[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult":3,"chapter-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-19":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Don't Mock the Poor Old Man: Gains a Year of Cultivation Every Day!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2312511,4520,"Chapter 19: Snatch Two in One Breath!","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-19",19,"\u003Cp>“Yes! Just force it like a tyrant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu stood frozen, watching his father’s retreating back, his chest heaving, his eyes gradually hardening with a desperate ruthlessness and burning ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This thought, like a poisonous vine, once rooted, spread wildly, coiling tight around his reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since his father had said it this plainly, it wasn’t enough to just do it—he had to do it cleanly and decisively!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, in his father’s eyes, this son who had failed to break through and couldn’t even handle a simple task—how could he ever compete with his steady, successful elder brother for family power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced himself to calm down, casting aside the shame of failure and fear of chaos, pouring all his focus into this cruel, sordid plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The panic in Zhang Xu’s eyes faded, replaced by a near-pathological glint of cold calculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatest challenge of this plan was how to create an opportunity to be alone with Liu Yiyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this woman too well—cold, aloof, always looking down on him; a personal invitation was out of the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strike directly? Too many eyes inside and outside the martial academy, and Liu Qingshi was a Hua Jing expert—any misstep meant utter ruin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should he do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu began thinking rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind might be restless when it came to martial arts, but in matters of romance, in understanding human desires and scheming, he was gifted beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, his furrowed brows eased slightly, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu Tian… yes, that brat Hu Tian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear path to break the deadlock emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new junior Hu Tian, whom he’d recently lavished with favors and “invested” in—wasn’t he the perfect pawn?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have Hu Tian invite Liu Yiyi to a banquet under the pretext of thanking her for guiding him through his fist technique initiation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu’s mind spun, a cold smile curling his lips, “I’ve fed this poor brat so many bones—it’s time he wagged his tail and did my bidding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the smile vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Liu Yiyi—this woman appeared cold, but was sharp and fiercely cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Hu Tian showed up under the guise of a fellow disciple’s celebration, she might still refuse a private meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hasty invitation would only alarm her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if… Hu Tian invites Su Yan too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu’s brows knitted again, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though their personalities differed, Liu Yiyi and Su Yan were among the few female disciples who spoke to each other, and got along reasonably well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Su Yan accompanying her, Liu Yiyi’s guard would drop significantly—her likelihood of accepting the invitation would skyrocket!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought sent a wilder, greedier idea surging into his mind like a venomous snake, stealing his breath!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two birds with one stone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was going to strike, why not simply… take Su Yan too?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment this idea surfaced, it ignited like wildfire, impossible to suppress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu felt a searing heat of ultimate excitement and a trembling rush surge to his skull; his pale face flushed with an unnatural crimson, his eyes blazing with naked lust and ruthlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Do it! Two birds with one stone! If arranged right, I’ll have them both…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already saw the blood-pounding scene, couldn’t help swallowing hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, though audacious, this plan wasn’t without a chance of success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key lay in secrecy, speed, and… control afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew well that in this Zhou state, no matter how noble a woman’s birth or brilliant her talent, her reputation remained the heaviest chain binding her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the rice was cooked and the deed done, there was no turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they hated him with fury, for the sake of family honor and their own purity, they’d likely swallow their teeth and blood, forced to submit—and perhaps even, to cover the scandal, become his puppets!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the very foundation of his madness, one of the cruelest rules of this world toward women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu Tian is the bait—the location must be safe and secluded… the pavilion in the lake center is perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The drug must be flawless—ensure they’re utterly powerless… use the forbidden potion—Beauty’s Drunkenness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And afterward—how to soothe them, how to negotiate, how to maximize the gains…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu was fully immersed in his sinister plotting, each vile scheme forming and linking rapidly in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gloom from his failed Qi Condensation attempt seemed to vanish, replaced by the exhilaration of an impending dangerous “hunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already saw himself not only restoring his standing in his father’s eyes, but also seizing both of them…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahahaha!!!!!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xu grew more excited by the thought, swiftly summoning a trusted subordinate to rush to the martial academy and give Hu Tian his orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm? Isn’t that Zhang Xu’s lackey, Zhang Wang? What’s he doing here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye, sitting at the gate to rest and gather his strength, narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw a man in black martial attire, with a menacing face, hurrying toward the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was Zhang Xu’s confidant, Zhang Wang—a Ming Jing expert at peak strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wang moved in haste, not even glancing at Jiang Ye, striding straight into the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the inner courtyard, in the quietest corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu Tian, Young Master Zhang Xu… has a small matter he’d like you to help with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wang lowered his voice, speaking softly to Hu Tian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian, having mingled with Zhang Xu these past days, knew Zhang Wang well; at once, he puffed out his chest, plastering on a warm, almost awestruck smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Zhang Wang! Don’t be so formal! Whatever it is, just give the order! If I can do it, I won’t hesitate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good! Straight to the point! No wonder Young Master values you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wang praised him, glanced around, then leaned closer, voice dropping even lower:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s like this… Young Master, due to some unintentional missteps, may have spoken slightly… harshly to Senior Sister Liu Yiyi and Senior Sister Su Yan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This has weighed on him, become a thorn in his heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s been looking for the right chance to host a banquet, apologize face-to-face, clear up the misunderstanding, so things can be smoother between them in the academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, watching Hu Tian’s expression, then continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you know Young Master’s nature… if he went to invite them directly, they might refuse, and it’d be awkward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luckily, today you’ve just entered the fist technique realm, joining the inner courtyard—this is a major celebration!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Young Master thought—could you, under the pretext of ‘thanking your master and celebrating your entry,’ invite the two senior sisters to a small gathering at the lake pavilion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, Young Master will ‘coincidentally’ appear, personally apologize, and clear the air.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hu Tian listen intently, Zhang Wang clapped his shoulder, his tone growing more earnest:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your only task is to get the two senior sisters to the lake pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once they arrive, Young Master will handle everything else—he won’t put you in a difficult position.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this succeeds, Young Master will remember your favor, and our brotherhood will be even stronger!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian understood at once, nodding vigorously, “So that’s it! I always thought Senior Brother Zhang Xu and Senior Sister Su Yan seemed… a bit off, turns out there was a misunderstanding!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face took on the look of someone ready to help, slapping his chest in assurance: “Brother Zhang Wang, don’t worry! I’ll handle it—I’ll find a way to get both senior sisters there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, he’d never dared speak to Liu Yiyi or Su Yan—core disciples like them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, having entered the fist technique realm today, he felt confident, as if he’d joined their ranks, worthy of speaking to them as equals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent! Young Master Zhang Xu was right about Hu Tian—you’re why he treats you like a younger brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hu Tian’s confident agreement, Zhang Wang nodded slightly, then reached into his robe, pulling out a neatly folded silver note, shoving it into Hu Tian’s hand without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian caught a glimpse of the “One Hundred Liang” inscription on the note, his heart leapt—but he forced down his excitement, feigning reluctance: “Brother Zhang Wang! What are you doing? I’m helping Young Master Zhang Xu—it’s my duty! I can’t take this money, take it back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah—Hu Tian, brother!” Zhang Wang pressed the note firmly into his palm, chuckling, “Precisely because you’re close to Young Master, because you’re family, you can’t work for free! This is just a little gift from him to celebrate your fist technique breakthrough—you must accept it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Hu Tian’s heart warmed—he’d never followed the wrong elder—and stopped pretending, taking the note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About a cup of tea’s time later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian glanced at Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, who had finally stopped training, took a deep breath, feigned calm, and approached them, bowing slightly, forcing his voice steady: “Hu Tian, greetings to both senior sisters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yiyi heard him, gave him only the faintest glance, showing no intention to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Su Yan, ever perceptive, was surprised by his sudden approach; her beautiful eyes flickered with curiosity, then softened into a warm, soothing smile, her voice clear: “What is it, Brother Hu Tian? Do you need something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian steadied himself, reciting Zhang Wang’s script word for word:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior sisters, I was fortunate to join the academy, and today I’ve barely entered the fist technique realm—all thanks to Senior Master Liu’s patient guidance. I’m deeply grateful, but have no way to repay you, so I thought… to host a modest banquet, to express my thanks. I humbly ask both senior sisters to grace me with your presence…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?” Su Yan’s elegant brows lifted slightly, her smile unchanged, but her tone took on a playful edge, “If this is to thank Senior Master Liu, you should invite him—not us two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian had prepared for this: “Senior Master Liu is esteemed, burdened with countless duties—I dare not disturb him lightly. So I thought… to invite his daughter, Senior Sister Yiyi, to convey my respect on his behalf.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… if I invited Senior Sister Yiyi alone, a man and woman together, it might invite gossip and harm her reputation. So… I boldly also invite Senior Sister Su Yan to accompany her, for propriety’s sake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were halting, yet he presented himself as cautious, respectful, and considerate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yan smiled faintly at him, “So I’m just an afterthought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No no no… Senior Sister, that’s not what I meant!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian replied, flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his awkward, earnest attempt to appear mature, Su Yan’s suspicion eased slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, she’d never have bothered with a lackey like Hu Tian, attached to Zhang Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, he’d shown potential—entering the fist technique realm in seven days. If he didn’t die prematurely, he’d surely become a core disciple of the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even beyond the academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she had no intention of deep friendship, forming a good connection, keeping face—was always beneficial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a daughter of wealth, she always thought further ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since you’ve so sincerely invited me, I can’t very well refuse your kindness, little brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yan turned her gaze to Liu Yiyi beside her and said softly, “Yiyi, how about we go eat? It’s been ages since we’ve had a meal outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Liu Yiyi’s eyes flickered slightly; she hadn’t so much as glanced at Hu Tian from start to finish, her gaze fixed on Su Yan as she gave a slight nod. “It really has been a long time since we’ve eaten out together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing both agree, Hu Tian’s anxious face broke into a look of wild delight. “Thank you, Senior Sisters, for honoring me with your company!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky grew dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to close the gates again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most disciples had already left. Jiang Ye opened his half-asleep eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing in their depths. “Tonight, I can knock on the door to Hidden Strength!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Jiang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strong, respectfully familiar voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Lei strode in from the courtyard, sweat still glistening on his face from the day’s grueling training, yet his eyes shone brighter and more resolute than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye gave a slight nod in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, Shi Lei did not bow and leave as usual—he stopped right before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the boy carefully pulled from his chest the familiar blue porcelain vial—the Blood-Replenishing Elixir Liu Qingshi had given him that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Lei uncorked the soft wooden stopper and without hesitation poured two dark red pills, faintly fragrant with medicinal scent, into his palm, offering them to Jiang Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were clumsy, but his gaze was intensely serious. “Old Jiang, this elixir… I heard it replenishes blood and qi, strengthens tendons and bones. You’re old now, your body needs nourishment… please, take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye recognized the pills at once. His heart jolted, then swelled with a complex tide of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a disciple like Shi Lei—poor, scraping by on sweat and blood—these two pills held value beyond any amount of silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this boy was willing to give them away—to an old gatekeeper he called “on his deathbed”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye shook his head gently and pushed the pills back. “What would an old man like me need this for? You’re at the critical stage of forging your blood and qi, preparing to break through to Bright Strength. These pills are vital for you—take them back. Don’t waste them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Jiang, if you hadn’t awakened me last night…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Lei tried to insist, his eyes filled with genuine gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shi boy, an old man like me only needs a bit of Blood-Strengthening Soup to stay healthy. Too much nourishment now would just overload me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye spoke firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the phrase “overload from over-nourishment,” Shi Lei froze. He looked into the old man’s eyes—aged, yet calm and unwavering—and something clicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, he stopped arguing. Carefully, he returned the two pills to the vial, sealed it tightly, and tucked it back against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he stepped back half a pace, bowed deeply and sincerely to Jiang Ye, and turned away, striding off into the thickening night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye watched his retreating figure, standing still for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outer Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaohé had not gone home early like the other disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She deliberately stayed behind, absently twisting her sleeve, her gaze repeatedly flicking toward the moon gate leading from the inner courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was waiting for Hu Tian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian had officially entered the inner courtyard today—his status had changed. Her sense of crisis grew like creeping vines; she had to seize the moment, deepen their bond, ideally lock something down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she saw the scene that made her heart contract.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian walked out of the inner courtyard, his face wearing an expression of almost groveling deference, following two figures step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those two were the brightest, most unattainable jewels of the Martial Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold-as-snow Liu Yiyi, and the warm, radiant Su Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her gaze swept over them, a flicker of self-loathing passed through Lin Xiaohé’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, her face was thick-skinned. After a moment of stunned silence, she forced a bright smile and called out to the three:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Sister Liu Yiyi, Senior Sister Su Yan, Hu Tian…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words had barely left her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian jerked his head around as if stabbed, saw her, and his face darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lunged to her side in one swift motion, grabbed her arm without warning, and yanked her hard into a distant corner—so forcefully she stumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin Xiaohé! Why are you still here?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian’s voice was low, but brimming with unmistakable irritation and impatience. His brows knotted, his eyes full of blame—as if she were some shameful nuisance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaohé was stunned by his sudden cruelty. Her smile froze, like a flower struck by sudden frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Hu Tian helplessly, her voice trembling with fear and hurt:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hu Tian, I… I was waiting for you. Didn’t you say you wanted to try my homemade sesame cakes? My mother prepared the finest flour and sesame today—I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What cakes?! I’m not interested!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian cut her off impatiently. Glancing toward Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, who seemed to be glancing this way, his tone grew sharper, colder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin Xiaohé, listen well: stay away from me from now on. I don’t want the Senior Sisters to misunderstand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaohé froze as if struck by lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carefully maintained sweet smile on her face drained of all color, leaving only pallor and dazed disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This… this felt familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did it sound so familiar? So piercing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a flash, she remembered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of all the outer courtyard disciples, she’d spoken to that scarred, lifeless-eyed Shi Lei—using the exact same cold, dismissive, desperate tone—to say nearly identical words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, in an instant…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those words had become a poisoned boomerang, returning to her with even greater cruelty, even greater humiliation—unchanged, unyielding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Karma? Rebirth? Or was this world simply absurd and cruel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xiaohé stood there, staring as Hu Tian turned away without a second glance, his face instantly remade into a beaming smile as he hurried back to Liu Yiyi and Su Yan, whispering something humble and eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two graceful figures didn’t spare her another look—as if she were nothing more than a speck of dust on the roadside, stepping past without pause, continuing toward the courtyard gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Tian followed closely behind, like the most loyal lapdog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Jiang, we’re off. Get some rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yan reached the gate, as always, offering Jiang Ye a warm smile and a bright greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was always like this—polite, considerate, like spring breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Jiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yiyi merely nodded slightly, her cold gaze lingering on Jiang Ye for a brief moment—enough to acknowledge him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was always reserved, sparing with words—but for this gatekeeper of decades, she had always maintained basic respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the two most admired inner courtyard Senior Sisters greet Jiang Ye, Hu Tian dared not lag. He quickly forced a smile and bowed politely: “Old Jiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the three figures vanished into the sparse lantern light and heavy night beyond the gate, their outlines fading into distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Something’s off. Zhang Xu’s lackey Zhang Wang came to the Martial Courtyard this afternoon. Tonight, Hu Tian invites them to dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Ye watched the fading silhouettes, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his seventy years of experience, this reeked of trouble—nine out of ten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Hu Tian had invited only Su Yan, Jiang Ye wouldn’t have cared. But with Liu Yiyi included, things changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingshi had treated him well—twenty years of shelter, a rare peace in chaotic times—these were real debts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Liu Yiyi, though cold, was someone he’d watched grow up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter his stance,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he would not stand by and let Liu Yiyi come to harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s see what tricks Zhang Xu is planning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold smile curled on Jiang Ye’s aged face.\u003C\u002Fp>",3173,"2026-06-20T12:57:27.461Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a4cf80c0fa41dbbc359547c51ee5860fb5d899aca4eb1cc1c0dc7d432a65be22","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-20","don-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-chapter-18",268,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdon-t-mock-the-poor-old-man-gains-a-year-of-cult-cover.jpg"]