Sir, Please Take the Seat of Honor

Deep underground, in the soil, two figures, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing, were riding on foul air, trying to seize an opportunity to counterattack. But suddenly, a torrent of People's Wishes surged up from above, pressing down on the two figures and dispelling the foul air!

"This person actually People's Wishes! He wants to suppress you and me!"

The thought had barely crossed his mind when a series of splashing sounds suddenly rang out from not far away, followed by several streams of dark water seeping out and transforming into a water column that surged toward the two figures!

"Oh no! Someone's attacking!"

Impacted by the water column, the two consciousnesses cried out in alarm, then their figures scattered in opposite directions, dodging the impact of the water column. Please use this site to access information.

"I never imagined that we, hiding here, would be discovered!"

The two figures shifted, one of them exploding with a deafening roar, shooting out countless copper coins like a celestial maiden scattering flowers. These copper coins appeared solid, but were actually illusory, weaving and swimming through the mud as they rushed towards the dark water!

The other one transformed into a wisp of air, emitting a bloody stench, and also rushed towards the dark stream of water!

At this moment, the water gathered and condensed into a person, completely black, with poisonous gas surging from his body. Instead of retreating, he advanced, flicking his arms to release drops of black water that met the copper coin.

"Hmm? He's a cultivator who has condensed his core, and his entire body is poisonous! Unfortunately, even the gods of Yuanning City would perish against us. What can a mere flesh-and-blood cultivator like you do?"

Amidst the mocking laughter of the two thoughts, dense water droplets collided with the copper coin. Instantly, the copper coin shattered, the water droplets evaporated, and the crisp sound mingled with the escaping noise, while mist spread through the soil.

Then, a foul wind rushed over, enveloping the dark-skinned man. The wind burst forth with a suction force, forcibly stripping and absorbing his will from his pores!

This person's thoughts were equally dark and toxic, yet they had no effect on the foul wind. Swirled by the airflow, they disintegrated and crumbled in the wind, transforming into pure thoughts that merged into the wind.

The wind intensified, exuding a chilling, eerie, and Netherworld aura, enveloping the surroundings as if they were Netherworld realm.

On the other hand, the loss of consciousness seemed to have no effect on that person. He spoke into the wind, "I wondered who these two were, but they're just two wild ghosts. You monster, transformed into a foul wind, can absorb consciousness. But you've made a mistake in trying to absorb mine!"

As soon as the words were spoken, a wisp of shadow emerged from the person's pores and merged into the wind!

These shadows, filled with negative emotions, were impossible to dispel once they entered the wind; they clung to it like maggots clinging to a bone. Then, a bloody scream was heard, and the wind quickly retreated, hastily withdrawing.

"Heart Demon! How is that possible? You can control Heart Demon?" the Blood Wind cried out in alarm. It condensed into a ghostly shadow, its form shifting and changing, exuding a sinister aura.

Wind-Eating Ghost.

Inside this ghost, a shadow is rapidly expanding. At an incredibly fast speed!

The man chuckled coldly, "Exactly the opposite of what you said!"

"What do you mean?" Just as the Wind-Eating Ghost was surprised, the Heart Demon that were moving around inside suddenly gathered together and sent out a thought that made the ghost startled.

The dark-skinned figure shuddered, unleashing venom and blood Qi and Blood. The Blood Essence exploded like water, twisting into a single stream that rushed towards another figure!

Boom!

Qi and Blood surged like a pillar, heat billowed, and poisonous mist billowed, approaching another figure. The heat wave assaulted him, causing him to cry out in alarm as his form gradually became clearer.

This was also a ghostly creature, its interior gleaming with gold and filled with copper coins. It reeked of hunger and emitted waves of emotion that suggested hunger, greed, and avarice.

Penniless Hungry Ghost.

Then, a torrent of hot blood rushed in, and a few drops landed on the ghost, causing it to immediately emit smoke and scream in agony.

The blood of a martial artist contains Yang Qi, which is like poison to ghosts.

For a moment, Heart Demon and burning passion held the two ghosts back, leaving them unable to attend to anything else. The foul air that had gathered in the Zhang Residence lost control and slowly dissipated.

The fierce battle underground was under Qiu Yan's control, but this battle made him suspicious.

"The cause of all this was actually two ghosts? Their combat power doesn't seem strong. How did the entire city's sacred Divine Path fall into their hands? Moreover, they dared to attack the government, which is tantamount to touching the imperial Fortune and the dragon Dragon Vein of the country. Where did they get the audacity?"

Thinking of this, he had a thought, and the divine spirit immediately reacted. Divine power and Incense Faith came from afar, and the entire Yuanning City trembled slightly. Divine power surged and overflowed from the stoves of every household, seeping into the ground and converging towards the place of fierce battle!

This change was imperceptible to ordinary people, but any cultivators with Divine Ability abilities in the city reacted immediately!

Suddenly, strange movements were heard throughout the city.

However, Qiu Yan's scholar clone did not go. Firstly, the clone's cultivation level was not high, and its presence might not have been of any use. Secondly, it was entangled in worldly affairs.

"Please take a seat, sir. We apologize for any neglect you may have shown us earlier."

Mr. Zhang spoke with a smile on his face.

It was still the main hall of the Zhang Residence mansion, and the chairs were still full of people, but they were not the direct or collateral relatives of the Zhang Family as before, but the wealthy tycoons and masters who were well-known in Yuanning City.

In terms of influence alone, this group ranks among the top in the entire Jiannan Circuit. In the past two years, they have implemented reforms, and even the government has to consult and discuss with them.

But at this moment, the gentlemen, still recovering from their illness, wore smiles, some with a hint of ingratiation, and their gazes were all focused on one person—

Qiu Yan.

Master Zhang insisted that Qiu Yan sit at the head of the table, and after several attempts to refuse, Qiu Yan had no choice but to sit down.

While these people were unconscious, they all had a feeling that their time was coming to an end. They vaguely sensed the chaos in the mansion and among their clansmen, and were filled with despair. Unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better, and warmth seeped into their hearts, creating various illusions. In the end, it dispelled the coldness in their hearts and made them wake up again. They were filled with mixed feelings of sorrow and joy. After finding the source of the warmth and understanding what had happened, they were both grateful and in awe of Qiu Yan, and all respectfully addressed him as "Master".

Hearing everyone's words of gratitude, Qiu Yan suddenly shook his head and said, "Please don't forget what happened before. Even though things have improved, we still can't be careless."

"Even if it's just a temporary lucidity, it's alright. At least we have time to make arrangements. This incident has exposed many hidden dangers that we can't ignore," Master Zhang and the others shook their heads. "However, when we woke up this time, the Evil Qi and chilling coldness on our bodies were completely gone. We feel much stronger and lighter than before we were sick..."

As everyone chatted casually, a portly merchant suddenly spoke up, "By the way, Mr. Qiu, what are you planning to do with this calligraphy of yours?"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall suddenly fell silent.

All eyes turned to Qiu Yan's calligraphy.

The book contains a long poem titled "Bedridden".

This calligraphy, besides possessing the power to ward off evil spirits, also has aesthetic appeal. Even those who are not skilled in calligraphy can be moved by it, and the poem on it resonates with everyone, making it quite attractive.

Moreover, some of the people present are calligraphy enthusiasts who can see that this style of calligraphy, which contains flesh and blood, is a completely new attempt, highly visually appealing, and likely to lead a trend. Such a calligraphy model is worthy of being passed down to future generations and is extremely precious!

Of course, what most people care about is not the words and poems, but Qiu Yan himself!

Qiu Yan's calligraphy skills clearly surpassed those of the young calligraphy master; otherwise, the other party wouldn't have sat there silently. Therefore, those with quick minds immediately sensed the value in his work.

"The value of a calligrapher's work before he became famous goes beyond just the characters and poems themselves! If it is passed down through generations, it could bring unimaginable wealth! Moreover, asking for this piece of calligraphy can also be an opportunity to give money and befriend Qiu Yan."

Although they had different thoughts, everyone was determined to get their hands on the calligraphy and awaited Qiu Yan's answer.

Unexpectedly, Qiu Yan replied nonchalantly, "Although I wrote this calligraphy, it was entrusted to me by a friend, so it is naturally a gift to the Zhang Residence."

"What!"

This seemingly casual remark caused the expressions of everyone present to change drastically, with some instinctively letting out a cry.

In stark contrast, Master Zhang was overjoyed. He first glanced at Zhang Zhen sitting by the door, his eyes revealing satisfaction, then quickly stood up, clasped his hands in thanks to Qiu Yan, and said, "Thank you for your generous gift, sir. This calligraphy can ward off evil spirits and protect the house. The calligraphy and poem itself are also superb, worthy of being a family heirloom for my Zhang Family! Please sign your name, sir."

His words were not just polite; they came from the heart. The discerning Master Zhang naturally understood the value of this calligraphy and Qiu Yan himself. With Qiu Yan's signature, such a piece of calligraphy would definitely be framed and collected to be passed down through generations.

"Wait a minute, Old Zhang, we've known each other for years, you know my preferences, why don't you let me have this calligraphy..."

"Brother Zhang, didn't you take a fancy to that shop in the north of the city? If you agree to exchange it for this word..."

"Uncle Zhang, our two families have been friends for generations; our ancestors even took the Imperial Examinations together..."

Seeing that their plans had fallen through, everyone seemed to lose their composure, disregarding any semblance of tact and expressing their opinions directly, afraid of being left behind.

The solemn hall was suddenly filled with a cacophony of voices.

Master Zhang shook his head. "Gentlemen, don't think that I, Zhang Yunling, am trying to raise the price. This calligraphy is truly not for sale..."

In a corner of the lobby, Qi Jiulian sat in a chair, his face stiff.

Compared to his previous glory, although he was still present and people occasionally came over to talk to him politely, the respect in their words was gone, and the change was obvious, giving the impression that he was being neglected.

Hearing others praise Qiu Yan's calligraphy now made him feel even more ashamed and frustrated.

"This is the harsh reality of life, the coldness and warmth of human relationships. Non-Self weren't still holding the titles of Young Calligraphy Master and scion of the Aristocratic Clan in Central Passes, these money-grubbing scoundrels wouldn't have let me sit here at all; I would have been kicked out long ago! Truly, merchants value profit above all else, a bunch of opportunists!"

As he pondered, his gaze fell upon Qiu Yan, his eyes filled with complex emotions—jealousy, resentment, awe, and admiration.

Just as the hall was bustling with noise, a young servant in blue robes suddenly ran in from outside. Before even entering the room, he hurriedly said, "Master, master, the prefect has arrived!" (To be continued)

P. S.: Thank you to "Little Sailor" for the donation!