One had to say, one word from the honored tutor was more useful than any golden law or precious rule.
Qiao Shan and Qiao Chuan were brought over after a relatively short while. The two had obviously suffered much in the Black Dungeons, and they appeared a bit worse for the wear.
Tian Shao stepped out appropriately, âFourth prince, younger brother Jiang, let me escort the Qiao brothers back.â
His mission had been completed, and it was now time to step out and lighten some of Jiang Chenâs burdens.
âAlright, General Tian, weâll have to trouble you to make a trip.â Ye Rong nodded.
Qiao Shan and Qiao Chuan also knew that they had committed a mistake and didnât dare meet Jiang Chenâs eyes. Jiang Chen walked over, patted their shoulders and said, âLetâs talk when we get back.â
First prince Ye Dai had come up short in two consecutive segments. Since heâd been left with dust on his face thanks to Ye Rong, for the moment he lacked interest in the proceedings for the time being.
Now that Jiang Chen had rescued the Qiao brothers, their previous plan of using the brothers to provoke Jiang Chen into a martial demonstration was also naturally in ruins.
The most intriguing thing was that the lordmaster had Dan Fei announce, âThere will not be a martial demonstration for this yearâs banquet. Everyone is free to drink and chat.â
After he made the announcement, the old tutor took the Nine Magnificence Dew Wine, led the Five Winged Phoenix-Dragon away and leisurely took his leave, leaving behind a group of open-mouthed and wide-eyed teenagers.
They had wanted to display their prowess in the martial demonstration, and perhaps attract the honored tutorâs attention if they made a good showing with their skills.
âSister Dan Fei, whatâs wrong with the honored tutor today? Thereâs always been a martial demonstration every year. Why is it suddenly cancelled this year?â
Ye Dai was a bit surprised. Heâd brought several spirit realm practitioners with him this time and had thought that he would be able to make a showing for himself in the martial demonstration segment.
Although heâd lost a lot of face in the two previous segments, he had thought about it and still hoped to find an opportunity to strike back against Jiang Chen.
He hadnât expected that it would end up as though the honored tutor had seen through his intentions and thus directly canceled the demonstration.
Dan Fei however, smiled faintly, âThe lordmaster has already probed everyoneâs martial dao development the first time he made his entrance. Right now, whether we hold a martial demonstration or not holds no meaning to the lordmaster.â
The overtone of her words was obviously, âYour martial dao improvement has been insufficient in the past year to surprise the lordmaster. There is no need at all for this martial demonstration.â
When Tutor Ye had made his entrance, he had used his footsteps to disturb the heartbeat of those present as a test. Apart from Jiang Chen, the Old Tutor had fully assessed the martial dao training of all present.
Ye Dai was disappointed once again to see Dan Feiâs cool reaction.
Even the martial demonstration had been cancelled. That meant that he, Ye Dai, had no chance to redeem himself during this birthday banquet. He had completely and utterly failed.
What followed afterwards was just eating and drinking.
As the first prince, how much interest could eating and drinking hold for Ye Dai?
Add to that everyone at the banquet were all discussing what had happened today and talking quite animatedly whenever they spoke of Jiang Chen.
It was obvious that the main character of the banquet had become Jiang Chen.
Even fourth prince Ye Rong appeared much more frequently as a topic in conversations than the first prince.
As thick as Ye Daiâs skin was, he couldnât remain sitting at an occasion like this. As though he was at a business meeting, he drank a round of wine and left with a darkened face.
Although Jiang Chen truly wanted to leave, he had to smooth things over for Ye Rong at least a little bit. Ye Rong had reaped great rewards today, but if Jiang Chen left now, then his rewards would be cut in half.
When the birthday banquet neared its end, Dan Feiâs moving figure once again walked next to Jiang Chen. A faint fragrance accompanied her as her body leaned slightly down to Jiang Chenâs ears. Her sexy nose almost touched his earlobe as her thin lips blew out a breath that smelled like orchids, âStay behind after the banquet. The lordmaster would like to see you privately.â
Just as Jiang Chen was raising his head with shock, a faint smile spread out over Dan Feiâs classy face as she turned to leave.
Ye Rong had no particular suspicion as he patted Jiang Chenâs shoulder. âYounger brother, the honored tutor rarely sees a young man alone these days. If a good opportunity presents itself, you must grasp it well.â
Instead of taking Ye Chonglou as his master earlier, Jiang Chen had saved two followers. Even Ye Rong had felt it was a pity.
Jiang Chen couldâve absolutely hailed Ye Chonglou as his master. Once he became the honored tutorâs treasured disciple, would he have been unable to save two followers then?
Even a proud man like Lin Qianli felt it was a bit of a pity, not to mention Ye Rong. Before he left, he hemmed and hawed for a while before finally saying, âJiang Chen, I was wrong before. Credit is due to you for allowing me to overcome the obstacles in my martial learning and achieving a breakthrough in my martial dao. I wonât waste words in thanking you. Only, I will consider you as my brother in the future and as brothers, I also want to remind you that if the lordmaster wishes to take you as a disciple, you must treasure the opportunity.â
Even Lin Qianli felt that the old tutor had asked Jiang Chen to stay behind because he wanted to take Jiang Chen as a disciple.
Jiang Chen smiled and made no response.
Take a master?
Jiang Chen really had no thoughts about this matter. Although he respected the old tutor, but Tutor Ye truly didnât have the qualifications to be his teacher.
When all the guests had left, Dan Feiâs limpid eyes creased in a demure smile. âLetâs go.â
This woman had a demeanor that naturally attracted others to her every laugh and sigh. Jiang Chen shook his head with a wry smile. Even looking at only the profile of her back was enough to give rise to countless daydreams. No wonder the drool from those young men had trailed three feet from their mouths. This woman did have the right to take pride in herself.
They meandered through the front yard arrived in the backyard of the Tutor Manor.
The decorations of the backyard was a bit less grandiose and more exquisite. It was less luxurious, and more unearthly.
âHaha, Jiang Chen, come come. Come sit.â Ye Chonglou didnât have the bearing of a spirit king protector at this moment. He was more like an amiable grandpa from next door.
Jiang Chen didnât stand on ceremony. He pulled over a chair woven out of bamboo and sat down.
âElder Ye, the earlier you castrate the Phoenix-Dragon, the better. Otherwise, when the level of its yang qi reaches a certain level and damages the meridians, there will be less available potential for you to cultivate.â
Jiang Chen had no interest in taking a master, but he still rather respected the old tutorâs personality and disposition. He was treating the old tutor as a friend with his words.
âJiang Chen, letâs not talk about the Phoenix-Dragon for now. Do you know why Iâve called you in here?â
Jiang Chen smiled wryly as he looked at the old tutor and didnât know how to respond.
When the old tutor saw Jiang Chen was like this, he too sighed privately. His words were hinting to Jiang Chen for a second time that Jiang Chen could take Ye Chonglou as his master.
At the end of the day, now that heâd reached his position, the old tutor couldnât find it within himself to be the one to do the asking. If Jiang Chen happened to reject him, then he would lose his face as the spirit king protector of the kingdom.
It was already difficult for him to give this level of hint. When he saw Jiang Chen smile wryly, the old tutor knew that it wasnât that Jiang Chen had not understood him, but that he truly didnât want to call Ye Chonglou master.
When Jiang Chen saw a bit of disappointment flash through the old tutorâs eyes, he suddenly could not bear to let him down and could only offer this explanation, âHow could Jiang Chen not know of the honored tutorâs great favor? Except, when I met that wondrous person, I made a promise to him that I would not take a master before he nodded his approval.â
Ye Chonglou indeed revealed a relieved smile when he heard these words. âAh, so this is the case, this is the case. No wonder. No wonder. Such a vaunted senior is both like your master and your friend, he naturally wouldnât want you to take another master. Jiang Chen, for you to respond this way illustrates the upright, moral nature of your character. It is I who have acted rashly. Haha! Now that weâve laid this out on the table, I feel quite at ease. Jiang Chen, youâve given me another lesson. Iâve lived so long yet I have not lived as level headedly and open-mindedly as you have.â
âIt is miraculous that the honored tutor is complimenting me this much, your junior is almost unable to keep his seat.â
Tutor Ye was in an excellent mood as he asked again, âDid the wondrous senior also brew this Nine Magnificence Dew Wine?â
âHe gave me the recipe and I brewed this a while ago. There are many levels to this wine, and this particular one is only at the spirit degree. A saint degree Nine Magnificence Dew Wine is truly rare.â
A shrewd light suddenly shot out of Tutor Yeâs eyes as he seemed to think of something. âSaint degree? Jiang Chen, do you know how to brew a saint degree version?â
âGrasp of materials and flame are the most important components so it is actually not necessarily harder than the spirit degree. Of course, if one has yet to enter the spirit realm, then it would be difficult to brew the saint degree version of the wine.â
The light of deep contemplation could be seen in Ye Chonglouâs eyes, he seemed to be considering something. After a while, the old tutor suddenly said, âJiang Chen, if the opportunity arises in the future, I would like to sincerely request that you brew a jug of a saint degree Nine Magnificence Dew Wine for me. Would this request be too much?â
He seemed to be deathly afraid that Jiang Chen would turn him down. âFeel free to set any conditions you wish to.â
Jiang Chen smiled, âItâs very difficult to collect all the ingredients for a saint degree wine. Much fortune is required. This isnât simply a matter of setting conditions. But if there is such an opportunity, it wonât be a big deal to brew a jug for the lordmaster, and no payment is necessary.â
âExcellent. A young man who can sit and converse with me without holding a whit of profit or accomplishment in his mind. Jiang Chen, youâre different from the rest alright.â The old tutor laughed heartily. âIâve heard that youâve been in the Skylaurel Kingdom for less than two months?â
âYes.â
âYouâve caused a number of great ripples in such a short amount of time?â Tutor Ye said with a shadow of a smile.
âYour junior possess a stubborn nature and awaits the lordmasterâs admonishment.â Jiang Chen simply decided to admit to things, and quite starkly at that. He didnât say anything silly like heâd been forced to.
âMm. Young folk should have a sense of wildness about them. If you go about your matters in a timid and cowardly way when youâre young, then what can you hope to accomplish? Jiang Chen, no matter what camp you stand in, I only have one request of you.â
âWhat is it?â Jiang Chen started slightly.
âFreely do as you will! Do whatever thatâs in your heart! Donât be constrained by anyone and worry neither about the pressures from the outside world, nor what troubles and oppression that you may face. I have perceived that there is a large power hidden within you. This is a power that even I cannot fully pierce through. If you give way to pressures from multiple sides and suppress your energy, then this will only bring numerous disadvantages to you with not a single gain in your development. I would be rather disappointed if that were to happen.â The old tutor spoke faintly. âIt is precisely because of this that I gave you the Skylaurel Kingdom Medallion.â
Jiang Chenâs thoughts raced as a deeply contemplative look appeared in his eyes. Once again, heâd experienced the way the old tutor cudgeled his brains to help Jiang Chen.
One had to say, although the old tutor wasnât his master, but he had the eye of someone skilled at evaluating talent and had unique measures to conveying his teachings.
âAlright, litte Dan, send our guest out for me.â The old tutor waved his hand and walked towards the back.
Jiang Chen was silently digesting the old tutorâs words as he followed behind Dan Fei and walked outside.
âJiang Chen, you really donât know how to appreciate whatâs good. Many people dream of hailing the lordmaster as their master, and youâve actually turned him down!â Dan Feiâs voice held vague tones of censure.
Jiang Chen could only smile ruefully. He knew that his moves would appear simply too high-and-mighty in the eyes of outsiders. This woman viewed the old tutor as her heaven so naturally, now that heâd rejected him, she wouldnât give him any good attitude.
âYou think youâre all that but without the lordmasterâs protection, youâll find it difficult to even take a step in the capital. Itâs obvious that Ye Daiâs crew would chew you up and leave not even the bones sooner or later.â
Dan Fei was exasperated at his failure to make good and kept nagging at him.
Theyâd reached the main door by now.
âSister Dan Fei, here is good.â Jiang Chen knew that he was about to be unable to hold up beneath Dan Feiâs nagging.
Dan Fei snorted lightly, âI didnât say I was going to keep showing you out. You didnât need to remind me.â
Jiang Chen chuckled. He knew that this woman was purposefully finding fault. When women were like this, there would be no end to how much they would trouble him in the future.
He suddenly thought of something and reached into his pockets, taking something out. âSister Dan Fei, the matters of today are a result of me not being able to tell whatâs good for me. Youâre a noble personage and have great magnanimity so donât be mad for such a small matter like this. I have a supreme rank pill specifically for retaining youthful looks. Itâs called the Four Seasons Eternal Spring Pill. Its effects are not bad. This is for sister Dan Fei. I hope you will remain forever young and that your looks last as long as the heavens.â
Jiang Chen shoved the bottle into Dan Feiâs slender jade hand, turned, and ran off.
Dan Fei hadnât had time to react before Jiang Chen had vanished without a trace around a street corner. As she looked at the pill bottle in her hand, Dan Fei was a bit irritated, âThis wild youth likes to play his tricks alright. What pill of youthful looks? Am I very old? So old that I need medicine to maintain my looks?â
As she walked back through the door and closed it, she became more and more irritated and huffily threw the pill bottle into the bushes next to her.
She did not really hold a grudge against Jiang Chen, but simply held a baffling anger towards him in her heart. Who knew if it was because Jiang Chen had rejected the lordmasterâs desire to take a disciple, or something else?