Building a Martial Dao Celestial Family by Laying Low

The Dining Hall.

Chen Shouheng stood before the mission bulletin board, his eyes quickly scanning the densely packed wooden mission plaques.

He had already taken care of all the matters his father had entrusted to him.

But whether it was the Divine Sense item Qian Shijin had requested or the three thousand taels of gold demanded by Zhang Luyan, neither was a decision he could make on his own. He had to go back and discuss it with his father.

Right now, he urgently needed to send a message back to his family home in Mirror Mountain.

The Martial Arts Academy’s rules were strict; disciples could not leave the mountain at will without a special reason.

However, disciples of Guangye Hall were permitted to leave the Martial Arts Academy by accepting missions.

His intention was to deliver a message, not to earn a reward.

Therefore, he specifically looked for missions with ordinary travel distances and rewards.

Soon, his gaze locked onto a Wooden Token with the Character Bing: "Deliver a wedding gift to the Jiangzhou Governor’s Mansion to congratulate the Governor’s son on his marriage. Reward: one hundred taels."

"Senior Brother, I’ll take this mission," Chen Shouheng said, taking down the wooden token and handing it over.

The journey wasn’t too far and the reward wasn’t too high, but it perfectly suited his intention to use the opportunity to go home.

The senior brother nodded, took the wooden token to register it, and said with a smile, "Junior Brother, you sure know how to pick them. This mission is easy—just deliver a gift, attend a wedding banquet, and you even get one hundred taels."

After registering the token, he retrieved an exquisitely wrapped gift box tied with a red silk ribbon from an inner room.

He handed it to Chen Shouheng along with the mission documents. "This mission may be simple, but you must not neglect the etiquette. The Jiangzhou Governor is the chief military official of the prefecture, so you absolutely cannot show any disrespect. The wedding banquet is tomorrow, so you must deliver this on time, Junior Brother. If you’re late, the consequences will be severe. You must remember this."

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."

Chen Shouheng accepted the gift box.

After expressing his thanks, he wasted no more time and returned to his dormitory to pack a few things.

He then found Zhou Shuwei, told her he was preparing to make a trip home, and entrusted his bell-striking duties to her.

Although Zhou Shuwei was a little surprised to hear he was going home, she readily agreed, only reminding him to be careful on the road.

Chen Shouheng then carried the gift down Purple Green Mountain, mounted a swift horse, and galloped toward Jiangzhou.

Jiangzhou City was located southeast of the foothills of Purple Green Mountain.

As the prefectural capital, its scale was far beyond what county towns like Jingshan County Town could compare to.

Although the He Niu Martial Arts Academy was only a few dozen li from Jiangzhou, this was Chen Shouheng’s first time visiting.

Gazing from a distance, he saw high, thick city walls that stretched like a mountain range.

The gate towers were imposing, and banners fluttered in the wind.

On the main road, carriages, horses, and pedestrians moved in an endless stream, and the clamor grew louder the closer he got to the city.

At the city gate, guards in full armor held sharp weapons, their inspections of travelers extremely strict.

Chen Shouheng presented his Tooth Token and his jade plaque identifying him as a member of the Martial Arts Academy. Only after registering was he allowed to pass.

Upon entering the city, the scene before him was a true eye-opener for Chen Shouheng.

Shops lined both sides of the street, their banners fluttering...

Every trade and profession imaginable was present, creating a clamorous, bustling, and incredibly lively atmosphere.

Tall buildings and grand mansions were not uncommon, with their upturned eaves and interlocking brackets. The atmosphere was solemn and orderly, fully displaying the majesty and prosperity of a prefectural capital.

’As expected of a major prefectural city with a population of two million. It’s truly prosperous and flourishing,’ Chen Shouheng sighed inwardly, his gaze sweeping over the magnificent, multi-storied buildings with their carved beams and painted rafters.

Compared to this place, Jingshan County Town seemed like a rural village.

However, he had no time to browse. After asking for directions, he found a clean inn not too far from the Governor’s Mansion and checked in.

The wedding of the Governor’s Mansion’s young master was the next day, so he could rest for the night.

「The next day.」

The Governor’s Mansion was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Guests streamed through the gates, and the sound of gongs and drums filled the air, creating a lively and extraordinary scene.

All the influential officials, generals, Noble Families, and wealthy merchants from the Jiangzhou region came to offer their congratulations.

Chen Shouheng carried the gift and presented his travel permit and calling card.

The doorman’s voice boomed as he announced, "From the He Niu Martial Arts Academy, one ceremonial gift! Wishing the young master a harmonious union, and a hundred years of happiness together!"

The mention of the "He Niu Martial Arts Academy" made the guests turn to look.

After all, the He Niu Martial Arts Academy held a transcendent status in Jiangzhou.

Even the Lord Governor had to show them a measure of respect.

’Could it be that Governor Lü has some connection within the Martial Arts Academy?’

However, when they saw the gift-bearer was just a young disciple from the academy, they immediately understood. ’The He Niu Martial Arts Academy doesn’t consider this important. But since they’re in the Jiangzhou region, they still have to show the proper respect.’

This was just a routine courtesy, so it didn’t draw much attention, and they soon went back to their own conversations.

But from within the crowd, a pair of eyes had been locked firmly on Chen Shouheng ever since he appeared.

Chen Shouheng had delivered the gift, so his mission was complete. He had no intention of staying long.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard a slightly surprised female voice from behind him, "Junior Brother Shouheng? What a coincidence!"

Chen Shouheng turned to look.

Not far away, Cao Wenxuan was walking gracefully toward him.

She was clearly dressed up for the occasion, wearing a sea-green silk damask dress that made her skin look fairer than snow. A pearl hairpin with dangling ornaments was tucked into her coiffure, shimmering with light as she moved.

Almost at the same time, a slightly rushed voice came from another direction, "Little Sister Wenxuan, be careful."

Su Yancheng had rushed forward, pushing aside a nearby servant, and was eagerly trying to offer Cao Wenxuan his arm for support.

But Cao Wenxuan, as if not seeing his outstretched hand, sidestepped his touch with a subtle flick of her skirt. With light steps, she walked directly toward Chen Shouheng, leaving Su Yancheng with nothing but the cold view of her profile.

Su Yan’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air, a flash of embarrassment and anger crossing his face.

But he quickly plastered on a smile and hurried to catch up, standing beside Cao Wenxuan.

"Senior Sister Cao, Senior Brother Su."

Chen Shouheng greeted them with a cupped-fist salute, but he was inwardly surprised. ’I could only come out because I took a mission. How did they get out?’

Cao Wenxuan stepped forward and sized him up. "Perfect. Since I’ve run into you here, I have a favor to ask. Recently, my mother... an elder in my family, has been dreaming of Uncle Chen Yongxiao, and her heart is heavy with grief.

Now that you’re out of the academy, I’d like to trouble you to take me back to his hometown to pay respects to Yongxiao... Uncle. Junior Brother, could you fulfill this wish of mine? You just need to show me the way; it won’t take up too much of your time."

Chen Shouheng’s brow furrowed. ’The Cao Family kicked Chen Yongxiao out so decisively back then. Why are they suddenly so concerned about him now?’ He was unwilling to take her back. After all, his own family had purchased Chen Yongxiao’s residence and converted it into their own villa. Moreover, Bai San, the man who had killed Chen Yongxiao, was still living there. ’Take Cao Wenxuan to that place? That would be asking for trouble.’

His expression remained impassive as he offered another cupped-fist salute. "I am here on a mission from the Martial Arts Academy, specifically to deliver a wedding gift. Once my task is complete, I must return to the academy to report. I have no time to return to my hometown. Please forgive me, Senior Sister."

Before Cao Wenxuan could speak again, Su Yancheng saw his chance to impress her. He immediately took a step forward, almost blocking her from view, and said threateningly, "Junior Brother Chen, that’s a rather cold-hearted thing to say. Little Sister Xuan wishes to pay respects to an elder; it’s a matter of filial piety.

Since you’re from the same hometown, what’s so difficult about showing her the way? Your academy mission is already done, so what’s the big deal about returning a few days late? Or could it be... you have some dirty secrets at home that you’re afraid people will find out?"

Chen Shouheng was inwardly annoyed with this Su Yancheng. He suddenly gave a soft laugh and asked in a calm but clear voice, "Senior Brother Su, I actually have a question for you. As far as I know, the Martial Arts Academy’s rules state that disciples are not allowed to leave the mountain without a special mission or permission.

I wonder, what kind of mission did you receive to come to Jiangzhou this time, Senior Brother Su? Or perhaps... which hall master personally approved your leave?

It’s not that I’m trying to be difficult. The round trip to Mirror Mountain takes more than ten days. If I don’t ask clearly, I’m afraid I might involve Senior Brother Su in accidentally breaking the academy’s rules and getting punished."

Chen Shouheng’s words were spoken calmly, even with a hint of ’I’m just looking out for you,’ but every word struck Su Yancheng right where he was most vulnerable.

Su Yancheng’s face instantly became hideous, his complexion shifting between pale and ashen.

He and Cao Wenxuan had, of course, taken a shortcut and snuck out. What formal procedures could they possibly have?

But this ’shortcut’ was not something that could be spoken of openly.

With these words, Chen Shouheng had clearly turned the academy’s rules against him in a veiled threat.

He glared at Chen Shouheng, a vicious glint in his eyes, but he was choked with anger and couldn’t utter a word.

Cao Wenxuan also hadn’t expected Chen Shouheng to bring this up. A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes, but she quickly concealed it.

Chen Shouheng didn’t look at them anymore. He cupped his fist toward Cao Wenxuan again and said, "Senior Sister Cao, I will take my leave."

With that, without waiting for either of them to say another word, he turned and walked away. He didn’t even take a seat at the banquet, leaving the bustling Governor’s Mansion directly.

Su Yancheng stared deadly daggers at the departing Chen Shouheng and said viciously, "Little Sister Wenxuan, that Chen Shouheng finds excuses again and again to stop you from going to Mirror Mountain. I’m afraid there’s more to Uncle Chen’s death than meets the eye. In fact, his death is most likely related to Chen Shouheng’s family! Why don’t I accompany you to investigate in person?"

Cao Wenxuan looked down in silence for a moment, then glanced at Su Yancheng without a word and turned to walk toward the inner courtyard of the Governor’s Mansion.

Su Yancheng had no choice but to hurry after her.

...

Chen Shouheng left Jiangzhou City and rode without stopping, spurring his horse toward Mirror Mountain.

Five days later, a travel-worn Chen Shouheng finally returned to his home in Lingxi.

Without even stopping to rest, he immediately found his father and gave Chen Li a complete and detailed report on the strange changes after taking the Soul-Stabilizing Pill, the conditions Qian Shijin had demanded, and Zhang Luyan’s requirement of three thousand taels of gold for an answer.

Chen Li listened quietly. He was quite surprised about the Soul-Stabilizing Pill, not having expected the elixir to have such an effect.

’It seems that in the future, when the children of our family ascend to the Divine Hall, they can do so like me, without any delay.’

He immediately sent for Liu Zongying.

Liu Zongying arrived shortly after.

Chen Li had Shouheng repeat Qian Shijin’s conditions.

"An exchange for an item of Divine Sense?"

Liu Zongying’s expression darkened. "An item of Divine Sense... they are incredibly rare and hard to find. In my current state, where would I even look for one?"

He slumped into his seat, silent for a long time. Finally, he looked up with a sliver of hope and asked, "Worthy Nephew Shouheng, what if I were to trade a Divine Secret Skill with Qian Shijin? Would he be willing?"

Chen Shouheng shook his head. "Master Qian only specified that he requires an item of Divine Sense. He mentioned nothing else."

Hearing this, the last spark of hope in Liu Zongying’s eyes seemed to die out.

Chen Li looked at Liu Zongying’s distraught appearance and said, "It’s not necessarily hopeless. Since he gave a condition, it’s better than having no leads at all. Items of Divine Sense may be rare, but they’re not impossible to find. It’s pointless to just wait here. You and I, why don’t we make a trip to the Martial Arts Academy ourselves? It’s better than waiting here in vain."

At these words, Liu Zongying’s spirits lifted slightly. He nodded in agreement. "Alright."

Chen Li immediately summoned Bai San and Shu Qi, ordering the two of them to go to the Jiangkou Black Market and look for news of Divine Sense items.

Then, taking the three thousand taels of gold, he set off on horseback for the He Niu Martial Arts Academy along with Chen Shouheng and Liu Zongying.