18 Chapter 18
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It seemed Xu Zhenyan's lunch wouldn't be without further interruption. While he and Qin Baofeng were in the middle of a menial discussion about politics, a well dressed, middle-aged man approached their table.
Raising his head, Qin Baofeng looked at him.
"Zhang Feng…?"
Being the one in charge of this convoy, he was familiar with the drug-store owner from Xiaoxiang province.
The merchant bowed respectfully, a few servants trailing behind him.
"I apologize for interrupting your meal, esteemed young master Xu. However, seeing you for the first time, I was struck deeply by your honor and nobility. I simply couldn't resist the impulse to present a gift, if you'll forgive my selfishness."
He carefully observed Xu Zhenyan's reaction from underneath thick eyebrows.
The drink and food put the Xu clan's young master in a good mood. Nodding benevolently, he gave Zhang Feng permission to continue.
Smiling, the merchant gestured to the servants at his sides. They came forward, carrying medicine cases of various sizes. The drug-store's insignia was clearly stamped onto their backs.
"None of these are useful for a cultivator, I'm afraid. Still, I'm sure young master Xu will find something that interests him."
After saying his piece, he retreated tactfully. Something like pushing his luck for an invite to their table, he didn't even try.
Xu Zhenyan accepted the gifts with a clean conscience. Anyone who understood business wouldn't find Zhang Feng's actions the least bit shocking. It was like a celebrity sponsorship—the price of a few medicines weren't even worth mentioning.
Placidly sipping his alcohol, Xu Zhenyan motioned for the medicine cases to be brought over.
"I'm not too knowledgeable about these things. I'll have to trouble official Qin to explain them to me."
Given he didn't have much else to do, the youth decided he may as well kill time like this.
Qin Baofeng nodded enthusiastically. Opening the nearest case, he revealed a bundle of inconspicuous green stalks.
"These are Spring Freshwater Stalks, young master. They are quite rare, fetching a price of at least five silvers each. Their uses include…"
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In the end, the road didn't clear before the day-end.
After chatting with Qin Baofeng, Xu Zhenyan retired to his carriage and meditated. Lee Shin accompanied him silently, not disturbing his young master's focus.
With all this free time, Xu Zhenyan reflected on various things. One of these was his relationship with his father—it was none other than the bodyguard who brought this to mind.
'…it's strange that Xu Tianwang assigned him to me.'
It wasn't something the previous 'him' ever really considered. Lee Shin wasn't any old cultivator—he was a State Knight. In the Xu family, his strength was second only to Xu Tianwang himself.
The realization displeased Xu Zhenyan.
'His treatment of the novel's 'Xu Zhenyan' was appalling. Something like assigning a bodyguard doesn't make up for that in the least.'
Yet, as he mulled over the events, some doubts started creeping in.
'It's true 'Xu Zhenyan' suffered in the army, but despite his lackluster cultivation, he managed to survive. Given how weak he was, was that really possible, or was someone looking out for him?'
The more he thought about it, the more suspicious things seemed. Could it be that Xu Tianwang simply showed tough love at that time? Perhaps he felt the military would help straighten out his crooked son.
It wasn't impossible.
'…but he was never affectionate.'
However, as soon as the thought flashed through his mind, Xu Zhenyan shook his head internally. He wasn't the type to care about things like that. In his opinion, making sure a child was provided for was more than enough.
'He only doled out beatings when 'Xu Zhenyan' did something wrong.'
The bitterness about physical punishment was also quickly dispelled.
Striking through one perceived slight after another, he was soon wondering why he disliked his father so much in the first place.
In the end, he had no choice but to chalk it up to how distant the man was, as well as the small-mindedness of a child.
'Again, I'm struck by how much the residual consciousness affects me…'
Exhaling a turbid breath, he put his hands on his knees before getting to his feet. From the thin, orange light filtering through the shutters, he knew night was about to fall. He was rather tired from refining ki, but there were a few things he needed to attend to before turning in.
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The next day, around noon, the road was finally cleared.
Sick of loitering, and of the company, Xu Zhenyan and Lee Shin departed immediately. Given their status and how light they travelled, it wasn't difficult to secure a spot ahead of the pack.
Soon, the other carriages were growing small behind them. After an hour or two, they couldn't be spotted at all. Not even the sound of rolling wheels could reach them through the growing, spring thicket.
Putting his arms behind his head, Xu Zhenyan sighed.
"Tell me, Uncle Lee—what does my father want from me? Jianhong will inherit the family and his sons after him. What's left for me, aside from the Xu family name?"
Without really thinking about it too much, the words slipped from between his lips. It was something 'he' had been wondering for a long time, but always kept to himself.
For a while, silence reigned. Eventually, Lee Shin replied, his tone measured and careful.
"The master wishes for you to elevate the family through your actions."
His answer was simple and predictable.
"I must serve the family…?"
His tone was even, but dissatisfaction was hidden beneath the surface.
Lee Shin must've picked up on it because he soon replied, sounding somewhat disbelieving.
"The Xu family provides for all your needs, young master. It is only filial, to return the favor you are being given."
Xu Zhenyan mulled over the words, his eyebrows creasing into a frown.
"How much favor is expected of me, then?"
Lee Shin's response was immediate and resolute.
"As much as necessary."
Xu Zhenyan sneered openly. Given his position in the carriage, the bodyguard couldn't see his expression.
'I'm afraid that won't be happening. For taking care of me until now, I can play the filial son. However, when Jianhong returns from the border to take his position as family head, it's over.'
Not only did he and his brother not get along, but Xu Zhenyan was superior between the two.
The strong would never serve the weak—that was the primary reason for the emperor's downfall. Seeing Changsun Jinse was lacking, his subjects plotted and schemed to engineer his downfall.
It would be the same for Xu Jianhong if he, Xu Zhenyan, was to serve under him.
Nevertheless, he kept such thoughts private. Though, from the growing tension in the atmosphere, it was clear Lee Shin inferred some things.
However, the bodyguard only sighed before returning his attention to the road.
It was in such uncomfortable silence that the two journeyed along the Sea of Mountains, coming ever closer to Green Luan academy.
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A carriage transporting an old man and a young boy travelled inside a column of mist.
Suddenly, somewhere ahead of the carriage, a yellow light sprung into existence. Seeing it, the old man's back stiffened, immediately bringing the carriage to a halt.
Realizing something was going on, the youth curiously stuck his head out the window.
"What's happening, uncle Liu…?"
Seeing a figure, carrying a lantern, approach from within the fog, Lin Xi's voice trailed off toward the end.
The old border-barbarian driving the carriage didn't reply.
"My name is Xia Yanbing, a member of the academy. Did you come to participate in the entrance examination? Recommendation token please."
Soon, a voice emerged from within the fog, followed by the figure of a handsome young man. He was a few years older than Lin Xi, wearing a black robe and with hair tied in a green band.
The elder nodded, reaching into his sleeve before producing a flat, metallic item.
Lin Xi watched this happen curiously. Both his token and driver were organized by Changsun Muyue, the Yunqin empire's sole princess, but he had no knowledge of this fact. Even know, he was completely ignorant about his sponsor.
Xia Yanbing accepted the token, giving it a brisk once-over. Then, apparently satisfied, he flashed them an easy smile.
"Please follow me."
Turning around, he led the way up the mountain.
Uncle Liu spurred the horses silently, trailing after the young man.
With big eyes and a face full of curiosity, Lin Xi took in the scenery along their ascent. The mist gradually disappeared, the dimness giving way to late-afternoon rays.
Before long, they reached the peak of the hillside, the elevation giving way to a flat plain. Below, an azure lake occupied the center of a vast expanse of emerald grass. Countless tents and bonfires lay scattered across the land, orange flames dancing in the air.
Lin Xi's eyes were alit with amazement and wonder.
'This is just like that one Harry Potter movie, the scene during the Quidditch world cup!'
Even though he was Chinese, he was quite fond of the series.
For a brief moment, he felt a sense of melancholy, realizing he'd never get to experience it again. However, that soon gave way to anticipation and joy.
'There's no need for me to feel sad. After all, this is where my own adventure begins!'
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