All-class Gu Immortal

Chapter 222 Solving the Problem at Its Root (5K Long Chapter)

"Wow~"

Not far from Heishan Town, women were up early washing clothes by a stream.

The morning in April was still chilly.

The women's rough hands were red from the cold stream water, but they did not slow down their washing of clothes at all, and they could chat while washing.

"Xi Yuyu—"

At that moment, two fiery red-brown horses galloped past, neighing. On their backs sat a tall young man in a blue robe and a charming young woman in a green dress.

"What a magnificent and spirited horse! Is that the rich young master from the county town?"

The women turned to look, and in no time, the horse stopped outside the town.

"Aunt Li, didn't your Erlang join the martial arts school in the county town? Does he have this kind of air about him?"

A thin woman with sunken cheeks and a somewhat mean-looking face turned her head and looked at another fat woman with a shiny face.

“That’s for sure,” the plump woman replied, though her tone lacked confidence.

"Why doesn't your second son take you to the county town to enjoy a life of luxury? Why does he still make you stay here washing clothes for others?"

The mean-spirited woman asked a question she already knew the answer to.

“Practicing martial arts is too expensive; I’m using this to supplement my family’s income,” the fat woman said, her eyes dimming.

"If you ask me, a child who isn't your own is no good! How can an adopted son compare to a biological one?" the mean-spirited woman sneered.

"You!" The fat lady's face changed drastically, as if a sore spot had been hit. She angrily threw down the mallet and glared at the mean woman.

“Aunt Wang, you’re wrong. Have you forgotten about Aqing from our town?” At this moment, a young woman spoke up, defending the fat woman.

"Ah Qing? How many years will it take?" The mean-spirited woman couldn't help but retort. Suddenly, a woman next to her tugged at her sleeve and whispered something. The mean-spirited woman's face changed color, but then she put on a smile.

“Sister Liang, you’re right. I was just joking with Aunt Li.”

As she spoke, the mean-spirited woman looked at the plump lady and said with a forced smile, "Aunt Li, please don't mind her."

The plump lady, with a cold face, picked up the wooden basin and moved it to a different position.

Seeing this, the mean-spirited woman smiled at the young woman who had spoken earlier, and then carried her wooden basin to another place to wash her clothes.

The other women remained silent upon seeing this.

Aunt Li and Aunt Wang had a falling out because of competing for jobs, and Aunt Wang would seize any opportunity to reopen old wounds with Aunt Li.

Aunt Li adopted a son and raised him with great care and frugality. She even sent him to a martial arts school to train. However, after the second son of the Li family went to the county town, he forgot about the Li family and never came back for holidays, let alone took Aunt Li to the county town to enjoy a better life.

As for the young woman who stood up for the fat lady, she was the one with the highest status among them.

Because her father was a minor boss at the fish market on the Blackwater River. And she was also the wife of Liang Chao, a martial artist in town.

As a martial artist who had broken through two levels, Liang Chao naturally held a certain status in Black Mountain Town.

Moreover, it is said that Liang Chao and Zhou Qing have a good relationship.

Who is Zhou Qing? He's a legend in Black Mountain Town! A figure worthy of being written into biographies.

Although Zhou Qing has been gone from Heishan Town for two or three years, his story still circulates there.

"Selling steamed buns! Two big meat buns for three coins!"

"Snake soup! Freshly made cauliflower and snake soup, incredibly delicious, try it while it's hot!"

"Steamed buns, freshly steamed buns!"

The main street of Heishan Town is lined with vendors hawking their wares.

The busiest places to sell breakfast are early in the morning.

The fragrance lingering around Zhou Qing gave him a feeling of returning to the past.

The market street was the shortest route back to his home in Xin'an Lane.

He had walked this road to Xin'an Lane countless times; he could walk it with his eyes closed without missing a single step.

"Young Master, is this the place where you used to live?"

Miaoyin looked at the shops on both sides with curiosity, and finally her gaze settled on a clothing shop.

She had never left Bingyun Mountain Village since she was a child. Because she did not have the aptitude to be a Gu Master, she spent most of her time cultivating every day.

Although the mountain stronghold had basic facilities such as restaurants and pharmacies, it lacked shops such as clothing stores and gold shops, and it also lacked the atmosphere of a bustling marketplace.

"Yes, feel free to browse around if you're interested," Zhou Qing said with a smile.

"Is this alright?" Miaoyin asked cautiously, her gaze drifting towards the clothing shop.

"Go ahead, I'm going to visit a friend. Let's meet at the restaurant across the street later."

Zhou Qing pointed to the restaurant at the end of the street, took out a money bag from his pocket and handed it over; it contained some loose silver.

"Thank you, young master!" Miaoyin happily accepted the money bag. "I'll go and settle the horses at the restaurant first."

With that, Miaoyin took the reins from Zhou Qing and led the two fiery red-brown horses away.

“Ruyan.” Zhou Qing stood by the street and connected with Ruyan through his mind.

In fact, after he returned to the Jiulian Mountain area, he was able to sense his connection with Ruyan.

However, they could not determine Ruyan's exact location, only that she was not far away.

Zhou Qing just took a look at the mountain god temple at the foot of Black Wind Mountain.

The temple had been abandoned for a long time, the statues were cracked and covered with cobwebs, and there was no divine power residing inside.

"It seems something has happened," Zhou Qing said thoughtfully.

He still maintains contact with Ruyan, and as long as Ruyan is alright, the abandonment of the mountain god temple is not a big deal.

Now that we're back, we have plenty of time to deal with the problems.

So he first went back to Heishan Town, intending to visit his old friend Liang Chao before going to find Ruyan to resolve the matter of the Mountain God Temple.

"Ten steamed buns, please!" Zhou Qing sat down at the steamed bun stall next to him.

"Uncle Sun, your steamed buns taste just as good as before!"

After finishing the steamed bun, he smiled at Sun Erlang who was standing next to him.

Seeing that Sun Erlang was focused on his work and not paying attention to him, Zhou Qing put down the loose silver and turned to leave.

"Is that Aqing?"

A moment later, Sun Erlang seemed to realize what was happening, staring at Zhou Qing's departing figure with a look of astonishment.

He had just seen the young man, who exuded an air of nobility, and felt that he looked familiar, resembling Zhou Qing. However, he dared not make a casual remark, lest he offend the nobleman.

"Is it really A-Qing?! A-Qing is back!" Sun Erlang picked up the broken silver coins, wanting to make change, but found that Zhou Qing had already disappeared.

Five miles east of the Heishui River, there is a market called Yi'an Market, which is the largest fish market in the vicinity and is adjacent to Xinghua County.

Zhou Qing left Heishan Town and headed straight for Yi'an City.

He went to Liang Chao's house just now, but found that only Liang Shi was at home. Liang Sishu and Liang Chao were both in Yi'an City.

So Zhou Qing went to Yi'an City and met Liang Chao at a fish stall.

At this moment, Liang Chao was wearing an apron, holding a kitchen knife, and skillfully killing a fish.

Compared to two years ago, he looked much more prosperous. He was much stronger and had a fleshy face, which meant he had been living a good life for the past two years.

Would our honored guest like to buy some fish?

Next to Liang Chao was a chubby-faced boy who immediately smiled when he saw a handsome young man in a blue robe standing in front of the fish stall.

"Chaozi." Zhou Qing ignored him and called out to Liang Chao, who was cleaning fish with his head down.

Liang Chao raised his head and looked at the blue-robed youth in front of him.

"Young master, are you Aqing?!"

Liang Chao was both surprised and delighted.

"Long time no see." Zhou Qing said with a smile.

Liang Chao quickly put down the cleaver and walked out of the fish stall.

"Aqing, here..."

He was about to give Zhou Qing a warm hug when he suddenly remembered that he was covered in blood. He quickly washed the blood off his hands, took off his apron, and sniffed his face. He felt that he smelled fishy. Then he looked at Zhou Qing, who was dressed in fine clothes and had an extraordinary temperament, and he stopped in his tracks.

Zhou Qing stepped forward, ready to hug Liang Chao, but found that he had taken a step back.

"You idiot, don't you recognize me?"

Seeing this, Zhou Qing punched Liang Chao in the chest.

"Ouch!" Liang Chao feigned pain and exaggeratedly exclaimed, "You didn't break through again, did you? You're incredibly strong!"

"It was just a lucky breakthrough," Zhou Qing said with a smile.

"Congratulations!" Liang Chao was genuinely happy, but suddenly his eyes dimmed.

"Aqing, when did you get back?"

Liang Chao then changed the subject.

"I came back this morning, to take care of some business," Zhou Qing replied.

"If you're not in a hurry to leave, why don't you come to my house for a casual dinner tonight? My wife will cook some of her specialties, and we can have a few drinks together," Liang Chao said with a smile.

"You rascal, when did you get married? You didn't even tell me," Zhou Qing teased.

“You got married last year. I wrote to my senior brothers in the county town, but they said you had already left the county town.”

Liang Chao replied, "I'll definitely be there tonight, so I can give you a belated wedding gift." Zhou Qing nodded.

"Just come, that's enough. We don't need any gifts. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to marry Tao Niang," Liang Chao said seriously. If it weren't for the money Zhou Qing gave him, he wouldn't have been able to afford the dowry to marry Tao Niang. Now that his father-in-law has entrusted him with managing this fish stall, he has a stable livelihood.

"We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!" Zhou Qing didn't say anything more.

"Then I won't hold back. I can't beat you in martial arts, but when it comes to drinking, I have no match!" Liang Chao patted his bulging belly with confidence.

"By the way, this is my brother-in-law." Liang Chao glanced at the chubby-faced boy beside him and waved to him.

"Yusheng, come here quickly, this is Aqing, the role model you've always looked up to! See, your brother-in-law didn't lie to you!"

"Ah, Brother Qing." The chubby-faced boy looked reserved and somewhat at a loss.

"Hello," Zhou Qing greeted with a smile.

At this moment, a middle-aged man with gray hair walked over carrying a broken fish basket, his clothes covered in mud.

"Father! What are you doing?"

Liang Chao hurriedly went to greet him, and the middle-aged man was none other than Liang Asi.

"It's all because of Zhang Mazi next door," Liang Asi sighed.

Liang Chao suddenly raised his hand to stop him from continuing, pointing to Zhou Qing behind him and changing the subject.

"Dad, look who's here!"

"Who's here?" Liang Asi was taken aback, looked at Zhou Qing, and suddenly realized, "Aqing, it's Aqing!"

"Uncle Liang, it's been a long time. How have you been?" Zhou Qing said with a smile, glancing at Uncle Liang's clothes and tattered fish basket.

“Recently, though…” Liang Asi was about to speak.

“Father!” Liang Chao interrupted him again.

"If you need anything, you can tell me. I'll be able to help in some way." Zhou Qing knew Liang Chao had something on his mind when he saw his expression.

"Ah Qing, don't worry, I definitely won't hold back if anything happens," Liang Chao said with a smile.

"Alright then." Zhou Qing nodded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhou Qing made an excuse to leave.

It seems that Liang Chao has encountered something but is unable to speak up, but this is not a problem for him.

After Zhou Qing left, Liang Chao's brother-in-law, Yu Sheng, couldn't help but speak up:

"Brother-in-law, didn't you say Brother Qing is very powerful? Why don't you ask him for help? Zhang Mazi from the next county is definitely no match for Brother Qing! It would be best to beat him up so he won't keep thinking about my sister all the time!"

“Ah Chao.” Liang Asi, who was standing to the side, was also quite puzzled.

“I can handle Zhang Mazi myself, but the person behind him is no ordinary person. Zhang Mazi’s sister is the beloved concubine of a great martial arts master in Xinghua County.” Liang Chao said with a solemn expression.

"So what? Brother Qing is also a Grand Martial Master!" Yu Sheng looked very confident in Zhou Qing.

“You don’t understand. The martial world isn’t just about fighting and killing. Ah Qing’s life in Nanli County isn’t easy either. Let’s not cause him any more trouble,” Liang Chao sighed.

Admittedly, given Zhou Qing's strength, even a Grand Martial Master would likely give him face.

However, Liang Chao learned from his senior brother in the county town that Zhou Qing's master, Wei Wushi, was in a precarious situation, and that Zhou Qing would definitely be in big trouble as well, so he didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble.

If this trivial matter causes Zhou Qing to develop a grudge against the martial arts master of Xinghua County and escalates the conflict, it would be a case of losing more than one gains.

Zhang Mazi caused trouble mainly because Liang Chao's father-in-law had verbally agreed to marry Tao Niang to Zhang Mazi.

However, Zhang Mazi later got married, so the matter was dropped.

But Zhang Mazi was not satisfied. After learning that Tao Niang had married Liang Chao, he insisted on taking her as a concubine or having her stay with him for a month.

Liang Chao naturally refused, so Zhang Mazi demanded that the Liang family compensate him for the fish stall, or else they would never have a peaceful day.

In Heishan Town, most martial artists wouldn't make things difficult for Liang Chao out of respect for the Zhuifeng Martial Arts School and Zhou Qing, but that wouldn't work in Xinghua County.

In this world, which martial artist doesn't have a background?

Zhang Mazi started with small-scale actions to see just how much power Liang Chao had behind him.

This matter is both difficult and simple.

Liang Chao planned to ask his senior brother from the martial arts school to mediate with Zhang Mazi. At worst, he would work for free for two years, but he had to keep the fish stall.

Anyway, I won't ask Zhou Qing for anything, and I won't cause him any trouble.

That evening, Zhou Qing walked out of Liang Chao's house, reeking of alcohol.

However, as he walked out of Xin'an Lane, his eyes regained their clarity.

At this moment, a beautiful young woman dressed in purple quickly came to greet her.

"Young Master, the matter concerning Liang Chao has been investigated thoroughly." Miao Yin bowed and began to explain the trouble Liang Chao had recently encountered.

"Yes, I understand." Zhou Qing nodded.

"Should I go warn Zhang Mazi, or... just kill him?" Miao Yin's face hardened.

"No need, let's solve the problem at its root." Zhou Qing shook his head.

Xinghua County, inner urban area.

Near the West District, there is a large cluster of single-story houses, which is where the Kuang Lei Martial Arts School is located.

Zhao Donglai, the master of Kuang Lei Martial Arts School, is a Grand Martial Master who has undergone three Blood Transformation Peaks and is one of the top experts in the surrounding area.

Apprentices flocked to the martial arts school to learn the Thunderous Saber Technique.

Late at night, Zhao Donglai went to his concubine's room, and after a passionate night of lovemaking, he fell into a deep sleep.

As a result, he suddenly heard the sound of drinking water in his sleep, which startled him awake. He looked towards the bedside and was instantly wide awake, sitting up abruptly.

"Ah!" His concubine in his arms was also awakened and cried out in fright, but Zhao Donglai covered her mouth.

Not far from the bed, at a round table, sat a young man in a blue robe, most of his figure hidden in the darkness, leisurely sipping tea.

Beside the young man stood a beautiful girl dressed in purple.

If you're sound asleep in the middle of the night and two people suddenly appear beside your bed, anyone would be scared half to death.

However, Zhao Donglai was a veteran martial arts master who had been famous for decades, and he quickly realized what was going on.

"Two distinguished guests have come so late at night. May I ask your names and what brings you here?" Zhao Donglai bowed respectfully, knowing that these two intended to take his life. They could have acted earlier, but since they didn't, they must have another purpose.

"My young master has come to see you because he has a favor to ask," the girl in purple said first.

"Do you have something to ask of me, young master?" Zhao Donglai's heart skipped a beat. Feeling the abundant blood and qi in the purple-clad girl's body, his eyes changed slightly. A Blood Exchange Realm Grand Martial Master as an attendant, just who is this person?
"Whatever your request, esteemed guest, I will grant it without hesitation." Zhao Donglai lowered his stance even further, prioritizing his own survival.

"This is not difficult to do. Do you know Zhang Dong?" the girl in purple asked.

“Zhang Dong? Zhang Mazi?!” Zhao Donglai was taken aback.

“Indeed, this person,” the girl in purple continued.

After hearing the whole story, Zhao Donglai was stunned, both shocked and angry. His brother-in-law had gotten him into so much trouble over a mere fish stall.

"Rest assured, distinguished guests, I will definitely manage my staff well and ensure your satisfaction," Zhao Donglai quickly assured them.

"Alright." At this moment, the young man in the blue robe suddenly stood up.

The next moment, Zhao Donglai felt a terrifying aura that made him feel suffocated rushing towards him.

"No!" When Zhao Donglai cried out in disbelief, he opened his eyes and found himself still lying in bed, with his concubine sleeping soundly beside him.

"It's not a dream!"

Zhao Donglai stood up, looking at the half-finished tea on the table, his expression uncertain.

"Somebody come!"

Zhao Donglai, dressed in his undergarments, walked into the courtyard and summoned his eldest disciple.

Where is Zhang Dong now? What has he been up to lately?

"Reporting to Master, Zhang Dong has set his sights on a fish stall in Yi'an City. Please, disciple, intervene and intimidate him."

"Get Zhang Dong here right now!"

Zhao Donglai suppressed his anger.

"Master, what happened? Zhang Dong, he..."

"Don't ask any more questions! Bring him here! Tell him he's not allowed to mess with the Liang family's fish market! If he disobeys, break his legs!"

"Yes!" Zhao Donglai's eldest disciple realized what was happening and immediately left the martial arts school.

Yian City.

Fish stall.

Zhang Mazi gathered a few hooligans and ruffians to cause trouble at the fish stall. They didn't do any odd jobs, making it impossible for customers to buy fish.

Just as Liang Chao was swallowing his anger and forcing a smile, a middle-aged martial artist dressed in light blue martial arts attire arrived at the scene.

"Senior Brother Zheng!" Zhang Mazi greeted him with a smile.

"Come with me!" The middle-aged martial artist grabbed Zhang Mazi's hand and was about to leave.

"What are you doing?!" Zhang Mazi's expression changed slightly, and he struggled to break free.

However, he was met with a powerful sweeping leg kick from the middle-aged martial artist, and with a crack, his leg bone was broken.

"Ah! Zheng Gui! How dare you hit me, my brother-in-law!"

Zhang Mazi let out a pitiful cry, but was dragged away like a dead dog.

(End of this chapter)