Chapter 241: Proposing a Marriage, a Wedding
Since the head of the Southern Palace had hardened her heart
with ideas of proper social status, naturally, Jiang Chen wouldn’t let Qiao
Bais.h.i.+ come up short.
Jiang Chen was unequivocal when it came to his own people,
and he absolutely wouldn’t allow his own men to suffer losses.
After taking care of old man Fei, Jiang Chen sent a few
personal guards to deliver his handwritten letters to vice head s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao
of the Myriad Treasures Palace, Crown Prince Ye Rong and Tian Shao of the Dragonteeth
Guard…
Even Miss Dan Fei of the tutor’s manor received Jiang Chen’s
letter.
Didn’t the head of the Southern Palace want to make a fuss
about a display of splendor? Then let’s see who could be more ostentatious!
…….
When Jiang Chen arose the next day, one of his underlings
came in to report that Tian Shao of the Dragonteeth Guard had arrived.
One had to admit that Tian Shao was now one of Jiang Chen’s
loyal and diehard supporters.
Jiang Chen had taken him on his solo quest through the Guard
headquarters. He’d been the only one to witness the entire process, and the
psychological impact that that had left in his heart was indescribable with
words.
“Young master Chen, I’d wanted to immediately come and visit
you when I received your letter last night, but I learned that you had just
emerged from closed door cultivation. So, I was worried that it was too late
and I’d be affecting your rest, so… ”
“Haha, old Tian, what are you being so polite with me for?“
Jiang Chen chuckled.
Tian Shao also smiled and then responded, “Oh right, young
master Chen, vice director Zhou Kai prevailed upon me to ask you today when he
heard that you had invited me to propose a marriage on behalf of your friend.
He is also very interested and he would like to join in later if possible.”
Vice director Zhou Kai had been one of the biggest
beneficiaries since Yang Zhao's fall.
Previously, his t.i.tle of first vice director of the Guard
had far less influence than that of Yang Zhao’s. Now that Yang Zhao had fallen,
he was truly experiencing the sensation of being the first vice director.
His grat.i.tude towards Jiang Chen wasn’t his primary
motivator, but that he too could discern Jiang Chen’s uncommonalities from this
matter.
He felt that he didn’t have many conflicts of interest with
Jiang Chen and he had stood opposite of Yang Zhao in many areas. Therefore,
there seemed to be no problem in him taking the initiative and approaching
Jiang Chen.
It could even be said that Zhou Kai’s forwardness had a few
traces of b.u.t.tering up Jiang Chen.
Although he was the vice director of the Dragonteeth Guard,
he was well aware that in the eyes of a genius like Jiang Chen, a vice director
was just a fart!
Yang Zhao had also been a vice director with great power and
incredible domination. And what happened to him? He’d paid the price with his life
after offending Jiang Chen.
Zhou Kai’s sensitive perception noted that Jiang Chen had a
great future in front of him. This was a person worth creating a
relations.h.i.+p with.
Jiang Chen knew that Zhou Kai was offering an olive branch
when he heard Tian Shao’s words. He smiled, “It’s rare that vice director Zhou
Kai is also interested. With vice director Zhou Kai’s aid, the entourage to
propose the marriage will be even grander!”
Dan Fei also arrived as they were speaking.
Dan Fei had obviously taken special pains in making herself
up today. Fresh, light makeup added a few hints of friendliness to her
demeanor.
“Sister Dan Fei, as an ethereal G.o.ddess, you don’t mind
that I’m asking you to run an errand? Do you?”
Dan Fei’s slender eyebrow arched, “Don’t poke fun at me.
What would you do if I minded?”
Jiang Chen chuckled. “Then I’ll be part of your entourage in
the future when you marry and heighten your presence!”
Dan Fei’s elegant mouth moved slightly when she heard these
words and her exquisite nose wrinkled slightly.
Her lips quivered but she didn’t say anything, rolling her
eyes at Jiang Chen.
Crown Prince Ye Rong, vice head s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao, and the
vice director Zhou Kai all arrived at the Jiang manor not long after.
Old man Fei also rushed in as soon as they’d set foot
through the door.
All of Jiang Chen’s invited party were present and accounted
for.
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ tsk’ed inwardly in amazement as he looked at
the impressive entourage, touched beyond words. He knew that his honored master
had called for so many on such a short amount of time to bolster his, Qiao
Bais.h.i.+’s, entourage!
Who in the Skylaurel Kingdom would be able to measure up to
this entourage?
Wasn’t Ning Qingyan’s mother, the head of the Southern
Palace, disdainful of his birth?
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was well aware that the honored master was
doing this to enhance his public image and give him face.
…..
It was destined to be a bustling day in the Southern
Palace’s stronghold in the capital.
Elder Ning of the Southern Palace was publicly selecting a
groom, this was one of the biggest matters in the capital.
As one of the four great sites, the Southern Palace’s
position in the capital was more than ordinary. The fact that one of the elders
of the Southern Palace, the daughter of the head, was publicly selecting a
groom would naturally cause an uproar throughout the capital.
What kind of talented man would it take to be worthy of an
elder of the Southern Palace and the Palace head’s son-in-law?
One entourage coming to propose marriage had arrived at the
door of the Southern Palace’s stronghold at this moment.
This entourage had come from the the Northern Palace.
The star from the Northern Palace was the personal disciple
of the head of the Northern Palace, one of the three great geniuses, Xiao Yu.
This Xiao Yu wasn’t on the same level as Liu Can.
Liu Can had broken through half step spirit realm on a fluke
to become first level spirit realm. He’d barely managed to squeeze into the top
tier of disciples within the Northern Palaces.
However, Xiao Yu was one of the three big geniuses of the
Northern Palace, his level of training had reached second level spirit realm.
Entering the Precious Tree Sect was a foregone conclusion.
However, at Xiao Yu’s level, his goal wasn’t simply to enter
the Precious Tree Sect. He wanted to achieve even better results during the
sect’s selection process and stun everyone present, achieving an even higher
position when he entered the sect.
Entering the sect was no longer Xiao Yu’s goal.
His goal was to obtain an even higher t.i.tle when he
entered the Precious Tree Sect.
He possessed full confidence when coming to propose marriage
this time. To be honest, he didn’t have much interest in an alliance by
marriage to the Southern Palace.
He hadn’t been too happy to hear the seniors in his Northern
Palace mention this matter.
But after seeing Elder Ning’s features, his more base
desires came to the fore.
Having been madeover by the Four Seasons Eternal Spring
Pill, Ning Qingyan’s beauty was at the level of causing disasters. It wouldn’t
be an exaggeration to say that her beauty would cause cities and kingdoms to
capitulate.
Add to that, Ning Qingyan’s unique aura, all of it made her
seem greatly different to ordinary girls!
Xiao Yu normally had a high consideration of himself but he
acted quite out of the ordinary when he saw Ning Qingyan’s looks, proactively
pursuing her with declarations of love.
He also cooperated fully with the Northern Palace’s marriage
plans.
Due to the previous matter of Liu Can and the others, the
Northern Palace had also realized that they were being subtly ostracized by the
other three sites.
Therefore, this time’s marriage was one of the ways they
could break the stalemate.
They didn’t wish to see the other three sites reach an
accordance amongst themselves and exile the Northern Palace. Once they were
ostracized, the Northern Palace would be beaten down by the others sooner or
later.
The senior executives of the Northern Palace wanted to avoid
this at all costs.
Therefore, they had chosen to ally through marriage and
change the situation.
Xiao Yu had been the one selected. Although he was a few
years younger than Ning Qingyan, with his level of training, it was feasible to
overlook being a few years younger.
Particularly when Xiao Yu himself had been mesmerized by
Qingyan’s beauty, and she was the daughter of the Southern Palace head to boot.
They were of equal social status when it came down to it.
His entourage included almost all of the senior executives
of the Northern Palace. He’d also invited quite a few sect disciples to bolster
his train.
It could be seen that he was determined to get the girl.
Xiao Yu himself had also gone to great pains to dress
himself. He looked quite vigorous and energetic, with a demeanor of “who else
if not me?”.
“Northern Palace disciple Xiao Yu greets Southern Palace
head Ning.”
The head of the Southern Palace was also surnamed Ning. This
meant that Ning Qingyan had taken her mother’s surname.
The princess of the Southern Palace, old woman Ning, liked
what she saw more and more as she looked over the tall and handsome Xiao Yu.
“Heh heh, not bad, not bad. I too have heard of you, the genius of the Northern
Palace. Your future is unlimited once you enter the Precious Tree Sect to
pursue advanced studies.”
Xiao Yu was inwardly filled with pride when he heard these
compliments and he smiled demurely, flicking a glance at Ning Qingyan behind
the old woman. When he saw Ning Qingyan’s s.e.xy and alluring body, the blush
peeking through her glistening, translucent skin, and how her exquisitely
shaped face was accompanied with defined features, he couldn’t find the
slightest bit of flaw to her, even when using the most critical of eyes to
a.s.sess her. She appeared quite lovely and she seemed to invite others to
protect her.
“Qingyan, Xiao Yu greets you.”
Ning Qingyan frowned slightly. Although this Xiao Yu looked
gentlemanly, she wasn’t the slightest bit predisposed towards him.
She even slightly disliked him in her heart. If it wasn’t
for this guy, her mother may not have objected to her and Qiao Bais.h.i.+!
However, she still maintained her composure in front of so
many others and nodded faintly, “h.e.l.lo.”
Her eyes scanned outside the door a bit anxiously after she
spoke, her slender neck craning like a white swan as her two clavicle bones
further offset the length and paleness of her neck.
Judging from Xiao Yu and the Northern Palace’s att.i.tudes,
they felt that they had it in the bag already.
Qingyan was a bit worried, but in a woman’s heart, it was
naturally the man that she loved who was the best in the world.
She believed that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ wouldn’t flee and he would
surely come with his entourage to propose marriage to her.
She already decided that if someone was up to anything in
the shadows today, she wouldn’t mind eloping either.
She liked Qiao Bais.h.i.+. She liked his conversations, his
demeanor, his being, and everything about him!
In the moment that he’d offered the pill to her, she could
no longer tolerate another man in her heart.
“Qingyan, sit down. So many honored guests have come today,
why are you so distracted?” Palace head Ning’s tone was slightly displeased.
A report came in from outside the door at this time, “Palace
head, another entourage proposing marriage has arrived outside.”
Chapter 242: A Frightening Entourage to Propose Marriage
Since it was a public selection, it was rather normal for
several entourages to put in an appearance.
However, Palace Head Ning was quite aware that this
so-called “other entourage” was none other than that foreigner Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
Who didn’t know that this public groom selection was
something she had cooked up to advertise the alliance between the Southern and
Northern Palace?
She’d also wanted to use the name of the Northern Palace to
push out Qiao Bais.h.i.+, making him realize his situation and beat a retreat
in the face of difficulties maintaining his distance from her daughter.
Ning Qingyan’s alluring body shot to its feet. “Is it
Bais.h.i.+? Hurry and show them in.”
Palace Head Ning’s face darkened as she shouted, “Qingyan,
sit down! What Bais.h.i.+ or Lais.h.i.+? There’s only sir Xiao Yu today, here
to propose marriage on behalf of the Northern Palace. I will consider no one
else!”
Ning Qingyan wore an aggrieved expression. “Mother, are you
the one getting married or am I the one getting married? What do your
considerations have to do with me?”
“Parents have the final say in something as momentous as
marriage.” Palace Head Ning was quite domineering.
She raised her eyebrows and called out, “Go, sweep that brat
who doesn’t know how to appreciate a favor out the door. Tell him that the
Southern Palace doesn’t welcome him, and that he should give up!”
The messenger stood there a bit awkwardly, not sure whether
to leave or stay.
Palace Head Ning’s face froze, “What, are my words hot air?
Go and throw them out, get the h.e.l.l away!”
“Palace Head… this won’t be easy to do.”
“Why isn’t this an easy thing to do?!” Old woman Ning slapped
the table.
“There are a lot of your friends in this new entourage.”
“Friends?” Palace Head Ning started. “Who?”
“Elder Fei from the Qingyang Valley, vice head s.h.i.+ from
the Myriad Treasures Palace, vice director Zhou from the Dragonteeth Guard… and
Crown Prince Ye Rong. There are also quite a few other n.o.bles and powerful
characters.”
“What?” Palace Head Ning’s face was full of astonishment.
“What are they doing here? Can it be that they know I am marrying off my
daughter and have come to have a celebratory drink?”
“Judging from their posture, they look like they’re part of
Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s entourage.” The messenger had to respond truthfully.
“Impossible!” Old woman Ning shook her head immediately.
“Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is just a foreign kid. He can send my daughter’s head spinning
with some fancy words, but how would he be able to impose on these characters
to come help him propose marriage? He must’ve just so happened to run into them
coming to congratulate me. Hmph, swaggering about on borrowed influence, he’s
just appearing together with them.”
She then turned her attention towards the senior executives
of the Northern Palace, “Please take a seat honored guests; unfortunately, I
cannot sit idly by now that so many guests have arrived.”
Northern Palace Head Liu Chengfeng knit his brow slightly.
His intuition buzzed; even if this group of people had wanted to come and drink
in celebration, wasn’t it too much of a coincidence for them to all come at
this particular time?
Although he was a bit taken aback, he still maintained his
gentlemanly demeanor. Liu Chengfeng chuckled, “Please do as you’d like, Palace Head
Ning.”
Ning Qingyan didn’t need her mother’s summons to follow
excitedly behind her.
“Qingyan, what are you doing coming with me instead of
keeping the guests company?”
“Dearest mother, I’m so bored inside.”
Palace Head Ning snorted, “d.a.m.ned girl, don’t blame me
for not warning you. If that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ creates a fuss today, I’ll see to
it that he doesn’t have an easy time of things!”
“Dearest mother, then I’m also telling you that I’m not
marrying if I don’t marry Qiao Bais.h.i.+!”
“d.a.m.ned girl, must you really send me to an early grave
from anger?!”
The mother and daughter duo had arrived outside the door as
they spoke.
Seeing a bevy of familiar faces rather startled Palace Head
Ning.
“Valley master Fei, vice head s.h.i.+, vice director Zhou,
and Your Highness -- and who might this young, handsome man be?” Palace Head
Ning had never seen Jiang Chen before, and had no idea who he was whilst he was
surrounded by the crowd.
“I am Jiang Chen, greetings to Palace Head Ning.” Jiang Chen
smiled faintly.
Old man Fei however, immediately started clamoring about
with that bra.s.s gong like voice of his, “Palace Head Ning, you can’t favor
one more than the other! I’ve heard that the entourage from the Northern Palace
has long since been sipping fine wine and tea, yet we stand out here suffering
from cold and hunger. Not fair, this isn’t fair!”
This old man had always been an expert at quipping and
pestering others endlessly. Although it seemed like he was protesting Palace
Head Ning’s unfairness with his cries, he was actually conveying an important
message that they were here to propose marriage.
Indeed, Palace Head Ning blanked, “Old man Fei, what are you
talking about?”
Old man Fei laughed oddly, “Palace Head Ning, I’m really
p.i.s.sed off. The Northern Palace proposes marriage and so has my friend, but
I hear that you’ve thrown my friend out and treats the Northern Palace as
honored guests. I’d like to listen to your explanation of why a friend of mine
is less than a so-called genius disciple from the Northern Palace?!”
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao was also someone who enjoyed making a good
show even better. He chuckled, “Palace Head Ning, it’s your fault that you
treat one side better than the other. Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is also my friend. Why is
it that you’d rather select a Northern Palace disciple with absolutely no
relations.h.i.+p with your Southern Palace, and not a handsome genius whom your
daughter likes?”
Zhou Kai also smiled, “Big sister Ning, Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is a
fine little fellow. I feel that his future won’t be less than that of the
Northern Palace disciple.”
The Crown Prince smiled, “Let’s not stand here and talk in
cramped quarters, why don’t we go inside and chat? Everyone’s here to propose
marriage; we should have a fair compet.i.tion, no?”
Since everyone had spoken up and Dan Fei was also here via
Jiang Chen’s invitation, she couldn’t stand idly off on the sidelines. He’d
accompanied her into the maze realm after all.
She smiled faintly, “Madame Ning, sister Qingyan and little
Dan has always been like sisters. I know that she likes Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
Madame, little Dan dares not interfere with your decision, but even the honored
tutor rather approves of Qiao Bais.h.i.+.”
Old woman Ning felt completely ill at ease now.
She’d thought that these people had come to congratulate
her. Who would’ve thought they were really here to propose marriage on Qiao
Bais.h.i.+’s behalf!
Her very brain hurt in this moment.
She hadn’t thought that a foreign kid would be able to
convince so many great personages to come speak on his behalf!
Just what was going on?
She glanced at her daughter, seeing a smile of extreme joy
unabashedly hanging on Ning Qingyan’s exquisite face.
But going back to the topic at hand, even Ning Qingyan had
no idea what Qiao Bais.h.i.+ had done to have so many dignitaries come speak on
his behalf.
One had to know that any one of these people could be
considered a heavyweight of the Skylaurel Kingdom, playing momentous roles with
all their decisions. Their combined influence was absolutely stronger than the
Northern Palace’s entourage!
“The man whom I’ve selected will never let me down.
Bais.h.i.+, you’re the best!” Happiness and contentment was written all over
her face as she looked at Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
At the moment, Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was neither overly c.o.c.ky
nor too reserved.
“Palace Head Ning, although my birth is not as
ill.u.s.trious as that of a Northern Palace disciple’s, I firmly believe that
no one can measure up to my genuine heart for Qingyan. After much
contemplation, I also feel that as long as I work hard, my future
accomplishments will absolutely not pale to those of a Northern Palace
disciple.”
Old woman Ning had to reevaluate Qiao Bais.h.i.+ in this
moment. She’d realized that since Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was in the habit of keeping a
low profile, she’d really underestimated him before.
To be able to mobilize so many great characters, this man
truly wasn’t simple. Regardless of what reasons lay behind all this, one thing
was certain, and that was even Xiao Yu wouldn’t have so much face to invite so
many to come make a case on his behalf.
Dan Fei’s last bit of words in particular made old woman
Ning feel a bit panicked.
“Even the n.o.ble tutor knows Qiao Bais.h.i.+? Exactly how
deeply have I underestimated him before?”
Palace Head Ning clearly knew that it was not an easy thing
to leave an impression in the n.o.ble tutor’s heart. It was even more difficult
to receive a word of praise from the old tutor.
Regardless of whether Dan Fei’s words were true or false,
her att.i.tude more or less represented the n.o.ble tutor’s sentiments. Palace
Head Ning had to treat this declaration seriously.
No matter what, she would be denying these people face if
she swept Qiao Bais.h.i.+ out the door today.
Any of these distinguished individuals were people that the
Southern Palace had no wish to offend!
If she offended these people as well, it would be immensely
difficult for the Southern Palace to ally with the Northern Palace in the
future.
“It looks like I must set my prejudices aside and view this
matter seriously. I must give Qiao Bais.h.i.+ a fair chance. An alliance with
the Northern Palace pales in value when compared to the consequences of
offending these people.”
Palace Head Ning had rather let go of things when her
thoughts traveled down this path.
“You are all luminous characters within the Skylaurel
Kingdom. I am already beyond honored to have you come personally. The entourage
from the Northern Palace has already arrived, and I have noted your sincerity.
I won’t voice plat.i.tudes of being caught between two sides. Why don’t we let
the two men engage in fair compet.i.tion?”
“Please come inside.”
After all, Palace Head Ning was in charge of one of the four
sites, she still possessed this bit of appropriate bearing. She welcomed them
all inside when she thought through the matter.
The two entourages sat on two opposite sides, with no
particular conflicts between them.
However, when Northern Palace Head Liu Chengfeng saw so many
people surge in all of a sudden, he was privately on his guard. Although he
greeted everyone cordially, his hackles were absolutely raised on the inside.
He had absolute confidence in the success of this marriage
alliance and didn’t want anyone to ruin it.
Liu Chengfeng caught a whiff of danger when so many people
suddenly appeared, all on Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s side.
“Liu Chengfeng, don’t you exchange empty pleasantries with
me. This old man is saying this today, my brother Bais.h.i.+ will be taking the
girl home today!”
“Brother Bais.h.i.+?” Liu Chengfeng and Palace Head Ning
both started.
Although they knew that old man Fei had no compunctions
about restraint and often shocked those present with his words, his eyes were
also placed on top of his head and was quite particular. How would he call Qiao
Bais.h.i.+ his brother?
“Indeed, Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is my good friend of many years,
comparable to even blood brothers. Although your disciple is not bad, but save
your efforts if you want to compete with my brother. Liu Chengfeng, I’d
recommend you go home early and avoid making a fool out of yourself.“ Old man
Fei said strangely.
Liu Chengfeng was displeased. “Old man Fei, even if your old
man came, there’s no way my Northern Palace would give way in front of your
Qingyang Valley, much less a random brother.”
Liu Chengfeng knew that he had to take a tougher tone at
this time.
Chapter 243: Jiang Chen is My Honored Master!
Old man Fei chuckled when he heard these words and nodded,
“Good, very good. Liu Chengfeng, I’ll remember your words. I hope you don’t
regret them in the future!”
Old man Fei had always been an eccentric person and liked to
carry grudges. Liu Chengfeng’s words had thoroughly offended old man Fei.
Liu Chengfeng snorted lightly and didn’t pay much attention
to old man Fei’s words. Of the four great sites, his Northern Palace had always
been ranked number one.
The Qingyang Valley had always ranked last.
Therefore, Liu Chengfeng truly didn’t pay much heed to old
man Fei’s words. Not to mention that Liu Chengfeng was well aware of old man
Fei’s history, that he was a discarded p.a.w.n of the Precious Tree Sect. He’d
offended those within the sect and had been exiled. His life was basically
worthless.
Liu Chengfeng would naturally not mind the threats of a
piece of trash.
“Old brother s.h.i.+, this old man Fei says that Qiao
Bais.h.i.+ is his brother. I’m rather curious, what is Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s
relations.h.i.+p with you?”
Liu Chengfeng was planning on dismantling all parties
involved and had started targeting s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao of the Myriad Treasures
Palace with these words.
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao’s temper wasn’t any better than old man
Fei’s.
He rolled his eyes when he heard Liu Chengfeng’s impertinent
question, “What the h.e.l.l does Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s relations.h.i.+p with me
have to do with you? Aren’t you a little busybody?”
“s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao, what are you strutting about for? My
palace’s head is giving you face in asking you a question!” A senior executive
yelled from the Northern Palace’s side.
Liu Chengfeng looked at s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao coldly and then
turned his gaze to Zhou Kai.
Zhou Kai didn’t wait for Liu Chengfeng to speak before he
smiled faintly, “Old Liu, you don’t need to ask me what my relations.h.i.+p
with Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is. I admire young men like him and need no reason.”
These words directly threw Liu Chengfeng off guard and made
it so that he didn’t even have the chance to ask anymore questions.
Although the position of vice director of the Dragonteeth
Guard was mighty and influential, the position of a Palace Head wasn’t that
much worse off. Not to mention the two really didn’t interact much, so Zhou Kai
had no need to fear him.
As for Crown Prince Ye Rong, Liu Chengfeng didn’t dare pose
any questions to him.
And for Miss Dan Fei, even if she had no relations.h.i.+p to
Ye Chonglou, Liu Chengfeng didn’t dare start anything when such a
G.o.ddess-like girl was sitting there.
Flicking a glance at Jiang Chen by Dan Fei’s side, Liu
Chengfeng had a strange expression on his face, “I wonder what kind of
background this brother Jiang Chen has in order to sit at the same level with
so many n.o.ble courtiers and officers of the kingdom?”
Liu Chengfeng was more than aware of who Jiang Chen was
given that the Northern Palace’s patron in the Precious Tree Sect was Elder
Iron.
How would he not know who Elder Iron’s hated personage,
Jiang Chen was?
Jiang Chen flicked a noncommittal glance at Liu Chengfeng,
“Palace Head Liu, I don’t have any pleasantries to exchange with you. You have
a large group of disciples with whom I have blood feuds with. You better keep a
close eye on them and ensure that they don’t end up in my hands.”
Since they were enemies, Jiang Chen had no need to be polite
with him. The Northern Palace was obviously here to fight over Ning Qingyan
today. They were going to erupt in open hostilities sooner or later, so there
was no need to be polite with them.
Not to mention that he had been pursued by so many Northern
Palace disciples when he first traveled to the Skylaurel Kingdom. Although he’d
disposed of Liu Can in the maze realm, the others still remained at large.
Liu Chengfeng had gotten a face full of dust for his
troubles in front of the others, but who would’ve thought that Jiang Chen would
be even more outrageous!
“Good, good, very good! I, Liu Chengfeng, have truly had my
eyes opened after living so many years. Jiang Chen, you were the one who
mentioned death grudges. You beat one of my Northern Palace disciples to death
in the streets of the capital last time. Liu Can’s mysterious death within the
maze realm also probably has something to do with you as well. I’m going to
find some time to thoroughly settle these debts with you!”
Liu Chengfeng was thoroughly irritated.
Although Elder Iron had lost so much face in front of Jiang
Chen, Liu Chengfeng had thought that it had been because of Ye Chonglou’s aura,
not that Jiang Chen had that much ability to him.
Liu Chengfeng wanted to make use of this opportunity to take
Jiang Chen down a peg and accomplish something in Elder Iron’s eyes!
Jiang Chen smiled faintly, “You don’t need to find a
separate time, it’s a rather good time today. Don’t you have a so-called trio
of geniuses within your halls? I just so happen to despise the most the sort of
trash that blasphemes the t.i.tle of genius. My greatest hobby is to trample
over all sorts of fake geniuses and thoroughly destroy them!”
Provocation! This was naked provocation!
Even the Crown Prince and Dan Fei were rather surprised and
looked at Jiang Chen in astonishment.
However, they immediately understood the meaning behind
Jiang Chen’s actions.
For one, Jiang Chen’s new and old grudges with the Northern
Palace were fated to be impossible to resolve.
Secondly, he could make use of this opportunity to
thoroughly crush the aura of these so-called geniuses. The supreme art of war
was to subdue the enemy without the slightest bit of effort.
Once these so-called geniuses were suppressed, what face
would Xiao Yu have to continue to linger here? How much face would he have to
fight with Qiao Bais.h.i.+?
Indeed, the expressions of the disciples behind Liu
Chengfeng changed drastically when they heard these words.
They had heard of Jiang Chen’s reputation during this time
and knew much about him. They knew even more deeply of the various conflicts
and grudges between their Palace and Jiang Chen.
The news of Jiang Chen killing Xin Wudao and Qi Fengxian
with three arrows had travelled like wildfire, making it difficult for them not
to hear of it even if they didn’t want to.
Although Xin Wudao and Qi Fengxian’s level of training
weren’t up to that of the three geniuses of the Northern Palace, the gap
between the two parties shouldn’t be too wide.
Therefore, when the three geniuses were directly slapped in
the face in front of all those a.s.sembled, although they had the urge to
charge up and challenge Jiang Chen, they withheld their impulse with effort
when they thought of Xin Wudao and Qi Fengxian.
Although the courage to advance in the face of adversity was
necessary on the path of the martial dao, this didn’t mean that one should
charge in heedlessly and recklessly. It was obvious that Jiang Chen harbored a
great amount of grudges against their Northern Palace and was making use of
this opportunity to create trouble for them.
If they couldn’t rein in their temper and rushed into Jiang
Chen’s trap, they’d be absolutely walking to their deaths!
Liu Chengfeng felt sour that Jiang Chen had sidelined his
three geniuses with a mere word. However, he was used to interacting in large
scenes and smiled faintly, “Jiang Chen, you don’t seem to be the one proposing
marriage today, are you? You’re shouting and yelling in Palace Head Ning’s
territory, don’t you think you’re acting like a gatecrasher supplanting the
host?”
“If I’m a gatecrasher, then what does that make you?”
Jiang Chen’s words were cuttingly sharp. Although Liu
Chengfeng was an old hat in matters like these, he also rarely met opponents
who were so wholly unreasonable as Jiang Chen.
Although he really wished to maintain his composure, he
still had the urge to grind his teeth in anger.
He controlled the flames of rage in his heart with effort
and said, “Xiao Yu is my disciple and I’m here on his behalf as his parent to
propose marriage. What wrong is there in doing so?”
Jiang Chen couldn’t help but laugh, “Why can’t I represent
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ if you’re representing Xiao Yu?”
“You’re representing Qiao Bais.h.i.+?” Liu Chengfeng looked
strangely at Jiang Chen and then at Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was someone who was at least thirty years
old, and this Jiang Chen was not even twenty. A young man was representing Qiao
Bais.h.i.+?
Even Palace Head Ning creased her forehead slightly as she
looked at Qiao Bais.h.i.+ with some dissatisfaction. Why were the people who
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ had invited such fools?
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ smiled leisurely when Palace Head Ning’s
gaze swept over. “Honored Palace Head, it seems that Bais.h.i.+ should be
forthright regarding some matters. Young master Chen is my honored master. A
master is as if one’s own parents.”
Although a few present knew that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ and Jiang
Chen were in the same party, they all thought that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was just one
of Jiang Chen’s guests or a follower at most.
No one had thought that they would be master and disciple.
“Jiang Chen is your honored master?” Liu Chengfeng splurted
out in laughter. “Qiao Bais.h.i.+, have you gotten senile in your years? A brat
still stinking of his mother’s milk is your honored master? You should draft
better lies!”
Even Palace Head Ning couldn’t help but exhort lowly, “What
a farce.”
It was old man Fei who wouldn’t stand for this kind of
treatment now. They were looking down on young master Chen! Turning their nose
up at young master Chen was the same as doing so to him, Fei Xuan!
At the heart of things, he didn’t even have the right to be
young master Chen’s disciple! He was only a medicine boy!
Of course, he couldn’t very well say these things.
However, these b.a.s.t.a.r.ds were thus blaspheming the name
of young master Chen, essentially giving him no face!
Thoroughly rolling his eyes, old man Fei laughed coldly,
“Liu Chengfeng, is this all you’re capable of? A disciple is not necessarily
lower than their master, and a master doesn’t necessarily have nothing to learn
from their disciple. Who says one can’t be a teacher just because they’re
young?”
“Heh heh, you are all ignorant and ill informed.” s.h.i.+
Xiaoyao also laughed coldly.
Ye Rong sat with a demure smile. Although he didn’t say
anything, he was obviously in accordance with old man Fei and s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao.
Zhou Kai also had a trace of a smile as he shook his head,
thoroughly disagreeing with Liu Chengfeng’s words.
Although Dan Fei wasn’t quite aware of what was going on,
she understood some of Jiang Chen’s secrets more than anyone present. So when
she heard Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s words, not only did she not suspect their
truthfulness, she also contemplated about how many secrets this fellow had
about him.
Even the honored tutor asked for Jiang Chen’s opinion with
regards to many matters. He was such a genius that he was capable of teaching
Ye Chonglou, not just Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
When old man Fei saw that his own camp was supporting him,
he felt even more bolstered.
He was one who grew more excited with the situation. With
this rea.s.surement, his tone became even more domineering. “Liu Chengfeng, I
would hail you as my master if you could refine the Four Seasons Eternal Spring
Pill, the Heavenly Karma Pill, or the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine. You don’t
have what it takes! I don’t want to bluff as to how much Jiang Chen’s potential
is. I will only say that even I am only fit to carry young master Chen’s shoes
in terms of knowledge and potential of the dao of pills. I don’t know what kind
of problem there is in such a genius being Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s teacher?”
Dan Fei had always suspected that the Four Seasons Eternal
Spring Pill had something to do with Jiang Chen. This had finally been verified
through old man Fei’s lips, and a meaningful gaze shot out of her beautiful
eyes.
Palace Head Ning was flabbergasted in this moment.
Although old man Fei Xuan was quite eccentric, he was still
a proud man at heart. He was particularly talented in the area of pills, and
all the heads of the four great sites publicly acknowledged Fei Xuan as number
one.
His potential and level in pill making was quite remarkable
even when placed in the Precious Tree Sect.
However, everyone knew that Fei Xuan had offended someone he
shouldn’t have in the Precious Tree Sect and was exiled for his troubles,
wasting away the rest of his life in the Qingyang Valley.
That the proud old man Fei would say that he was only fit to
carry Jiang Chen’s shoes when it came to pills, although his words were a bit
of an exaggeration, it was still quite shocking!
Any of the Four Seasons Pill or Heavenly Karma Pill would be
an incredible product when placed on the market, to say nothing of the others.
If it wasn’t the act of a master, there was no way that any of these pills
could be produced!
Chapter 244: Palace Head Ning Wavers
Not to mention that even a mortal rank Nine Magnificence Dew
Wine had by now, already become the current “it beverage” in the capital,
thanks to the Myriad Treasures Palace’s packaging and marketing.
Everyone thought that this wine had been crafted by the
Palace. No one could imagine that the person behind all this was actually Jiang
Chen!
And judging from s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao’s demeanor, not only did he
not refute this, but he looked on the scene with a slight smile. The gaze he
used to look at Jiang Chen was filled with admiration and even some traces of
hero wors.h.i.+p!
Yes, hero wors.h.i.+p.
If one was to say that s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao had a slight bearing
of an elder when he first interacted with Jiang Chen, then by this time, he had
already completely accepted Jiang Chen.
A foreign young man had completely upended the situation
within the Skylaurel Kingdom in less than a year.
He’d carved out an avenue of light in the chaotic mess of
the capital.
Everyone knew that the achievements of Ye Rong in becoming
Crown Prince and triumphing over the strong were mostly to be attributed to
Jiang Chen.
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao no longer dared to have any sort of the
att.i.tude of an elder towards Jiang Chen now. It had been replaced with the
friends.h.i.+p between equals, even with him on a bit of a lower footing than
Jiang Chen.
How much profit had the wine brought to the Palace, to say
nothing of anything else? How much glory had that wine brought to him, s.h.i.+
Xiaoyao?
Jiang Chen was the G.o.d of fortune for the Palace; how
could s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao not fawn over him?
Palace Head Ning’s heart was a bit in a disarray right now.
She had to admit that at that moment, her heart was wavering.
Prior to today, she had never even really looked at Qiao
Bais.h.i.+, and hadn’t seriously considered him for the position of son-in-law
at all.
But now, she could no longer overlook this mysterious
foreigner.
Before saying anything else, so many old fellows had come to
propose marriage on his behalf, this at least demonstrated that they all
greatly valued Qiao Bais.h.i.+.
This Qiao Bais.h.i.+ truly did have it in him for others to
give him face!
Looking at the entourage that had accompanied him, Palace
Head Ning knew that there was no way she could refuse him. If she did, her
Southern Palace would be besieged on all sides.
She’d be thoroughly offending the Qingyan Valley and Myriad
Treasures Palace.
As for Ye Rong, he represented the royal family.
Miss Dan Fei represented honored tutor Ye Chonglou.
Zhou Kai and Tian Shao represented the Dragonteeth Guard.
After a round of a.s.sessment, she knew that if she forcibly allied the
Southern and Northern Palace, her Southern Palace would be completely isolated!
If the Southern Palace ditched the Northern Palace here, the
former would still be the Southern Palace without suffering much loss. After
all, the relations.h.i.+p between the two hadn’t been the best to begin with.
But if the Southern Palace offended these other powers, then
its future would be dim and its development severely curtailed.
She also had to consider another factor, one of the most
important ---
Jiang Chen!
Indeed, the fact that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was Jiang Chen’s
disciple had shocked Palace Head Ning the most.
Who was Jiang Chen? Although this was the first time she was
seeing him, she had long since heard of his name.
She even wished that her daughter was ten years younger so
that she could marry Jiang Chen.
A young genius whom Tutor Ye hadn’t minded offending the
Iron father and son for -- this genius had a boundless future!
With Palace Head Ning’s level of intelligence, it was
impossible for her not to see this.
Elder Iron Can had lost so much face with Jiang Chen, and
for what? There was no sign of retaliation even after he’d returned to the
sect.
It wasn’t necessarily that Iron Can was afraid of Jiang
Chen, so this could at least prove one point that Iron Can’s father, the
esteemed elder Iron Long, didn’t want to erupt in open hostilities with Ye
Chonglou!
This was the only explanation.
Palace Head Ning couldn’t find any reason to offend a young
man like this.
Take Yang Zhao for example -- his authority had been great
enough, to say nothing of anything else? But so what if the vice director of
the Dragonteeth Guard held absolute power? He’d been destroyed by Jiang Chen in
the end!
Apart from Jiang Chen’s strength, old man Fei’s words had
also deeply touched Palace Head Ning.
The Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill, Nine Magnificence Dew
Wine, Heavenly Karma Pill… all of these names thoroughly tugged on Palace Head
Ning’s heart strings.
What did the Southern Palace rely on in its development?
People and resources!
There was no way that the Southern Palace would be able to
recruit such a talent like Jiang Chen, but Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was Jiang Chen’s
disciple and he was knocking and begging at their front door right now. If she
still rejected him, she’d essentially be self satisfied with being a
stick-in-the-mud. She’s be picking up a rock to smash her own foot!
If any of these items were developed in house, they would
bring untold fortune to the Southern Palace!
The Nine Magnificence Dew Wine belonged to the Myriad
Treasures Palace and so she couldn’t take that.
But if the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill could be ma.s.s
produced, the effect it would have on the market wouldn’t be any less than the
wine!
Men were besotted with the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine, but
women coveted the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill!
Women were often even more of a ruthless ent.i.ty than men
when it came to spending money and consumption. What wouldn’t they do for
beauty? Not to mention just spending a bit of money to buy pill medicine?
She was most certainly the head of a palace. As these
notions flashed through her mind, the equilibrium of her heart had already
subconsciously started to tilt one way.
In comparison, although Xiao Yu was quite a good man, he
only desired her daughter’s beauty and didn’t have much of any feelings for
her.
That person’s potential was indeed uncommon within the
Skylaurel Kingdom, but he was destined to just be a mere grunt for the Precious
Tree Sect and couldn’t become a highly ranked sect disciple.
Previously, she’d wanted to shove her daughter at Xiao Yu because
she felt that the two were of the same social status. But considering this from
the basic principles of a marriage, she knew that her daughter didn’t like this
Xiao Yu at all!
And Qiao Bais.h.i.+ had now revealed his backer, who in
terms of social status, wasn’t the least bit worse off than Xiao Yu. There were
even signs of the former’s resources being superior to Xiao Yu’s.
If she had to nitpick something that Qiao Bais.h.i.+ was
inferior in, that would be in his level of martial dao training.
However, the Southern Palace didn’t lack highly trained
pract.i.tioners at all!
They lacked talent, resources, and all sorts of channels to
earn money!
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ and his honored master just so happened to
be able to supply these resources and channels.
In the span of a moment, Palace Head Ning looked at Xiao Yu
and felt that this urbane martial dao genius didn’t seem that attractive after
all.
Whether she looked at him up and down, sideways, or from the
back, he no longer seemed as perfect as before.
In contrast, the Qiao Bais.h.i.+ she’d never approved of
until now seemed reliable and reserved, neither proud nor fussy. He’d never
given up even in the face of adverse circ.u.mstances.
And now that there were so many backing him up, he didn’t
puff himself up with arrogance or consider himself a world above others.
“Mm, Qingyan’s eye is indeed a bit unique. This Qiao
Bais.h.i.+ is neither proud nor fussy and continued on even in difficult
circ.u.mstances. He stayed true to himself. Very good! He is someone who can
achieve great things.” Palace Head Ning suddenly had many good things to say
about this son-in-law candidate whom she’d never favored before.
Liu Chengfeng had been continuously observing Palace Head
Ning and grew a bit anxious when he saw that she was looking at Qiao Bais.h.i.+
oddly.
Thanks to the machinations of this group of people, it
looked like the alliance was about to fall through.
Liu Chengfeng had plotted and schemed to bring about this
marriage because he’d wanted to repair relations with the Southern Palace and
break the partners.h.i.+p of the other three sites.
If this marriage failed, then the path of their Northern
Palace would become more and more difficult in the future.
There would be a decreasing amount of s.p.a.ce for them in
the Skylaurel Kingdom and they’d find it tough to survive.
“Palace Head Ning, old man Fei has always liked talking
nonsense. The credibility of his words isn’t high. Besides, Qiao Bais.h.i.+ is
the one proposing this marriage. That doesn’t seem like there’s much to do with
his background or whose disciple he is, is there now?”
Palace Head Ning didn’t say much and just chuckled. She
couldn’t say much now.
“Liu Chengfeng, are you slapping your own face? If proposing
marriage has nothing to do with background, then what is your Northern Palace
doing by sending out such a large party? Don’t tell me your great fanfare and
line up has nothing to do with helping Xiao Yu!”
“Tsk tsk, your Northern Palace disciples can talk about
background and mention your masters to intimidate, but others can’t do the
same?”
Old man Fei tsked and jeered, calling out, “This old man is
going to lay everything out on the table today. I’m going to be Qiao
Bais.h.i.+’s backer no matter what! I’ll go at it with whoever wants to steal
his girl!”
Liu Chengfeng was quite put out to see old man Fei fool
around. “Old man Fei, I won’t stop you from jesting here, but a marriage
proposal is a matter between our young folk so they should settle things
between them. Everyone should go through fair compet.i.tion. In my view, the
world of martial dao should settle things through the rules of martial dao. Let
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ and Xiao Yu fight it out. Whoever wins will win the bride!”
Old man Fei spat. “Shameless! Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s area of
focus is in pills. You want a disciple who trains in martial dao to fight one
who trains in the dao of pills. Liu Chengfeng, don’t tell me that this is your
definition of fair play? Why don’t you compete on basis of potential for the
dao of pills or skill in pill refinement?”
Liu Chengfeng smiled faintly, “In the end, it all comes down
to fighting strength in a world of martial dao. If your fighting strength isn’t
enough, how will you guarantee that no one will rob you of your bride even if
you take her home?”
Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s level of martial dao training was still at
the true qi master realm. This was likely the one area in which he was inferior
to Xiao Yu.
This was also the only opening for the Northern Palace.
Dan Fei, who’d been silent all along, suddenly spoke up,
“Martial dao and the dao of pills are all great daos. It is hard to identify
which is superior. Since both have their good points, why not ask Sister
Qingyan for her opinion? A marriage comes down to the inclinations of both
sides. Palace Head Ning, what do you think?”
Palace Head Ning smiled faintly as she looked at Liu
Chengfeng and then at Jiang Chen.
Old man Fei slapped his thigh, “Wonderful, wonderful! Miss
Dan Fei is honored tutor Ye’s disciple alright. Your insights are truly
different. In my view, this suggestion is wondrous. They would each take home
one victory a piece between martial dao and the dao of pills so there is no
point in such compet.i.tions. We can only determine the victor with a third
way.”
Liu Chengfeng’s expression had turned ugly. This suggestion
seemed reasonable so he really couldn’t find a reason to refuse. He turned and
looked back as though he was groping for a lifeline.
He had one final trump card, and that was the Precious Tree
Sect disciples he had brought with him.
With how things had developed, it remained up to the sect
disciples to see if they could win the day for him. Sect disciples had never
been a reasonable sort, and may be just the thing to counter these people with!
Chapter 245: The Conflict Escalates
Liu Chengfeng had used both his network and Elder Iron’s
instructions to invite five disciples from the Precious Tree Sect this time.
Of these five, a middle aged man with a bulbous nose was
their leader. Judging from his clothing, he was someone who held a certain
level of status within the sect.
The other four were younger, but were all dressed in the accoutrements
of core disciples.
All of the disciples within the Precious Tree Sect were
divided into multiple levels.
The disciples of the four great sites were also technically
disciples of the Precious Tree Sect. However, they were only considered outer
disciples.
Those who’d entered the Precious Tree Sect were counted as
inner disciples.
Inner disciples who did well for themselves could be
promoted to core disciples.
The elite of those core disciples could be chosen as
personal disciples for any senior executives that looked upon them favorably.
The senior executives wouldn’t have only one personal
disciple either. Of their personal disciples, any who were selected as
candidates for pa.s.sing on their heritage would become true disciples.
Thus, overall speaking, there were four levels of ranking
for the Precious Tree Sect disciples, if one didn’t include the outer
disciples.
Every level was further divided into one star to nine star
divisions, and everyone was strictly segregated.
The privileges and status enjoyed by each level was clearly
delineated.
Therefore, although the Northern Palace had their so-called
trio of geniuses, they were actually just outer sect disciples in the end.
They would only become true inner disciples if they made it
through the sect’s selection process.
The number of stars each inner disciple possessed would also
result in greatly different treatment and status.
These four disciples were all core disciples, so their
positions were quite different. Ordinary inner disciples couldn’t measure up to
them at all.
The clothing of the bulbous nose middle aged man was also
obviously behind that of a disciple. Judging from his demeanor, he was likely
mid to senior management within the sect.
With Liu Chengfeng’s little bit of face, there was no way he
would’ve been able to invite such a character himself.
He had actually begged Elder Iron Can for quite a while this
time until Iron Can had personally given orders to one of his men to accompany
Liu Chengfeng.
This senior executive was quite a personage even within the
sect’s middle management. Ordinary disciples had to stop and pay their respects
to him when they saw him within the sect.
If it hadn’t been for Elder Iron’s instructions, this level
of character would’ve disdained coming to a mundane kingdom, much less than
propose marriage on someone else’s behalf.
He had come completely because of Elder Iron, and was trying
to facilitate the marriage alliance between the Southern and Northern Palaces
purely because it was Elder Iron’s plan.
After all, the Northern Palace was Elder Iron’s sphere of
influence within the Skylaurel Kingdom. If the Northern Palace folded in on
itself, then Elder Iron’s plans within this mundane kingdom would come
cras.h.i.+ng down like a house of cards.
As one of Elder Iron’s men, the bulbous nose man naturally
couldn’t sit idly by and watch this happen.
Seeing Liu Chengfeng’s distress signal, the man cast a
glance at the core disciples, indicating for them to charge first.
Indeed, a core sect disciple took a lofty stance with an
imposing aura. His gaze remote, full of the feeling of one looking down from a
superior position, he swept his look over Jiang Chen’s camp.
That arrogant gaze then shot towards Palace Head Ning.
“Palace Head Ning, I don’t know what you’re hesitating for.
Xiao Yu is destined for great things within the sect and has an unlimited
future. Even if a mundane pill master has some ability to him, what does he
have to compete with a disciple of the Precious Tree Sect? You’re a member of
the sect, do you still need to consider anything about a matter like this?”
Another sect disciple also said, “Palace Head Ning, can it
be that you’ve been polluted with the dust of an ordinary kingdom after
spending so much time here? What choice would be more worthy than the boundless
martial dao? A pill master that rolls around in the dirt of the mundane world
is a pill master, to put it nicely, but an ant to put it bluntly.”
“A mundane ant inviting a motley arrangement is enough to
make your heart waver? Palace Head Ning, your heart of martial dao is still not
resolute enough!” Another sect disciple sighed.
Palace Head Ning was at a momentary loss for words after
being criticized by these core disciples. She looked at Qiao Bais.h.i.+ with a
wry smile.
Although Palace Head Ning was the master of a great site,
she was still a character on the sidelines in the backdrop of the Precious Tree
Sect, and may not even hold as much power as these core disciples.
At the very least, she definitely wouldn’t enjoy their kind
of treatment within the sect.
They were young, had potential, and patrons.
It was a natural thing for youthful arrogance to completely
dismiss her, the boss of a satellite organization.
She couldn’t respond in kind though. If she did, she might
offend those within the sect. It was unwise to give offense to these core
disciples.
Dan Fei’s graceful brow creased when she heard the tones of
these disciples, the words of “a mundane ant inviting a motley arrangement” was
particularly displeasing to her ears.
However, when she recalled the honored tutor’s daily
teachings, Dan Fei still controlled her temper and didn’t engage in senseless
fights over face.
Jiang Chen laughed coldly, “Motley arrangement? These words
are rather suitable for you. Mouthing off about ants and mundane dust, you guys
don’t seem to be that removed from the earthly world either. Are those from the
Precious Tree Sect all brainless fools like you with your noses to the sky?”
These disciples had long since grown used to the feeling of
superiority afforded by a sect disciple. They’d long since been accustomed to
pointing fingers at people’s noses and sitting firmly on high.
In their eyes, it was a perfectly justified right to hector
some lowly ants!
They hadn’t thought at all that someone would dare talk back
at them and call them brainless fools!
“Who the h.e.l.l are you to talk back to a Precious Tree
Sect disciple?!”
“You’ve got some guts brat! Do you know that a sect disciple
holds the power of life or death in the mundane world? Killing you is like
killing an ant!”
Jiang Chen chuckled, “I seem to have heard these words
before. Did someone called Elder Iron or something like that threaten me like
that before? But here I am, perfectly fine and healthy.”
“I say you guys, what are you doing here making fools of
yourselves instead of practicing in the sect? Even Elder Iron couldn’t handle
something like backing someone else up. You guys can just save it.”
Liu Chenfeng roared around when he saw Jiang Chen strutting
around, “Jiang Chen, you watch your mouth! You only luckily escaped from death
last time because of the tutor’s protection. You dare talk back to the core disciples
of the sect this time and challenge the authority of the Precious Tree Sect!
You’re courting death!”
Old man Fei mocked when he saw Liu Chengfeng hop up and
down, “Liu Chengfeng, don’t you haul out the sect name to scare others. Your
fl.u.s.tered emotions aren’t frightening anyone.”
“Shut up you old man! If I were you, I would’ve shut up and
stayed quietly in a corner a long time ago! You offended Elder Iron when you
were young and was exiled to the mundane world. Do you want to challenge the elder’s
authority again today?!”
Jiang Chen started, he’d heard old man Fei mention that he
accidentally offended an elder’s son when he was young and was exiled for that.
That had been decades ago.
Given this, that son of an elder was the current Elder Iron
Can. Iron Can’s father then hadn’t been an esteemed elder then and was only an
ordinary elder?
Old man Fei didn’t have much to show for these decades of
time and was much less than Iron Can. The latter had made use of his old man’s
power to become an elder!
One had to say, Liu Chengfeng’s words thoroughly picked at
old man Fei’s old wounds and triggered his painful past, igniting the flares of
hatred within his heart as well.
A harsh look shot out of old man Fei’s eyes as he stared
fixedly at Liu Chengfeng. The flames of fires roared to life in his eyes,
wanting to burn Liu Chengfeng down to ashes at any moment.
“Liu Chengfeng, it’s true that I offended Iron Can when I
was young, but I’m at least more of a man than you. You slave away for Iron Can
as his dog, but you’re just a boss on the outside. I’m not Iron Can’s dog but
I’m not that much worse off than you. I’d like to ask you, is being a dog for
hopeless trash like Iron Can really that much fun?”
Old man Fei had a rueful expression on his face as he counter
attacked.
These words not only cursed out Liu Chengfeng, but those of
the sect and even Iron Can as well!
Even s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao was privately astonished when he heard
these words. Hadn’t old man Fei always reined in his temper before? What was going
on today? Hadn’t he always avoided Iron Can and was afraid of angering Iron
Can?
Palace Head Ning was even more anxious. Old man Fei wasn’t
keeping a lid on his mouth at all and was thoroughly offending Elder Iron.
Wouldn’t this drag in the Southern Palace as well?
The expressions of the core sect disciples all changed
drastically.
The bulbous nose man in particular, he was Elder Iron’s
confidante and had only climbed to his current position by hanging onto Elder
Iron’s thigh. He was now a novice senior executive within the sect and held an
extremely high position.
Of course, he was indeed Iron Elder’s lackey, but he was
losing quite a lot of face when words like these were blatantly spoken!
His face frozen, he surged to his feet and exuded a powerful
aura. He glared at old man Fei and roared, “Fei Xuan, it looks like you haven’t
learned your lesson after holing up in the Qingyang Valley for so many years!
Elder Iron has almost forgotten you, but now you have the guts to jump out like
this? Talking impertinently, you’re courting death!”
“And who the h.e.l.l are you?” Old man Fei rolled his eyes
as he asked coldly.
Palace Head Ning hastened to smooth things over when she saw
that things were about to get out of hand. “Everyone, be calm, please calm
down. Small matters like these are not worth making a life or death issue out
of them.”
The bulbous nose man’s eyes widened, “Palace Head Ning,
don’t get involved. This old man dared insult Elder Iron! Whoever wants to get
involved in this matter today is going against Elder Iron!”
This man’s position was obviously quite high as Palace Head
Ning shut her mouth accordingly after he’d spoken.
It was rather Fei Xuan who laughed lazily, “Tsk tsk, look at
that posturing! I’m rather curious, just what you want to do with that kind of
posturing? Scare me?”
Pa!
The man slapped something onto a table and shouted, “Fei
Xuan, open your dog eyes and look closely at what this is!”
It was patently a Precious Tree Sect medallion. The words
“novice executive w.a.n.g You” were carved on it.
Whether it was Palace Head Ning or s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao, their
faces grew a bit ugly when they saw the medallion.
Sect disciples could at most strut c.o.c.kily and throw
their weight around.
But this medallion was the equivalent of sect
leaders.h.i.+p, an item with true authority!
Seeing this medallion was the same as seeing the Precious
Tree Sect.
This medallion was enough to crush those present to death!
Chapter 246: Old Man Fei’s Extraordinary Face Slapping
Now that the bulbous nose man had brought out the sect
medallion, matters had gotten a bit grave.
Jiang Chen and Dan Fei were alright as they weren’t part of
the sect, and so they had no particular feelings towards that medallion. They
also didn’t think that the sect had the right to suppress them.
Although Ye Rong wasn’t part of the sect, it was hard for
him to take a hard att.i.tude in front of the sect medallion.
Zhou Kai and Tian Shao were of the Dragonteeth Guard, and so
their att.i.tudes were similar to Ye Rong.
As for s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao and Fei Xuan, they were under the
sect’s jurisdiction to begin with. Seeing the sect medallion was the equivalent
of laying down sect law.
If the medallion was a rank higher, it would almost
literally crush people to death then.
Even someone as fierce as s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao had his facial
expression twist when he saw the medallion. His mouth moved, but he looked
weakly at Jiang Chen and then shut his mouth accordingly.
Cautious and wariness was also written all over Palace Head
Ning’s face. A few more hints of submission was apparent in her gaze to the
bulbous nose man.
The sect disciples were beside themselves with c.o.c.kiness
at this moment as they stood on both sides of the man, appearing as if they
were on the top of the world and sneering arrogantly.
The discomfited expressions of those a.s.sembled were
something that these sect disciples had long grown accustomed to. It was the
kind of reaction that these lowly ants should have!
Fighting with the Precious Tree Sect -- this was teaching
your grandma how to suck eggs!
Liu Chengfeng also swept away his prior dejectedness like
he’d suddenly received infinite strength. He crowed, “Old man Fei, weren’t you
saying something? Were you strutting around? I’d like to see just how tough you
can be, if you’re tougher than the sect medallion!”
A high rank could crush someone to death. With the rigid
hierarchy in the Precious Tree Sect, a high rank could doom someone beyond
redemption!
Liu Chengfeng sn.i.g.g.e.red inwardly to see the crowd fall
dead silent after the medallion had been displayed. He couldn’t help but admire
his own wisdom. It was a good thing that he had asked Elder Iron to put in an
appearance and resulted in the presence of a great personage like Executive
w.a.n.g. Indeed, the scene had come under his control as soon as the medallion
had been flashed.
d.a.m.n good, this feeling was d.a.m.n good!
However, Liu Chengfeng was incensed to see a trace of a
smile on Jiang Chen’s lips. He knew that since Jiang Chen wasn’t part of the
sect and was bold enough to offend even Elder Iron, it was understandable that
he wasn’t afraid of this medallion.
However, with the situation as it was now, without the aid
of old man Fei and s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao, Jiang Chen would have no backup no matter
how arrogant he was.
Liu Chengfeng restrained his irritation and said to Palace
Head Ning, “Palace Head, look, even Elder Iron is inquiring after this
marriage. Otherwise, why would he send such a mighty personage like Executive
w.a.n.g to bear witness?”
Executive w.a.n.g was quite satisfied with this flattery and
said loftily, “Palace Head Ning, this matter cannot be dragged on any longer. I
must return to the sect for training after this issue is concluded.”
Palace Head Ning knew that this was the senior executive’s
last warning to her. If she hemmed and hawed any longer, she likely incur his
great wrath.
Once the senior executive grew wrathful and suppressed her
with the sect medallion, things would become very tricky then. She might lose
her position at the very least, or her life at the worst.
She looked at her daughter with resignation. She had no
strength to look in Jiang Chen’s direction now, deathly afraid that he would
suddenly come up with something that would impact her standing in the senior
executive’s eyes.
Ning Qingyan’s eyes grew red as tears welled up in her eyes.
“Haha, this is to say that Palace Head Ning has no further
objections.” Liu Chengfeng laughed heartily, and then swept his eyes
provocatively across the room. “All of you surely don’t have anymore objections
now, huh?”
This was blatant provocation and mockery.
Old man Fei’s face suddenly split into an odd grin as he
stuck his finger into his ear to pick at his earwax, saying lazily, “Liu
Chengfeng, are you unilaterally announcing your victory?”
Liu Chengfeng frowned, “Old man Fei, do you dare to make any
further trouble in front of the sect medallion?”
“Medallion? Is having a medallion a thing now? Who knows if
it’s real or if it’s fake?”
“Who dares fake a sect medallion?” Liu Chengfeng roared.
Executive w.a.n.g You also flicked an eyebrow, “Old man, you
dare blaspheme against a sect medallion?!”
Old man Fei chuckled oddly, “The sect medallion represents
the sect, and so I wouldn’t dare make light of it. However, if you’re going to
bring out a medallion, at least bring one out with a higher rank, alright?”
What?!
A higher ranked medallion?
Would this executive level medallion not be enough to
suppress you, a mere head of an outer faction?
Liu Chengfeng grew anxious and slapped the medallion down in
front of old man Fei, yelling, “Open your dog eyes and look carefully. This is
an executive medallion! Old man, you’re just a Qingyang Valley head, do you
know the meaning of respecting your superiors?!”
The smile on old man Fei’s lips didn’t change as he lazily
flicked a glance downwards, sweeping the medallion away casually like he was
sweeping away trash.
“Such a low level medallion, are you bringing it out to slap
your own face?”
Liu Chengfeng was shocked senseless by his actions. Even
Palace Head Ning and s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao were flabbergasted!
Fei Xuan had swept the medallion away like tras.h.!.+ This
was an utmost blasphemy to the sect and he would absolutely be executed by the
law-enforcing disciples!
“You… old man, you dare joke with the sect medallion? Are
you courting death?!” Liu Chengfeng was beyond shocked as he quickly stooped down
and picked up the medallion, wiping it off on his clothing. His face had an
expression like he’d seen a ghost on his face.
w.a.n.g You was also thoroughly incensed as he slammed his
hand on the table. “Old man Fei, you making yourself a public enemy of the
sect! Do you understand that you need to give way in front of your superiors at
all?! Do you understand the hierarchy in the sect at all?!”
Fei Xuan smiled faintly. “Of course I do. I should be the
one asking you this question, given how the two of you are jumping up and down,
yelling in front of me.”
There was a calm, showing off expression on his face as he
flung out his sleeves, lightly setting something down on the table.
The scene froze in this instant as even the air seemed to
stop flowing.
All eyes, apart from Jiang Chen’s and Dan Fei’s, were drawn
to the item. All eyes widened as if they’d seen a ghost.
Incomprehensible. Completely incomprehensible!
It was a medallion. Old man Fei had indeed brought out a
medallion that looked similar to w.a.n.g You’s.
However, whether in terms of quality or appearance, it was
vastly superior to w.a.n.g You’s.
The words on the medallion weren’t that difficult to make
out either -- senior executive Fei Xuan.
It was a unique medallion with a special design and its own
style. It was something that no one could forge and something that no one would
dare to forge.
A sect medallion!
The medallion of a senior executive!
A senior executive was part of the senior leaders.h.i.+p
within the sect.
A novice executive was at most middle management.
The next step up for an senior executive was to be
elder-in-waiting, representative of truly entering the ranks of the senior
leaders.h.i.+p!
“H-how... how is this possible?” Liu Chengfeng’s eyes bugged
out at the medallion. His mouth and tongue felt dry. Something also seemed to
be caught in his throat. “This… this is a real medallion?”
Old man Fei smiled faintly. “Weren’t you the one saying
earlier that no one would dare to forge a sect medallion? What now, slapping
your face with words you’ve just spoken?”
Liu Chengfeng was completely losing his mind. His teeth
chattered as his legs trembled, his mind completely blank.
He never would’ve dreamed that the Qingyang Valley head he’d
always sneered at, the weak and incompetent old man Fei, would turn out to be a
senior executive of the sect with a shake of his hand!
He couldn’t believe the scene in front of his eyes, but the
sect medallion couldn’t be forged. Whoever faked it would be asking for death!
He looked desperately at w.a.n.g You, but the latter wasn’t
any better off. w.a.n.g You’s face had drained of all color and he completely
lost his previously imposing aura.
The several core disciples were also dumbfounded. Their
c.o.c.ky air bled away like deflating balloons. They didn’t even have the
courage to look old man Fei in the eyes.
Senior executive! It was a level of existence that these
disciples couldn’t afford to offend within the sect.
Even w.a.n.g You had to admit that if a senior executive was
to make trouble for him, life would be h.e.l.l for him in the future even with
Elder Iron’s patronage.
However, he did find it odd. How had old man Fei suddenly
turned into a senior executive all of a sudden? Just what kind of show was
playing out?
w.a.n.g You had never heard of this during his training
within the sect.
However, this medallion was the real deal and even if his
courage stretched up to the heavens, w.a.n.g You didn’t dare go head to head
against it. Old man Fei was two levels higher than him, he could roll directly
over him, and he could use the laws of the sect to suppress him!
“So tell me w.a.n.g You, are we listening to you now or are
you listening to me?” Old man Fei chuckled.
“To you, of course.” Although w.a.n.g You resisted inwardly,
he appeared quite docile on the surface.
“Then this matter of proposing marriage?”
w.a.n.g You quickly responded, “None of my business. I have
no ability to stick my nose in idle affairs like these. I’ll leave,
immediately, straight away!”
Liu Chengfeng almost wanted to cry when he heard these
words. w.a.n.g You was retreating! This was leaving him to face the music
alone.
w.a.n.g You only prayed for self preservation right now, why
would he care about Lu Chengfeng’s survival? He slunk away with the core
disciples and he didn’t even have the courage to look back.
He only had one thought at the moment, and that was to hurry
and return to the sect to tell Elder Iron of this news, to tell him that this
thorn had once again returned to the sect!
When he saw w.a.n.g You run away, Liu Chengfeng collapsed on
a chair. His expression was quite a show as he yearned desperately to hide in a
hole in the ground.
Palace Head Ning had drastically different emotions from Liu
Chengfeng. These great rises and falls had taken her emotions on a
rollercoaster ride as well. She almost couldn’t follow the development of
things.
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao was of a similar mind to her.
“Ai, old… old brother Fei. You know how to keep a secret
alright! When were you promoted to senior executive? You walk amongst the
clouds now and don’t notify your old friends?” Palace Head Ning smiled wryly.
It was blindingly obvious who her daughter would marry now.
A senior executive medallion was in front of her. She knew
there was no other choice available to her even without another word.
Not to mention, they had mentioned all manner of good words
earlier.
Chapter 247: The Marriage is Settled
The farce of proposing marriage was settled after old man
Fei flashed his medallion.
If he hadn’t considered the fact that he was here on Qiao
Bais.h.i.+’s behalf, old man Fei wouldn’t even have let those from the Northern
Palace leave that easily.
However, when Liu Chengfeng’s group slunk away with downcast
heads, old man Fei didn’t forget to warn him, “Liu Chengfeng, you said earlier
that you wouldn’t give half a step of ground away if I came to propose
marriage. Mm. I’ve remembered these words. Out of consideration for the
Southern Palace’s face, I’ll let you go today, but mark my words, I carry a
grudge!”
Liu Chengfeng’s heart trembled when he heard these words,
but he quickly scuttled off, not daring to even let out a fart. He was both
regretful and shocked.
Even now, he still couldn’t make sense of things. How had
old man Fei become a senior executive of the Precious Tree Sect?
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao was in a great mood when he saw Liu
Chengfeng slink off. He laughed heartily, “Palace Head Ning, bring out the
wine! We saw such a great show today, how can we not drink to our heart’s content?”
This fellow’s alcoholic tendencies were showing again.
Crown Prince Ye Rong also chucked. “Senior Fei,
congratulations and much joy to you. You’ve finally left the outer sites and
have successfully returned to the sect. You are sure to ride on the winds and
part the seas in the future.”
“Congratulations to you, old brother.” Zhou Kai was also
rather surprised, since he’d come to reinforce Jiang Chen’s disciple today, but
had instead witnessed such an exciting battle. The icing on the cake was that
old man Fei, who usually looked rather crazy, had actually made this kind of
ultimate comeback in the end!
Dan Fei flicked a glance towards Jiang Chen, and saw that
he’d maintained that kind of coolly composed smile through it all. She brought
her beautiful face close and murmured softly, “You brat, you arranged all this
didn’t you?”
Jiang Chen chuckled, “I didn’t do anything. Old Fei was
having a great time so I let him do all that he wanted to do.”
It had been his own disciple who had been proposing
marriage, but since old man Fei wanted to make use of this situation to wax
eloquently, Jiang Chen was more than happy to relax and let the old man do
whatever he wanted.
He also knew that the old man wanted to make use of this
opportunity to thoroughly give vent to decades of depressed, anguished
feelings, and enjoy his moment in the limelight.
He also wanted to make use of the Northern Palace to issue a
challenge to their master, Elder Iron, that he, Fei Xuan, was back!
Fei Xuan had naturally been confident when he’d done all
this.
He had been vested with the t.i.tle of senior executive by
sect head Xie Tianshu himself.
This had been because the Renewal Purity Pill had made Xie
Tianshu greatly indebted to Fei Xuan.
The pill had provided priceless help to the sect head.
It wasn’t that the sect head needed the pill, but that his
precious son had wandered into a cultivation deviation once during a
breakthrough because he’d been too impatient for success.
Xie Tianshu had used his incredible arts to suppress his son
and ensure that his meridians weren’t damaged, but was powerless to do anything
about the internal demons that had taken up residence within his son’s
consciousness.
Of all the spirit medicines that could sweep away the demons
of martial dao training, the Precious Tree Sect only knew of the Peaceful Ruler
Pill.
Old man Fei had somehow learnt of this through some
channels, and had seen a strand of hope in this- a chance for him to return to
the sect.
Therefore, he had been obsessively searching for the
ingredients for the Peaceful Ruler Pill all these years, wanting to refine one
of these pills.
However, the ingredients for this pill were all treasures of
heaven and earth and extremely hard to obtain.
It wasn’t until Jiang Chen had appeared to light the way and
point out that the Renewal Purity Pill had the same effects that any progress
had made.
This was why old man Fei had done all he could do to fawn
over Jiang Chen when he heard of the Renewal Purity Pill.
His efforts had finally paid off when Jiang Chen pa.s.sed on
the recipe to him, and he’d finally refined a pill successfully after much
trial and error.
He brought this pill to the sect head after using a variety
of channels and connections.
This pill did indeed have the ability to reverse the
impossible, as it helped Xie Tianshu’s son overcome his internal demons!
Xie Tianshu was naturally overjoyed about this matter and
felt a debt of great grat.i.tude towards old man Fei. When he heard of old man
Fei’s circ.u.mstances, and learned that he had once been a genius disciple but
had been swept out the door by the Iron family, it further reinforced his
notion to make great use of Fei Xuan.
After all, within the sect now, the sect head represented
the Xie family, whereas the first amongst the esteemed sect elders was from the
Iron family. These were the two great powers within the sect.
Although the two powers didn’t engage in open conflict,
covert struggles abounded between the two.
Since he was someone who the Iron family was oppressing,
there was no reason for Xie Tianshu to not value old man Fei highly!
Even old man Fei himself hadn’t thought that his fortunes
would reverse so quickly, so suddenly, and so thoroughly.
Seeing that everyone was saluting him with wine, he hastily
waved his hands, “This old man won’t take attention away from today’s main
characters. Bais.h.i.+ and Qingyan are the stars of today, while we’re merely
the supporting cast”
Old man Fei was well aware that everything he had today had
been thanks to Jiang Chen. This was a day in which Jiang Chen’s disciple was
proposing marriage, and there was no way he would usurp the host’s place.
Qiao Baos.h.i.+ and Ning Qingyan were finally able to be
together amidst everyone’s laughter.
Jiang Chen smiled, ‘Palace Head Ning, it’s been difficult
for you to raise a daughter. Although I am young, I appreciate the difficulties
of being a parent. Bais.h.i.+ has only me within the Skylaurel Kingdom, so on
behalf of the groom’s side, I offer the recipe of the Four Seasons Eternal
Spring Pill as a betrothal gift. I will also not inquire after about how the profits
of the pill are shared between the Southern Palace and Bais.h.i.+.”
“This… this is too much!” Old woman Ning was at a slight
loss for words and didn’t know what to do. She had used the matter of marriage
before to throw all sorts of obstacles in Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s way.
But the other side didn’t mind at all and had in fact acted
with such generosity.
She felt ashamed, and finally understood why Jiang Chen
could have such a name and accomplish so much within the Skylaurel Kingdom.
How many could match up to this gesture and this style, to
say nothing of anything else? At the very least, it was something that she as a
palace head would never be able to do.
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao laughed heartily, “Palace Head Ning, I
rather envy you for having such a good daughter. Ai, young master Chen, I have
a daughter too, do you have anymore unmarried disciples?”
Fei Xuan chuckled, “Old s.h.i.+, don’t you be greedy. You’ve
already earned quite a bit from the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine.”
s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao smiled, “Does anyone ever get tired of
making money?”
Zhou Kai said ruefully, “So it sounds like I should hurry up
and make a daughter so she’ll have enough time to grow up if young master Chen
takes in any more disciples!”
Everyone laughed as the atmosphere was the epitome of
harmony.
Ning Qingyan’s heart overfilled with sweetness as she laid
her head on Qiao Bais.h.i.+’s shoulder, feeling quite content.
She had fretted over this matter everyday, worried that Qiao
Bais.h.i.+ wouldn’t be able to hold up beneath the pressures of the Northern
Palace.
But, in the end, her beloved hadn’t let her down.
Qiao Bais.h.i.+ had used a marvelous way to completely triumph
over Xiao Yu of the Northern Palace, and had used the most perfect way to
propose to her.
The banquet lasted until late afternoon before wrapping up.
Jiang Chen left with his personal guard and the others bid
farewell, but old man Fei followed behind Jiang Chen.
“What is it old Fei? What are you following me for?”
Old man Fei chuckled, “Young master Chen, do I look like
someone that greedy? I’m thinking that the young master has already developed
to the peak of your abilities within the Skylaurel Kingdom. Isn’t it time to
consider entering the sect?”
There was some sense to the old man’s words.
Although Jiang Chen’s development in the ordinary kingdom
wasn’t to the level of absolute authority, there was indeed not much left for
him to challenge within these lands.
After all, his aims weren’t for mundane power, but for
boundless martial dao.
“Old Fei, are you trying to recruit me now that you’ve
become a senior executive within the sect?”
Old man Fei smiled, “It would be an achievement of
unparalleled honor if I were able to recruit younger master Chen. With the
young master’s potential, you are sure to become a legend within the sect!”
“Don’t put on that front with me. I’ll think about entering
the sect. To be honest, my view of sect disciples is more than just a bit
negative. Whether it’s the Precious Tree Sect or the Purple Sun Sect I feel
that all sect disciples are asking for a beating.”
“Misunderstanding, this is definitely a misunderstanding.
Don’t have this kind of prejudice young master. Honestly speaking, the sect
disciples you’ve seen are all half wits. They’re not the premier geniuses
within the sect. The true geniuses wouldn’t come to a mundane kingdom to strut
around. Their time and energy is never diverted by outside matters and they
focus on martial dao with no other thoughts whatsoever.”
Jiang Chen smiled, “Old Fei, go and be a happy senior
executive. However, Iron Can is not likely to let you off the hook after your
show today.”
The muscles on old man Fei’s face started twitching
involuntarily when Iron Can was mentioned.
“Iron Can!” A thick sense of hatred shot out of old man
Fei’s eyes. “I, Fei Xuan have had half my life destroyed because of you, and my
development halted and delayed. Now that I’ve returned to the sect, our grudges
will be settled sooner or later!”
Old man Fei wasn’t the sort to bow his head in front of
destiny, and was not fodder just waiting for someone to slice and dice.
He had endured humiliation and kept a low profile all these
years to the point where he almost faded out of existence. What had he done
this for? It was to numb his opponents and have them overlook his existence.
If it wasn’t for this, with Iron Can’s personality, the
latter wouldn’t have let up on him even when he escaped to a mundane kingdom.
Of course, Iron Can hadn’t sent anyone to kill old man Fei
not because of some lingering sense of guilt and not because old man Fei had
kept a low profile. It was because that there was more entertainment and sport
in sending someone every now and then to humiliate the old man and make him eke
out a living in the face of shame.
It was obvious that Iron Can had never thought that old man
Fei would have the chance to make a comeback one day.
Old man Fei wanted to pull Jiang Chen into the sect
naturally to make use of Jiang Chen’s potential to further increase his own
strength and to find a backer as well.
With the old man’s understanding of Jiang Chen, he was sure
to rise to the top with a single, astounding action once he entered the sect.
And if he acted as a matchmaker and enabled the sect head to
meet Jiang Chen as early as possible, then if Jiang Chen became the head’s
favorite and even his true disciple, then old man Fei would truly become Iron
Can’s equal!
Chapter 248: A Plan for Future Strength
Old man Fei had also guessed that it wouldn’t be easy to
recruit Jiang Chen into the sect. This matter had to be approached slowly.
He wasn’t in a rush to recommend Jiang Chen to the sect head
yet.
After all, he’d been exiled from the heart of the sect’s
power for decades. Although he was now valued by the sect head, he couldn’t
appear to be too enthusiastic in the beginning. That might actually be met with
rebuffs.
After returning to his manor, Jiang Chen organized all of
the spirit medicine ingredients he’d gained from the maze realm. There was
actually quite a bit to go through.
For the next month, Jiang Chen spent almost all his time and
concentration on this. His unique eye for appraisal had left him with a rather
sizable haul.
The last time he’d gone into closed door cultivation, he’d
used all of the spirit medicines available to him. However, there was still a
substantial amount of ingredients that weren’t appropriate for use at the time.
It’d be a while before he found a use for the remaining
ingredients.
“It’d be a waste to just store the spirit ingredients I
don’t have a use for, and I’m always short on ingredients I do need. It seems
that there’s a constant interplay between ingredients and their sufficiency
that’s at work here. There are many good items over at the Myriad Treasures
Palace. Let’s go and see if I can find some spirit ingredients that I need.”
Apart from raising his own strength in this current stage,
Jiang Chen was also well aware of the importance of helpers.
His eight personal guards all had good potential, but needed
time to grow and develop.
Although Gouyu had broken through to the spirit realm, he
had no wish for a woman to charge headfirst into danger for him.
Of course, he naturally had an idea of whom he wished to
develop.
He had many trump cards right now, and many targets worth
training.
Take the Swordbird Army for instance, if he could raise them
all into spirit rank creatures, then the might of those hundreds and thousands
of Goldwing Swordbirds would be no trifling matter.
The same was even more true for the Goldbiter Rats. The Rat
King’s own strength was heaven defying, and even on par with Ye Chonglou. Even
setting him aside, some of his descendants were also quite strong, comparable
to the level of a human earth spirit realm pract.i.tioner.
However, Jiang Chen didn’t want to expose the existence of
the Goldbiter Rats if he didn’t have to.
Trump cards weren’t meant to be uncovered unless he was
forced into an uncompromisable position.
Aside from the Goldbiter Rats and the Goldwing Swordbirds,
the ones with the most potential were actually the two baby Silvermoon
Monsterapes.
Jiang Chen had used some special methods to test the
bloodline heritage of the two babies that he’d brought out of the maze realm.
Although he couldn’t make a definite conclusion, he was
relatively certain that they possessed uncommon potential.
Most importantly, these Silvermoon Monsterapes were born
into the spirit rank, and were already at the first level spirit realm as
babies.
They were simply too small and hadn’t had an opportunity to
develop their fighting capabilities before they’d been kidnapped by Jiang Chen.
From his brief glance through the accompanying spirit
ingredients in their cave, Jiang Chen could glean a hint of their bloodline
characteristics. Thus, he’d already drafted a plan to develop these
Monsterapes.
“The Silvermoon Monsterapes within the maze realm were the
equivalent of human earth spirit realm pract.i.tioners. But, the actual level
of their training was at fourth level spirit realm. This obviously speaks to
the fact that their bloodlines hadn’t fully awakened. Since even divine rank
Monsterapes exist in the world, these spirit rank Monsterapes should be at the
lowest level of existence.”
The thought of cultivating these Monsterapes to the divine
rank hadn’t crossed Jiang Chen’s mind. With his current abilities, it’d be
impossible to do.
However, if he could think of a way to awaken their
bloodlines, then the amount of potential stimulated would absolutely not leave
them merely at the spirit rank.
“Ai, it seems like I’ve gained a lot, but still don’t have
enough in areas where I truly have need.”
Although Jiang Chen had many channels of earning money and
gaining resources, he had even more areas in which he needed to use them.
He’d first have to aid all the Goldwing Swordbirds to break
through to the spirit realm. That would be a monumental expenditure all by
itself.
Raising two Monsterapes would be even more of a bottomless
pit. Jiang Chen was unable to calculate how much this would be.
“What a pity that I forgot to extort a hefty sum out of old
man Fei. Now that he has a somewhat high position in the sect, he’s definitely
a rich guy. I’ll have to make sure to get some handsome concessions out of him
next time I see him.”
Jiang Chen actually didn’t need to swindle anything out of
old man Fei at all. The worth of the recipe for the Renewal Purity Pill was on
the scale of several cities. Once it went into ma.s.s production, the profits
would be enough for Jiang Chen to dismiss worries about his expenditures for
the next couple of years.
However, even if old man Fei lived in defiance of
conventions, he didn’t dare do so without Jiang Chen’s approval.
After all, although Jiang Chen had pa.s.sed down the recipe
to him, he hadn’t said that old man Fei could do anything he wanted with it.
Old man Fei was well aware of what he could or could not do.
“I should consider thoroughly making use of that Renewal
Purity Pill next time I see old man Fei to address the immediate needs at
hand.”
Jiang Chen had now decided to make a trip to the Myriad
Treasures Palace and trade the large amounts of spirit ingredients left for
some necessities.
The Monsterapes wouldn’t be raised in a day or a night, so
Jiang Chen was in no hurry.
But that flock of Goldwing Swordbirds had been through thick
and thin with Jiang Chen, so he naturally wouldn’t give up on them.
He’d been worried about causing a stir when he came to the
capital, and had only brought a couple with him, leaving the vast majority on
the outskirts.
When Jiang Chen remembered this matter, he decided to pay
Tian Shao a visit before heading to the Palace.
As long as he obtained the flight tokens, these Goldwing
Swordbirds would be able to legally cross the borders without the slightest
restriction.
There were almost a thousand of them, but Jiang Chen
believed that this wouldn’t be a problem at all for the Dragonteeth Guard.
When he arrived at the door of the Dragonteeth Guard
headquarters, he happened to b.u.mp into Tang Long, who’d been in high and
vigorous spirits lately.
“Young master Chen, what are you doing here?” Tang Lang
quickly walked up in greeting when he saw Jiang Chen, surprise and joy written
all over his face.
“Old Tang, is your General Tian in?”
“Oh yes, absolutely!” Tang Long hastened to nod. “General
Tian has left instructions that if young master Jiang comes by, no
notifications are needed. You can go right inside. Young master, let me take
you in.”
“Alright.” Jiang Chen smiled faintly and didn’t dampen Tang
Long’s enthusiasm.
Those on duty with Tang Long were all greatly agitated and
in awe when they saw Jiang Chen. When they saw how familiar Tang Long was with
Jiang Chen, looks of admiration and envy appeared in their eyes.
The current Jiang Chen was the legend of the Skylaurel
Kingdom, and the idol of all the youngsters.
The world of martial dao wors.h.i.+pped the strong and the
talented.
Jiang Chen undoubtedly fulfilled this image. A young genius
fighting against insurmountable power by himself — this completely fulfilled
the fantasies of many martial dao pract.i.tioners.
Jiang Chen didn’t put on airs as he followed Tang Long with
a slight smile on his face.
Tian Shao was equally overjoyed to see Jiang Chen. “Young
master Chen, what brings you here today? Please have a seat, sit!”
“Old Tian, I’ve come to ask for your help this time.”
“Young master Chen, you torture me with this kind of talk.
The young master’s affairs are my affairs. What’s this talk of asking for me
for help?”
Tian Shao wasn’t being polite. He was a straightforward man
and only Jiang Chen was worthy of him saying such words.
Ordinary people wouldn’t have the right to make Tian Shao
speak words as these.
“So I have a flock of Goldwing Swordbirds…” Jiang Chen
thoroughly explained the matter.
Tian Shao mused silently for a moment after listening,
“Young master, flight tokens are a small matter, but to generate a thousand of
them can be a bit tough. With my level of authorization as a general, dozens or
hundreds are no problem, but numbers going into the thousands will need
approval from vice director Zhou.”
“Zhou Kai?”
“Yes indeed. Young master Chen, vice director Zhou has
always wanted to strike up a friends.h.i.+p with you. I’m sure that there will
be no problem with this matter if you bring it up to him.” Tian Shao smiled.
“How about I take you to him right now? The vice director is in anyways.”
Jiang Chen didn’t reject him and nodded, “Sure.”
Zhou Kai was now truly the first vice director in the
Dragonteeth Guard now. Without his great rival Yang Zhao, he was riding on the
crest of success and had swept away all his previous negativity and dejection.
He was finally grasping some of the power and image that a
first vice director should have.
Therefore, Zhou Kai felt a large amount of grat.i.tude
towards Jiang Chen. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have voluntarily joined the
entourage to propose marriage.
When he saw Tian Shao bring in Jiang Chen for a visit, Zhou
Kai was startled and almost overwhelmed by this honor.
Even Zhou Kai found his feelings a bit odd. After all, he
was the first vice director of the Dragonteeth Guard, his position high and his
influence great. Jiang Chen’s true ident.i.ty was just a second rank n.o.ble
with no true power at all.
Yet his att.i.tude had unwittingly placed Jiang Chen in a
superior position.
“Vice director Zhou Kai, young master Chen has some matters
here in which I cannot make the decision. Therefore, I must prevail upon the
vice director to decide…” Tian Shao explained the matter.
Zhou Kai didn’t hesitate at all after listening, “What’s not
to allow for a small matter like this? Tian Shao, I approve, hurry and oversee
the creation of the flight tokens. Young master Chen, is there anything else?”
Jiang Chen hadn’t thought that Zhou Kai would be so
accommodating and smiled, “I feel embarra.s.sed with one matter already. Vice
director Zhou is a decisive man alright. Please don’t hesitate to let me know
if there’s any matters in which I can help with in the future.”
Jiang Chen had never been one to be stingy to his friends.
Since Zhou Kai was this quick on the uptake, he was
obviously someone who Jiang Chen could be friends with.
Zhou Kai was inwardly gleeful when he heard Jiang Chen’s
words. He’d been looking for a good opportunity to enhance his relations.h.i.+p
with Jiang Chen, and hadn’t thought that this opportunity would come so
quickly.
He was naturally quite happy to be able to do something for
Jiang Chen and have the latter owe him a favor.
“I have long since heard of young master Chen’s reputation.
Our Dragonteeth Guard has forged a friends.h.i.+p with the young master via
conversations through our fists.”
Jiang Chen chuckled, “I asked for vice director Zhou’s
forgiveness as well. I haven’t always handled things well in the past.”
“Say nothing of the sort young master, our Dragonteeth Guard
has always been a rational organization. Those things were all a result of that
dumb animal Lu Wuji. He provoked you and created trouble for the guard, it has
nothing to do with you.” Zhou Kai hastened to say.
“Haha, vice director, let’s forget about past grudges. I
happen to have two jugs of good wine here, shall we have a drink? Drink away
that past?” Tian Shao interjected.
This suggestion hit the right chord with Zhou Kai. “Good,
good. Young master Chen is a genius and I’ve always wanted to find an
opportunity to strengthen our relations.h.i.+p.”
“Come, come young master Chen! No matter how busy you are
today, you must have a few drinks with the vice director.” Tian Shao hauled on
Jiang Chen’s arm and walked outside.
Chapter 249: The Mysterious Grandfather and Granddaughter
Appear Again
Jiang Chen didn’t mind this kind of socialization, but he
reached out a hand to stop Tian Shao when he went to get wine.
“Old Tian, what kind of wine do you have? You must drink
mine if it comes to wine.” Jiang Chen took out two jugs from his storage ring.
In those jugs was the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine, and of the
spirit rank at that!
Jiang Chen had originally brewed ten jugs. He’d given two
away to s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao and another to Ye Chonglou during his birthday banquet.
He’d kept the rest and didn’t drink them.
Since they were going to drink wine, Jiang Chen naturally
wouldn’t hesitate in bringing out a few more jugs.
“This… can this be the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine?” Tian
Shao’s eyes stared fixedly at the wine jug. He had accompanied Ye Rong to the
tutor’s banquet that day, and the events of that day had given Tian Shao quite
a shock.
It had been precisely this jug of wine that had enabled
their gift to be selected as the best at the banquet, winning Tian Shao the
opportunity to ask the tutor one question.
Tian Shao would remember it for the rest of his life. The
day had been that memorable.
“That’s right, this is the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine.
However, it’s not on the same level as those on the market. This is the spirit
rank version. Its ingredients are quite costly, the process to create it is
more tedious, and the difficulty to create it is more than ten times that of
creating a mortal rank version.”
“A spirit rank version?” Zhou Kai’s eyes were gleaming.
Although he wasn’t quite as much of an alcoholic as s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao, he still
looked forward to the contents of the cup.
Particularly after s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao had boasted, all along
the way back from the trip to propose marriage, that his experience in tasting
the spirit rank Nine Magnificence Dew Wine was something imprinted on his heart
for the rest of his life, and on a completely different level from a mortal
rank version.
Zhou Kai had also purchased and tasted a mortal rank one
before. In his heart, it was an irreplaceable king amongst wine.
However, after listening to s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao’s boasts, Zhou
Kai quite yearned for a spirit rank version of the wine and thought about it
day and night.
Who would’ve thought that a chance to taste it would arise
so unexpectedly today!
They couldn’t find cups of ancient vines on such short
notice, so they could only use wooden cups as a replacement. If one immediately
poured and drank the spirit rank wine however, it wouldn’t affect the spirit qi
embodied within the wine that much.
Zhou Kai and Tian Shao’s expressions froze as the spirit
rank wine traveled down their throats.
A marvelous sensation the like they’d never experienced
before immediately suffused their bodies.
In that moment, they suddenly understood why s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao
had kept up a constant litany of boasts along the way, and why he said that the
mortal rank version couldn’t measure up to the spirit rank version at all.
It indeed couldn’t measure up at all; they were on
completely different levels.
The two didn’t speak for the longest time after the wine
settled in their stomachs. Zhou Kai sighed, “This wine should only exist in the
heavens. How many times can we taste this in the mortal realm?”
“Young master Chen, if this wine were to be sold in the
market, it would fetch unimaginable prices. No wonder the honored tutor would
say this gift was first amongst them all that day. The honored tutor does
indeed have a different eye for appraisal from others, and it’s not anything
that we can measure up to.” Tian Shao sighed with emotion.
Zhou Kai and Tian Shao didn’t act gracefully after that as
the two of them drank cup after cup, completely cleaning out the two jugs and
leaving not a drop behind.
Jiang Chen was also quite content to see the two of them
have such a good time. After all, it was a joyous thing that his friends would
happily drink of the wine that he had crafted.
After drinking, Zhou Kai used his tipsiness as an excuse to
chuckle, “Young master Chen, I heard old brother Fei mention at the Southern
Palace marriage proposal banquet that the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine, Heavenly
Karma Pill, and Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill all came from you. I went home
and boasted about it to my woman, but actually ended up causing a world of
trouble. I’m a bit leery of returning home every day now, and have quite a
headache about things.”
“Oh? Old brother Zhou, what makes you say this?” Jiang Chen
smiled when he saw Zhou Kai was slightly exaggerating.
“Ai, it’s my fault for being a blabbermouth and mentioning
the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill. When my woman heard that Elder Ning’s
looks became at least 10 years younger after taking the pill, she went
completely nuts and asks me about it day and night. She brings up this matter
to me whenever I go home these days. Young master Chen, you gifted the recipe
to the Southern Palace. Do you know when they’ll be able to ma.s.s produce it?”
Jiang Chen smiled as he understood Zhou Kai’s meaning.
It was a good thing that there were still a few leftover
pills from when he refined the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill last time.
Although he was out of upper rank pills, there were still a few mid rank ones
left.
He took one out immediately. “Old brother Zhou, the Southern
Palace would probably take a bit to start selling it on the market. But I
happen to have one left and offer it as a gift to your wife. This is just a
little token to show my respect to you.”
Jiang Chen didn’t think much of this kind of pill at all.
They were like fruits and nuts to him, without the slightest bit of value.
If he could repay someone’s favor by gifting them one of
these, then why not?
Zhou Kai became a bit fl.u.s.tered, “How... how can I accept
this? This is worth several cities, I can’t accept it! How about I pay for it?”
Tian Shao smiled, “Vice director Zhou, young master Chen is
quite good to his friends. If he says he wants to gift it to you, he’ll become
unhappy if you try to give him money for it.”
“Old Tian makes sense. Old brother Zhou, you treat me as a
friend and helped me with such a large matter. You talk of money for a mere
pill? You’re looking down on me!”
Zhou Kai chuckled as he finally accepted the pill beneath
Jiang Chen and Tian Shao’s ribbing.
Although Zhou Kai was highly esteemed and influential within
the Dragonteeth Guard, he ranked number two at home. His wife was the real boss
at home.
At the thought of being able to take the pill home and make
his wife happy, and being able to speak with an upright back in front of her
and having her serve him, Zhou Kai’s heart lurched wildly.He couldn’t wait to
go home and strut with pride.
After they concluded their drinking session, Jiang Chen
suddenly remembered something and pulled Tian Shao aside, giving him another
jug. “Old Tian, give this jug to the general director for me.”
Drinking the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine in the Dragonteeth
Guard would make it to Shangguan Yi’s ears sooner or later, and the fact that
it’d been a vice director and a general who’d tasted it. This was a small
matter, but it wouldn’t do to overlook the general director.
Jiang Chen wasn’t afraid of anything himself, but Tian Shao
still worked for Shangguan Yi after all.
A jug of wine would act as a lubricant for their
relations.h.i.+ps.
After leaving the Dragonteeth Guard, Jiang Chen made a trip
to the Myriad Treasures Palace and consigned the lot of the spirit ingredients
over to them, making it a rather large business transaction.
Jiang Chen traded for as many items he needed from the
Palace, and asked the Palace to sell all that was left. He didn’t want money,
he just wanted to convert it all into items he would need in the future.
The Myriad Treasures Palace didn’t dare take a cut from this
transaction, so it was a trade at almost equal value.
After the transaction was concluded, s.h.i.+ Xiaoyao kept
hanging onto Jiang Chen no matter what, wanting to drink with him. Jiang Chen
knew that this fellow was likely still thinking of the Nine Magnificence Dew
Wine.
Therefore, he had to gift another jug again.
After obtaining a few spirit ingredients he needed, Jiang
Chen returned fully loaded.
Tian Shao delivered a thousand flight tokens later that
afternoon. This efficiency was ridiculously high, and Jiang Chen was quite
satisfied.
“Young master Chen, the general director was very happy to
receive your wine and invites you for a visit whenever you’re free.”
Tian Shao’s words to Jiang Chen were full of respect. He had
finally understood why Jiang Chen had gifted the general director with a jug
for himself.
The wine was secondary, the more important thing was that it
would improve relations.h.i.+ps, clear up estrangement, and smoothen their
interactions.
Jiang Chen summoned Gouyu after receiving the flight tokens.
“Gouyu, I have a mission for you. Take these flight tokens
and bring in the Swordbird army from the borders.”
The Goldwing Swordbird army had lingered around the borders
for quite a while. Jiang Chen found that he rather missed them.
Tian Shao spoke up on the side, “Young master Chen, this
trip to the border will pa.s.s through Northern Palace territory. They might
keep an eye on your comings and goings. Why don't I take some Guards with me
and accompany Miss Gouyu? We can take care of each other along the way if
anything happens.”
Jiang Chen recalled the unhappy experience with the Northern
Palace and nodded his head. “Old Tian, does this put you in a difficult
position?”
Tian Shao smiled, “Young master Chen, you’re now one of the
key personnel we protect in the Guard. Serving you is one of my duties!”
“Haha, old Tian, you’ve learned how to talk glibly as well.”
Jiang Chen was more at ease given that Tian Shao would be making
the trip as well. To be honest, he’d felt a bit uneasy if Gouyu was going by
herself.
The Northern Palace were renowned for being thieves. They
were completely lawless in their territory. Add to that the matter of the
recent marriage proposal, and it was likely that they hated Jiang Chen with all
their might.
Tian Shao and the Guard’s presence would be a good
precaution.
……
In a quiet corner of the Skylaurel Kingdom, a mysterious
person had rented out an exquisite courtyard half a year ago.
There were many flowers and gra.s.s planted in the front of
the yard. A girl with an ethereal presence wearing robes whiter than snow had
rolled up her sleeves, displaying the palest of arms as she watered these
plants.
An old man was holding a pair of pruning shears in his hand
and was clipping away at branches.
“Huang’er, it’s been half a year since we’ve taken up
residence in the Skylaurel Kingdom. Is everything to your liking?” The old man
asked merrily as he looked at the young girl with eyes full of love.
“As long as we are far away from all the conflict and can
quietly enjoy this suns.h.i.+ne, Huang’er will be happy anywhere we live.”
The girl’s movements were as if faint clouds covering the
moon, a light breeze flurrying up the snow. She seemed to possess a faintly
divine aura as her words and laughter filled the courtyard with life, like a
fairy realm.
“Ai, you’ve suffered much these past years.” The old man
sighed lightly as his tone became slightly heavy. He immediately changed the
topic. “However, it’s not like we haven’t gained anything since coming to the
Skylaurel Kingdom. This Jiang Chen has arrived for less than a year and
thoroughly upended the situation within the kingdom. This kid is truly not
simple.”
“If Elder Shun thinks he’s not simple, then there must be a
certain uniqueness to Jiang Chen.” Huang’er smiled faintly. Elder Shun had
often mentioned Jiang Chen in the past year, so although she’d never seen him
before, she still had an impression of this person.
Chapter 250: Elder Shun, Observing Jiang Chen from the
Shadows
This young girl who seemed so ethereal and unworldly had an
uncommon bearing. Her limpid eyes were clean and translucent, without the
slightest impurity.
“Huang’er, this old man feels increasingly certain that old
man Qian Ji’s divination will be fulfilled in the form of Jiang Chen.”
Elder Shun came alive with interest whenever he mentioned
Jiang Chen. A benevolent smile split his aged face.
Elder Shun and Huang’er had come from a mysterious place
because a magical seer had once divined that clues about Huang’er’s illness
could be found in this mundane world.
The dao of divination was a wispy, intangible art. It would
seem definite, yet not, and was beyond mystical.
Old man Qian Ji very rarely employed his arts, but whenever
he did, his accuracy was beyond doubt.
Since Qian Ji had once said that there would be clues about
Huang’er’s illness within the Eastern Kingdom, Elder Shun hadn’t wanted to give
up the slightest bit of hope.
Cultivation of any dao in itself had always been a
mysterious matter.
As such, Elder Shun would rather believe in its existence
than not.
It was because of this that he had taken Huang’er away from
the place they lived and travelled to the Eastern Kingdom.
Even though this divination of them being able to find the
merest wisp of a clue to Huang’er’s illness in the Eastern Kingdom frankly
appeared ludicrous on the surface.
After all, the world that Elder Shun and Huang’er resided in
was so, so much stronger than these mundane kingdoms. They weren’t on the same
level of existence at all.
If even the world they resided in was unable to resolve
Huang’er’s illness, how would they possibly find any clues in a mere ordinary
kingdom?
No one else would’ve believed it, but Elder Shun was no
ordinary person.
The greater one was in the world of martial dao, the more
one understood and knew that sometimes, strange twists of fate would occur
according to divine ordinance.
Even though this mundane kingdom was weak and insignificant,
this didn’t meant that no clues would appear here.
In the laws of nature, the world took from the abundant to
fill in shortfalls.
Elder Shun had shown off a few hands in the Hall of Healing
and gotten the position of a resident expert.
It was this ident.i.ty that had helped him gain a footing in
the Eastern Kingdom.
Elder Shun had been quite disappointed in the beginning
because he had gained nothing after staying in the Hall of Healing for so long.
This had stayed the case until the day that Jiang Chen
appeared with the recipe for the “Heavenly Karma Pill”.
The appearance of that ancient formula had given Elder Shun
a whiff of something suspicious. One had to know that an ancient recipe was
rather precious even in Elder Shun’s former residence.
For it to appear in a mundane kingdom, it was something that
would’ve been rare to see in a hundred, or even a thousand years.
From then on, Elder Shun had taken note of Jiang Chen, and
pinned this tiny hint of hope onto Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen’s performance after that had further aroused
Elder Shun’s attentions.
His counter attack and face slapping at the banquet held by
the Duke of Soaring Dragon, turning the tables at the foundational exams,
soaring to brilliance in the Hidden Dragon Trials, and shocking the heavens
when he suppressed the Soaring Dragon rebellion…
This string of events had happened in a short year. It was
absolutely incredible that they would appear around the son of a duke who’d
started off at a low place in this world.
Something had surely been up behind all these abnormalities.
Elder Shun had seen much, and he observed that Jiang Chen
was the point of commonalities in all this.
If it was said that he’d only suspected Jiang Chen in the
beginning, now that they’d spent almost a year in the Skylaurel Kingdom and
seen his rise in the kingdom, Elder Shun was almost certain that the hint of a
clue that they’d searched for so long almost certainly lay with Jiang Chen.
The Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill, the Nine Magnificence
Dew Wine -- even with Elder Shun’s level of existence, he had to sigh with
admiration. He’d never heard of any of these either.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen’s own rate of self improvement was
incredible. He’d barely pa.s.sed three meridians true qi during the
foundational exams. It’d been as if he’d reborn in a short year or two and
progressed directly into the spirit realm, killing three peers with three
arrows!
Elder Shun didn’t think much of the level of training in the
spirit realm.
What had surprised Elder Shun was Jiang Chen’s rate of
improvement, and the level of potential and charisma he’d displayed.
Elder Shun saw on this young man a potential that far
exceeded the limits of this mundane kingdom.
Even though the potential and strength of the youngsters of
Elder Shun’s world was far in excess of those of this mundane kingdom, Jiang
Chen was on par in some areas, such as his bearing, and even exceeded those of
his world in others!
“Heh heh, this Jiang Chen kid is more and more interesting.
Judging from his intentions, he doesn’t seem to be that enthused about entering
the Precious Tree Sect. I’m rather curious as to just what a young man from an
ordinary kingdom is thinking about? Logically speaking, a young man of this
caliber should be filled with yearning towards the so-called hidden sects.
However, I don’t see that at all on Jiang Chen.”
Perplexed emotions could be heard in Elder Shun’s tone.
The young girl called Huang’er laughed softly, “Elder Shun,
the young are proud and unbridled. There are many in our place who don’t like
to enter the sects.”
Elder Shun smiled ruefully, “Most people who are like that
are either unparalleled geniuses or idiots who are blindly confident. Huang’er,
which type would you say Jiang Chen is?”
Huang’er c.o.c.ked her head to the side and thought for a
moment before saying, “He likely counts as a genius amongst the sixteen
kingdoms?”
Huang’er had heard Elder Shun mentioned Jiang Chen almost
everyday in the past year.
Elder Shun would thoroughly investigate whatever had
happened to Jiang Chen and then fully relay it all to her.
In this way, although Huang’er had never met Jiang Chen, but
she more or less had a hazy image of him over a year.
She didn’t know Jiang Chen and naturally wouldn’t have any
prejudices against him.
Although she had a few words to say about some of the ways
in which he’d handled things, with her temper and rearing, she wouldn’t look
down on a young man whom Elder Shun was complimenting because of a few small
details.
“Haha, if even our Huang’er admits that he’s a genius, then
this Jiang Chen is definitely a genius.” Elder Shun clapped heartily in
laughter.
“Elder Shun, with your level of attention, even if he’s not
a genius, with your ability to turn stone into gold, you’d be able to turn him
into the most preeminent genius amongst the sixteen kingdoms if you gave him
just a few hints?”
Elder Shun shook his head and laughed, “Oh no, I will
absolutely not appear to instruct him in person. A genius has a genius’ path.
At least, I don’t want to give him pointers yet at this stage. Put it this way,
although the current level of potential he’s displaying is in excess of the
limits of the sixteen kingdoms, he’s still far away from my standards. Perhaps
if he breaks through to the origin realm in the next three or five years, then
he might truly have the right for this old man to appear and tutor him.”
“Three to five years?” Huang’ers long lashes fluttered
rapidly as her ethereal eyes looked at Elder Shun. “Elder Shun, Jiang Chen will
be in his early twenties in the next three to five years? If he enters the
origin realm at that age, he’d be a strong genius even in our world, no? I
don’t think this kind of genius has ever appeared in the history of the sixteen
kingdoms?”
“Huang’er, if old man Qian Ji’s fortune is truly to be
fulfilled in Jiang Chen, then he shouldn’t only be at the level of a genius of
the sixteen kingdoms. The sixteen kingdom alliance is but a desolate martial
dao backwater in the greater world. My standards for him are not measured by
the barometer of the sixteen kingdoms.”
Huang’er nodded, deep in thought, but still felt that Elder
Shun was being a little too one sided in his enthusiasm. After all, the
conditions of the sixteen kingdoms were limited. It would be incredibly
difficult for a pract.i.tioner to achieve quick breakthroughs on the path of
martial dao when the resources available to him were so limited.
It was likely that no one in the history of the sixteen
kingdoms had broken through to the origin realm at the tender age of twenty
years old. It was indeed a bit harsh to take this kind of measurement to Jiang
Chen.
“Huang’er, do you think that three to five years is too
short?”
Huang’er didn’t like to conceal and hide her thoughts, so
she smiled faintly when she heard Elder Shun’s question and didn’t deny it.
“Ahi, this old man also knows that three to five years is
short, but Huang’er, have you thought of the fact that your illness can’t be
dragged on for any longer? Although Jiang Chen is an important clue, but this
old man cannot place all my bets on him. It’s nothing if I lose, but Huang’er,
you can’t wait. You can wait three to five years, but we must start over again
if Jiang Chen isn’t the one we’re looking for. I’m afraid clues will be
difficult to find when time drags on…”
Elder Shun’s tone was filled with the worry over gains and
losses.
Huang’er’s face of heavenly beauty revealed a touch of
softness. She knew that Elder Shun was worried about her, and had come to this
desolate place, wasting his time on mundane youths because of her.
For someone on the level of Elder Shun, time and energy were
all quite precious.
“Elder Shun, Huang’er is greatly warmed by all that you have
done for me. Even if Huang’er is destined to succ.u.mb to my fate in this life,
such is my destiny. A person’s lifespan can be long or short, Huang’er has seen
those around us that even if they live past ten thousand years, they pursue
only fame and profit in their lives. Almost robotically absorbed in training,
they can steal resources, slaughter brothers, friends, and those around them,
all in the name of training. So what if this kind of heartless, mindless person
achieves the great perfection of dao? Are they truly happy to be alone for the
rest of their lives?”
“As for me, although I am young, I have Elder Shun who loves
me and who has taken me to across a thousand mountains and ten thousand rivers,
viewing all the wonders and sites of the world, and experiencing all there is
in this realm. Even if I live to only this day in my life, my life would not be
in vain. Compared to the peers of my clan, I have possessed more than a hundred
times their happiness.”
Although Huang’er’s tone was noncommittal, her tone was
suffused with sincerity as well as a certain realization and the intelligence
of acceptance.
Elder Shun’s eyes filled with love when he heard these
words. He roared raspily, “Huang’er, unless this old man dies, otherwise I will
never give up on visiting all sorts of renowned doctors for you to cure you of
your illness! You are a G.o.ddess amongst mortals. If your life is short, then
that is because the heavens are blind! With this old man’s knowledge of the
heavenly law, although Huang’er is troubled by your affliction, you are not
meant for a short life. You are destined to suffer first in your life before
sweet rewards arrive. You are destined to have someone appear who will help
you!”
It was as if spring had alighted in the courtyard when
Huang’er smiled sweetly.
“Elder Shun, Huang’er is young and doesn’t understand talk
of the heavenly law. Except, Huang’er will try hard for you to live on and not
be beaten by this sickness. If there really is someone who will help me in my
life, Huang’er will try her hardest to live until he appears and then tell him
that Elder Shun has spent a lot of effort looking for him.”
Elder Shun laughed heartily. “That’s my good Huang’er!”
He paused and then said. “I hope this Jiang Chen doesn’t
disappoint me. It doesn’t seem like there’s another clue worth pursuing in all
of the sixteen kingdoms. Can it be that he really gained divine patronage after
being caned by Eastern Lu?”
