Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 131 Sending a House, Exchanging Merit

After all, the three-stage physical training only represents exceptional potential.

Top-tier martial artists have already converted their potential into strength.

If He Qiqiang were to truly break through to the first-rate level, not only would his own status rise dramatically, but all sorts of riches and honors would come his way. Under Zhao Dongjia's command, there would be four first-rate martial artists protecting him...

It's quite like a return to Lu Jing's peak before he broke with his employer!

However, Chen Shunan also saw the turbulent undercurrents hidden beneath this matter.

Within Wuqing County, many people are probably unwilling to see Zhao Guangxi's family with four true intentions, and even within the Shuiwozi area, some people may harbor dissenting thoughts.

After all, Lin Shouzhou had only recently broken through to the first-rate realm, and now he possessed both the 'Chonghe Martial Body' and the quasi-True Intent...

There is already a trend of disrupting the internal balance.

Zhao Guangxi even personally visited Shalijing, treated his brothers to a meal, and expressed his sincere condolences to Chen Shunan.

"You've really made Zhao proud! Keep up the good work, and I'll definitely treat you well!"

"Use your skills to the fullest. Don't cause trouble, but we're not afraid of trouble either. I can protect you! I've already spoken to the relevant departments. You can work if you want, or not if you don't. Nobody will dare to make things difficult for you!"

Zhao Guangxi even invited Chen Shunan and Wan Niang to a family banquet at his residence, introducing his wife and two children to Chen Shunan.

Afterwards, he even used his own sedan chair to take Chen Shunan back to Chaodou Hutong, driving along the main street.

Chen Shunan was well aware of the meaning behind Zhao Guangxi's actions: to tell those with ill intentions in the shadows that Chen Shunan had his protection.

Anyone who dares to plot against Chen Shun'an, or even harbors the thought of killing this 'elderly prodigy' prematurely, should think twice before acting!

Chen Shunan could only silently remember Zhao Dongjia's kindness in his heart.

It’s nice to enjoy the shade under the big tree.

Chen Shunan could only hope that his employer would truly keep his word and stand up for him...

The second piece of good news was that Lin Shouzhou kept his word and indeed earned Chen Shunan a third-class merit and a fifth-class minor merit.

This is the greatest military achievement awarded since the establishment of the Wuqing Sticky Rod Office.

Of course, behind this there is probably a power struggle among various forces, and it is also inseparable from Chen Shunan's exposed second-rate late-stage strength and third-stage martial body.

Most people felt it wasn't worth offending a true master, so they naturally went through the motions.

Moreover, within Wuqing County, various forces, large and small, have extended olive branches to Chen Shunan, either wanting to provide financial assistance in advance or wanting to hire Chen Shunan as an instructor or guest advisor.

Various invitations to meals and banquets, and visits to brothels on pleasure boats.

Without exception, Chen Shun'an's entire department politely declined.

At his age, Chen Shunan could naturally distinguish between the fleeting illusions that obscured his vision and his own strength, and which was more important.

These useless formalities and favors will only slow down his progress...

Let's wait until he's stronger, until he's mastered the art of slaying six thieves or becomes a martial arts grandmaster.

Needless to say, Zhao Guangxi is currently in the eye of the storm.

As a subordinate, he naturally had to be perceptive and keep a low profile for his employer.

These are good news, but there is also a lot of bad news.

For example, in Banno Tsuto, some people have witnessed multiple underwater monsters appearing, even coming ashore, causing injuries and deaths to people and livestock.

Many demons are quite intelligent and know how to ambush fishermen returning home late at night, and even imitate the crying of babies to lure living people into the water.

For a time, people in Jindu were filled with anxiety, and undercurrents were also surging in Wuqing County.

The Wuqing Sticky Pole Office has already mobilized a large number of elite troops and ordered all forces to send top-notch experts to take turns guarding the ferry crossing and patrolling in sections, and not to neglect their duties.

On Zhao Guangxi's side, Lin Shouzhou had only recently broken through to the next realm, and his realm was unstable; the elder who cultivated the Immovable Zen Technique had also stopped making a move.

So Zhou Qing was sent there, and he hasn't returned to the county for three whole days. He has even personally gone into battle against a great demon comparable to a master of true intent.

Chen Shunan heard that the situation at Bannojin Ferry was quite unfavorable, even affecting the canal transport, which angered the imperial court and drew their attention.

Fortunately, Lu Jing stepped in, sailing a small boat to the middle of the river, where he lured the three great water demons to attack, and then fiercely killed them.

The fist's intent surged powerfully, lingering for days, while demonic blood stained the river, its flow ceaseless.

This dispersed the demonic cloud, deterred the monsters in the water, and restored the surface peace.

……

This day.

After finishing his shift, Chen Shunan bought some large red sorghum crabs at the market. They were big and fat, with huge claws and thick meat, truly top-quality crabs.

Enjoying crabs while admiring chrysanthemums is a tradition in Wuqing. A few years ago, Chen Shunan was all alone and naturally had no interest in this activity.

But with the addition of a beautiful woman to his bedside this year, he naturally can no longer fool around.

"The treasure vault of the Wuqing Sticky Rod Office has finally been sorted out. It's located in the underground cave of the Liangjiang Military Academy. I heard there are many treasures there, and even the imperial court spent a lot of money... I'll go take a look tomorrow and exchange my merit for it."

Chen Shunan felt a surge of excitement, and his steps became lighter.

Just as I was thinking this, I walked to the entrance of Chaodou Hutong.

Chen Shunan then saw a tall, upright man dressed in silk and satin standing silently by the passageway.

Upon seeing this person, Chen Shunan frowned: "You..."

"Brother Chen!"

Yue Ting, with a broad smile, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Chen Shunan and said,
"Brother Chen! I've seen how busy you've been these past few days and haven't dared to bother you. Today I've been waiting for you for quite some time..."

As he spoke, Yue Ting took out a well-preserved land deed from his pocket—

"The seller, Lü Xiuchen, a tax inspector of Wuqing County, needs money to take up his post in Shanghai. He is selling his ancestral house, a four-courtyard house located at the south end of Xitiemen Hutong in Caishikou, which is located in Shanghai. The buyer is Chen Shunan."

Chen Shunan's eyebrows twitched slightly, but he remained silent.

Yue Ting smiled and said, "Over the years, my Wanlong Mill and Brother Chen have had quite a few misunderstandings. Master Huang instructed me to come and apologize. As the saying goes, it's better to resolve a feud than to let it fester. Zheng Shicheng did some rather unethical things back then, but fortunately, karma is a karmic cycle... Master Huang now has great respect for Brother Chen, so please accept this gift..."

Chen Shunan gave Yue Ting a deep look. To be honest, he had been considering whether to secretly get rid of Yue Ting, and even sneaked over to his house a couple of nights ago to scout it out in advance.

Even with this newly appointed landlord, Huang, Chen Shunan knew exactly how many people were in his family, how many chickens and dogs he owned, which streets he frequently passed through, and what time he would strike to dispose of the body...

Everything has been arranged clearly; the only question is whether it's necessary.

Unexpectedly, Yue Ting and Huang Xing were so sincere that they actually came all the way to deliver a large house!

Chen Shunan glanced at the land deed.

Twelve tiled houses, six side rooms, nine covered corridors, and a hanging flower gate...

It's practically the top-of-the-line four-courtyard house, and it's right next to the market, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle.

This isn't just about how much money it costs; these kinds of houses are extremely sought after and are generally not available on the market.

For outsiders who want to buy, it will be a huge financial burden.

only……

Chen Shunan felt a little regretful.

Your house has no pond or waterside pavilion!
The gift didn't resonate with Chen Shunan!
Chen Shunan also has a deep attachment to his hometown and is unwilling to move easily.

trouble.

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Yue..."

Chen Shunan shook his head.

Upon seeing this, Yue Ting's heart sank.

Does this mean we can't be friends anymore?

How am I supposed to explain this to Master Huang?

"However, I do have a request."

Suddenly, Chen Shunan changed the subject.

"Oh? Brother Chen, please speak!" Yue Ting's eyes lit up.

"To be honest, I mistakenly entered Rongyuan Orphanage before. Alas, I was too soft-hearted and brought them water and food. But with so many mouths to feed, even if I had a body made of gold, how many years could I endure it?"

Chen Shunan sighed and said, "I wonder if Master Huang would be willing to provide some financial assistance to Rongyuan Orphanage..."

"Don't worry, Brother Chen! From now on, Wanlong Rice Mill will take care of all the food, rice, oil, and salt for Rongyuan Infant Home!"

Yue Ting said firmly.

It was just a small orphanage, providing food for a hundred or so young children. Wanlong Usufō was a large and wealthy family, so why would he care about such a small amount?

Moreover, the grain, rice, oil, and salt had to be supplied every month. Doesn't that mean Rongyuan Orphanage became a link between Wanlong Mill and Chen Shunan, allowing them to frequently visit and contact each other?

Good news, this is good news!
Yue Ting exchanged a few more pleasantries with Chen Shunan, his face beaming, before quickly turning away to take his leave.

Watching Yue Ting's departing figure, Chen Shunan's gaze became deep.

A great man once said, "Make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible."

These words also represent the way the Holy Dynasty finds its place and establishes its existence.

If Wanlong Usufana is truly as sensible as they appear.

Pushing open the door to enter the courtyard, I saw Wan Niang bending over tending to the medicine stove, the small earthenware pot bubbling and the aroma of medicine filling the air.

Money can support people, and Chen Shunan can support people even more.

Now, thanks to Chen Shunan's various forms of nourishment, Wan Niang's skin has become increasingly fair, making her appear more graceful and charming.

Judging by her appearance alone, it's almost impossible to tell that just a few months ago, she was a dark-skinned, rough, and tough peasant woman.

Especially since Chen Shunan ordered the Ten-Ingredient Medicinal Cuisine from the market, Wan Niang no longer needs to worry about her three meals a day.

Even Wan Niang's hands became as slender and fair as jade bamboo shoots.

This also allows Wan Niang to focus more on her pharmacological research.

Chen Shunan lifted the large red sorghum crab in his hand and laughed.
"Wan Niang, take this to steam the crab, and add some ginger..."

Her words abruptly stopped, and Wan Niang turned around excitedly, her full breasts almost bursting out of the satin.

Wan Niang was still holding several silver needles in her hand, which had turned black from being soaked in the medicinal liquid.

"Young man, I've learned another acupuncture technique from the 'Treatise on Preserving Life and Completing Form,' which helps the flow of qi in the internal organs and meridians. Quickly take off your clothes so I can give you acupuncture!"

Chen Shunan's face immediately turned bitter, and he felt a dull pain in his back.

"Wan Niang, you mustn't! Didn't I just arrive yesterday? My old bones can't take this kind of torment!"

"It can also purify kidney water, enhance male virility, and improve vigor and courage."

Chen Shunan's expression turned solemn, and he said with a sigh,
"Then let's go. I, Chen, am willing to give it a try."

……

The next day.

Chen Shunan felt lightheaded, with a warm sensation in his kidneys. Recalling the events of the previous night, he realized that his energy seemed to have improved somewhat.

Wan Niang, Wan Niang, what new tricks do you have up your sleeve?
Upon arriving at the Liangjiang Military Academy, after showing his waist badge, Chen Shunan was led by a martial artist in tight-fitting clothes to the garden behind the Tie Gong Temple of the academy.

A vertical shaft, tightly locked with iron chains and covered with an airtight iron sheet.

Truly large-scale treasure troves are usually built underground, and may even have only one entrance and exit. In terms of their level of security, they are no less impressive than those of large tombs!
Chen Shunan handed the waist token to the Zhenyi master guarding the shaft.

This person's cultivation is not weak. He looks listless and half of his body is buried, yet he has the strength to kill three thieves. He is probably some old immortal figure from the Liangjiang Martial Arts Academy.

The man carefully examined the waist tag, then looked at Chen Shunan's appearance before slowly taking out a booklet from under a table and handing it to Chen Shunan.

"This is the exchange book. Please take a look and see what you need."

(End of this chapter)