Chapter 368: A Noble's Help, a Cultivation Breakthrough
Chapter 368: Chapter 196: A Noble’s Help, a Cultivation Breakthrough
Before he knew it, the eastern sky had begun to lighten.
Yang Wenqing woke from his meditation right on time, feeling refreshed and clear-headed. He got up, cast a Dust Clearing Skill on himself, then woke Lan Ying before pushing open the door and stepping out of his room.
The early morning air was cool and carried the fresh scent of plants and trees. He walked over to the natural spring in the courtyard to wait for Tang Yuan and Gao Zhen to wake up.
Just a moment later, Tang Yuan appeared, rounding the covered corridor.
“Junior Brother Yang, morning!” Tang Yuan greeted him. Before Yang Wenqing could respond, he continued, “I just got some news. Hey, that kid Zhou Moxuan ran into some trouble on his way back last night!”
Yang Wenqing glanced at Lan Ying, who was practicing her dives nearby, and played along. “What kind of trouble could he have gotten into?”
Tang Yuan leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “They say the engine of the Flying Shuttle they were on was suddenly destroyed in mid-air by a Spiritual Qi attack from an unknown source.”
His eyes gleamed. “Everyone on the Flying Shuttle was seriously injured. That kid Zhou Moxuan got hurt pretty badly too. They say it’ll take him at least half a year to recover. He’s completely out of the running for tomorrow’s grand competition!”
Just then, Lady Shuanghua materialized as a stream of light beside Lan Ying. As Yang Wenqing watched the mother and daughter interact, all sorts of thoughts raced through his mind.
“Is that so?”
He put on a look of appropriate surprise and asked, “Do they know who did it?”
Tang Yuan shook his head. “The official answer after the investigation is a Taiyan Wild Cultivator.”
He gave a slight wink. For inconclusive cases, the City Defense System usually just pins the blame on a Taiyan Wild Cultivator.
Yang Wenqing smiled. “That’s good news.”
Tang Yuan’s expression turned serious. “Zhou Moxuan was one of the favorites to win. With him out of the picture, the remaining contenders, while not weak, should put a lot less pressure on you. However…”
“In this Provincial Hall competition, rankings are important, but it’s an even better platform to showcase your abilities and build connections with your peers. You already demonstrated your strength yesterday. After the draw today, you’re bound to get even more attention. Just perform well, and don’t feel too burdened.”
Yang Wenqing nodded. “Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I understand.”
‘Tang Yuan was being blunt. He wanted me to put on a good show, to make people think that I, Yang Wenqing, was not only a capable colleague but also a man of great bearing. To put it more crudely, he wanted me to show off properly.’
As they were speaking, Gao Zhen walked over, curious about their conversation. After they had chatted for about fifteen minutes, Yang Wenjian appeared to call the three of them to breakfast. Since all three still maintained the habit of eating, none of them refused.
Just as they finished breakfast, Yang Wenqing was about to discuss the details of the Provincial Hall’s drawing with Tang Yuan and Gao Zhen when the sound of light footsteps came from the courtyard gate.
A young maid with her hair in double buns and wearing a light-green dress entered with her head bowed. She stopped in the courtyard and curtsied respectfully.
“I have come on my lady’s orders to request an audience with Director Yang,” the maid said, her voice clear and crisp. She dared not lift her gaze from the ground.
Yang Wenqing glanced at his younger brother, Yang Wenjian, who gave a slight shake of his head, indicating he had no prior knowledge of this. Understanding, Yang Wenqing said, “There’s no need for such formalities. Please show Miss Wang in.”
The maid curtsied again before turning and hurrying out.
Before long, Wang Yufei appeared at the entrance to the courtyard. Today, she wore a dignified, lilac-colored brocade blouse and skirt, her hair adorned with a simple, elegant jade hairpin.
Upon entering the courtyard, she greeted Yang Wenqing, Tang Yuan, and Gao Zhen in turn. Finally, her gaze met Yang Wenjian’s for a brief moment.
“I apologize for the intrusion, everyone,” Wang Yufei said, her voice gentle. “The Patriarch has half an hour of free time this morning and would like to invite Director Yang to our residence for a discussion.”
A glint flashed in Yang Wenqing’s eyes. He glanced sideways at Tang Yuan, who gave him an imperceptible nod.
“How could I possibly refuse such a gracious invitation from Patriarch Wang?” Yang Wenqing accepted at once. He then told his brother to fetch the celebratory gift his master had prepared. When his brother returned with the gift box, Yang Wenqing took it and said to Wang Yufei,
“In that case, I’ll have to trouble you to lead the way, Miss Wang.”
“This way, please, Director Yang.”
Yang Wenqing didn’t hesitate. He called to Tang Yuan as he walked out of the main hall. Seeing this, Lan Ying immediately flew down to his shoulder and ruffled her feathers. Tang Yuan followed discreetly.
Yang Wenjian hesitated, and a hint of expectation appeared in Wang Yufei’s eyes.
Yang Wenqing thought for a moment before saying to his brother, “Wenjian, you come along too.” ‘Since they might become family in the future, there’s no harm in letting my brother meet the key members of the Wang family and see their home turf ahead of time.’
Yang Wenjian nodded and straightened his robes.
A flicker of joy passed through Wang Yufei’s eyes.
The group left the small courtyard, went to a nearby lift platform, and boarded a black Flying Shuttle.
The Flying Shuttle ascended smoothly, passing through the multi-leveled clusters of buildings on the mountainside of Dragon Ridge Mountain and heading toward a more secluded area on the other side.
About fifteen minutes later, the Flying Shuttle began to descend. Looking down through the window, they saw a sprawling complex of classical architecture. White walls and dark tiles were nestled among ancient, verdant trees and meticulously manicured gardens.
The high-walled interior even contained small artificial lakes, a Martial Arts Arena, and other facilities. At a rough glance, the estate took up nearly half a city block, a veritable city within a city.
“This is the Wang family’s main residence, Yunxi Garden,” Wang Yufei explained softly.
The Flying Shuttle touched down on a peripheral landing pad reserved for visitors. Several stewards and servants in uniform blue robes were already waiting there, standing respectfully at attention.
Wang Yufei led the way, guiding Yang Wenqing and his two companions through several moon gates and covered walkways. Everyone they passed, from the sweeping servants to the young family disciples hurrying by, was impeccably well-mannered. Upon seeing Wang Yufei and her guests, they would stop, bow their heads, and step aside to let them pass.