Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Chapter 190 What was once humble was merely the path we came from! A triumphant return to our hometown, the 'Boundary Gate' of Anning County!
"I'm coming!"

Jiangyin Wharf.

As Xu Longxiang, whose blood and qi surged like the sea, and Ji Xiu, who had just completed his cultivation of the Divine Talisman Fire, condensed the Dao Seed, and achieved success in both Daoist and martial arts cultivation, stepped into the room...

Instantly, all eyes turned to him.

These were the sons of several of the county's three major businesses who had previously traveled by boat to Jiangyin Prefecture to broaden their horizons and, through connections with the Fengyun Association on Daoguan Street, had become disciples of the Fengyun Daoguan.

After coming to the martial arts school to practice boxing and martial arts, and after meeting the heroes of the manor, it took them a while to finally understand what the 'gap' meant, like Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and Wei Zhi, these sons of powerful families in the county.

Therefore, seeing Ji Xiu's rapid advancement and even his becoming a 'disciple of the Martial Saint,' his fame almost overshadowed the entire Jiangyin Prefecture, making him unmatched among the younger generation in the prefecture.

Even though their relationship was decent in the past, Lu Yu was initially the bridge between Ji Xiu and Duan Chenzhou, and they addressed each other as 'brothers'.

But even at this crucial moment, one can't help but feel reserved.

The young man, with his straight back, wore armor and carried a sword on his back. His entire body exuded a spiritual aura that was almost overflowing, making him truly dazzling.

As for the white-bearded old man beside him, whose blood flowed like a dragon and whose body was tall and robust, it goes without saying that just catching a glimpse of him from afar would make one's legs tremble.

Martial Saint!

Titled Martial Saint!

Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and Wei Zhi were all deeply shaken.

once Upon a time.

How could they, people of such low status from Anning County, possibly meet someone like him?

It's only been a little over half a year.

Back when he was at his lowest point, Ji Xiu was nothing more than a stable boy. Yet, he was so incredibly fortunate to become a disciple of a true martial saint!

They entered the manor to become disciples with only a little bit of ambition to stand out from the crowd, but they couldn't even get ahead in the bottom-tier martial arts schools. If it weren't for their relationship with Ji Xiu, they probably would have had to put in a lot of effort to even learn the true teachings.

The difference is considerable.

This time, the group, who had originally planned to go back to the county for a visit, suddenly received news that Ji Xiu was also going back to Anning County, so they waited here early.

When Ji Xiu arrived, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes, and he paused to look around.
"Gentlemen, why be so reserved?"

“My master and I are going to Anning Prefecture. Since you are going back to the county to visit your relatives, you may come along.”

He extended an invitation.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and the others exchanged glances, some of them somewhat tempted.

In the blink of an eye, on the vast and magnificent Dongcang Sea, a black-scaled dragon suddenly leaped out of the water, its body shaking the iron chains that were linked together.

The huge commotion drew everyone's attention!
"What a magnificent black dragon."

Standing beside Ji Xiu, Xu Longxiang raised an eyebrow and remarked in praise:
"Leaving aside its bloodline, which contains traces of dragon's essence, just its almost flawless muscles, bones, and skin..."

"If we were to take them down, use the tendons to forge a precious bow, use the spine to forge weapons, and use the dragon's skin to make a suit of armor, they would all be of the fifth grade of the Spirit Path. It would cost a fortune to buy them, and they would often be priceless!"

"It's a pity it's domesticated; otherwise, we could hunt one like it outside."

The old man muttered to himself, his eyes darting back and forth, clearly showing his interest.

Cangming Jun, who had just sensed Ji Xiu's aura and had just emerged, suddenly felt a tightness all over his body, as if he had been targeted by some raging flood or ancient ferocity.

When his triangular, vertical pupils looked at the old man beside Ji Xiu, Cangming Jun's heart pounded even harder.
"This old man seems to have ulterior motives towards me!"

This is not counting.

Cangmingjun could clearly perceive it.

The old man before me had concentrated all his energy and blood in every inch of his skin and flesh; if he were to unleash it, he could almost crush several mountains.
Invincible!

If he were to face them, he wouldn't have the slightest chance of winning!
Lord Cangming, who wanders the East Sea all day without ever going ashore, has no dealings with the fishermen and is completely unaware of the turmoil happening in Jiangyin Prefecture.

Upon seeing Xu Longxiang, Ji Xiu was filled with shock, wondering where he had come to know such a terrifying being.

It wasn't until Ji Xiu coughed and stepped in to smooth things over:

“Master, this great dragon is my friend. It is worshipped in the fishing guild. I travel between Anning County and Jiangyin Prefecture day and night on the dragon. The round trip takes only one day, which is ten or a hundred times better than by boat!”

"Therefore, after we welcome back the remains of Senior Ip Man Jiang, we can ride this dragon back to Anning County."

The implication was that the old martial saint shouldn't be so fierce.

They immediately set their sights on Cangming Jun's muscles, bones, and skin. What if they scared this sea-crossing dragon into paralysis and left it without its mount?

Upon hearing this, Xu Longxiang suddenly understood, looked at the black dragon that seemed to be facing a formidable enemy, and laughed heartily:
"You're quite the expert, kid. Where did you find such a mount?"

"Dragons are inherently unruly. Unless suppressed by a higher authority, even dragons, tigers, or those with titles might not be able to subdue them. Tsk tsk."

"This old man has never ridden a dragon or roamed the ocean in his life. How interesting! This time, I can say that I'm lucky to have you, kid."

A hint of interest appeared in Xu Longxiang's eyes.

Qi Zhao, the head of the fishing industry, swallowed hard but dared not utter a single word.

Or rather, with the renowned 'Dragon Elephant Martial Saint' Xu Longxiang standing there, he didn't know how to start a conversation.

Looking at the huge merchant ship he had instructed his men to prepare, he glanced at the unruly dragon that was eating and drinking by the fishing guild.

Qi Zhao was now completely convinced of Duan Chenzhou's worth of respect.

Recalling the confident words Duan Chenzhou had spoken to him the night before, Qi Zhao had initially taken them as a joke.

But we can see today.
He suddenly realized that this kid had already grown up!

The giant dragon was obediently crawling on the surface of the sea, blowing seawater bubbles from its mouth.

The young man took the lead, his clothes fluttering and black hair flying. He rode first atop the dragon's head, raised his hand to sweep across his sleeve, and invited the Martial Saint to ride with him, as well as his reserved fellow villager. Then he looked at himself:

"Qi Zhao Dragon Head".

"I wonder if Ji Xiu's current achievements are worthy of the promise he made that night?"

One day, we will strive to become the Lord!
If it can be done, then will you submit and surrender?
Thinking back to how Duan Chenzhou had helped his apprentice show off his power back then.

At this moment, Qi Zhao looked at the young man in front of him again and actually felt that this boy did have the bearing of a dragon and the demeanor of a phoenix, and the charisma of a man of extraordinary talent.

Is this a case of "clothes make the man" or "a saddle makes the horse"?
This third-generation disciple of the Heavenly Blade lineage is far more impressive than his master and grandmaster.

Such a grand spectacle can be made even for a single sea voyage.

Even the annual "Fishing Festival" held by the fishing guild, or the delivery guild transporting rare and exotic goods, would assemble a fleet and have everyone sit and guard it on iron chains.
I doubt he rode a dragon. A martial saint would have to make a grand entrance, right?
When the dragon rode the wind and broke through the waves, parting the vast ocean.

She looked up at Ji Xiu, her sleeves fluttering as she gazed at him with a smile in her eyes.

Qi Zhao sighed, completely convinced.

Duan Chenzhou has indeed taken on a good disciple.

"Such elegance."

“Of course it is.”

"I, Qi Zhao, will wait for that day."

At this time, the leader of one of the eight ferry crossings in the fishing industry was still unaware of this.

That day.
They were so close.

Anning County, the dock!

A gigantic black dragon, riding the wind and waves, charged straight at us as the sun set and twilight deepened.

This county town, which had once suffered from "demonic attacks" and "divine calamities" and only recovered somewhat after more than half a year, was still in a state of disrepair at the docks.

However, there were still quite a few laborers who made a living by transporting goods on passing merchant ships. When they saw the giant dragon, their eyes widened in astonishment:

"Jiaojiaolong!"

"There's a dragon!" Someone immediately bowed down in reverence.

Some people hesitated:
"Why does this dragon look so much like the one that 'Master Ji' rode away on when he left?"

Mr. Ji!
If we were to ask who has the most prominent reputation in Anning County today, it would undoubtedly be Ji Xiu!

Although Anning County was isolated from news, after suffering a major disaster and changing its magistrate, it began to receive strong support from Jiangyin Prefecture, which transported supplies to the county.
News from within the prefecture gradually reached the county.

Open up a 'dojo street' and see everyone's gaze without kneeling;
Despite facing numerous difficulties and being plotted against, he still made great strides, entered the academy, and strived to become the top scholar. After sixty years, he was awarded the title of the most talented.

Subsequently, he became a disciple of the Martial Saint, becoming a renowned and powerful figure who dominated the three prefectures!
These kinds of stories, which were previously heard from merchant ships, were generally difficult for people who made a living in the mud to empathize with; they sounded like something out of a fairy tale.

But once you connect with someone you've met before, you instantly feel a sense of reality!
Upon hearing this, some people immediately set off for the county to inform the most important figures in the county.

Ji Xiu stepped off the dragon's back and onto the peaceful, simple deck. Returning to this familiar place, he looked around and was filled with countless thoughts.

At the same time, excited and fervent words rang in my ears:
"It's Master Ji, it really is him!"

"Master Ji has returned to Anning County!"

"Master, do you still remember us? We had a three-day feast at the Ji residence before, the food was even better than during the New Year, I remember it!"

"I heard that our boss has made a fortune in the prefectural city, a huge fortune, and become a very important figure. I never expected that he would still remember our poor little county."

Looking at the figures of people bowing and kneeling on the dock.

Ji Xiu felt a mix of emotions.

At that moment, he finally understood.

Why is it that after someone achieves great success, the first thing they do is return to their hometown in glory?

In Jiangyin Prefecture, he gained a great reputation, but he still walked on thin ice, trembling with fear, until he became the disciple of Xu Longxiang, after which things began to improve.

But he returned to Anning County.

On this land where he once held sway, he watched as the people of Anning County, upon hearing his legendary deeds, looked on with pride.

Just as the higher he climbs, the higher the status of Anning County will be, because he came from this place and will become a great man and a martial saint in the future, then the people of Anning will be able to stand tall.

However, he was destined not to stay in this remote and small place for long.

Lacking in inspiration and lacking in the inheritance of traditions, he was quite comfortable staying in Anning County with no one above him.

However, if we want to continue moving forward, we naturally cannot stop and linger.

"Gentlemen, you have not been home for a long time. Please go and pay my respects to the business owners on my behalf."

"I have benefited from the support of three major businesses and the care of the Fengyun Society. If you need anything in the future, just ask me."

Seeing Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, Wei Zhi, and the others step off the dragon's back, finally letting down their guard and breathing a sigh of relief.

Ji Xiu smiled but didn't mention the group's awkwardness or predicament.

That's actually how it is.

Sometimes, even though he still cherishes the friendship, if there is a real chasm, how can it be easily crossed?

People will eventually be trapped by things they cannot obtain in their youth for the rest of their lives.

But this applies to ordinary people.

He, Ji Xiu, never stops!

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lu Yu and the others, and watching them take their leave with a slightly relaxed air, Ji Xiu understood.

Then, he immediately reached out his hand to Xu Longxiang beside him and said with a smile:
"Master, please."

Ji Xiu generously invited Xu Longxiang to the Ji residence, which he had not visited for a long time.

Along the way, we saw the "Old Mud Alley", the "Pharmacy", the "West Street Kiln", and passed by the "County Central Hall".
Ji Xiu didn't care about his humble origins; he simply recounted his past experiences one by one, as if they were his own treasures.

Born a stable boy, he became an apprentice of Duan Chenzhou, entered the kiln, became the head of a pharmacy, and eventually established his own business, calling himself the "Master," wielding immense power and influence.
Xu Longxiang glanced at him, gaining a clearer understanding of this student once again.

Whether in his youth or after establishing the Dragon Elephant True Sect, the most remote place Xu Longxiang ever stayed in was Jiangyin Prefecture.

In Jiangyin Prefecture, martial arts are a matter of advancement. In that 'land of order', even if you practice martial arts, you won't cause any trouble.

In Anning County, if you want to learn martial arts, there are only so many ways!

You either have to make a living, join a large organization, or go to the mountains and risk your life!
Resources are scarce, so there is no choice.

Therefore, seeing Ji Xiu's calm eyes, he was able to recount in detail his experiences of living hand to mouth and struggling to even have three meals a day.

Xu Longxiang was forced to confront his student once again.

His success today is no accident.

Even without myself
In the future, it will surely achieve great success.

Until the two of them stepped onto the threshold of the Ji residence.

there.

Xu Longxiang saw a group of figures praising him.

Ji Xiu looked in the direction of the sound.

But then I saw—

The three major establishments in the inner street, such as the Whale-Slaying Saber establishment, once tried to snatch Liao, the old master who had been kidnapped from Duan Chenzhou and taken as his disciple, and Instructor Wang of the Overlord Spear establishment.
The three business owners of Fengyun Society are: Master Lu of the kiln, Manager Xu of the firewood market, and Butcher Wei of the cattle and sheep market.
One by one, familiar faces, once hidden in memory, resurfaced.

"The Whale Slayer Sword Hall presents three qian and three liang of stalactite as a congratulatory gift to Master Ji, wishing him a safe return to his hometown and success in his martial arts!"

"The Lu family of the kiln presents half a pound of gold from a hundred-times-forged red iron as a congratulatory gift to Master Ji."

"The Wei family produces cattle and sheep."

Inside the Ji residence, Old Man Yao, who had once worked with him as a stable boy, grinned with yellow teeth, dressed in brocade robes, and beamed with delight. He had been squatting by the house for a long time, with Yao Shi, who had grown taller, by his side.

Seeing Ji Xiu arrive from afar, her eyes lit up, and she grinned from ear to ear, rushing over to greet him.

However, his brief return and short stay before departing was like a pebble thrown into a lake, not intended to cause any ripples, yet it caused a stir throughout the county.

Therefore, there has never been any such saying as "wearing fine clothes in the dark".

They always returned home in wealth and glory.

Nothing more than that.

Crack, crackle!

Wow!
The firecrackers and fireworks exploded everywhere, creating a lively scene.

Xu Longxiang smiled faintly as he watched this scene unfold. He didn't steal the limelight from his student, nor did he display any martial saintly might to intimidate the villagers.

He simply sat quietly, watching his student skillfully navigate social interactions, making small talk with everyone, without abandoning the path of the future despite his profound cultivation.

At the same time, he remained clear-headed and did not become arrogant because of the praise he received. He nodded to himself inwardly.

So many people have been ruined by a seemingly smooth road.

But this student of mine has come through hardships, and in the beginning, he was never short of cold looks and ridicule. So when faced with all the praise and adulation, he is the best at taking it all in stride.

just
Xu Longxiang looked up and gazed in the direction of the 'Earth Dragon Cave'.

His brows furrowed slightly without him even realizing it.

The hometown and county of his own apprentice.
It's not as remote and uneventful as he described.

The true meaning of the Martial Saint arose out of nowhere.

Xu Longxiang watched as the faint, illusory portal, floating in the vacuum and invisible in the real world, slowly opened and solidified. He straightened up, his eyes deep in thought.

(End of this chapter)