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

White Feather Hall, in the central courtyard.

"What? The assessment time is going to be postponed?"

Upon hearing the news, Fang Baiyu was greatly surprised, losing all interest in drinking tea.

Wang Ziwu and Hong Lie, who were sitting beside him, were also displeased, the smiles on their faces gradually freezing.

"Why would Tang Qingyun postpone the time for no good reason?"

Although Tang Qingyun was primarily in charge of the assessment, it was, after all, related to White Feather Hall. Tang Qingyun didn't try to handle everything himself, discussing many key matters with Fang Baiyu.

The time, method, and detailed rules of the assessment had all been properly discussed.

Now, this sudden change undoubtedly made the people present feel uneasy.

Just now, they had already found out that Tang Qingyun had urgently promoted a young man named Chen Qing to be a steward to participate in the assessment.

They also knew that this Chen Qing was rumored to be the son of Chen Qinglang, the master of the Tiger Wolf Gate. Although young, he was already a second-level martial artist of the Refined Flesh Realm.

Regarding these...

Fang Baiyu and the others tolerated it.

After all, rules were made to be bent, and it was not uncommon for everyone to play tricks in secret.

But postponing the time at the last minute… this was no small matter.

Wang Ziwu frowned and said, "Postponing the time is a big deal. After all, the invitations have already been sent out… Something we don't know about might have happened. If we can't find out what happened as soon as possible, we'll be at a disadvantage."

Hong Lie said, "That's easy to say. Brother Fang can just go to Tang Qingyun and ask."

However, the five words "Chen Qinglang's son" were enough to show that this son was extraordinary.

Hong Lie was also under great pressure, "If Chen Qing is just entering the Refined Flesh Realm, I am confident of winning. If this person's strength has reached the minor success stage of the Refined Flesh Realm, I have a 30% chance of winning. If… the great success stage of the Refined Flesh Realm, then I…"

Alas.

Fang Baiyu sighed deeply, feeling very indignant, "In the end, Tang Qingyun has set us up. How did Tang Qingyun know about the Chen Mansion's matter as soon as it ended? There must be a traitor inside. Don't let me find him… otherwise, I will tear him to pieces!"

Before long, Wang Ziwu hurried back.

Fang Baiyu asked eagerly, "What did he say?"

Wang Ziwu shook his head, "The gate is tightly closed, no visitors allowed. I didn't see Elder Tang. But I did see the Chen Qing that everyone is talking about at the martial arts field. When I asked him, he didn't say anything. But… I heard people say that just now at Granny Wang's shop…"

Wang Ziwu recounted in detail what he had learned about Granny Wang's shop, and finally said, "Xie An has cultivated some kind of Qi sensation… Could it be related to this matter?"

Fang Baiyu's mood worsened, "Xie An… Qi sensation?"

…

Qingwu County.

Tang Family Fort.

Although the snow had stopped, a thick layer of white snow still covered the roof tiles. As the smoke rose, it announced the beginning of a new day for the Tang Family Fort. Many servants and guards were busy clearing the thick snow on the ground in the courtyard.

In the inner courtyard, Tang Qingfeng, wearing a gray scholar's robe, was practicing the Health Cultivation Technique.

Tang Zhengyang sat on a recliner under the eaves, leisurely smoking a dry pipe, occasionally giving Tang Qingfeng a few pointers.

The atmosphere was very harmonious.

Tang Qingfeng, who was over half a century old, was exceptionally diligent, listening carefully to every instruction from his adopted father and making corrections. He was as devout as a young man who had just entered school and was eager to learn.

In fact, such a scene had not appeared for many years.

Since Tang Qingfeng repeatedly failed to control his Qi sensation ten years ago, Tang Zhengyang had been very disappointed in him and had since stopped guiding Tang Qingfeng in his practice. The reason was that he had already learned everything he should have, and there was no need for further guidance.

But Tang Qingfeng knew very well that Tang Zhengyang was disappointed that he could not master the Qi sensation. "Everything he should have learned…" didn't that mean that the rest belonged to what he shouldn't have learned?

Over the past ten years, although Tang Qingfeng had been promoting the Health Cultivation Technique everywhere and actively looking for people who might be able to cultivate Qi sensation, Tang Qingfeng had never relaxed in his cultivation of the Health Cultivation Technique.

He hoped more than anyone else that he could master the Qi sensation and not disappoint his adopted father.

The result was… reality was cruel.

After ten years of hard practice, he still could not master the mysterious Qi sensation.

This once made Tang Qingfeng feel very depressed.

However, since the Chen Mansion incident some time ago, after Tang Zhengyang saw Li Changchun's coffin… he suddenly seemed to have changed. He changed his previous decadent state and became radiant. Not only did he increase his own practice of the Health Cultivation Technique, but he also carefully guided Tang Qingfeng, trying to get Tang Qingfeng to master that Qi sensation…

Although Tang Qingfeng didn't think he could master this Qi sensation, he was greatly relieved to see his adopted father so energetic and full of anticipation for life.

After a full hour of practice, Tang Qingfeng finished his practice and stood still.

Very disappointed.

He could feel the existence of Qi sensation, but he couldn't control it.

He looked back somewhat guiltily in the direction of the eaves, and found that his adopted father was lying on the chair, looking up at the blue sky, blankly smoking a dry pipe, his hollow eyes, his long hair fluttered by the wind, he was getting old.

Tang Qingfeng's heart ached, and he leaned forward, "Adopted father, I… have disappointed you."

Tang Zhengyang took a few puffs of his dry pipe and did not blame him, "You have been working very hard all these years, and I have seen it all. It's not your fault. This Qi sensation thing is about opportunity. Back then, my master searched all over the north and south of the river, and only found a few people who could cultivate Qi sensation. People with Qi sensation are hard to find. Perhaps Qingwu County is still too small…"

Tang Qingfeng drooped his head. The more his adopted father comforted and understood him, the more guilty he felt.

At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps outside the door.

It was the butler who came in with a dusty servant.

"Old master, this is a boy from White Feather Hall in Shuideng Town, saying that Second Master has an urgent letter…"

"Urgent letter?" Tang Qingfeng immediately collected his emotions, stepped forward, and sized up the servant, "Tell me in detail what's going on."

The servant told the story in detail, and finally said, "Elder Tang deliberately delayed the assessment time for this letter. This little one thought it was a very important matter, so I whipped my horse all the way, not daring to stop for a moment."

"Hmm."

Tang Qingfeng took the envelope, intending to open it, but thinking that his adopted father was present, he handed it to his adopted father with both hands.

Tang Zhengyang didn't take it, only caring about puffing on his dry pipe, "You can open it and take a look. Maybe it's some rotten matter within the Tiger Wolf Gate, not very interesting."

The servant from the Tiger Wolf Gate was greatly shocked to hear this: the Tiger Wolf Gate was already a top-notch sect in Qingwu County, and even the county magistrate had to give them face. This old man didn't seem to put the Tiger Wolf Gate in his eyes, very arrogant…

However, he only dared to think about it in his heart, but he didn't dare to show any displeasure.

Tang Qingfeng tore open the envelope, opened the letter, and there was only one striking line on it:

Xie An has cultivated Qi sensation, masters it skillfully, and can inherit the Tang Family Fort's unique skills!

Hiss!

After reading the content, Tang Qingfeng gasped, his hands and feet trembling. The image of the hardworking old man who promoted the Health Cultivation Technique at the Chen Family Martial Arts Hall in Wuqiao Town appeared in his mind.

Later, this person even came to Tang Family Fort to give gifts and thank him for his teaching.

It was him?

Tang Zhengyang noticed Tang Qingyun's abnormality, and glared at him, "What are you shaking for? You're already fifty years old, and you don't have this much composure, what a disgrace!"

"Adopted father, look!" Tang Qingfeng couldn't care about losing his composure and hurriedly offered the letter with both hands.

"Isn't it just some trivial matter of the Tiger Wolf Gate, what's so surprising…" Tang Zhengyang snorted dismissively and casually snatched the letter. Then… his expression gradually became surprised, and a bright light bloomed in his calm eyes.

Swish!

Tang Zhengyang suddenly stood up from the recliner, his legs and feet trembling even more exaggeratedly than Tang Qingfeng, and his face turned flushed.

"Good, … good, good, good!"

He trembled as he touched the dragon-headed cane next to him, constantly hitting the ground, almost howling, "Good! Qingyun did well! Steward Liu, reward him."

The servant was overjoyed and thanked him with cupped hands, "Thank you, old master."

Immediately, the butler led the servant away.

"Hahaha, hard work pays off. Good, good, good." Tang Zhengyang was still excited, no longer caring about losing his composure.

Tang Qingfeng felt very speechless, just now he said that he was a disgrace… then what about you?

Although he thought so in his heart, Tang Qingfeng couldn't help but smile, "Adopted father, why don't I go to Shuideng Town now and bring this person here? To show to adopted father?"

"Good!"

Tang Zhengyang agreed immediately, then denied again, "No, that would seem hasty. I'll go there myself… that won't work either."

Tang Qingfeng was very curious: "What's wrong again?"

Tang Zhengyang said, "I'm also a hundred-year-old man, my seniority is here. If I go rashly, it would seem not very stable… Forget it, I'll secretly go and take a look at this person, just don't tell anyone."

Tang Qingfeng supported his forehead, "Okay."

Soon, Tang Qingfeng found a carriage, and together with Tang Zhengyang, headed straight for Shuideng Town.

Throughout the journey, Tang Zhengyang was in good spirits, shedding his sickly demeanor and even inquiring about Xie An's background. Tang Qingfeng explained everything in detail, ultimately giving him a high evaluation: "The first time I saw him, I felt he was extraordinary. Late in life, yet full of vigor, a late bloomer. Unexpectedly… my words came true."

Tang Zhengyang didn't hold back his praise, "Qingfeng has also done well."

Subsequently, Tang Qingfeng recounted the White Feather Hall's examination, finally saying: "Everyone is eyeing the Blood Ridge Black Market's lucrative opportunity. Chen Qinglang sent his son, Chen Qing, to participate in the examination, intending to keep this prize in his own hands. Hong Lie is definitely no match for Chen Qing. But now… Xie An has been serving as the Second Deacon in the Blood Ridge Black Market for a long time, deeply indebted to Wei Dian, and also wants to participate in the examination. Therefore… Second Brother postponed the examination, wanting to await adoptive father's reply."

It's said that the two brothers share the same mind.

Tang Qingyun postponed the examination, undoubtedly because he saw that Xie An had cultivated Qi. He was considering whether he could do him a favor.

However, this matter was of great importance, and Tang Qingyun didn't want to make the decision himself, still needing the approval of the Old Master Tang.

Heh heh.

Tang Zhengyang took a puff of his dry tobacco pipe, "Qingyun's consideration is thorough, it should be so."

About an hour later, the carriage arrived at Water Lantern Town, stopping on the street near the back door of the White Feather Hall.

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"Qingfeng, go to the villa and find Qingyun, and have that Xie An perform a set of health exercises for you to see."

"What about you, adoptive father?"

"I'll watch from the shadows. If his Qi cultivation is exaggerated, then we'll just pretend this never happened, to avoid too much embarrassment. If his Qi cultivation has reached the required level, I have my own plans."

"Alright, I'll have Second Brother get adoptive father an identity as a White Feather Hall disciple to enter."

"No need, how could these mere courtyard walls stop me? They're just decorations."

… …

Northwest Villa.

Xie An saw Tang Qingfeng hurrying over.

Although it had been a long time, seeing him again now felt particularly warm. Tang Qingfeng, like Tang Qingyun, had no airs, possessing the temperament of a scholar, refined and humble.

Xie An cupped his hands in a deep bow, "Master Tang."

Seeing Xie An, Tang Qingfeng also felt as warm as before, quickly stepping forward to help him up, "Brother Xie An, don't be like that. Second Brother has already told me about your situation. When I first met Brother Xie, I felt that you were destined for great things later in life. I didn't expect you to actually cultivate Qi. Would you mind performing the Five Animal Frolics for me to see?"

Xie An was shocked.

Tang Qingyun had tested him but didn't explain the reason. Now that Tang Qingfeng had come again, he still needed to be tested.

It was evident that the Tang Family Fort attached far more importance to Qi cultivation than people imagined.

"Alright."

Xie An readily agreed, performing the Five Animal Frolics again, following the previous movements.

Tang Qingfeng watched from the side throughout, completely engrossed. Feeling that Xie An had mastered Qi, he was even more shocked. Comparing himself, he was actually inferior to this old man before him.

After Xie An finished his performance, Tang Qingfeng woke up as if from a dream, "Excellent. Brother Xie's Five Animal Frolics are deeply ingrained, his cultivation is masterful. Even I am ashamed of my inferiority."

"Master Tang is too kind, it's all thanks to Master Tang's guidance that day."

"It's also because Brother Xie is striving. Please wait a moment, I'll go discuss it with Second Brother."

Tang Qingfeng gave Tang Qingyun a look, and the latter understood, leaving the White Feather Hall together.

Reaching an empty place at the intersection, Tang Qingyun asked, "Big Brother, how is his Qi cultivation?"

Tang Qingfeng shook his head, "I haven't mastered Qi myself, so I can't make an accurate assessment. However, I see that this person's health exercises are masterful, which cannot be faked."

Tang Qingyun said: "Then please have Big Brother immediately report to Father. If this person is capable, I'd like to do him a favor."

Tang Qingfeng said: "No need to trouble yourself, adoptive father has already arrived."

Tang Qingyun was greatly surprised, looking around.

Slap.

Tang Qingfeng patted Tang Qingyun's shoulder, "Don't look, adoptive father was hiding in the shadows just now and saw Xie An performing the Five Animal Frolics. Adoptive father will make his own judgment on the Qi cultivation. Come with me to the carriage."

Soon, the two arrived next to the carriage and climbed inside.

Seeing Tang Zhengyang sitting in the carriage, Tang Qingyun clearly felt that his father's complexion was much better than usual, greatly pleased, "Father, your complexion is much better."

"Hahaha, a joyful event makes one feel refreshed." Tang Zhengyang laughed heartily, "Qingyun, you've done well. I've seen this person's Qi cultivation. Although the level is ordinary, after observing him, I believe he should have only cultivated Qi for less than two months. To be able to skillfully master Qi and operate it properly in two months is quite rare and a rare talent. If I personally guide him, he will reach a masterful level in a few years and be capable of great responsibility."

"Congratulations, Father, after searching for half a lifetime, you have finally achieved your wish."

"Congratulations, adoptive father."

"Hahaha, it's all thanks to you. I will certainly remember your contributions."

Instantly, the atmosphere in the carriage became harmonious.

The two sons hadn't seen their father so happy in many years, and naturally felt joyful as well.

After a moment, Tang Zhengyang changed the subject, "Qingyun, what does Chen Qinglang intend with this examination?"

Tang Qingyun truthfully explained, "Chen Qinglang intends to officially establish the Blood Ridge Black Market, transforming it into a commercial center. The person who will be responsible for commerce in the future can obtain the official rank of an eighth-grade Councilor. Therefore, Chen Qinglang had his son, Chen Qing, participate in the examination, wanting to give his son an official rank for his future career."

Tang Zhengyang nodded slightly, "So that's the case, no wonder he's making such a big display. He's even attracted all the villagers of Water Lantern Town. It turns out Chen Qinglang is setting the stage for his son."

Tang Qingyun said: "Chen Qing is a Bone Refinement Realm Minor Success martial artist, Hong Lie has no chance of winning."

The martial world is deep and treacherous, where is there so much fair examination, it's all insider trading, with the results decided beforehand, and then pulled out to perform a show, just going through the motions.

However, there is a small probability of accidents occurring during the performance… Once an accident occurs publicly, even the greatest consequences must be swallowed.

For example, if Xie An wins the top spot in the examination, then he will truly be the Branch Master. Chen Qinglang can do nothing, at most using some means to suppress him afterward, giving him a hard time, and so on.

Seeing that Tang Zhengyang didn't speak, Tang Qingyun said: "Father, that Xie An…"

"He wants to take the examination, then give him a fair opportunity to take the examination, and I can also see his abilities." Tang Zhengyang gave his answer.

Tang Qingyun: "What about Chen Qinglang's side…"

"You're worried that if Xie An wins the top spot, Chen Qinglang will give him a hard time, right?" Tang Zhengyang laughed, "It's been a few years since I had tea with Chen Qinglang. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll go ask him for a cup of tea."

… …

Twenty miles southeast of the county seat.

Tiger Wolf Mountain.

A vast mountain range, six to seven hundred meters above sea level, standing on the mountaintop, one can overlook the entire Qingwu County, an excellent feng shui location. It is the headquarters of the Tiger Wolf Gate.

Although the Tiger Wolf Gate has intricate connections with the County Office, and also has branches and businesses set up in the county seat, the headquarters are still located on Tiger Wolf Mountain, a treasure of feng shui. On the one hand, there are thousands of Tiger Wolf Gate disciples, and if they suddenly flooded into the county seat, the County Office would be under great pressure.

On the other hand, the Tiger Wolf Mountain in the southeast and the Guardhouse in the southwest form an angle with the county seat. Once the county seat is invaded by foreign enemies, both sides can support each other and contain the enemy. This is also an agreement reached between the County Office and the Tiger Wolf Gate long ago.

Of course, in addition to the Guardhouse and the Tiger Wolf Gate, there is also the Heavenly Saber Society. The Heavenly Saber Society is close to the port of the Huai River and is responsible for the waterways, controlling hundreds of miles of water. It doesn't have a direct conflict of interest with the Tiger Wolf Gate, so they have been at peace.

On the top of Tiger Wolf Mountain, there is a large stronghold, similar to a prosperous village, with people coming and going. Many martial arts practitioners are practicing with swords and spears, and there are also cavalry training, with an extraordinary aura.

Da da da.

An old man with white hair and a dragon-headed cane walked up the mountain, stepping on the accumulated snow.

Passing through the crowd, he attracted countless gazes.

Arriving at the gate of the stronghold.

A burly, sword-wielding guard stopped him, "Please show your identity badge?"

The old man smiled, "I don't have a badge."

Clang.

Hearing that he didn't have a badge, the sword-wielding man felt that the old man was here to cause trouble, and immediately drew his sword, "Old man, this is the headquarters of my Tiger Wolf Gate. Throughout Qingwu County, no one dares to break in. Please go back, I don't want to hurt you."

The old man's smile became even brighter, "Which Gate Master is on duty today?"

The sword-wielding man became even more displeased, "Old man, you can't even walk properly, but you have a big mouth. Today, Gate Master Chen Qinglang is on duty."

The old man said: "Then please inform Chen Qinglang that this old man's legs are inconvenient, and ask him to carry a sedan chair to welcome me."

"You're being disrespectful! How could the Gate Master carry a sedan chair for you?!" The sword-wielding man felt indignant, raising his sword to slash at the old man.

At this moment, the old man suddenly roared, "Chen Qinglang, are you tired of living?!"

Rumble!

The sound echoed in all directions, shaking the mountains.

The sword-wielding man immediately felt pain in his eardrums, blood flowing from his ears, and quickly covered his ears and screamed.

Countless Tiger Wolf Gate disciples around were shocked, their heads aching, their ears about to explode, covering their ears and screaming, feeling the earth shaking, dizzy…

— — — —

ps: 10,000 words arrived, asking for monthly tickets~