Chapter 137: Encounter, Joining

Mu Chunfeng and Jiang Jiyue, guessing that Bai Wuji was very likely Xiao Zhangqing, whom they had met at Nanshan Fang, could not sit still for a moment and, following the clues, arrived at Brocade Pavilion and found the entrance to the cave residence rented by Xiao Zhangqing.

With uneasy hearts, the two of them "knocked" the formation of the cave residence.

The formation opened quickly, and a pretty, intelligent, beautiful face appeared before them.

When Jiang Jiyue was at Nanshan Fang, she had never seen the Lin sisters, so she did not know Lin Ziyu.

But Mu Chunfeng knew them and, in disbelief, said, "Dao Companion Lin… it really is you both!"

Seeing Lin Ziyu, Mu Chunfeng knew her guess was correct.

Since her father's death, the Mu family fell into a desperate situation, and she had repeatedly, brazenly, gone to Jia Yi Cave to ask Xiao Zhangqing for help.

Each time, it was Lin Ziyu who received her.

With Lin Ziyu appearing in this cave residence, there was no doubt that the mysterious foreign foundation‑building cultivator who severely injured He Yuan was Xiao Zhangqing! "Miss Mu?" Lin Ziyu, upon seeing Mu Chunfeng, was also overjoyed.

Having been in Character: Liyang Zhenren City for a few months, although she had the Lord's protection, everything went smoothly; clothing, food, shelter, travel, and cultivation were all easily handled, unlike the vast majority of cultivators who came to Character: Liyang Zhenren City seeking opportunities, who struggle to survive and scramble around to gain a foothold.

Yet, amid the novelty of the bustling cultivation city, she inevitably thought of Nanshan Fang, of her homeland, of old acquaintances.

In Character: Liyang Zhenren City, the only people who could be considered old friends were the former Lingfu Pavilion's Shopkeeper Hong, Jiang Jiyue, and Mu Chunfeng.

And also.

Shopkeeper Hong and Jiang Jiyue both have old ties with the Lord, but the two sisters do not know each other.

The only true old acquaintance is Mu Chunfeng.

She had previously been hoping that she might someday have a chance to meet Mu Chunfeng in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, but the odds seemed very low.

Because she still could not confirm whether Mu Chunfeng had arrived in Character: Liyang Zhenren City with the remaining members of the Mu clan.

Unexpectedly, Mu Chunfeng took the initiative to come to the door so quickly! "Stop calling me Miss Mu. Just call me Chunfeng," Mu Chunfeng waved her hand and said.

Lin Ziyu smiled and said, "Alright. Then Chunfeng, you can just call me Ziyu."

After following Xiao Zhangqing for so many years and seeing enough of the world, Lin Ziyu's personality hasn't changed much, but her mindset is no longer insecure.

The two exchanged a brief, friendly chat.

Lin Ziyu finally asked, "Chunfeng, how did you find this place? Who is the person beside you?"

"This is Jiang Jiyue. I don't know if you, Ziyu, have heard of the Jiang family, one of the ten great families of Character: Liyang Zhenren City; Jiang Jiyue is the daughter of the family head," Mu Chunfeng quickly introduced.

Lin Ziyu nodded.

She had already known this information.

Not long after arriving in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, the Lord secretly inquired about Shopkeeper Hong and Jiang Jiyue's whereabouts, discovering that both had become important figures in the Jiang family and had roughly understood the conflict between the Jiang family and the Luoxia Sect.

Then Mu Chunfeng explained the reason: "We came here today because we heard about the conflict between a mysterious foreign foundation‑building cultivator and He Yuan. I suspect Bai Wuji is Dao Companion Xiao, and wanted to investigate. I didn't expect I guessed correctly."

While saying this.

Mu Chunfeng and Jiang Jiyue both silently observed Lin Ziyu's expression, and found that when He Yuan was mentioned, Lin Ziyu's eyes showed only a faint disgust, without panic, anxiety, or any sense of impending disaster.

This left the two very puzzled.

Does Xiao Zhangqing and these Lin sisters not understand what the Blood Crow True Immortal and the Song Clan represent?

How can they remain so unruffled?

If earlier they didn't know who Bai Wuji was, just a stranger cultivator, Mu Chunfeng and Jiang Jiyue regarded the matter with a bystander's curiosity.

But now, the two women couldn't help but worry about Xiao Zhangqing.

After all, both women are considered friends of Xiao Zhangqing, and they had a good relationship at Nanshan Fang.

Especially Mu Chunfeng, whose grudges with Xiao Zhangqing run deeper.

If it weren't for Xiao Zhangqing, Mu Chunfeng would have died long ago, and the Mu family in Nanshan Fang would have been exterminated.

Even later, when Mu Chunfeng led the remaining clan members away from Nanshan Fang, on the way to Character: Liyang Zhenren City, if Xiao Zhangqing had not given her a few second‑tier Talisman Scripts before parting, Mu Chunfeng might have died halfway! To Mu Chunfeng, Xiao Zhangqing is more than a lifesaver; he has saved her life multiple times!

Regarding the He Yuan incident, Mu Chunfeng clearly could not help Xiao Zhangqing; she could barely protect herself, almost causing the Mu family further suffering, and had to prepare to leave Character: Liyang Zhenren City.

So at this moment Mu Chunfeng didn't think much, but silently decided that after meeting Xiao Zhangqing later, she would urge him to make a quick getaway! Before the Song Clan and the Blood Crow True Immortal's revenge arrives.

She also didn't plan to watch the upcoming auction, intending to leave together with Xiao Zhangqing.

Although her cultivation level is low, she has been in Character: Liyang Zhenren City for several years and knows the city and its surroundings better than Xiao Zhangqing and the others, so she can offer strategies and guide them.

"Please come in first; the Lord is meeting a guest and should finish soon. The Lord will be very happy to see you…"

Lin Ziyu escorted the two women into the cave residence.

At this moment.

The guest Xiao Zhangqing was meeting was none other than his neighbor, Zhu Xiaochuan.

Zhu Xiaochuan, on behalf of Gu Zongyuan, came to invite Xiao Zhangqing to join the Character: Liyang Guard.

……

"Hundred Dao Companion, you've hidden it from me so painfully…"

Zhu Xiaochuan looked at Xiao Zhangqing, shook his head, and his face bore bitterness.

Earlier, when Xiao Zhangqing first moved to Character: Liyang Zhenren City, Zhu Xiaochuan bragged about himself, claiming how good his relationship with the City Lord's residence was, how special his status was, and how he could enjoy privileges.

As a result.

This new neighbor doesn't talk about cultivation virtue, yet pretends to be a pig while devouring a tiger.

He actually possessed strength at least comparable to a late‑stage foundation‑building cultivator, and his audacity was astonishing—he even dared to strike the face of the Blood Crow True Immortal!

Looking back now, his bragging was nothing but clownish behavior!

Fortunately, Zhu Xiaochuan has no other virtues; besides being talkative, his only asset is a thick skin.

Though recalling it is a bit awkward, he doesn't feel embarrassed to meet people.

"I didn't intend to hide anything from Dao Companion Zhu, I just didn't feel like broadcasting my strength everywhere…" Xiao Zhangqing said with a smile.

"That's the same reasoning." Zhu Xiaochuan nodded, then waved his hand, not lingering on the matter, and turned serious: "Hundred Dao Companion, do you know how big a trouble you caused by severely injuring He Yuan this time?"

Xiao Zhangqing took a sip of spirit tea and said, "I know his uncle is the Blood Crow True Immortal."

Zhu Xiaochuan widened his eyes, "You know it's Blood Crow Real Person, yet you still stay so calm? Do you think that because Character: Liyang Zhenren City forbids duels, Blood Crow Real Person wouldn't dare retaliate you? Too naive! If it were other Real Persons, they might reason with you when in a good mood. But Blood Crow Real Person—absolutely no chance! He's famous for… uh, never mind, I'm not in a position to judge this."

"But in any case, hundred Dao Companions, you must understand that your fortunes will turn grim! It's not only Blood Crow Real Person; He Yuan's fiancée Song Ping'er has already persuaded the Song family, and they will take revenge on you! You know the Song family, right? They're among the top three of the ten great families!"

"Even if hundred Dao Companions hide perfectly, possessing late Foundation Establishment or even complete Foundation Establishment strength, it will still be hard to face the upcoming situation." Xiao Zhangqing remained unhurried and said, "Since Dao Companion Zhu knows my predicament is this dire, yet still dares to find me today, there must be something urgent, right?"

Zhu Xiaochuan opened his eyes wide, trying to read a hint of panic and apprehension from Xiao Zhangqing's expression.

Unfortunately, he was disappointed.

Xiao Zhangqing truly remained calm in crisis, showing no concern for his own dangerous situation.

He could only smile wryly, "Hundred Dao Companions, you guessed right. I came today because I have a huge piece of good news for you, enough to resolve your life‑or‑death crisis!"

Xiao Zhangqing raised an eyebrow, chuckling, "Dao Companion Zhu, you wouldn't be inviting me to join the Lord's City Hall again, would you?"

Joining the Lord's City Hall might resolve his current crisis.

If the Lord's City Hall were willing to intervene, blocking Blood Crow Real Person and the Song family's retaliation.

After all, no one dares to slight the face of the Character: Liyang Real Person.

But if that were the case, they'd have to sign a thirty‑year servitude contract, which Xiao Zhangqing is reluctant to do.

He has already prepared to face Blood Crow Real Person's revenge, and also wants to use this chance to probe Blood Crow Real Person's background while establishing his own reputation in Character: Liyang Zhenren City.

As for the Song family, although unexpected,

he fears not even a true Golden Core cultivator, let alone a mere false Dan family.

"Naturally not." Zhu Xiaochuan waved his hand, then spoke seriously, "I know hundred Dao Companions are proud and have refused the Lord's City Hall before, so I wouldn't invite you again. This time, I represent Gu Zongyuan, leader of the Character: Liyang Guard, to invite you to join the Character: Liyang Guard as a captain!"

"Character: Liyang Guard? Captain?"

Xiao Zhangqing heard this and felt a stir in his heart.

He naturally understood the significance of the Character: Liyang Guard's name.

Indeed, this invitation is far more enticing than the Lord's City Hall's.

For example, when Xiao Zhangqing previously accepted Yue Feng's invitation and joined the Lord's City Hall as a Guest Minister, it was essentially becoming Yue Feng's 'Guest Minister', i. e., his subordinate.

But the Character: Liyang Guard is different.

The Character: Liyang Guard does not answer to the Lord's City Hall, nor to the disciples of the Character: Liyang Real Person.

It also does not go out on missions, nor engage in pioneering or mining.

The Character: Liyang Guard has only one goal: to safeguard the safety of Character: Liyang Zhenren City, defending the city! Compared to that, the Guard's duties are much simpler, with virtually nothing to do most of the time.

At most, when a cultivator commits crimes such as adultery, murder, or robbery within the city, the Character: Liyang Guard will investigate and hunt the culprit.

Within the city, the Character: Liyang Guard can be said to be invincible.

Only cultivators fear the Character: Liyang Guard; the Guard never fears cultivators.

Moreover, the Guard's status, treatment, and rewards far exceed those of a Guest Minister of the Lord's City Hall, and are higher than the ten great families! If the Character: Liyang Guard truly encounters a thorny or dangerous situation,

that would mean the Character: Liyang Real Person can no longer suppress events, and the entire Character: Liyang Zhenren City would be on the brink of collapse.

At that time, the Character: Liyang Guard would need to defend the city in battle.

But such a time will not arrive.

If it ever does, the Character: Liyang Guard would soon be disbanded.

"Please, Brother Zhu, detail the conditions of the Character: Liyang Guard. What benefits are there, what must be given up…" Xiao Zhangqing did not outright refuse as he did with Yue Feng before, but also did not immediately accept; he first asked for the terms.

Zhu Xiaochuan muttered to himself.

This hundred Dao Companion is truly over‑proud.

Facing Brother Gu's recruitment, facing the lure of the Character: Liyang Guard captaincy, he still remains composed and asks about conditions! Someone unfamiliar might think you came from the Seven Star Sword Sect or Xingyue Palace! How absurd…

Nevertheless, at the request, he quickly outlined the general conditions and benefits of the Character: Liyang Guard.

"The Character: Liyang Guard has no fixed term, no need to sign a time contract?"

Xiao Zhangqing confirmed.

Zhu Xiaochuan sighed, "Who would dislike serving as Character: Liyang Guard captain for a long time? Of course no time contract is needed. Because over the years, almost only the Guard itself has ever dismissed a captain; there has never been a cultivator unwilling to serve as captain!"

"Oh, that's not right… Before Brother Gu, the Guard's leader was 'Guang Qin Real Person'. After Guang Qin attained the Golden Core, he voluntarily stepped down, passing the leadership on, eventually to Brother Gu."

"If hundred Dao Companion someday reaches the Golden Core, the Character: Liyang Guard will hold no appeal for you, and you will step down as well."

By the end, Zhu Xiaochuan's face clearly bore a smile.

Not mocking, just teasing.

Implying he thought Xiao Zhangqing was overthinking.

The Character: Liyang Guard captaincy is beyond his reach now, and will not bind or retain him.

He also believes Xiao Zhangqing is unlikely to ever achieve Golden Core.

Xiao Zhangqing was unfazed, nodding, "If that's the case, I can join the Character: Liyang Guard and give it a try…"

Hmm.

As long as there are no restrictive conditions, finding a respectable and decent position in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, with backing and fewer troubles, Xiao Zhangqing is gladly willing.

Though he fears not Blood Crow Real Person, nor the Song family.

Yet his current cultivation is still only mid‑Foundation Establishment; his hidden potential is strong, with great room for improvement, and the priority now is low‑key development and stable cultivation.

No need to flaunt his edge now, confronting others head‑on.

After attending the auction and obtaining a wave of treasures to boost his foundation and strength, later when he reaches complete Foundation Establishment or even Golden Core, he can sweep away those demons in one go, not too early.

No need to invite trouble upon himself.

At present, joining the Character: Liyang Guard seems a very good choice.

"Alright. This matter shouldn't be delayed; let's set out now to meet Brother Gu! Once your status is confirmed, whether it's Blood Crow Real Person or the Song family, they can only swallow their anger and calm down." Zhu Xiaochuan said.

At that moment.

Lin Zixi entered quietly and transmitted a message to Xiao Zhangqing.

Xiao Zhangqing's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this, and he said to Zhu Xiaochuan: "Zhu Dao Companion, it's also getting rather late today; why don't we go see the old Dao Companion again tomorrow?"

"This... alright."

Zhu Xiaochuan muttered again in his heart, "This hundred Dao Companion, truly a heart as big as the sky that doesn't tremble even if the heavens fall!" (End of chapter)