Zhang Yan's gaze sharpened, and with a leap, he appeared before Gongsun Mian, fixing his eyes on him and saying, "Are you the elder of those two brats?"
As Zhang Yan drew near, Gongsun Mian felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from him, akin to a fierce beast crouched nearby. When Zhang Yan's gaze fell upon him, all the hairs on his body stood on end, forcing him to nearly jump up and strike out. Fortunately, his cultivation was profound enough to suppress the urge to retreat. He replied, "Indeed."
Zhang Yan retorted coldly, "Then, I must ask—how do you discipline your juniors? My senior brother had his beard burned off by them and suffered such humiliation. This matter cannot be brushed aside so easily!"
Gongsun Mian's heart stirred as he discerned a subtle opening in Zhang Yan's seemingly aggressive words, signaling room for negotiation—a relief to him. He responded calmly, "Brother Daoist, what course of action do you think is appropriate? Please do enlighten me."
