Misty Rain of the Old Times

On the long street, Xuan Yang stood waiting outside the teahouse, dressed in a wide-sleeved purple-red Taoist robe, wearing an eight-treasure crown, and holding a white jade whisk.

This is an elderly man in his seventies. His calm demeanor gives him an air of otherworldly grace. He always wears a gentle smile. His black hair is like a waterfall, and he has a foot-long beard. His skin is fair and rosy without a single wrinkle, making him look like a young man. Anyone who sees him will feel admiration. He exudes the demeanor of a wise and virtuous man.

He oversaw all matters of the Tai Xuan Sect, was bestowed the title of Xuan Yang Zhenren by the imperial court, and presided over major sacrificial ceremonies in the capital more than once. Moreover, his martial arts cultivation was unfathomable, ranking among the top in the Innate Realm. Furthermore, his master was a living grandmaster of the Tai Xuan Sect, and after years of arduous cultivation, he had received the true teachings, making him even more formidable than Liu Zhenwei and Guo Jinglong in their prime.

Many people in the martial arts world are saying that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he is likely to reach the Grandmaster realm within ten to twenty years and become the next leading figure of the Tai Xuan Sect.

This is not a rumor that he is being praised to death; the fact is that he has really touched the threshold of the Grandmaster realm. It's just that the so-called threshold is like looking at flowers through the fog, something that can't be touched or grasped, and the line between them is like an insurmountable chasm.

The step from Innate to Grandmaster is extremely difficult to cross, blocking 99% of Innate masters in the world. They spend their entire lives unable to cross it, wasting their time. For almost all martial arts practitioners, the Innate realm is the end of their cultivation.

Behind Xuan Yang stood five innate masters from the Tai Xuan Sect, all of whom were elders and rarely took charge of affairs. They wore dark blue Daoist robes, and Xuan Qing, who had recently returned, was among them.

Behind these people were a dozen or so young talents from the Tai Xuan Sect, dressed in wide-sleeved white robes. They were between fifteen or sixteen and thirty years old, all handsome men and beautiful women. If they were placed alone in the martial arts world, they would be respectfully addressed as young heroes and would be the focus of everyone's attention. But at this moment, they had become mere supporting characters.

Furthermore, from behind them all the way to the direction of Tai Xuan Sect, both sides of the street were guarded by black-clad disciples of Tai Xuan Sect, effectively clearing the area to prevent anyone from rashly bumping into Chen Xuan, this distinguished guest.

The Tai Xuan Sect has a clear hierarchy and strict rules, dividing members into servants, outer disciples, inner disciples, and inner disciples. This can be clearly seen from their attire: servants wear gray, outer disciples wear blue, inner disciples wear black, and inner disciples wear white.

However, this uniform can be considered formal attire. People can wear it however they like in everyday life, and there are no explicit rules. It is only worn on formal occasions to show the style of the sect.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd, filled with anticipation, curiosity, and trepidation, Chen Xuan led the little girl and Du Juan out of the teahouse.

They were delayed a bit before leaving. You have to pay for what you buy here. When it was time to pay, the shopkeeper was afraid to accept the bill, but Chen Xuan didn't have the habit of taking advantage of such small things. However, this was Du Juan and the others' business, and Chen Xuan didn't get involved.

Seeing the grand display made by the Tai Xuan Sect, Chen Xuan felt quite embarrassed. It was certainly something to be happy about being valued, but he wasn't there to show off. It was really unnecessary for them to make such a fuss.

Well, it's like how celebrities back home would pretend to button their suits when walking the red carpet. In this situation, Chen Xuan subconsciously straightened his collar, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, True Person Xuan Yang, esteemed seniors of the Tai Xuan Sect, and all the distinguished disciples of the Tai Xuan Sect present. Chen Xuan is honored. I am ashamed to have troubled you all with such a large group, and I hope you will forgive me."

"Young Master Chen, you are too kind. It is an honor for our Tai Xuan Sect to deign to tread upon your presence. Please forgive any rudeness we may have shown," Xuan Yang Zhenren returned the greeting. He dared not put on airs as the sect leader in front of Chen Xuan. Although Chen Xuan was polite and courteous, making people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze, he was a ruthless man who could chop off a family register in one fell swoop. He could slaughter aristocratic masters without hesitation. In his eyes, the Tai Xuan Sect was nothing at all.

Having no grudge against him, and moreover, having come with a request, Chen Xuan naturally treated him kindly, smiling and saying, "Senior is too kind. I apologize for my intrusion and hope you will forgive me if I have caused any disturbance."

"Haha, Young Master Chen, you're too kind. This isn't the place to talk. Please come to our sect for a chat. We'll prepare a small feast so that our Tai Xuan Sect can show you the hospitality of a host," Xuan Yang Zhenren said cheerfully. Upon first meeting him, he really liked Chen Xuan's personality. Despite possessing a cultivation level that would strike fear into the hearts of others, he was so approachable and didn't seem like a hot-blooded, capricious young man at all.

If anyone else had such cultivation, they would probably be strutting around with their tails between their legs, looking down on everyone. They would have to warn their disciples to learn from Young Master Chen and not to be so arrogant just because they belong to the Tai Xuan Sect.

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "I'd rather obey than refuse. Please."

"Young Master Chen, please follow me," Master Xuanyang said, stepping aside to greet him.

As he spoke, the people behind him parted to make way. Apart from a few elders of the Tai Xuan Sect at the Innate Realm, a dozen or so young disciples openly and curiously sized up Chen Xuan. Young and fearless, they didn't know Chen Xuan's specific situation and couldn't understand why the sect was making such a fuss to welcome him. Could he be a prince or nobleman? But even a prince or nobleman of such a young age wouldn't be worthy of this level of formality.

Regardless of their mood, they would not do anything impolite at this moment.

The male disciples looked at Chen Xuan with envy, for he was followed by two exquisitely beautiful maids, one tall and one short, who were extremely respectful. The female disciples, on the other hand, were astonished by how handsome this young master Chen was. They had heard that he came from Yang County; could that small place really be such a blessed place? First, it produced a top scholar, and now it had sent a young master Chen who even the Tai Xuan Sect had to receive with the highest honors…

Xuan Yang and Chen Xuan walked side by side, with Xuan Yang on the left, as the left is considered the place of honor, and Chen Xuan was the guest.

After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, as they headed towards the Tai Xuan Sect, Chen Xuan turned back and bowed to Xuan Qing, saying, "Daoist Xuan Qing, we meet again."

Xuan Qing, who was speculating about Chen Xuan's purpose for coming, was secretly taken aback upon hearing this. He returned the greeting and said speechlessly, "Young Master Chen, have you greeted this old Taoist? I hope Young Master Chen will not take offense. Perhaps this old Taoist is getting old and forgetful; I truly cannot recall where I have seen Young Master Chen before."

"Daoist Master, there's no need for that. This is only our second meeting. It's normal that you don't remember me. Back then, I was young and the world was dangerous, so I didn't dare to show my true face. I'm sorry to have made you laugh at me, Senior," Chen Xuan said, shaking his head with a look of reminiscence.

Now that things had come to this point, Xuan Qing's mind raced, and he quickly realized what was happening. Looking at Chen Xuan incredulously, he asked, "Could it be that Young Master Chen is the same Yang Guo, the great hero from back then?"

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "It is indeed me. I dare not accept the title of great hero. I am not a member of the martial arts world. I was just there for fun back then and happened to be there by chance."

He no longer needs to deliberately keep a low profile, but he's not showing off either. After all, they met once before. Now, he's bringing up the old story to ease the current atmosphere. Everyone in the Tai Xuan Sect is being so respectful to him, which makes him feel a little uncomfortable.

“So that’s how it is. Back then, Young Master Chen transformed into Yang Guo, appearing only briefly before disappearing without a trace, leaving behind a beautiful story. Speaking of which, Young Master Chen once saved my life, and I didn’t even have a chance to repay him. If Young Master Chen doesn’t mind, I will definitely toast you three cups later,” Xuan Qing said with a sudden realization.

At the same time, he was amazed. Chen Xuan's past was all traceable. It was understood that he was only eleven years old back then, and he was able to kill Liu Zhenwei with a single sword strike from a distance. It should be noted that Liu Zhenwei was trying to break through to the Grandmaster realm at that time. After the news spread, he was mistaken for a Grandmaster who traveled around the world.

Looking back now, Chen Xuan at the age of eleven certainly didn't have the cultivation of a Grandmaster. Eleven years old is too exaggerated. But he had that kind of strength. It can only be said that he was worthy of the title. He became a Grandmaster at the age of eighteen and was able to kill Wei Wuyai, who had been a Grandmaster for many years. In this way, it seems quite reasonable.
Come on, this Chen Xuan is simply unreasonable. Compared to him, I'm so old, I've wasted my life. Even now, I'm not as good as him at eleven.

Why did Yang Guo disappear so quickly after his brief appearance? It seems he went back to be a pageboy. Does that make sense?
Waving his hand, Chen Xuan smiled and said, "It was just a coincidence back then. What's past is past, senior, you don't need to take it to heart. Liu Zhenwei also wanted to kill me back then, and I only eliminated him to protect myself. So, there's no question of you saving my life."

There's no point in saying too much about this; it would seem too deliberate. Just remember it yourself. Xuan Qing sighed, "If Young Master Chen needs any help in the future, please just let me know, and this old Daoist will never refuse."

"Then I'll thank you in advance. I won't hesitate to ask for your help in the future," Chen Xuan said without much hesitation. See, this has brought them much closer and eased the atmosphere.

While they were talking, Xuan Yang said in surprise, "I never imagined that Young Master Chen and Junior Brother Xuan Qing had such a connection. Although I wasn't there in person, I know a thing or two about what happened back then. If Young Master Chen hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known that it was Young Master Chen who quelled that upheaval in the martial world back then."

"Senior is too kind. Liu Zhenwei has committed many unjust acts. Even without me, he would never have gotten what he wanted," Chen Xuan waved his hand, not daring to take credit.

An old story brought the two sides closer, and Xuan Qing and the others were no longer as reserved and uneasy as they had been when they first saw Chen Xuan. They spoke more casually. Thinking of something, Xuan Qing smiled and said, "I wonder if Young Master Chen still remembers Guo Qingxue from the Cold Mountain Sword Sect?" "Of course I remember. She was a very cute little girl back then. I even used a barbecue pit to sell her for a high price. I have a deep impression of her. Speaking of which, I saw her a few times last year. Why did you mention her, Senior?" Chen Xuan nodded and smiled.

Then Xuanqing said half-jokingly, "The reason I brought her up is because she's been searching for you, Young Master Chen, for years. To be precise, she's been looking for Yang Guo from back then. I think that when she was just a little girl, she experienced the death of Master Guo, and then she avenged her great enemy by eliminating Liu Zhenwei because of Young Master Chen. She was also deeply grateful for his life. From then on, a seed was planted in her heart, and it sprouted as she grew older. Now, she's probably not just vaguely aware of her feelings for you."

Shaking his head, Chen Xuan said, "Senior, please don't make such jokes. If word gets out, it will damage Miss Guo's reputation."

"Young Master Chen is right, it was I who misspoke," Xuanqing quickly corrected himself.

Although he said it jokingly, it was true. Guo Qingxue had been inquiring about Yang Guo for many years, and anyone could see that kind of girlish thinking. However, judging from Chen Xuan's tone now, it seemed that he did not think much of Guo Qingxue. It seemed that Guo Qingxue was not destined for such a person.

Young Master Chen is going to marry Princess Fuyao, and the whole world knows that. Guo Qingxue is far inferior in every way, so it's no wonder that she can make Chen Xuan lower his eyes.

At this moment, Xuan Yang pondered and said, "Since we've come this far, Young Master Chen, you revealed in front of so many people that you are Yang Guo from back then, and Guo Qingxue has been searching for you. I'm afraid it won't be long before the news reaches her ears. I will order the news to be kept secret, but the truth will eventually come out, and too many people will talk too much. If she comes looking for you later because of this, I hope you won't blame me."

"Master Xuan Yang is too kind. It's a trivial matter. Let her come if she wants. I'm not someone to be ashamed of," Chen Xuan said nonchalantly, truly not taking it to heart...

As they talked, they arrived at the gate of the Tai Xuan Sect. They climbed the steps and headed deeper into the mountain under the watchful eyes of the Tai Xuan Sect disciples on both sides of the road. Xuan Yang and the others changed the subject and began to introduce the Tai Xuan Sect to Chen Xuan.

This place, with its centuries-old history, is full of stories. Every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree is a witness to history, and you could talk about it for three days and three nights without finishing.

A thousand years ago, a once-prosperous dynasty collapsed. During the chaos, the founder of the Tai Xuan Sect traveled here. Unable to bear the suffering of the people living in dire straits, he settled here and founded the Tai Xuan Sect, widely recruiting disciples to teach martial arts and protect the region. This tradition has continued to this day. Since the Tai Xuan Sect established its sect here, the surrounding hundreds of miles have rarely been affected by war.

According to Xuan Yang, the founder of the Tai Xuan Sect was only a master of the Innate Realm, not a native of this land. His exact origins are unknown after many years. He seems to have come from a powerful sect in a distant place. However, after he established his sect here, he had disciples to care for him and did not return to his sect before his death, which is a regret.

However, he also had a proud side, because although he himself was only at the Innate Realm when he died, his disciples were promising and passed on their skills to cultivate a Grandmaster. Since then, the lineage has never been broken, leading to the current prosperity of the Tai Xuan Sect.

These are all just information passed down from the ancestors of the Tai Xuan Sect. They have been around for so long that there are countless versions. In short, the founding patriarch did not leave any ancestral instructions for future generations to return to their roots.

Even now, the Tai Xuan Sect has no intention of tracing back to the source. Isn't it good enough to be a big shot in the Jianghu of Jing Kingdom? Why do they want to return to their ancestral home and find a father for themselves?

Normally, if an ordinary person were to visit, they would have to lay down their sword and weapons and behave properly at the foot of Tai Xuan Sect Mountain. No one even mentioned Chen Xuan's arrival. For a Grandmaster, whether or not they have a weapon makes little difference.

The group toured the mountain scenery along the way and arrived at the main hall of the Tai Xuan Sect. A banquet had already been prepared to entertain Chen Xuan, showing great sincerity and not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

As he passed by the plaza outside the hall, looking at the hundreds of Tai Xuan Sect disciples gathered there, Chen Xuan sincerely said, "Your sect is full of talented and spirited individuals, with promising future generations."

It's not that Chen Xuan is deliberately praising them, but it's the truth. There are dozens of Tai Xuan Sect disciples here who have opened up the eight extraordinary meridians, more than a dozen who are trying to break through to the Ren and Du meridians, and even two who have reached the Innate Realm. They are only in their twenties or thirties. You should know that these are just the younger generation of Tai Xuan Sect.

In this way, the entire Tai Xuan Sect now has nearly ten Innate Realm experts, and a Grandmaster-level expert in charge!
As expected of one of the leading righteous sects in the Jing Kingdom, it has a profound foundation and produces outstanding young people. In comparison, although the Hanshan Sword Sect is also known as one of the five major sects in the Jing Kingdom, it is far inferior. The only person in charge in the capital is Fang Jing, a skilled martial artist, who is just there to make a name for himself. They are simply lacking in talent.

When Guo Jinglong died, the Cold Mountain Sword Sect was severely weakened. If things continued like this, without the rise of a younger generation to reach the Innate Realm and continue the legacy, it is estimated that after a few more years, the two or three remaining older generation members would grow old and the sect would be reduced to a second-rate sect.

In the world of martial arts, it's not about how smart you are or how good you are at business; strength is the foundation. Without strength, you'll soon fade into obscurity and be devoured by others. That's how cruel the world of martial arts is.

Xuan Yang and the others were naturally pleased to receive such sincere praise from the young grandmaster Chen Xuan, but they humbly replied, "Young Master Chen, you flatter us. We are just a bunch of unworthy disciples and still need to work harder in our cultivation."

Even those who have opened up all eight extraordinary meridians can dominate a region in the martial arts world, let alone those who are trying to break through to the Ren and Du meridians and become innate masters. Yet, they are called useless by the sect leader. What can they do? They are helpless. They can only cooperate with the sect leader's humility. After all, you are the sect leader, so whatever you say is right.

Logically speaking, young people are often impetuous and arrogant. As peers, there must be some who disagree with Chen Xuan, but no troublemakers dared to step forward to challenge him. They were probably intimidated by the sect's actions. Moreover, the sect leader had made it clear that anyone who offended this distinguished guest would have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from the sect. Who would dare to act recklessly at such a time?

"You're being too modest."

It's best to refrain from discussing other people's sects' affairs; praising or belittling them is not the proper way to behave as a guest.

If senior figures from the martial arts world were to visit, the Tai Xuan Sect might even offer guidance and exchange ideas. But Chen Xuan is not a member of the martial arts world, and his status is special. If he were to make such a request, he would be displeased and it would be an offense.

Upon arriving at the main hall, everyone took their seats at their respective tables. Xuan Yang Zhenren sat to the left, facing Chen Xuan. The protocol and etiquette were impeccable, yet Chen Xuan was not allowed to overshadow the host.

The grandmaster from the Tai Xuan Sect did not come out to accompany Chen Xuan. It was not that he was disrespectful to Chen Xuan, but rather that he was too old and had long since retired to the background and no longer cared about worldly affairs. Unless it was a matter of life and death for the sect, he would not easily show up. Chen Xuan did not feel it was necessary to disturb the old man.

Having chatted for quite some time, Chen Xuan, not one to beat around the bush, said directly after a few rounds of drinks, before the Tai Xuan Sect could even rack their brains to subtly probe his purpose: "This junior has come to your esteemed sect with a request. If there has been any rudeness, please forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yang and the others felt a sudden tightness in their chests, exchanging glances and feeling uneasy.

With Chen Xuan's cultivation level and strength, how could this be an ordinary matter? If he makes any excessive demands, or if the entire Tai Xuan Sect has to pay a huge price to fulfill them, should they agree or not? If they agree, it will be difficult for the Tai Xuan Sect. If they don't agree, they will offend such a young Grandmaster-level expert, who is also the Emperor's son-in-law. That is not something the Tai Xuan Sect can afford to bear.

Just then, Xuan Yang's ears twitched. He had received a subtle hint from his master, a grandmaster-level expert, telling him to listen to what Chen Xuan had to say first. Reassured, he smiled and said, "Young Master Chen, there's no need for that. Please speak freely. With Young Master Chen's favor, our Tai Xuan Sect will do our utmost."

It's impossible to say everything at once; a decision will only be made after we understand Chen Xuan's specific needs.

With a smile, Chen Xuan continued, "Since that's the case, then I'll be frank. I've heard that your sect has a concealment formation that I need. Is that true? If so, would you be willing to part with it?"

He paused for a moment, then finished speaking, adding, "I am not forcing anyone. If it is true and your esteemed sect is willing to part with it, I will not take it for nothing. I can exchange it for something of equal value. Please feel free to name your price, as long as I can do it. If your esteemed sect is unwilling to part with it, then just pretend I never said anything. Even if a deal doesn't go through, we can still maintain good relations. Coming here for sightseeing is also a pleasure."

...(End of chapter)