Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Chapter 222 The seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the ascension ceremony! When I attained enlightenment, I never forgot the path of my old friends!

He was once instructed by Bai Shuo, the young master of the Water Lord's Mansion, to serve under Ji Xiu as the Great Dragon Cangming Lord, who was currently riding a horse.

They watched helplessly as a spirit fish of exceptional quality "walked right into the trap" and was caught and controlled by its owner in an instant.

Then, on the horizon, a golden light pierced through the sky, carrying a sharp sword intent that made his scales stand on end. It directly imprinted itself on Ji Xiu's brow, causing him to undergo a transformation, as if he had been granted a great destiny.

this moment.

Cangming-jun's reaction was even more exaggerated than that of Ji Xiu himself.

For a moment, he suddenly understood what those dragon descendants had meant when they were cultivating in the Water Lord's Palace, and what they had mentioned about 'destiny' and 'fate' in such a secretive way.

He roamed the East China Sea for decades.

The rare and precious fish and other rare creatures encountered in this vast sea are extremely rare!

The results of it?
Ever since he went to sea with this employer.

Every single time, I've never come empty-handed.

As long as the water ripples appear on Ji Dongjia's forehead, it's as if this body of water was naturally nurtured by him.

Those extraordinary spiritual treasures, which transcend ordinary items and are of great benefit to the cultivation of Qi, came running as soon as they smelled them.

With Ji Dongjia's return to Anning County, things got even more out of control!
He had heard some of the commotion from the 'Earth Dragon Cave' while he was by the riverbank at the dock.

What was thought to be a calamity turned out to be a blessing in disguise for this employer, who gained both spiritual power and martial arts prowess!
However, it took about half a month.

His aura alone surpassed that of this ancient dragon.

To put it bluntly
If Ji Xiu were to hold nothing back at this moment, he would engage in a life-or-death battle with him on the East Cang Sea!

Perhaps the final result will be that he will be skinned alive and have his tendons pulled out, ending up bleeding on the spot!

In just over six months, we've come this far.
Cangming Jun felt a sense of unease and dread, while at the same time he felt a deep admiration for Bai Shuo Shaojun, who was now far away in the 'Water Lord's Palace'.

Choosing such a person as the future 'son-in-law' shows that the young lord has great foresight!
But then again...
During this period, while he was lying obediently underwater in the waters of Anning County, he had recently overheard some fierce and valiant armored guards chatting on a group of warships.

They claimed that a certain marquis of their Great Xuan had a very high opinion of his master, and that he and his grandmaster had hit it off and made a marriage agreement.

The dragon, with its keen ears and sharp eyes, heard everything clearly.

Seeing that Ji Xiu had come to his senses, he couldn't help but probe with words:
"Master, what brings you back to Jiangyin Prefecture?"

Using the Primordial Dao Record, he thoroughly comprehended the 'Royal Power Sword Intent' that descended from the heavens.

After Ji Xiu obtained the complete version of the Great Five Decays Heavenly Blade and mastered the second move, 'Crown Bowing Head,' he heard Cangming Jun's slightly probing question.

In an instant, he grabbed a colorful, sixth-grade 'Exquisite Carp' in one hand and looked at the small knife hidden in his heart, which was vaguely connected to the knife's intent and energy from before.

Ji Xiu, who was pondering whether there was any connection between the two, casually replied upon hearing Cangming Jun's question:

"My lineage's ancestor broke through in the Earth Dragon Cave in Anning County, forcefully dragging back a 'prefecture city' territory from the heretics. The state appointed him as the new prefecture's garrison commander and promoted him to 'True Sect'."

"So this trip back to the prefecture has two purposes: first, to prepare for the prefectural examination and to see the heroes of Beicang; secondly..."

"It's about participating in the 'Heavenly Blade True Sect Advancement Ceremony'!"

"I'll send you an invitation then, inviting you to attend the ceremony."

"In the past, people in Jiangyin Prefecture had little influence, and if a giant dragon came ashore, it would easily attract criticism. But now..."

"In the vast Jiangyin Prefecture, even if the person holding the title of 'Prefect' came, he wouldn't dare to have any objection to the way my Heavenly Blade True Sect acts!"

Ji Xiu spoke with conviction and in a resounding tone.

Cangming Jun was deeply grateful, never expecting that this Master Ji would still remember him.

At the same time, he did not forget the purpose he had always longed for.

He was born into the Water Lord's Mansion and was a water-type descendant of the dragon. If he hadn't made a series of minor mistakes on a daily basis, and hadn't made a huge blunder by accidentally breaking an object at the Dragon Lord's banquet, he wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state.

Therefore, he always kept Bai Shuo Shaojun's words in mind, and dared not disobey Ji Xiu's every request.

But that's why.

He was about to secretly test the waters on behalf of Young Master Bai Shuo:
"Little Jiao thanks Master for his high regard."

"However, I've also heard that the master seems to be about to arrange a matchmaking meeting with a noblewoman?"

Ji Xiu, who was holding the spirit fish in his hand, was slightly taken aback when he heard Cangming Jun mention this matter.

He immediately understood what he meant.

Shui Jun Mansion, Bai Shuo!

Recalling the Dragon Maiden of the Dragon Court whom he had met before and after the Lord Jiang Li when he was in Anning County, Ji Xiu couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Previously, when he broke through the 'Second Limit' of Mercury Blood and Silver Marrow with White Dragon Blood, he promised her that he would definitely compete for a spot at the 'Dragon Lord's Banquet' in the future.

All this was to cut through the thorns for her, to seize the husband from the Dragon Palace, and to help her redeem herself from the bloodline prison of the Water Lord's Mansion.

The 'Azure Dragon Core Pendant' at Ji Xiu's waist was still swaying and jingling.

He certainly hadn't forgotten that.

But it's clear that Cangming Jun was unaware of the inside story.

Upon hearing this news, he was probably preoccupied with the thought that his chosen "son-in-law" would seek a better match after achieving success.

So for the second half of the journey, he patiently chatted with Cangming Jun, explaining the ins and outs of the situation in a general way, avoiding the important points and focusing on the trivial.

It wasn't until they got close to the 'Jiangyin Ferry' that the black dragon finally realized what was going on.

Seeing that the explanation was clear, Ji Xiu was quite satisfied, and carrying the spirit fish, he stepped into Jiangyin Prefecture.

Only Cangming Jun's vertical pupils darted around as he blew bubbles underwater. On the surface, he seemed calm, but in reality, he was...
"No."

"Although Master Ji said it this way, as the old saying goes in the Great Xuan people, 'the mountains are high and the emperor is far away,' how would I know what the real situation is?"

"Perhaps..."

"Go to the 'Water Lord's Residence' and inform Young Master Bai Shuo!"

Thinking about this, the giant dragon realized the truth of the matter more and more.

After all, a young prodigy like Ji Dongjia is extremely capable.

Even someone like myself, within the various water caves under the jurisdiction of the Water Lord's Palace, still kept eight concubines, such as mermaids and clam maidens.
If his intelligence is truly useful, Young Master Bai Shuo will show mercy and allow him to return to the Water Lord's Palace.
Thinking of this, Cangming Jun, who was quite homesick, immediately turned around and headed straight for the depths of the Eastern Canghai Sea—the Water Lord's Palace!

Meanwhile, in Jiangyin Prefecture!
The well-informed agents of the major banks, through their spies at various ferry crossings, learned of Ji Xiu's arrival on the shore immediately.

Suddenly, the situation became turbulent.

For example, liquor stores.

Inside the Zhao family mansion, a wine shop.

"Didn't you used to claim that you and 'Ji Xiu' were sworn brothers?"

"Now that he's successful, the entire Jiangyin Prefecture combined might not even be as prestigious as him."

"You've been idling around at home for almost half a year, and haven't even managed to get a decent official position. Isn't this a golden opportunity?"

"His grandmaster, Wang Xuanyang, was granted a title and will soon serve as a 'new mansion' to guard the True Sect, holding a lofty position."

"That new prefecture is a heretical divine prefecture, with a population no less than that of Jiangyin Prefecture. More importantly, no major sects have moved in yet."

"If you seize this opportunity and can get a high-ranking position, wouldn't that be more promising than being a county magistrate?"

Zhao Ding, the wine shop owner with a bulbous nose, looked at his son Zhao Jiu, whom he had summoned, with a face full of disappointment and frustration. Pointing to the lavish gifts laid out beside him, he spoke in a stern tone:

“I have already sent the visiting cards to ‘Tian Dao Jin Ao Island’ and ‘Bei Cang Hou’s Mansion’.”

"No matter where Ji Xiu goes, he will receive the message."

"Listen to your father, would I ever harm you?"

“I have news from the state, plus rumors from Anning County. Forget about Wang Xuanyang, that big shot, your brother is really rich now, incredibly rich!” “Even Chen Xuanque, the governor of the entire state, specifically mentions his admiration for him. Do you know what that means?”

Zhao Jiu listened to his father, Zhao Ding, spitting as he spoke, and only at the end did he scoff and glance sideways.

"Didn't you say a while ago that if I went to help that guy surnamed Ji, you would kick me out of the Daxing family and disown me for having the surname 'Zhao'?"

"How come the trends change so quickly?"

Zhao Ding choked:
"You little brat, do you think your father would apologize to your son?!"

"It's simply the opposite of Tian Gang!"

Zhao Jiuyi glared:

"So what?"

"If I hadn't been quick to change sides back then, and hadn't built up a relationship with my brother Ji Xiu, conspiring with him to murder the playboys of the pharmacy, and ended up on the same boat."

"Your liquor business in the state isn't doing so well lately, is it?"

"Don't think I don't know. A few days ago, as the news spread widely, you directly raised the banner of 'Ji Xiu and I are bosom friends' and gave you a huge discount on your liquor business in the state."

"You've made a fortune these past few days, so it's only right that you give some gifts!"

"But please do not discuss the matter of seeking an official position again."

Zhao Jiu grinned, recalling Ji Xiu's appearance in the past and his ever-growing figure now, muttering to himself:

"Once someone rises too high, even though past friendships may seem like a powerful shield, I always feel a bit uneasy."

"Sigh, I'm really not cut out for this. I invested back then hoping for this day."

"Now that this day has actually come, I feel too embarrassed to rush over and take advantage of it."

He touched his chin.

Wouldn't doing this seem a bit snobbish?

Zhao Jiu was somewhat embarrassed. Although he considered himself a playboy, he had always been arrogant and domineering like a son of a powerful family.

I've never bowed down to anyone or flattered them.

However, at this time...

A young man from the Zhao family, who ran a wine shop, knocked on the door, interrupting the father and son's conversation.

"Master, young master."

"A letter has arrived from the 'Heavenly Blade True Sect'!"

Heavenly Blade True Sect?

The two men's expressions changed drastically. Zhao Ding, the owner of the wine shop, hurriedly pushed open the door, retrieved the letter, glanced at it briefly, remained silent for a long while, closed the letter, handed it to Zhao Jiu, and sighed:
"This child."

"Ugh."

"See for yourself."

Zhao Jiu hesitated for a moment, confused, but understood that the letter was written by Ji Xiu, so he unfolded it:

[Brother Zhao Jiuwu, how have you been?]

[The Heavenly Blade lineage will ascend to the True Sect level on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. At that time, I, as the Dao Child of the Blade lineage, will be crowned. Therefore, I hereby invite 'Brother Zhao' to attend this grand ceremony.]

[Furthermore, although we have known each other for a long time, we have a long-standing friendship. Now that a new prefecture is being established and everything needs to be rebuilt, our Heavenly Blade True Sect, as the guardian of this prefecture, is in dire need of assistance.]

Brother Zhao, with your background in the wine trade and your position as a county magistrate, is now inactive, which is a waste of your talents. Perhaps after the grand ceremony concludes and my lineage's ancestor names the prefecture, you could take up your post.

[To establish a new business empire in the new capital, surpassing even the achievements of one's father, wouldn't that be wonderful?]

[————The True Sect of Heavenly Blade, left by Ji Xiu.]

Holding the letter, Zhao Jiu was slightly taken aback.

did not expect.
Even after they've become successful, they still remember me.

Zhao Ding, the owner of the wine shop, touched his red nose and recalled Wang Xuanyang's extortion of him not long ago. His frustration dissipated considerably.

"You're a worthwhile friend."

"then."

"I must have been blind."

Jade shop.

Cai Shoujing, the head of a large trading company, whose fingers were adorned with jade and stones, was calculating with an abacus, looking at the quiet Cai Ling'er beside him, and sighing:

"Ugh."

"Wang Xuanyang of Jin'ao Island had been missing for twenty years. We had finally had a period of peace, but then he suddenly reappeared, almost causing us to break our backs!"

"It's only been a few days?"

"First, he went to the jade shop to pressure me, asking me to prepare a promotion ceremony for him, to bring rare and precious stones, and to make sure that I didn't lose face and that everything I needed was done properly."

"The other businesses include a wine shop that supplies spirit wine, and an embroidery shop that cuts spirit silk and weaves lintels."

"A wide variety of trades, all 36 professions, were covered."

"He personally visited those overseas schools, and whatever they had taken from Jin'ao Island, he returned three times over. As a result, many of these schools have fallen into ruin."

"Even with a powerful expert in charge, they wouldn't be able to utter a sound. They themselves would have to hold their noses and go to witness the ceremony."

"You little rascal, didn't you used to be acquainted with Ji Xiu?"

"I heard that the daughter of the Marquis of Beicang is about to be engaged to him."

"What a pity. If you had been more astute earlier, you could have taken advantage of your proximity and avoided such a huge financial loss for our business. After all, we have some grudges against the Heavenly Blade Clan."

Cai Shoujing glanced at Cai Ling'er beside him, muttering to himself. Cai Ling'er pouted, recalling her first meeting with Ji Xiu, her eyebrows furrowing in anger.

"Bolt at him?"

"I never imagined this in my entire life!"

At this point, Cai Ling'er gritted her teeth, but she had no choice but to admit defeat.

Ji Xiu now.
She really is not good enough for him.

They might have already forgotten about their meager friendship.

Thinking of this, Cai Ling'er felt a little lost.

However, immediately.

Then a gold-embossed visiting card bearing the inscription "Heavenly Blade True Sect" was presented!
The signature is 'Ji Xiu'!
at the same time.

The Marquis of Beicang's Mansion, the Embroidered Robe and the Delicate Leaves, the Flying Immortal Temple, and the Wealthy Xie Family.
Regardless of whether they are famous, influential, or former acquaintances.

Or perhaps they knew each other when they were still unknown, such as the children of the three major businesses they met at the bottom of the dojo district, 'Fengyun Dojo'.
Even the old man Huang, Huang Yaoshi, who had given him great help in Anning County before!

Ji Xiu sent people to gather information about him and his apprentice, Zheng Jun!

Subsequently, visiting cards were presented to each of them.

When I attained enlightenment, I never forgot the path of those I had known.

When one person attains enlightenment, chickens and dogs ascend to heaven!

These visiting cards were all written in advance when they were still in Anning County.

As Ji Xiu arrived at 'Jin'ao Island'.

But they discovered that the place was no longer what it used to be.
Vastly different!

(End of this chapter)