99: Yangwei Branch

After entering the Commandery City, the Zhenyuan Escort Agency's convoy parted ways with the group. Di Moyu had to return with the agency to hand over his tasks, agreeing to meet again later at the martial arts hall branch.

Zhao Zheng was clearly quite familiar with the Commandery City. He hired two of the lighter carriages commonly used within the city and led everyone through the bustling streets.

The interior of the Commandery City was far larger than it appeared from the outside, with crisscrossing streets extending in all directions. The carriage traveled for nearly half an hour, passing through several lively market districts before the surrounding clamor finally subsided slightly, eventually stopping on a relatively quiet but still wide bluestone road.

On one side of the road was a grand residence with a plaque hanging above the lintel featuring gold characters on a black background—"Yangwei Martial Arts Hall."

The grandeur of this branch hall was far beyond what the main hall in Qinghe County could compare to. The vermilion gates were wide, flanked by two fierce stone lions. The high courtyard walls stretched out, occupying nearly half the length of the street. Faint shouts from martial arts practice could be heard from within the walls, full of vigor, indicating a large number of Disciples.

"We've arrived. This is the Foundation of our Yangwei Martial Arts Hall in the Commandery City."

Looking at the plaque, a complex expression flickered in Zhao Zheng's eyes—nostalgia, mixed with a trace of subtle emotion.

Everyone stepped out of the carriages, and a gate-keeping Disciple had already gone inside to announce their arrival.

Before long, the gates swung open, and a tall middle-aged man walked out with a powerful stride. His face bore a sixty percent resemblance to Zhao Zheng's, but his features were colder and harder, with eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Dressed in a brocade robe, his Aura was as heavy and solid as a mountain. Standing there, he naturally exuded a daunting pressure—he was actually a powerhouse of the Early Stage Iron Bone Realm!

Behind him followed several individuals with strong Auras who appeared to be instructors.

"Senior Brother Zhao Zheng, I hope you have been well."

The middle-aged man's voice was resonant with a metallic quality. His gaze swept over Zhao Zheng and the Disciples behind him, his lips curling into a perfunctory smile that was neither warm nor cold.

"Junior Brother Xiong, it has been many years. You look even more formidable than before."

Zhao Zheng cupped his fists, his tone calm. This man was the Master of the Commandery City branch hall and Zhao Zheng's younger cousin, Martial Arts Hall Master.

"Are these the Disciples you brought from Qinghe?" Martial Arts Hall Master's gaze felt almost tangible as it swept over Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, and Zhao Linger, finally lingering on Chen Linsheng and Su Wan for a moment. Especially when he sensed Chen Linsheng's restrained yet powerful blood Qi, a trace of subtle surprise flashed in his eyes, though it quickly returned to normal.

"Their Foundations are all fairly solid. Come in."

Everyone followed Martial Arts Hall Master into the martial arts hall. The interior was vast, with three or four Training Grounds, making it several times larger than the main hall in Qinghe. It was currently the afternoon practice session, and hundreds of Disciples were on the grounds, drenched in sweat, either practicing hand-to-hand combat or honing their skills with weapons. Shouts and the sound of clashing energy were constant.

Most of these Disciples were intensely focused, even carrying a certain ruthlessness. The atmosphere of sparring and competition among them was significantly more intense than in Qinghe County.

Many sensed the presence of Zhao Zheng's group of strangers and cast glances that were curious, scrutinizing, or even faintly provocative.

"The Commandery City branch has many Disciples and fierce competition; resources must be earned through strength. Since you are here, you must follow the rules and adapt quickly."

Martial Arts Hall Master spoke indifferently as he walked, his tone carrying a reminder and a hint of warning.

Just then, a voice as crisp as an oriole's came from the side: "Father! I heard that Uncle and my cousin from Qinghe County have arrived?"

Before the voice had even faded, a red figure flitted before everyone like a butterfly.

She was a young girl of about sixteen or seventeen, wearing fiery red martial arts attire that outlined her budding, slender figure.

Her hair was styled in twin loops, her skin was as fair as snow, and her large eyes were lively and spirited, carrying a hint of naive charm and playfulness. Her Aura was not weak; she was actually at the Early Stage Flesh Refining Realm!

"Feier, do not be rude!" Martial Arts Hall Master's brow furrowed slightly, but a trace of subtle indulgence showed in his eyes.

This young girl was Martial Arts Hall Master's only daughter, Zhao Feier.

Zhao Feier stuck out her tongue and first bowed formally to Zhao Zheng: "Feier greets Uncle."

Then she skipped over to Zhao Linger's side and affectionately took her hand: "Sister Linger, you've finally arrived! I've been bored to death!"

Then, her curious gaze fell upon Chen Linsheng, sizing him up without any hesitation: "So you're Chen Linsheng? The one who rendered the greatest service in Qinghe County and whom my father called 'fairly solid'?"

Her tone was lively, carrying a directness unique to young girls that was not at all unpleasant.

Chen Linsheng smiled slightly and cupped his fists with neither arrogance nor humility: "I am Chen Linsheng. Greetings, Young Miss Zhao."

"Forget all that 'Young Miss' business, just call me Feier."

Zhao Feier waved her hand and then looked at the gentle Su Wan beside Chen Linsheng, her eyes lighting up. "This sister is so beautiful. You must be Sister Su Wan, right?"

Su Wan nodded with a smile and said softly, "Sister Feier flatters me."

Zhao Feier's appearance livened up the previously somewhat serious atmosphere.

Martial Arts Hall Master seemed to be busy with affairs. After a few brief instructions, he had an instructor lead Shi Poyue, Di Moyu, and Liu Ruyan to arrange their lodgings. As official Disciples of the martial arts hall, the three of them would stay in the Disciple quarters within the hall.

Subsequently, Zhao Zheng said to Chen Linsheng and Su Wan:

"Linsheng, Wan'er, come with me. I have an old residence in the west of the city. Though it isn't large, it is quiet. The two of you can stay there for the time being."

Chen Linsheng understood in his heart that his Master was considering his relationship with Su Wan, as well as his potential need for a more independent cultivation space.

"Yes, Master."

After bidding farewell to Martial Arts Hall Master and Zhao Feier, Chen Linsheng and Su Wan followed Zhao Zheng, boarded the carriage again, and left the noisy martial arts hall.

The carriage passed through several streets and arrived at a quiet alleyway called "Yuqian Lane."

Deep in the alley was a detached house with a small courtyard. Built with blue bricks and black tiles, it looked somewhat aged but was kept quite tidy.

Zhao Zheng took out a key and opened the door. Inside the courtyard was an old elm tree with lush foliage that cast shade across the ground.

The house wasn't very large, but it had a bedroom, living room, and kitchen—more than enough for Chen Linsheng and Su Wan.

"I bought this place in the Commandery City when I was young. I stay here occasionally when I visit, and it's usually kept clean. Settle in comfortably and buy whatever else you need yourself." Zhao Zheng handed the keys to Chen Linsheng, his tone gentle. "Linsheng, the Commandery City is not like Qinghe; it's a mixed bag of people with many hidden experts. You must be more cautious in everything, but there's no need to be overly timid. Cultivate in peace and prepare for the Martial Examination. If you face any difficulties, you can come find me at the martial arts hall anytime."

"We understand. Thank you, Master," Chen Linsheng and Su Wan thanked him in unison.

Zhao Zheng nodded, gave a few more instructions, and then turned to leave, as he still had matters to handle back at the martial arts hall.

After seeing off their Master, Chen Linsheng closed the door, leaving only him and Su Wan in the small courtyard.

The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the gaps in the elm tree, casting mottled light and shadows on the bluestone floor.

Away from the clamor of the martial arts hall and the bustle of the streets, this small courtyard felt like a separate world of tranquility.