Chapter 32: Cousin

The Extreme Yang Spiritual Power, which perfectly fuses the three essences of jing, qi, and shen, after it had restabilized, had increased by more than double compared to before.

Zhang Jian, being slightly familiar, could instantly have his mind follow his thoughts.

At this moment, his spiritual insight became perfectly round, giving him a sense of primordial flawlessness.

Zhang Jian could not hide the joy in his heart.

Using the wonderful method of inner vision from the Tongshan Pure Nine Chapters, he could feel that his Extreme Yang Spiritual Power was unusually pure, with not a trace of impurity.

Zhang Jian opened his eyes; his expression shifted slightly, he glanced around, and his keen divine sense let him faintly perceive something. Moments later, his gaze fell upon the Dragon-locking Tower on the embankment.

That Dragon-locking Tower stood on the great dam, counting as the most famous large tavern in Fengyang City; he faintly felt that someone's gaze was upon him from the tower.

But his expression did not change, as if unaware; he merely summoned a nearby old soldier, who shortly turned and left.

"Eldest Young Master, the guest has arrived!"

Zhang Jian did not wait long; soon he saw the expected guest—a sturdy man in martial attire entered the pavilion, and upon seeing Zhang Jian, his face lit up and he spoke.

"He Xiong pays his respects, Eldest Young Master!"

Zhang Jian turned slightly and smiled: "Brother He, there's no need to stand on ceremony; we haven't seen each other in years, yet you've become even more capable, having established a sizable estate in the prefectural city."

He Xiong repeatedly said he dared not, but upon seeing this warm-and-jade-like Eldest Young Master of the Zhang Clan, he was secretly astonished; this Zhang Clan Eldest Young Master was more easygoing than rumored, yet his gaze was rather intimidating, and for some reason he felt that those eyes were exceptionally sharp, making him dare not look down on him.

Zhang Jian nodded and immediately had He Xiong help introduce the situation within the prefectural city.

This was also the purpose for which Zhang Jian summoned He Xiong.

He Xiong is a pawn the Zhang Clan placed inside the prefectural city; he himself is a rather capable body-refining martial artist, and the Qingzhu Gang he founded is of modest size—though not as large as the Sanhe Gang, it still carries some influence.

As they exchanged questions and answers, Zhang Jian gradually formed a clearer, more complete picture of the prefectural city's situation; having come here, he naturally needed to prepare, lest he be suddenly drawn into some inexplicable trouble.

This is also the awareness that the future head of a great clan ought to have.

This is also what Zhang Yi has taught him since childhood.

To provoke an enemy and remain completely unaware of it is called a senseless loss.

Naturally, it is good to reduce the cost of trial and error.

Zhang Jian listened with great interest to the many rumors circulating in the prefectural city, especially those concerning the Qi Clan.

Furthermore, he gained a deep understanding of the relationship between the Zhang and Qi Clans; back then, the Old Master of the Qi Clan did not want to marry off Zhang Qi to the Zhang Clan.

To some extent, the old man of our family used some unsavory means, ultimately forcing the Qi Clan to reluctantly give Zhang Qi in marriage.

Just then, Zhang Jian's brow twitched as he heard a commotion coming from afar.

He saw a group of beggars noisily running over, with two young beggars fleeing ahead toward them.

The few household soldiers guarding the pavilion could not allow this; they immediately seized the crowd.

Seeing the household soldiers, each stout and ruddy-faced, weapons in hand, the beggars hastily stepped back several steps, showing fear.

Only the tall, thin beggar leading them, suppressing his fear, clasped his fists and said:

"Sirs, we don't want trouble; it's just that these two little rascals broke the rules, begging in our territory and stealing our things. Please let us pass—we'll take these two back and leave at once!"

Meanwhile, another young and strong fellow had already seized the other two filthy young beggars.

The two young beggars' eyes darted about; one of them began to shout loudly.

"Sirs, please don't listen to their nonsense—we didn't take their things; this broken silver was given to us by several generous gentlemen, and they harbor ill intent, wanting to steal our copper coins!"

The several beggars immediately objected, shouting: "This kid is lying—those two brats stole our broken silver; it's ours!"

The several stalwarts grew impatient, about to drive off the band of beggars, when Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon the scene; he frowned slightly and glanced into the bowls of the two young beggars.

Indeed, the bowls of the two young beggars contained several taels of broken silver.

Zhang Jian knew that such broken silver had strong purchasing power—enough to feed an ordinary family for a month.

He thought for a moment, then immediately had the nearby household soldiers drive off the several noisy, tall beggars.

Seeing this, the two young beggars smiled, and one of them, dark and unkempt, stepped forward, imitating an adult's manner, and cupped his hands.

"Thank you, Eldest Young Master! You must be a scholar; with your clear mind, you will surely become top scholar and attain high office!"

The smaller beggar beside him also gave a similar foolish laugh: "He'll definitely become top scholar!"

Seeing this, Zhang Jian frowned and said lightly:

"You two brats, don't put on an act in front of me—I can see through what you've done; that silver isn't yours, is it?"

However, I observe that although their complexions are sallow, their spirit and energy are full, their limbs strong, and their eyes bear a killing aura—evidently they have done plenty of heinous deeds.

But you two are deficient in qi and blood, with hidden injuries; that's why I helped drive off that gang of beggars for you—take care of yourselves! I can help you once, but next time you won't be so lucky.

He waved his hand.

His words left everyone present somewhat stunned; the young beggar's eyes also darted about, seeing Zhang Jian wave his hand.

"Thank you, sir!"

That young beggar then performed a proper bow in earnest and hurried away.

Beside him, He Xiong watched the scene, his eyes flickering: "Eldest Young Master, how did you know that silver belonged to those two young beggars through theft?"

Zhang Jian smiled and replied offhand: "It's simple—this broken silver is covered in filth and grease, showing it had been kept close to someone's person for a long time, and its owner often handled it; that clearly contradicts what those two young beggars said."

Upon hearing this, He Xiong's eyes twitched slightly as he nodded inwardly, his face growing more affectionate.

…

This scene also fell into the eyes of two girls on the Dragon-locking Tower; they glanced at each other, then went straight downstairs and left.

But after the two girls returned, the female servant nearby informed Qi Wan of their actions.

Qi Wan merely smiled faintly and said.

"She's grown up, knows how to protect herself!"

…

As the two girls departed, Zhang Jian cast his gaze toward them; he had long noticed their presence, but seeing they bore no hostility, he pretended not to have seen them.

Nevertheless, he ordered Hu Shan to follow the two young girls and take a look.

After all, he had only been in Phoenix Sun Commandery for half a day; he shouldn't have gotten into trouble so quickly.