Chapter 129

Han Xing glared at her and laughed, saying, "You're getting more and more childish the longer you live. Have you forgotten what position the young lady holds now? And what position does she have?"

Leng Yue blinked, and instantly understood.

Also, Miss is now the useless young lady of Xiliang City, and Ling Zhengrong is the renowned old prince of the prestigious Ling Family manor in Xiliang City… Ling Zhengrong probably still doesn't know that the Dingyuan General's daughter, Ye Qingran, is actually our Yaowang Valley's Valley Master, right?

Ye Qingran smiled at Leng Yue.

Leng Yue raised eyebrows, and all three laughed out loud.

They began to anticipate, if Ling Zhengrong learned that his grandson's prospective teacher was the Medicine King Gu Gu Master whom he had begged repeatedly without success, what reaction would he have?

As the most prominent aristocratic family in Xiliang City, the origins of the Ling Family can be traced back to the founding of Donglin Country.

The Ling Family's ancestor was a general who followed the former emperor in southern and northern campaigns; after the founding, he was ennobled as Grand General of the Cavalry, at one time the foremost commander of Donglin Country, controlling over half of Donglin's military power.

With the dynastic changes, many aristocratic families declined or even vanished under the relentless wheels of history, but only the Ling Family manor remained prosperous and enduring, standing firm among Donglin nobility.

The current old prince of the Ling Family manor, Ling Zhengrong, is Ling Shaoyang's paternal grandfather. As for Ling Shaoyang's parents, they died early. Though the grand Ling Family manor is wealthy and honored, its incense has waned. One can't help but wonder whether, after a few more years, the once unparalleled Ling Family manor will vanish in the river of history.

As the hope and future of the Ling Family manor, bearing the heavy responsibility of continuing the lineage, Ling Shaoyang has always been Ling Zhengrong's dearest treasure. He is exceedingly precious.

South of the city, the Ling Family manor.

Ling Shaoyang was practicing archery in the training ground of the manor.

Since losing to her at the hunting gala, he has rekindled that long‑dormant desire to win.

Feathered arrows shot from the string, turning into streaks of light, and in the blink of an eye they struck the target not far away.

Ten consecutive arrows, each hitting the bullseye!

Cheers rose all around, the crowd's atmosphere was lively, yet Ling Shaoyang on the field remained expressionless, his dark eyes calm and undisturbed.

Still far short!

He knows, the gap between him and her is still huge!

However, he firmly believes that this gap will keep shrinking, and one day he will surpass her!

That is Ling Shaoyang—always so confident!

"You brat, get out, old man!"

Suddenly, a loud voice boomed across the Ling Family manor, startling flocks of birds from the verdant ancient trees.

The guards and servants of the Ling Family manor were long accustomed to this; they instinctively lifted their eyelids and then went about their business.

Before the sound had faded, a gray‑clad figure strode swiftly toward the training ground; the onlookers instantly changed expression and bowed to the newcomer.

The newcomer was none other than the old prince of the Ling Family manor, Ling Zhengrong!

"What's wrong?"

Ling Shaoyang lowered his bow, gazing at the firecracker‑like Ling Zhengrong with a blank face.

"What's wrong? You dare ask me what's wrong?" Ling Zhengrong's beard trembled with anger, "You secretly took another as your teacher—explain yourself!"

Ling Shaoyang furrowed his brows.

He had indeed promised Ye Qingran that he would take her as his teacher.

Although he felt that Ye Qingran being his teacher was indeed too young and unsuitable, a gentleman's word is hard to retract; even if reluctant, he would still do it.

"I intend to take Ye Qingran as my teacher!" His tone was calm, yet it hid firmness, showing his resolve.

Ling Zhengrong nearly fainted from anger!

"Even if you did this behind my back, it would be fine if the teacher you wish to take were only a year or two older than you—do you think that's appropriate?"

Ling Shaoyang gently shook his head, quite sincerely, "Not really appropriate."

Besides being angry, Ling Zhengrong felt somewhat relieved. Good, good—children can be taught; at least he knows it's unsuitable.

Ling Shaoyang's next words nearly drove him away.

"But I have already promised her—I will not go back on my word!"

"You!"

Ling Zhengrong pointed at Ling Shaoyang, his face contorted with rage, utterly the look of someone who hates iron for not becoming steel.

The others in the Ling Family manor fell silent like cicadas in winter, not daring to breathe.

In his youth, Ling Zhengrong was an iron‑willed general with countless merits and great strength; before General Dingyuan, he was likely the most renowned general of Donglin Country in the past century.

Even now, approaching old age, he remains spirited, his iron‑blood aura awe‑inspiring.

In the whole Ling Family manor, probably only Ling Shaoyang dares to speak to him like that.

Ling Zhengrong is truly angry; this grandson especially values loyalty, which pleases him. Yet at the same time, his stubbornness makes him furious.

"You brat, do you even know? I've already found a teacher for you outside; I believe she'll take you as her disciple soon!"

"I don't need it!"

Ling Shaoyang said dismissively. His teacher must be someone he himself approves; otherwise, a teacher he doesn't fancy, better not have one.

That is his pride.

"You don't need it?! Do you know who she is? The teacher I found for you is none other than the Valley Master of the esteemed Yaowang Valley!"

Ling Zhengrong nearly burst into tears, feeling this grandson truly lets him down.

Yaowang Valley! How many people rack their brains trying to get in—let alone become a disciple of that astonishingly talented Valley Master!

He recalled how, when he first saw that Valley Master years ago, he was astonished as if seeing a celestial being, almost thinking she was a Xuan maiden descended to the mortal world.

Ling Zhengrong unconsciously fell into reminiscence.

……

Upon hearing those words, everyone around shrank their pupils, their gazes fixed.

Who is the teacher the old prince found for the young lord?

The Valley Master of Yaowang Valley?!

Is it the Medicine King Gu Gu Master they know, whose medical skill is miraculous and whose power is unfathomable?

If it really is her, that would be too regrettable!

Ling Shaoyang's pupils also flickered.

He looked at his own grandfather in disbelief.

「Medicine King Gu Gu Master? 」

Even though he is usually unflappable, his heart also rippled now.

They have never met, yet he has heard many legends about this person. One could say that the Valley Master of Yaowang Valley is an exalted figure he admires.

「How so? Now you know regret, right? Originally, you little brat, who you want to take as master is none of my business, and I don't want to interfere, but I really don't want you to miss this person. You must understand: if you become her disciple, you can later fulfill your wish! 」

Although they are a well-off family of Donglin Country, only by personally seeing the outside scenery does one realize that Donglin Country is merely a corner, and how splendid and vast the outside world is.