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

Chapter 72 Paying Homage to the Monument and Seeking Merit
"Chen understands."

Chen Shunan naturally wouldn't make things difficult for him. After slightly bowing, he pointed to the woven fish basket bottle in his hand and said...
"May I see Lady Tai Shui? This is a birthday gift I prepared for her."

"This……"

The doorman looked troubled.

Chen Shunan's brows gradually furrowed.

The golden-scaled fish was blowing bubbles.

Just then, a hearty laugh came from outside.

"Hahaha... Has Brother Shun'an arrived?"

The voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the quiet garden, yet it did not leak out. Even the maids in the neighboring courtyards were completely unaware, demonstrating the visitor's extraordinary ability to control their voice.

Chen Shunan's expression shifted slightly, and he saw a man with dragon-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, white teeth and red lips, and slightly graying hair at the roots turn the corner of the corridor and step into the house.

"Brother Xu Hong?!" Chen Shunan's face lit up with joy.

Xu Hong was a martial arts graduate hired by the Zhang family at great expense. He was skilled in both mounted archery and foot archery and was responsible for teaching martial arts to the younger generation and children of the Zhang family.

However, his career took a wrong turn. He seemed to have offended some important figure, and in addition, he failed the imperial examination, so he simply came here to take up a post.

Chen Shunan was taught by this person when he first learned "The Flying Immortal of Flesh".

Even the techniques of throwing knives and darts, which involve long-range throwing of concealed weapons, were aided and influenced by Xu Hong.

Xu Hong entered the room, his gaze sharp as lightning. He could vaguely see the white light in the empty room, and his gaze pressed down on him as if it were a tangible substance.

The doorman couldn't take it anymore and immediately collapsed.

Chen Shunan's heart stirred, and he revealed a bit of his aura. Although he looked uncomfortable, he moved forward and backward as usual, calm and composed. He even had the strength to bow to Xu Hong, as if he was not affected by too much pressure.

"what?"

Upon seeing this, Xu Hong exclaimed in surprise and dispersed his oppressive aura.

Xu Hong laughed and said, "Brother Shun'an, it's been many years. You've changed quite a bit. I'm really impressed!"

The term "brother" has become "older brother," which has less formality and more intimacy.

Xu Hong felt that even martial artists at the mid-to-late stages of the second rank, let alone those at the early stage, would rarely be able to perform like this under his pressure.

It's not just about strength, it's also about willpower.

Brother Shun'an, have you really come to your senses as rumored?

The current appearance of Chen Shunan is vastly different from that of Zhang Shi at her funeral many years ago!

At that time, Chen Shunan's temples were whitened by the wind and frost, his shoulders were slightly hunched, and he always had a cautious and tactful demeanor.

Many years have passed, and as the years have passed, he has grown older and is now fifty.

But now Chen Shunan is in high spirits, with a straight back and bright eyes, clearly showing the characteristics of someone who has mastered the skills.

Upon seeing this, Xu Hong's heart stirred.

Brother Shun'an, you've probably been hiding your true strength. Your real power is far more than what you appear to be just an 'early second-rate' player.

This was something Chen Shunan did intentionally.

He let others know that he was hiding his true abilities.

After all, they came to ask for credit and to see the real achievements, so it's definitely not acceptable to just compromise and appease them.

Moreover, the Zhang family is a prominent and wealthy family, and they are used to seeing so-called geniuses and outstanding talents. How could they be easily impressed by the talent of others?
One should proceed steadily and cautiously, revealing one's strength and qualifications in order to gain greater status and benefits.

now,

Seeing the glint in Xu Hong's eyes disappear, Chen Shunan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly helped the doorman, whose legs were trembling.

The doorman's face was ashen, and he felt weak and listless.

Even a clay figure would be furious to suffer such an undeserved calamity for no reason.

After regaining some of his composure, he kept a straight face, bowed slightly to the two of them, and then quickly left without looking back.

"It's been many years since I've seen Brother Xu Hong, you're still as dashing as ever..."

Chen Shunan said helplessly, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Xu Hong, without any formalities, saw the table laden with food and wine, put one foot on the stool, and wielded his chopsticks with lightning speed. After a few bites and a pot of wine, he finally laughed and said...

“That doorman is Master Zhang’s confidant. If I don’t do this, he won’t leave…”

Chen Shunan raised an eyebrow, only then realizing Xu Hong's intention.

"Brother Xu Hong, would you be so kind as to take me to see the old lady?"

Xu Hong shook his head and said, "I know what you're thinking, but I'm afraid it won't work. It's the old lady's birthday, and her place is already packed with a bunch of gentry, elders, and distant relatives."

"but……"

Before Chen Shunan could show any disappointment, Xu Hong said with a half-smile,
"The old lady had already instructed that if you were willing to visit her to celebrate her birthday, she would have me secretly pass on the True Skill Diagram of 'Flesh Immortal' to you."

"So, come with me, I'll take you to... claim credit!"

……

One study room is named Yinbing (Drinking Ice).

Backed by a stone forest, covering several acres, it has three elegant rooms and a training ground.

There are two trees in front of the vegetarian restaurant.

There are jujube trees on the left and jujube trees on the right.

At this moment, Chen Shunan stood outside the moon gate, watching the chattering students in the schoolhouse, his lips twitching.

Contrary to expectations, the true skill diagram of "Flesh Immortal" was not strictly guarded and placed in a hidden place.

The True Skill Map was instead casually placed by the Zhang family in the stone forest behind the school.

Any member of the Zhang family could go and observe, and ask for credit, anytime and anywhere!
It demonstrates the magnanimity of a scholar-official.

In other words, Chen Shunan was going to secretly "sit in on classes" and ask for credit right under the noses of these young martial arts students from Qinggouzi.

These martial arts students ranged in age from seven or eight to over twenty, and there were probably thirty or forty of them.

Especially with the old lady's birthday these past two days, there are many complicated matters to attend to in the village. To avoid trouble, some members of the Zhang family simply entrust their children to this place for 'care'.

Therefore, young martial artists from the Zhang family's collateral branches and maternal relatives would occasionally come here to stay temporarily and observe the true skills.

Xu Hong acted as both a coach and a patriarch.

Fortunately, it was not advisable to publicize the matter of secretly passing on the True Skill Diagram to Chen Shun'an.

Xu Hong walked into the study and called all the martial arts students who were practicing in the training ground into the study.

The windows were closed, and stacks of martial arts exam papers, each as thick as a finger, were handed out.

He also called the young martial artists who were observing real skills and practicing martial arts in the stone forest to the side.

This created an opportunity for Chen Shunan to claim credit.

"Come with me, time is limited, we need to hurry."

Xu Hongchao looked around and then pulled Chen Shunan along the shady path beside the hermitage, leading them into the stone forest.

Chen Shunan vaguely heard a series of childish sighs coming from the study.

Chen Shunan's expression was strange, and the absurd phrase "punching the Nanshan Nursing Home and kicking the Beihai Kindergarten" suddenly flashed through his mind.

Within the Stone Forest, there are strange peaks and perilous rocks, each with its own unique shape.

Lions or tigers lie on the cliffs, halberds or spears pierce the blue sky.

The two didn't look around much and went straight into the deepest part.

There stood a six-sided, human-sized stone tablet, silently erected on a flat piece of land.

Each stone tablet has a different inscription and pattern.

There is also a smooth granite surface on the ground, covered with more than forty fingerprints of varying depths, which is called the 'Flying Immortal Stele'.

These are likely the finger techniques left behind by martial artists throughout history who studied the true martial arts manuals and gained insights, embodying their understanding.

Chen Shunan's gaze swept over the six stone tablets.

It all seemed like a bunch of nonsensical scribbles, crooked and disorganized, and looking at it for too long could make you feel nauseous and dizzy.

In the distance, the sounds of fists and kicks, and the groans and shouts of qi and blood being circulated could be heard.

Those young martial artists are quite far from here, and Xu Hong has instructed them not to come this way for the time being.

"Go and claim your reward. You need to burn incense every time you view the stele. You can choose any side; learn as much as you can... Perhaps this is your only chance to see the true essence of the stele."

Xu Hong seemed to have thought of something, his voice turned cold, and he handed a stick of incense to Chen Shunan.

At the same time, he vanished from his spot in a flash. "Such fast lightness skill... no, that's not lightness skill, it's power! Powerful and heavy, pure explosive force!"

Chen Shunan's eyes showed amazement.

Xu Hong was a martial arts graduate and a first-rate martial artist with years of experience. His strength was formidable, and there were very few people in the entire Wuqing County who could surpass him.

A few moments later, Xu Hong returned, carrying a small package.

Chen Shunan asked in surprise, "This is..."

Xu Hong handed over the package and said,

"It was the old lady's instruction. She has lived in the manor for a long time, practicing vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist scriptures, and does not wish to go out. She has not had the opportunity to celebrate your breakthrough to the second rank and being valued by your master in person..."

"These are some martial arts supplies she prepared for you, including top-tier elixirs for nourishing the spirit and formulas for dispelling mental chaos. Hopefully, you'll find them useful someday..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Shunan's gaze was touched, and a certain part of his heart suddenly softened.

It must be said that the old lady treated Chen Shunan extremely well, almost like a son.

Chen Shunan owes him a great deal.

"Of course, the supplies aren't too much, just enough for you to use for a while. After all, the old lady has many children and grandchildren, and she no longer manages the estate's affairs. She's using her savings from her funeral to make ends meet... Hmm? It seems someone's coming. I'll hold them off!"

As Xu Hong was explaining, he suddenly turned around, his eyes shining brightly, as if he could see directly outside the study through the dense foliage and the walls of the study.

With a flick of his fingers, he handed over and grabbed the package, then covered the fish basket bottle in Chen Shunan's hand, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"I'll help you deliver the birthday gift... Hurry up! Don't be greedy, just remember one, and it will be enough for you to reach the first-class realm one day!"

The sound echoed, and the vast stone forest instantly fell silent.

The mountain was deserted, with only the sound of exam papers being turned over coming from the study, which only added to the tranquility.

"Time is limited..."

Chen Shunan took a deep breath, but he had no idea whether he could observe the true skill diagrams or comprehend how many of them he could.

"Do your best and leave the rest to fate!"

Chen Shunan took a stick of incense, selected it briefly, and quickly walked to the Hundreds of Millions of Blazing True Skill Diagram corresponding to the 'Body Thief'.

Offer incense and pay respects at the monument!
……

Zhangzhuang, Buddhist temple.

On a hot summer day, in the shade of green willows, sunlight, like fish scales, filters through the gaps in the treetops and into the Buddhist hall.

The once peaceful and quiet Buddhist hall is now somewhat noisy.

Many people came and went, most of them dressed in fine clothes, adorned with gold and silver, vying to pay their respects to Old Madam Zhang.

Madam Zhang is much younger than Mr. Zhang, and she is eighty years old this year.

Her silver hair was like snow, and although her skin had wrinkles, it had a jade-like luster. She did not show any signs of old age, but rather exuded a kind of dignified elegance and the benevolence of a matriarch of a noble family.

"You silly child, why did you send such an expensive gift? You've really put your heart into it."

"Hey! You little rascal, you've grown so tall in the blink of an eye..."

"Giving gifts again! Don't come again next time!"

Madam Zhang sat regally in the grand chair in the hall, welcoming and seeing off guests with eloquence, knowing the origins and names of each guest by heart.

Suddenly, Madam Zhang saw Xu Hong's familiar figure and followed the others into the Buddhist hall.

Xu Hong walked and talked with the others, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

It seems that she was forcibly dragged here by these people to find Old Madam Zhang.

Madam Zhang's expression shifted slightly. After exchanging a few polite words with the group, she excused herself by saying she was feeling a little tired and needed to take a nap, and went into the inner room of the Buddhist hall.

Inside the room, there were altars and shrines of all sizes.

What about the Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, the Eight Immortals, Zhong Kui, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the God of Fire, the Heavenly Empress, Weituo, Wang Lingguan...

Every kind of idol that can be found or bought on the market is in the house, crammed together densely, even on the roof beams and ceiling.

The main theme is a broad and inclusive faith.

Xu Hong entered the main room, abandoning his roguish demeanor, and said respectfully.
"Madam, Son-in-law Chen has gone to Shilin to ask for credit."

Madam Zhang nodded and said, "That's good. It's hard on this child. He must know that the old master doesn't like him, but he still came all this way. He's so thoughtful."

"By the way, has Shun'an really broken through to the second-rate realm? I heard that Inoue has been causing quite a bit of trouble lately."

Xu Hong said, "I witnessed it with my own eyes, it's absolutely true. Young Master Chen has the makings of a late bloomer."

Xu Hong told a small lie.

After all, Madam Zhang was unfamiliar with martial arts and did not know the importance of age and physical constitution to martial arts.

Even if Chen Shunan turned misfortune into blessing and had a breakthrough, he is far from being a "late bloomer".

"That's good, that's good. Shun'an has had a hard life, he's been an orphan since he was little..."

Madam Zhang sighed a few times, noticing the fish basket bottle buckle that Xu Hong was weaving in his hand.

Xu Hong quickly placed it on the tall flower table and said,

"This is Mr. Chen's birthday gift, it looks like a... wait? A golden-scaled catfish!"

Xu Hong's surprised voice rang out.

He arrived in a hurry and had to hold off several uninvited guests, so he didn't have time to examine the fish.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be an extremely rare golden-scaled catfish!
Chen Shunan's spending this time is quite generous.

Madam Zhang took a few steps forward and, upon seeing the plump, golden-scaled catfish with golden flowers on its head, her face immediately lit up with a smile.
"What a magnificent goldfish! And it's even a dragon's offspring!"

The golden-scaled fish stared blankly at the two unfamiliar faces, its upturned fish-like eyes bulging. It immediately sank to the bottom of the bottle, feigning death, and began to hypnotize itself.
"Can't see me, can't see me..."

The two were naturally unaware of Jinlin's consciousness.

Madam Zhang was extremely pleased.

She received many birthday gifts, some even worth a fortune, and rarer than this golden-scaled catfish.

But Madam Zhang still cherished this little goldfish the most.

Not only because it was a gift from Chen Shunan, but also because her daughter, who died young, loved raising fish since she was a child.

The pond near the pavilion is filled with all sorts of colorful goldfish, which is quite a sight.

Unfortunately, everything has changed.

"Tiebao, go and find out where Shun'an got this golden-scaled catfish."

As if she had thought of something, Madam Zhang's smile faded, and her voice became more authoritative.

A middle-aged man in plain clothes and a long gown emerged silently from behind the pillar, bowed slightly, and then vanished with a 'whoosh'.

Soon, the man in plain clothes returned to the Buddhist hall, bringing news.

“The Wanji River Goods Shop in Banno Tsuto sold a golden flounder yesterday, but no one caught it. Coincidentally, Mr. Chen also appeared there... Perhaps Mr. Chen has other ways of fishing.”

The man in plain clothes recounted the events quickly, even knowing exactly what Chen Shunan had been doing lately, visiting gold and cosmetic shops and asking brokers for information.

Are there other methods of fishing?
Madam Zhang shook her head and said,

"Shun'an was a bit reckless in trying to please me. Perhaps he thought that with his current strength and the favor of his master, he would be able to deter villains and not be afraid of the news of him giving me the Golden Scale Catfish spreading."

But he was unaware of just how important this golden-scaled catfish, with its miraculous power to bring good fortune and protect the family, was to high-ranking and prestigious families.

The golden-scaled catfish is highly intelligent and has always been difficult to catch.

All that I have gained in the past has had various twists and turns.

If this fish was indeed caught by Chen Shunan, many people would probably be envious of his fishing skills.

“Return this goldfish to Shun’an. Hmm, Shun’an is always a sensitive child. To avoid hurting his filial piety, just say that I am observing a vegetarian diet this year and it is appropriate to release animals to pray for blessings…”

"Okay, I'll go there."

Xu Hong grabbed the fish basket and quickly left the Buddhist hall.

Whether it was Xu Hong's imagination or not, he felt that the golden-scaled catfish seemed to understand their conversation and, upon hearing that it was to be returned to Chen Shunan, it understood.

It immediately perked up again, swimming happily in the water and blowing bubbles.

"The old man is obsessed with returning to the ancestral lineage. If something really goes wrong during this exam... Alas, with all the gods and spirits in the heavens, where should the Zhang family go?"

Grandma Zhang stood in front of the door, gazing at the clear, boundless sky, her eyes trembling.

She could only clasp her hands together and pray to each of the hundreds and thousands of deities in her heart.

Hoping for a response.

(End of this chapter)