Chapter 197: A Golden Age Unseen In Nine Hundred Years!
Chen Shun’an’s gaze passed over Zhang Xiangling and Xu Hong, then paused slightly on Red Fifth Master.
Hong Lao Wu actually appeared here…
Where is Tian Xuan Saint?
Red Fifth Master’s clothes were tattered, the blood scabs already turned purple-black, seemingly confirming he had just gone through a major battle.
“It seems Red Fifth Master and Guo Lu Society’s people couldn’t hold out…”
A realization rose in Chen Shun’an’s heart, his thoughts surged like tides, his five senses greatly heightened, extending toward all directions.
The wind outside the courtyard, the water in the pond, the distant night watchman’s clapper, even the dripping sound of melting snow from the eaves—every subtle detail flooded into his mind.
There was no trace of Tian Xuan Saint’s aura.
Chen Shun’an slightly relaxed.
Zhang Xiangling noticed Chen Shun’an seated at the head of the main table, guessed his identity, and immediately walked over slowly.
“You are Chen Shun’an?”
Unsure of Zhang Xiangling’s intent, Chen Shun’an stood and cupped his hands, saying calmly,
“Chen Mou has seen Miss Zhang. Please take a seat. It’s just simple tea and plain food, don’t mind it.”
“What did you call me?”
Zhang Xiangling suddenly stopped, tilting up her small face, saying seriously,
“By generation rank, you should call me Youngest Aunt!”
Hearing this, the smile on Chen Shun’an’s face instantly froze, then half his face darkened.
But if strictly by generation rank, what Zhang Xiangling said was indeed correct.
The direct line of Wuqing Zhang Clan was few in number, with sparse descendants, and all extremely long-lived.
This led to severe cases of late births, with men in their seventies or eighties still fertile.
Chen Shun’an’s cheap father-in-law Old Master Zhang was merely a collateral branch split from Zhang Family, already one generation lower than Zhang Family Head, and even had to call Zhang Xiangling ‘little sister’.
However, after Zhang Shi was expelled from Zhang Family and relocated to Wuqing County, they even restarted the family registry, so these generation ranks naturally no longer counted.
Zhang Family did not acknowledge it.
Zhang Village wanted to acknowledge it but dared not.
Therefore, at this moment, Chen Shun’an’s usual trick of acting old and selling experience completely failed.
But…
When Zhang Xiangling said this, many people on site raised their brows, exchanged glances, shared thoughts, and secretly speculated.
Everyone present was an acquaintance of Chen Shun’an.
They naturally knew all about his ‘son-in-law’ identity, and had vaguely heard about the old kindnesses and grudges between Zhang Village and Zhang Family.
This young heavenly pride Zhang Xiangling, walking in Wuqing County, was practically Zhang Family’s face.
She had just arrived here, not visiting Wuqing County Magistrate or those elders, but first appearing at Chen Shun’an’s family banquet, even making Chen Shun’an call her Youngest Aunt…
Could it be that Zhang Family wanted Zhang Mansion to recognize ancestors and return to the sect, and take in Chen Shun’an along the way?
After all, Old Chen was now a late bloomer, with Three Refinements Martial Body. As long as he didn’t fall, he would at least be a True Intent Master at Slay Four Thieves in the future.
No matter where placed, he would count as a brave and skilled general!
Only a few like Zhao Guangxi and Golden Needle Li knew more inside information, and at this moment vaguely felt things were not simple.
Three Refinements Martial Body, though with infinite potential.
But Chen Shun’an’s age was already advanced, probably not worth Zhang Family making a big fuss and coming specially.
Even sending this girl Zhang Xiangling to contact Chen Shun’an.
Zhao Guangxi gave Chen Shun’an a deep look, thinking to himself,
“This old fox Old Chen hides deep enough, probably keeping quite a few things from me.”
Golden Needle Li glanced at Chen Shun’an standing in place, chuckled, and leisurely watched the excitement.
With just one sentence, Zhang Xiangling stirred up everyone’s thoughts, minds turning hundreds of times.
This was Zhang Family’s terrifying influence.
Chen Shun’an looked at Zhang Xiangling in front of him, opened his mouth, about to say something.
Then he faintly heard barking dogs and soaring eagles and other noisy sounds from outside the house.
Figures in brocade clothes and embroidered jackets, with stern auras, all swept toward Nine Great Families, gathering outside Mianyi Residence.
“Miss Zhang, I am Transport Chief of Caobang Stone Chamber Nunnery, Zhu Tao. Please do me the honor of a brief meeting…”
“Miss Zhang, long admired your great name. I am young landlord of Libao Trading Company, Jiang Dahua. Please grace us with your presence!”
“Xiangling fairy~ I am from Xiao Lian Gong Jing Zhai… This past summer, I arranged a banquet on Tongzhou Chaobai River, wrote invitations, and bitterly invited the fairy but to no avail. Now hearing Miss Zhang has appeared in Wuqing County, I traveled thousands of miles to invite again…”
One after another voices—flattering, clear, or full of admiration—rose from outside the courtyard wall.
Worldly affairs show cold and warm, people chase after the high.
As soon as Zhang Xiangling leaked the wind and exposed her whereabouts, it drew all the interested people from Wuqing County, even Tongzhou City, gathering at Mianyi Residence.
If not for Mother Liu just now seeing Zhang Xiangling ‘arrive uninvited’ and quietly closing the residence gate.
These people would probably have long broken through the threshold and barged in.
“Hmph, annoying flies!”
Zhang Xiangling wrinkled her nose, showing displeasure, then looked down at Chen Shun’an from above, saying,
“Forget it, make it quick… fight me!”
“Ah?” Chen Shun’an frowned.
Zhang Xiangling urged impatiently: “Hurry hurry, fight Grandma Aunt me!”
As long as Chen Shun’an fought her, whether he had comprehended Six Sceneries Rotation True Cultivation Manual or not would be impossible to hide.
Zhang Xiangling was too lazy for probing questions.
We martial artists go straight, never bound by worldly favors!
Chen Shun’an’s expression unchanged, he suddenly said,
“Then I concede.”
“No conceding, how can you concede without fighting?!”
Zhang Xiangling was stunned for a moment, then reacted fiercely, showing annoyance, stamping her feet in urgency.
“Chen Mou knows he is no match for Youngest Aunt, how can he overrate himself and offend his elder…”
Chen Shun’an’s expression normal, decisively playing the junior bullying the senior.
“…”
Zhang Xiangling immediately realized she had talked herself into a corner.
This Chen Shun’an was slippery as an eel!
Zhang Xiangling glared at him puffing with anger, and after a while snorted,
“I’ll come find you another day… I’ll take these people away, so I don’t cause you trouble!”
Zhang Xiangling glanced at the family banquet that came with her and was interrupted, showing a bit of embarrassment.
“Grandma Aunt I am in Wuqing County now. If anyone bullies you, tell me, I’ll help you settle scores!”
“From now on, Youngest Aunt I will protect you!”
Zhang Xiangling put on an old-mannish air, tiptoed to pat Chen Shun’an’s shoulder with effort, then imitating the Martial World heroes in her impression, puffed her cheeks and let out a ‘hahaha’ big laugh.
For a moment, Chen Shun’an was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
He could only cup his hands helplessly: “Respectfully seeing off Youngest Aunt.”
Zhang Xiangling nodded in satisfaction, then abruptly turned, her figure lunging and stretching, a series of crackling bone pops sounding from her body.
Like muscles and bones rubbing, joints shifting, her petite frame surprisingly became like a satin ribbon, moving with the wind, real and illusory hard to distinguish. In a blink, she flipped over the courtyard wall, landing on a shop rooftop dozens of feet away.
“What exceptional movement technique!”
Including Chen Shun’an, many under the colorful tent brightened up.
Many merchants and minor officials also poked their heads out, some even standing, eyes chasing that figure, faces full of amazement.
Even by Chen Shun’an’s standards, he could hardly find fault with Zhang Xiangling’s Flying Immortal movement technique.
Probably when he was at Slaying Three Bandits realm, he was only slightly better… by four or five measures.
Zhang Xiangling stood alone on high ground, sleeves flapping loudly, overlooking the ground, voice arrogant:
“You filthy chaotic ones, disturbing Grandma Aunt’s peace again! What miss fairy, I am a no-headscarf real man, clanging wife, stand a man on my fist, run a horse on my arm, walk a man on my face!”
“Want to invite me to eat? Catch me, beat me first!”
Her voice sharp, resounding over Nine Great Families, dust and clamor rising everywhere.
With that, Zhang Xiangling’s figure leaped into the night and disappeared.
In Mianyi Residence, Xu Hong seeing this showed helplessness, cupped hands slightly toward Chen Shun’an, then hurried to follow.
Red Fifth Master glanced at Zhao Guangxi, eyes flickering.
Then glanced at Chen Shun’an again.
For some reason, since entering here, he always felt this little old man Chen Shun’an looked familiar.
As if seen before.
But couldn’t say where.
But at this time, he was quite aware of becoming a prisoner.
Even though the ‘official’ left first, he strode out with a whoosh, toward Zhang Xiangling and the other.
He had now exposed his identity, come into the open.
In entire Wuqing County, people wanting to kill him were as numerous as carp crossing the river.
Instead, becoming Zhang Family’s prisoner became his lifesaver, making everyone hesitate to act.
Master Zhang wanted to use Red Fifth Master as bait, and Red Fifth Master also had to temporarily lie low, borrow Zhang Family’s power to recuperate and avoid the spotlight.
Zhang Xiangling and the two left one after another.
The various dignitaries gathered at Mianyi Residence gate also dispersed like tidewater.
Hoofbeats, footsteps mixed with shouts gradually faded.
In a moment, Mianyi Residence that was just noisy and clamorous returned to quiet.
Only the shop clerks on the street and servants behind the residence gate quietly poked heads out, peering at Mianyi Residence by lantern light.
This newly moved Shopkeeper Chen actually drew so many big shots to stop—what was his background?
Inside Mianyi Residence.
Chen Shun’an showed helplessness, could only sit back at the table, apologizing,
“Everyone, sorry for the disturbance, I neglected you.”
“No no, continue eating, opera performers, keep performing, why rest!”
San Dezi and others quickly spoke, smoothing things over for Chen Shun’an.
The troupe leader nodded hurriedly, huqin sounds rose again.
The family banquet continued.
But with Zhang Xiangling’s interlude, many present already wanted to leave, to find out what happened with Zhang Xiangling tonight.
After simply eating a few more bites, they bid farewell one after another.
Even Zhao Guangxi after the meal only stayed briefly, drank a cup of tea, then left with his family.
There was a small incident during this.
He Qiang’s neighbor came on behalf of someone, saying his sick wife suddenly vomited blood and had an attack.
He Qiang hearing this left without a word, looking hurried.
Before leaving.
Zhao Guangxi suddenly pulled Chen Shun’an aside, grabbed his hand, tone serious,
“Old Chen, how has Zhao Mou treated you usually?”
Chen Shun’an’s face tightened, said solemnly,
“Chen Mou was originally a commoner, drifting half a life. Luckily Landlord promoted me to have today. Landlord’s kindness, impossible to repay in lifetime!”
“Good!”
Excitement flashed in Zhao Guangxi’s eyes, voice trembling slightly,
“Old Chen, Zhao Mou doesn’t care how many secrets you have, what identity… help Zhao Mou this time, help me win Ao Shan Daoist Academy’s year-end grand celebration quota!”
The reason Zhang Xiangling was so popular, surrounded and flattered by countless people.
Besides her being a heavenly pride herself, there was another important reason.
Zhang Xiangling was a specially recruited ‘exceptional talent’ of Ao Shan Daoist Academy, holding several escort quotas, also a way to besiege Wei to rescue Zhao, stepping into Ao Shan Daoist Academy by other means.
Moreover, befriending Zhang Xiangling had many benefits, perhaps even some inside info on Four Great Daoist Academies’ year-end grand celebration would leak.
Even if luckily winning the beauty, perhaps chicken and dog ascend to heaven, husband honored by wife.
Zhao Guangxi had seen the ‘aunt-nephew’ relation between Zhang Xiangling and Chen Shun’an, wanting Chen Shun’an to pull him in!
This year Four Great Daoist Academies widely opened immortal paths, Wuqing County had eight year-end grand celebration quotas, averaging two per academy.
Monks many, meat few. Even with Zhao Guangxi’s current strength and status, no great assurance.
Moreover, water station business inherently had deep ties with Ao Shan Daoist Academy. Many Capital Water Merchants Association executives and old guys had studied there back then.
So, unless Zhao Guangxi started his own sect and defected from water station business.
He could only choose Ao Shan Daoist Academy.
Equal to contending for those two quotas!
And fittingly, Zhang Family also held important status in Ao Shan Daoist Academy…
Chen Shun’an was silent for a moment.
Zhao Guangxi seemed to see his hesitation, sighed, tone with some earnestness,
“Old Chen, don’t blame Zhao Mou for blunt words. Even if you break through True Intent before year-end, Slaying One Bandit realm is still too low. Even with Three Refinements Martial Body, basically no hope for grand celebration.”
“If you help Zhao Mou this time, even if fail, from next year, Zhao Mou absolutely won’t compete with you for year-end grand celebration quota! Even will go all out, eliminate rivals, leave Landlord position to you.”
Moments later, Chen Shun’an nodded: “Chen Mou understands, will definitely help with all I have.”
Hearing this, Zhao Guangxi relaxed, somewhat listlessly patted Chen Shun’an’s shoulder, slowly left.
Actually, there was a secret matter Zhao Guangxi chose to conceal.
Due to Qianning Envoy Mission Visit the Sacred Dynasty, at latest by year-end bottom, would arrive at Capital City.
To show great national prestige, spectacle of barbarians submitting.
Sacred Dynasty’s various academies, especially Tongzhou City Ao Shan, Yue Shan etc. Four Great Daoist Academies, would cultivate disciples with unprecedented intensity.
Even immortals lecturing, receiving talismans and meridian opening, granting longevity.
His Majesty personally wrote ‘Our dynasty unifies the universe, inner and outer barbarians sincerely transform, sign of myriad nations coming to court’ to set the tone.
Therefore, this year’s year-end grand celebration was extremely important.
A grand era Sacred Dynasty hadn’t seen in nine hundred years!
Zhao Guangxi must contend!
Even use any means to contend!
Even if making his subordinates suffer, sacrificing Old Chen’s interests.
At worst, compensate double later.
Watching Zhao Guangxi’s departing back, Chen Shun’an’s gaze deep, closed the gate, turned back to courtyard.
Chen Shun’an vaguely guessed Zhao Guangxi’s thoughts.
But Zhao Guangxi probably never thought, besides winning grand celebration quota, submitting as escort, flattering dignitaries, there was another way to step into academies, entering the Dao through Martial Arts.
That was…
Cultivate to Martial Dao Grandmaster!
Make the academies personally come invite!
