Chapter 248: Cultivation Techniques (II)
Xu Gongming rode his horse along the mountain path. It had just rained, so the ground was very muddy and his horse's hooves were splashing mud around. The dripping sound of water in the woods and the oddly pitched wind made him frown slightly.
Now at the fourth stage of the Embryonic Breathing Realm, Xu Gongming could even outrun the horse beneath him. However, people are inherently lazy, and even immortals are no exception. He would rather stay indoors on a rainy day than come out and walk in the mud.
Xu Gongming, now in his thirties, had taken over family affairs after the death of Old Master Xu last year. The mountain had sent someone to offer condolences, as Old Master Xu was, after all, the son of Xu San, and there were still ties of affection with Li Xuanxuan and Li Xuanfeng.
Xu Gongming had repeatedly thanked the messenger and sent him back. While grateful, he also felt a wave of melancholy, as this signified another step in the fading bond between the Xu Family and the main family. He had hastily arranged for the funeral and rushed to take up his post in the towns of Huaqian.
Upon arrival, he first visited the main family's local representative. Xu Gongming then hurried to a small courtyard in the town to meet with Tian Zhongqing, the representative of the Tian Family's interests in the towns of Huaqian.
Dismounting from his horse, a servant promptly came forward to take the reins. Xu Gongming knocked gently on the door and told the approaching servant, "Please inform your master that his old friend, Xu Gongming, has come to visit."
The Xu and Tian families were both venerable families of Lijing Town, living close to each other, with Xu Gongming and Tian Zhongqing having played together as children. Although they had been apart for many years and barely recognized each other at first, they had seen each other a few years ago and had worked together since, establishing a good relationship.
The door creaked open, and a handsome young man with a sword strapped to his waist stepped forward. "It has been months since we last saw each other, Gongming!" he exclaimed gleefully.
Xu Gongming laughed heartily and entered the courtyard politely. Tian Zhongqing then closed the gate and had a servant bring tea as they exchanged pleasantries. Xu Gongming, seizing the moment, congratulated him, "Congratulations, Brother Zhongqing! It seems the second Qi Cultivator outside the main family is likely to be from your family!"