Zhong Zhuiwu had bribed a Six Doors constable to poison Chen Jiuyang's father, but was stopped by the elder in black.
Zhong Zhuiwu submitted a letter of submission, and the elder in black declared that if he hadn't, he, the Sword Bearer, would have killed Zhong Zhuiwu!
Sword Bearers were the enforcers of law, preventing martial artists from disrupting society. They wielded immense power and authority, so much so that even Xi Butui dared not defy the elder in black.
Despite his immense power, the elder in black did not violate laws or rules, proving himself to be a highly competent Sword Bearer.
The elder in black's words sent a chill down the spines of the Six Doors constables.
The leading constable, his face pale, stammered, "Esteemed Sword Bearer, perhaps there was an oversight in our duties. We apologize for disturbing you. We shall return and rectify our mistakes."
In a confrontation between such powerful beings, they, as mere informants and constables, were nothing more than cannon fodder.
The elder in black said, "Scram."
"Yes, yes, yes!"
The Six Doors constables quickly retreated and departed.
Chen Jiuyang cupped his fists and bowed to the elder in black, "Thank you, Esteemed Sword Bearer, for your assistance!"
The elder in black nodded slowly. It was only then that Chen Jiuyang got a good look at him. He was clad in black robes, his face aged, devoid of any official bearing or powerful aura. He appeared to be just an ordinary old man.
The elder in black asked, "Do you know why I helped you?"
Chen Jiuyang pondered for a moment. "This junior does not know."
The elder in black continued, "I have reviewed all your records, including your actions in the Sharp Blade Legion. You are a good child, you have contributed to the nation. Although you possess great strength, you have not acted recklessly. You repay kindness with kindness and vengeance with vengeance. Even the Wang family, who framed your father and sent him to prison, you have given them numerous chances to repent."
"These qualities are very much to my liking. Furthermore, you have the potential to reach the Heavenly Realm."
"Ordinary people are content with a simple material life, driven by money and profit. In our law-abiding Dragon Country, although there are a few pests that cannot be entirely eradicated, one must hold onto their true self."
"Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent."
"In our Dragon Country, everyone should be like a dragon!"
The elder in black's words made Chen Jiuyang blush with embarrassment, and he was also deeply impressed by the elder's broad vision and the different perspective that came with his position.
Chen Jiuyang cupped his fists and bowed again, "Thank you for your guidance, Esteemed Sword Bearer."
The elder in black nodded slowly and then vanished into the darkness.
Marquis Feng Han sighed, "Jiuyang, if you hadn't taken me as your master back then, you might have had a chance to become a disciple of the Sword Bearer."
Chen Jiuyang was surprised.
Marquis Feng Han explained, "He Fei Yu, whom you encountered during the Feng City Martial Ranking competition, is one of his disciples."
Chen Jiuyang suppressed his astonishment and returned to his residence with Marquis Feng Han.
Chen Jiuyang decided that since he would be accompanying Granny Zeng and Chen Gaoming to the Chen family in Shu Mountain for ancestral recognition, he needed to make arrangements for matters in Feng City.
"Master, I will take some Pure Yang Qi Replenishing Pills for daily consumption. The Marquis Feng Han estate can produce Pure Yang Qi Replenishing Pills in full capacity. We should sell as many as we produce and accumulate as much capital as possible."
Marquis Feng Han frowned slightly. "Doesn't that go against your original plan?"
Chen Jiuyang did not reveal the truth to Marquis Feng Han. "The situation has changed, Master. For this matter, please follow my arrangements."
"Alright," Marquis Feng Han nodded.
Chen Jiuyang continued, "Once Zi Xuan awakens, you may teach her martial arts. I have already left the specific martial arts techniques for her."
"That is no problem at all," Marquis Feng Han replied with a smile.
After making arrangements for the Yao family and the Pure Yang Qi Replenishing Pills, Chen Jiuyang invited Lin Yuexian to meet him at the Marquis Feng Han estate.
"Brother Lin, how is your injury?" Lin Yuexian was very concerned about Chen Jiuyang, but she did not cause trouble for him during his busy times, which Chen Jiuyang greatly appreciated.
"My injuries are not serious," Chen Jiuyang said. "I will be leaving Feng City for some time. If your Lin family encounters any trouble, seek help from my master."
"I understand," Lin Yuexian nodded and made a note.
Looking at the lovely girl, Chen Jiuyang, if not for his injuries, would have wanted to be intimate with her. However, Chen Jiuyang suppressed his desires, talked with Lin Yuexian for a long time, and then sent her home.
With important matters at hand, he could not afford to spend too much time and energy on romantic affairs.
It was not until evening that Fang Bahua returned to the Marquis Feng Han estate, looking disheveled but spirited.
Chen Jiuyang asked, "Uncle Fang, are you seriously injured?"
Fang Bahua chuckled, "Minor injuries, easily healed. There's no need for Young Master Chen to treat me. That Lotus Sect's Earth Realm Grandmaster was my equal in strength, and seeing that I wasn't their main opponent, they didn't try to kill me. We had a hearty battle."
"That's good," Chen Jiuyang said with a smile. "Go and rest. We are departing for the Chen family in Shu Mountain tomorrow. I need to recognize my ancestors, and your presence is indispensable on this journey, Uncle Fang."
"Yes, Young Master Chen," Fang Bahua nodded and turned to rest and recuperate.
The next day, Chen Jiuyang and his entourage, having packed their belongings, set off with Granny Zeng and Chen Gaoming for the Chen family in Shu Mountain.
Feng Province was not far from Shu Mountain; it took just over two hours by high-speed train.
Granny Zeng explained on the way, "Shu Mountain has sixteen major influential families and sects, with countless Earth Realm Grandmasters."
"Although our Chen family established the Misty Rain Sect, we are only ranked eighth in Shu Mountain."
Chen Jiuyang nodded slowly.
Chen Gaoming sighed, "The great era is approaching, yet our Chen family in Shu Mountain has few outstanding descendants. Shu Mountain has many powerful families and sects. Therefore, our Chen family established the Misty Rain Sect and spread its influence throughout the Dragon Country, hoping to find some talented seeds."
Chen Jiuyang finally understood why Chen Gaoming, a member of the Chen family in Shu Mountain, had participated in the martial ranking competition in Feng Province. It was because Shu Mountain had too many experts, and the Chen family was not confident of winning the martial ranking championship, yet they had to strive for it.
Upon arriving at the Chen family in Shu Mountain, Chen Jiuyang witnessed the family's formidable foundation and prosperity. An entire county was almost under the Chen family's management. The people here lived in peace and contentment, with a slow pace of life, tea houses, and various gourmet restaurants everywhere.
Since ancient times, Shu Mountain had been known as the "Land of Abundance" in the Dragon Country. Throughout history, Shu Mountain had never suffered from famine, and man-made disasters were rare. Not to mention the legends of sword immortals that had always surrounded Shu Mountain.
"Jiuyang, this is the residence allocated to you. For today, please rest assured and settle in. I need to speak with some members of the Chen family. Your ancestral recognition is a grand event that requires adding your name to the family tree and convening core members." Granny Zeng led Chen Jiuyang and his family to a luxurious villa to stay.
As soon as Chen Jiuyang's family arrived, unwelcome guests immediately appeared at their doorstep.