97: Depart

Leaving the Qingyuan Teahouse, Chen Linsheng's mind was made up.

The appreciation of Envoy Ling Feng and the recommendation to the Inner Sect of the Army Breaker Manor were like a bright lamp, illuminating the path ahead and clarifying his next goals.

He did not delay and went straight back to the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall.

The afternoon sun filtered through the branches and leaves of the Old Locust Tree in the martial arts hall courtyard, casting dappled light and shadow. The Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters had just finished their midday practice and were resting or sparring in the courtyard, preparing for the Martial Examination. Master Zhao Zheng sat on a rattan chair under the porch, slowly sipping tea, his gaze thoughtful.

Chen Linsheng's arrival drew everyone's attention. His steps were steady, and his expression carried a hint of determination unlike usual.

“Master.” Chen Linsheng walked up to Zhao Zheng and bowed respectfully.

Zhao Zheng set down his teacup, his gaze lingering on Chen Linsheng's face for a moment. As if seeing through something, he smiled slightly: “You're back? Why did Special Envoy Ling summon you?”

Chen Linsheng took a deep breath, his voice clear and firm: “Master, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, Special Envoy Ling has recommended me to participate in the 'Martial Scholar' examination in Jiuqu Prefecture City half a year from now.”

Silence fell over the courtyard for a moment.

A flash of brilliance appeared in Zhao Zheng's eyes. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly clapped his hands and laughed: “Good! This is a rare opportunity! Since that's the case, we don't need to rush there only right before the Martial Examination.”

He stood up, his gaze sweeping over the five Disciples present, and declared decisively: “Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, Zhao Linger, prepare yourselves. In a few days, I, your Master, will take you all to the Prefecture City early! We will set up at the Branch Hall and cultivate there for half a year. The Prefecture City boasts flourishing martial arts and gathers many Geniuses. This is a perfect chance for you to gain experience and adapt to the environment beforehand, avoiding culture shock if you only go right before the exam.”

Senior Brother Shi Poyue's eyes immediately lit up with excitement upon hearing this:

“Master is wise! Staying in Qinghe and working in isolation limits one's perspective after all. Going to the Prefecture City early and meeting experts from all sides—now that's satisfying!”

Second Senior Brother Di Moyu nodded silently, a hint of expectation flashing in his eyes. He stepped forward and said to Chen Linsheng: “Junior Brother, this news came at just the right time. The Prefecture City is a mix of Dragons and snakes; if we go early, we can look out for each other.”

Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan smiled sweetly: “Going to the Prefecture City Branch Hall means we Senior and Junior Siblings can continue cultivating together and spur each other on. That's much more interesting than staying in Qinghe.”

Fourth Martial Sister Zhao Linger cheered with joy: “That's wonderful! We can go play in the Prefecture City early! Junior Brother, you have to take us sightseeing then!”

Watching his Master's decisive action and the eager reactions of his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, a warmth surged in Chen Linsheng's heart.

He had originally thought he would have to go to the prefecture alone, but he hadn't expected his Master to lead the entire Sect/School in an early relocation. This support made him feel incredibly warm.

“Thank you, Master!” Chen Linsheng bowed deeply. “With Master and my Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters accompanying me, this Disciple feels much more secure.”

Zhao Zheng burst into hearty laughter, immediately feeling heroic: “Then it is decided! Everyone go back and prepare well these next few days. Our Yangwei Martial Arts Hall will head to Jiuqu Prefecture City half a year early to meet the heroes from all sides!”

After the affairs of the sect were settled, Chen Linsheng and Su Wan began handling various matters before their departure.

The first matter was the residence in the west of the city.

This place held the initial stability and warmth he found after arriving in this world, and it was the small home he shared and managed with Su Wan and Aunt Zhang's family.

Calling Aunt Zhang, Big Ox Zhang, and Hunter Zhang forward, Chen Linsheng looked at this simple family, feeling a pang of reluctance.

“Aunt Zhang, Da Niu, Uncle Zhang, Wan'er and I will be heading to the Prefecture City soon. We would like to entrust this residence to you for safekeeping,” Chen Linsheng said gently.

Aunt Zhang was first surprised, then a look of apprehension appeared on her face: “A Sheng, you... you are going somewhere so far away? If you leave the house to us, we... we worry we won't take good care of it...”

Su Wan stepped forward and held Aunt Zhang's hand, speaking softly: “Aunt Zhang, please don't say that. Over the years, thanks to your and Da Niu's help, this has long been our home. We trust you and Da Niu to look after our home well. Once we settle down in the Prefecture City, we might even invite you over for a visit.”

Chen Linsheng also nodded, taking out a heavy money bag containing two hundred taels of Silver, and placed it on the table: “Da Niu, you have Initiated the Iron Clothes Art, you must practice diligently and constantly. Keep this money. Besides daily expenses, buy more nourishing meat and don't be stingy. I hope to see greater progress from you next time we meet.”

Big Ox Zhang looked at the bag of Silver, then at Chen Linsheng's trusting eyes. The honest man's eyes immediately reddened.

He immediately knelt down with a thud, kowtowing three times with loud thumps. His voice was choked but exceptionally firm:

“Brother A Sheng! Sister Wan'er! Please rest assured! I, Big Ox Zhang, swear to Heaven that I will look after this home and practice martial arts desperately! I will never fail your trust!”

Chen Linsheng helped him up and patted his solid arm forcefully: “Good! If you encounter any difficulties concerning the house or the martial arts hall, you can seek out my Master or Senior Brother.”

After arranging the residence, Chen Linsheng went to the Water Patrol Division Yamen.

Although Head Constable Wang and the others felt Chen Linsheng's temporary departure from Qinghe for the Prefecture City was sudden, they also found it reasonable.

Given the Talent and strength Chen Linsheng had displayed, staying in Qinghe was indeed beneath him.

Head Constable Wang grasped Chen Linsheng's hand and sighed emotionally: “Linsheng, I knew you weren't meant to stay in this small pond! Go to the Prefecture City and do well! Bring honor to our Qinghe Water Patrol Division! Don't worry about your position; I'll arrange a leave of absence without pay for you. If you ever get tired of the Prefecture City and want to come back, you are always welcome!”

Other familiar soldiers, such as Little Tiger Wang and Zhao Tiezhu, also gathered around, their words filled with reluctance and blessings.

They still remembered Chen Linsheng's inexperience when he first joined the Water Patrol Division, and even more so his divine bravery during the bandit suppression and major battles later on.

This young Youjiao had long earned their respect with his strength and character.

“Chief Chen, safe travels!”

“When you make it big in the Prefecture City, don't forget your brothers!”

“Take care!”

It was a simple farewell, yet deeply sincere.

Chen Linsheng clasped his fists and returned the greeting to each person, feeling a sense of melancholy in his heart.

This was where his martial Dao began, and where memories of fighting side-by-side were left behind.

Finally, Chen Linsheng took Su Wan and made a quick trip back to Xiaohe Village.

The village was still quiet and dilapidated, as if all external turmoil had nothing to do with it. They arrived at the familiar graveyard on the hillside behind the village.

The graves of his parents, and the new grave belonging to the original body's elder brother beside them, stood silently there.

Chen Linsheng cleared the weeds from the graves, while Su Wan silently laid out simple offerings.

Lighting the incense and candles, Chen Linsheng knelt before the graves and silently prayed: “Father, Mother, Eldest Brother... I am leaving Qinghe for the Prefecture City. Part of your revenge has been achieved, but the true mastermind has yet to be executed. I will continue on, become stronger, uncover everything, and bring peace to your spirits in heaven. Please also bless Wan'er, and keep us safe on our journey.”

The paper money turned to ash in the flames, scattering with the wind, like the past that had gone by.

Su Wan also bowed gracefully nearby, offering quiet prayers.

Standing on the hillside, looking back at the County Town below—where he had lived for several years, which held all the original body's memories, and which had witnessed his struggles and rise after the Transmigration—Chen Linsheng was filled with emotion.

There was sorrow at leaving, and reluctance; he had formed ties to the people and things of this place.

But even more, there was anticipation for the future and soaring fighting spirit.

Jiuqu Prefecture, the hidden dragon ranking, the Army Breaker Manor, a deeper martial Dao, a wider world... a magnificent scroll was waiting for him to unfurl.

He tightly grasped Su Wan's hand beside him.

Su Wan felt the strength transmitted from his palm, looked up, and smiled sweetly at him, her eyes shining with complete trust and devotion.

“Let's go, Wan'er.”

“Mhm.”