Chapter 339 I Am a Fool Too! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
This is a major event in the martial arts world.
Chen Yi naturally knew that it was nothing more than the duel between Bai Daxian and that swordsman.
"What's up?"
When Pei Guanli saw him looking over, she lowered her voice and said:
"Grandma's letter said that Bai Daxian is the most powerful person in the martial arts world, and he wants to have a duel with someone on the upper reaches of the Chishui River."
"Who are you going to fight?"
"'Snow Sword Lord' Ye Guxian".
Chen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, "This person..."
“Brother-in-law, you also know ‘Snow Sword Master’. My brother and Third Uncle both say that he is the most powerful swordsman after ‘Sword Saint’ Li Wudang.”
"...Never heard of it."
"he……"
Pei Guanli's delighted smile faltered. "Brother-in-law, you've never heard of him?"
Chen Yi smiled and nodded. "I really don't know."
These days, he has been focused on resolving the Xiao family's troubles, and the occasional tales he hears about the martial arts world are just snippets and fragments.
Like the reclusive Master Bai, and his disciple Shui Hetong.
Xiao Jinghong's master was Li Wudang, the "Sword Saint".
Liu Lang's master, "Knife Demon" Chu Xiudao, and the Tianshan Sect to which Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang belong, etc.
These senior figures in the martial arts world were mostly connected to people around Chen Yi, so he heard about them quite a bit.
He had never heard of the other people in the martial arts world, nor did he care much about them.
"Tell me, what's the background of that 'Snow Sword Master' Ye Guxian?"
Pei Guanli's expression immediately brightened, and she chattered on and on about Ye Guxian.
She didn't know anything about "Snow Sword Lord" at first, but fortunately Pei Gan and the others told her a lot about it before they left.
"Standing alone atop the snowy peak for nineteen springs, plum blossoms fall on my shoulders, untouched by dust. Today, I draw my sword for you, only to realize that I too am a fool."
"'Snow Sword Lord' was originally the legitimate son of the Ye family of Jizhou, and he was exceptionally talented."
"It's said he started practicing martial arts at six and broke through to the eighth rank at eight... Brother-in-law, what are you laughing at?"
Chen Yi suppressed a laugh and waved his hand, saying, "I'm not laughing, I'm not laughing, please continue."
Pei Guanli pouted, her round face full of resentment, "I just messed up my martial arts training, and now my cultivation is almost at the seventh rank."
However, thinking of Chen Yi's current title of "Dragon Tiger," she resigned herself to her fate and muttered a few words, saying that her third uncle had taught her a lot and that she would reach the middle third rank sooner or later.
Before Chen Yi could offer any words of comfort, she continued, "Third Uncle said that Ye Guxian reached the sixth rank at the age of ten, and by the age of fifteen, his cultivation had reached the upper stage of the fourth rank, just one step away from breaking through to the upper third rank."
"But at this moment..."
When Ye Guxian was sixteen, his family, the Ye family, committed a taboo.
Not only did he offend a powerful family in Jizhou, but he also accidentally killed a disciple of the Gouchen Sect, causing the Ye family to suffer a great calamity.
First, the family's tavern, on which they depended for their livelihood, was robbed, and then one by one, members of the more distant collateral branches of the family died under mysterious circumstances.
While they were discussing whether to fight or make peace, the people of Gouchen Sect had already come knocking on their door under cover of night.
It was during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and there were 143 people in the Ye family's ancestral home.
Despite their desperate resistance, only Ye Guxian escaped from the entire Ye family thanks to the powerful intervention of the Gouchen Sect leader.
"After that, the Gouchen Sect relentlessly pursued Ye Guxian..."
Pei Guanli also seemed indignant, shaking her fist and saying, "Fortunately, Ye Guxian is strong enough. Not only did he escape, but he also cultivated his cultivation to the first rank in less than two years."
Chen Yi nodded knowingly: "And then he succeeded in getting his revenge?"
Pei Guanli's face fell, and she shook her head, saying, "He only wiped out the entire Gouchen Clan, but quite a few people from that large family survived."
"oh?"
"According to my third great-uncle, Ye Guxian was rescued by a woman during his escape. Coincidentally, she turned out to be the daughter of that powerful family."
"so……"
Chen Yi raised an eyebrow. "So he let that family go?"
Pei Guanli hummed in agreement, then pouted and said, "When he went to seek revenge, he discovered that the woman was also a member of that family, and..."
Pei Guanli shook Chen Yi's hand and said, "Besides, at that time, the two of them had already developed feelings for each other."
"That family survived thanks to that woman..."
Chen Yi chuckled, probably because he felt the story was a bit cliché.
To his surprise, Pei Guanli's eyes lit up, and she chuckled as she asked him, "Brother-in-law, if you were Ye Guxian, what would you do?"
"I?"
Chen Yi thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I don't know, and of course, this situation is impossible."
He cultivated for so long, wasn't it all to protect himself and those around him from harm?
In this situation, if he were to encounter a predicament similar to Ye Guxian's, he might as well find a block of tofu and smash his head against it to die.
"What if...it was the mountain tribe that killed your Chen family?"
"The Chen family, well then, let them be killed."
Pei Guanli was stunned for a moment, "Brother-in-law, aren't you going to avenge the Chen family?"
Chen Yi smiled and tapped her forehead, "Because the Mountain Clan has you."
Pei Guanli immediately chuckled, a rare blush appearing on her face. "Brother-in-law, I won't make things difficult for you."
"If any member of the mountain tribe is blind, I guarantee I'll plant a few Gu worms in them and make them regret ever being born."
"You're criticizing others? Have you forgotten about poisoning Chen Yunfan last time?"
"oops……"
Chatting and laughing, by the time Xiaodie said lunch was ready, Chen Yi had a general understanding of Ye Guxian.
After settling his feud with the powerful Le family of Jizhou, Ye Guxian lived a secluded life away from the world.
This avoidance lasted for nineteen years.
When he descended the mountain again, his cultivation had reached the Grandmaster level, and his swordsmanship was perfected.
The last time I heard news of Ye Guxian was four years ago, when he challenged Li Jin, a master swordsman from Jizhou, to a duel and killed him with ten sword strikes.
While eating lunch, Chen Yi secretly made calculations.
Ye Guxian's ability to challenge Bai Daxian suggests that his cultivation and swordsmanship have both reached a new level.
Either his cultivation level has reached the Grandmaster level, or his swordsmanship has reached the pinnacle.
Otherwise, even if Ye Gu Xian was willing, Bai Da Xian probably wouldn't pay him any attention.
"Grandmaster...the pinnacle of swordsmanship..."
Martial arts cultivation is divided into nine ranks to one rank, above which are grandmasters and great grandmasters.
The levels of skill are: entry level, minor achievement, major achievement, perfection, and the ultimate level—skill approaching the Tao.
Those who reach that level are revered as "land immortals," meaning they have reached the "ultimate level of mortals."
However, even among those at that level, there are differences in skill level.
Cultivation level, techniques, methods, and natural talent—even subtle differences can affect the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
For example, it is said that Master Bai has mastered two techniques to the highest level, which is why he is known as the number one martial artist.
Thinking of this, Chen Yi couldn't help but smile.
He may be inferior in terms of skill and artistic level, but in terms of quantity, if he claims to be second, who dares to claim to be first?
Of course, given time, he will surely be able to catch up.
We've had lunch.
Chen Yi stopped reading and instead planned to visit Jishi Pharmacy and Baicaotang.
Since he had decided to turn the tables and take the initiative, he had to make some preparations.
Xiaodie noticed that he had changed into a clean set of fine clothes and couldn't help but ask, "Is the young master going out?"
"Yes, after staying in the manor for so many days, it's time to go out and get some exercise."
"But, but the annual examination is tomorrow."
Chen Yi straightened his clothes, turned to look at her and said with a smile, "Studying requires a balance of work and rest; being too tense is not good."
Xiaodie nodded, seemingly understanding, "I see..."
Pei Guanli, who was standing next to her, had already started laughing, thinking to herself that her brother-in-law was lying again.
However, when she saw Chen Yi about to leave, she jogged after him, shouting that she wanted to go too.
Chen Yi thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
Pei Guanli chuckled and left Chunhe Garden with him.
Xiaodie watched them walk away, filled with envy.
Of course, she envied Pei Guanli.
In fact, Xiaodie has been the happiest person these days, as Chen Yi has been focusing on reading in his study.
Even though Chen Yi didn't need her to serve him most of the time, she felt very happy and full of energy.
Boiling water, cleaning, washing clothes, serving tea and water, preparing meals, etc.
Xiaodie got used to this kind of life and to staying by Chen Yi's side.
Therefore, she disliked being alone in Chunhe Garden. Although she would keep the garden clean inside and out, she always felt empty inside.
Xiaodie stared blankly for a moment before composing herself. Then she ran back to her room, took out "The Biography of the Second Son-in-Law of the Marquis of Wu's Mansion," and began to write it down stroke by stroke.
"On the 29th of the ninth month of the 21st year of Anhe, my son-in-law was reading in his study in the morning when I ran to tell him that the Emperor's decree had arrived..."
Chen Yi, of course, had no idea what Xiao Die was thinking.
He led Pei Guanli through the middle courtyard to the front courtyard.
At this moment, Feng Erbao and the others who had come to deliver the imperial decree had just left the Xiao family, and the old master and the others were returning from the gate.
Chen Yi bumped into him and bowed respectfully, saying, "Grandpa."
Old Master Xiao remained relatively calm, unaffected by the Emperor's decree of reprimand.
He glanced at Pei Guanli, then his clear eyes fell on Chen Yi. He nodded calmly and asked:
"I heard Qingzhou is going to take the annual examination tomorrow?"
Chen Yi glanced at Xiao Xuanshuo, Xiao Shen, and the others, and replied with a smile, "Yes."
"I believe that with your knowledge, the annual examination will not be difficult for you, but don't be careless."
Old Master Xiao offered a few words of encouragement, then greeted Pei Guanli with a smile, inquired about the recent situation of the mountain tribes, and then led his people back to the tranquil residence.
Chen Yi greeted the others one by one, and watched their figures disappear around the corner before pulling Pei Guanli out of the Marquis's residence.
Pei Guanli asked thoughtfully, "Brother-in-law, I feel that Grandpa Xiao is a little different than before."
As Chen Yi observed the common people and wandering martial artists passing by, he casually asked, "What's different?"
"He hasn't been coughing much anymore?"
“I remember when we first came to Shuzhou, Grandpa Xiao was very ill, but now he seems to have recovered, and…”
Pei Guanli patted her chest, the bells jingling, "Xiao Hua said Grandpa Xiao is very powerful."
Chen Yi replied noncommittally, "Is that so? Perhaps the old master found a miracle doctor."
"Miracle doctor, brother-in-law, aren't you just..."
"Um?"
Pei Guanli almost let it slip, so she stuck out her tongue and shut her mouth.
But after taking only a few steps, she couldn't help but ask again, "Brother-in-law, when do you plan to let Sister Jinghong know?"
Chen Yi paused for a moment, then resumed his composed stride forward. "She will know when the time comes."
"When?"
"you guess……"
Now that Liu Hong is dead, along with most of the other treacherous people, the Xiao family's crisis has been temporarily averted.
But Chen Yi still had no intention of telling Xiao Jinghong the whole story.
He was initially worried that the "young bird" identity that the White Tiger Guards had given him would make Xiao Jinghong suspect that he was plotting against the Xiao family.
But after experiencing so much, he suddenly realized that hiding some things had many benefits.
Firstly, outsiders targeting the Xiao family would mostly not care about him as a scholar; at most, they would think he was a weak scholar with good handwriting.
Secondly, the Xiao family has too little hidden information, leaving them completely exposed and easily understood.
However, with him acting in the shadows, those who want to target the Xiao family will have to think twice.
We should at least wait until he has cleared everything up and gone quiet for a while before making any further moves.
...
Clean house.
After exchanging a few words with Xiao Xuanshuo, Xiao Shen, and the others, Old Master Xiao sent them away.
The emperor's punishment was not unexpected.
But he didn't expect that the emperor would be lenient this time, only punishing him with a three-year salary deduction and letting the matter drop.
This, however, made him somewhat worried.
He pondered for a moment.
Old Master Xiao looked into the corner and said in a deep voice, "Send a message to Jinghong, telling her that Feng Erbao has already come and everything in the mansion is as usual. Let her focus on inspecting the troops in the three towns."
Xiao Jing responded softly, and was about to leave when he heard the old man continue, "And Chen Qingzhou..."
He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Tell Jinghong that Qingzhou will be taking the annual examination tomorrow."
Xiao Jing agreed again, but inwardly he was somewhat unconvinced.
Thinking that it was a trivial matter like the annual examination shouldn't be told to Xiao Jinghong at this time, lest she be distracted.
Old Master Xiao, disregarding Xiao Jing's thoughts, remained silent for a moment before giving his instructions:
"Recently, many wandering martial artists have been appearing in Shuzhou City. To prevent any evil spirits or heretics from causing trouble, send a few people to follow Qingzhou..."
Before he could finish speaking, he felt it was inappropriate and changed his mind, saying, "Never mind, you should go yourself."
Xiao Jing revealed himself, somewhat puzzled. "My lord, are you asking me to protect the second son-in-law?"
"Protect?"
Old Master Xiao's face showed a complicated expression, "If you could protect him, that would be better, but I'm afraid..."
He paused, waved his hand, and said, "Do as I say, and remember not to make a fuss."
Xiao Jing nodded. "Okay."
But then Old Master Xiao reminded him, "Also, remember not to get too close to him, keep a distance of more than five li."
Xiao Jing was taken aback, looking at him with confusion: "This..."
"Do as instructed!"
"yes……"
After Xiao Jing left, completely bewildered, Old Master Xiao looked at the teacup on the table and sighed softly.
These past few days, he has been secretly investigating what Chen Yi has done and where he has gone since arriving in Shu Prefecture.
After investigating thoroughly, he still didn't believe that Chen Yi could be "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu.
Despite some clues, such as Wang Ji being driven out of the Xiao family by Chen Yi himself, and Chen Yi frequently visiting Baicaotang, and the fact that he, Chen Yu, and Liu Wu have never appeared together.
However, this can only be considered speculation and cannot be confirmed to be Chen Yi, Chen Yu, or "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu.
No matter how talented a person is, it is impossible for them to achieve success in martial arts, medicine, and calligraphy.
Moreover, Chen Yu runs Baicaotang, Liu Wu secretly supports the Xiao family, and Chen Yi can also serve as a teacher at Guiyun Academy.
Are you too busy to be in two places at once?
Old Master Xiao rubbed his temples and thought to himself, "If we find nothing else, I'll have to take matters into my own hands..."
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com