Chapter 131: Gifting A Residence, Redeeming Merits
After all, Three Refinements Martial Body only represents extraordinary potential.
Whereas a First-rate Martial Artist has already converted potential into strength.
If He Qiang truly breaks through to First-rate, not only will his own status soar greatly, with all sorts of glory, wealth, and honors coming in droves, but Landlord Zhao’s subordinates will then have the protection of four First-rate Martial Artists…
Quite reminiscent of the peak period when Lu Jing had not yet fallen out with the Landlord years ago!
However, Chen Shun’an also saw the shocking undercurrents hidden beneath this matter.
In Wuqing County, many people probably do not wish to see Zhao Guangxi’s household with four True Intent Masters, and even within the Water Station itself, some have developed disloyal thoughts.
After all, Lin Shou Zhuo has only recently broken through to First-rate, and now with Chong He Martial Tendon Body and Quasi True Intent…
There is already a trend of breaking the internal balance.
Zhao Guangxi even personally came to Grit Well, invited a bunch of brothers to a meal, and specially offered earnest consolation to Chen Shun’an.
“Good on you, Old Chen, you’ve really done Zhao proud! Keep up the good work, I won’t treat you poorly!”
“Use whatever skills you have to their fullest, don’t stir up trouble, but we won’t fear it either. I’ve got your back! I’ve said hello in the Inner Department of the Sticky Rod Bureau. Do what you want, or don’t—no one will dare make things hard for you!”
Zhao Guangxi even invited Chen Shun’an and Wan Niang to the residence for a family banquet, introducing his Madam and a pair of children to Chen Shun’an.
Afterward, he used his own private sedan chair, taking the main streets exclusively, to send Chen Shun’an back to Chaodou Hutong.
Chen Shun’an naturally understood the meaning behind Zhao Guangxi’s actions: it was to tell those with ill intentions in the shadows that Chen Shun’an had his protection.
Whoever dares to ambush Chen Shun’an, even harboring thoughts of letting this Elderly Heavenly Pride die young, had better think twice about themselves!
In response, Chen Shun’an could only silently etch Landlord Zhao’s kindness in his heart.
It’s good to seek shade under a big tree.
Chen Shun’an could only hope that the Landlord truly keeps his word and can truly shield him…
The second piece of good news was that Lin Shou Zhuo did not go back on his word and indeed secured a Third-class Great Merit and a Fifth-Class Minor Merit for Chen Shun’an.
It was the greatest military merit issued since the Wuqing Sticky Rod Bureau was first established.
Of course, behind this there was probably the gaming of various factions in the Inner Department, and it was inextricably linked to Chen Shun’an’s revealed Second-rate Late Stage strength and Three Refinements Martial Body.
Most people felt there was no need to offend a nailed-on True Intent Master for this, so it was smooth sailing all the way.
Moreover, large and small forces in Wuqing County all threw olive branches to Chen Shun’an, some wanting to fund him in advance with money, others wanting to hire Chen Shun’an as an Instructor or Guest Official.
All sorts of invitations to meals, boarding painted boats to visit brothels.
Without exception, Chen Shun’an politely declined them all.
At his age, Chen Shun’an could naturally distinguish between fleeting clouds obscuring his eyes and his own strength—which was more important.
These useless formalities and social niceties would only slow down his path to getting stronger…
He would consider Slaying the Six Thieves or becoming a Martial Dao Grandmaster once he grew stronger.
Not to mention, Zhao Guangxi was now subtly at the eye of the storm.
As his subordinate, he naturally needed to have some tact and keep a low profile for the Landlord.
These were good news, but there was similarly no shortage of bad news.
For instance, at Banye Ferry Crossing, people have sighted multiple underwater demons appearing, even coming ashore, already causing casualties among people and livestock.
Quite a few demons even possess intelligence, knowing to set ambushes, striking at late-returning fishermen in the dead of night, even imitating infant cries to lure living people into the water.
For a time, people above and below the Jindu were panic-stricken, and dark currents surged in Wuqing County.
The Wuqing Sticky Rod Bureau has already drawn elite forces, ordering various factions to dispatch First-rate experts to take turns guarding the Jindu riverbank, patrolling in segments—no slacking allowed.
On Zhao Guangxi’s side, Lin Shou Zhuo has just broken through not long ago, with an unstable realm; that elder practicing Immovable Zen Skill also hasn’t made a move in ages.
So he sent Zhou Qing, who has been away from the county for a full three days, even personally engaging in combat with a Great Demon comparable to a True Intent Master.
Chen Shun’an heard that the situation at Banye Ferry Crossing is quite unfavorable, even affecting Canal Transport, drawing the court’s fury and attention.
Fortunately, Lu Jing stepped in, steering a small boat into the river midst, luring three water Great Demons to strike, and boldly slaying them.
Fist Intent vast and surging, lingering for days without dissipating; demon blood stained the river, unwashed away.
Only then was this demon cloud dispersed, intimidating the water demons, and maintaining surface peace once more.
……
This day.
After duty, Chen Shun’an bought a string of sorghum red big crabs at the market, huge and fat, with massive claws and thick meat—top-grade hat goods.
Holding crabs to admire chrysanthemums is a Wuqing tradition; in previous years, Chen Shun’an was all alone and naturally had no interest.
But this year with a beauty by his pillow, he naturally couldn’t skimp.
“The Sticky Rod Bureau’s Treasury has finally been organized, right in the underground chamber of the Liangjiang Military Academy. Heard there are plenty of treasures—even the court bled heavily… Tomorrow I’ll go take a look and exchange the great merits.”
Chen Shun’an felt a blaze in his heart, his steps lightening.
As he thought this, he reached the entrance of Chaodou Hutong.
Chen Shun’an then saw a man in silk and satin, upright in stature, silently standing by the passageway.
Seeing this person, Chen Shun’an frowned: “You…”
“Brother Chen!”
Yue Ting full of smiles, proactively cupped his hands toward Chen Shun’an and said,
“Brother Chen! These past days I’ve seen you busy and didn’t dare disturb. Today I waited specially for quite a while…”
With that, Yue Ting took out a well-preserved deed from his bosom—
“Seller: Wuqing County Tax Inspector Patrol Officer Lu Xiuchen. Due to need for silver to take up post in Shencheng, now selling one ancestral house, located at the south end of West Iron Gate Hutong at Vegetable Market Intersection, a four-courtyard compound… Buyer: Chen Shun’an.”
Chen Shun’an’s brow twitched slightly, saying nothing.
Yue Ting smiled: “Over these years, there have been quite some misunderstandings between Wanlong Pounding House and Brother Chen. Landlord Huang instructed me to come make amends. As the saying goes, better to make up with enemies than knot grudges. Back then Zheng Shicheng acted quite improperly, but karma turns swiftly… Now Landlord Huang also greatly admires Brother Chen—please accept this…”
Chen Shun’an gave Yue Ting a deep look.
To be honest, he had been considering whether to quietly eliminate Yue Ting, even sneaking to his home the night before last to scout in advance.
Even for this newly appointed Landlord Huang, Chen Shun’an had already mapped out how many in his household, how many chickens and dogs, which streets he often passed through, what time to strike for easy body disposal…
All arranged clearly—just a matter of whether it was necessary.
But unexpectedly, Yue Ting and Huang Xing showed such sincerity, specially delivering a grand house!
Chen Shun’an glanced at the deed.
Twelve tile-roofed rooms, six side rooms, nine covered walkways, one drooping flower gate…
Almost the top configuration among four-courtyard compounds, right next to the vegetable market—lively yet secluded.
This wasn’t just about how much silver; such houses were in hot demand and rarely circulated on the market.
Outsiders wanting to buy one would have to bleed heavily.
However…
Chen Shun’an felt a bit regretful.
Your house has no pond, no waterside pavilion!
The gift didn’t hit Chen Shun’an’s sweet spot!
Chen Shun’an also had that hometown attachment, unwilling to move easily.
Troublesome.
“Many thanks for Brother Yue’s kind intentions…”
Chen Shun’an shook his head.
Yue Ting’s heart sank at the sight.
This meant they couldn’t be friends?
How was he to explain this to Landlord Huang?
“But Chen does have one presumptuous request.”
Suddenly, Chen Shun’an changed his tone.
“Oh? Please speak, Brother Chen!” Yue Ting’s eyes lit up.
“To be honest, I mistakenly entered Rongyuan Orphanage before. Sigh, soft-hearted for a moment, delivering water and grain, but with so many mouths to feed, even if Chen were made of gold, how many years could he sustain it?”
Chen Shun’an sighed and said: “I wonder if Landlord Huang would be willing to sponsor a bit, for Rongyuan Orphanage…”
“Rest assured, Brother Chen! From now on, Rongyuan Orphanage’s grain, rice, oil, and salt—Wanlong Pounding House has it covered!”
Yue Ting said firmly.
It was just a mere orphanage, feeding a hundred or so young children and boys—Wanlong Pounding House was a big operation, how could they care about that?
Moreover, this grain, rice, oil, and salt needed monthly supply—didn’t that make Rongyuan Orphanage a bridge between Wanlong Pounding House and Chen Shun’an, allowing frequent contact?!
Good, this was good!
Yue Ting chatted a few more pleasantries with Chen Shun’an, beaming, then hurriedly turned and took his leave.
Watching Yue Ting’s departing back, Chen Shun’an’s gaze was profound.
A certain great man once said: make many friends, make few enemies.
This was likewise the Sacred Dynasty’s way of securing one’s position.
If Wanlong Pounding House truly was as sensible as they appeared…
Pushing open the gate into the courtyard, he saw Wan Niang bending over to tend the medicine stove, the sand pot bubbling, medicinal fragrance wafting.
Money can sustain a person, but Chen Shun’an sustained even better.
Now Wan Niang, with Chen Shun’an’s various nourishments, had skin growing fairer by the day, appearing increasingly graceful and alluring.
Just by looks, it was hard to tell that mere months ago, she was a dark-skinned, rough farm wife.
Especially since Chen Shun’an ordered Ten-Perfect Medicinal Meals from the market; now three meals a day required no labor from Wan Niang.
Even Wan Niang’s hands had become slender and white as jade shoots.
It also allowed Wan Niang to focus more on her pharmaceutical research.
Chen Shun’an hefted the sorghum red big crabs in his hand and smiled,
“Wan Niang, steam the crabs, add some ginger…”
His words cut off abruptly as Wan Niang turned excitedly, her full bosom nearly bursting her satin.
Wan Niang held several silver needles soaked black in medicinal liquid.
“Brother, I’ve learned another acupuncture technique from Treasure Full Form Theory, helps qi circulation in organs and meridians—quick, strip and let me needle you!”
Chen Shun’an’s face turned bitter at once, feeling a vague ache in his back.
“Wan Niang, no, didn’t you just do it yesterday? These old bones of mine can’t take this torment!”
“It can also clarify Kidney Water, make your vigor surge, enhance bravery.”
Chen Shun’an’s expression turned serious, and he said resolutely,
“Then come on. Chen is willing to try.”
……
The next day.
Chen Shun’an felt light all over, sensing warmth at his kidneys, and upon careful recall of last night’s ordeal, he did feel his energy seemed genuinely improved?
Wan Niang, oh Wan Niang, how do you come up with new tricks?
Arriving at Liangjiang Military Academy, after showing his waist token, led by a martial artist in tight-fitting clothes, Chen Shun’an reached the garden behind the Tie Gong Ancestral Hall.
A vertical well, locked tight with iron chains, covered by airtight wrought iron.
A truly large-scale Treasury is generally built underground, often with only one entrance, rivaling a grand tomb in sealed tightness!
Chen Shun’an handed his waist token to the True Intent Master guarding the well.
This man’s cultivation was not weak; he looked listless, half in the grave, yet had Slaying Three Bandits strength—likely one of the Liangjiang Military Academy’s undying old relics.
The man carefully inspected the waist token, eyed Chen Shun’an’s appearance, then slowly retrieved a booklet from under a table and handed it to Chen Shun’an.
“This is the Exchange Ledger. Take a look at what you need.”
