During the day, a remark from Han Yan woke everyone from their dreams, solving the problem that had troubled the Old Drunkard for years. The drink known as Immortal Spirit Drunk was actually just Hundred Herbs Brew with an added Broken Bone Flower, which completely changed its nature. Beyond nourishing the root and enhancing cultivation, it also had miraculous healing effects.
Although his injuries had been long-standing and not completely healed, they had significantly improved, and the cultivation bottleneck that hindered him for years was broken through in one go, elevating his strength to a higher level.
No wonder he was so elated. Burdened by his injuries, his strength hadnât progressed for nearly a hundred years; now, with just half a gourd of Immortal Spirit Drunk, he accumulated strength and broke through the bottleneck.
As long as he continues to consume this wine and steadily recuperates from his injuries, his strength is bound to improve further, and the lifespan that was once at the brink of its limit has been extended by decades.
Itâs said that having an elder at home is like having a treasure, and the presence of an ancestor holds great significance for the entire family. So seeing him break through the bottleneck and have his life extended, the whole family, both old and young, rejoiced greatly.
"Fulfilling our loyalty to the family is our mission and our honor!" A white-haired elder cried tears of joy, speaking to the Old Drunkard.
"Itâs gratifying to hear you think this way; it makes my efforts worthwhile." The Old Drunkard nodded with relief, then said, "Over the years, while I was traveling outside, there werenât many competent masters in the family to hold things up, and you all have persisted with this family business with difficulty, possibly enduring much oppression and grievance. Now that Iâve returned, I must stand up for you all. Tell me, what grievances have you suffered over the years, and I will address each one for you."
"Well, in fact, weâve been doing quite well these years." The white-haired elder hesitated to say.
Admittedly, without the ancestor in recent years, the family indeed lost some of its past splendor. But speaking of oppression, a scrawny camel is still larger than a horse, and no one dared to openly bully them.
Even if they occasionally suffered minor grievances, it wasnât worth troubling the ancestor to intervene. After all, in the Capital, where wealthy families and clans abound, relationships intertwine complexly, and if there arenât major conflicts, peace is preferred, and thereâs no need to make a big deal out of it.
"Oh, it seems my reputation still holds, and no one dared to provoke you all." Hearing this, the Old Drunkard became narcissistic again.
However, after being depressed for nearly a century, finally experiencing recovery and advancement in strength, he was eager to regain his reputation but found no target, which was a bit disappointing.
"Actually, itâs not entirely without issues." Among the crowd, a little fatty said with a distressed look, cautiously speaking.
"Oh, tell me about it." The Old Drunkard, eager to find someone to establish his power, immediately showed interest upon hearing this.
"Ancestor, Iâve been bullied miserably. Please stand up for me..." Seeing the ancestorâs spirited look, the little fatty knew this was promising, feigning a pitiful appearance and crying as he narrated his embellished grievances.
"What audacity, to rely on a bit of family background to insult my descendent. Donât worry, ancestor will stand up for you on this matter. As soon as dawn breaks, we will seek justice." Listening to the little fattyâs complaint, the Old Drunkard erupted in anger, his hair and beard standing on end, and even his wine-red nose was strikingly conspicuous.
Alas! The white-haired elder sighed silently. The ancestorâs character had been impulsive and overly protective; now, with a few sips of wine, he was even more combustible. They had thought his temperament might have improved after a century of world travels and self-cultivation, but who would have expected that fiery temper to remain unchanged.
Initially, he had hoped for peace, thinking that even minor grievances could be quietly resolved without disturbing the ancestor. But who knew a young one would provoke his anger.
If this issue escalates, it might be hard to contain!
Two days later.
At dawn, Han Yan stepped out of the room in a brand new white outfit.
Though it was still early, the entire Mu Residence was noticeably livelier than before. Not only were the Mu Familyâs disciples more spirited, but even the servants bore joyful expressions.
Today was the day for the Zong Family to distribute the stipend. Based on the completion of family tasks, Zong Familyâs disciples could receive decent cultivation resources. Even the servants received some cultivation resources or cultivation methods, and though it wasnât comparable to the Zong Familyâs disciples, it was still far superior to an ordinary family.
Huayue and Zirong, among others, were also up, dressed in new clothes, appearing somewhat formal. Today was an important day for the Zong Family, and being Han Yanâs personal guards, even if they werenât too interested in the stipend, they couldnât appear too casual.
"Have you all advanced?" Han Yan noticed the clear divine light in their eyes and asked in surprise.
"Thanks to the elixirs you gave us, weâve all advanced to Tenth Rank Great Swordsman." Jiang Yuzhe replied with delight, clearly tinged with pride in his expression.
Huayue and Zirong said nothing, but their faces were equally proud, and their gazes towards Han Yan were filled with gratitude.
All three of them, not yet twenty years old, had advanced to Tenth Rank Great Swordsman. Even compared to the direct lineage disciples of the Eight Great Families with not excessively extraordinary talents, they were on par or perhaps even superior, let alone ordinary family members. They indeed had reason to be proud.
Of course, they knew that their achievements were all due to Han Yanâs help. If not for the fortune of having such a master, those precious elixirs alone were beyond their reach.
"Congratulations on advancing so quickly to Great Swordsman." Han Yan said sincerely.
Recalling their past lives, Zirong and Huayue only advanced to Great Swordsman after twenty, but in this life, they clearly avoided many pitfalls, and their path to cultivation was smooth. Seeing them grow stronger, Han Yan was happy for them.
"Young master, your strength seems to have improved as well?" Jiang Yuzhe examined Han Yan closely and speculated.
At this moment, Han Yan, without deliberately exuding the aura of a Third Stage Sword Master, appeared calmer and more refined than ever. Under the complement of his white clothing, he exuded a sacred and unapproachable aura.
"Hmm, Sword Master Third Stage." Han Yan said calmly.
"What, Sword Master Third Stage!" Jiang Yuzhe exclaimed in such surprise that he nearly spat on Han Yanâs face.
They had a general understanding of Han Yanâs realm; just a couple of days ago, he had been in Sword Master First Rank. How had he accidentally advanced to Sword Master Third Stage?
Though they remained in the swordsman realm, they knew well that the higher the cultivation, the more difficult the advancement. After reaching Sword Master, every step forward became increasingly challenging and fraught with obstacles.