Ziwei Immortal Path

Chapter 45: The Untied Boat
Yuchuan County, Qingxuan Town.

Wang family.

"what happened?"

Wang Chuhui sat in the hall, his face livid, and he was so angry that he smashed the bowl in his hand into pieces and shouted:
"What were you two doing? You drank the wine and had sex with prostitutes. Didn't you make Fang Zhinan drunk? How come the lamp suddenly became a miniature fairy and disappeared in the blink of an eye?"

Wang Chuhui was nearly forty years old. He was dark, thin, short, had a goatee, and wore a black velvet cotton coat. He looked exactly like the King of Hell.

Beneath him knelt two young men, one fat and one thin, one dressed in gray and one indigo. They both bowed their heads and dared not even breathe.

"Wang Yunchang, Zhao Jiusheng! What did you two say to me before?"

Wang Chuhui's eyebrows were raised in anger, and he was still angry. He held the armchair with one hand, pointed at the two people with the other, and spit flew.
"Football? You call this foolproof? Where's the foolproof lamp? Did it fly away? Ran away? Speak, speak!!"

The young man in the indigo jacket, with thin cheekbones, raised his head, his mouth pursed unconsciously, his cheeks puffed up, and he said with an innocent look:

"Dad, we didn't know this would happen. Fang Zhinan is really drunk and can't even touch a girl. I'd better ask the groom from Sanbeilou to take him back to the Fang family."

"Wang Yunchang! Remember this! You can drink a lot, but can you touch me?"

Wang Chuhui became more and more angry as he listened, and he yelled at the top of his voice,
"I'm asking you if Fang Zhinan touched the girl? Ah? Touching the girl? You only know how to touch the girl! I'm asking you where the lamp is? Was it taken away by the girl?"

"I...I don't know either."

Wang Yunchang was dejected. Seeing that his father was furious, he dared not speak anymore.

"Uncle, I'm afraid there's something fishy going on. I'm afraid someone leaked the news, alerting his family and causing them to take the lamp away early."

Zhao Jiusheng, the nephew next to him, couldn't bear to watch it anymore and raised his head and said.

"Yep!"

Wang Yunchang's eyes lit up, and he raised his head and quickly agreed, "Dad, my cousin is right! There were quite a few people there that night, and I'm afraid there was a traitor who leaked the information!"

"That's right!"

Wang Chuhui spat, slammed the table, stood up, and cursed angrily,
"I went to see for myself. Am I blind or stupid? Why am I so idle that I'm talking nonsense to you two kids?
"The Tangchuan Cave was breached, the lantern taken, and the cave was flooded. Clearly, someone else knew about our plan and took advantage of it! And there's a traitor? Where did this traitor come from? Did he fly down from the sky? Did he emerge from the river?"

"I should have known I shouldn't have believed your lies and gone over there sooner! Sigh! What a scheme! I've been misled! I don't know who's behind this scheme, but it's muddying the waters of Qingxuan Town!"

"At this point, you two still don't understand? The Fang family doesn't know about this either! They're taking advantage of the situation, don't you understand?"

"understood…"

The two of them looked at each other, both looking a little depressed and unhappy, and they each responded in a low voice.

"Humph!"

Seeing the two of them showing signs of weakness, Wang Chuhui let out a heavy breath, his expression eased a little, and he sat back down. His voice also became softer, but his tone was still as cold as ever.

"Although we didn't get the lantern, fortunately, this matter wasn't completely ruined. After all, it was the Fang family that suffered. You two don't have to be discouraged. Now that his family has lost the lantern, they can't ask the Wen family to exchange for their child. I wonder how long the Fang family can continue to be so arrogant?"

After he finished speaking, he paused, looked at Zhao Jiusheng who was silent in front of him, his heart softened, and whispered,

"Jiusheng, don't blame your uncle for his bad temper. Things are different now. Your father died in Sishui, and the Ghost Market has been taken back by the Xun family. You were driven out of Qinghui Town and came to my family for refuge. It was only right, but your father raised both our families. Now that he's dead, our two families are left with no roots."

"We can't compete with each other in the future, so we can only find a way to dig up their roots. Fang Zhian is the only one in his Fang family who has joined the immortal sect, and the whole family has ascended to heaven. If we don't force his family into a dead end, how are you and I going to survive in the future?"

When Zhao Jiusheng heard his uncle mention his father, his chubby face suddenly turned red, tears welled up in his eyes, he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "My uncle is right. If you can't endure humiliation, how can you bear heavy burdens?"

Wang Chuhui nodded, feeling somewhat comforted, and said:

"It's good that you understand your uncle's painstaking efforts. The future of our two families depends on you and Yunchang. Your uncle doesn't have the ability to do that. At his age, he's still only at the seventh level of Condensation!"

"You two have both reached the fifth floor now. Hurry up and make the most of your spirits to reach the sixth floor as soon as possible. You must not miss the 'Taihe Jingwu Banquet' in two years. Fight to the death and give it a try! You must bring honor to your family! This is our Xiaoxiu family's only chance to make the leap to the top, so don't be careless!"

"I understand! Uncle!" Zhao Jiusheng nodded.

"Everyone, get up. Now that I think about it, I can't blame you two. You've been planning for months to seize the initiative, but now you've got unexpected complications. Life is truly unpredictable..."

Wang Chuhui sighed and stroked his beard.

"Our Qingxuan Town has four crossroads and eight streets, and it's an extremely advantageous location. The Ding and Jiang families are both jealous. They don't dare to make any moves openly, but they've resorted to countless subtle tactics in secret. There are quite a few people watching us. I wonder which family has ulterior motives this time, knowing the Fang family's background and wanting to use it as an opportunity to provoke them?"

Wang Yunchang and Zhao Jiusheng stood up. Zhao Jiusheng was a little worried after hearing this and asked:
"Uncle, now that the Fang family has lost their bargaining chips and the deadline is approaching, will they be desperate and do something desperate? I have been hiding the two Lingxi children I secretly brought back from Qinghui Town at home. I am afraid they can no longer stay here."

"Yes! Father, there is another distant relative at home who is also a Lingxi child. That makes three of us in total. Now that all three of them are at home, I'm afraid it's not very safe."

Wang Yunchang realized it later and felt worried when he thought about it, so he just went along with what was said.

"Ah."

Wang Chuhui's eyes flickered, he nodded and said,

"Jiusheng is right. We can't stay here any longer. Now that the Fang family has lost the exchanged magical instrument, there's no telling what might happen. What if Fang Zhian suddenly comes back and raids our house? If he finds out that we have three Lingxi seeds hidden in our house, he might really take them away."

Zhao Jiusheng whispered, "Uncle, Fang Zhian is a Taoist who has established his foundation after all. I'm afraid we must be on guard against this!"

"Don't worry, you two. I've already made plans for this matter. Last time I went to Hanshan to find Wen Zaixian, he had already agreed to help us deal with this matter. Three Lingxizi each for 500 Lingshi."

Wang Chuhui frowned, looking a little embarrassed, and spoke slowly.

"Uncle, one is only five hundred spirit stones, the price is a bit low." Zhao Jiusheng frowned.

"I know the price is low, but there's nothing we can do. Our family doesn't have the authority of Qingxuan Town. We're officially affiliated with the Fang family, so we can't openly seek out other families to exchange it, and we can't give it to the Fang family either. We can only go to this person. Wen Zaixian is a pure money dice player, only cares about money, not people. Although he's a bit cold-blooded, he has the Jiang family's backing and isn't afraid of the Xun family behind the Fang family. At least everyone gets what they need, so we can make some money." Wang Chuhui explained. Zhao Jiusheng nodded and said, "My uncle is really thoughtful. I wonder if my uncle has agreed on a time and place with him? I'm afraid this matter can't be delayed any longer, so it's better to make a deal as soon as possible!"

"It's natural."

Wang Chuhui sighed, his eyes solemn as he uttered a few words: "The time and place are set three days from now, at the hour of Xu, at Longmen Gorge, Longya Ridge."

After saying this, he frowned slightly and said,
"Don't worry about this, I'll take care of it. You guys should practice at home and pay attention to the Fang family's movements. Don't let them get the news and ruin everything."

…………

A small ebony boat.

Cruising on the green water.

Xu Shaohua walked out of the black tent, looked up and down at the sky.

The mountains on both sides face each other and are undulating, but in winter the grass and trees are withered, the branches are bare, and the weather is gloomy and cold, which does spoil the scenery.

A gust of north wind blew, bringing a biting chill. I unconsciously gathered my sleeves and shrank my neck.

"Dad, it's cold outside, let's go inside and head towards the fire."

Turning around, it was the eldest son, Kong Boen, who came out of the tent.

Xu Shaohua smiled and patted the back of his son's head. He felt a pang of sadness in his heart and said softly, "Bourne, we're almost to Qingxuan Town. Daddy should come out and take a look."

"Qingxuan Town?"

Kong Boen was already nine years old this year. Although he hadn't fully grown yet, he had sharp eyebrows, plump cheeks, bright eyes, a straight nose, and a heroic air between his brows. He vaguely had the demeanor of the Xu family. At this moment, looking at the houses stacked in the distance and a stone bridge across the river, he asked:

"Dad, how far is Qingxuan Town from Tianji Town?"

"It's almost there. After passing Tangchuan Wharf and Qingxuan Bridge, we'll reach a dangerous area called Longmenjian in just two days. After that, the mountains are flat and the water is wide, and the road will be smooth. We'll reach Tianji Town in half a month at most."

Xu Shaohua looked at Qingxuan Town in the distance, and recalled the scene when he met Xu Shaoliang at Tangchuan Wharf many years ago. After so many years, it was still vivid in his mind. For a moment, he was overwhelmed with emotions. He rubbed his stiff hands unconsciously and exhaled lightly.

"Daddy."

Kong Boen glanced back at the black sail on the boat and said softly,

"Bourne never understands why you were so unhappy the whole way you sent Bo Xiao and me to Tianji Town to practice? But is there something you're hiding from me?"

Xu Shaohua turned around and took a look. When he looked away, his eyes met the child's. He saw the concern in his eyes, and felt even more sad and reluctant. He whispered:

"Bourne, sending you and your sister to the Zeng family to practice is the decision of your uncle Kong and your family. It is also for your own good. The Zeng family of Tianji Town is famous in Yuchuan and is the right-hand man of the Ling family of Yuchuan County. Entering Tianji Town is like entering Yuchuan City. Your future is immeasurable."

"You'll be ten soon, and you'll be all grown up. When you marry into the Zeng family, Daddy won't be around. You have to learn to take good care of your sister. If you're bullied, you have to protect yourself and your sister first. If you can't, just find a place to yell at her. Anyway... don't be impulsive, you have to be patient. Daddy... isn't around, so he can't protect you..."

Xu Shaohua had children in his old age, and all his thoughts were on his two children. I wanted to comfort him, but I didn't expect that I couldn't control my emotions while speaking. Tears streamed down my face and I choked with sobs. I quickly turned my head away and wiped away my tears with my sleeves.

Seeing his father weeping, Kong Boen felt extremely sad. He tried hard to hold back his tears, but he felt very strange. He looked back at Wupeng and asked in a low voice:

"Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you crying? Just because Bo Xiao and I went to the Zeng family to learn immortal arts, can't we come back?"

Xu Shaohua sniffed, squatted down, held the child's hands with both hands, his eyes red, and said softly:

"Bourne, you must practice well. Once you reach the foundation-building stage, you can go anywhere in this world. Before that, you don't have the ability to come back, and you can't come back."

"My son is grown up now and can see whether Daddy is in a good mood or not. In less than half a month, we will arrive in Tianji Town. Daddy dare not hide it from you anymore. You and Boxiao will not only learn immortal arts when you join the Zeng family this time, but also change your names and surnames to become descendants of the Zeng family. In the future... I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to see Daddy. Don't worry, Bern, just listen to what Daddy has to say."

"Daddy has no say in this matter, nor can he interfere. When you grow up, you'll understand that many things in this world are beyond your control. You and Boxiao are blessed to have a telepathic connection. Go and learn some immortal arts, and you'll have a long life ahead of you. Don't be sad, don't cry. Daddy is still here. When you become capable, if... Daddy is still alive, bring your sister back to see Daddy and your mother when you have time, okay?"

Kong Bowen burst into tears after hearing this. He finally understood why his father had been frowning all day long. It turned out that they would hardly see each other again after this trip. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. He hurriedly lowered his head to wipe away his tears and dared not say another word.

A man slowly walked out from the black tent. He had tiger eyes, silkworm eyebrows, thin and sharp lips, and was tall and thin. He was wearing a gray robe embroidered with intricate light silver patterns and a long sword at his waist. He looked at the two of them with a gaze as calm as still water.

Xu Shaohua quickly stood up and forced a smile: "Zhuoli, you should also come out and get some fresh air."

Kong Boen wiped away his tears, turned around and smiled, his face bright, and said, "Cousin."

"Ah."

Kong Zhuoli nodded lightly and said to Kong Bowen:
"Bourne, your sister is awake, go play with her for a while."

"Awake?" Kong Bowen clapped his hands, jumped off the bow, and said with a smile, "She can sleep too. I'll go check on her."

After saying that, he stepped a few times and got into the black tent.

Kong Zhuoli walked up to the bow of the ship with his sword in hand, looked up at Qingxuan Town not far away, and said softly:
"Uncle, Bourne is still young. Why are you telling him all this? He's going to the Zeng family in Tianji Town. From now on, he'll be a member of the Zeng family. Every family has the 'Forget Worry Pill'. After taking it, all past memories will be lost within three days. Telling him the truth now will not help. Instead, it will only cause trouble for yourself."

Xu Shaohua didn't expect that his nephew had already heard the entire conversation between him and his child. After all, he was a cultivator at the sixth level of Condensation Yuan, with sharp ears and eyes. He felt ashamed for a moment, and when he heard the three words "Forget Worry Pill", his heart was filled with grief, his whole body was cold, and he felt heartbroken. He stood there in a daze, squinting at the turquoise water of Tangchuan River, and two tears fell from his eyes.

"Uncle."

Kong Zhuoli sighed softly, "No matter how sad you are, you can't change it. Just accept the reality! In today's world, you and I are like an untied boat, drifting with the current. The oars are in other people's hands. How can we move forward or backward freely?"

"I've secretly brought you north, which is actually against the Patriarch's orders. Please don't make things difficult for me."

Thanks Tongtianyoulu for the reward!
Thanks to book friends Qiao Yueye and 5464 for the monthly tickets!
The reading is very unstable, sometimes high and sometimes low, please keep reading!

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(End of this chapter)