In the early morning, as the first light of dawn shone, a blindfolded boy crouched behind a shrine in an abandoned Dragon King Temple by the lake. He leaned forward against the mottled and faded mural, where the images had faded beyond recognition and cleared his throat,
"Coo~ Coo Coo~ Coo~"
"What are you doing?"
Chen Xuantianās voice came from behind, and Chan Zi quickly climbed down.
"Iām giving you a signal. So howās it going, Fatty? Iāve finished my part, is everything smooth on your side?"
"If I hadnāt sorted it out, would I be here to find you?"
Chen Xuantian rolled his eyes at him, but the eye he put back hadnāt healed properly, and the corner of his eye hurt terribly, with blood flowing out in waves. He had to pull out the Jade Purification Bottle from his sleeve and apply some eye drops,
"Alright, call the people in to move the goods."
"Got it!"
Chan Zi enthusiastically pushed open the door and gestured with his hand,
"Brothers! Get to work!"
And so the orphans who were chewing on biscuits in the courtyard all got up, each carrying a tattered burlap sack, lined up, and entered the temple. Following Chan Ziās commands, they lined up, each holding a Triangular Yellow Talisman under their tongue, opening their mouths for Chan Zi to check.
Chen Xuantian also wiped his eye drops, pulled out a brush from his bosom, and drew a door on the wall. With a push, he opened the door,
"One by one, go inside and donāt touch anything rashly! Find a place to sit quietly and practice the mental method as I taught you!
Didnāt you all once curse the heavens for not giving you a chance? Well, today Iām giving you a chance to reverse your fate!
Itās currently sunrise, muster in the You Hour, and retreat in the You Hour, giving you a full six hours! If you canāt develop Qi Sensation, then youāre just not meant to!
When the time is up, take what you can, and donāt overexert yourself; whatās meant to be yours is yours! Everyone gets a share, donāt be greedy!
Understand? Remember! Go in!"
And so the orphans silently filed in, each slipping into the wall. Soon, only Fatty and Chan Zi were left in the Dragon King Temple.
"You too, get in. Donāt dawdle. Take this, remember after the You Hour, lead them through the main gate, hide in the Taoist Temple across the street, and stay hidden for seven days. Not even the Immortals can track you then."
Chen Xuantian handed the Yin Yang Jade to Chan Zi.
"Oh. Left it for you."
Chan Zi also pulled out a stack of warm biscuits from his bosom and stuffed them into Chen Xuantianās hands. He then took a talisman to hold under his tongue, opened his mouth to show him, and slipped into the mural.
"..."
Chen Xuantian ate the biscuit, raised his hand to erase the painted door on the wall. He then exited the temple, performed Qi Manipulation to fly into the air like a great roc spreading its wings, quickly soared over the lake, returned to the Nangong Familyās large ship, and slipped back into his cabin as if nothing had happened last night.
Soon, a guard came knocking on the door,
"Mage, the Young Master requests your presence."
"Alright, please lead the way."
Thus, Chen Xuantian finally met Nangong Che, who was,
Hair tied back, black crown shining in the sunlight, two pheasant feathers spread, brushing the clouds open.
Golden armor locked with cold starlight, strings of jewels hung like bright moonlight.
Rhinoceros-patterned belt intertwining with dragonās aura, silver sword with Chi Head blades shivering with frost.
Phoenix eyes flashing light revealing the road to the heavens, red lips containing elixirs reflecting on the Jade Platform.
Hm, later on heāll head out of the city to greet the courtās delegation, receive the insignia and seal, perform the generalās ceremonial rites. Naturally, the Young General is well-groomed, brimming with radiance, at the height of prosperity, surrounded by Golden Armored Cavalry Generals and personal soldiers, exuding boundless elegance and charm. The surrounding maids screamed endlessly, almost fainting away.
"Hahaha, Master Wulian, youāve come at the perfect time. How did you sleep last night? Were that group of concubines attentive enough?"
A glance showed that experts surrounded Nangong Che, with eight tigers accompanying him, naturally fearless. He approached and linked arms with Chen Xuantian to express closeness.
"Namo Gatling~ Thanks to the Nangong Familyās hospitality, little monk remembers it well, and will assuredly serve at your beck and call, to repay the Young Generalās recognition~"
After all, it was a good day for them, so Chen Xuantian also smiled and clasped his hands in gratitude.
Nangong Che thoroughly enjoyed this display of Kingly Aura, drawing everyone to pledge allegiance. Leading Chen Xuantian, he ascended to the shipās deck, pointing to the Thousand Miles Water,
"Haha, what hospitality is this? Master, rest assured, these past days Iāve been busy with public affairs, neglecting you. Not only Li Hu, but even the temple master and Pan Zhang recommended you to me. How could I not know? In future, to accomplish a great endeavor, your skills are indispensable!
Once I assume the position of General Zhen Nan, I will appoint you as military advisor! Overlord Residenceās chief, overseeing all affairs of my Southern Garrison General Mansion! All military and political affairs will be decided by you! How about that!"
Chen Xuantian was shocked,
"This cannot be! What virtue or ability does this little monk have, having contributed nothing, how could I take on such a significant role!"
Nangong Che laughed heartily,
"Master, no need to decline. My mother, being a woman, doubts whether I can maintain the family estate. Master Huang has truly aged, while that guy from Tiantai is elusive all day! As for the others, theyāre either claws and Eagle Dogs or stubborn and incompetent old men, unfit for major use. The only one who can help me achieve a great undertaking is you!
Iāve been biding my time, and now I can finally soar! But my ambitions are not limited to this little Yun Meng or a mere corner of the waters! In future, the vast lands and four seas and eight directions will be our stage to dominate!
What of the Immortal Venerable Emperorās throne! Or the Heavenly King General! Whatās so amazing! If they can sit, why couldnāt I? We shall join hands! Accomplish great deeds! How about that!"
Chen Xuantian was overjoyed,
"The General has such lofty ambitions! This is the wise lord Iāve longed for! Lord Ming! Allow this little monk to bow before you!"
"Hehehaha!"
And thus Nangong Che laughed delightedly, while Chen Xuantian was filled with joy, laughing all the way to the generalās ceremony venue. It was not until the young master went on stage to meet the delegation that he had a chance to take a break.