Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1578 - 864: Jianghu Scammer

Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
During a lively dinner with old friends, Yao Haikuo and Lou Rui banter about their gaming skills from the past, while Huang Guan attempts to gift Wuliangye liquor but is firmly refused, recalling shared school days. Yao Yiyao observes the camaraderie, pondering her father's emphasis on friendship amid past family troubles. On the way home, Huang Guan shares memories of generosity toward his sister with his son Huang Yuzhu, who later surprises his little sister with a generous purchase of fairy wands. Meanwhile, at the river dam, a humiliated Mr. Qian writes Spring Festival couplets and tricks Butcher Zhang into believing his clumsy handwriting echoes the style of ancient calligrapher Zheng Banqiao, fabricating a tale of grief and dog meat that leaves Ba Wang uneasy.

Certain individuals prove more ruthless than canines.

Certain canines sense the wickedness in humans.

Through the dull gaze of the Black Back Wolf Dog, the odd visages of Butcher Zhang and Mr. Qian emerge.

Its sharp nostrils detect an odor, solidifying the hostility radiating from those two men.

"Woof!" Ba Wang let out a bark, cocked its head, bubbled at the mouth, and collapsed onto the earth feigning demise.

Mr. Qian lifted his arm and yelled: "The hound belonging to the renowned calligrapher Zheng Banqiao fell seriously sick in those times!"

Butcher Zhang bared his teeth in a smile, with the spirits of countless swine hovering above him suddenly, possessed by a multitude of souls!

The Overlord Dog quaked in fear, raised its paws, and bolted away in fright.

Mr. Qian pressed: "Hurry, hurry, grab it! You'll become the next Master Zhang!"

Butcher Zhang hoisted his thick limb, bellowed, and pursued the large wolf hound.

Mr. Qian cackled wickedly: "Fast, prepare a braised dish!"

...

Xue Chuchu went out to borrow a pot from Jiang Ning’s home, witnessing this spectacle.

He pursued; it escaped. The display was truly impressive.

She observed it briefly before remembering her errand.

Once Chuchu departed, Jiang Ning and Tongtong were the only ones left in the kitchen.

Tongtong kept a stern expression, refusing to meet his eyes.

Jiang Ning clarified: "I texted Chuchu to get the pot, leaving just us here now."

Tongtong swiftly pardoned him: "Don’t assume I’m over it already! Anyway, what tasty treat is cooking in there?"

Jiang Ning: "You get mad too quickly; the pot holds adorable small ducks."

Tongtong: "Clearly, you started it, but you just snagged the baby ducks—their folks will grieve."

Jiang Ning: "I was only joking; relax, the entire family’s in the pot."

Tongtong: "No more of that in the future. I couldn’t eat a whole family; it might go to waste!"

Their banter flowed in parallel exchanges.

Butcher Zhang pursued the dog outdoors for some time, but couldn’t close the gap regardless.

Dongdong, honing his brick-tossing skills, jabbed a finger at him while chuckling: "Hahaha, Uncle Zhang, you’re after that dog; it outpaces even your grandfather!"

Butcher Zhang seethed with rage; never had a swine slipped his blade, yet his dog dashed into the open land.

He stormed furiously at Dongdong.

Dongdong snatched the brick he held and warned: "Stay back! Or I’ll hurl it at you!"

Butcher Zhang displayed total scorn, intentionally eased his stride, and advanced gradually toward Dongdong.

Feeling shamed, Dongdong hoisted the brick and flung it with force.

Butcher Zhang made no effort to evade; the brick sailed past his shoulder.

He lunged at Dongdong and seized his throat: "I face the King of Hell daily; you think a mere brick scares me?"

Butcher Zhang hoisted Dongdong up and delivered two sharp slaps, causing Dongdong to cry out in agony.

Mr. Qian beamed with delight; one action serving dual purposes!

He scolded gravely: "Dongdong, how dare you talk to your Uncle Zhang like that!"

With his neck gripped tight, Dongdong remembered his dread of Uncle Zhang and hastily pleaded: "Uncle Zhang, forgive me; I was wrong to say your grandpa lags behind a dog—they’re both swift runners!"

Moments later, Dongdong departed in tears.

Having released his fury, Butcher Zhang recovered his vigor and resumed the chase after the pup.

Yang Fei, lugging a plastic sack of veggies for a client, went by and curiously inquired: "Brother Zhang, what’s with you pursuing Jiang Ning’s dog?"

Butcher Zhang shot him a fierce glare.

Yang Fei stood confused, came back post-delivery, yet Butcher Zhang was already distant.

Spotting Zhang Ruyun by the entrance, Yang Fei questioned once more: "Did your father just go after Jiang Ning’s dog? Is something bothering him?"

Zhang Ruyun’s expression soured; she stayed silent and retreated inside.

Yang Fei felt perplexed, figuring the pair of father and son were unusual.

...

Upon Chuchu’s return to the kitchen bearing the pot, she saw Jiang Ning and Tongtong chatting merrily.

Xue Chuchu pressed her lips together.

She set the pot aside, and Tongtong promptly drew near, extending a hand to feel it.

Xue Chuchu warned: "Watch out, it’s scalding."

She had taken it straight from the induction cooker.

Tongtong: "No need to fret, I’ve got eyes and hands."

Lifting the lid, she unveiled a rush of pungent vapor, exposing shiny braised duck wings and feet, accompanied by lavish accompaniments such as clams, snails, quail eggs, bamboo shoots, topped with vibrant chilies, green onions, and garlic cloves, nearly causing Tongtong to salivate right in.

Xue Chuchu quietly clutched tissues prepared for any drool.

Tongtong swallowed hard, smiling widely: "Jiang Ning, you’re amazing!"

Jiang Ning cocked his head: "What was that? Couldn’t catch it."

"You’re amazing!!" Tongtong bellowed.

Jiang Ning: "Should I keep spoiling you from now on?"

Tongtong bobbed her head eagerly like a pecking chick: "Mm-hm!"

Jiang Ning: "Understand the rule for my kindness toward you?"

Tongtong: "Listen up, listen up! Total compliance!"

Jiang Ning: "Fine, so skip lunch today."

Tongtong frowned: "Absolutely not!"

Xue Chuchu mused inwardly: ’Finished with your little act yet?’

Following their show, Jiang Ning shifted the dining table into the living area, overlooking the vast field, offering plenty of space; today’s sunshine was splendid, and thanks to the spells, no chill lingered.

Today’s spread included garlic shrimp, braised pork ribs, dry pot calamari, fiery cabbage stir-fry, plus Jiang Ning’s beloved eight-treasure rice, and his special duck concoction.

This meal was meant for the trio.

Xue Yuantong recognized fine cuisine; she grabbed a duck wing chunk and chomped down heartily.

Qingyu Lake’s ducks sport green heads; these feral birds usually migrate southward in winter, yet the lake’s ideal conditions kept them rooted, feeding mainly on tiny fish and shrimp in the shallows. Their untamed ways lead to constant brawls, yielding plentiful, tender meat with crunchy bones, low fat, rendering them delectably flavorful sans any off notes.

The neighboring wolf dog eased its gait upon detecting the aroma.