Chapter 360: Provincial Government, Opponent
Chapter 360: Chapter 192: Provincial Government, Opponent
Gao Zhen’s applause sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet morning light. He wore a slightly worn, green short-sleeved shirt. The usual smile on his face had faded considerably, replaced by a tranquility that bordered on apathy. Yang Wenqing felt his smile was somewhat forced.
Yang Wenqing was quite familiar with this condition—it was the loss of one’s social graces caused by prolonged secluded cultivation.
“What incredible sword momentum!”
Gao Zhen’s voice was flat. “Seeking release from concealment, with intent preceding the sword and energy following the mind… Wenqing, your Sword Control has become a style all its own. It deserves a unique name.”
With a wave of his hand, Yang Wenqing’s sword, Qingfeng, transformed into a streak of light and vanished into his sleeve. He clasped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute to Gao Zhen. “Senior Brother, you flatter me. It was merely a minor insight. I’m hardly worthy of such praise.”
“You are worthy,” Gao Zhen said, his tone firm. That forced warmth surfaced again as he tried to inject more emotion into his words. “From what I saw of your sword’s momentum, its initial launch is like thunder shaking the heavens, its speed unmatched, like a golden thread streaking across the sky. Why not call it ‘Heaven’s Line’?”
“That’s quite vivid,” Yang Wenqing replied casually. He studied Gao Zhen for a moment, then took the initiative to ask, “Senior Brother, it seems you’re here on important business?”
Gao Zhen was one of Qin Huaiming’s Registered Disciples and practiced an unorthodox Fire Cultivator’s Secret Technique. It was perfectly correct for Yang Wenqing to call him ‘Senior Brother’.
“Mm…”
Hearing Yang Wenqing’s question, Gao Zhen responded, “I’ve spent most of the last three years in seclusion. Although I successfully cultivated a fire-attribute spiritual essence, so much time in isolation has made my speech feel rusty. When I talk to people, I have to consciously recall how I used to act and mimic my old tone of voice. I need to break this habit. Master said I could go with you to the Provincial Government to clear my head.”
Yang Wenqing looked at him and nodded.
‘The fact that Gao Zhen is aware of his own strangeness and brought it up himself shows his humanity is still intact, just buried under his cultivation habits.’ This was a state many cultivators who undergo long, arduous seclusion easily fell into.
“It’ll be a good chance to see the sights in the Provincial Government together.”
Gao Zhen managed another somewhat forced smile.
Just then, Lan Ying, who had been perched on a nearby bamboo stalk with her head cocked in thought, flashed with a faint blue Spiritual Light. She stretched out a tiny talon and swiped at the air. With a SWISH, a twig in front of her shot out, flying straight toward a wooden practice dummy wrapped in thick, soft leather at the other corner of the courtyard.
THWACK!
The twig struck the center of the target with a muffled thud. It didn’t pierce the thick leather, but it was embedded deep.
Her demonstration complete, a smug Lan Ying flew back to Yang Wenqing’s shoulder and nuzzled his cheek. Her triumphant thoughts echoed in his Spirit Sea: ‘Qingqing, look at my “Heaven’s Line”! How was it compared to yours?’
Yang Wenqing snapped out of his astonishment. He had already tried to rate the Blue-feathered Night Owl’s talent highly, but he never expected it to be this incredible. Of course, it was related to his own telepathic bond with Lan Ying.
‘Perhaps I should forge a real flying sword for her!’
His mind raced. ‘With our minds connected, we could fight as a team—one in the open, one in the shadows; one direct, one unorthodox. With such seamless coordination, I doubt any Cultivator of the same rank could withstand our combined assault.’
‘Unfortunately, for the sake of fairness, the Grand Tournament usually forbids external aids like Spirit Pets and puppets from directly joining the fight. I’m afraid Lan Ying’s surprise attack won’t be usable in the tournament arena. Still, in a true life-or-death battle or during a mission, it’s undoubtedly an excellent trump card.’
Gao Zhen had watched Lan Ying’s demonstration from start to finish. A look of undisguised envy filled his eyes, which he quickly followed with a self-deprecating smile.
Gao Zhen’s envy and self-mockery lasted only an instant before he composed himself. Yang Wenqing then changed the subject, chatting about cultivation matters and some amusing recent events in Coral City.
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Qin Feng appeared. He gave a fist-and-palm salute to Yang Wenqing and Gao Zhen. “Martial Uncle, Elder Gao, the Sixth Elder requests your presence in the front hall.”
“Alright, we’re on our way.”
Yang Wenqing rose to his feet, and Lan Ying expertly hopped onto his shoulder. Gao Zhen also stood up silently, brushing the nonexistent dust from the hem of his clothes before falling in step beside Yang Wenqing.
In the front hall, Qin Huaiming was already seated in the host’s chair, leisurely sipping his tea. Yang Zhong and Yang Wenjian stood respectfully in the hall. When Yang Wenqing entered, a look of relief washed over Yang Wenjian’s face.
“Master,” Yang Wenqing and Gao Zhen said in unison as they stepped forward to pay their respects.
“Mm, you’re all here.” Qin Huaiming set down his teacup. “The Provincial Government is not Coral City. Wenqing, while you are there, your words and actions must be measured. Observe more, listen more, and speak less. During the Grand Tournament, simply conduct yourself with composure. There’s no need to show off, nor is there any need to be timid.”
“This disciple will remember Master’s teachings,” Yang Wenqing replied solemnly.
Qin Huaiming then turned to Gao Zhen. “Gao Zhen, you’ve just stabilized your Cultivation. You should not allow your emotions to fluctuate wildly. Whatever you encounter, remain calm.”
“Yes, Master,” Gao Zhen replied with a bow.
Qin Huaiming’s gaze then fell upon Yang Zhong.
Yang Zhong immediately addressed Yang Wenqing. “Patriarch, we just received a message from County Magistrate Wang. He has confirmed the landing coordinates in the Provincial Government’s Inner City. It’s a private landing platform, designation ‘Kui-Hai 73.’ He also requested the identification rune sequence for our Flying Shuttle.”
“Understood.” Since Yang Wenqing had already decided to accept Wang Yanzhi’s arrangements, he didn’t dwell on such minor details.
“Since everything is settled, you should depart,” Qin Huaiming said with a wave of his hand.
The group bowed and took their leave.
On the dedicated launchpad beside the training ground, Yang Wenqing’s private Flying Shuttle was already powered on.
When the cabin door opened, Lan Ying flew inside first, landing on a soft cushion set out just for her. The others then filed in after her.
Under Qin Huaiming’s watchful gaze, the Flying Shuttle ascended vertically, passing through the faint, misty barrier that enveloped the training ground. After a slight course correction, it accelerated sharply, becoming a pale gold streak of light that tore across the sky, speeding toward Bilan City.