Chen Ping's Sword

Chapter 344: Chapter 172: Meteor Chasing the Moon, Penetrating the Hidden and Seizing the Soul

"Qiuguan, get up. Yesterday, we didn’t fully enjoy ourselves. How about going to Jadeite Pavilion again today? I heard Miss Xinyi has composed a new tune; we mustn’t miss it."

A young scholar with a gentle demeanor and a pleasant smile had just descended the stairs when someone grabbed him.

Speaking of last night’s experience at Jadeite Pavilion, the man had a peculiar look in his eyes, with saliva nearly dripping from his mouth, which he quickly wiped away while heartily persuading him.

"No, another day, another day, and I’ll invite all the brothers to gather. Today, I truly can’t free myself; my father is coming to Xingqing Prefecture. If he finds me not studying and indulging in pleasures all day, it would be hard to explain."

Even when declining an invitation from his classmates, Qiuguan’s words were tactful and pleasant, logical and considerate, leaving no room for resentment.

After extricating himself from his classmate’s entanglement, he cupped his hands to the shopkeeper, gently brushed away the dust from his sleeves, and walked out of the inn with a smile. He immediately noticed a crowd gathered at the entrance of a stunningly beautiful garden not far ahead.

Furthermore, both sides of the long street were bustling with locals, enthusiastically carrying and dragging their mountain and fish goods to the garden gate.

"Uncle, what happy event is today? I heard General Chen doesn’t like noise, so why so many people gathered? Is he perhaps getting married?"

He extended his hand to stop a middle-aged fisherman, handing over a small piece of broken silver, and asked.

The middle-aged man looked a bit displeased at being stopped but upon seeing the shiny silver, he quickly took it and smiled: "News spread from Cuihu Residence’s kitchen, Young Master. Please don’t spread it recklessly. It’s said General Chen invited members from the Primordial Sect to assemble, hosting a banquet to welcome them.

So, everyone is fetching some fresh river and wild flavors for General Chen to have a taste, to give face."

He pointed forward with his mouth toward the crowd, "See, those wearing short attire with bows are mountain hunters, while barefoot ones like us are fishermen."

"General Chen dines on exquisite delicacies daily; does he really need your wild game and fish?"

Qiuguan chuckled, feeling quite puzzled.

"You don’t understand; this is our heartfelt intent. Regardless of whether he appreciates it or not, it’s not about earning his silver.

Offering our gifts at least shows our sincere respect.

Lately, life in Xingqing Prefecture has become easier; we no longer fear extortion and robbery, nor worry about going hungry...

Young man, you must be a stranger; you probably can’t feel the change.

In the past, Xingqing Prefecture seemed prosperous, but it was only the wealth of officials, nobility, and the rich clans.

Within the vast city, there wasn’t a piece of land for us to stand on; even walking along the path we feared being disliked, facing death..."

As the middle-aged man spoke, his eyes reddened. Concluding his words, he didn’t wish to engage further with this inquisitive passerby.

"Ah, ah... don’t rush off, uncle. I see this Qinghe Golden Carp is quite plump; coincidentally, my father has a taste for freshwater fish. How about sparing a carp for me? You have plenty, and it won’t make a difference."

Speaking, Qiuguan again pulled out three taels of broken silver and tossed it to the middle-aged fisher.

The offered price was indeed exorbitant.

To the point, the middle-aged fisher froze, wanting to refuse but feeling reluctant. Before he could react, the young scholar was already three feet away, carrying the largest Golden Carp.

The middle-aged fisher parted his lips, wanting to call out but failed to utter a sound for reasons unknown.

He could only sigh, carefully pocketing the silver, and resumed carrying the Golden Carp, heading straight to Cuihu Residence.

About half an hour passed, the crowd at the garden entrance dwindled, and those delivering goods gradually departed the city for their daily livelihood.

From the alley emerged a young fisherman.

His clothes were tattered, barefoot, his hair disheveled, and his complexion sallow, yet his smile was warm and pleasing.

He carried a Gold Carp as long as an arm, smiling leisurely as he headed towards Cuihu Residence.

There, an Inner Kitchen Servant was interacting with the common folk, paying out silver one by one.

For those who didn’t want money, the servant would gently insist on stuffing silver into their hands.

The young man stood holding the Golden Carp, squinted, observed briefly, then strode forward...

............

"With this mission accomplished, Brother Fifteen should be able to advance further, elevating to Cloud Pattern Assassin—a notable figure in Wind and Cloud Pavilion. In the future, I kindly ask for your guidance."

Outside Xingqing Prefecture City, on a rocky barren hill, two men wore golden masks that covered the upper part of their faces.

One slightly stout person stood lower, smiling and cupping his hands to the Golden-Faced Man.

"All is well, all is well. Our Wind and Cloud Pavilion used an ox to slaughter a chicken by having Lord Yun Qi lead us three Golden Faces to strike simultaneously. Even if General Chen perishes, it’s an honor. This achievement is practically effortless, truly a rare chance."

The Golden-Faced Man above chuckled lightly.

"That’s indeed true; an Innate Body, while formidable, couldn’t be too challenging? Li Qi and Wei Lianxiang both perished at his hands, yet he wasn’t overly strong.

If fought head-on, we’d surely be outmatched. However, since when has our Wind and Cloud Pavilion engaged in direct confrontation?

Moreover, with Lord Yun Qi leading this mission, even if unforeseen events occur, he can adapt accordingly, assuring us utmost certainty."

The person below spoke about Yun Qi with heartfelt reverence, despite wearing a mask half concealing his face.