books44 Chapter 716 Crisis (3)
Chapter 716 Crisis (3)
Chapter 716 Crisis (Part 3)
That was a few years ago, as the year was drawing to a close, during one of Zhong Han's family dinners.
At a banquet held inside Juxianglou, she was already pregnant.
It really was just a chance encounter.
She saw Han Yi, and Han Yi saw her too.
But neither of them greeted each other before they parted ways and passed each other by.
Perhaps, at that time, it was already destined that the two would be different.
Everyone has their own destiny, and everyone's path is different.
In a single thought, eternity is achieved. Or rather, it's a matter of different choices.
In simpler terms, their "fates" are different.
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Huayang City, Central Avenue.
The street was crowded with people moving between the sidewalks on both sides, with a wide road and walkway in the middle. Many stalls were set up in the middle of the road, selling everything from fruits and snacks to hot drinks, snacks, antiques and cultural relics. It was dazzling.
A while ago, the government army joined forces with the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect to purge sects and rectify their atmosphere, causing quite a stir and creating a great deal of noise.
However, the main targets are martial arts forces, and it has almost no impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Because many martial arts sects were wiped out, the supply of grain and meat in the market exceeded demand, causing prices to drop significantly. Furthermore, with the Hu family taking power and implementing price controls, the lives of ordinary people actually improved. "Has your child been tested yet?" someone whispered on the street.
"I took the test, but unfortunately, the results were terrible. I can only go to a martial arts school with mediocre teaching quality."
"As long as you have the qualifications, the Big Sword Martial Arts School is not bad. I heard that the master is very skilled with the military broadsword, and ordinary people dare not approach him. After you graduate, you can work in the army for a few years and then come back to get a position. At least you will be able to make a living for the rest of your life."
"Sigh, that's true... but if there's any other way out, who would want to join the army... Your child is really lucky to have been chosen by the Spirit Fox Martial Arts School..."
The streets were bustling with people, and it just so happened to be the martial arts school's monthly open day.
In other words, the government agencies would conduct free aptitude tests on eligible children to help them choose which martial arts school to join.
This can be considered one of the reforms implemented by Fan Hongchou.
On the first of each month, a special government agency conducts free aptitude tests on eligible children and allocates different martial arts school slots based on their aptitude.
The quality of teaching at the martial arts school, the availability of qualified instructors, and the potential career prospects after mastering the skills.
This became the focus of attention for the people of Huayang.
Among the many martial arts schools, three are the best.
Actually, it was founded by the three major families of Huayang: the Hu family's Spirit Fox, the You family's Fierce Wind, and the Fang family's Fire Ape.
Although the name sounds rustic, it is backed by three great families, has a strong faculty, powerful martial arts, and a lot of miscellaneous subsidies. Those who graduate can stay to teach if they are average, and those who are outstanding can be granted official positions and easily enter the upper class.
All these factors combined naturally aroused people's longing for it.
"I feel like I've seen this scene before..." Han Yi happened to be passing by, staring at what was in front of him, and chuckled to himself.
It felt similar to applying to some prestigious universities in his previous life. The only difference was that one required what was considered an unfathomable aptitude, while the other required hard work and effort.
He shook his head and looked away.
Swish!
With a leap, he used the momentum to step onto a spot on the roof, just big enough for a foot to fit in, and quickly moved through the crowded area.
This is a passage reserved exclusively for experts belonging to the imperial court.
This passage is used to transmit important intelligence or for those on urgent missions.
Han Yi also held the title of deputy general, although he had no rank and did not receive a salary; it was merely a nominal position.
However, even just using a fast track is a privilege.
Many parents on the street were already used to this phenomenon and didn't take it seriously, continuing to queue up in long lines to seek a better future for their children. Of course, Han Yi had also put on a simple disguise this time.
Otherwise, given his current reputation, he would be recognized at first glance and then scatter like birds and beasts.
Han Yi moved swiftly and soon arrived at the Hu family's residence on the east side of the city, where they occupied a large plot of land.
When the guards at the gate saw it was him, they all bowed respectfully and allowed him to come and go.
The relationship between the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Hu family... is known to everyone.
They've come and gone so many times, who in the Hu family doesn't know Han Yi?
A familiar road.
Soon, they found ** in a small courtyard with artificial hills and flowing water at the back, where he was writing furiously in his room.
"Old Hu, you've been resting for so long, why haven't you made a move yet?" Han Yi casually pulled out a chair and sat down.
"So many people have been arrested, and the trials aren't even finished. The city's jails are overflowing. Where else can we find room?" He didn't even look up, seemingly unsurprised by Han Yi's arrival.
"Besides, the rest are all tough nuts to crack. And they've been giving us face; since they've accepted the documents, they've put the operation on hold for now."
"Alright, if you put it that way, then I'm relieved." Han Yi nodded and said, "There's another matter I'd like to ask you for help with this time."
"You wouldn't come here without a reason. I knew it..." **She looked up and immediately smiled, "If there wasn't anything wrong, you definitely wouldn't have come. Tell me, what is it?"
He closed the file and stared intently at Han Yi.
"It's nothing, just a small matter..."
Han Yi didn't stand on ceremony and briefly mentioned the Feng family's affairs.
"That's all?" Hearing this, he was taken aback. "Such a small matter, did you really need to come to me personally?"
He chuckled, took out paper and pen, quickly scribbled a note, and handed it to a servant beside him. "Send this to the Second Miss, and tell her it was written by me."
The servant respectfully accepted the note and quickly turned to leave.
Han Yi and ** continued their casual conversation.
"Speaking of which, I recently passed on your information to the Grandmaster Association. I expect they will contact you soon to conduct an assessment."
"An assessment?" Han Yi paused. "What form and content?"
"I don't know the specifics either, and I didn't go through this step myself." He shook his head. "Your martial arts strength hasn't reached the Grandmaster level yet. It's probably just a test of your strength, nothing more."
"It's just a test of strength, so there shouldn't be any problem," Han Yi said with a light laugh.
I can't speak for other aspects, but when it comes to fighting, he's never backed down from anyone.
"Young Master..." At this moment, the servant who had just gone out ran back and whispered a few words to **.
"Regarding the Feng family matter..." He turned to look at Han Yi, "Only the ringleaders will be punished; others will not be implicated. This matter has been resolved, so rest assured."
"Okay, thank you." Han Yi nodded and expressed his gratitude.
“We’re brothers… no need for all this trouble…” he said with a hearty laugh.
After chatting for a while longer, Han Yi got up to say goodbye and left.
The babbling brook creates a delightful scene.
A small waterfall cascades down from the artificial hill, hitting the artificially placed cobblestone platform and making a crisp sound.
We passed through this artificial mountain landscape and walked through several courtyards.
Han Yi walked out and soon arrived at the main entrance.
"You are Han Yi?"
Suddenly, a sharp and somewhat shrill female voice rang out.
Han Yi looked up at the sound and unconsciously frowned. It was a girl dressed in pale yellow, with a long, narrow face and slightly high cheekbones.
"What's wrong, Miss Hu Youyou?"
It was none other than the protagonist of the Feng family incident, the second young lady of the Hu family, Hu Youyou.
"I'm just warning you, don't meddle in other people's business!" she sneered. "An outsider, staying at our Hu family's house all day long, you've got some nerve. My brother is too embarrassed to say anything to you, but I won't."
"..." Han Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, said nothing, and just stared quietly at the girl in front of him.
Those who know him well know that this is the expression he only shows before he kills someone.
"Little girl, didn't your family teach you the importance of respecting elders and respecting seniority?"
"Who do you think you are, elder?" Hu Youyou said coldly. "If it weren't for the support of our Hu family, your Ten Thousand Beasts Sect would still be digging in the dirt in the mountains! If you're going to be an appendage, then act like one, don't just hang around in your master's house all day!"
"...Never mind, this little girl is really unruly and spirited, full of energy."
Han Yi remained silent for a moment, then chuckled, shook his head, and turned to leave.
It's likely that Hu Youyou was scolded by the authorities because of the Feng family's affairs, and he vented his anger on Hu Youyou.
But what's the point of arguing with a little girl, or even a minor?
If people knew that the dignified leader of a sect, a renowned master, was arguing with a little girl here, wouldn't that be incredibly shameful?
Besides, Hu Youyou is still his sister; he can't just go up and slap her to death.
Just ignore it.
"You...you stop right there!!!" Seeing that Han Yi ignored her and left, Hu Youyou's face turned pale with anger.
But she could only stand at a distance and talk; she wouldn't actually dare to go up and stop Han Yi.
Han Yi's figure gradually disappeared into the distance.
Left with no other choice, Hu Youyou stomped her foot and turned to leave.
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The border of Yunzhou.
A massive boundary marker stands.
On the wide official road, a figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
This is a middle-aged man who is barefoot, empty-handed, dressed in coarse linen clothes, and has an ordinary face.
His hands and feet, every finger was abnormally enlarged. One toe was two or three times as thick as a normal person's.
Like a barefoot immortal.
“Yunzhou… It’s been almost ten years since I last came here…” The middle-aged man looked up and gazed intently, as if he were carefully observing something.
"Old gecko, you still have time to lament? You're late again." Above the boundary marker, an old man with a sallow complexion and gray hair sat on it.
The old man was dressed in a black and red outfit, with a dark gold glove on his right hand. Although he looked unwell and somewhat vain and sinister, he possessed a powerful aura, and his small eyes seemed to radiate electricity; a moment's eye contact would cause a sharp pain.
“Brother Wuya, if you’re in such a hurry, why don’t you go in first?” Bi Zhi said with a soft laugh, and slowly walked towards the boundary marker.
"Hmph, you're always so annoying. If I weren't afraid of Yuanmiao Sect finding out, I would have left long ago," Sun Wuya sneered.
"You think I wanted to be with you? It's just an order from above," Bi Zhi said irritably. "I don't understand what they're thinking. What's so special about a mere martial arts master that they need to be tested beforehand?"
"I've heard that this young man is exceptionally talented and has outstanding aptitude. He cultivates martial arts and has already reached the level of a grandmaster before the age of thirty. He even possesses a mysterious mutated bloodline. This has caught the attention of the association leader, who has become interested in recruiting him to explore the path of integrating bloodline and martial arts."
Sun Wuya said calmly, "However, I think the leader is delusional. Anyone in the association is exceptionally talented. They haven't been able to come up with a solution all these years, and a mere kid can solve it?"
“The leader… has been unreliable more than once or twice…” Bi Zhi said helplessly. “Forget it, let’s go. I’m getting restless. Let’s treat this trip as a vacation.”
"Let's go, conceal my presence. If we alert those martial arts fanatics from Yuanmiao Sect again, they'll probably cause trouble again." Sun Wuya flashed and leaped down from the boundary marker.
He chose his footing with extreme caution. It was as if there was an invisible dividing line in front of him; his toes barely touched the line, and he dared not move.
"Heh, those 'imitative' Daoist techniques were never perfect to begin with... You're lucky you didn't die from forcibly cultivating them..."
Suddenly, concentric circles of ripples appeared in the whites of Bi Zhi's eyes, the patterns resembling black holes, swirling and layering, making one dizzy and disoriented.
"Follow me!" He took a cautious step forward.
It seemed as if a solid stone wall stood before them.
He slowly reached out his hand.
laugh…...
With a flick of the finger, the seemingly transparent wall in front of me suddenly rippled outwards in layers, like waves spreading out gradually.
Swish!
Bi Zhi made a swift downward slash, tearing the fabric with both hands. Instantly, an invisible void was revealed.
He strode forward, his figure disappearing in an instant.
Sun Wu chuckled and quickly followed.
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On the tenth day, do not disturb the damaged walls for any other purpose.
Clash/煞 (a type of negative energy).
It is not advisable to do anything.
The wind was howling.
A biting wind howled, and the sky was filled with dark clouds.
The air pressure is dropping and the air is humid. A torrential autumn rain could come at any moment.
'The heavens have seven changes, and man has seven orifices... strive to obtain one... as a treasure...'