I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 116 Blood oath, brothers!
Although the progress was only a pitiful little, Xie An knew in his heart that this was already a huge improvement.

He was even prepared to work hard for ten days or half a month before he could get started.

Unexpectedly, there was a pleasant surprise.

It has increased the longevity by one ten-thousandth, that's amazing!
After a little excitement, Xie An regained his composure.

“Although we have achieved some success, we still need to guard against arrogance and impatience, and take solid steps one at a time.”

"Come again."

After clearing away his distracting thoughts, Xie An followed the luck formula of the Beginning of Spring solar term again, and circulated the heat throughout his body bit by bit.

Spread out, travel throughout the body, and then retract.

so repeatedly.

Over and over again.

Although there was no noticeable improvement after each round of wandering, Xie An was not impatient for success. As long as he was doing the right thing, he had enough patience.

What I’m afraid of is that after years of hard work, I find out that I’m going in the wrong direction.

With the blessing of a long life, Xie An knew that as long as he worked hard and withstood the test of time, he would eventually bear fruit.

Rejuvenation?
It's already something to think about.

Who wouldn't want to regain the appearance of a 17 or 18-year-old boy? And who wants to be an old man?
That year, I was eighteen...

You will never be able to compare to me, who is just eighteen years old.

What's more, the eunuch clearly said that as long as one practices to the nineteenth solar term, one can compete with the contemporary martial arts masters.

What kind of heaven-defying martial art is this?
Martial arts master!

The pinnacle of martial arts is the master.

They are all those who stand at the pinnacle of martial arts.

It is definitely an existence that Xie An dare not even imagine now.

Originally, Xie An needed to practice martial arts, breaking through from the basic five levels step by step, and he still faced a lot of unknowns and uncertainties.

Moreover, Xie An did not have any extraordinary talent in martial arts, and it was highly likely that he would never have the chance to become a master in his entire life.

But Mingyu Gong + Long Life gave Xie An another choice.

As long as you practice Mingyu Gong to the nineteenth level, which is the fourth season, you can compete with martial arts masters.

There is nothing more suitable for Xie An than this.

However, Xie An also realized that this process must be extremely difficult, requiring torment and a long time. Old Master Tang was considered a first-class genius in health-preserving exercises. After practicing for a hundred years, he only achieved one of the four.

That is to say, there are about six solar terms.

If I want to cultivate to the nineteenth solar term, even with the blessing of the longevity fate, it will probably take decades. And there is also the problem of the four major attributes fate, I don't know if the longevity fate can handle it.

All this is unknown.

But there is hope.

When people have a goal, they will become very motivated.

Just like Xie An at this moment.

He wished he could spend all his time practicing Mingyu Gong.

At three quarters of Hai hour.

Tang Qingfeng came to call Xie An to have New Year's Eve dinner.

Xie An had to interrupt his practice of Mingyu Gong. In order to ensure that the ancient book would not be lost, he kept it close to his body so that he felt safe.

As an outsider, Xie An felt a little embarrassed, but since everyone was already there, he had no choice but to go. Moreover, Xie An had sworn in front of the Tang family ancestor's spirit tablet that he would protect the descendants of Tangjiabao whether they succeeded in cultivation or not.

It would also be good to get to know more of the Tangjiabao family.

In addition, Xie An felt that this was also the reason why Old Master Tang asked him to come to the New Year's Eve dinner. He guessed that he wanted to announce in front of the Tang family that he had inherited the unique skills. Maybe... he might even become sworn brothers with him?
Judging from the situations of Long Xia, Yi Qiutang and Chen Donghai...it is very likely.

If I could become sworn brothers with the Qingtian of Qingwu County...

hiss!
Bringing Yuhe into the main hall of Tangjiabao, Xie An was really shocked by the lively scene.

The huge living room can accommodate six large tables.

There were two tables for servants, two tables for apprentices and guards, and another table for the women and children of the family. The round table on the upper right was the main table. Xie An was seated at the main table.

The people at the main table were all the big guys: Old Master Tang, Long Xia, Yi Qiutang, Chen Donghai, Xie An, plus Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun.

Such an honor made Xie An somewhat flattered.

During the banquet, everyone was toasting each other, enjoying themselves, and there was no sense of unfamiliarity. Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun, the hosts, even took the initiative to carry their wine glasses to the tables of servants and apprentices to toast with everyone.

Compared with the master-servant system in Li Ru's family, it is a world of difference.

Lu Changshui was naturally there too. He looked curiously at the middle-aged men sitting next to Old Master Tang, wondering if they were the farmer, fisherman and blacksmith he met on the road.

Why haven’t I seen it before?
But judging from his seniority and status, he is probably much higher than Tang Qingfeng.

Although he was confused, Lu Changshui didn't dare to ask too much and just focused on drinking.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Old Master Tang suddenly spoke up, "I'm sure everyone is curious about who these people are around me. Let me introduce them to you. They are all my sworn brothers. We study health-preserving exercises together. Since you three are not from Qingwu County, and we didn't meet at home before, you may not know each other..."

He solemnly introduced Long Xia, Yi Qiutang and Chen Donghai.

Every time someone was introduced, the person being introduced would take the initiative to toast everyone as a gesture of friendship, and the Tang family members would also stand up and respond.

The atmosphere is quite harmonious.

Finally, Old Master Tang led Xie An to stand up and said to everyone, "This is my new acquaintance. Qingfeng and Qingyun both know him. His name is Xie An, and his age is..."

At this point, Old Master Tang was stuck and looked at Xie An.

Xie An took over the conversation, "My name is Xie An, fifty-two years old. I used to be a court attendant in Wuqiao Town. Fortunately, Master Tang Qingfeng taught me health-preserving exercises, which helped me achieve some success. Later, I became the Master of the Blood Ridge Incense under the White Feather Hall of the Tiger and Wolf Sect. I am grateful to Old Master Tang for his high regard and for inviting me to spend the New Year at Tangjiabao. I am very sorry to bother you so much."

Xie An spoke in a polite manner, which made people feel refreshed. Many people nodded slightly.

Long Xia, Yi Qiutang and Chen Donghai all nodded.

Old Master Tang nodded and continued, "Everyone here today is from our Tang Family Fort, so I'll just say a few words behind closed doors. I'm in poor health, and I'm over a hundred years old, so I don't know how much time I have left. My greatest wish has always been to find someone in Qingwu County who can inherit the unique skills of our Tang Family Fort, so that they can protect our descendants after I'm gone."

This is also the reason why I asked people to recruit talents everywhere before.

Finally, the heavens have rewarded me. Today, I found this person, my little brother Xie An. I have already passed on all the unique skills of the Tang Family Fort to Xie An. Today, on New Year's Eve, in front of everyone, I will become sworn brothers with Xie An.

Qingfeng, serve the wine, and take the knife."

Perhaps Old Master Tang had already communicated with Tang Qingfeng, so Tang Qingfeng was not surprised. He immediately brought two porcelain bowls and a dagger and placed them in front of Old Master Tang.

The whole place immediately became solemn. Everyone stopped eating and chatting, and turned to look at the chief's round table.

A four-year-old child in a cotton-padded jacket was clamoring for meat, but her mother scolded her, "What are you eating? Your grandfather has something to say, listen carefully."

The little girl didn't dare to contradict the woman. Finally, she lowered her head, pouted with a look of grievance, and started crying.

This little girl is Tang Qingfeng's daughter.

The woman who scolded the little girl was Tang Qingfeng's wife, Tang Lin.

Tang is her husband's surname, and Li is her own surname.

Collectively known as the Tang Lin family.

According to Daqian custom, the name of a married woman usually includes two surnames, that is, the wife takes the husband's surname.

A married woman's title is usually her husband's surname followed by her own.

The main reason for this custom is to enhance the cohesion within the family, especially in times of war, when family gathering becomes an important way to survive and develop.

As the little girl's crying became louder and louder, it seemed particularly harsh in the silent living room, and many people looked over.

Tang Lin was greatly alarmed. She grabbed the little girl, laid her across her knees, and spanked her. "You only know how to eat... Mother doesn't usually give you much, right? Look how much I've spoiled you."

Instead of stopping crying, the little girl cried even louder.

Tang Qingfeng was also very panicked, "I'll go get the whip."

"It's just nonsense!"

Old Master Tang scolded, "What's wrong with a four-year-old child asking for meat? Why do you have to spank him? How can you be a parent?"

Tang Lin quickly put the little girl down, stood up and apologized to Old Master Tang, saying that she had not disciplined the child well.

"It's okay for the child to cry for a while. Just give her some meat." Old Master Tang waved his hand. The little girl was delighted to get his permission.

“Grandpa is so nice.”

Then, the little girl twisted her hips and climbed up the stool with her upper body. Then, she stood on tiptoe and pulled the large plate of braised pork in front of her like she was holding the moon. Without using chopsticks, she picked up a piece with her little hands and put it into her mouth to chew, revealing a very satisfied smile. Her eyes were narrowed into slits.

Tang Lin and Tang Qingfeng wanted to stop it, but Old Master Tang was too majestic and they didn't dare to stop their little girl.

Ah!
Old Master Tang said, "That's great. It's New Year's, so let's not talk about those rules. Let's continue."

Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at Old Master Tang, listening to what he had to say.

"Seventy years ago, I slew three thousand pirates for Qingwu County. While I benefited the local area and earned some honor and reputation, our Tang Family Fort has also been resented by the pirates and the bandits from Dayin Mountain. While I was alive, they naturally dared not do anything to our Tang Family. If I pass away, and there is no one to look after the Tang Family, I'm afraid your fate will be miserable.

For many years, I have been looking for someone with a chance, and this is also why. I want to pass on the unique skills, but I also want this person to protect my family in Tangjiabao. This is also my selfish motive.

Brother Xie An, I will just tell you this directly.

But I won't make it too difficult for you. Just do your best. If it becomes difficult to have both in the future, you can prioritize your own safety. I won't blame you, and the descendants of the Tang family are not allowed to blame you, let alone harbor resentment."

Xie An agreed immediately, "I will do my best to protect the Tang family."

This is what Xie An really thought.

He and Old Master Tang were not related, yet Old Master Tang taught him the Mingyu Gong and made no secret of his request, which was quite frank and straightforward. He also allowed him to choose self-preservation when he was in a dilemma.

This is already a great favor.

Even if Old Master Tang didn't say it, Xie An would definitely protect the Tang family.

Indeed, Old Master Tang must have known that although Xie An was only fifty-two, as long as he mastered the Mingyu Gong, living to be a hundred years old would not be a problem. His future prospects were very bright.

Only then did he ask Xie An to protect the Tang family.

Old Master Tang continued, "Qingfeng Qingyun, you should know the significance of the unique skills of my Tang Family Fort. You should also know that... although Brother Xie An's current martial arts achievements are not great, he has already cultivated the Crimson Palace Qi, and it is inevitable that he will enter the unique skills. His achievements in the future may not be inferior to mine. Xie An and I have made it clear that if any of you two, or any of my other descendants of the Tang Family, cultivate the sense of Qi, Brother Xie An will teach them everything he knows without holding back. So, don't harbor any resentment."

Tang Qingfeng and Tang Qingyun nodded in agreement.

They had been practicing health-preserving exercises for a long time and knew how difficult it was to cultivate a sense of Qi, let alone the Qi of the Crimson Palace. Naturally, they had no resentment towards Xie An.

I don't think there is anything wrong with my father passing on his unique skills to outsiders.

Whether it's martial arts or health-preserving exercises, both rely on chance and talent, and cannot be forced. Even less so, there's no room for favoritism.

After all, once enemies come knocking on your door, family ties won't be of much help.

Old Master Tang was very satisfied with the attitude of his two sons. "Very good. In addition, I pursue longevity and don't pay much attention to the secular seniority system. Although Xie An is about the same age as you. But after becoming sworn brothers, you must respect him as you respect me."

"Yes! *2"

Old Master Tang said nothing more, "Qingfeng, pour the wine."

Wow.

Tang Qingfeng stepped forward and filled two large porcelain bowls with wine.

"Hand over the knife!"

Tang Qingfeng handed over the dagger.

Tang Zhengyang took the dagger and cut his palm, blood flowing out and dripping into the bowl. Then he handed the knife to Xie An.

Xie An had no hesitation in his heart.

He cut his palm and let the blood fall into the two bowls. Then Tang Qingyun brought gauze and bandaged the two people.

Old Master Tang picked up the wine bowl, and Xie An followed suit. Then the two looked at each other, their eyes filled with passion and enthusiasm.

Old Master Tang spoke first: "Today, I am Tang Zhengyang."

Although Xie An had never sworn brotherhood with others, he was already old after all. Had he not eaten pork, had he seen a pig run?

The general process is known.

Xie An took over, "I'm Xie An."

Old Master Tang said: "Before the gods and between heaven and earth, I solemnly swear:

Although we are not related by blood, we are better than brothers. From now on, we will share happiness and hardship together, and we will never leave each other until death.

No matter how bumpy the road ahead, we will support each other and face it together. When the other party needs us, we will lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

No matter how the world changes or how time passes, we will never betray, deceive or hurt others. We will treat others with sincerity and establish ourselves with trust.

"This oath I make today is witnessed by heaven and earth, and witnessed by the gods. If I break it, I will be punished by heaven and earth, and I will never be able to turn over a new leaf."

After Old Master Tang finished speaking, he said to Xie An seriously, "Xie An, repeat it again."

There are a lot of oaths...

Fortunately, Xie An was focused and was able to repeat it based on what he had learned in two lifetimes.

"Here, between heaven and earth, before the gods, I solemnly swear this oath: Though not related by blood, we are better than brothers. From now on, we will share happiness and hardship together, and we will never leave each other, until death...

Never betray, deceive, or hurt, treat others with sincerity, and establish yourself with trust.

"This oath I make today is witnessed by heaven and earth, and witnessed by the gods. If I break it, I will be punished by heaven and earth, and I will never be able to turn over a new leaf."

"Let's drink this bowl of blood wine together! Cheers!"

"Dry!"

The two men clinked their glasses and drank the blood wine in one gulp.

Although the wine had a pungent smell of blood, Xie An still drank it in one gulp. Then he turned to look at Old Master Tang, who also looked at Xie An.

The two people stretched out their hands at the same time and shook them tightly.

"Fifth brother."

"Big brother."

After addressing each other, they smiled at the same time.

"Hahaha, haha..."

"Hahaha……"

Xie An had never felt so relaxed and happy, and so full of passion, as he did at this moment.

Xie An had always lived a cautious life because of his poor birth and slow progress in martial arts training.

It’s not that Xie An wants to be cautious in everything, but that’s the way the world is.

It is not human fault.

It's the world that's wrong.

This forced Xie An to be extremely cautious, fearing that one wrong step would lead him into an abyss.

And today, Xie An and Tian of Qingwu County are brothers.

In two years, he went from being a small court official to the fifth brother of Tian in Qingwu County.

Only Xie An could appreciate the ups and downs, hardships and difficulties.

From now on, Xie An can hold his head high and have nothing to fear anymore.

But Xie An was not too happy.

Because of this brotherhood, Xie An also felt that he was responsible for the safety of the Tangjiabao family. He always felt that many people were relying on him.

This is a heavy responsibility.

At this moment, a soft voice sounded.

"Are you my little grandpa?"

Xie An turned around and saw the little girl walking towards him, staggering with a bowl of bright red braised pork.

Xie An was stunned for a moment, "Little Grandpa... if you say so, then so be it."

The little girl smiled and picked up a piece of braised pork with her greasy little hands and held it up.

"Great, Little Red Sugar has a new grandfather. Big Grandpa usually ignores me, Little Grandpa, I'll treat you to meat. Can you take me out to play next time?"

Xie An squatted down, opened his mouth, bit the braised pork in Xiao Hongtang's little hand, chewed it hard, and said, "Okay."

Boo!
Little Red Sugar came up and kissed Xie An on the face with her greasy little mouth, then trotted away with the braised pork, shouting happily, "Oh yeah, I have a little grandfather, he promised to take me out to play."

(End of this chapter)