Chapter 361: Provincial Government, Opponents 2
Chapter 361: Chapter 192: Provincial Government, Opponents 2
Outside the porthole, the outline of Coral Island rapidly shrank, becoming a piece of jade in the azure sea before being covered by an endless layer of clouds.
About an hour later, the Flying Shuttle began to descend. The vast, orderly island gradually revealed its magnificent silhouette. The white sandbanks ringing the island shimmered with a silver glow in the sunlight. Dragon Ridge Mountain stood majestically, and at its peak, the pillar of golden light representing the nation’s fortune connected heaven and earth, radiating an intangible authority.
Soon, the Flying Shuttle followed the received guidance signals, slowing down and gliding along an invisible aerial path toward a densely forested area on the mountainside of Dragon Ridge Mountain.
The density of buildings here was noticeably lower than in other areas. The Flying Shuttle landed lightly on a private landing platform concealed beneath the canopy of trees.
“We’re here!”
Yang Zhong, who was piloting the Flying Shuttle, called out habitually.
The cabin door slid open silently, and fresh air rushed in. Everyone disembarked from the Flying Shuttle one by one.
A young woman who appeared to be in her early twenties was already waiting by the platform. She wore a well-tailored, goose-yellow ruqun with a light cyan half-sleeved jacket over it.
She had a lovely face and a gentle, graceful demeanor. Her eyes were bright and her gaze was open, and a sweet smile played on her lips—neither overly familiar nor cold.
Seeing Yang Wenqing and the others disembark, she took two steps forward, performed an elegant bow, and spoke in a clear, crisp voice, “Might you be Director Yang from Lingshan County? I am Wang Yufei. On my brother Yanzi’s orders, I have been waiting to welcome you all.”
Her etiquette was impeccable and her bearing was poised. Her gaze lingered on Yang Wenqing for a moment before she acknowledged Gao Zhen, Yang Wenjian, and Yang Zhong in turn. When she saw the magnificent Lan Ying on Yang Wenqing’s shoulder, she showed a look of envy, just as others had. Then, she couldn’t help but glance at Yang Wenjian again.
Yang Wenqing clasped his hands and returned the bow. “I am Yang Wenqing. We’ve troubled you to wait for so long, Miss Wang.” He then turned to introduce the others. “This is my senior brother, Gao Zhen. This is my younger brother, Wenjian, and my clan brother, Yang Zhong.”
Lan Ying opportunely let out a “CHIRP!” as her own greeting.
Wang Yufei greeted them one by one. When she faced Yang Wenjian, a blush rose to her cheeks. It seemed the Wang family had already informed her of the true purpose behind her being sent to receive Yang Wenqing’s party.
After the pleasantries, she turned to lead the way. “This is a private villa my brother owns in the Provincial Government. He rarely stays here. When he heard Director Yang and everyone would be staying in the Provincial Government for a while, he specifically ordered it to be prepared. It may not be as well-equipped as a dedicated guesthouse, but it offers more freedom.”
She led them down from the landing platform and along a winding bluestone path that snaked through the woods. After just over a hundred paces, the view suddenly opened up to reveal a three-courtyard residence with white walls and dark grey roof tiles.
“This is the place.” Wang Yufei pushed open the courtyard gate. The yard inside was not large, but it featured bamboo, stones, a pond, and a pavilion, all swept spotlessly clean.
“All the daily necessities are provided inside, and there are two mute servants responsible for cleaning and meals. They will not disturb your peace. If you need anything, feel free to command them, or you can inform me directly. This is my communication Token.” As she spoke, she handed over a smooth, white Jade Talisman.
Yang Wenqing accepted the Jade Talisman and immediately passed it to his brother. This made Wang Yufei lower her eyes in embarrassment, and Yang Wenjian looked a bit sheepish as well. Just then, Yang Wenqing spoke again, “Thank you for your thoughtful arrangements, Miss Wang. I am most grateful. Please extend my thanks to County Magistrate Wang.”
“Director Yang, you’re too kind. My brother often says how much you’ve looked after him in Lingshan County. A small matter like this is nothing worth mentioning.” Wang Yufei’s smile was gentle. “You all must be tired from your long journey and in need of some rest. I shouldn’t disturb you further. Later this evening, if it is convenient for you, I have arranged a humble banquet at the Beauty Pavilion to welcome you. What do you think, Director Yang?”
Yang Wenqing considered it for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “It would be my pleasure. We’ll be imposing on you, Miss Wang.”
“Your willingness to grace us with your presence is my honor, Director Yang.” Wang Yufei bowed again. “Then it’s settled. I will come to escort you all later.”
With that, she gave another slight nod to everyone.
Yang Wenqing held up a hand and said, “Miss Yufei, please wait. As a junior who has just arrived in the Provincial Government, I ought to pay a visit to the Patriarch of the Wang family. Do you know when Patriarch Wang might be available?”
Wang Yufei was taken aback for a moment, then replied politely, “I will relay your request. However, the Patriarch is not in the main residence today, so it may take some time.”
Yang Wenqing thanked her politely again. “Thank you for your trouble, Miss Yufei. Wenjian, see Miss Yufei out for me.”
“Yes, big brother.”
After responding, Yang Wenjian looked at Wang Yufei and said, “Miss Yufei…”
Wang Yufei nodded lightly, then turned and walked away with Yang Wenjian, her light steps taking them back along the path they had come. Her every move showcased the upbringing and grace of a lady from a prominent family.
Only after their figures disappeared at the end of the tree-lined path did Yang Wenqing withdraw his gaze and look around the quiet, elegant courtyard.
Lan Ying’s small head swiveled on his shoulder, and her grumbling voice echoed in his Spirit Sea: ‘That big sister smelled really nice. Qingqing, there’s a welcoming banquet tonight. Does that mean there’ll be lots of yummy food?’
Yang Wenqing chuckled and patted her little head before taking the lead and stepping into their temporary residence in the Provincial Government.
Entering the courtyard, Yang Wenqing didn’t immediately go to pick a room. Instead, he walked into the main hall, took out the communication Token his master, Qin Huaiming, had given him, and activated the Communication Array within. A steady male voice soon rang out, “Is this Junior Brother Yang Wenqing? I’m Tang Yuan.”
“Senior Brother Tang, it’s me…” Yang Wenqing briefly introduced himself.
“No need to be so polite, Junior Brother. We’re all family. The master has already given his instructions. I’ll be over shortly.” Tang Yuan’s voice was hearty.
“Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother.”
After ending the communication, Yang Wenqing sat down in the host’s seat in the hall. Lan Ying flew about the courtyard. A few minutes later, perhaps sensing her daughter’s presence, Lady Shuanghua actually descended into the courtyard, much to Lan Ying’s annoyance.
When Yang Wenjian returned from seeing Wang Yufei off, Yang Wenqing immediately started joking with his brother, drawing a round of laughter from Gao Zhen and Yang Zhong. While waiting for Tang Yuan, they toured the residence, and just as they had each chosen a room for their secluded cultivation, Tang Yuan knocked on the courtyard gate.
He appeared to be a man in his forties, with the typical features of a southerner.
After a brief round of greetings and introductions, everyone took their seats in the main hall of the courtyard. Tang Yuan was clearly a straightforward person; he dispensed with the pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“Junior Brother, you’ve come to the Provincial Government, and the master instructed me to give you a detailed breakdown of the notable talents competing this time.” Tang Yuan’s expression turned serious. “For this Provincial Hall competition, five other people have registered besides you.”
“Among these five, four follow orthodox Secret Techniques. Three of them cultivate the ‘True Yang Secret Technique’ and are all direct descendants of major Provincial Government clans who have poured resources into their training. Their innate talents are all superior, and their Cultivation levels range from the Marrow Cleansing Second Transformation to the Third Transformation.”
He then lowered his last finger, his tone growing slightly more solemn. “This last orthodox Cultivator, and the one you need to watch out for the most among the four, is named Zhou Moxuan. He is thirty-four years old, at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm’s Third Transformation, and he cultivates the ‘Hundred Waters Secret Technique’.”
Yang Wenqing’s eyes flashed at the name. He knew of Zhou Moxuan, not just because he was widely considered one of the top contenders to win the competition, but also because of his lineage.
Tang Yuan was clearly aware of the connection and continued, “Junior Brother, you must also know that this Zhou Moxuan is a True Disciple of Bi Tao Daoist, the current master of Bibo Prefecture.”
Back then, Master Sea Guardian founded his sect in the East Sea. This Bi Tao Daoist likewise established his own power in the East Sea, creating Bibo Prefecture. Both sects are located in the East Sea, and on top of that, it seems their respective founders had some private history unknown to outsiders. This has led to a rather delicate relationship between the two sects, which even erupted into a battle to the death fifty years ago.
“The other person…”
Tang Yuan continued, “cultivates an unorthodox Gold Spirit path. His Cultivation is at the Marrow Cleansing Second Transformation, but in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, unorthodox practitioners can sometimes be stronger than orthodox Cultivators.”
After briefly introducing all six individuals, Tang Yuan concluded, “Regardless of their identities, Junior Brother, you are a True Disciple of our Xuanyue Lineage. There’s no need to worry about their backgrounds.”
He grinned as he said this. “The most important thing about coming to the Provincial Government is to relax and enjoy yourself. There are far, far more ways to relax here than in the smaller districts…”
As he spoke, he waggled his eyebrows, giving a look that all men would understand.