Chapter 346 A Life of Splendor and Spirit (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
It was just past the middle of the Mao hour (5-7 AM).
As dawn broke in the east and the light grew stronger, the full moon slowly dimmed.
Chen Yi finished his practice and exhaled a long white mist, gathering all his true essence into his three great seas.
The true essence in the dantian and dantian, like mercury, swirls like a vortex.
The Qi Sea at the center of the chest is immovable and majestic, its true Qi as solid as a mountain.
Inside the Yintang acupoint, four divine beasts on the altar are in different postures, silently absorbing and releasing true essence.
Although Chen Yi had already activated the Xuanwu Breath Concealing Technique to suppress his aura, this stance training was peculiar, allowing him to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through his pores.
He gradually improved his "spirit" in a subtle and silent way, thus enhancing his cultivation.
Small streams flow steadily, and grains of sand accumulate to form a tower.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to raise his cultivation to the middle stage of the fourth rank in just twelve days.
Chen Yi got up and stretched, feeling refreshed and much lighter.
He clenched his fist, sensing his five senses, his eyes growing brighter, and muttered to himself:
"With the improvement of divine will, the control over the body becomes more and more refined."
If the lower three ranks are about tempering the body's muscles, bones, skin, and flesh, then the middle three ranks are the realms where martial artists gradually master and unleash their full strength.
From large structures like bones and muscles to small details like acupoints and hair.
Wherever a martial artist's divine will goes, their qi, blood, and true essence will gather there, which can injure the enemy, deplete their strength, or block attacks...
As Chen Yi's cultivation improved, he gained a deeper understanding of the path of martial arts.
Without a doubt, those at the top three ranks cultivate "divine power" to control the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, thereby enhancing the power of their techniques.
The grandmasters, great grandmasters, and even the legendary immortals on land above them must have already transcended the comprehension of mortals.
"I wonder what realm Bai Daxian and Ye Guxian are at. I guess they are... terrestrial immortals?"
Chen Yi secretly curled his lip, thinking that even if these two had extraordinary cultivation, they were still shameless old men.
Not only did Ye Guxian use Xiao Jinghong to threaten him into going to spar with others and drink the king's wine, but Bai Daxian was also hiding behind the scenes and giving him bad advice; he wasn't a good person either.
If he had known this would happen, he would never have gone to the East Market to watch a play just for the sake of this opportunity.
Although he had the opportunity to learn the Heavenly Rank Mountain Collapse Fist that day, it is an undeniable fact that he is currently facing constant troubles.
Chen Yi sighed, took off his casual clothes, took out the scholar's robe that Xiao Die had prepared, and put them on neatly.
He wore a wide-sleeved robe, a neat crown, and a belt around his waist, along with a pair of boots.
At first glance, he could be considered a handsome scholar.
only……
Chen Yi stared at himself in the bronze mirror for a moment, his expression subtly changing. The temperament he had cultivated through reading, martial arts, chess, calligraphy, and painting all became somewhat restrained.
Although he still maintains a carefree and composed demeanor, when he is insightful and confident, he always inadvertently reveals a convincing expression.
This is inconsistent with his identity as a gentle son-in-law and a frail scholar.
That's completely inconsistent.
After confirming that everything was correct, Chen Yi straightened his clothes and leisurely walked into the living room.
Xiaodie had just placed the food on the table when she heard the sound, turned around, saw him, and exclaimed:
"Young master, you've already washed up. Xiaodie was thinking of preparing breakfast before waking you up."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, his tone relaxed: "Getting up early means we can get to the exam hall earlier, right?"
Chen Yi sat down at the dining table, looked around, and instructed, "Go and call Pei Guanli here."
When he went to the Purple Bamboo Forest to practice his techniques last night, he sensed the aura of Tiger Girl practicing her skills, which could be considered as her diligence.
Xiaodie glanced at the food on the table, then, rooted to the spot, said:
"Son-in-law, the kitchen has prepared a lot of delicious food for you today, for you to enjoy during your annual examinations."
Her conflicted little face looked just like she was worried that Chen Yi would steal the food—you've brought so much good food, why not leave the breakfast for Xiaodie?
Chen Yi saw through her thoughts and said with a wry smile, "Go and come back quickly, or the food will get cold."
"Why."
Xiaodie responded with a playful laugh and quickly ran to another wooden building.
Chen Yi smiled and shook his head.
No matter how much time passes, Xiaodie is still that greedy girl.
Not long after.
Pei Guanli skipped and hopped over with Xiaodie. When she saw Chen Yi's attire, she couldn't help but come closer, scrutinize him carefully, and said with a grin:
"Brother-in-law, at first glance you look quite like a frail scholar."
While preparing bowls and chopsticks for the two, Xiaodie said, "Miss Pei, the young master was originally a scholar."
"Yes, yes..."
Pei Guanli sat down next to Chen Yi and winked at him, probably saying something like, "Xiao Die doesn't know, but I do."
Chen Yi waved his fist at her, making her stick out her little tongue before he finally spoke:
"The annual examination will last for two days. You will stay in the manor for now. After the examination hall opens tomorrow, you can have the guards from the manor come by carriage."
Xiaodie nodded in agreement.
Pei Guanli, however, had already made arrangements. With a quick glance, she said, "Brother-in-law, I'll go out with you later. I'd like to visit Jishi Pharmacy."
Chen Yi understood her intention and nodded, saying, "It's okay to have fun, but don't cause trouble for the pharmacy."
He suddenly remembered the opportunity that had presented him with today—the renowned physician from Youzhou who had consulted with the Jishi Pharmacy—and subtly reminded him:
"Recently, many wandering martial artists have come to Shuzhou City. Stay calm in any situation and don't cause trouble."
"Don't worry, don't worry, I won't bully people with my power."
Bullying others by abusing one's power?
Chen Yi chuckled to himself; that wasn't entirely wrong.
Given the mountain tribe's advantageous location in Shu Prefecture, ordinary martial arts practitioners wouldn't dare to provoke Pei Guanli.
What I fear most are those blind fools like the Five Poisons Sect.
Let's have a joke.
After breakfast.
Chen Yi went to the study to tidy up his utensils, including writing brushes and ink, picked up the snacks that Xiao Die had gathered, and headed outside.
Pei Guanli followed closely behind.
The annual examination begins at Chenshi (7-9 AM) and ends at Sishi (9-11 AM), with the examination resuming at Wushi (11:45 AM).
There was still plenty of time, so Chen Yi wasn't in a hurry.
As soon as he left Chunhe Garden, he saw Shen Huatang waiting in a carriage at the entrance of Jiaxing Garden. After thinking for a moment, he walked over.
A short while later.
Xiao Wan'er walked over with Xie Tingyun. When she saw him from afar, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
"Brother-in-law, today is your year-end exam. I wish you success."
Perhaps because she was going to discuss the matter of the academy's dean with Cui Qingwu, she dressed up a little more today.
She wore an elegant printed cloak, green brocade shoes, and light makeup, her eyes and brows as bright as stars and the moon.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, yet dignified and elegant, drawing everyone's attention.
Chen Yi glanced at it a couple more times, "Thank you for your kind words, elder sister."
Xiao Wan'er noticed his gaze, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes, but she no longer avoided his gaze as before, and spoke directly:
"It's getting late, brother-in-law, you should hurry to the examination hall."
“I instructed Guard Wang yesterday to wait in the front yard. Brother-in-law, you can go and find him.”
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then waved goodbye.
After walking a few steps, he turned around and said, "I'll talk to Ma Liangcai later, don't worry, elder sister."
"The other letter I wrote to Madam is in my study. Eldest sister can send it out together with the letter later."
Xiao Wan'er gave a soft "hmm," and without saying anything more, she waved her delicate, boneless hand, signaling him to go first.
Chen Yi said no more, smiled and nodded in greeting, then led Pei Guanli toward the central courtyard.
Pei Guanli didn't forget to turn around and wave to Xiao Wan'er and the others who were standing and looking around, her smile playful.
Xiao Wan'er smiled, and only after seeing the two leave the backyard did she board the carriage and give the instructions:
"Tingyun, tell Cui'er to give the letter to Steward Lu at noon and ask him to send someone to deliver it to Second Sister."
"yes……"
Xie Tingyun accepted the order to stay temporarily, and Shen Huatang pulled the reins at the right moment, and the carriage started turning with a clatter.
Xiao Wan'er peered through the gap in the curtain towards the central courtyard, her hands unconsciously clasped together.
I pray that my brother-in-law will pass the imperial examination smoothly and successfully. I don't expect him to be among the top three, I just hope that he can keep his title of Xiucai (a scholar who passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations).
Scholars in the Great Wei Dynasty held a high social status, and even though Chen Yi was now a son-in-law of the Xiao family, he still received some preferential treatment.
Whether in the manor or outside, Chen Yi will be respected by all.
Without official rank, even if he were to serve as a teacher at Guiyun Academy, he would inevitably be subject to gossip.
Xiao Wan'er certainly didn't want to see that scene.
Although she was well aware of Chen Yi's abilities, martial arts were not like the imperial examinations; no matter how brilliant an essay was written, it still needed to meet the examiners' standards.
The Great Wei Dynasty lasted for two hundred years, and such things have happened quite often.
Chen Yi was unaware of Xiao Wan'er's worries. He and Pei Guanli chatted and laughed as they walked through the corridor to the central courtyard.
From afar, they could see that Duke Zhang Xuan was talking to two middle-aged guards, and they could vaguely hear what they were saying:
"...The appearance of Japanese bandits in Shu Prefecture is no small matter. You should keep a close eye on their movements and report back immediately if you find anything."
"yes……"
As Chen Yi passed by, the two guards had already gone far away, so he smiled and bowed to Zhang Xuan who had turned around:
"Lord Gan Guogong".
Pei Guanli followed suit, awkwardly clasping her hands in a greeting: "Grandpa Duke Gan Guo."
Upon seeing the two, Zhang Xuan's serious expression instantly transformed into a beaming smile. "Qingzhou, Pei girl."
He had stayed at the Xiao family's residence for several months, and later, in order to obtain Chen Yi's birthday greeting, he made a special trip to Chunhe Garden, so he was quite familiar with both of them.
"Is this... the annual examination?"
“That old scoundrel Xiao Yuan mentioned it last night.”
Just as Chen Yi was about to exchange a few pleasantries with him, he heard Old Master Xiao's laughing and scolding voice coming from behind him:
"You say I cheated? It's clearly you old codger who can't hold your liquor."
Zhang Xuan glared at him fiercely: "I'm no good? Let's compete again today!"
Old Master Xiao naturally wouldn't let him have his way, agreeing but uttering a few mild but harsh words before looking at Chen Yi:
"Qingzhou, the annual examination is still quite important... Do your best on the exam."
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, "I will do my best, son-in-law."
Old Master Xiao observed Chen Yi discreetly, but no matter how he looked at him from afar or up close, or even by probing his true essence, he could not discern any trace of martial arts on him.
He muttered to himself, feeling slightly relieved, but still planned to find time later to personally test the waters.
After exchanging a few pleasantries.
Only then were Chen Yi and Pei Guanli able to travel to the examination hall by carriage.
Old Master Xiao and Duke Zhang returned to their quiet residence, where they had breakfast and drinks prepared while chatting idly.
"Your grandson-in-law is truly remarkable now."
"Oh? Qingzhou's reputation has already spread to Guangyue Prefecture?"
Zhang Xuan, with a look of smug satisfaction, scoffed:
"Leaving aside the poem 'Prelude to Water Melody,' the calligraphy scroll that I presented at my birthday banquet alone was enough to make Qingzhou famous throughout Guangyue Prefecture."
"If I hadn't deliberately spread the word, your Xiao family's threshold would have been trampled to pieces by those old bastards from Guangyue Prefecture long ago."
Why?
"Why else? Of course, it's for your grandson-in-law's calligraphy practice book."
"Some people used to say that I was rich and powerful, spending a thousand gold coins to buy a calligraphy copybook written by some unknown person. But now... hehe, who doesn't say that I spent the money well?"
Listen carefully to the underlying meaning.
Grandpa Xiao paused in his chopsticks, looking at him and asking, "A word worth a thousand pieces of gold? You bought it?"
Zhang Xuan's smug expression became slightly unnatural as he snorted, "You won't ask for Qingzhou's calligraphy for me, so you won't even let me buy one?"
"Do I mean, does Qingzhou currently have silver on hand?"
"Huh? What? You, you wouldn't..."
Grandpa Xiao picked up some food, put it in his mouth, nodded, and said, "He has this skill, which can be put to good use."
Putting aside the question of whether Chen Yi is "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu, he can now think of ways to get more of Chen Yi's calligraphy.
Even if he doesn't sell it and just keeps it in the treasury, he can still leave a considerable sum of money for the Xiao family in the future.
Zhang Xuan realized what was happening, pointed at him, and laughed and cursed, "You old rascal, you really didn't have good intentions."
"If Chen Xuanji knew that you had used his son as a craftsman to write and draw, he would definitely make you regret it."
Old Master Xiao didn't offer much explanation, but instead spoke of Chen Xuanji:
"You're the one who should be careful. Back then, because of the untimely allocation of funds and grain in Jiangnan Prefecture, you wrote several letters angrily denouncing him for being disloyal and unjust."
"I'm afraid of him?"
"Hmph, he is a first-rank military minister, while I am a Duke of the current dynasty, whose position is hereditary and my status is far superior to his."
Zhang Xuan spoke toughly, but he knew in his heart how much power Chen Xuanji wielded as the Minister of War.
Leaving aside the matter of inspecting the border troops, the promotion of soldiers and the enlistment of new troops alone are enough to make the various military towns bow their heads slightly.
One is not good.
If those who deserve rewards don't receive them, and those who should be promoted are suppressed, it will inevitably affect morale.
Old Master Xiao was well aware of these things, and his smile faded slightly as he pondered:
"Chen Xuanji has just returned to the Great Wei and has gained power. He will surely make some moves, so we must be cautious."
Zhang Xuan poured drinks for the two of them and stopped being stubborn: "We should indeed be more careful."
"On the way here, I heard that Chen Xuanji's inspection tour is quite grand. In addition to him and the Ministry of War, Cui Mao and Chu Chengxuan will also send people to accompany him."
He looked at Old Master Xiao and said seriously, "One of them is in charge of the promotion of officials, and the other is in charge of the purse strings of the Great Wei Dynasty. Neither of them are easy to deal with."
Old Master Xiao paused as he picked up his wine glass, the image of Chu Chengxuan appearing in his mind.
"Leaving aside Cui Mao for now, we must be wary of Chu Chengxuan."
"The selection of officials is mostly aimed at civil officials, while the selection of military officials is mainly based on Chen Xuanji. However, the border army's provisions and pay all have to go through Chu Chengxuan."
"That's true. That old bastard Chu Chengxuan is two-faced. It's hard to guarantee he won't do something bad in secret."
After finishing his drink, Zhang Xuan snorted, "I once suspected that it was him who betrayed Feng Chun, but I never expected it to be the insignificant Liu Hong."
Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao's expression turned slightly cold: "This matter has not yet been decided."
"oh?"
"I suspect that there is someone else behind Liu Hong!"
Zhang Xuan looked slightly taken aback and asked him, "What?!"
"I suspect that the person who instructed Liu Hong to do these things is—Chu Chengxuan!"
...
On the other side.
Chen Yi arrived at the south street of the town in a horse-drawn carriage.
At this time, a long queue had already formed outside the examination hall, with hundreds of scholars dressed in their traditional robes waiting to enter.
Chen Yi lifted the curtain and looked outside.
Most of the scholars were alone, but some were accompanied by servants and stood outside the examination hall with their heads held high, allowing the surrounding people to look on with envy.
Unrivaled in style, dressed in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse.
Chen Yi glanced at it twice, then gestured for Wang Lixing and Liu Si'er to stop the carriage, and instructed Pei Guanli:
"Have them take you to Jishi Pharmacy later, don't wander off."
On the way here, he had already written some words on Pei Guanli's palm and explained some things.
It's mostly about how to teach Yuan Liuer.
However, he was still a little worried when he thought about Tiger Girl's fierce nature.
Pei Guanli understood perfectly and nodded repeatedly, "Brother-in-law, don't worry."
Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Yi said no more, took his things, got off the carriage, and walked towards the back of the line.
Even before we got close, some noise could already be heard around us.
"This student greets Mr. Qingzhou."
"Mr. Qingzhou..."
(End of this chapter)
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