Encountering the Chiyou Brothers Again
A troop of light cavalry was galloping swiftly along the wide official road, leaving behind a cloud of dust.
Zhang Xingfeng stared intently ahead. Although the horse he was riding was moving very fast, it had no effect on him. The others in the group remained silent because of Zhang Xingfeng's sullenness, and everyone focused on driving their horses toward their destination.
"Master, it's getting late. Could we find an inn to stay at and continue our journey tomorrow night?" Li Er said from the side. It was already dark, but for these experts who had long since reached the Innate Realm, the darkness had almost no effect on their travels.
Zhang Xingfeng didn't say anything, he just nodded. He then handed the horse to his disciple and walked calmly toward the inn not far away.
After Li Er and the innkeeper had finished preparing everything, Zhang Xingfeng went straight to his room and said casually, "Make yourselves at home. We'll set off tomorrow morning."
Li Er didn't mind at all. Zhang Xingfeng had been like this all along, hardly saying a word, only occasionally pointing out errors in their martial arts training. A smile appeared on Li Er's face. Without Zhang Xingfeng's supervision, he could now go and take a good gamble.
Sitting on the bed, Zhang Xingfeng was pondering what to do once he arrived at the Tianya Mountain Range. He knew that the Li Family held considerable power there, and figuring out how to get others to follow him in fighting against the Li Family was a problem Zhang Xingfeng had to solve.
Cultivation Method Formula, elixirs, and weapons crafted from Heavenly Rock Stone (also known as Mysterious Sky Stone) are Zhang Xingfeng's advantages. These three things are things the Four Great Families couldn't possibly provide. Cultivation Method Formula represent immense martial power and immortality. Elixirs represent the ability to instantly increase one's cultivation by decades, and weapons crafted from Mysterious Sky Stone represent supreme weapons. With these three items, the situation at the Tianya Mountain Range will likely become much easier.
The long night has passed in the blink of an eye, and dawn has arrived.
Zhang Xingfeng opened his eyes, a flash of light appearing in them. He clearly felt that his chaotic energy had become more solidified after a night of cultivation. Stepping out of the room, he found his fourteen newly accepted disciples already waiting, but Li Er was nowhere to be seen.
Zhang Xingfeng frowned, a hint of displeasure rising in Zhang Xingfeng heart at Li Er's tardiness. "Where's Li Er?"
"Senior Brother Li hasn't returned since he went out last night," Yi Yang said respectfully as he stepped forward.
Zhang Xingfeng frowned even deeper. They were already close to the Tianya Mountain Range, and this had happened at this time. Zhang Xingfeng was very unhappy. Zhang Xingfeng knew that Li Er had been going out to gamble almost every night, but Li Er always arrived on time every morning, so Zhang Xingfeng didn't care. But now Li Er's behavior had exceeded Zhang Xingfeng's tolerance.
"Yi Yang, do you know which gambling den Li Er went to last night? I'm going to find him myself and punish him properly so that Li Er will never gamble again." Zhang Xingfeng glanced at the door, a hint of a smile in his eyes, but still asked Yi Yang in a very serious tone.
"Ah, Master, I'm here, I'm back! Please stop talking. You're practically asking for my life if you don't let me gamble! I'm here now!" Li Er quickly walked from outside the inn to Zhang Xingfeng, standing shyly like a girl.
Zhang Xingfeng stared blankly at his apprentice: Is this still Li Er? His face was covered in black soot as if it had been painted with a brush, and the few hairs that had just grown on his bald head were a mess. He could even smell a faint burnt smell. His clothes looked like he had been in a fight with a crazy woman on the street.
Li Er felt embarrassed by the stares from those around him, but still mustered his courage and said, "Master, could I go change my clothes?"
Zhang Xingfeng actually wanted to ask Li Er how he had gotten into this mess. Li Er was, after all, Second-Rank Expert. Although he didn't have much combat experience, his strength was undeniable. How could he have been reduced to this state by a small gambling den? But seeing Li Er's embarrassed appearance, Zhang Xingfeng knew that a disciple's embarrassment was also a master's embarrassment. So Zhang Xingfeng immediately said, "Alright, hurry up and change your clothes, and you'd better take a shower. We're not in a rush; it's only a half-day's journey to the Tianya Mountain Range."
Li Er didn't even have time to thank his master before rushing to his room, which was really embarrassing for so many people to see!
Zhang Xingfeng sat down very solemnly, and his fourteen disciples stood on both sides. After a long while Li Er slowly emerged from the room.
Poor Li Er's hairstyle has returned to bald, but Zhang Xingfeng still feels that baldness is more endearing.
"Let's go!" Zhang Xingfeng glared at Li Er, said nothing, and led the way outside.
After another round of trouble, the group finally arrived at Wind and Rain Pass, a border town nestled in the Tianya Mountain Range. This border town was established by the Ming Dynasty to prevent invasion by the Yuan Mongolia. However, the Tianya Mountain Range only had a gap of about 100 meters, so the Yuan Mongolia had no chance of entering the Ming Dynasty. As a result of peace, the border town prospered and eventually developed into a sizable town.
"Hey, brothers, what are you guys up to? The best places in our Wind and Rain City are Xiangtian Gambling House and Mengjiao Flower House. Want to go in? I can take you!" As soon as they entered the city, a shifty-looking guy ran up to them and started a conversation. It was obvious that he was trying to recruit customers.
Zhang Xingfeng was very unhappy to see this scene. He knew what a gambling den or brothel was just by its name, so why was they trying to lure customers to the city gate? It was really going too far.
Li Er immediately grinned and said, "Master, this is a border city. Those who come here are either merchants or people seeking pleasure. You know, many forces in the Tianya Mountain Range have businesses here, and since there aren't many large cities in the Tianya Mountain Range, this has become a city specifically for the enjoyment of the important figures from the Tianya Mountain Range. There are several cities like this, all not far from the Tianya Mountain Range, and this city, because it connects with the Yuan Mongolia, is the most prosperous. Master, you might see some important figures from the Tianya Mountain Range here." Li Er finished speaking and looked at me smugly; he knew why I had come.
Zhang Xingfeng was overjoyed; it seemed that there was hope for him to achieve his goal.
"Let's go, let's stay at the best inn in this Wind and Rain City," Zhang Xingfeng said to Li Er. Staying at the best inn would certainly give them a chance to meet some important figures.
"Yes, Master, hey, tell me, what's the best inn in this city?" Li Er shouted arrogantly to the guy who had been trying to solicit customers.
Seeing Li Er's arrogant demeanor, the man became even more humble, bowing and saying, "Of course, it's Xiangtian Restaurant! Xiangtian Restaurant is the number one restaurant in our Wind and Rain City, and it's right next to Xiangtian Restaurant Xiangtian Gambling House. If you have nothing to do, go to the gambling house for a few rounds; it's like being in heaven! Plus, the restaurant has guest rooms; the conditions will definitely satisfy you, sir."
Upon hearing that it was near a gambling den, Li Er immediately smiled and said, "Alright, let's go there. You lead the way." But then he suddenly turned around and carefully examined Zhang Xingfeng's expression. Seeing that Zhang Xingfeng seemed to have no objections, he felt relieved.
Zhang Xingfeng glanced at Li Er, smiled, and then urged his horse forward.
After some time, everyone arrived at Xiangtian Restaurant. Looking at the restaurant's grandeur and pomp, it seemed that the number one restaurant truly lived up to its name.
"Er Gouzi, not bad! Go to the back and get your tickets! Hey, gentlemen, are you looking for a place to stay or a place to eat?" A well-dressed old man walked out of the restaurant and said with a smile.
Li Er strode forward, looking every bit the important figure, and arrogantly declared, "Give us a large, detached courtyard, at least big enough for sixteen people. If you can't find one that big, then two rooms will do. Now, bring us a meal! Bring on all the good food you can."
The old man beamed with delight. A big client! He immediately flattered, "Of course we have large, private courtyards here, specially prepared for people of your status, sir. Every important person like you has a large entourage of bodyguards. Please come with me, there are VIP seats upstairs!" The old man then led him upstairs.
Zhang Xingfeng also took a closer look and it didn't seem that great. It was quite different from the Wind and Rain Tower in the capital. Although this place was not bad, it lacked the same ambiance, and the layout was also very cliché. The Wind and Rain Tower in the capital was based on the "Heavenly Wind Silver Rain Formation," which was a whole different level of architectural skill! It seems that the capital is indeed the capital!
Zhang Xingfeng casually sat down. The fifteen of them sat at four tables. Zhang Xingfeng quietly drank the wine that had just been served, but his good mood was ruined in an instant.
Because a pretty girl who was singing for money not far in front of him was suddenly knocked to the ground by a big man.
Zhang Xingfeng didn't move. First, he didn't know who was right and who was wrong, and second, he had no intention of getting involved. But what happened next enraged him, because three other burly men who came from another table also began to bully the woman.
"You filthy bitch, did you forget to call for money? Your dead father is dead, but you're still alive, so you have to pay! Damn it, you don't know how powerful we are until we beat you up!" one of the burly men cursed, spitting as he spoke.
A Sword-Ray suddenly appeared in Zhang Xingfeng's hand. Just as Zhang Xingfeng was about to punish these guys, a figure appeared, flashing past the four burly men like lightning. Before many people could even see clearly, four burly men were lying on the ground, while the figure stood in front of them, supporting the girl. The man supporting the girl was very resolute and manly, looking disdainfully at the four men lying on the ground.
Soon, six or seven burly men came up behind the man. It seemed that this man was also a very powerful person. Zhang Xingfeng looked at the man carefully and the more he looked, the more familiar he felt. It was as if he knew him. Most importantly, Zhang Xingfeng sensed that he had cultivated the Taiji Yin Yang Art!
"Junior brother! Ha... It's you... Come quickly, Master is here!" Li Er called out happily as he looked at the man before him.
Zhang Xingfeng was taken aback. Junior brother, when did he have this disciple? And the man in front of him seemed to have reached the Third Rank Realm. Who was he? Zhang Xingfeng was a little confused and observed the man more carefully.
"Chitong!" Zhang Xingfeng shouted in surprise.
Chitong recognized Li Er at a glance; his bald head was too obvious. Moreover, he had seen Li Er a few years ago when he visited his master in the capital. At that time, they were already adults, but they hadn't changed much, so he recognized him at a glance. Hearing Li Er's words, Chitong looked around in surprise, searching for his master. Finally, his gaze settled on the young man in white. His natural and elegant aura was so obvious. Upon hearing Zhang Xingfeng's voice, he felt a surge of excitement. He hadn't seen his master for eleven years, and he would never forget the kindness his master had shown to the three brothers.
"Master! You really came? Am I dreaming?" Chitong exclaimed excitedly.
Li Er shouted loudly, "You silly boy, you can't even recognize your master! Come here, come and pay your respects to your master!"
Upon hearing Li Er's words, Chitong quickly walked to Zhang Xingfeng. Just as he was about to kneel down, Zhang Xingfeng smiled and immediately helped him up. Zhang Xingfeng hadn't seen Chiyou and the others for a long time, and he was very happy to see Chitong now.
"Chitong, what are you doing here!" Zhang Xingfeng said with a smile.
Chitong looked at Zhang Xingfeng happily and said, "Master, our home is here! I'm sorry, Master, I didn't tell you before that my elder brothers and I are from the Tianya Mountain Range. I was worried that you wouldn't accept us as your disciples. Please don't be angry, Master!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xingfeng was overjoyed. His three disciples were from the Tianya Mountain Range, so things didn't seem too difficult. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He remembered that among the major forces in the Tianya Mountain Range that were not under his control, there was one called the Chiyou Clan. He asked with some anticipation, "Chitong, are you part of the Chiyou Clan?"
Upon hearing this, Chitong looked at Zhang Xingfeng in surprise and said, "Master is indeed a deity! I am within the Chiyou Clan's power, and this power is currently controlled by the three of us brothers."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xingfeng could hardly believe that such a good thing could exist. Even the odds of a pie falling from the sky were higher! For a moment, Zhang Xingfeng was speechless, only able to smile and smile.
Li Er glanced at Zhang Xingfeng, then at Chitong, and suddenly burst into loud laughter. "Haha... Hahahaha... Junior brother, you... You're really too good... No, I mean you're too good to Master, hahaha... Hahaha..." Li Er just stood there laughing, leaving Chitong to the side completely bewildered.
Chitong looked at Li Er, who was laughing wildly, and Zhang Xingfeng, who was overjoyed, and asked cautiously, "Master, what's wrong with me?" He was completely baffled!
Zhang Xingfeng said with delight, "Chitong, it's alright. Today, take me to see your place and how you three manage to control your men."
"Great... Master, my eldest and second brothers have been thinking of you, but they just haven't had the time. They were even vying for the leadership position with my deceased uncle a while back, it was really annoying. Now we can finally relax. My eldest brother and the others are planning to visit you, aren't they?" Chitong said cheerfully.
A huge weight lifted from Zhang Xingfeng's heart, and he was overjoyed. He had been busy with these matters for days, and now success was within reach. He still couldn't believe it was real. Composing himself, he suddenly noticed the woman beside him and asked, "Chitong, why are those four guys bullying a girl?"
Upon hearing Chitong looked at the four guys still lying on the ground with disdain and said, "Master, don't you know? They are some local thugs in Wind and Rain City. They seem to be part of an organization. They often collect protection money from small business owners and street performers. These low-class guys who can't stand the world can only bully the old, weak, women, and children. They're scum!" As he spoke, he spat on the ground.
Zhang Xingfeng laughed and said, "It's not worth getting angry with these people, Chitong. What are you going to do with that girl?"
Upon hearing Chitong, Chi Tong blushed, a rare occurrence for him. He didn't know why, but he felt a fondness and a touch of pity for the girl the moment he saw her being bullied. So, the moment he saw her being bullied, he immediately struck the four guys hard.
Zhang Xingfeng looked at Chitong's appearance and understood what was going on. He said, "Chitong, take her to your place, otherwise she will suffer even more in the future."
Upon hearing Chitong nodded hastily, then, feigning obedience to his master's orders, approached the singing girl and said, "My master instructed me to bring you to my place to live a good life. Are you willing?"
Xiao Hong (how does this name sound?) looked at the handsome and extraordinary Chitong and said with a bitter smile, "I have no name; everyone calls me Xiao Hong. I feel like I'm in hell here. If I stay here any longer, I'm afraid I won't live much longer. I am extremely grateful for your help today, sir. I have no attachment to this place anymore and am willing to serve you in your home."
Xiao Hong Chitong, embarrassed by Xiao Hong's repeated calls of "Great Hero," immediately replied, "Alright, alright. Get ready and come with me right away."
Xiao Hong smiled calmly and said, "I don't have anything, so I can leave anytime."
Zhang Xingfeng stood up and addressed his disciples, "Everyone, get ready. After dinner, we'll set off with Chitong to the Tianya Mountain Range. Li Er, go and settle the accounts with the innkeeper; we won't be staying at the inn. Understand?"
"Yes!" The crowd responded. Li Er felt a pang of bitterness. He had planned to gamble a bit at the nearby gambling den that night, but it seemed the opportunity was gone! Lost in thought, he glared fiercely at the culprit Chitong. Chitong, standing nearby, was bewildered, but in that instant, Chitong was filled with excitement about going home with Xiao Hong.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Zhang Xingfeng and his group, along with Chitong and his group, set off into the Tianya Mountain Range.
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