In the early morning, as the first light of dawn shone, a blindfolded boy crouched behind a shrine in an abandoned Dragon King Temple by the lake. He leaned forward against the mottled and faded mural, where the images had faded beyond recognition and cleared his throat,
"Coo~ Coo Coo~ Coo~"
"What are you doing?"
Chen Xuantian’s voice ca from behind, and Chan Zi quickly climbed down.
"I’m giving you a signal. So how’s it going, Fatty? I’ve finished my part, is everything smooth on your side?"
"If I hadn’t sorted it out, would I be here to find you?"
Chen Xuantian rolled his eyes at him, but the eye he put back hadn’t healed properly, and the corner of his eye hurt terribly, with blood flowing out in waves. He had to pull out the Jade Purification Bottle from his sleeve and apply so eye drops,
"Alright, call the people in to move the goods."
"Got it!"
Chan Zi enthusiastically pushed open the door and gestured with his hand,
"Brothers! Get to work!"
And so the orphans who were chewing on biscuits in the courtyard all got up, each carrying a tattered burlap sack, lined up, and entered the temple. Following Chan Zi’s commands, they lined up, each holding a Triangular Yellow Talisman under their tongue, opening their mouths for Chan Zi to check.
Chen Xuantian also wiped his eye drops, pulled out a brush from his bosom, and drew a door on the wall. With a push, he opened the door,
"One by one, go inside and don’t touch anything rashly! Find a place to sit quietly and practice the ntal thod as I taught you!
Didn’t you all once curse the heavens for not giving you a chance? Well, today I’m giving you a chance to reverse your fate!
It’s currently sunrise, muster in the You Hour, and retreat in the You Hour, giving you a full six hours! If you can’t develop Qi Sensation, then you’re just not ant to!
When the ti is up, take what you can, and don’t overexert yourself; what’s ant to be yours is yours! Everyone gets a share, don’t be greedy!
Understand? Rember! Go in!"
And so the orphans silently filed in, each slipping into the wall. Soon, only Fatty and Chan Zi were left in the Dragon King Temple.
"You too, get in. Don’t dawdle. Take this, rember after the You Hour, lead them through the main gate, hide in the Taoist Temple across the street, and stay hidden for seven days. Not even the Immortals can track you then."
Chen Xuantian handed the Yin Yang Jade to Chan Zi.
"Oh. Left it for you."
Chan Zi also pulled out a stack of warm biscuits from his bosom and stuffed them into Chen Xuantian’s hands. He then took a talisman to hold under his tongue, opened his mouth to show him, and slipped into the mural.
"..."
Chen Xuantian ate the biscuit, raised his hand to erase the painted door on the wall. He then exited the temple, perford Qi Manipulation to fly into the air like a great roc spreading its wings, quickly soared over the lake, returned to the Nangong Family’s large ship, and slipped back into his cabin as if nothing had happened last night.
Soon, a guard ca knocking on the door,
"Mage, the Young Master requests your presence."
"Alright, please lead the way."
Thus, Chen Xuantian finally t Nangong Che, who was,
Hair tied back, black crown shining in the sunlight, two pheasant feathers spread, brushing the clouds open.
Golden armor locked with cold starlight, strings of jewels hung like bright moonlight.
Rhinoceros-patterned belt intertwining with dragon’s aura, silver sword with Chi Head blades shivering with frost.
Phoenix eyes flashing light revealing the road to the heavens, red lips containing elixirs reflecting on the Jade Platform.
Hm, later on he’ll head out of the city to greet the court’s delegation, receive the insignia and seal, perform the general’s ceremonial rites. Naturally, the Young General is well-grood, brimming with radiance, at the height of prosperity, surrounded by Golden Armored Cavalry Generals and personal soldiers, exuding boundless elegance and charm. The surrounding maids scread endlessly, almost fainting away.
"Hahaha, Master Wulian, you’ve co at the perfect ti. How did you sleep last night? Were that group of concubines attentive enough?"
A glance showed that experts surrounded Nangong Che, with eight tigers accompanying him, naturally fearless. He approached and linked arms with Chen Xuantian to express closeness.
"Namo Gatling~ Thanks to the Nangong Family’s hospitality, little monk rembers it well, and will assuredly serve at your beck and call, to repay the Young General’s recognition~"
After all, it was a good day for them, so Chen Xuantian also smiled and clasped his hands in gratitude.
Nangong Che thoroughly enjoyed this display of Kingly Aura, drawing everyone to pledge allegiance. Leading Chen Xuantian, he ascended to the ship’s deck, pointing to the Thousand Miles Water,
"Haha, what hospitality is this? Master, rest assured, these past days I’ve been busy with public affairs, neglecting you. Not only Li Hu, but even the temple master and Pan Zhang recomnded you to . How could I not know? In future, to accomplish a great endeavor, your skills are indispensable!
Once I assu the position of General Zhen Nan, I will appoint you as military advisor! Overlord Residence’s chief, overseeing all affairs of my Southern Garrison General Mansion! All military and political affairs will be decided by you! How about that!"
Chen Xuantian was shocked,
"This cannot be! What virtue or ability does this little monk have, having contributed nothing, how could I take on such a significant role!"
Nangong Che laughed heartily,
"Master, no need to decline. My mother, being a woman, doubts whether I can maintain the family estate. Master Huang has truly aged, while that guy from Tiantai is elusive all day! As for the others, they’re either claws and Eagle Dogs or stubborn and incompetent old n, unfit for major use. The only one who can help achieve a great undertaking is you!
I’ve been biding my ti, and now I can finally soar! But my ambitions are not limited to this little Yun ng or a re corner of the waters! In future, the vast lands and four seas and eight directions will be our stage to dominate!
What of the Immortal Venerable Emperor’s throne! Or the Heavenly King General! What’s so amazing! If they can sit, why couldn’t I? We shall join hands! Accomplish great deeds! How about that!"
Chen Xuantian was overjoyed,
"The General has such lofty ambitions! This is the wise lord I’ve longed for! Lord Ming! Allow this little monk to bow before you!"
"Hehehaha!"
And thus Nangong Che laughed delightedly, while Chen Xuantian was filled with joy, laughing all the way to the general’s ceremony venue. It was not until the young master went on stage to et the delegation that he had a chance to take a break.
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