Chapter 288: Learning Literature and Martial Arts, Fox and Ghost Borrowing Fragrance
Brother Liang also said: "He is so young and so handsome, he is definitely not an ordinary person."
Brother Zhu said happily, "Yeah, you think so too. When they come back, I have to question them thoroughly."
Brother Liang asked quietly, "Are you so interested in that gentleman?"
Brother Zhu hesitated and said, "I'm not really interested."
When Brother Liang looked at him like this, his eyes became evasive and his face gradually turned red.
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan were not aware of what was happening behind them. Their attention was all on Gong Mengbi.
After not seeing each other for nearly four years, the two little guys have grown up a lot, their childishness has gradually faded away, and they have shown the heroic demeanor of youth.
Children grow up very quickly, changing almost every year. But when they become adults, the changes are not that great.
Both Shen Qiao and Shen Yan showed extraordinary admiration for Gong Mengbi.
The life-saving grace when they were young was one part, and the influence of Chenshan was another. Even when they were in Qiantang, the two brothers often offered sacrifices to the fox fairy, not because they asked for anything, but because they showed their respect.
"Uncle Gong," Shen Qiao said excitedly, "It's been a long time since we last met. Uncle is still as charming as ever."
Gong Mengbi asked, "How have you been these years?"
Gong Mengbi was of course well aware of how the two little ghosts were faring, but there was a natural difference between how they expressed it themselves and how Gong Mengbi expressed it.
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan each talked about their experiences over the past few years.
In the past few years, they have been studying at Wansong Academy. At first, they lived in their cousin's house, but they were not happy living under someone else's roof. So, under the pretext of studying, they rented a house on the bank of West Lake below Wansong Academy. They lived there on weekdays and only stayed at their cousin's house during festivals.
Gong Mengbi asked about their studies.
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan were not afraid of his questioning, because they were just asking about something they were proud of, so they said, "Father often conveyed your instructions to us, asking us to concentrate on our studies. Now we have read some books, and the teacher likes us very much."
Gong Mengbi felt very satisfied. He believed that reading could enlighten one's mind and increase one's wisdom and intelligence. He could see that the two little devils put their heart into it.
From what Gong Mengbi saw, the second son of the Shen family was full of inspiration, had great momentum, and was very lucky. He already looked quite impressive.
But the more such atmosphere appeared, the more Gong Mengbi understood that a catastrophe was approaching.
Not only is a catastrophe coming to the second son of the Shen family, but also a catastrophe to the entire world.
However, it was difficult to speak these words out loud, so Gong Mengbi could only encourage him, "Be cautious of arrogance and impatience, and be attentive. I heard that your cousins have a family tradition of martial arts. I wonder what martial arts you have learned?"
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan didn't know what Gong Mengbi meant, so they answered honestly, "We have always been focused on studying. The old man wanted to teach us martial arts, but we refused."
Gong Mengbi said meaningfully, "Studying nourishes the mind, and martial arts nourishes the body. If there is a chance, you can still learn them."
Although Shen Qiao and Shen Yan did not know the deeper meaning of this, because of their importance to Gong Mengbi, they were still willing to listen to his advice.
My cousin's surname is Wan, and martial arts are passed down in his family. A few generations ago, there were military officers in the family, but they later fell into decline. Today, they still haven't given up their ancestors' skills. In fact, most of the younger generations are reluctant to learn, as learning martial arts requires hardship, and the prospects are not as bright as studying literature. It's only because the old man insisted that the skills be passed down.
Although they are cousins, the Shen and Wan families have never broken off contact.
When Chen Shan traveled far and wide to do business, he needed the support of martial artists, many of whom were children of the Wan family, or the old man's disciples.
The Shen family made money and was not reluctant to maintain the relationship between the two families. They gave a lot of silver to the Wan family martial arts school and escort agency.
It is not difficult for Shen Qiao and Shen Yan to learn martial arts. As long as they are willing to speak, the old man is willing to teach them everything he knows.
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan took Gong Mengbi to the house by West Lake. Before they even entered, Gong Mengbi asked, "I gave you two protective beads. Are you still wearing them?"
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan took out the pearls from their necks and said, "I have been wearing them all the time. Thanks to Uncle Laogong's blessing, I have encountered ominous things several times, but I was able to turn the bad luck into good luck and avoid them."
Gong Mengbi asked them to take off the pearls and played with them in his hands, saying, "I will refine them again and return them to you in two days."
At that time, Gong Mengbi had not yet reached the middle level of cultivation. In addition, a few years had passed and he had encountered some evil things, which had caused some damage. Now his skills are not very good.
Gong Mengbi values the second son of the Shen family very much, so of course he wants to perform the ritual again.
After entering the house, Gong Mengbi exclaimed softly and asked, "When did you raise a fox ghost in the house?"
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan were immediately surprised and asked, "Fox ghost? We have never seen any fox ghost before."
Gong Mengbi then asked, "Who is that woman in the backyard?"
Shen Qiao said, "That's Aunt Liu, who was hired by my cousins to take care of us."
Shen Yan asked, “But what’s the problem with Aunt Liu?”
Gong Mengbi took a look and said, "It's not really a problem, it's just strange."
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan took him into the backyard and saw Aunt Liu sweeping the courtyard. Seeing them come back, she smiled gently and said, "The two young masters are back."
Shen Qiao and Shen Zhan looked at Aunt Liu hesitantly, then turned back to look at Gong Mengbi, seeming to want to say something but stopping themselves.
Aunt Liu also looked at Gong Mengbi. At first glance, he was smiling, but as soon as she took a look, she felt a sense of fear.
She forced a smile and said, "The young master has brought guests. I'll go cook now."
She put down the broom and wanted to leave, but Shen Qiao stopped her: "Stop!"
Aunt Liu had no choice but to stop, not daring to look at Gong Mengbi again. She lowered her head and pretended to be weak and submissive. Although she didn't say anything, she could feel that she had raised her hands in surrender.
Gong Mengbi took a look and said, "Come with me."
He walked into the backyard, and Shen Qiao and Shen Yan followed him.
Gong Mengbi went to the temple where he was enshrined, opened the door and went in, where he could see two statues, one of which was the Goddess of Mount Tai, and underneath her was a fox.
When Aunt Liu entered the temple, she was shaking like a sieve, lowering her head and not daring to say a word.
Gong Mengbi asked, "You fox ghost, why are you here?"
Aunt Liu plopped down on her knees before Gong Mengbi and said, "Goddess, spare my life!"
Gong Mengbi didn't say anything, and Aunt Liu told him everything like pouring beans out of a bamboo tube.
"The little fox cultivated for a hundred years, forming an inner elixir, but was killed by one of their own kind, who stole my elixir. Then, I transformed into a ghost, using the spiritual energy of West Lake to cultivate again. Previously, the little fox had seen two young masters trapped by ghosts, but they managed to escape by retrieving a rare treasure. I sensed the aura of the fox spirit and followed it. Seeing the two young masters offering sacrifices to the fox spirit, but with no one to consume the incense, I took the opportunity to transform into a woman, taking care of their daily lives while using the incense to solidify my form."
"The little fox only stole a little incense to support my daytime journey and didn't dare take more. Knowing that the two young masters have a connection with the fox spirit, I am willing to serve them, only hoping to receive guidance from the fox spirit in their cultivation."
As the woman spoke, the scent of incense on her body dissipated, and she transformed into a fox ghost with tattered clothes, standing in the shape of a human but with a fox head.
Shen Qiao and Shen Yan have always gotten along well with Aunt Liu. Aunt Liu is always careful and cautious in her work, so they feel at ease.
They had never thought that such a thing could happen. Looking at the ragged, dark-skinned fox ghost in front of them, they were stunned and their hearts began to beat wildly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
