Promise!

Chapter 202, Tai Chi

For example, Yue Song, Zhuang Jin's constant attendant, mainly entertained martial artists below the Meridian Opening stage. The real distinguished guests at tonight's banquet were divided into two groups.

Zhuang Jin received the guests and young masters. Chen Yun's side consisted of female relatives, including the wives and concubines of the guests and young masters. In addition, two young ladies from the Shen family also came today.

Chen Yun didn't really like these things, but she was perceptive and could read people's expressions and decipher their intentions. So, when it came to doing these things, she could do them very well.

Compared to before, things are much easier now because her status has risen.

To put it simply, the status of the women here is determined by their husbands. Zhuang Jin is one of only two openly recognized Eight Meridians Breathing martial artists and Purple Robe Guardians in the Shen family. Chen Yun is naturally one of the top among the guard ladies. The other guard ladies, not to mention trying to curry favor with her, would at least be three points lower in their presence.

The only one who is on the surface evenly matched is Madam Mu, the wife of Mu Mingxi, the head of the General Affairs Department. Because Mu Mingxi owes Zhuang Jin a great favor, he asked his wife to take care of her. Just now, one of her close friends said something sarcastic about Chen Yun. Before Chen Yun could even open her mouth, she was rebuked by Madam Mu. The other wives of the servants were surprised and also distanced themselves from and ostracized that wife.

It can only be said that the closeness or distance of the ladies' diplomacy is closely related to the changes in their relationships with their husbands, because in this world, all their glory comes from their own men.

Ni Ying brought her daughter, who is now just a month old and has been named Shen Tongning.

Because her own family had difficulty conceiving, Chen Yun took a liking to this child and gave him a longevity lock made of gold.

This was merely a blessing, yet it was inevitably interpreted in a deeper way. Many of the worshippers wore expressions of anticipation, secretly glancing at someone.

Shen Xuqing's wife, Teng Mingzhi, maintained her smile and nodded slightly: "This child is blessed and will grow up safely."

call!
Hearing this, Ni Ying felt even more reassured. She subconsciously looked at Chen Yun and realized that her cousin had unknowingly reached such a level that every word, action, and gift she received could profoundly influence and change a person's destiny as if defying fate.

This applies not only to ordinary people, but also to the affairs of wealthy families.

On the other side, Shen Xujun, the fifth young lady of the Shen family, and Shen Xuhan, the seventh young lady, sat together.

Swish swish!
Shen Xuhan used her martial arts technique, Orchid Finger Flicking Technique, to put a skewer of meat into her mouth, making her cheeks puff up slightly like a little hamster: "The Zhuang family is really generous. This wild boar meat is actually at the Yi Jin realm. It's rare to see it on ordinary days. Today, this young lady must eat more."

Although she was the eldest daughter of the Shen family, there were many young masters and ladies in the Shen family, and with resources scattered among them, she was really not as good as Chen Yun.

In terms of cultivation level, both Shen Xujun and Shen Xuhan have some martial arts talent and have practiced martial arts. However, they are currently only at the Six Classics and Five Classics levels, respectively. Because of the issue of their daughters marrying out of the family, and to prevent the core techniques of the family from being passed on, they both practice the "Green Wood Everlasting Spring Technique".

"It's a pity that Third Sister didn't come today."

"Third Sister is virtuous and gentle, a typical lady of a prominent family, somewhat like that Madam Zhuang... Seventh Sister, what do you think of what Mother said?"

"Of course... I'll just sit and watch! That Master Zhuang is handsome and talented, but unfortunately he already has a wife, so he'll just be a concubine... Otherwise, I could give him a chance to pursue her."

Shen Xuhan gave a coquettish hum, put her hands on her hips, and said, "My future husband must love me very, very much, and only me, just like the love you wrote about, Fifth Sister, as pure as snow on the mountain, as bright as the moon in the clouds..."

'But that kind of love only exists in stories; in reality, how can it be so perfect? ​​We must accept that it's not perfect!'

Shen Xujun looked at her seventh sister, shook her head slightly, and thought to herself, 'Since you don't cherish this opportunity, seventh sister, then I won't be polite.'

She was clear-headed. In Shen Xuhan's eyes, Zhuang Jin was someone she could "give a chance to pursue," but in her eyes, he was already an extremely high-quality and rare good match.

"As the wife of an Eight-Meridian Breathing martial artist and a purple-robed retainer, she's not exactly being treated unfairly. Moreover, given the current situation in the family, this retainer has a glimmer of hope for breaking through to the Innate Realm. If she truly does break through, her status, position, and resources as the wife of an Innate Realm martial artist will be vastly different."

Shen Xujun thought to herself, looking at Chen Yun: 'Just like this Madam Zhuang, if she hadn't accompanied me from humble beginnings, sowing seeds and watering the plants, how could I be where I am today? Although it's a little late now, it might be our last chance.'

She glanced at her seventh sister, who was still eating, and got up to go over. As a famous talented woman in the prefecture, her knowledge was naturally remarkable. Chen Yun also liked calligraphy, painting, poetry and all sorts of things, so the two had common topics and quickly hit it off.

Chen Yun was quick-witted and naturally did not think that Shen Xujun had simply come over. With a quick thought, she roughly understood the meaning behind it. However, she also considered that although Zhuang Jin had already reached the Innate Realm, his relationship with the Shen family was still delicate and he needed a link to stabilize the relationship.

With mutual interest and mutual pursuit, the two women soon became so close that they could link arms.

The other ladies-in-waiting smiled as they witnessed this scene, but each had their own thoughts.

……

Unlike the women, who fawned over Chen Yun with a certain reserve, their words laced with veiled barbs and scheming, Zhuang Jin's side was much simpler and more direct. Between men, fists speak louder than words; their levels of skill and strength were clear, and their status was distinct. When they bowed and scraped, it was all the more blatant.

Tao Mengxi lowered her stance, repeatedly offering toasts and apologizing. Now she even felt fortunate that Sikong Rui had ambushed her back then.

Otherwise, if Zhuang Jin, a young martial artist of the Eight Meridians Breathing stage, were to be offended severely, he would probably live in constant fear, worried that not only would he himself be harmed, but the retribution would also fall on his juniors.

Some of his subordinates, who had acted on their own initiative and had previously targeted the offerings of Lin Hong, Bi Kai, and others, apologized today and brought generous gifts.

Those who offered their services, such as Fu Shousong, Sun Mingbi, and Zhong Yi, who had some connection with Zhuang Jin, naturally showed even more enthusiasm.

Not only these people, but even Mu Mingxi, who was also at the Eight Meridians Breathing Realm, lowered his cup slightly when drinking with Zhuang Jin.

Others assumed it was a favor Zhuang Jin had done for saving the Fourth Young Master during the struggle for the Yin-Yang Dragon in Qinghe County earlier this year, but he himself knew it wasn't—Zhuang Jin's aura was too harmonious, indicating that he had already perfected his eight extraordinary meridians, and perhaps even had the potential to advance further in the future!

Zhuang Jin looked at these martial artists below the Innate Realm. They were at different levels, and naturally, they had a calm and relaxed attitude, not caring about anything. They handled things with ease. Such a calm demeanor made these worshippers admire them even more.

At this moment, his thoughts were elsewhere: 'Tonight's meeting with Shen Xianhong and Mu Yuantu, and the results of their discussions, will determine the future of the prefecture for decades to centuries to come.'

"Compared to these people, who, though nominally worshippers and having entered the upper echelons of the Shen family, are swept up in the overwhelming tide of events, unable to control their own destiny, I have already transcended the current. I am the true player, the one riding the wave. The outcome of my game with Shen Xianhong, Mu Yuantu, and Shi Yong directly determines the fate of the prefecture!"

……

At midnight that night, after the banquet ended, Zhuang Jin quietly came to the inner courtyard again to meet with Shen Xianhong.

He also met the prefect of Yunnan, Mu Yuantu. He had thought that the refined name would correspond to a scholarly and elegant man, but he was quite surprised to find that Mu Yuantu was a tall and burly man with a rugged face and a big beard.

Mu Yuantu looked at Zhuang Jin with a sigh: "This fluctuation... Has Elder Zhuang broken through to the Innate Realm?! Everyone outside is saying that the eldest son of the Shen family failed to break through and died suddenly, putting them in a passive position. Now, this is clearly taking the initiative!"

"The fact that Patriarch Shen invited me here and made no attempt to conceal this fact, showing no fear of me saying it, must mean he wants to win me over and cooperate with me, which is good for me."

In just two short sentences, it's clear that this person is no ordinary individual. Recognizing Zhuang Jin at a glance means that this person has always been paying attention to both the Shen family and the Medicine King Gang, and may even have guessed their purpose directly.

"Prefect Mu has a good eye!"

Shen Xianhong recounted his findings from his investigation of the Medicine King Gang, as well as the plan he had discussed with Zhuang Jin and how they would divide the spoils afterward. "So, the Medicine King Gang leader, Shi Yong, actually inherited the legacy of 'Wrathful Vajra' Chu Yun from five hundred years ago? And the Medicine King Gang's Qingyuan Pot is only a damaged, mid-grade one?! Inviting me to a banquet to lure and kill the Medicine King Gang leader, Shi Yong, and offering the Shen family's low-grade Qingyuan Pot as a reward? That's somewhat sincere."

As Mu Yuantu spoke, he glanced at Shen Xianhong, then shifted his gaze to Zhuang Jin, seemingly guessing that Zhuang Jin had made the suggestion, and nodded slightly.

As the prefect, he was a supreme being with immense influence in Yunnan Prefecture, but his influence was largely public. His cultivation resources were restricted by the imperial court. If he obtained the low-grade Qingyuan Pot, he would no longer be subject to the imperial court, could lay the foundation for a powerful clan, and even further transform public resources into private ones, truly becoming a powerful clan like the Shen family, ensuring the family's wealth and glory for hundreds of years.

"I can agree, but there are two points. First, if we're going to cooperate, let's cooperate properly and not have any ulterior motives."

Mu Yuantu stared into Shen Xianhong's eyes: "I'm talking about Patriarch Shen. Let me make this clear from the start: if I find that Patriarch Shen is not doing his best, or even has the slightest intention of using someone else to do his dirty work, don't blame me for turning around and backing out, and making peace with the Medicine King Gang."

Shen Xianhong met the man's gaze, their eyes seemingly colliding and sparking in mid-air, neither willing to yield. In the end, he was the first to back down: "Agreed."

Zhuang Jin remained silent, keeping her eyes down and her mind focused.

Mu Yuantu could say this, but due to his status, he couldn't really say it. It was just a tacit understanding. Now that Mu Yuantu has stepped forward and played the villain, clearly stating this point and breaking the ice, as long as Shen Xianhong isn't stupid, he will completely dispel some possible ideas and first eliminate the Medicine King Gang, this major threat.

But Zhuang Jin never expected that she would be the one caught in the gossip.

Secondly,

Mu Yuantu turned to Zhuang Jin: "I know very well what kind of person Zhuang Gongfeng is. Afterwards, I want Zhuang Gongfeng to marry one of my daughters..."

"Cough cough!"

Shen Xianhong interrupted, seemingly wanting to say something.

“I know what the Shen family is talking about. Your family is also marrying off a daughter, right? Then let’s take advantage of the situation and marry Zhuang Gongfeng as well, as equal wives.” Mu Yuantu waved his hand and said.

Shen Xianhong said nothing more, and the two of them looked at Zhuang Jin together.

Is this a case of killing two birds with one stone?

Zhuang Jin's lips twitched slightly. Under their gazes, after a few breaths of silence, he nodded slightly: "Agreed!"

After the banquet ended tonight, Chen Yun said she had told him about Shen Xujun and expressed her support. Chen Yun didn't mind, and he wouldn't be coy either. It was just a matter of two more blankets. If it could help him, the Shen family, and Mu Yuantu maintain stability and harmony, it would be worth it.

"Then this matter is settled. Next, let's discuss the details. Let me start by saying that the Shen family and the Medicine King Gang are both suffering greatly from the losses. I've heard that the Medicine King Gang's supply of cultivation resources has been affected recently... Now, your Shen family's eldest son has failed to break through and died suddenly, so he also needs to catch his breath... I will use all these reasons to invite Shi Yong to come and mediate tomorrow, suspend the fighting, and when he arrives, the three of us will surround and kill him."

"I received news in the evening that Shi Jie, the younger brother of the Medicine King Gang leader, had ambushed Zhuang Sheng's ship returning to the prefectural city. This can be added... to make Prefect Mu's mediation seem more realistic."

"The peace talks can be held at the government office, which will put Shi Yong at ease and give Prefect Mu an excuse to make trouble."

……

All three were shrewd and resourceful; with three heads held high, they quickly devised a comprehensive plan after checking for any omissions and filling in any gaps.

The key to all of this actually lies with Zhuang Jin. Normally, it would be almost impossible for him to break through to the Innate Realm so quickly. It was precisely by taking advantage of this information gap that he managed to trick Shi Yong in one fell swoop.

The three discussed and decided on a plan, then went their separate ways to make preparations.

……

After parting ways with Shen Xianhong and Mu Yuantu, Zhuang Jin returned to his own courtyard at headquarters, took out the Black Fiend Skill's Innate True Qi Realm cultivation method, and the Innate Palm Technique "Yin Yang Two Elements Palm".

"The Innate True Qi Realm is actually divided into three levels. The first level is the level I am currently at. Even flying flowers and plucking leaves can injure people."

"The second level is the sound of air-driven thunder."

If we say that the first level of the Innate True Qi Realm only allows true qi to leave the body by three feet, and to attack from a distance, one can either pluck flowers and leaves by attaching true qi to objects, or use true qi to manipulate the primordial energy, light and shadow, and airflow of heaven and earth, like the Black Fiend Palm of the perfect third level, which can easily crush weaklings...

So, when one reaches the second level of the Innate True Qi Realm—Qi-Moving Thunder Sound—the Innate True Qi has been condensed to a certain degree, and can form sword qi, blade light, palm wind, etc., which can be thrown out of thin air to produce an explosive effect, causing great damage.

This is actually at this level, where the innate true energy is condensed, but not condensed enough. It can achieve long-range effects without relying on anything, but it will explode upon contact.

Because each move is as powerful as a thunderclap, this level is called "Pneumatic Thunder Sound".

"The third level of the Innate True Qi Realm is Qi Refining Like a Rainbow."

At this level, the innate true energy is condensed to the extreme. For example, when using a sword, with a single swing, the sword energy is as condensed as a bolt of lightning, capable of splitting an ordinary artificial mountain or mound in two.

"That's right. With the Black Fiend Technique's Innate True Qi Realm cultivation method, my stagnant cultivation level can continue to advance. However, this Innate Palm Technique is still more useful at the moment."

Zhuang Jin flipped through the "Yin Yang Two Elements Palm" and nodded slightly: "As Shen Xianhong said, this innate palm technique has many similarities with the Black Fiend Palm, and it also has some reference value for the Tai Chi I learned in my previous life."

He assumed a fighting stance, circulated his innate true energy, and practiced this palm technique. Each move became faster and faster, flowing like clouds and water.

If it could be quantified, it would be found that Zhuang Jin's proficiency in the Yin-Yang Two Elements Palm technique is currently increasing at an alarming rate.

In an instant, he had already entered the beginner level, and then continued to advance rapidly until he reached the threshold of minor success. Normally, a martial artist would be stuck here, but because he had no bottleneck, he directly reached the minor success level!

hum!
At this moment, Zhuang Jin's innate true energy surged, and under the control of his palms, it transformed into a black and white Tai Chi yin-yang fish with a diameter of three feet, which rotated back to himself.

"The Yin-Yang Palm technique, I've already... mastered it?!"

It should be noted that the minor mastery level of the Yin-Yang Two Elements Palm is already the limit of the first level of the Innate True Qi Realm—the ability to injure people by plucking flowers and leaves. To achieve mastery, one needs to first reach the second level of the Innate True Qi Realm—the Qi-driven Thunder Sound, because this involves the palm wind aspect.

"It's also because the Black Fiend Palm and the Yin-Yang Two Elements Palm share many similarities. My proficiency in the third level of the Black Fiend Palm has been transformed, and combined with the concepts of Tai Chi I learned in my previous life, as well as my innate talent without bottlenecks, these three factors have enabled me to achieve a minor mastery of the Yin-Yang Two Elements Palm so quickly."

Zhuang Jin nodded in relief, a look of satisfaction on his face: 'Having mastered the Yin-Yang Two Elements Palm technique, I can now avoid the embarrassment of only being able to scrape the surface with my Black Fiend Palm in battles against opponents of the same realm. Although I'm probably still not as powerful as Shen Xianhong and Mu Yuantu, the difference won't be too great.'

"With Shen Xianhong and Mu Yuantu as the main attackers tomorrow, I'll be more than enough as support."

……

(End of this chapter)