Myriad Immortals

In the blink of an eye, a month has passed.

Xiahe Village is very lively.

Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, a number of villagers gathered in front of an elegant courtyard gate.

"Old Zhong has really made something of himself."

"You dare call me Old Man Zhong? He's the dean now. See those two small characters 'Flying Eagle' on the plaque? It's the proper branch of the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School in Baisha County. Only our Xiahe Village gets this treatment in the surrounding area. It's a huge boost to our prestige."

Speaking of it.

The people from Xiaohe all wore smug expressions.

Look at this entrance; you'd only be qualified to see this kind of entrance in a prestigious place like the Willow Street in the city.

If you go there, you have to worry that your muddy straw sandals will be disliked by the scholars inside.

I never imagined that one day I would see such a magnificent place in my own little river village.

These days, when people from Xiahe Village go out and talk to people from other villages, they can hold their heads high and speak loudly.

It was all thanks to Zhong Xuan that they gave them face.

Flying Eagle Martial Arts School is one of the top three martial arts schools in Baisha County.

Its owner, Qian Hong, is a top-notch master.

The people of Xiahe Village would only hear about it from others, and if one or two kids from the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School were accepted, they would be praised for a long time.

Now that they've moved into their own backyard, they are naturally proud.

Zhong Xuan, Xu Mao, and Xu Tian stood in front of the academy gate.

Xu Mao glanced at the craftsmen still going in and out of the backyard and smiled broadly.

"We rushed as fast as we could, and finally made it."

A few days ago, he specially asked a highly accurate fortune teller in the city, Zhou Banxian, to tell his fortune. Zhou Banxian said that today was an auspicious day that was rare in a hundred years and should not be missed. He even claimed that if the auspicious day came true, he could guarantee that a scholar would be born in the future.

That's a scholar who passed the imperial examination.

The thought that Zhou Banxian had actually passed the imperial examination and become a scholar came to mind.

So he hurried back to discuss it with Zhong Xuan.

Although Zhong Xuan did not believe in these mysterious things, he still agreed.

Just to wish for good luck.

Building this academy is a huge project. Even with the capabilities of the artisans in Qing Kingdom, it would take at least a year and a half to complete. So, for now, they have only managed to repair the front courtyard.

"Uncle Zhong, it's truly a blessing for our Xiahe Village to have you here."

Xu Mao sighed.

At first, he thought that Zhong Xuan was just having a whim. He originally thought that there would be only one or two teachers and a dozen or so school-aged students from Xiaohe Village in the academy.

I never expected it to cause such a huge commotion.

With the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School's signboard, it's likely that not only children from Xiahe Village, but also from several surrounding villages will come, and even people from Baisha City will come specifically to study there.

The status of Xiahe Village will rise with the emergence of the academy.

It quickly became one of the most well-known villages in Baisha County.

Even Xu Mao, a village head, was promoted by a large margin.

When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven!

Xu Mao naturally had to work even harder.

Xu Tian, ​​who was standing to the other side, was also in a very good mood.

Looking at his eldest son, who was surrounded by a group of people, everyone knew that Xu Tuo was the one who contributed the most and the earliest to the academy.

His only wish as the old man was that one of his sons would become successful.

Xu Tuo's status in Xiahe Village has been rising steadily, and his son said that Zhong Xuan had taken the initiative to bring him this good reputation.

Xu Tian felt incredibly grateful to Zhong Xuan.

"My father once said that Brother Zhong would definitely have a great future."

Xu Tian said with a smile.

Zhong Xuan smiled but remained silent.

Xu Tian's father was the previous village chief, and he did say that, but it was when Xu Tian became a student at the age of fifteen.

He was just surprised that Xu Tian actually remembered.

"You two, uncle and nephew, mustn't speak ill of me."

Zhong Xuan didn't get carried away; he just calmly joked.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Xu Tian asked, "Brother Zhong, what exactly is your relationship with Master Qian of the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School?"

Xu Mao, who was standing nearby, also moved closer.

This is what he most wants to know.

It would have been absolutely impossible for Flying Eagle Martial Arts Academy to open a branch without Qian Hong's approval.

However, it was inappropriate to ask due to his status and seniority, so it was just right for Xu Tian to ask.

"I had some dealings with Master Qian in my earlier years."

Zhong Xuan made up an excuse.

He has agreed with Qian Hong and Zheng Yue that he will announce his identity as a disciple of the Divine Fist Flying Eagle after he breaks through to the Bone Refinement stage.

This title is too weighty, and letting people know about it too early is more of a curse than a blessing for Zhong Xuan.

"I see."

Xu Tian and Xu Mao had no doubts.

Zhong Xuan has lived long enough and even spent several years on the run, so it is indeed possible that he knew the owner of the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School.

Just as the three were talking.

Then came a series of rapid hoofbeats.

Xu Tian and Xu Mao were puzzled.

Those who can ride horses are usually of high status, so why would they come to Xiahe Village on this day?

Not long after.

A middle-aged man dressed in official robes appeared in front of the academy, skillfully dismounted, and bowed to Zhong Xuan.

"Yan Shuoting from the fast class came to offer his congratulations."

Upon hearing that it was someone from the government, the villagers of Xiahe Village who were watching the commotion were all taken aback.

Many people even recognized Yan Shuoting's identity.

A high-ranking constable from the government office actually came to offer his congratulations in person.

Just how influential is Zhong Xuan?!

"Brother Yan, you're very kind."

Zhong Xuan cupped his hands in greeting.

He didn't want to make too much of a fuss, so he didn't invite anyone, not even Zheng Yue and Qian Hong.

Yan Shuoting's appearance today was due to two reasons: firstly, he was well-informed, and secondly, it was a sign that Yan Shuoting was giving him a lot of face.

"Brother Zhong, that's not fair of you. You didn't even tell your brother about such a great thing."

Yan Shuoting smiled and strode up to Zhong Xuan.

Then he chatted familiarly with Xu Mao and Xu Tian.

As a constable, he was familiar with the situation in various villages of Baisha County and was also acquainted with Xu Mao and Xu Tian. The group chatted happily.

Xu Mao was secretly surprised.

He knew all too well the temperament of Yan Shuoting; even some of the big merchants in the city might not get a good look from him, yet he was being so polite to Zhong Xuan.

"Incredible!"

Just as the group was talking...

Another group of people arrived in front of the academy.

"The Zhang family from Baisha County came to offer their congratulations, wishing Dean Zhong continued success in nurturing his students."

In Baisha County, if you don't mention any Zhang family name, there's only one Zhang family: the one in Zhang Family Alley, one of the most powerful and influential merchants in Zijintang.

Even Yan Shuoting was somewhat unsettled upon hearing the Zhang family's congratulations.

The Zhang family was incredibly wealthy.

The head of the family was even able to chat and laugh with the county magistrate.

Such a powerful family has come to congratulate the academy in this small village.

He couldn't help but recall that day's events, as it seemed that Master Zhang was with Magistrate Zhou at the time.

They watched as the Zhang family steward walked forward carrying a huge wooden box.

Zhong Xuan couldn't help but admire Zhang Lie's ability to build such a large business; he was truly meticulous and his methods were so effective that they made people feel like they were basking in a gentle breeze.

With Yan Shuoting and the Zhang family coming to offer their congratulations, the opening of the academy was of great significance, even surpassing some martial arts schools in the city.

Just when everyone thought the climax had arrived.

A group of men dressed in bright yellow short shirts swarmed over.

This was followed by a loud, chant-like sound:

"Shi Yuanbai, the young leader of the Sand Gang, has come to offer his congratulations!"