From stable boy to peerless immortal

Even though Shen Yuan was eager to gain some benefits, he was still stunned by his young mistress's actions.

He grabbed the sheathed longsword in front of him, and the next moment, a line of small characters appeared before his eyes:

You have captured 73 points of spiritual energy.

This weapon actually possesses spiritual energy... Shen Yuan was slightly surprised, and then drew his long sword.

Clang——

With a crisp sound of being drawn from its sheath, a long, emerald-green sword appeared in Shen Yuan's hand, casting a shimmering blue light around him.

This long sword is about four feet two inches long. It looks like a combination of a ring-pommel sword and a horizontal sword. The handle is bronze in color, with an ancient feel. The hilt is a hornless dragon head. The blade is narrow and slightly curved. It is emerald green all over and the surface is as smooth as a mirror, like a clear spring, reflecting a cold and eerie light!

Holding it in his hand, Shen Yuan felt it was heavy, and his hand was filled with a slippery and icy sensation. In a daze, it was as if he was holding a dragon with emerald green scales and bared fangs and claws, which let out a low dragon roar, full of fierce killing intent, wanting to choose someone to devour.

When Shen Yuan came to his senses, he realized that he was still holding the Jade Dragon Blade tightly in his hand, without any change. He had clearly been drawn into an illusion by the dense killing intent emanating from the blade.

"A fine knife!"

Shen Yuan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, glancing at it for a few moments, and becoming increasingly fond of it.

However, after he sheathed his sword, his expression suddenly froze. He remembered the old man's reminder before he left, telling him to choose a sword technique called "Taiyin Silent Extinction Sword Chapter" when he went to the Musashi Storehouse.

Now, Hua Qinglian has given him this precious sword...

Shen Yuan glanced at Hua Qinglian cautiously.

He was certain that this was no coincidence. Hua Qinglian must have already heard Old Man Niu's telepathic message, otherwise the other party wouldn't have given him this precious sword.

This jade dragon knife is both a reward and perhaps a reminder, or even a warning.

Thinking of this, a bead of cold sweat appeared on Shen Yuan's forehead.

Hua Qinglian remained indifferent, seemingly oblivious to Shen Yuan's subtle actions, or perhaps simply unconcerned, and continued speaking to herself:

Do you know why I'm so determined to stop you from becoming a disciple of the withered tree monk?

Although Shen Yuan already had a guess in his heart, he shook his head on the surface and said, "This subordinate does not know."

Hua Qinglian said calmly, "In the path of cultivation, the foundation is paramount."

"You have already mastered martial arts and established a solid foundation. It would be a pity and unwise to switch to Buddhism under these circumstances."

"Besides, those who become monks need to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures to sever worldly ties, which doesn't suit your temperament."

Shen Yuan nodded in agreement: "What the young lady says is absolutely right."

Aside from the main reason of the Crimson Scale Horse's clone, being a monk is quite boring, and besides, he has many secrets. Staying under the watchful eye of the powerful Drywood Monk all day long inevitably leads to the exposure of his secrets.

"Besides these reasons, I also had some personal motives."

Hua Qinglian did not mince words and went straight to the point: "I entered the Divine Water Palace when I was young and have cultivated for many years. I have achieved some success. Now I have returned to investigate an incident from the past."

"Back then, my father was the head of the second branch of the family, but he was unexpectedly attacked and killed while he was away, which led to the rapid decline of the second branch. This matter seems to be the work of the demonic sect, but in fact, the shadow of the first branch is faintly behind it."

Hua Qinglian immediately dropped a bombshell, causing Shen Yuan to break out in a cold sweat. He desperately wanted to cover his ears to avoid getting himself into big trouble.

If we're not buddies, how could someone as insignificant as me listen to this kind of stuff?

It involves the crushing and fighting among the upper echelons of Huarong Mansion, and the implications are enormous. Even a Golden Core expert like the Drywood Monk probably wouldn't dare to get involved, as it would result in many deaths. You dare to say it, but I dare not listen!

"This..." Shen Yuan smiled awkwardly, opening his mouth as if to say something but then stopping himself.

Hua Qinglian ignored Shen Yuan's reaction and calmly looked at him: "Right now, I have no one to help me. Are you willing to help me?"

You've said everything you wanted to say and given me so many benefits. If I don't agree, you'll skin me alive.

Shen Yuan muttered to himself, but outwardly bowed solemnly: "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Miss. I am willing to serve you faithfully, even unto death!"

"Very good. From now on, if you have any questions about your cultivation, you can come to Qingchi Garden to find me at any time."

Hua Qinglian was clearly satisfied with Shen Yuan's answer and didn't mind giving him some more sweet treats to appease him. She then glanced at the red-scaled horse in the stable next to her and said, "As for this spirit horse, its food, drink and other expenses can be paid to me."

The daily diet of a spirit horse often requires a mixture of spiritual herbs and spiritual rice, and some even need to eat the meat of demonic beasts. Ordinary people simply cannot afford to raise it, and it is enough to drag down and impoverish a gentry family.

Although Shen Yuan received some money from Steward Huang, it was not enough to support a red-scaled horse.

Moreover, strictly speaking, although he was the stable manager, the red-scaled horse did not belong to him; it remained the property of the Hua Rong Mansion.

Even if he becomes a disciple of the monk Kumu, the red-scaled horse will still be taken back by the Huarong Mansion. This is the main reason why Shen Yuan is unwilling to become Kumu's disciple.

Now that Hua Qinglian has spoken, the Crimson Scale Horse truly belongs to Shen Yuan.

Of course, these benefits are only given to Shen Yuan today because of his outstanding talent and the fact that he has become a horse trainer and has already demonstrated sufficient value.

There is never love without a reason, nor is there hatred without a reason.

If Shen Yuan were just an ordinary horse groom with mediocre talent, who would pay him any attention?

Shen Yuan was well aware of this and expressed his gratitude once again.

Seeing that Hua Qinglian was considering leaving, Shen Yuan remembered something and said, "There is one more thing. I have been at Hua Rong Mansion for half a year and have not yet returned home. I am somewhat worried about my parents and younger siblings at home, so I have taken the liberty of asking for a few days' leave from Miss."

"A few days off..." Hua Qinglian glanced at him and said, "Okay."

He then asked, "Is your home in Rolling Stone Village outside the city?"

"Yes."

Shen Yuan answered honestly.

Hua Qinglian frowned: "The area outside the city has been quite unsettled lately, with frequent strange incidents of demons and evil spirits harming people..."

Shen Yuan's heart tightened upon hearing this, and his expression changed slightly. Seeing this, Hua Qinglian offered a reassuring word:

"Don't worry, I didn't mean anything by it, I just want you to be careful."

Shen Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I was thinking that it was not safe outside the city, and strange things were happening frequently, so I planned to bring my parents to the city."

"Oh, you know about what's happening outside the city?"

Hua Qinglian keenly sensed something from Shen Yuan's words.

Shen Yuan honestly replied, "Old Niu mentioned some things to me before, about what's been happening outside the city. I feel things aren't very peaceful outside the city lately, and I'm worried about my parents back home, so I decided to go back and check on them."

Hua Qinglian pondered for a moment and then said something: "Your guess is correct. Strange things have indeed been happening frequently in Jiannan Prefecture recently, causing quite a stir."

Shen Yuan was startled. "Is it really that serious?"

If even this young lady says it's quite a commotion, it must be something serious.