping an eye on the man, called out a warning.

Before Wei Qing could even finish, Qin Cheng had nimbly stepped back, dodging the fist. As the man recoiled, Qin Cheng stepped forward, defying logic, and kicked the man in the ribs!

The moment Qin Cheng struck, the man realized he was dealing with an expert. He dropped his arrogance and retreated, blocking the kick.

"Haha! Good! So you are an expert, brother! Then let's have a proper fight!" The man laughed, his anger vanishing, replaced by intense excitement.

As he spoke, Qin Cheng’s fist landed on his nose, knocking his head to the side. Blood sprayed, and the man stumbled back. Surprised by the sudden attack, he was furious, thinking this fellow was playing dirty. Just as he was about to curse, Qin Cheng cut him off.

"We're already fighting, and you're still talking so much? Are you waiting for me to beat you? Even pigs aren't as stupid as you!"

The man blushed again, but feeling that Qin Cheng had a point, he couldn't argue. He decided to let go and fully engage in the fight.

As they clashed, the onlookers became even more excited, cheering repeatedly.

Wei Qing watched the two fighting and shook his head with a bitter smile. He thought to himself that Qin Cheng was a man born for trouble; no matter where he went, he couldn't avoid a fight. He hadn't fought enough in the desert, and now that he had finally arrived in the peaceful city of Chang'an, he still managed to find a brawl. Just how bad was this man's luck?

The man in the green robe realized within two rounds that he was no match for Qin Cheng. Qin Cheng’s fighting style was something he had never seen or heard of—his own master had never taught him how to counter it. Before long, he was bruised and battered.

As the man suffered, Qin Cheng kicked him flying. He landed right next to the pile of wooden swords. His eyes lit up, and he snatched one, tossing another to Qin Cheng. "Now that I have a sword in hand, brother, you’d better be careful! My swordplay is the best in the worl—"

Before he could finish, Qin Cheng’s sword was already at his throat. He barely dodged it, and just as he was about to shout "Despicable!", Qin Cheng’s second strike was already at his chest. With no other choice, the man rolled on the ground to escape, finally remembering what Qin Cheng had said earlier and giving up on any more grand speeches.

The fight ended shortly after. When Qin Cheng finally held his sword against the man's throat, the man was reduced to a "rag-clad" fighter—his clothes had been shredded into countless ribbons by Qin Cheng’s wooden sword.

"Brother has great skill, you truly are an expert!" The man, having been defeated in just a few moves, praised him instantly. Then, he knelt and said something that left Qin Cheng speechless: "Please take me as your disciple! Teach me your swordplay, and I am willing to follow you, Master, and serve you for the rest of my life!"

The man’s actions were so crisp and fluid, it was as if the whole scene had been scripted.

Qin Cheng managed a bitter smile. Before he could answer or even withdraw his sword, a shout came from the crowd: "Second Brother?!"

Then, a voice—clearly a woman’s—turned angry. Without a moment's hesitation, she declared with murderous intent: "This person dared to hurt my Second Brother! Seize him!"

A stunned Qin Cheng and the man in the green robe turned their heads simultaneously to see a woman approaching with seven or eight swordsmen, all looking menacing. The woman was looking at the man in the green robe with deep concern.

"Oh, mother! I'm done for this time!" the man in the green robe lamented, a look of despair washing over his face.