Chapter 23: They Truly Look Down on This Old Lady from the Bottom of Their Hearts

Words : 1206 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

After entering E-Rantel. The escort mission for the Rock team was considered complete, so naturally, they needed to head to the Adventurer’s Guild here, submit the commission, and collect their reward. However... Under Tang Zheng’s healing magic, the team leader Dosali had fully recovered and exchanged glances with the others in the team. Their faces showed some embarrassment as they quickly approached the carriage. “Lord Barayalev!” “Thank you for taking care of us all along. We didn’t really help much, so we won’t be taking the reward for this commission.” Team leader Dosali bowed deeply to grandmother Lizzy with gratitude. If it weren’t for her handling those two ogres, given their situation at the time, the entire team would likely have died there. Grandmother Lizzy glanced calmly at Dosali. For the first time, a smile appeared on her wrinkled face toward the Rock team. “Alright, I understand.” Obviously, saving that expense made grandmother Lizzy happy. Dosali then thanked Enfirea, who was sitting in the carriage, before retreating back to the team. “Tang, remember to come find me.” As the carriage departed, Enfirea waved toward Tang Zheng’s direction. Tang Zheng’s intentional interactions during this time had made Enfirea regard him as a good friend. “I will.” Tang Zheng smiled and waved back, though his gaze was very calm. To be honest, Tang Zheng was full of gratitude toward Enfirea. Not only had he gained the “Genius” general profession from him, but also the two life professions “Apothecary” and “Alchemist.” Because of this, The longer Tang Zheng interacted with Enfirea, the more likely it was that Enfirea would eventually leak related information about him. If that happened— Tang Zheng’s palm instinctively rested on the short sword hanging at his waist, lightly pressing the hilt. Suddenly, The cold touch of the sword hilt snapped Tang Zheng back to reality. Was he... feeling too much pressure? “Phew.” Tang Zheng exhaled and turned to the Rock team beside him. “Everyone, I should be taking my leave now.” “Hahaha!” “Thanks a lot for everything on this journey, Tang. If you need anything, just say the word.” The elder twin Rand patted his chest and said straightforwardly. Tang Zheng quickly waved his hand. “I should be the one saying thank you. I’ve learned a lot of experience from all of you.” Ding~ Ding~ “Here, this is for you.” Team leader Dosali suddenly pulled out a black cloth pouch from his chest. Shaking it, metallic clinks could be heard from inside. Before Tang Zheng could react, Dosali shoved the black pouch firmly into Tang Zheng’s hand. Feeling the familiar texture inside, Tang Zheng knew it contained gold coins. “This is...” Tang Zheng was puzzled and raised his hand to push the money back. “I don’t have much on me, so don’t think it’s too little. And don’t be polite.” “If not for you, this leg of mine would probably be useless.” Dosali spoke seriously while lifting that leg and stomping forcefully on the ground. Considering the injury caused when the ogre completely crushed that leg, the healing potions they carried were practically useless against such a severe wound. In the wilderness, They had no idea how far the nearest city was. Even if they rushed back in time to find a faith-based magic chanter who could perform healing spells, By then! Even if the leg recovered, there would still be lingering aftereffects. If not for Tang Zheng’s timely treatment, Dosali felt he would have truly said goodbye to his adventurer life. Seeing Dosali’s resolute attitude that refused rejection, Tang Zheng fell silent for a moment and stopped pushing back. “Alright, then I’ll accept it.” After saying that, Tang Zheng nodded to the few members of the Rock team and turned to leave. Watching Tang Zheng’s figure gradually blend into the crowd and disappear, Dosali’s face, which had been bright earlier, now showed pain and bitterness. “What a pity, this commission was a total loss.” The archer Baske complained. Rand and Ler exchanged glances and sighed together. They had maintained a close attitude toward Tang Zheng all along, just waiting to invite him after completing the commission. But, Just as they neared E-Rantel, that sudden incident happened. Not only were they almost wiped out, but Tang Zheng saved them. Under such circumstances, the Rock team clearly felt embarrassed to extend an invitation to Tang Zheng anymore. “Why are you hanging your heads like that?” “Although we didn’t get to invite Tang, at least we got to know him. There will definitely be a chance in the future.” “Keep working hard. Let’s aim to quickly reach a Gold-rank adventurer team!” Dosali slapped his cheek and smiled broadly, shouting loudly. “Yes, Captain!” “Yes, Captain!” “Yes, Captain!” The three twins laughed and responded cheerfully. On the other side, The Barayalev grandfather and grandson drove the carriage away. Grandmother Lizzy glanced at the somewhat disappointed Enfirea with the corner of her eye and subtly shook her head. Because of Enfirea’s personality, her grandson had never had many friends. That kid named Tang looked only a little older than her grandson, basically a peer, plus he was a faith-based magic chanter with some talent. It wouldn’t be bad if the two became friends. However— “Enfirea.” Grandmother Lizzy drove the carriage and spoke calmly. “Grandmother?” Enfirea looked up. “If it’s not necessary, try to avoid contact with that kid named Tang.” Grandmother Lizzy said. Enfirea was stunned and was about to speak. “I know what you want to say, but this old lady still has some insight. I won’t harm you.” Grandmother Lizzy continued, knowing that at Enfirea’s age, once he became certain of something, he tended to be stubborn. Then she added: “That kid looks gentle and easy to get along with, but in reality, it’s the exact opposite. What I mean is, that kid probably has a barrier deep in his heart toward outsiders.” “He puts on a friendly front for you, but it’s all an act.” “Plus the wariness he shows toward outsiders, such a person either has a complicated background or some serious trouble.” Enfirea straightened up and his face flushed slightly as he tried to refute, “But, Grandmother...” “Sigh.” Grandmother Lizzy sighed and cracked her whip against the horse with a sharp sound, cutting off Enfirea’s words. “Enfirea, did you notice how the Rock team acted toward this old lady after I dealt with those two ogres?” Enfirea was startled. He naturally noticed, or rather it was obvious: the Rock team was very respectful toward grandmother Lizzy. Enfirea was no fool; he knew grandmother Lizzy wasn’t talking about the Rock team’s attitude, but about Tang Zheng. His mind involuntarily recalled Tang Zheng’s attitude. He was also very respectful! However— Thinking back now, Enfirea felt Tang Zheng’s respect was somewhat different from that of the Rock team, but he couldn’t quite explain why. “Terrible acting.” “They truly look down on this old lady from the bottom of their hearts.” Grandmother Lizzy said calmly. Enfirea opened his mouth but remained silent.

Chapter 23: They Truly Look Down on This Old Lady from the Bottom of Their Hearts

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