Misty Rain of the Old Times

The black dragon shrank to the size of a chopstick and plunged into the lake, disappearing from sight. The underwater rivers were interconnected. The thing was an inanimate puppet, much like a withered branch, and it was incredibly fast. Chen Xuan couldn't track it down or destroy it completely, so he had no choice but to give up.

He had a premonition that he would encounter it again in the future. Judging from the previous situation, even if it lost a section of its dragon body, it could recover. He estimated that it would be even stronger when they met again!
However, it's not a big problem. Chen Xuan is confident that with his cultivation talent, he won't stagnate. When they meet again, he won't be able to run away, provided that they don't stand on the opposite side.

So who was the person he was talking to remotely? Chen Xuan suspected it was Zhou Laowu, and the possibility was quite high, but he had no evidence. Even if it was just a guess, he trusted his intuition.

The lake has gradually calmed down, and the massive scene of the previous battle has slowly disappeared. The island is now devastated and fragmented, with less than one-fifth of its original size remaining. The people of Yang County will have one less place to visit and enjoy nature. But that's not necessarily true; after this incident, more people might come to visit.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in Chen Xuan's eyes as he waved his hand, silently erasing the remnants of the Grandmaster's will from the previous battle. Otherwise, ordinary people would inevitably suffer undeserved disasters if they approached this place, and their lives might even be in danger.

The remaining spirit and will of a grandmaster are very dangerous to ordinary people. Not to mention ordinary people, even those with low cultivation levels may suffer from mental disorder at best, and in severe cases, they may suffer from demonic possession and die. Of course, if one is lucky enough to have a spiritual resonance, one may be able to comprehend something.

With a large sword slung over his shoulder, Chen Xuan turned around and was immediately speechless, his lips twitching. He had managed to end this sudden turn of events in a hurry, but the old man and Eunuch Wang had taken the opportunity to run away again.

Honestly, couldn't you at least say hello? Do you think I can control where you go? Why are you acting like a little kid, causing me so much worry? Is it possible that people become more childish as they get older?
Muttering to himself, Chen Xuan casually tossed aside the chipped broadsword, which was now useless. He then flashed back into the small building, reverting to his original appearance.

Chen Xuan had taken precautions to protect this place and it hadn't been affected, but with such a commotion outside and it already dark, Princess Zheng Wanqian and the others couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Chen Xuan laughed as if nothing had happened, "Alright, it's all over. There's probably not much excitement to watch next. How about we leave now? What do you guys think?"

Chen Xuan didn't plan to greet the rest of the people. After all, they were complete strangers. He thought it would be too much trouble to flatter them or thank them, so he simply left.

The little princess didn't concern herself with men's affairs; she just needed to fulfill her duties as a wife. Being too curious was considered distasteful. She nodded as if nothing had happened and said, "Since my husband finds it uninteresting, let's go."

Nodding, Chen Xuan looked at Zheng Wanxi and asked, "Miss Zheng, what about you?"

Having a rare opportunity to spend time with Chen Xuan, Zheng Wanqian naturally didn't want to miss it. Even staying a little longer would be a happy thing. She nodded without hesitation and said, "Alright, but could you please wait a moment, Mr. Chen? I'll give you a few instructions, and it'll be ready soon."

"Miss Zheng, please feel free to leave. It won't take much time," Chen Xuan said with a smile. They had all come together, so they might as well leave together. It would be impolite to leave her here.

Then Zheng Wanxi quickly summoned a highly paid innate bodyguard and gave him a few instructions, which were nothing more than the aftermath and follow-up arrangements. She didn't need to personally intervene; there were plenty of people to take care of it.

Although what happened afterward was beyond her expectations, she had secretly initiated the martial arts tournament. So many people had died, and the aftermath had to be handled properly. Moreover, she would not break her promises. Merchants pursue profits, but credibility is often very important, especially after Chen Xuan saved her. Her panicked handling of the situation displeased Chen Xuan, and she had been very careful about these things ever since.

These were not things Chen Xuan should worry about, so he didn't care. He wasn't a member of the martial arts world, so what happened next was none of his business, and he had no interest in enjoying people's gratitude.

After Zheng Wanxi quickly gave her instructions, Chen Xuan led the people who were leaving and left without anyone noticing how they got away.

The sudden change came and went quickly. After Chen Xuan and the others left, the remaining people didn't even have time to react. It took them a while to realize that the crisis was over. They felt like they had escaped a disaster, and many of them even collapsed to the ground.

Then people had to face the reality that their common enemy had been killed by the mysterious master, Wang Wu, and whether the rest of them should continue to fight.
After Black Dragon left, Wang Wu, the big-sword-wielding man, also quickly disappeared. People realized that he probably didn't want to deal with them, which was beyond their control. It was good enough that he didn't come to collect protection money. Given the previous experience, no one dared to morally blackmail them or nag them about why they hadn't acted sooner, so many people wouldn't have died. Who would dare to say that? The body of the woman from the Flying Feather Sect wasn't even cold yet.

There's no need to overthink it. Xuan Yang hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and looked at Luo Yan warily, asking, "Sect Leader Luo, what are your intentions next?"

Both sides suffered heavy casualties, and with both sides seriously injured and having their cards exposed, what's the point of continuing the fight? Going back to recuperate is the most important thing.

Luo Yan was no longer as arrogant and impulsive as before. He pondered for a moment and said, "No one could have predicted what would happen. Since things have come to this, how about we all go our separate ways?"

"Alright," Xuan Yang nodded. He didn't want to continue fighting either, and everyone else had lost their fighting spirit.

With a quick glance, Luo Yan gave a perfunctory cupped-hand salute and said, "I was unable to determine a victor today, but the mountains and rivers remain unchanged. I will learn from your superior skills another day. Farewell."

With that, he flicked his tattered cloak and vanished. If he didn't leave soon, he would collapse. He had only been holding on by sheer willpower. He had already been seriously injured from challenging and fighting a Grandmaster-level expert, and under normal circumstances, he probably wouldn't recover for several years.

As he left, a hint of resentment and helplessness flashed in Luo Yan's eyes. After all, good and evil were opposing forces. When the black-robed man wanted to wipe them out, Xuan Yang protected everyone, but he was more biased towards the righteous side, which really hurt the evil side. At that time, most of the few survivors died, and the evil bandits had to be depressed and keep a low profile for a long time.

They should be grateful that not all of them are dead. If it weren't for the concern that without the control of these higher-ups, the people below would act recklessly without restraint, Xuan Yang probably wouldn't have bothered to lend a hand.

That's reality. As opposing sides, how could they possibly let you have an easy time if they had the chance?

Xuan Yang also wanted them all to die here, but he had to consider that the unrestrained lower levels of the evil path would recklessly harm the innocent, so he had to compromise a little and protect a few of them.

Actually, it wasn't impossible to leave all the evil cultivators here, but Xuan Yang thought it over and decided against it. Luo Yan wasn't dead yet, and the cost of doing so would be too great.

After Luo Yang left, the evil faction also scattered in droves, each using their own methods. They still had some bottom line, trying to take away the corpses of their companions as much as possible. However, after the previous great battle, there weren't many corpses left to find.

After the evil forces gradually left, the righteous forces breathed a sigh of relief. No one wanted to continue fighting; they couldn't afford any more trouble.

Looking at the devastated scene, a trace of melancholy flashed in Xuan Yang's eyes. He had seen many storms, but this was the first time he had ever seen anything like this.

Just as he was about to say something comforting, his ears suddenly twitched. He overheard someone arranged by Zheng Wanqian transmitting a secret message. He nodded slightly, relieved, and a rare smile appeared on his face. He then looked at everyone and said, "Everyone, this happened suddenly, and no one could have predicted it beforehand. But since it has already happened, let's discuss how to handle the aftermath and provide compensation to the victims..."

Others might not know, but Xuan Yang did. The initiator of this martial arts tournament was Zheng Wanqian, and the promised one million taels of silver was enough to give everyone a somewhat satisfactory explanation. Moreover, the person who sent him a message said that another 500,000 taels had been added, and a group of famous doctors were already on their way.

We will do our best to save every single person who can still be saved, and we will also try our best to ensure that every victim is properly taken care of. However, the evil side will not receive such treatment.

As for those idle people who have nothing better to do than come here to join the fun, why bother?

Chen Xuan led everyone directly to Zheng Wanqian's Si Luoyang Manor, saving them the trouble of traveling back and forth. They didn't need to worry about the carriage they had taken there; if it was still in good condition, someone would bring it back. "You're back already? Young Master Chen, you're so fast! That's so convenient! I only knew that the Grandmaster realm was very strong before, but I had no concept of it. Today I learned that they possess almost world-destroying abilities. It's truly unimaginable. Young Master Chen, you're so young yet you have such strength. How did you cultivate it?" Zhang Yu looked Chen Xuan up and down, then stared at him with burning admiration, as if she wanted to strip him bare and understand him inside and out.

Zheng Wanqian and the others inside the small building didn't pay much attention to what was happening outside, but Zhang Yu witnessed the whole process and was deeply shocked. It broadened her horizons and really opened her eyes to new knowledge.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan was immediately displeased and said irritably, "How dare you talk like that, you big-butt? Who's faster? Be careful, or I'll go to the government and sue you for defamation. How dare you say I'm fast? Hmph, believe me or not, I'll let you see how fast you really are!"

Why is he getting so worked up? Zhang Yu was taken aback by what she heard. She wasn't some clueless little girl; she knew some basic principles. She quickly realized that Chen Xuan was making a lewd joke. Whether it was because she was thinking about her private conversation with Zheng Wanqian or because she was shy as a girl, her cheeks flushed slightly as she glared at Chen Xuan and looked at the little princess, saying, "Madam Chen, look at your husband! I'm a girl, and he actually said such things. Doesn't he do anything about it?"

Covering her mouth and laughing, the little princess comforted him, "Alright, alright, that's just his personality. He's like a child who doesn't grow up, always speaking without thinking. Miss Zhang Yu, don't take it to heart."

So you know you're a girl, huh? You little punk, trying to mess with me? Tsk, you actually blushed, that's rare.

The two hadn't exchanged many proper words since they were together, so Chen Xuan knew when to stop and didn't want to provoke her. He turned to Zheng Wanqian and said, "Miss Zheng, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave now."

Chen Xuan was still thinking about his honeymoon. He had only come to Yinlong County to watch the excitement, but little did he know that he would end up getting involved himself. Since everything was over, there was no need to stay any longer. He should continue on his journey.

He planned to set off today, not because he didn't want to stay in Zhang Ao's courtyard any longer after seeing him so scared, but because Zhang Ao would definitely come back to thank him profusely later. Chen Xuan thought it would be too much trouble, so he decided to avoid him.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wanqian felt very disappointed. She didn't know when she would see the princess again. Even though she had subtly expressed her satisfaction with the princess and was even happy that her husband had accepted her into the family, the lack of a clear statement always made her feel anxious. Moreover, she had already fallen in love with the princess, and she couldn't see the person she longed for day and night. Every day was filled with the torment of longing.

Ignoring everything else, she said with a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, "But has Wanqian done anything rude? We're already at the door, and it's lunchtime. Why don't you two, Mr. and Mrs. Chen, come in for a simple meal, and let Wanqian show her hospitality?"

“Yes, yes, Young Master Chen, why are you in such a hurry to leave? There’s nothing urgent to do, and we’re not strangers anymore, so please stay,” Zhang Yu said, forgetting his argument with Chen Xuan, trying to persuade them to stay. He didn’t even realize that he was a little reluctant to part ways.

When did we stop being outsiders? Although Zheng Wanqian's words yesterday really touched me, we haven't made it clear yet, so our relationship isn't at that level, is it?
With a wave of thought, Chen Xuan was about to politely decline when the little princess touched her belly, tugged at Chen Xuan's sleeve, and said in a coquettish tone, "Husband, Wanqian's intentions are so kind, why should we be so cold-hearted? Let's go in and sit down. Besides, I'm a little hungry, and I really miss the food I had here yesterday."

She wanted to stay a couple more days so that Zheng Wanxi could secretly consult a renowned doctor to confirm if it was as she thought. She was unwilling to leave just like that. As long as she stayed, she was confident that she could keep Chen Xuan from leaving in such a hurry.

Of course, while she might act coquettishly, if her husband insisted on leaving, she would naturally follow suit. When they were out together, she would never disrespect her husband; she could always find another way.

Since his wife had said so, what could Chen Xuan do but go along with her? So he looked at Zheng Wanqian apologetically and said, "Miss Zheng's kindness is too much to refuse, so I'll have to accept it without being impolite."

"Young Master Chen, you're too kind. I couldn't be happier. Please come in quickly," Zheng Wanxi said with a bright and cheerful expression.

Nodding, Chen Xuan took a step to follow them into the manor, but stopped and turned back, frowning, "Why did you follow us here? Do you have some ulterior motive?"

Seeing this, the little princesses were wondering who Chen Xuan was talking to when they saw a small figure emerge from behind a tree about the size of a bowl in the distance, where there had been nothing before.

It was none other than Ji Jue, the leader of the Shadow Assassin Sect. She had changed into a new outfit, dressed in flamboyant attire. Although she was flat-chested, she looked incredibly cute and charming.

Another woman, pale-faced, stepped forward and plopped down on the ground, looking at Chen Xuan with a fearful expression. She said, "This humble woman dares not. It's not that I dared to deliberately follow you, but... but since Your Excellency hasn't given the order, I dare not leave rashly."

Earlier, Chen Xuan grabbed her, making her realize that he was unfathomable. Chen Xuan's subsequent actions confirmed this, so she stayed obediently to the side, not daring to make any rash moves. As a result, when Chen Xuan and the others left, leaving her there, everyone else had dispersed. She was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to stay or leave. So she followed him to ask if he would stay or leave, otherwise she was really worried. If she left directly, she didn't want to bear the consequences if Chen Xuan ever thought of settling scores with her.

She had already guessed Chen Xuan's identity, but dared not reveal it, and could only address him as "noble person".

"What an adorable little girl! Husband, how could you bully such a little girl? It's alright, get up quickly," the little princess said after a moment of hesitation, giving Chen Xuan a reproachful look. Although it wasn't confirmed yet, the little princess felt a surge of maternal love at the thought that she might be pregnant, and she couldn't bear to see the little girl's pitiful and anxious appearance.

Feeling both amused and exasperated, Chen Xuan turned around and said speechlessly, "She's not some little girl, she just looks young. She's the leader of the Shadow Assassin Sect, probably older than my husband and I combined."

Upon hearing this, the little princess immediately abandoned her sympathy and said, "Is that so? Then, my husband, you can decide for yourself."

Upon learning that Chen Xuan claimed she was actually the leader of the Shadow Assassin Sect, everyone present became alarmed and wary. At the same time, they looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and astonishment. The leader of the Shadow Assassin Sect was actually a 'little girl'? No wonder no one had ever seen her before. Even they would have to hide themselves, otherwise, the way she looked would make everyone want to pinch her cheeks, which would give her no authority whatsoever.

Turning back, Chen Xuan thought, "Oh right, I forgot about her earlier. Go wherever you want, why are you following me?" However, she asked curiously, "You actually managed to keep up? Quite capable, no wonder you're the Shadow Assassin Sect Master."

Upon hearing this, Ji Jue's heart trembled, and she was so frightened that she almost cried. Normally, she was someone who struck fear into people's hearts. Perhaps due to the limitations of her body, she didn't seem to notice when she hid herself. In her true appearance, her personality was somewhat similar to that of a young girl.

Now, she was so frightened that she lay on the ground, her little bottom sticking up, and said in a trembling voice, "This humble woman dares not. Without the permission of Your Excellency, I dare not make a decision on my own. I have come to inquire about your whereabouts. The reason I was able to follow you is because I followed the aura of the other noble ladies." She hesitated for a moment and then added, "This humble woman is sixty-eight years old this year."

"Then how dare you call yourself a 'little lady'? Do you really think you're a child?" Chen Xuan's lips twitched, and she waved her hand, saying, "Go wherever you want, cool off somewhere else. If I find out you have ulterior motives, you'd better think twice."

"Thank you for your kindness. I dare not disturb you. I will leave now. If you ever need my help in the future, please just let me know." As she spoke, she looked up at Du Juan cautiously, then got up and quickly left.

Not paying any attention, Chen Xuan looked at Du Juan, who looked like she was questioning her life, and laughed, "Sister Juan, you didn't expect your former boss to look like this, did you? Don't just stand there, let's go, let's go. I don't mind this blazing sun, but I hope your wife and Miss Zheng don't get sunburned."

Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Yu offered Zheng Wanqian a helping hand, pouting and saying, "Young Master Chen is showing concern for the beauty, huh? I'm a girl too, and you don't even care about me."

Why does that tone sound a little sour?

It's only natural for me to care about my wife, why are you being so sour? Chen Xuan didn't argue with her, but instead asked the little princess, "Wife, how much do you know about your fifth brother, Prince Qing?"

Chen Xuan originally wanted to ask Lao Deng, but when he turned around earlier, Lao Deng had already run away.

...(End of chapter)