I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

Hiss!

The Wang婆 shop, which had barely returned to a normal, relaxed atmosphere, fell silent once more.

The surrounding deacons all turned to look at Xie An, their hearts filled with confusion and shock.

It's that old geezer again…

Earlier, Tang Qingyun had refused seats from all the deacons, yet he went out of his way to share a table with Xie An…

And now he's surprised that this old man has cultivated Qi…

It seems this old man is another formidable competitor.

Many people muttered to themselves, lamenting the immense pressure of this examination!

The sharp-eyed Xie An naturally noticed the countless 'unfriendly' gazes around him, but he didn't pay much attention to them, only saying to Tang Qingyun, "Yes…"

Snap!

Before Xie An could finish speaking, Tang Qingyun placed a hand on Xie An's shoulder, "This isn't the place to talk. Later, go to the Northwest Courtyard and find me. Remember, come directly. Don't wait!"

Xie An sensed the seriousness in Tang Qingyun's expression, as if he had very important things to say in private, so he agreed.

Only then did Tang Qingyun nod in satisfaction, resuming his breakfast, but his mood was different. He hastily ate a few bites before getting up to leave, also urging all the deacons to work hard and display their abilities.

Chen Qing, who followed Tang Qingyun, had an unnatural expression. As he reached the door, he didn't forget to turn back and glare at Xie An.

"Boss, that Chen Qing glared at you at the door. He's not very friendly," Wang Xiang whispered, reminding Xie An.

Xie An calmly ate his steamed bun, "He's the sect leader's son, so it's inevitable that he's a bit arrogant. It's normal for him to look down on us commoners. Don't worry about it. Stop spacing out, everyone, eat up. Brother Zhang is treating today."

His words dispelled everyone's worries, and they ate the steamed buns heartily, feeling much more relaxed as they chatted.

Although Tang Qingyun didn't say much to Wang Xiang, Zhang Lin, and Liang Zhi after taking his seat, they were happy to see Tang Qingyun valuing Xie An.

After all, with a big shot like Tang Qingyun protecting him, Xie An's chances of securing the Bloodridge Black Market incense master position would undoubtedly be smoother. At least, they wouldn't need to consider factors outside the training grounds.

Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi weren't newcomers, so they naturally knew that the martial world wasn't just about fighting and killing; it was also about interpersonal relationships and mutual protection among officials.

Without a strong backer, the path for commoners to rise to the top was too difficult.

Many talented geniuses didn't die in the training grounds but instead capsized in the gutter.

After eating their fill, Xie An packed up another portion of breakfast before leading Zhang Lin and the others out.

"Master Zhang, take care," Wang婆 even personally saw Xie An and the others out, her etiquette very thorough.

The four of them left the door, pulled their horses to the side of the road, and walked towards the White Feather Hall ahead.

As the sky brightened, there were more and more vendors on both sides of the street, and the pedestrians on the road became denser, making it very crowded. Riding a horse would be inconvenient and could easily startle passersby.

Moreover, the White Feather Hall was only three or four hundred meters away, so they could walk there in a short while and also digest the food in their stomachs.

Xie An led his horse down the road, watching the people coming and going, listening to the endless shouts and sales pitches, and feeling the strong atmosphere of everyday life, which had a unique charm.

"Brother Xie, what is Qi?"

Zhang Lin finally couldn't help but ask. Although Zhang Lin had practiced martial arts for many years, he hadn't achieved much. He was a tenacious iron-level practitioner on the path of martial arts, and he didn't quite understand martial arts, let alone the Qi sensation of the Yangsheng Gong.

Zhang Lin revealed a look of understanding and didn't ask any further.

After walking for several hundred meters, the four of them arrived at the gate of the White Feather Hall and were shocked by the scene before them.

A large arena, two meters high, had been erected on the huge open space in front of the White Feather Hall. It was made of very sturdy wood, fifty meters long and wide, with railings set up around the edges. There were three steps on each side for the two contestants to ascend the stage.

Although the arena was empty and the examination hadn't started yet, many onlookers had already gathered around, discussing and bustling with activity.

"Good heavens… the training grounds are actually set up outside the hall. This is to let everyone see," Wang Xiang couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement, "This is the first time I've seen such a magnificent arena, Boss!"

Xie An noticed Wang Xiang tugging at his sleeve and couldn't help but ask, "What is it?"

Wang Xiang pointed at the arena, waving his hands excitedly, "If you win the top spot on such a magnificent arena later, the entire townsfolk of Water Lantern Town will see it. Hearing the applause of countless people, how majestic would that be!"

Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi also expressed their agreement:

"The White Feather Hall has always been closed to outsiders for many years. The regular examinations in previous years were held inside the hall, but this time it's actually being held at the entrance. It's clear that the higher-ups intend to show off their power in front of the townsfolk. Boss, this is indeed a good opportunity for you to show off your skills."

"Brother Xie, seize this opportunity, and you'll make a name for yourself. You must not only win but also win beautifully."

Originally, Xie An's mind was calm, but after being hyped up by these three guys, he also became somewhat expectant. He scanned his surroundings and saw that the townsfolk from the three streets were gathering here, truly giving it a sense of everyone being out.

The more people gathered, the more they invisibly gave the arena a special meaning.

Xie An could understand the Tiger Wolf Gate's arrangement: it was nothing more than the White Feather Hall suffering heavy losses, greatly damaging the Tiger Wolf Gate's prestige. That's why they deliberately set up the arena publicly, intending to display their martial arts in front of the townsfolk. On the one hand, it would help to restore the Tiger Wolf Gate's face, and on the other hand, it would show the Tiger Wolf Gate's fair style of using talent.

It could be said to kill two birds with one stone.

Xie An felt that this approach was correct.

Although Fang Baiyu didn't treat his subordinates as human beings, there were still people above in the Tiger Wolf Gate who took the overall situation into consideration.

From this, one could see that this sect was generally in a vibrant stage and had not decayed.

Reining in his thoughts, Xie An suppressed the emotions in his heart, "The examination is still early. Let's go to the courtyard to visit Deacon Lin first."

Zhang Lin suddenly recovered from his excitement and looked at Xie An with admiration, "That's the right thing to do."

The four of them went through the crowd, entered the hall, and arrived at the courtyard where Wei Dian used to live, bringing a portion of breakfast with them.

Since Wei Dian left, Lin Yun had been living in seclusion in Wei Dian's courtyard.

After chatting last night, Xie An naturally knew that Lin Yun was a generous and magnanimous person. But Xie An didn't want Lin Yun to feel that he was now neglecting and alienating Lin Yun because he had a chance to rise to the top.

That's why he came to find Lin Yun early in the morning.

And Xie An's thoughts were all seen by Lin Yun. He became even more admiring of Xie An in his heart.

In this world, countless people, after rising to the top and entering a higher platform, making friends with more powerful figures, although not intentionally, would unconsciously alienate their former friends.

On the one hand, there wasn't enough time, and on the other hand, the old friends weren't of much use to them, and there were fewer topics to talk about, so they would gradually become estranged.

In contrast, Xie An didn't have this kind of mentality.

Lin Yun greatly appreciated it.

"Brother Xie, you have many things to do today and need to prepare in many ways. You don't have to think about me everywhere," Lin Yun reminded as he ate breakfast, "By the way, Elder Tang has already arrived at the hall. You'd better pay him a visit. Elder Tang will be presiding over the assessment this time. After all, Hong Lie has Fang Baiyu behind him. If you have Elder Tang's protection, you can let go of your hands and feet. You don't have to worry about hidden dangers."

Xie An said, "Brother Lin is right, I'll go now."

Lin Yun waved his hand with a smile, "Go quickly. This is the most important thing."

After Xie An left, Lin Yun instructed Zhang Lin, "Zhang Lin, go and wait outside the central courtyard. The list of participants for the duel and the specific rules will be released soon. Find out all the details and report back to me as soon as possible. This will also save Brother Xie some energy."

"I'll go now."

Lin Yun then took out some loose silver and handed it to Wang Xiang and Liang Zhi, "Go to the pharmacy and buy some 金疮药 (Jin Chuang Yao, medicine for cuts and wounds), and also some medicine for sprains, bruises, and muscle and bone injuries. The competition isn't just a one-time thing. If Xie An gets injured, we'll have something to deal with it immediately."

"Yes."

After arranging all the details, Lin Yun was still uneasy. He lost his appetite for breakfast and began pacing back and forth in the courtyard, as if afraid of missing some important detail.

… …

Meanwhile, Xie An, after bidding farewell to Lin Yun, walked through the snow to a detached courtyard in the northwest corner.

This courtyard was located in a relatively remote area, but it was very large and had an impressive entrance. Xie An had passed by this place several times before, but the gate was always tightly closed. It seemed that this courtyard was used to receive important figures.

The heavy courtyard door was ajar, and a gust of cold wind rushed out, hitting Xie An's face with an icy chill.

As he was about to see Tang Qingyun again, Xie An felt a sense of anticipation in his heart.

Since meeting Tang Qingyun during the examination of the stewards at the beginning of the year, he had not seen this old man in his fifties again.

However, Xie An had learned in the meantime that Elder Tang Qingyun was here to gain experience and would most likely be transferred to the headquarters of the Tiger Wolf Gate to serve as an elder. That was a position second only to the sect leader.

Fang Baiyu was no match for Tang Qingyun.

Xie An suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart, stepped forward, grabbed the door knocker that was covered with some snow, and knocked gently.

咚咚 咚.

The crisp sound echoed in the silent, snowy day.

Soon, Tang Qingyun's familiar voice came from inside.

"Is that Xie An?"

"Yes."

"Come in."

Xie An then pushed open the courtyard door and walked in.

The large courtyard was covered in snow. The few banana trees in the corner were already frozen and rotten, but next to them was a plum tree that was about ten feet tall, with flower buds that emitted a faint fragrance.

Under the plum tree was a pavilion with a brazier inside, as well as a desk and chairs.

Tang Qingyun was sitting behind the desk, looking through a roster, occasionally picking up a pen to draw on it.

Upon seeing Xie An, Tang Qingyun put the writing brush on the edge of the inkstone, walked out of the pavilion, and said with a smile, "When did you develop your Qi sensation?"

Xie An didn't hide anything, "It's been a while."

Tang Qingyun was very happy, "Good. Qingwu County is known for its martial spirit, but very few people practice the health cultivation techniques. As for those who develop Qi sensation… there haven't been many in the past hundred years. Show me the Five Animal Frolics."

"Alright."

Knowing that this matter was important, Xie An dared not be careless and chose to take it seriously.

He stood up straight, tucked in his chest and straightened his back. After activating the Embryonic Breathing Technique, a warm current was generated in his lower abdomen, flowing through his limbs and dispersing the coldness in his hands and feet.

After ensuring that his hands and feet were flexible, he began to practice the Five Animal Frolics.

The tiger searches for food, the deer runs, the bear moves, the ape picks fruit, the crane soars…

Each move and stance possessed the essence of the five animals, and unlike the soft and weak movements of ordinary health cultivation masters, they were fierce and powerful, agile and varied, in no way inferior to martial arts for killing.

As the saying goes, 'A good beginning makes the work easier.'

Although Tang Qingyun's attainments in health cultivation were not as good as Tang Qingfeng's, he was still a rare expert. He immediately saw that Xie An's Five Animal Frolics had reached an extremely high level.

Even a health cultivation teacher who had practiced the Five Animal Frolics for twenty years would not be able to achieve Xie An's level.

What surprised Tang Qingyun even more was… when Xie An was practicing the Five Animal Frolics, his hands and feet were in harmony with the rhythm of the air, greatly eliminating the resistance of the air.

Laymen watch the excitement, while experts watch the details.

This was… Qi sensation!

As he watched, Tang Qingyun unconsciously immersed himself in it, becoming somewhat fascinated.

Putting aside the fierce Five Animal techniques, putting aside the Qi sensation… just watching Xie An practice the Five Animal Frolics was a pleasure.

When Xie An finished his performance, Tang Qingyun was still immersed in it.

"Elder Tang."

It was Xie An who spoke, bringing Tang Qingyun back to reality. When he looked at Xie An again, his eyes had changed, revealing a suppressed excitement.

"Good, good!

Back then, Meng Hu followed my father to practice the Embryonic Breathing Technique for twenty years, but he could only achieve internal breathing and did not develop Qi sensation. In the end, Meng Hu had no choice but to give up and switch to practicing the Heavy Mountain Saber technique."

Xie An was shocked.

It turned out that the things Meng Hu described in his notes were beautified. Even the original intention was distorted.

Could it be that Meng Hu initially practiced health cultivation techniques for twenty years with the intention of obtaining the Tang Family Fortress's inheritance?

In the end, he gave up because he couldn't develop Qi sensation… and switched to martial arts?

Tang Qingyun's simple sentence revealed an astonishing amount of information.

However, Xie An was not surprised.

Compared to martial arts, who wouldn't crave longevity more?

"My sworn brother has practiced health cultivation techniques for half his life, and he has only barely sensed the existence of Qi sensation, but he can't grasp it. My father has searched his whole life, but he hasn't found anyone who has developed Qi sensation. But you, Xie An… have given my Tang Family Fortress a great surprise."

Tang Qingyun sighed, then excitedly stepped forward and grabbed Xie An's wrist, "Xie An, my Tang Family Fortress has a great opportunity that has always been prepared for someone who has developed Qi sensation. Meng Hu didn't do it before, and my sworn brother didn't do it either. In the past year or so, my Tang Family Fortress has been vigorously recruiting geniuses in health cultivation, but no one has developed Qi sensation. Now, you have done it. This opportunity of my Tang Family Fortress belongs to you."

Xie An felt relieved, but on the surface, he cupped his hands and said, "I am already grateful to Master Tang Qingfeng for teaching me the health cultivation techniques. How can I be worthy of receiving the Tang Family Fortress's opportunity?"

Tang Qingyun was very satisfied with Xie An's attitude and smiled, "My father has been searching for a hundred years, always looking for someone who has developed Qi sensation to pass on his lifelong knowledge. Otherwise, my father will not rest in peace.

Xie An, don't decline. Just help me with a favor and fulfill a son's filial piety."

After saying that, Tang Qingyun unexpectedly cupped his hands and bowed to Xie An.

This really shocked Xie An, and he quickly cupped his hands, "Elder Tang has shown me kindness and guidance, please don't do this. I agree. It's just that I am not very knowledgeable and fear that I will disappoint the Old Master Tang."

Hearing Xie An's promise, Tang Qingyun breathed a sigh of relief, and again grasped Xie An's wrist tightly, "Brother Xie's promise has already helped me a lot. There is no need for Brother Xie to worry about the rest."

Even the address had changed.

He became Brother Xie.

This almost made Xie An's scalp tingle.

It seemed that the weight of this Qi sensation far exceeded the Heavy Mountain Saber.

"I am willing to listen to Elder Tang's instructions."

"Hahaha, good! My sworn brother was right about you." Tang Qingyun laughed excitedly and rarely, and immediately called out to the door, "Someone."

Immediately, a gatekeeper came respectfully.

"Brother Xie, please wait a moment, I will immediately write a letter to my father and send it to him. My father will definitely be happy when he knows, and he may even come to see Brother Xie immediately." Tang Qingyun laughed and returned to the desk, dipped his brush in ink, wrote a letter, then stuffed it into an envelope, and then sealed it with red wax before handing it to the gatekeeper.

"You immediately go to Tang Family Fortress as quickly as possible. Hand it over to my sworn brother or my father. Be quick! Also, tell Fang Baiyu that the examination time is postponed until I give the order."

"Yes!" The gatekeeper knew the importance of the matter and immediately did not dare to be careless, took the envelope with both hands and left in a hurry.