Misty Rain of the Old Times

Although the old man is no longer in charge, his methods are definitely more unconventional than Chen Xuan's, so it's quite normal for him to know some of the behind-the-scenes conspiracies and tricks.

Besides, he has been emperor for decades. How many things in the Jing Kingdom could possibly be kept from him? He probably already knew about this fight. Even without Zheng Wanqian's involvement in promoting this martial arts tournament for her own good deeds, whether it was a coincidence or inevitable, what was going to happen would still happen. The only difference was whether it seemed more reasonable to ordinary people.

So what exactly is going on behind this incident?

Old Deng and Chen Xuan exchanged a few words and then turned to leave. It wasn't that he really disliked his son-in-law; after all, there was an age gap. It was fine for them to get together occasionally and enjoy family time, but if they stayed together all the time, they wouldn't really have any fun together.

As a result, he hadn't gone far before he turned back, or more accurately, he was brought there by Eunuch Wang, who was disguised as Zhu Hong.

The reason was that in the direction they left, one of the nine crescent-shaped treasure wheels of the Chongyan Sect Master Luo Yan, who was fighting Xuan Yang to the bitter end, was deflected by Xuan Yang and flew towards that direction like a blazing sun, almost hitting the old man.

With Eunuch Wang protecting him closely, he was naturally not threatened in the slightest. Eunuch Wang stepped forward and struck him with a powerful palm, sending him spinning and slicing into the ground.

The palm strike that Wang Gonggong used to open the treasure wheel seemed ordinary, without any dazzling power. However, there was an electric current surging in his palm as he swung it, and even the sound of wind and thunder could be heard. It was extremely fierce and powerful, but the power was not obvious. His control over his own cultivation had reached the point of returning to simplicity.

If Luo Yan and Xuan Yang weren't both top-tier innate experts, even qualified to challenge grandmasters, the aftershocks of their duel wouldn't be underestimated, and even Eunuch Wang would have to deal with it seriously. Otherwise, his palm strike that opened the treasure wheel would probably have been as light as swatting a mosquito, and there wouldn't have been any obvious fluctuations in palm power.

The blasted treasure wheel sliced ​​into the ground, tearing a crack nearly ten feet long. The sun-like, scorching treasure wheel disappeared underground, and crystallization and vitrification were visible around the crack. Soon, the treasure wheel burst out of the ground from a distance and, pulled by Luo Yan, charged toward Xuan Yang.

The direction in which Xuan Yang and Luo Yan were fighting was indeed dangerous, and Eunuch Wang did not dare to be careless. Therefore, he led the old man to retreat and avoid their sharp edge. It was not that he was afraid of either Xuan Yang or Luo Yan, but mainly he was worried about the old man's safety and it would be best to avoid danger if possible.

"Oh, why are you back again? Could it be that you can't bear to part with me?" Chen Xuan teased the old man who had returned. He was always a bit silly when he was with the old man, but with him watching over him at all times, even without Grandpa Wang's protection, the old man wouldn't get hurt.

The old man gave Chen Xuan a disdainful look and snorted, "Mind your own business! Do you think you're some kind of treasure that everyone wants to keep? Move aside, don't block the way, I'm going to go beat someone up over there."

He was really having a blast today, swinging a stick with incredible force, beating countless people to a pulp. He never had such an opportunity before; even taking a few steps would make a bunch of people worry that their bodies would fall apart. How could he be so fragile?

Chen Xuan obediently stepped aside, but after glancing around, he followed. Tens of thousands of people had been fighting fiercely for so long that most of them had been killed or wounded. The remaining two sides were all bloodthirsty, and only the top experts had not yet determined a winner. It was unclear whether they were holding back or did not want to risk their lives here.

As a younger generation member, Chen Xuan was naturally worried about the old man's health. He observed that the old man's exercise level today was indeed excessive. So, he hesitated and said, "Why don't you just enjoy yourself? Too much of a good thing can be bad. Besides, after all this fighting, the weak have been mostly eliminated, and those remaining are no pushovers. I know you're strong, but what if you get hurt? How am I supposed to explain this to Qian Ning?"

"What are you doing following me? Go away, do whatever you want," the old man said, turning around and glaring at him irritably. Then he pouted and said, "Now you know why I don't like being with you young people. It was fine before, I was worried that something would happen to me and affect the overall situation. But now, I'm free. If I can't have fun with you, what's the point?"

Knowing the old man's personality well, Chen Xuan found it amusing and didn't argue with him. Instead, he said, "Look, you're sweating. Why don't we find a quiet place to sit down and rest, have something to eat and a drink while we watch them fight, and then continue beating them up?"

He shouldn't have said it, because once he did, the old man's throat actually felt a little dry. He'd certainly yelled a lot when he was beating people up before, so he said in a less firm tone, "There are so many people waiting for me to deal with, I don't have time."

Knowing the old man was stubborn, Chen Xuan pointed to a less crowded spot and said to himself, "There aren't many people over there. How about we rest there for a while, and I'll also get a couple of jugs of good wine and some snacks to go with it?"

Actually, this island, which is neither too big nor too small, doesn't have that many quiet places, but if Chen Xuan says it exists, then it definitely does.

Upon hearing this, the old man swallowed hard, looking very busy, and reluctantly said, "Alright, then sit for a while, and after I've moistened my throat, I'll continue beating people up. If you keep following me, you brat, I'll beat you up too."

With a smirk, Chen Xuan didn't expose him, secretly thinking that the old man was enjoying beating people when there was no interruption, but once there was a break, he probably wouldn't be interested anymore.

Thinking of something, Chen Xuan stopped and said, "Father-in-law, please wait a moment. Let me say hello first. I met some interesting people earlier, and it would be a bit impolite to leave without saying a word."

"Tsk tsk, brat, you're the first person to dare keep this old man waiting. When did you, heartless bastard, become so polite? Hurry up," the old man waved his hand impatiently.

Just as the old man said, he couldn't play as he pleased when he was with the younger generation. How could he not understand the younger generation's feelings? It was fine if they didn't meet, but after meeting, he lost interest in continuing because of the younger generation's concern. Besides, he had already played enough, so he simply stopped and enjoyed his son-in-law's efforts to make him happy. Wasn't that more pleasant than being teased?

However, he was also worried that if he continued to act recklessly, Chen Xuan would complain to the little princess. He could be stern with Chen Xuan, but he wouldn't be so heartless towards the little princess. If the little princess came to him with tears in her eyes, he would probably have to find a way to run away again. How could he then see what happened next? He was hoping to fish for the mastermind behind the scenes to jump out and confess here.

When Chen Xuan arrived at the place where Zhang San and the others were, they were still not awakened from the bewitching charm of the demoness. The brothers were actually hugging each other, which was an eyesore in broad daylight. Even the murderous evil cultivators did not have the "heart" to disturb them.

That enchantress's charm was truly remarkable. Although it was nothing to Chen Xuan, most people couldn't resist it. With charm and sleeping pills, if there hadn't been external intervention, Zhang San and his group would have definitely lost face today, and probably wouldn't even have the face to live after waking up.

The group of people huddled together were almost unbearable to look at. Chen Xuan simply coughed lightly, which brought them back to their senses. No matter what kind of drug or charm it was, it would all crumble before his Grandmaster's Will.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Ma Liu, now fully awake, saw Li Si standing with him and immediately shoved him away, glaring at him, feeling utterly disgusted.

Zhang San separated from Liu Er, clutching his collar in horror, and exclaimed, "Brother Liu, you're actually this kind of person..."

"No time for teasing them, the old man's still waiting," Chen Xuan interrupted, "Brothers, after what happened before, I've been targeted by some ruthless characters. Although I'm confident in my Battle Saint Body, if a powerful expert jumps out to target me, I'm afraid I won't be able to withstand it all at once. I don't want to be killed before I can even activate my Battle Saint Body. My life is more important, I'm running away first. Those left are all formidable opponents. You guys should also try to escape. We'll meet again in the martial world someday, see you later!"

With that, Chen Xuan turned and ran, the already chaotic situation disappearing from their sight in no time. Seeing him leave, the others, forgetting their previous embarrassment, exchanged bewildered glances. Zhang San sighed, "Brother Wang is a man of strong character; I wonder if we'll ever have the chance to share a drink together again."

"Why say so much? We're not here to risk our lives. At a time like this, shouldn't we try to stay away from trouble? Staying alive is the most important thing; there's nothing shameful about it."

"Nonsense, let's get out of here while no one's paying attention..."

Avoiding their gaze, Chen Xuan quickly turned his clothes inside out and even slightly altered his appearance, becoming a completely different person. In the process, he also managed to get a few snacks and two jugs of wine.

The old man was already sitting in the spot he had mentioned earlier, shaded by a willow tree. He leaned against the tree, watching the ongoing battle with a hint of eagerness in his eyes. Perhaps this setting reminded him of his military career in his youth.

He neither liked nor disliked people in the martial arts world. As long as it didn't affect people's livelihood or the stability of the court, he didn't care about fighting to the death. Having lived to his age, he had seen too much, and very few things could affect his mood anymore.

Carrying his things, Chen Xuan casually sat down cross-legged, seemingly detached from the lively commotion around him. He chuckled and said, "Father-in-law, I've prepared some snacks and two jugs of wine, all clean. It's just what I had, so please bear with me. Here, have a drink to soothe your throat."

The old man looked away, took the bowl of wine Chen Xuan poured, and took a hearty gulp. He stroked the wine stains on his beard, gesturing for Chen Xuan to pour more, and said cheerfully, "I'm a beggar now, what right do I have to complain? I'm lucky to have anything to eat. You've changed your appearance again, where did you learn these crooked tricks? I almost didn't recognize you. It's quite convenient, isn't it?"

"Want to learn? I'll teach you. Don't just drink, eat some food too."

"You have no manners! Do you think I care about your little tricks?" The old man scoffed, but heeded the advice and picked up his chopsticks to eat.

Chen Xuan turned around and said, "Old Wang, please sit down and have something to eat. Don't worry, I'm here. No one will bother us."

"Don't say that, really no one comes to bother us, it's like we don't exist. I know what you're capable of, don't use it for bad things. Forget it, why should I bother? If anyone should interfere, it's your wife who spoils you," the old man couldn't help but remind him, then he became a little melancholy, realizing that he was no longer the emperor and could no longer protect the younger generation.

Instead of going along with his mood-disrupting words, Chen Xuancai feigned grievance and poured out his troubles, saying, "Father-in-law, you don't know how strict my wife is with me. I only get a little pocket money every day, and I'm too embarrassed to go out for a drink. You should say a few words to her when you have time; a man shouldn't have any pride in public."

The old man glanced at him sideways, giving him a look that said, "You think I'm kidding?" and said irritably, "Don't give me that. Do you think I don't know Qian Ning's personality? Do you want me to spoil you rotten?"

"That's right, my wife is the best in the world," Chen Xuan said without blushing, his face beaming with pride even after being exposed.

Thinking of how much his precious daughter doted on this brat, Old Deng was furious. He gritted his teeth and said, "We should have raised Fuyao to have a more strong personality. Let's see how smug you are then. It's too late to say anything now."

With a chuckle, Chen Xuan didn't reply. Instead, he handed a bowl of wine to Eunuch Wang, who was hesitant to sit down, and asked curiously, "Elder Wang, have a drink. By the way, you replaced Zhu Hong, the leader of the Beggars' Sect. Where is he? And how did you learn the Beggars' Sect's ultimate martial arts?"

"Reporting to my son-in-law, I had a friendly discussion with Zhu Hong yesterday, and he was very happy to lend me his identity for two days. At first, he was reluctant, but after spending a gold bean, he happily agreed. He's probably enjoying himself somewhere right now. As for the Beggars' Sect's ultimate technique, I saw him demonstrate it twice. Although he didn't quite grasp the essence, with my own cultivation of the Myriad Manifestations Technique, I can simulate nine-tenths of its essence. People who don't understand it generally can't tell the difference," Eunuch Wang replied, accepting the wine bowl and saying thank you.

Nodding to himself, Chen Xuan thought to himself that his guess was indeed correct. The cultivation method that Eunuch Wang practiced could simulate many martial arts, but definitely not all of them. As for his so-called friendly discussion, he hoped it was truly friendly.

To buy an identity for two days with just one gold bean, I bet you used my money, didn't you?
There was no need to pry. Chen Xuan refilled the old man's empty wine bowl and asked directly, "Father, you said you were fishing. What kind of fish were you fishing for? Tell me, I'm really curious."

Father-in-law is also a father, no problem.

Chen Xuan's call of "father" made the old man's eyebrows lift with joy. Apart from the little princess, he had only heard this "father" not long ago, after he handed the throne to Zhou Chen.

There's nothing I can't tell Chen Xuan; he might need Chen Xuan's help later anyway. The old man narrowed his eyes and said, "This incident was orchestrated by a mastermind behind the scenes. It wasn't that little girl from the Zheng family. Her intentions were good, but she was taken advantage of. I don't know exactly who it is, but I'm certain it's a member of the Black Diagram Society. They're still hiding in the shadows. So, is this fish big enough?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, thinking to himself that it was actually the Black Diagram Society causing trouble behind the scenes, which was not surprising.

The people in the Black Picnic are like lunatics, always stirring up trouble. It's perfectly reasonable to assume they're manipulating the current situation from behind the scenes.

However, Chen Xuan was speechless and asked, "Father, you also know about the Black Diagram Society?"

"Nonsense, have I been an emperor for decades for nothing? I know they have Buddhism behind them, and they've always been a major threat. It's a pity they're too mysterious, and I can't find any evidence against them. It involves Buddhism, not just some temple or sect. This is a serious matter and cannot be acted lightly, otherwise I would want to eradicate them completely." The old man shook his head and said with some melancholy. He wanted to kill the tiger, but the tiger was hard to find. Besides, the Black Diagram Society was no longer something he should be considering now that he had been relieved of his burdens.

It seemed the old man knew more about the Black Diagram Society than he did. Chen Xuan looked around and asked, "Everyone says the Black Diagram Society members are like lunatics. So what are they after this time? Do they just want to see everyone fight to the death and bleed to death?"

"Where in the world do you find so many people who are free for no reason? Do you think everyone is as idle as you? Your so-called lack of purpose is just a pretext for something bigger. You're not a child anymore, you brat, don't you understand this simple principle?" the old man said irritably.

As Chen Xuan poured him some wine, he chuckled and said, "I'm just too lazy to guess. Why waste my brain? Since you know, Father, just tell me."

Too lazy to say anything to him, being a good wife and mother is Xiao Fuyao's duty now, the old man simply curled his lip and pointed to the small island under his buttocks and said: "What else could it be? There is something under this island. Hei Tu will take this opportunity to start this battle, just to get that item!"

...(End of chapter)