Chapter 138: Shall we head back then, Your Highness?

No, Zhang Ning was not intentionally putting on an act. The Great Ease Palm does not strictly require a starting stance; he had simply perfected and added one during his leisurely daily practice. After countless repetitions, his physical instincts had long since become faster than his conscious mind.

However, despite his excellent instincts, Zhang Ning’s imposing gesture resulted in nothing more than a gentle breeze.

In that fleeting moment, Zhang Ning almost saw his life flash before his eyes. When he had practiced the Great Ease Palm in the Azure Realm, he had achieved initial success; he could have easily pulled up a weeping willow by its roots, let alone stopped a car. But unlike his master, who possessed a profound understanding of the technique and even innovated upon it, Zhang Ning had only just begun to master the art within his current body.

Just as Zhang Ning was certain he was doomed—and worse, that he would drag his master down with him—the speeding car, caught in that gentle breeze, seemed to be deflected by some bizarre force. It skidded instantly, veering into the deep, narrow alleyway to the left.

Moments later, a deafening explosion and thick smoke billowed from the alley. Clearly, the car had crashed violently after turning in. A middle-aged man stepped out of a vehicle that had come to a stop a short distance from the breakfast stall.

The man walked quickly into the alley, emerging only after some time. His expression was dazed, as if he had been deeply shaken, and that vacant look stripped away the dignity and composure typically etched into his features. He looked as though he desperately needed a cigarette to calm his nerves. At that moment, his eyes met Zhang Ning’s.

The man’s expression shifted instantly to one of sudden realization, followed by irrepressible joy. He hurried toward Zhang Ning, only to stop abruptly a few paces away, standing with an air of profound respect. Zhang Ning watched as the man raised his arm halfway, then lowered it, unsure of his intentions. He failed to notice the enigmatic smile playing on the lips of Chu Hanyu, who remained focused on his phone.

Captain Xing had felt something was wrong the moment he chased the "Favored One" into the downtown area, and he regretted it immensely. He had tried to negotiate using the car’s loudspeaker, but this woman was no ordinary terrorist. Terrorists could be reasoned with, but she was a Favored One.

They were perhaps the people least concerned with collateral damage in this world. The captain’s pleas only made her laugh harder, without slowing her down in the slightest.

Just as Captain Xing slammed on his brakes in front of the breakfast stall, consumed by overwhelming guilt and regret over the impending tragedy—even contemplating drawing his weapon to end his own life—he saw a small figure stand up from the stall.

With a calm expression, the boy simply raised a hand, and the car, which had left countless others helpless, was deflected, rushing headlong to its own destruction.

It had looked effortless, but Captain Xing knew this feat was anything but simple. The departments responsible for analysis had long posited that the woman’s "Deprivation" ability allowed her to strip away conceptual properties, such as "kinetic energy" or "damage." The failed pursuit had proven this theory correct.

They had, of course, prepared numerous contingency plans, such as tire-shredding spikes and NightHawks, but these had proved useless—presumably "deprived" as well. This ability appeared omnipotent, but they remained in the dark regarding its limitations.

It was clear that if they lost her today, the future cost would be even greater. Yet, even if they were willing to pay it, their superiors would not want to see it, and it would likely end in a muddled, inconclusive mess as always.

But this time, it was different! An awakened individual had intervened—one who was likely friendly toward the authorities!

Captain Xing had met Zhang Ning before. Although a report had been filed, no one believed he could have survived the "Playful Deity," so his subsequent whereabouts had been largely ignored. It appeared they had been gravely mistaken.

Furthermore, Captain Xing had previously speculated that Zhang Ning possessed plant-based abilities. Seeing what had just happened, he naturally assumed the young man had instantly forced some moss or similar vegetation to grow, which had not been classified as "damage" by the woman's ability.

Moreover, seeing the child's calm face, it was clear he simply hadn't wanted anything to interrupt his breakfast; saving lives had been a mere afterthought.

Even so, the gratitude in Captain Xing’s heart was beyond words. He subconsciously wanted to salute, but fearing the individual might not wish to reveal his identity, he spoke in a low voice: "Sir, if there is ever anything you need from me, please do not hesitate to ask."

Zhang Ning was baffled. Then, he realized the man looked familiar. Wasn't this the uncle from the mountain? Judging by the man's behavior back then, Zhang Ning suspected he knew something about the truth of this world. His eyes lit up. "Alright."

Captain Xing was surprised again. There weren't many awakened individuals friendly to the authorities—everyone wanted a quiet life, and not everyone was a rebel—but almost none had ever expressed such a clear intent to communicate.

Perhaps, he could finally open a door through this person, creating an effective channel for communication between ordinary people and the awakened. Overcome with emotion, the corners of Captain Xing’s eyes reddened. "Thank you, sir."

Zhang Ning nodded. Seeing his master still engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to everything, he felt relieved. Then, a thought struck him: the array on the table couldn't be… oh.

Only then did Zhang Ning begin to grasp the intricacies of those formations. It was no wonder the car had veered off before it even reached them; it must have been a protective barrier. Although he still didn't understand the finer details, he had a general idea.

So, he had been worried for nothing? His master had handled it all along?

Zhang Ning was about to call his master to leave, but before he could, Chu Hanyu stood up slowly. With a sweet, ingratiating smile, he said, "Shall we go?" Then, with a bow, he added, "Your Highness?"

In that instant, Zhang Ning felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

What was happening? What was his master doing? This was going to cost him years of his life!

Zhang Ning fought with all his might to keep his jaw from hitting the floor.

He saw his master give him a subtle wink and suddenly realized what was happening. He had just been discussing the issue of "showing off" with his master, telling him it was a requirement from the mysterious powerhouse. By doing this, his master was ensuring that everyone would definitively attribute the feat to him. What a brilliant maneuver!

But… was this his master’s true personality? Zhang Ning knew the silence had lasted too long, so he nodded stiffly and said, "Right, let's go."