Chapter 153: Disaster! Chen Shun’an Is Coming Up!
Banye Ferry Crossing, Yuxing Tower, top floor.
Zhao Guanghui was dressed in ordinary clothes, with only three or five trusted aides by his side, somewhat low-key.
A table of fine wine and dishes was laid out before him, all Yuxing Tower’s signboard dishes, like sweet and sour fish slices, scallion-smoked sea cucumbers, and shredded chicken stew, all scarce and exquisite, with just a few chopsticks’ worth of meat per plate, enough to blow away with a sneeze.
And at the table, besides Zhao Guanghui, two others were seated.
One was Sun Jun, a True Intent Master under Zhao Guanghui, a man of medium build with a sharp chin, a pair of Kunshan Steel Thorns at his waist.
The other was a man with a high, eagle-hook nose, deep-set eyes, bearing obvious Western Regions features.
Wearing a somewhat off purple-red Esoteric Buddhism ‘Lakhui’. Right shoulder exposed, head topped with a yellow pointed monk hat.
It was none other than Jiu Chan Hui, under Guo Guanfu.
The reason the ‘Lakhui’ was somewhat off was because Esoteric Buddhism held a lofty status in the Changbai Sacred Dynasty, nearly a state religion.
And Jiu Chan Hui had after all been expelled from his lama identity, unworthy of wearing the ‘Lakhui’ again, but unable to forget his past glory, he had secretly commissioned a set that was somewhat similar yet without any handle to grab.
“I’ve long heard of Master Jiu Chan Hui’s fame, and seeing you today, your reputation is well-deserved… In the future, our two families should get much more intimate.”
Zhao Guanghui showed the demeanor of one who respects the worthy and is courteous to the humble, proactively standing to smilingly pour Jiu Chan Hui a full cup of fine wine.
He also poured a cup for Sun Jun while at it.
Sun Jun was somewhat flattered and said, “Thank you, Landlord.”
Jiu Chan Hui glanced at the wine cup but did not drink.
Then he said indifferently,
“Landlord Zhao is too polite. Today I originally thought Brother Sun was hosting the wine to invite me, but I did not expect Landlord Zhao to grace this place and invite me here—truly a well-intentioned effort.”
There was some hostility in Jiu Chan Hui’s words.
After all, his landlord was Guo Guanfu.
Now bypassing Guo Guanfu to privately contact Zhao Guanghui would inevitably make Master Guo suspicious and affect workplace relations.
Though Jiu Chan Hui was usually arrogant, he was not stupid.
He always felt Zhao Guanghui harbored ill intentions and was plotting against him.
But he could not just flick his sleeves and leave or give him the cold shoulder.
After all, Zhao Guanghui was a landlord.
Inside the Water Station, order was strict, hierarchy clear.
Ordinary Water Carriers, True Intent Masters, Well Shopkeepers, Nine Great Landlords.
Though he Jiu Chan Hui was a Slay Two Thieves expert, he was not even a Well Shopkeeper.
If he truly disregarded all and insulted a landlord or even a Well Shopkeeper, no need for others to act—Guo Guanfu would likely first cleanse the sect to primarily uphold his own dignity as landlord.
Of course, provided Guo Guanfu was still alive.
“These Central Plains People’s rules are just so many… Fine, just treat it as when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Jiu Chan Hui inwardly recited the names of successive Living Buddhas and the dharma names of the great World Honored Ones before forcibly suppressing the urge to hammer the two men before him to death.
As the three were eating,
Sun Jun seemed to remember something and, as if claiming credit, said to Zhao Guanghui,
“Right, Landlord, there’s some fun today. Our side’s Kong Chengping and a few others, and Peng Lang under Landlord Guo, went to find Sun Xiao and them under Zhao Guangxi…”
“Your goods haven’t arrived at the dock yet anyway, Landlord—why not hear about the fun too?”
A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall; recently, all notable figures in Wuqing County were unwilling to come to Banye Ferry Crossing.
Yet today Zhao Guanghui, for some reason, said a batch of antiques like porcelain bottles and foreign clocks and ancient mirrors bought from the south would arrive at Banye Ferry Crossing, and unable to contain his itch, actually came personally to receive them.
But Zhao Guanghui had always been an amateur performer in the Capital City, obsessed with all sorts of rare and strange gadgets.
Such behavior was not at all surprising.
Jiu Chan Hui frowned slightly upon hearing the names like ‘Peng Lang’, his face showing displeasure.
In his view, with orders not yet issued and dust unsettled, everything could still change.
Who the next Wellhead position in Wuqing County would fall to was still unknown.
With everything unsettled, Peng Lang was so eager to show loyalty, completely tearing face with Zhao Guangxi’s faction—it was truly unwise.
Especially since Peng Lang and the others were intentionally or otherwise using his banner, fighting under his name, charging into battle, and did not even know they were being used as guns by Sun Jun, Kong Chengping, and others.
At this thought, killing intent surged in Jiu Chan Hui’s heart again, and he forcibly suppressed the urge to hammer those colleague Peng Lang and others to death.
Zhao Guanghui chuckled lightly: “Alright then, as you wish.”
Joy appeared on Sun Jun’s face; he quickly stood, walked out of the private room, and whispered a few words to a trusted aide, telling him to summon Kong Chengping, Peng Lang, and the others.
Returning to the private room, Sun Jun sat back down and smiled,
“Landlord, Master Jiu Chan Hui, please wait a moment.”
After half a stick of incense.
Several somewhat heavy footsteps sounded outside the door.
Sun Jun immediately stood to introduce them to the two.
“Landlord, Master Jiu Chan Hui, these few are—”
Sun Jun’s voice abruptly stopped.
With a ‘creak’, the door opened, revealing several limping, bruised and swollen figures.
Especially the leading Peng Lang, who was utterly wretched, his whole body swollen up, pig-headed with big ears, skin dark, not even human-like.
Sun Jun’s heart sank, his expression turning stern.
“Kong Chengping, explain—what’s going on?”
Kong Chengping’s expression was wooden as he stepped forward.
Peng Lang looked toward Jiu Chan Hui; Jiu Chan Hui’s expression was calm, no waves in his eyes, and Peng Lang lowered his head again.
Moments later, Kong Chengping explained everything in detail.
“Useless trash!”
After hearing it, Sun Jun’s face darkened like water, looking at Kong Chengping and the others with hatred for their failure.
Even with Peng Lang and them charging ahead, they had won so uglily.
Utterly embarrassing me!
Jiu Chan Hui sat calmly, seemingly unconcerned.
Zhao Guanghui chuckled lightly, somewhat breezily saying,
“Win or lose is commonplace in war; lost face this time, come back next time. No need to pursue blame, Old Sun—just let it be. Everyone, take seats and eat something casually.”
What identity did he Zhao Guanghui have?
Naturally, he could not personally step in and fight desperately with this bunch of Water Carriers—losing face!
Zhao Guanghui decided to temporarily let Sun Xiao, Chen Shun’an, and the others off.
He Zhao Guanghui had this magnanimity to tolerate people.
“Landlord is right…”
Sun Jun’s expression was respectful; then he slanted a glance at Kong Chengping and the others, saying,
“Why aren’t you thanking the Landlord?”
“Thank you, Landlord!”
“Landlord is truly magnanimous; we are endlessly grateful!”
Kong Chengping and the others hurriedly bowed, their voices carrying some fear of surviving a disaster and flattery.
And just as Peng Lang and the others were about to sit, a Water Carrier hurriedly entered, anxiously saying,
“Master Sun, Landlord, trouble downstairs!”
“What now?”
Sun Jun’s face grew even darker.
One after another making him lose face before the Landlord—Sun Jun was now full of fiery temperament inside, burning him unbearably irritable.
“It’s… it’s Chen Shun’an! He’s brought Sun Xiao and those defeated remnants, loudly demanding justice, and they’ve fought their way up!”
“What?!”
Sun Jun was stunned for a moment, then suddenly reacted, laughing angrily,
“Him? Chen Shun’an? A sixty-year-old man? Where’s Lin Shou Zhuo?”
Sun Jun thought the man had misspoken the name; it should be Lin Shou Zhuo who had come fighting up.
With the Great Accomplishment Ape Lin Shou Zhuo’s violent temper, it was somewhat possible.
The reporting Water Carrier had a mournful face, hesitantly saying,
“Master Sun, it’s absolutely true—it’s Chen Shun’an from Grit Well; I recognize him…”
It really was that cautious Old Man Chen?!
Sun Jun subconsciously glanced at the expressionless Zhao Guanghui in the host seat, forcibly suppressing his churning anger, and said gravely,
“Block them for me! Don’t disturb the Landlord’s enjoyment!”
Though that Chen Shun’an was Three Refinements Martial Body, Second-rate Late Stage cultivation, and today who knows what wild medicine he ate to dare come find his way back.
But fists fear the young and strong—how many could he punch through?
Not to mention he was a True Intent Master; even the accompanying Water Carriers, nearly ten Second-rate Experts, were enough to lay that old guy here.
“Yes, I’ll go right now!”
This Water Carrier hurriedly left, calling several burly gate guards to rush downstairs.
“Landlord, drink—don’t let these people disturb your enjoyment.”
Sun Jun took a deep breath, forcing a smile, standing to raise his cup in a toast to Zhao Guanghui.
Thud!
As Zhao Guanghui reached out, a muffled loud bang suddenly came from downstairs, shaking the entire Yuxing Tower violently!
Years of dust from the ceiling rustled down; the wine in the cups on the table shook violently, splashing the tabletop.
Thud thud!!
Like heavenly drums beating, sudden wind and thunder sounds, followed by three consecutive muffled booms from downstairs.
Mixed with cries of pain, wails, and the piercing sounds of objects breaking!
“Ouch…”
“Don’t hit, don’t hit…”
“Master, Master Chen, you’re really fierce… No no, you’re this!”
“Quick, go invite Master Sun upstairs!”
Crack!
The private room door was suddenly smashed open; a bruised, swollen, ragged-clothed figure rolled in, crying out,
“Master Sun, we can’t hold them—we can’t stop that Old Man Chen; he’s beaten all the way to the floor below!”
Sun Jun abruptly stood, eyes flashing cold light, about to curse, when a vigorous voice came from downstairs.
“Tell Sun Jun to roll out here and face me!”
“We all came from the Water Station, toiling for the Capital City people’s water; now he disregards fellow colleagues and stirs infighting… I want to see how Sun Jun has trained you!”
…
“Zhao Guangxi, you’ve done well…”
Meanwhile, in Ding Fu Village.
Ding Zhang gazed darkly at Zhao Guangxi.
Zhao Guangxi showed a puzzled expression and said, “What does Lord Ding mean? I don’t understand…”
Ding Zhang held a newly arrived appointment document, glancing disdainfully at Zhao Guangxi.
These Wuqing locals just had too many twists and turns.
Thinking up all sorts of schemes and plots.
Unlike him, who only knew how to spend money and make money.
“Forget it, hurry back to Tongzhou City.”
Ding Zhang seemed too lazy to quibble, shook his head, and unfolded the document in his hand.
Seeing it, Zhao Guangxi felt a great weight lift, completely settling down.
“Lord Ding,” he pondered briefly, cupped his hands and said, “Might there be an exception to hand over the Wellhead Seal and Chengping Guan Well Sword early to this subordinate?”
“Oh? Why—this doesn’t quite follow regulations.”
“Sigh, Brother Guo died too tragically; I’m worried about following in his footsteps and being targeted by Guo Lu Society rebels.”
Zhao Guangxi showed grief and worry.
Ding Zhang looked deeply at Zhao Guangxi, hesitated, then called for the two items, saying,
“Fine, I’ll give you the appointment document too. Announce it whenever you want; Ding will set off for Tongzhou today.”
Hearing this, Zhao Guangxi did not hesitate, straightened his robe, bowed deeply and solemnly, saying gravely,
“Your subordinate Zhao Guangxi respectfully sees off Lord Ding!”
Ding Zhang pursed his lips, strode past Zhao Guangxi in square steps.
At this moment, he suddenly paused, patted Zhao Guangxi’s shoulder, and said,
“Little Zhao, do well; I’ll wait for you in Tongzhou City.”
Zhao Guangxi returned to Wuqing County, heading straight for Crouching Tiger Well.
Elder Feng still sat in the well shed’s shadow, as if rooted to the spot, never leaving from start to finish.
“All set?”
Elder Feng sensed the arrival, his eyes opening and closing.
“Set.” Zhao Guangxi chuckled, his tone carrying irrepressible delight.
Elder Feng nodded slightly, said no more, only casting his gaze to the green stone chessboard before him: “Another game?”
“Please!”
Moments later.
Zhao Guangxi’s eyes fixed dead on Elder Feng’s moves, refusing to shift from the chessboard.
Until finally the black chess pieces formed, thoroughly strangling the white pieces, another win; only then did Zhao Guangxi nod in satisfaction, slowly standing and cupping his hands,
“Elder Feng, Little Zhao will come tomorrow to play chess with you again.”
“Scram! No need! You bully-the-old-and-young guy! Lately I’ll be in closed death seclusion, seeing no guests.”
Elder Feng glared irritably at Zhao Guangxi, flicking his sleeve over the chessboard.
No visible movement, no internal energy fluctuation, yet the green stone chessboard and pieces turned to powder, blown away by the wind and vanished.
From today, no more chess!
Zhao Guangxi smiled, said no more, turned and walked out of the street.
Zhao Guangxi had liked teasing Elder Feng since young, loved seeing this senior’s exasperated look.
Just then, a blur swiftly approached, landing before him, cupping hands and saying,
“Landlord, Zhao Guanghui secretly went to Banye Ferry Crossing, and today at noon, Sun Xiao and the others… Now Chen Shun’an has taken them to Yuxing Tower.”
What?
Joy flashed on Zhao Guangxi’s face; after a brief thought, he immediately said gravely,
“Quick, prepare carriages and horses… Never mind, I’ll go ahead; you all hurry to catch up and protect me!”
With that, wind and rain filled the sky, fine gauze swept.
The crowd only saw a blur before their eyes, and Zhao Guangxi’s figure was completely gone, only the lingering command seeming to vibrate faintly in the air.
Seeing this, many showed ghostly expressions.
Landlord Zhao’s cultivation was actually so profound?
Then what protection do we need to provide!
