Misty Rain of the Old Times

The early spring night was still bitterly cold. The sky was dotted with stars. When Chen Xuan and his group returned to Yang County, the city lights were already on. In fact, the night in the small county town was not so brightly lit. Ordinary people were reluctant to turn on their lights, especially during this lean season, so they would save as much as possible.

Ordinary people have limited entertainment options, so they go to bed early to save money, which is considered a contribution to childbirth. However, the more children they have, the poorer they become. They were trying to save money, but the problem lies in inadequate protection measures.

They were all home, but Su Roujia and the others still felt like they had been in another world. Just an hour ago they were in the land of giants, and now they were back in a normal environment, and they were a little disoriented.

This kind of mentality is normal. It's like going on a trip and feeling a little out of place when you get home.

Standing in the courtyard, which he hadn't been to for more than half a month, Chen Xuan looked up at the night sky and calculated that tomorrow would definitely be a good day.

Well, the night sky was cloudless and the stars were shining brightly. Anyone could tell that the weather would be good the next day. Although Chen Xuan was not stupid since childhood, he had put all his talent into martial arts. His academic performance was not outstanding among the students, so he did not learn the essence of the predictive skills such as observing falling leaves to know that autumn was coming.

"I'm back already. It feels like I just left Giant City and I'm home already," the little girl said, feeling a touch of emotion amidst the familiar surroundings. Her cultivation level was currently limited, and she couldn't really see much of her surroundings in the pitch-black night.

Du Juan quickly recovered from that journey, picked up the items she had brought back, observed her surroundings, and headed towards the door, saying, "No outsiders have come to the house recently. I'll go and take down the Nine-Tone Soul-Suppressing Bell, light the lamps, and boil some hot water for Master to soak in and relax."

“The Gao family sends people over every day to help patrol. Who in this small county would dare to cause trouble? Now that Sister Juan mentioned it, I really want to have a good soak. It’s been so inconvenient to do anything underground these days,” Chen Xuan laughed, his laziness returning as he got home.

He was speechless. He had clearly planned to enjoy life, but he seemed to have forgotten his main task because he was distracted by this and that.

The little girl immediately stopped worrying about returning from her journey. "The master is the most important person in the world," she thought, and quickly walked towards the house, saying, "There's a fire pit under the stove. I wonder if there's any hot water left? Oh, and Master, would you like some midnight snacks?"

"I'll skip the midnight snack. I haven't eaten for long. I just want to take a nice bath and get a good night's sleep. If you guys are hungry, just make something for yourselves. Don't worry about me," Chen Xuan said lazily as he entered the house. He felt like his bones had been removed as soon as he got home, and he was always sleepy.

Du Juan, who had just put down the lamp and the things, quickly wiped the recliner for him and said, "Master, please rest for a bit. Roujia and I will go and set up the bathroom. The house is all dusty; we'll have to tidy it up later."

"Don't bother with this so late at night, let's talk about it tomorrow. You should all get some rest too," Chen Xuan said weakly, waving his hand dismissively.

Just then, a little girl's terrified voice came from the kitchen: "Oh dear, all the pots in the house have burned through! Luckily, Master set up the stove well, so the temperature wasn't too high, otherwise the fire might have started, and we'd be homeless by the time we got back!"

Chen Xuan smiled and said nothing. How could he not have considered the danger of fire copper beforehand? However, he was surprised that the pot could still burn through the insulation layer when the temperature under it was not high. It seemed that a pot would easily break if it was dry-heated continuously.

Du Juan walked towards the kitchen and said, "Let me take a look."

"Sister Juan, look! There's a hole in the bottom of the pot, big enough to fit a bowl. Even a pot mender can't fix it. A pot like this costs a lot of money. The problem is, this pot was specifically bought for warm water. What are we going to do about the master's bathwater now?" the little girl said, feeling distressed and conflicted.

After a brief look, Du Juan comforted her in a relaxed tone, "It's a small problem. I'll melt the pot and reshape it. With my current cultivation level, it's not difficult. Soft Armor Sister, please stand a little further away, be careful not to hurt yourself."

"Wow, Sister Juan, you can melt an iron pot? That's amazing!" the little girl exclaimed in surprise.

"This is nothing. In a few years, when my cultivation improves, I'll be able to melt even stones and sand. The day I left, Master said he would use pills to help you improve your cultivation, so you won't have to cultivate as hard as before. I think you'll be able to do that in a few years."

While they were busy, Chen Xuan, who was lying lazily and leisurely, smiled knowingly. This simple and ordinary life made him feel more comfortable. Away from the fighting and excitement, everything seemed to slow down.

Soon after, the bathroom was set up, and Chen Xuan soaked until his skin turned pale before going to sleep. During this time, Du Juan and the others had already changed the sheets and blankets in advance, and even his bedroom had been quickly cleaned and wiped down. During the process, they wisely refrained from serving Chen Xuan during his bath, even if they were willing in their hearts. They would not overstep their bounds unless the master mentioned it.

After a good night's sleep, Chen Xuan got up early the next morning as usual to practice the Qi-cultivating exercise.

The sky was clear and blue, and the sun rose slowly. In the morning mist, the three practiced the Qi-cultivating exercise in unison, but Chen Xuan's movements were more free and natural.

The surrounding plants have already sprouted buds, glistening with dewdrops, and birds are chirping. It is the most vibrant and flourishing time of spring.

After breakfast, the sun rose above the treetops, and the still chilly spring morning brought a touch of warmth. With such fine weather, Chen Xuan naturally went to the pavilion to enjoy the spring breeze and take a nap. He had originally planned to study the formation, but he felt he had plenty of time, so he decided to postpone it. He was a chronic procrastinator.

Formations can be studied at any time, but such spring days are becoming increasingly rare.

I haven't seen my future wife for quite a few days. I need to find some time to go to the capital to meet her and bring her the leaves I collected from the underground world. She'll be very happy. I should also visit Old Deng. Oh, and Old Crane, he's lonely too. I'll tell him about the underground world. It seems like I'll be quite busy.
With his mind wandering to all sorts of random thoughts, Chen Xuan took a short nap in the spring breeze.

After covering him with a light blanket, the little maid quietly left to help Dujuan clean the house she had left for many days, occasionally exchanging whispers to avoid disturbing the master's rest.

"I'll go to the Gao family to let them know we're back. We don't need anyone to look after us anymore. I checked earlier, and the Gao family takes very good care of the horses. They must take them out for a walk every day," the little girl said, glancing at the backyard.

“Well, I’ll go with Roujia. You’re so pretty, it’ll save you from being targeted by a bunch of ill-intentioned people. But I’m not very good at communicating with people I don’t know well, so Roujia, you can handle the negotiations,” Dujuan said with a smile.

Su Roujia, with her little bottom sticking out, deftly wiped the chair and laughed, "It's not far, Sister Juan, don't worry. The master needs someone to serve him, and besides, Yang County isn't that big. Who would dare to cause trouble?"

“It’s better to be careful. After Young Master Gao became the top scholar, many shady characters came to Yang County. If something unexpected happens, the master will be furious. Given his habits, he won’t wake up for a while,” Du Juan insisted.

The little girl thought for a moment and said, "I'm not a child anymore, and I'm not helpless either. But it's fine, it won't take much time anyway. I can buy some ingredients on the way back; the food in the ice cellar is inedible and needs to be replaced."

"Yes, by the way, we should also check on the seafood we sent back a few days ago, so that the master doesn't ask us and we don't know anything. We should share the burden for the master," Dujuan nodded and said.

Speaking of this young maid, she pondered seriously, "That's right, this is something we really need to pay attention to. We should send some to Master's friends, but Madam Gao has gone to take care of the pregnant young mistress, so I don't know if she'll receive Master's gifts."

"Speaking of which, the master and the Gao family have a really good relationship. They're like one family. The master always thinks of the Gao family, and the Gao family also frequently inquires about the master's well-being."

"Of course! Let me tell you, Sister Juan, I don't know if it's true, but Madam Gao did consider betrothing one of the young ladies in the household to the master, but it never came to fruition."

"Didn't you say last time that Madam Gao wanted to adopt the master as her godson?"

"Yes, yes, that's what the rumors say."

"I didn't expect that Sister Roujia had such a hobby of inquiring about these things. In the master's words, she's just a gossip. But then again, given the master's current cultivation level, it's normal for the Gao family to have given up such thoughts."

"That's true. Master will be marrying Princess Fuyao soon. I didn't mean anything by it. As far as I know, Master doesn't care about other people's status; his happiness is the most important thing."

"Yes, Roujia, do you think the master would like us?"

"They must like us, otherwise why would they keep us by their side?"

"But why don't you want us to serve you? Is it because you think we're not pretty enough?" "Well, Madam Gao actually spoke to me about that secretly. She's been through it all, and she noticed that the master didn't want us to serve him. She told me it's because he hasn't lost his virginity yet and doesn't have many thoughts about that. Once he does, things will naturally fall into place."

"Once you've tasted the marrow, you'll crave more, right?"

"Yes, yes, that's what Madam Gao said. We can't let Master know that we're talking about him behind his back..."

While the two women were busy, they chatted about private matters, occasionally blushing and their hearts racing. After tidying up the house and seeing that Chen Xuan was still sleeping soundly, they went out to run errands and shop.

Completely relaxed, Chen Xuan had no idea about their whispered conversations. When he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky, and he felt refreshed and invigorated, thinking to himself how peaceful it was.

Like a feline, I stretched and yawned on the recliner. When I opened my eyes, I saw the little girl next to me making tea. They had already returned.

"I reckon the master will wake up soon. Have a cup of tea to perk him up. The food is ready. Would the master like to eat now?" Su Roujia handed over the tea. At home, she was wearing the maid outfit made of ice silk that Chen Xuan had given her last time, along with black silk stockings and leather shoes. She was already beautiful, but she looked even more adorable.

The very handsome Chen Xuan smiled and said, "It's lunchtime again. Time flies when we're just lazing around. Let's eat, I'm actually a little hungry."

"Yes, sir. We inquired about it before, and the seafood that was sent back a few days ago hasn't arrived yet. It should take a while longer. The escort agency isn't as fast as us. We've also contacted the Gao family and they've removed the people who were helping to watch the house. Butler He even asked if there's anything we need here, and said we can have it sent over anytime."

Chen Xuan nodded as he walked towards the dining hall, saying, "Thank you for your help; it saves you a lot of trouble."

"It's what we should do."

The three sat down around the table to eat. There was no rule against talking while eating or sleeping. Chen Xuan noticed that Du Juan was deep in thought and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Sister Juan, is something bothering you?"

Upon hearing this, Dujuan quickly smiled and said, "No, that's not true. But sir, Roujia and I discovered something earlier when we went out. I'm not sure if I should say it or not."

"What did Sister Juan discover? How come I didn't know?" the little girl asked in confusion, her lips pressed against her chopsticks.

Chen Xuan, also slightly curious, said, "Since it's unimportant, and it's better to avoid trouble, I didn't tell Roujia." Then she looked at Chen Xuan and said, "It's like this, sir. Earlier on the street, I sensed the aura of someone with innate cultivation. It was unfathomable, and I was definitely no match for them. They also noticed me, but since we were completely unrelated, we didn't meet. And this person didn't have the cold aura of the Gao family guard I was familiar with. So I felt it was necessary to tell you about this, sir. After all, Yang County is too small, and the other party's purpose is unclear. We need to be careful about the appearance of an unfamiliar innate master."

As she spoke, Chen Xuan slightly relaxed his senses and immediately locked onto the unfamiliar innate master that Du Juan had mentioned. He couldn't help but twitch his lips and say speechlessly, "No, they really found him."

"Master, what has come looking for us? Do you know that innate master that Sister Juan mentioned? Are they here to cause trouble?" the maid asked in astonishment.

Du Juan's gaze turned cold as she said, "Master, should we eliminate him? Although I know I'm no match for him in a direct confrontation based on his aura alone, I'm 60% confident I can take him down in an assassination!"

After chewing the food in his mouth, Chen Xuan waved his hand and said, "Don't resort to violence so easily. It hasn't come to that point yet. Well, I do know that person, and he's probably really after me, but he's not exactly looking for trouble."

Since the master knew them, Du Juan immediately put away her hostility. But after Chen Xuan said that, Du Juan and Su Roujia looked at each other, not understanding. Since they were not here to cause trouble, the master seemed happy but also a little conflicted.

Chen Xuan did indeed know the innate master that Du Juan mentioned; she was a great beauty, and one of the ten beauties of Yuhua Kingdom, He Hongyi.

Last year, Chen Xuan went to the Misty Marsh to find materials to make array flags. After witnessing Chen Xuan's abilities, she, driven by admiration for his strength, frankly stated that she intended to submit to Chen Xuan, and even didn't mind becoming his concubine. At that time, she was busy investigating the Evil Blade and said that she would come to find Chen Xuan after the matter was over. As it turned out, she really did come to find him.

Chen Xuan had almost forgotten about this matter. Before going to Wanku Mountain, Steward He mentioned that he had heard someone was asking about him while he was out on business, and that person was He Hongyi.

That's why Chen Xuan was both happy and a little conflicted at this moment. As a normal person, who wouldn't be happy to be pursued by a beautiful woman? But if she clearly rejected him and still came after him, he couldn't just kill her, could he?

There's no such thing as letting someone down. It's just annoying. Chen Xuan also likes beautiful women, but liking them doesn't mean he has to have them. Just like if a flower is blooming beautifully, does that mean he has to pick it?
So, is that big beauty for real?

Just as Chen Xuan was at a loss for words, his expression froze slightly, and he slapped himself on the forehead, becoming even more speechless.

"What's wrong, sir?" Dujuan asked with concern.

After eating a tasteless bite, Chen Xuan slumped weakly into his chair and said dejectedly, "Well, we're all together now."

"Huh? What's all put together?" Su Roujia asked, puzzled.

Pointing casually in a certain direction, Chen Xuan said speechlessly, "Because besides the innate master that Sister Juan mentioned, there's someone else looking for me. They'll probably be coming soon. Since you went out, people will know I'm back and head straight this way. And yes, the innate master Sister Juan mentioned is also heading this way now."

"Have we caused trouble for the master?" the little maid asked cautiously, shrinking her neck.

Waving his hand, Chen Xuan said, "That's not true. Let's continue eating. What needs to be faced will eventually have to be faced. Running away isn't the solution. Once we've talked it out, everything will be fine. I hope we haven't embarrassed anyone."

After exchanging glances, Dujuan pondered and said, "So, sir, shouldn't we prepare to welcome our guests?"

"Eat first, don't let outsiders disrupt your life," Chen Xuan said, shaking his head.

Now that his senses were open, he noticed not only He Hongyi coming this way, but also Guo Qingxue, the apple of the eye of the Cold Mountain Sword Sect. Before going to Wanku Mountain, that girl had written a letter to Chen Xuan in advance, saying that she would come to find him.

Guo Qingxue's arrival was definitely because she learned that Chen Xuan had revealed Yang Guo's identity at the Tai Xuan Sect. That girl had never forgotten Yang Guo since she met him in the desert and had been asking about him ever since. Who knows what a little girl is thinking, especially since girls in this era are so precocious.

Du Juan and the others ate in silence, feeling that this was not a problem they should be worrying about.

Chen Xuan, who was continuing to eat with his head down, was about to withdraw his senses when he suddenly stopped, his expression extremely complicated. Then, his gaze sharpened slightly and he said, "You're courting death!"

"What's wrong, sir?" Du Juan looked up abruptly, her gaze icy cold. Even her master was angry; it seemed the matter was serious.

Setting down his chopsticks, Chen Xuan stood up and said in a curt tone, "It's a small matter. I'll go take care of it and pick up two people while I'm at it. Luckily, we discovered it in time, otherwise I'd probably feel guilty for a very long time."

“I will go with you, sir. If it is a trivial matter, there is no need for you to get angry, so as not to dirty your hands,” Dujuan said quickly.

Nodding, Chen Xuan said, "That's fine too."

Meanwhile, a few miles outside Yang County on the official road, a simply dressed young boy and girl were being surrounded by a group of ruffians… (End of Chapter)