Chapter 787: Number One in Xijiang
The Heavenly Preceptor slowly descended the ramp. The first to greet him was Zhang Jucheng, the Shangqing Palace Master.
Although Zhang Jucheng was not the Heavenly Preceptor’s biological son, the Heavenly Preceptor and Zhang Jucheng’s father were brothers born of the same mother. Since the Heavenly Preceptor never married or had children, Zhang Jucheng inherited the mantle based on the hereditary system and thus was considered the main branch of the Zhang family.
The Heavenly Preceptor and Zhang Wuhen had an older brother. However, this elder brother had an average aptitude and had not inherited any of True Lord Ziguang’s divine abilities. It was precisely due to this that he was able to live a normal life, marry, and bear children. Zhang Jucheng was born late in his life.
Moreover, the Heavenly Preceptor and Zhang Wuhen were twins, with a slight generational gap with their elder brother. If that elder brother were still alive, he would be 100 years old.
Zhang Yuyue was the granddaughter of the Heavenly Preceptor’s elder brother, while Zhang Yuelu’s grandfather was the Heavenly Preceptor’s paternal cousin. Thus, Zhang Yuyue was considered the Heavenly Preceptor’s direct-line grandniece.
Had Zhang Yuyue been on par with Zhang Yuelu in aptitude, the Heavenly Preceptor would certainly have favored her out of familial affection. After all, he had a decent relationship with his deceased elder brother. Unfortunately, Zhang Yuyue failed to live up to expectations, which was no fault of the Heavenly Preceptor. In other words, the period when he appeared to neglect Zhang Yuelu was perhaps just him giving the main branch of the Zhang family an opportunity.
As a dignified Omniscient Sage, Zhang Jucheng kept his composure, unlike some other Zhang family members who wore their emotions on their sleeves. He respectfully saluted the Heavenly Preceptor, then looked toward Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu.
In terms of rank, age, and seniority, Zhang Jucheng was above the two of them, so they took the initiative to bow in greeting.
Zhang Jucheng did not put on airs. He gestured for them not to stand on ceremony and said politely, “Two Deputy Hall Masters of the third rank and not yet 30 years old. The younger generation truly is formidable. People like us ought to retreat into the mountains.”
The Heavenly Preceptor jested, “I see the hidden meaning in your words. If a seventh-generation disciple like you is ready to retire to the mountains, then what does that make us sixth-generation disciples—old relics squatting on our pedestals, refusing to budge?”
Zhang Jucheng quickly replied, “Not at all, sir. I wouldn’t dare.”