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

Chapter 197 A Golden Age Unseen in Nine Hundred Years!

Chen Shunan's gaze swept over Zhang Xiangling and Xu Hong, then lingered briefly on Fifth Master Hong.

Red Old Five actually showed up here...

What about Tianxuan Shenggu?

Red Old Five's clothes were tattered, and the scabs on them had turned purplish-black, seemingly indicating that he had just experienced a major battle.

"It seems that the Red Fifth and the Guolu Society members can't hold on any longer..."

A sudden realization dawned on Chen Shunan, his thoughts surged like a tide, his five senses were heightened, and he went in all directions.

The sounds of the wind outside the courtyard, the water in the pond, the distant watchman's clapper, and even the dripping sound of melting snow on the eaves—all these subtle details settled into my heart.

There was no trace of Tianxuan Saintess.

Chen Shunan felt a little relieved.

Zhang Xiangling noticed Chen Shunan sitting at the head of the table, guessed his identity, and immediately walked over slowly.

"You're Chen Shunan?"

Chen Shunan, unaware of Zhang Xiangling's purpose, rose, cupped his hands in greeting, and said in a calm tone,
"I, Chen, have met Miss Zhang. Please have a seat. It's just a simple meal, please don't find it offensive."

"What did you call me?"

Zhang Xiangling suddenly stopped, tilted her little face up, and said in a serious tone,

"According to seniority, you should call me 'Little Aunt'!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Shunan's smile froze instantly, and then half of his face turned black.

However, strictly speaking according to seniority, Zhang Xiangling's words are actually quite correct.

The direct descendants of the Zhang family of Wuqing are few in number and have few offspring, but all of them live extremely long lives.

This has led to a severe phenomenon of older people having children, with some still capable of fertility even in their seventies or eighties.

Chen Shunan's cheap father-in-law, Old Master Zhang, was just a member of a collateral branch of the Zhang family. His seniority was one head lower than that of the Zhang family head, and he even had to call Zhang Xiangling "sister".

However, after the Zhang family was expelled from the Zhang family and moved to Wuqing County, even the family genealogy was restarted, so these generational rankings naturally no longer count.

The Zhang family denies it.

Zhang Zhuang wanted to admit it, but dared not.

Therefore, Chen Shunan's usual tactic of relying on his age and seniority completely failed at this moment.

only……

When Zhang Xiangling said those words, many people present raised their eyebrows, exchanged glances, and secretly speculated.

Everyone present was an acquaintance of Chen Shunan.

He was naturally well aware of his status as a son-in-law, and he also knew a little about the old grudges between Zhangzhuang and the Zhang family.

Zhang Xiangling, a prodigy, was practically the face of the Zhang family when she traveled around Wuqing County.

Upon arriving here, instead of visiting the magistrate of Wuqing County or those respected elders, she first appeared at Chen Shunan's family banquet and even had Chen Shunan call her "Little Aunt"...

Could it be that the Zhang family intends to have the Zhang family acknowledge their ancestry and take Chen Shun'an under their wing?
After all, Old Chen is a late bloomer, having already achieved the third level of martial arts. As long as he doesn't perish, he will at least become a true master who can slay the four thieves in the future.

No matter where he is placed, he would be considered a brave and skilled general!
Only a handful of people, including Zhao Guangxi and Jinzhen Li, knew more of the inside story and vaguely felt that things were not so simple.

Although the potential of the Three Refinements of the Martial Body is limitless.

But Chen Shunan is already quite old, and it's probably not worth the Zhang family making a big fuss and coming all the way here.

They even sent Zhang Xiangling to contact Chen Shunan.

Zhao Guangxi gave Chen Shunan a deep look, thinking to himself,

"Old Chen is a cunning old fox; he's hiding a lot from me."

Jinzhen Li glanced at Chen Shunan, who was standing still, chuckled, and watched the commotion with a leisurely air.

Zhang Xiangling's single sentence caused a stir among the people present, their thoughts racing.

This is the terrifying influence of the Zhang family.

Chen Shunan looked at Zhang Xiangling in front of him, opened his mouth, and was about to say something.

Then they could vaguely hear the sounds of dogs barking and eagles flying outside.

One could see figures dressed in brocade robes and embroidered jackets, exuding a menacing aura, rushing towards the nine families and gathering outside the Mianyi Residence.

“Miss Zhang, I am Zhu Tao, the transport captain of Shishi Temple under the Cao Gang. I would like to invite you to a short meeting…”

"Miss Zhang, I have long admired your name. I am Jiang Dahua, the young master of Libao Trading Company. I would be honored if Miss Zhang would like to have a meal with me!"

"Fairy Xiangling~ I am the virtuous and incorruptible official Jingzhai... This summer, I arranged a banquet and wrote invitations on the Chaobai River in Tongzhou, but to no avail. Now that I have heard that Miss Zhang has appeared in Wuqing County, I have come from afar to invite you again..."

Voices, some fawning, some clear and bright, and some full of admiration, rang out from outside the courtyard wall.

The ways of the world are fickle, and people's faces change with their status.

As soon as Zhang Xiangling let slip her whereabouts, it attracted people from all over Wuqing County and even Tongzhou City to gather at Mianyi Residence.

If it weren't for Aunt Liu's quick action of closing the gate when she saw Zhang Xiangling arrive uninvited...

These people have probably already broken down the threshold and barged in.

"Ugh, annoying flies!"

Zhang Xiangling wrinkled her nose, her face showing displeasure, then looked down at Chen Shunan and said...

"Fine, let's hurry up...you fight me!"

"Huh?" Chen Shunan frowned.

Zhang Xiangling urged impatiently, "Hurry up, hurry up, fight with your grandma!"

Once Chen Shunan fights with him, it will be impossible to hide whether Chen Shunan has comprehended the Six Realms Reincarnation True Skill Diagram.

Zhang Xiangling was too lazy to do any probing or questioning.

We martial artists are straightforward and never swayed by human relationships or worldly concerns!

Chen Shunan's expression remained unchanged, and he suddenly said,

"Then I give up."

"You're not allowed to admit defeat! How can you admit defeat before you've even fought?!"

Zhang Xiangling was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening. Her face showed annoyance, and she stomped her feet in frustration.

"Knowing he was no match for his aunt, how could Chen be so presumptuous as to offend his elder..."

Chen Shunan remained calm and decisively used his small size to bully the big one.

"..."

Zhang Xiangling suddenly realized that she had gotten herself into a trap.

Chen Shunan is a slippery man!

Zhang Xiangling glared at him angrily, and after a long while, she finally let out a snort.
"I'll come find you another day... I'm taking these people with me, so I won't cause you any trouble!"

Zhang Xiangling glanced at the family banquet that had been interrupted by her arrival, and a somewhat embarrassed look appeared on her face.

"Grandma, I've come to Wuqing County. If anyone bullies you in the future, just tell me, and I'll help you get revenge!"

"From now on, I'll protect you, little auntie!"

Zhang Xiangling pretended to be old-fashioned, stood on tiptoe, and patted Chen Shunan's shoulder. Then, imitating the image of a chivalrous hero in her memory, she smirked and laughed loudly.

For a moment, Chen Shunan was both amused and exasperated.

Helplessly, he cupped his hands and said, "Respectfully seeing off Auntie."

Zhang Xiangling nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly turned around, her body leaping and stretching, a series of cracking sounds emanating from her bones.

As if her muscles and bones were rubbing and her joints were shifting, her entire petite body became like a ribbon, moving with the wind, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. In the blink of an eye, she flipped over the courtyard wall and landed on the roof of a shop dozens of feet away.

"What amazing agility!" Many people under the colorful tent, including Chen Shunan, were immediately impressed.

Many wealthy merchants and minor officials also craned their necks, some even standing up, their eyes following the figure, their faces full of amazement.

Even with Chen Shunan's discerning eye, he could hardly find any fault with Zhang Xiangling's flying fairy technique.

I'm afraid that when I was at the same level as her, I was only slightly better than her by four or five points.

Zhang Xiangling stood alone on the high place, her sleeves fluttering, looking down at the ground, her voice arrogant.
"You filthy, muddled creatures, disturbing my peace and quiet again! What lady or fairy? I'm a man without a headscarf, a woman who can stand on her own two feet, ride a horse on her arm, and walk on people's faces!"

"Want to invite me to dinner? Catch me and beat me first!"

Its sound was extremely loud, resounding throughout the nine great mansions, causing a great uproar.

After saying that, Zhang Xiangling leaped into the darkness and disappeared.

Meanwhile, at the Mianyi residence, Xu Hong, seeing this, looked helpless. After bowing slightly to Chen Shunan, he could only hurry to follow.

Hong Wuye glanced at Zhao Guangxi, his gaze shifting.

Then he glanced at Chen Shunan again.

For some reason, ever since he stepped into this place, he felt that the old man Chen Shunan looked somewhat familiar.

Deja vu.

But I can't quite place where I've seen it before.

But at this point, he was quite aware that he had become a prisoner.

Even though the 'officers' had left first, he strode over to Zhang Xiangling and the other person.

His identity has now been exposed, and he's out in the open.

Throughout Wuqing County, countless people wanted to kill him.

Instead, he became a prisoner of the Zhang family, which became his lifeline and made everyone hesitant to harm him.

Master Zhang wanted to use Master Hongwu as bait, but Master Hongwu also had to lie low for the time being, relying on the Zhang family's power to recuperate and avoid the limelight.

Zhang Xiangling and the other two left one after another.

The various powerful and influential figures who had gathered at the entrance of the Mianyi Residence dispersed like the tide.

The sounds of horses' hooves, footsteps, and shouts gradually faded into the distance.

In an instant, the once noisy and bustling Mianyi Residence returned to silence.

Only the shop assistants from the street-facing shops and the servants behind the gates peeked out and peered at the Mianyi Residence by the light of the lanterns.

This newly arrived Manager Chen has managed to attract so many important figures. Just who is he?
Meanwhile, inside the Mianyi residence.

Chen Shunan looked helpless and could only sit back down at his table, apologizing.

"Gentlemen, I apologize for the slight inconvenience and neglect."

"No, no, keep eating. And for the opera singers, keep singing! What's the point of resting!"

San Dezi and the others quickly spoke up to smooth things over for Chen Shunan.

The troupe leader nodded quickly, and the sound of the erhu rang out again.

The family dinner continued.

However, due to Zhang Xiangling's mishap, many people present were already considering leaving, wanting to find out what would happen to Zhang Xiangling that night.

After a few more bites, they all said their goodbyes.

Even after Zhao Guangxi finished his meal, he only stayed for a short while, drank a cup of tea, and then left with his family.

There was an unexpected incident during that time.

He Qiqiang's neighbors asked someone to find him, saying that his sick wife had suddenly vomited blood and fallen ill.

Without saying a word, He Qiqiang hurriedly left.

Before leaving.

Zhao Guangxi suddenly pulled Chen Shunan aside, grasped Chen Shunan's hand, and said in a serious tone,
"Old Chen, how has Zhao treated you all this time?"

Chen Shunan's expression hardened, and he said in a deep voice,
"I, Chen, was originally a commoner who drifted through half my life. I am fortunate to have been promoted by my employer and have achieved what I have today. I can never repay the kindness of my employer in my lifetime!"

"it is good!"

A flicker of excitement flashed in Zhao Guangxi's eyes, and his voice trembled slightly.
"Old Chen, I don't care how many secrets you have or what your identity is... help me this time, help me win the grand prize spot at Aoshan Taoist Academy!"

Zhang Xiangling was so popular that she was fawned over and flattered by countless people.

Besides the fact that she was born into a privileged family, there was another important reason.

Zhang Xiangling was a "talented individual" specially recruited by Aoshan Taoist Academy. She had several attendant slots, which was also a way to relieve the siege of Wei and rescue Zhao, and to enter Aoshan Taoist Academy through other means.

Moreover, befriending Zhang Xiangling has many benefits; perhaps some inside information about the year-end celebrations of the four major academies will be revealed.

If he were to be so lucky as to win the heart of a beautiful woman, he might even rise in status and wealth, becoming a husband and wife who would gain prestige through his wife's success.

Zhao Guangxi saw through the 'aunt-niece' relationship between Zhang Xiangling and Chen Shunan and wanted Chen Shunan to help him out!
This year, the four major Taoist temples have opened up avenues for immortality, with eight slots available in Wuqing County for the year-end celebrations. On average, each temple will accept two people.

It's a case of too many monks and too little meat; even with Zhao Guangxi's current strength and status, he doesn't have much confidence.

Moreover, the water vendor business itself has a deep connection with Aoshan Taoist Temple. Many stewards and old guys from the Kyoto Water Merchants Association studied at Aoshan Taoist Temple back then.

Therefore, unless Zhao Guangxi sets up his own sect and leaves the Shuiwozi business.

He had no choice but to go to Aoshan Taoist Temple.

That means they can only compete for those two spots!
And coincidentally, the Zhang family also held a pivotal position within the Aoshan Taoist Academy...

Chen Shunan remained silent for a moment.

Zhao Guangxi seemed to sense Chen Shunan's hesitation, sighed, and said in a somewhat earnest tone,

"Old Chen, don't blame me for being blunt, but even if you break through to the True Meaning realm before the end of the year, the level of slaying a thief is still too low. Even if you have the Three Refinements Martial Body, you basically have no hope of competing with Da Sui."

"If you are willing to help me this time, even if we fail, starting next year, I will never compete with you for the year-end bonus! I will even do everything in my power to eliminate any dissidents and leave the position of boss to you."

After a moment, Chen Shunan nodded and said, "I understand, and I will certainly do my best to help."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangxi breathed a sigh of relief, patted Chen Shunan's shoulder somewhat listlessly, and slowly left.

Actually, there was a secret that Zhao Guangxi chose to keep hidden.

Since the Qianning delegation is visiting the emperor, they will arrive in the capital no later than the end of the year.

To demonstrate the majesty of a great nation, and to showcase the glorious scene of foreign tribes submitting to its rule.

Taoist academies throughout the Holy Dynasty, especially the four major academies in Tongzhou City, such as Aoshan and Yueshan, will cultivate disciples and students with unprecedented efforts.

There were even immortals who preached the Tao, bestowed ordination certificates, opened meridians, and granted immortality.

The Emperor himself wrote the phrase, "Our dynasty has unified the land, and both the Miao and Yi peoples, both inside and outside the country, have shown their sincerity and submitted to our civilization, which is a sign that all nations come to pay tribute," thus setting the tone for this matter.

Therefore, this year-end celebration is extremely important.

This is a golden age that the Holy Dynasty has never seen in its nine hundred years of history!

Zhao Guangxi, you must fight for it!

We must even resort to any means necessary to fight for it!
Even if it means hardship for the brothers below and sacrifice of Old Chen's interests.

At worst, we can make it up to them double in the future.

Watching Zhao Guangxi's departing figure, Chen Shunan's gaze deepened. He closed the door and turned back into the courtyard.

Chen Shunan vaguely guessed Zhao Guangxi's thoughts.

But Zhao Guangxi probably never imagined that, besides winning the Grand Duke's quota, submitting to the powerful and currying favor with them, there was another way to enter the Taoist academy and enter the Taoist path through martial arts.

That is...

He cultivated himself to become a martial arts master!
We have all the Taoist temples come to invite them personally!

(End of this chapter)