Promise!

Chapter 240, Each Shows Their Skills

Just as Bi Boyi said, the primordial tide last month was a dangerous experience that taught him a harsh lesson, like a wake-up call that completely roused him. Looking back now, he noticed some details that he had previously overlooked, and felt a chill run down his spine.

He once thought that the state capital was prosperous and the Xuantian Division was tolerant and generous. Why not stay in the state capital as a Xiantian family instead of being a local powerful clan?
Now I understand: a prefectural city has its own prosperity, and a provincial city has its own freedom; each has its advantages and disadvantages.

"I obtained Brother Zhuang's Jade Dragon Ginseng and have been recuperating for nearly a month. My injuries are now mostly healed. Elder Cen and Brother Leng are still in seclusion healing their wounds. I have already left a letter. I just came to tell Brother Zhuang today before I leave."

"I'll see Brother Bi off."

Zhuang Jin got up and went out with Bi Boyi.

On the way, the two talked about the He family. Bi Boyi told Zhuang Jin that after the He family came to see Zhuang Jin that day, they went to see Min Zhongmin. Min Zhongmin was not one to meddle in other people's business, and he was not on good terms with He Zhaoyi when he was alive, so he also did not interfere.

Later, the He family sought help from Hong Baoshu, whose injuries were slightly less severe. Hong Baoshu went to help, but seeing that the He family was in dire straits and everyone was pushing them down, he pulled a sly move, turning his attention to the Suspended Heaven Bureau, the State Government, and several other innate families, and together they divided up the He family.

This was unacceptable to Bi Boyi. It was one thing for them to stand by and watch, but for them to do this, after all, they had once been in the same circle, was really... disgraceful.

He was determined to leave and did not want to stay any longer, partly because he had experienced the coldness of human relationships and felt somewhat disheartened.

Listening to this, Zhuang Jin suddenly recalled Teng Yuansong's words: 'The city of Zhou is incredibly prosperous, dazzling the eye. A first visitor will surely marvel at the existence of such a place. But if one stays long enough, one will discover that everywhere is made up of people, and everything is the same. Then one will eventually realize that the city of Zhou is nothing more than that.'

Indeed, human nature is universal, no matter where you are.

"I remember when Brother Zhuang first joined us two years ago, our little circle of eight was so lively. But now... sigh!"

Bi Boyi's complex emotions ultimately boiled down to this one sigh: "Among these reasons, there are individual reasons on our part, but there are also reasons caused by the environment of the state capital itself."

"The capital city, the capital city..."

He shook his head slightly, but the words that came out of his mouth were: "The city of the prefecture is nice, but it is not my hometown. I came from the prefectural city, and now it is time for me to return to the prefectural city."

"By the way, my home in Huaihua Prefecture isn't too far from Diannan Prefecture. Brother Zhuang, is there anything you'd like me to take there, or to pass on a message?"

"Southern Yunnan!"

Zhuang Jin's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, but she quickly composed herself and shook her head, saying, "Since I have already left Yunnan, all the past is gone, there's no need for that."

"That's fine."

Bi Boyi didn't say much: "Then I'll go. Although I'm returning home today, I will keep an eye on the news from the city. I only wish Brother Zhuang a safe and smooth journey."

"Thank you for your kind words, take care!"

"Take care!" Bi Boyi clasped his hands in a fist salute and left gracefully.

Zhuang Jin watched as Bi Boyi turned back and waved one last time before entering the carriage. He thought of the eight people in the small circle back then, now some were dead, some were injured, and some had left. He thought of the hustle and bustle of last night, but before him was Bi Boyi's carriage, which disappeared into the mountains along the official road with the remaining snow on the side of the road, and disappeared after a bend.

As the hustle and bustle faded and the music ended, he felt a slight melancholy, but it quickly dissipated.

"Liveliness is fleeting, but solitude is eternal. On the path of martial arts, I have bid farewell to countless former companions who could not keep up, and there will be many more like them in the future."

Zhuang Jin vaguely saw that the path he was on was destined to be endlessly lonely, but as he had said before, the Great Dao is a solitary journey, and it is precisely in the midst of gatherings and separations, and the turbulent world, that he tempered his Dao heart into something as hard as steel.

……

A few days later.

Hong Baoshu came over and spoke of the He family: "When Brother He Zhaoyi was alive, he did many unethical things. Take the matter of that piece of land in the Fourth Ring Road, for example. He cheated many first-, second-, and third-rate families. Now that Brother He is dead, those first-, second-, and third-rate families have filed lawsuits again. The state government and the Xuantian Bureau have also intervened to set things right..."

When He Zhaoyi was still alive, the state government and the Xuantian Bureau acted like deaf and blind people when he made such a blatant challenge to the laws of the Great Qian Dynasty. They shirked responsibility and condoned it, and were even close to standing up for him. But now that He Zhaoyi is dead, the state government and the Xuantian Bureau suddenly became deaf and blind. They stepped forward and righteously declared that they would serve the "people". Their efficiency was so high that it was like they were fighting for food.

This whole affair is quite interesting in itself, looking at the whole story.

"The He family has incurred the wrath of the masses. Even if they come to me, it's hard to guarantee their safety. I ostensibly participated in dividing up the He family's assets, but in reality, I was protecting a portion of their business. Now, I've left a branch of the He family to carry on the family line, which can be considered a consolation to Brother He's spirit in heaven."

Of the eight people in the small circle, Hong Baoshu had a fairly good relationship with Zhuang Jin, ranking third after Bi Boyi and Min Zhongmin. Last month, he even arranged for his second son to get engaged to Ji Tongyi of the Ji family, which was also a roundabout way of getting closer to Zhuang Jin.

Now, no matter how Hong Baoshu tries to cover it up, he has acted somewhat unethically in this matter concerning the He family. He is afraid that all his previous efforts will be in vain, that he will damage his impression on Zhuang Jin, or even leave a grudge. That is why he came to explain his predicament and the 'truth'.

However, whether Hong Baoshu's intention to preserve the He family line was genuine or merely to appease Zhuang Jin is a matter of opinion. It is also true that he took a significant portion of the spoils from the He family's downfall.

“I have no relation to the He family. Brother Hong, there’s no need to explain. Whatever you do is perfectly acceptable.”

Zhuang Jin's opinion on this matter was that he had no opinion; it was none of his business, so he kept to himself. As for Hong Baoshu, they had been in the same circle before and had some relationship and acquaintance, but it wasn't that deep, much less that he trusted him or would entrust his back to him.

Want to get something from him? Sure, but not through roundabout marriages or superficial gestures. You need to offer real benefits in exchange.

Hong Baoshu understood Zhuang Jin's personality. All these roundabout marriage arrangements and superficial efforts were more about establishing a channel with Zhuang Jin. After all, Zhuang Jin had now broken through to the Innate Qi Realm, and the connections he had in the small circle of True Qi Realm cultivators were no longer enough. To put it bluntly, Zhuang Jin would soon have a new circle and wouldn't be able to associate with this group of people anymore.

“Venerable Zhuang has already reached the Innate Qi Realm and entered the Qi Realm circle. Perhaps I can be of some help in this matter.”

He took the initiative to explain the reason: "My family is a Xiantian family in the state capital, with a history of more than two hundred years. Thanks to the legacy of my father, we have a favor from a Xiantian Gangqi Realm Venerable."

"To be honest, Venerable Zhuang, this favor is neither too big nor too small. It's not enough for something big, but it's not necessary for something small. It's not good to let people keep thinking about this favor. I should maintain my dignity. Introducing Venerable Zhuang into the circle would be perfect. If Venerable Zhuang is interested, I can take you to make the introduction tomorrow."

Zhuang Jin's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this. He did indeed need to enter a new circle and learn about things at a higher level. He had a way to do this, but it was quite troublesome. It would be best to do it through Hong Baoshu.

However, he did not agree directly, but looked at Hong Baoshu and said, "Brother Hong, is there anything you need? Please speak frankly."

“I have met Venerable Zhuang. My good-for-nothing son is currently at the Fetal Breathing stage, just before the threshold of the Innate Realm. The secret medicines stored in our home have repeatedly failed to awaken his Innate Spiritual Light after he has taken them. Therefore, he wants to buy some beast cores and beast beads from Venerable Zhuang. I can offer a 30% premium over the price of the Suspended Heaven Division contribution points.”

The main ingredients of the secret medicine are beast cores and beast beads. These resources are restricted and controlled by the Suspended Sky Bureau and are only released at auctions. If a family with innate talent like the Hong family needs them, they either hunt for them themselves or trade them through their own personal channels.

Hong Baoshu is only at the first level of the Innate True Qi Realm. It is really difficult for him to hunt beasts of the Five Organs Realm on his own. Moreover, he has to find an Innate Venerable without a family through personal channels. Otherwise, such a person would not be willing to exchange for something with such a foundation.

For example, the Venerable One of the Innate Qi Realm who owes a favor has a family. If he were to bring up this matter and use up that favor, the other party would most likely give him one or two beast cores to settle the debt. Only someone like Zhuang Jin, who is single and has no family, might be able to exchange for something a little more.

“That’s fine. I happen to have some beast cores and beast beads that I can exchange with Brother Hong.” Zhuang Jin nodded slightly and agreed.

In the latter half of last month, I worked incredibly hard to exchange for "The Divine Sword of Intercepting Meridians: The Qi Chapter," but the rewards were considerable. I sold the meat, hides, and other materials of various exotic beasts at the Five Viscera Realm to the Suspended Heaven Bureau first. After reaching the required exchange price, I also accumulated some beast cores and beast beads.

In this mutually beneficial arrangement, Hong Baoshu, being a respectable man, didn't simply walk away after the transaction was completed. They chatted about other matters, such as Cen Zhanshan's loss of vital energy and lifespan, his breakthrough to the Innate Qi Realm and the dissipation of his obsessions, and his recent increased attention to his family's younger generation, offering much guidance; and Leng Kui's improved relationship with his family during his recovery after losing his arm, seemingly showing a similar inclination to return to family life...

After exchanging some news and chatting for a while, I finally left.

...On this very day, several reports were updated within the Suspended Heaven Bureau.

[Serial Number: 283 (Heavenly Character)]

Name: Bi Boyi

Age: 37

[Current Realm: First Level of Innate True Qi Realm]

[Technique: ... (Folding)]

[Analysis: The target has left the state capital and returned to the prefectural capital. Following past practice, the file will be archived and the target will be unfollowed.]

……

[Serial Number: 159 of the Heavenly Characters]

Name: Cen Zhanshan

(Folding)
Overall Rating (Threat Level): Medium C - Upper D

[Analysis: Considering the target age, the depletion of vital energy due to injury, and the shortened lifespan, the level of concern is reduced, and the threat level is revised to Ding Shang.]

……

[Serial Number: 246]

Name: Leng Kui

(Folding)
Overall Rating (Threat Level): Lower B to Upper C

[Analysis: The target has lost an arm and shows a tendency to return to family life. Its hostility towards the court and powerful families has significantly decreased. However, the possibility of it being a deception cannot be ruled out. The threat level is temporarily revised.]

……

For example, Hong Baoshu and Min Zhongmin also had minor adjustments, which need not be discussed in detail.

……

The next day, Hong Baoshu took Zhuang Jin there, used his father's connections to explain his purpose, and introduced him to the martial artist at the Innate Qi Realm.

This person is named Li Tingguan. He is at the second level of the Innate Qi Realm. He appears gentle and refined, with an air of otherworldly grace. He has an excellent skill in blending elixirs, hence his title of Venerable is "Medicine," thus he is known as Venerable Medicine.

Li Tingguan was a man of his word, and he took Zhuang Jin directly to the Xi residence in the Second Ring Road where their small circle had gathered that day.

When Zhuang Jin entered the Xi residence, he saw that the rocks and pavilions were exquisitely designed and elegant, unlike any other place. What was most eye-catching was that there were water ravines seven feet wide and ten feet deep all over the place, winding back and forth, and all kinds of fish lived in them, which were very lively.

"Our host today is Xi Guiling, who is known as the 'Fish Venerable' because his family has a pond where they raise all kinds of spirit fish."

As Zhuang Jin watched, Xi Guiling nodded slightly, took out the jade flute from his waist, and played it. As the flute played, koi carp leaped out of the water, forming a dragon gate pattern to welcome him.

Li Tingguan then introduced a middle-aged martial artist next to him with a goat-like beard, a snake wrapped around his right hand, and who looked to be in his forties: "This is Cui Panggui, who is skilled in controlling birds and beasts and is known as the 'Beast Master'."

"Greetings, Venerable Zhuang!"

Cui Panggui patted the beast pouch at his waist, and a flock of phoenixes, a variant of hummingbirds, flew out. Under his command, they gathered into a wreath pattern, and finally solidified into the two characters "Welcome".

"This is Shen Tu Biao, the master forger of the Divine Weapon Workshop, known as the 'Weapon Master'."

Zhuang Jin looked at the burly martial artist, who exuded a fierce aura, and clasped his hands in greeting.

"This is Zong Dai, the master chef of Zhenxiufang, known as the 'Chef Venerable'!" The man was plump with a round belly.

"This is Qin Douzhan, who loves wine, is addicted to it, and is also good at brewing wine, hence the title 'Wine Venerable'." You can smell the aroma of wine on this person from afar, and there are two wine gourds, one blue and one purple, tied around his waist.

Zhuang Jin greeted them one by one, noticing that each of them seemed to possess a skill related to their title. He couldn't help but think of himself: 'What am I good at? Eating, drinking, and having fun. My hobby is ascending to the Immortal Pavilion. Come to think of it, I can't exactly be called "The Venerable Pimp," can I?'

At this moment, Zong Dai looked at Xi Guiling and said, "We have distinguished guests today. As the host, Brother Xi, please don't be stingy. Quickly bring out a fish, a spirit fish of the Five Viscera Realm!"

"Brother Zong always thinks about my fish, but today it's time to serve it."

Xi Guiling glared, a look of pain on his face, but he still raised his hand and shouted, "Fish, come!"

He circulated his inner energy, transforming it into a phantom of vines that plunged into the nearby pool, instantly scooping out a lively, shimmering golden spirit fish at the Five Internal Organs Realm.

"I'll start a fire for Brother Zong!" Shen Tu Biao laughed loudly, then spun around with his arms crossed, and crimson qi condensed into a spinning fire lotus, which fell to the side.

"Brother Shentu has started the fire, so let me cut up the fish for Brother Zong first!"

As Cui Panggui spoke, he raised his hand and pointed. Amidst a burst of sword energy, the Five Visceral Realm Spirit Fish was dissected like a butcher carving up an ox. The fish bones fell off completely, and the fish meat was crystal clear and delicate, without any part of it falling apart.

"Wonderful!"

Zong Dai patted his round belly, rolled up his sleeves, and with a wave of his hand, his inner energy surged like flying flowers. He sliced ​​the fish and skewered it, then began to cook. The cooking utensils were extraordinary, able to withstand the transmission of innate inner energy. Under the scorching heat of the inner energy fire lotus, the fish actually shone faintly.

"Then I'll add a couple of seasonings!"

With Li Tingguan's arms clasped together, a golden bell-like phantom took shape, spinning and enveloping the fish, scattering powder that made the fish shimmer and instantly enhancing its aroma.

"With such delicious food, how can we be without wine?"

Qin Douzhan patted the gourd at his waist, and a gale carrying wine gathered in the sky, swirling into a vortex. With a wave of his hand, the wine dispersed and fell like starlight in the sunlight, landing in wine cups. The wine contained the primordial energy of heaven and earth, creating a scene of wind and clouds dispersing, and a dragon peeking out from the clouds.

At this moment, the six people made their moves one after another, with delicacies and fine wines prepared. It was truly a case of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their unique abilities!
'Who am I? Where am I? What am I going to do?'

Zhuang Jin was momentarily dazed. Her first thought was: Where have I ended up? I need to confirm that this is a small circle of Qi, not some kind of acrobatic troupe.
Then my next reaction was that these innate qi martial artists were somewhat unserious.

Then there's this: If you don't have a special skill here, you can't even call yourself an insider, so... should I show off my skills too?
……

(End of this chapter)