Chapter 355 - 342

The musicians played a somber lament, and guests from all directions came to offer their deep condolences.

Outside the hall, soldiers stood in formation, guarding the premises.

Family members and friends formed a line, offering fresh flowers in turn and bidding farewell to the departed.

The entire scene was filled with grief and desolation, a stark reminder of life’s fragility and preciousness.

"Brother Yue, about Crescent Lake..."

"Heh. Brother Cong Sheng, I will certainly help if I can, but that matter is truly beyond my capabilities."

Another voice started, "Brother Ma Sheng..."

"Hey, Gao," a different man interjected, "let’s not bring up anything else today, alright?"

「The back hall.」

Le Congsheng, Gao Gou, and others wore somber expressions. It had been less than half a month since their master’s passing, yet things had already grown cold. Business that had been agreed upon had come to an abrupt halt, and existing assets were being eyed by hungry wolves from every direction. All of this was because no one could fill the void left by their master, Elder Niu.

"Damn it, if only my cultivation had reached the higher ranks of the fifth tier!" Gao Gou cursed under his breath, his hands clenched into fists, veins bulging beneath his sleeves.

Le Congsheng sighed, his thoughts inexplicably turning to Hong Yuan. He and Hong Yuan faced almost the same predicament. But unlike him, Hong Yuan had been able to fill the vacancy left by his master through his own strength. As for Le Congsheng, simply protecting his Hundred Joy Tavern was already an impressive feat.

「In the front hall.」

Hong Yuan laid down a cluster of white flowers and bowed deeply before the portrait of Elder Niu. The people from Rainbow Fire Peak behind him bowed as well. The martial world wasn’t just about fighting and killing; it was more about the intricate interplay of human relationships and etiquette.

"Is that the Master of Rainbow Fire Peak—Hong Yuan? He’s as fearsome as a lion indeed."

"Shh, keep it down. Rumor has it that he can kill a Green Wind Roc King of Million Beasts with a single punch. Such prowess is on the level of the Phoenix Creek Tutelage!"

"HISS. I see. No wonder he’s been able to shoulder the responsibilities of the Lin lineage of the Refining Equipment Hall all by himself. Compared to him, Elder Niu’s disciples seem quite incompetent..."

Murmurs arose among the crowd. They couldn’t be blamed for thinking this way; the contrast between Le Congsheng’s group and Hong Yuan was simply too stark. One group had fallen into decline instantly after losing their master’s protection. The other thrived despite the same loss. Such a comparison instantly revealed how crucial it was for a power to find a suitable heir.

"Brother Niu, my condolences. Please try to bear your sorrow," Hong Yuan said to Elder Niu’s representative.

"Thank you, thank you," they replied.

After exchanging some requisite pleasantries, Hong Yuan led his men towards the rear of the hall. As they moved, he took a moment to seriously survey the main hall.

Pathetic!That was his first impression. Not of the items in the hall, but of the people within it. Elder Niu had been capable of initiating the Saint Achievement Immortal Transcending Tribulation; he was among the top-ranked Elders and usually wielded great power, commanding respect. Yet now, within the grand hall, fourth and fifth-tier Martial Artists were few and far between. Most were merely showing their faces as a formality before quickly departing. Hardly any, like Hong Yuan, had performed all the due rituals with such respect.

Perhaps this was the reason why Master would rather die of old age than attempt to break through to the Saint realm. The Saint Achievement Immortal Transcending Tribulation truly is a life-and-death challenge for the average Martial Artist...Hong Yuan pursed his lips, his thoughts stirring within him. Ever since that heart-to-heart discussion with his mentor, he had come to understand the history of their lineage. Apart from his third senior brother, Zhu Wushang, who possessed mediocre talent, his first and second senior brothers had been exceptional Heavenly Talents. Unfortunately, both had died tragically during the Saint Achievement Immortal Transcending Tribulation.Perhaps Master, having witnessed too many such desolate departures where influence faded with death, ultimately chose to forgo attempting to reach the Saint realm.

「A quarter-hour later.」

Hong Yuan and the others left the front hall and headed towards the back hall.

"Yuan, I truly didn’t misjudge you," Le Congsheng said with emotion.

"Uncle Yuan!" the young Yue Sitang called out crisply.

"Oh? Sitang is here too," Hong Yuan said, picking up Yue Sitang in his arms. Yue Sitang was the first child of Le Congsheng and Tang Baiwei, his name signifying "Le Congsheng’s longing for Tang Baiwei." He was a spirited little boy with a somewhat mischievous nature. But no matter how mischievous, Yue Sitang always became very restrained in the presence of Hong Yuan, a man of high status and extraordinary strength whom he respectfully called "Uncle Yuan."

Le Congsheng stood by, watching the interaction between Hong Yuan and Yue Sitang. He thought back to his recent difficulties and, inexplicably, an urge to rely on Hong Yuan’s power arose within him. This thought grew more intense and deep-rooted; the more he tried to suppress it, the more vehemently it rebelled. According to his carefree, justice-driven nature from his youth, he would have been unwilling to curry favor with Hong Yuan. But as he had expanded the Hundred Joy Restaurant into the modestly famous Hundred Joy Tavern within the Phoenix Creek Sect, his personality had inevitably been tinged with a merchant’s calculating pragmatism.

"Yuan, I think Sitang has quite a connection with you. How about you become his godfather, adding another layer to our relationship?" Le Congsheng said, forcing a smile while suppressing the unease in his heart.

"Godfather?!" Hong Yuan’s brows furrowed slightly. "I’m not quite suitable. Senior Brother Gao Gou is more appropriate to be Sitang’s godfather..."

Indeed, he was not fit to be Yue Sitang’s godfather, nor did he have any inclination to be anyone’s. He was no longer alone; whatever he did, he had to consider it from his position as Master of Rainbow Fire Peak, keeping the broader situation in mind.

Le Congsheng wanted to say more. But in the next moment, his eyes widened abruptly, and his whole body shuddered. A chill ran from his spine to his crown, his scalp tingled, and he snapped to his senses, saying no more. Le Congsheng glanced to the side and saw several big shots from Rainbow Fire Peak glaring at him with undisguised disdain.

After that episode, Hong Yuan lost any mood for further pleasantries. Finding an excuse, he took his subordinates and left.

「At dusk.」

Hong Yuan arrived at the White Frost Stone House, taking over the duty of caring for Lin Daoyan from Lin Yiru. Lin Daoyan lay on the wooden bed, his eyes vacant as he stared at the bamboo ceiling, seemingly lost in memories of his past. A foul odor emanated from him, but Hong Yuan remained unfazed.

By the bedside, Hong Yuan sat quietly in a wooden chair. He dipped a towel into a rosewood bucket filled with warm water, wrung it out, and then methodically began to wipe Lin Daoyan’s body, his attitude earnest.

"Yuan..."

"Master, I’m here."

"They say, ’A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime.’ But with today’s moral decay, where can such a bond still be found? You’ve done more than enough for me. Let Yiru and the others handle these trivial matters."

"It’s not a bother, Master."

Silence filled the room. Lin Daoyan closed his eyes again, no longer speaking, but the slight upturn at the corners of his eyes revealed his contentment. Only the sounds of Hong Yuan tending to Lin Daoyan’s body could be heard.

"Having a son-in-law is like having half a son. How wonderful it would have been if you and Yiru had married..."

"Matters of the heart cannot be forced, Master. Yiru has her own life. In the future, should she face any difficulties, I would shatter my bones if necessary to help her overcome them."

Silence descended once more. In the room, only the sounds of Hong Yuan’s work persisted.

"I heard you attended Elder Niu’s funeral. How was it?"

"Yes, Master. Everything was in order."

"How are Elder Niu’s descendants faring now?"

Hong Yuan paused for a moment before softly answering, "Once a person is gone, their influence cools. They’ve encountered some difficulties."

"Ah, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter..." Lin Daoyan sighed softly. He turned to look at Hong Yuan, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "Fortunately, my lineage has you. Taking you as my disciple was one of the wisest decisions of my life."

"You need not worry, Master. This is what I ought to do," Hong Yuan replied with a warm smile.

After speaking, Lin Daoyan fell silent again, peacefully closing his eyes, a slight smile on his lips.He had many things he wanted to share with Hong Yuan, but those were all matters of the past, things that would not contribute to Hong Yuan’s growth, so there was no need to elaborate.

A short while later, Hong Yuan respectfully took his leave.

As Hong Yuan was about to close the door behind him, Lin Daoyan’s lips moved faintly. "Thank you, Yuan."

"I am also very grateful for your guidance, Master," Hong Yuan said, gently closing the door.

A lone, cold moon hung high in the sky, its icy light spilling onto the earth. Under the lingering gazes of Lin Yiru, Mo Yue’er, and others, Hong Yuan walked resolutely toward Rainbow Fire Peak.

As if... walking the Great Taoism alone!