Elder Tang

Phew!

Xie An secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling an unprecedented sense of ease.

Looking at the name, the crimson fingerprint, and the goose feathers of snow falling from the sky…

The falling snow was still the same as in previous years, but the future was already on its way.

It was still the same world, but the scenery was different.

Elder Tang smiled and closed the roster. "I'll have your badge made as soon as I get back. It can be delivered within a day. Then you'll be an official deacon."

Xie An cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, Elder Tang."

Elder Tang waved his hand. "No need to thank me. It's your own ability."

After speaking, Elder Tang gave Tong Shan and Zhang Lin a look. The two seemed to realize something and found an excuse to cup their hands and bid farewell.

Clearly, they were old members of the Tiger Wolf Gate and knew that the examination hall's assessments were always strict, especially with Elder Tang personally present, requiring him to handle everything himself.

Although Xie An's strength assessment had passed, Elder Tang needed to speak with Xie An privately next.

It was something like providing some ideological guidance.

After leaving the courtyard, the two did not leave but stood in the snow by the entrance, waiting.

Tong Shan, who was usually indifferent, spoke up. "Deacon Zhang has good taste, recommending such a great talent to Elder Tang. You'll surely be rewarded for this. I've followed Elder Tang for many years, and I rarely see the Elder so pleased."

Zhang Lin knew that Tong Shan was a favored subordinate of Elder Tang and maintained a humble attitude. "It's all Elder Tang's discerning eye. I've only contributed a tiny bit. By the way, Brother Tong Shan, is the Elder's personal visit here truly just to assess the new deacons?"

Tong Shan glanced at Zhang Lin, hesitated slightly, and then finally revealed the reason. "Zhang Biao's death has angered a certain Incense Master from the White Feather Hall, who has repeatedly complained to the Tiger Wolf Gate headquarters, expressing much dissatisfaction with Wei Dian. Elder Tang's personal visit here, besides the assessment, is also to investigate and rectify the atmosphere of the hall. Elder Tang will be visiting this place frequently for a while."

Hearing this, Zhang Lin felt immense pressure.

Elder Tang was equivalent to the head of the examination hall, responsible for the promotion and merits of all officials below the hall masters in the entire Tiger Wolf Gate. Frequent visits to the White Feather Hall undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on Zhang Lin.

Moreover, Zhang Lin had some suspicions about Zhang Biao's death…

Tong Shan seemed to sense Zhang Lin's worry. "Deacon Zhang, you don't need to be too nervous. Elder Tang has always been just and upright in his dealings and will not implicate the innocent arbitrarily. If you perform well, Elder Tang will naturally notice."

Zhang Lin cupped his hands. "Brother Tong Shan is absolutely right."

In the courtyard, only Xie An and Elder Tang remained.

Zhang Lin had privately told Xie An before that the assessment would include a conversation in addition to the strength test.

Xie An was mentally prepared for this and did not reject the conversation. He even felt that the Tiger Wolf Gate's approach showed they valued talent. For someone like him with no background, it was an opportunity to stand out.

Elder Tang examined Xie An for a moment and said, "You haven't practiced martial arts, have you?"

Xie An did not conceal it. "No."

Elder Tang then said, "Looking at your white hair, you should be around fifty years old. But your blood and qi are full, and your strength is sustained. Are you practicing the Health Cultivation Technique?"

Xie An's heart skipped a beat.

He could see all that?

Could it be that this Elder Tang was also skilled in the Health Cultivation Technique?

Xie An suppressed his doubts and replied, "Elder Tang has a discerning eye; nothing can escape your notice."

Elder Tang received an affirmative answer and waved his hand with a smile. "There's nothing strange about that. I am from the Tang Family Fort in the county town and have been practicing the Health Cultivation Technique with my family since childhood. Therefore, I have a good understanding of it. Nowadays, very few people practice the Health Cultivation Technique, and it's even rarer to cultivate it to your level. Where did you learn it?"

Hearing that Elder Tang was from the Tang Family Fort, Xie An felt relieved, and his previous doubts were answered.

No wonder Elder Tang changed the risky combat assessment to an archery test. Besides pitying his age, it was also because both of them practiced the Health Cultivation Technique.

Xie An felt there was no need to hide anything and recounted his experience of learning the Health Cultivation Technique from Tang Qingfeng. Finally, he cupped his hands and said, "It's all thanks to Master Tang Qingfeng's guidance back then that I am where I am today. I will never forget Master Tang's kindness in teaching me."

This statement was a bit exaggerated.

Xie An's current achievements were mainly due to his Lifelong Legacy. However, Tang Qingfeng's guidance had indeed played a very important role. Taking advantage of Elder Tang's presence to express gratitude to Tang Qingfeng would undoubtedly make Elder Tang happier and feel that he was a grateful and sensible person.

Indeed, after hearing Xie An's account, Elder Tang's eyes showed a look of affirmation. "You remember clearly. When Tang Qingfeng returned from promoting the Health Cultivation Technique at the Chen Martial Arts School in Wuqiao Town last time, he mentioned a fifty-year-old man who was still vigorous. He was likely referring to you."

Xie An was surprised that a prominent figure like Tang Qingfeng would mention him proactively and felt flattered. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "I am honored that Master Tang still remembers me."

Seeing Xie An's gratitude and remembrance, Elder Tang's gaze towards Xie An became more affectionate. "Tang Qingfeng is my sworn brother. My father took him as a disciple from a young age and taught him the Health Cultivation Technique. After he achieved mastery, my father bestowed the surname Tang upon him and accepted him as a godson. He hoped my sworn brother could inherit the Tang Family Fort's century-old cultivation techniques. Over the years, my sworn brother has not disgraced the family name and has traveled widely, promoting the Health Cultivation Technique. In this regard, I am not as good as my sworn brother."

At the end, Elder Tang showed a hint of shame.

Xie An could tell from his words that although Tang Qingfeng and Elder Tang were not biological brothers, their relationship was likely very good. And Elder Tang probably admired his sworn brother greatly.

As it was a private family matter, Xie An naturally did not interject, only cupping his hands in a respectful gesture, maintaining an attitude of attentive listening.

Elder Tang exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xie An and finally said, "Although many disciples and deacons who frequent the black market wear masks to hide their identities and avoid trouble, now that you are a deacon of our Tiger Wolf Gate, I need to see your face clearly. After confirmation, you can continue to wear a mask while on duty, and I will not interfere."

"Yes."

Xie An removed his mask and raised his head for Elder Tang to see.

Elder Tang examined him for a moment, then stood up. "Welcome to the Tiger Wolf Gate. Although you are the oldest among the many deacons of the White Feather Hall, with the boost of the Health Cultivation Technique, as long as you persist with daily accumulation, you may not be weaker than those young and strong ones."

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Tang."

"Also, my name is Tang Qingyun. If you can develop Qi Sensation in the future, feel free to come find me. My Tang Family Fort will offer you an opportunity." Elder Tang left after saying this and turned to depart.

Xie An hadn't expected Tang Qingyun to say the same thing as Tang Qingfeng. It was clear Tang Qingyun also intended to promote the Health Cultivation Technique of the Tang Family Fort.

This was undoubtedly good news for him.

Xie An thanked him and then, with his face covered, escorted Tang Qingyun out.

"Elder Tang."

Zhang Lin immediately cupped his hands in greeting, as if he were waiting for something.

Tang Qingyun glanced at Zhang Lin and said, "Let the new deacon take over Zhang Biao's work. I will acknowledge your contribution in recommending talent. From now on, you two must manage this black market well."

Disappointment flashed in Zhang Lin's eyes, but he quickly composed himself. "Yes."

After Tang Qingyun and Tong Shan disappeared into the distant snow, Zhang Lin turned to examine Xie An. He couldn't help but mutter to himself: This guy is still wearing a mask? He's being too cautious.

However, Zhang Lin remained composed and cupped his hands towards Xie An, saying, "Congratulations, elder brother. Not only did you successfully pass the assessment by the Hall of Examination, but you also gained the appreciation of Elder Tang. Your future is boundless."

Xie An returned the gesture. "I have to thank Brother Zhang for the recommendation."

Zhang Lin was very pleased with Xie An's humble attitude. "You are too kind, elder brother. It's your own ability. Otherwise, I would have inevitably been reprimanded by Elder Tang. From now on, when elder brother takes over Zhang Biao's position as deacon, the daily affairs of this Blood Ridge Black Market will be handled by the two of us. We will need to support each other."

"That goes without saying."

"Tomorrow afternoon, elder brother, come back here and collect your identification token. Then you will be officially appointed."

Xie An nodded in agreement, then took his leave and headed towards Wuqiao Town.

Twilight was just beginning to fall, and the sky was filled with drifting clouds like burning fire.

The gentle breeze and bright moon remained, but the person was no longer the same.

Xie An's tense heart finally relaxed.

He just had to wait for the Tiger Wolf Gate's identification token to be issued, and then he could turn things around and be his own master.

"Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun both mentioned an opportunity from the Tang Family Fort... Could it be finding a successor for that old Mr. Tang who is about to die of old age?"