In Order to Live as an Immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 2: Bai Zhantang’s Concerns

Tongfu Inn.

“This bringer of calamity!”

“That smile—could he be plotting something against me?”

From a distance, Bai Zhantang’s heart skipped a beat as he watched the faint smile on Bai Chen’s face.

He could never forget their first encounter. Back then, Bai Chen had just entered the martial world, a naïve greenhorn in Bai Zhantang’s eyes—an ideal target.

Seizing the opportunity, Bai Zhantang had stealthily stolen Bai Chen’s money pouch.

But to his dismay, the seemingly harmless “sheep” turned out to be a wolf in disguise.

Bai Zhantang, after decades of cultivation, had barely reached the early stage of the Zhi Xuan Grandmaster level. Bai Chen, a mere 21-year-old newcomer, had already achieved its peak.

When Bai Chen discovered his loss, he tracked down Bai Zhantang with neck-breaking speed.

After a brief skirmish, Bai Zhantang was thoroughly outmatched. Though he promptly returned the stolen pouch, Bai Chen remained relentless, pursuing him across hundreds of miles.

Fortunately, as the “Saint of Thieves,” Bai Zhantang’s martial prowess was average, but his qinggong was exceptional. He narrowly escaped with his life.

[Qinggong (轻功, Qīng Gōng): Lightness skills in Chinese martial arts, enabling practitioners to move with extraordinary agility.].

Three months ago, Bai Zhantang had been terrified when they crossed paths again in Seven Heroes Town. He had never imagined he would encounter this scourge once more.

To his relief, Bai Chen neither attacked nor exposed his identity, easing Bai Zhantang’s anxieties.

After all, Bai Zhantang had no intention of returning to the martial world. He simply wished to lead a peaceful life at the inn.

Moreover, in the past three years, Bai Zhantang’s cultivation had stagnated, while Bai Chen—already at the peak of Zhi Xuan Grandmaster three years ago—had likely advanced further. A man of Bai Chen’s monstrous talent could well have reached the Tianxiang Grandmaster realm before turning thirty.

[Tianxiang (天象, Tiān Xiàng): A high martial realm, often associated with mastery over natural phenomena.].

The thought alone was chilling. Bai Zhantang knew full well that Bai Chen could crush him effortlessly. Escape wasn’t even an option anymore.

Thus, Bai Zhantang didn’t dare question Bai Chen’s motives. Ignorance, he reasoned, was bliss.

“Your dishes are ready!”

At that moment, a stocky man in simple clothes emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray.

This was Li Dazui, the inn’s cook.

[Li Dazui (李大嘴): His name translates to “Big Mouth Li,” reflecting his blunt or verbose personality.].

Seeing the food, Bai Zhantang hurried over and took the tray from him.

“I’ve got it, I’ve got it!” he said with a smile before heading toward Bai Chen’s table. Along the way, he picked up a jug of fine wine.

“Brother Bai, here’s your food!”

With practised ease, he set the dishes and wine before Bai Chen.

“I don’t recall ordering wine,” Bai Chen remarked, smiling mischievously as he regarded Bai Zhantang, whose face radiated fawning servility.

Bai Chen understood his intentions clearly: the man is trying to ensure his secret as the “Saint of Thieves” stays buried, at least in Seven Heroes Town.

“It’s on the house, on the house!” Bai Zhantang replied, his face stretched into an obsequious grin. He remained oblivious to Tong Xiangyu, who was glaring at him from a corner, her heart aching at the sight of his generosity.

[Tong Xiangyu (佟湘玉) can be interpreted as “Jade of the Xiang River,” Her name carries poetic connotations, suggesting elegance and refinement.].

“Interesting!” Bai Chen chuckled. “Don’t worry, your little secret doesn’t interest me in the least.”

Hearing this, Bai Zhantang visibly brightened.

“Thank you, Brother Bai! Thank you!” he said gratefully. “Please enjoy your meal. I’ll be off to tend to the other guests.”

Buoyed by Bai Chen’s reassurance, Bai Zhantang seemed invigorated. He greeted a passing traveller with infectious enthusiasm.

From her corner, Tong Xiangyu sighed in relief. She had always known about Bai Zhantang’s past and his interactions with Bai Chen. Though she was notoriously frugal, she hadn’t objected to Bai Zhantang offering Bai Chen free wine. Now, seeing Bai Zhantang in such high spirits, she smiled warmly, casting a grateful glance at Bai Chen.

“What an amusing bunch!” Bai Chen mused. Though he didn’t lift his head, he could feel Tong Xiangyu’s gaze. Before transmigrating, Bai Chen had known that Tongfu Inn was a lively place, but its residents exceeded his expectations in charm and eccentricity.

“Ding~”

“System binding in progress!”

Suddenly, a cold, mechanical voice resounded in Bai Chen’s mind. His smile froze.

Had anyone observed him at that moment, they would have seen his eyes wide with astonishment.

Moments later, Bai Chen rose slowly, left some coins on the table, and departed the inn without a word.

“What’s going on?” Tong Xiangyu muttered, stepping forward to collect the coins. Unlike usual, Bai Chen had barely touched his food. The wine was untouched. It was unlike him.

“Could it be that Dazui added too much salt?”

“Hmph! Salt isn’t free, you know! Wasting it like this—he’s getting docked!”

Muttering angrily, she stormed toward the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Bai Chen returned to his courtyard.

“Fu Bo, no one is to disturb me without my permission,” he instructed the elderly steward before him.

[Fu Bo (福伯, Fú Bó): “Uncle Fu,” a respectful address for an elder. “Fu” means fortune or blessing.].

Li Fu, who had served Bai Chen’s parents faithfully, was the young man’s most trusted confidant after their passing.

“As you wish, young master,” Fu Bo replied solemnly.