Chapter 85: Departure

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

The next day, morning.

Wind and snow had just ceased, and the Chen family's small courtyard on Changping Street was shrouded in cold morning light.

Chen Qing watched his mother Lady Han's busy figure, pondering for a moment before finally speaking.

"Mother, I plan to go to the prefectural city."

Lady Han's hand wiping the table surface suddenly stopped. She looked up sharply, her eyes full of shock and reluctance, "The prefectural city? So far... when will you go?"

Her voice carried barely perceptible trembling.

"I'll set out in three days."

Chen Qing said slowly, "The time might be quite long. I'll take good care of myself. I've left enough silver at home. You can live peacefully, and if there are any difficulties, go find Cheng Ming or Master."

Lady Han's eyes instantly reddened, thousands of words stuck in her throat, finally becoming a long sigh. She turned away to wipe the corners of her eyes, "Mother understands. Your father... sigh, you must stay safe."

After comforting Lady Han, Chen Qing went to Zhou's courtyard as usual.

The disciples in the courtyard were still discussing recent dramatic changes in low voices, but the atmosphere was no longer as heavy and tense as before.

With the Gaolin Merchant Guild's great tree fallen, the gloom hanging over Zhou's courtyard had also dissipated. The disciples could finally seek positions and make a living like before.

Zhou Liang was also much more relaxed, currently sitting under the old tree in the courtyard, slowly sipping hot tea.

Just then, Chen Qing glimpsed two familiar figures.

They were Zheng Ziqiao and Luo Qian, rarely seen in the courtyard recently.

Seeing him enter, Zheng Ziqiao approached and greeted him, "Junior Brother Chen."

Luo Qian also stepped forward, her face showing some apprehension, "Junior Brother Chen..."

Thinking of their previous distance, she felt somewhat awkward.

These two were like the courtyard's barometer, appearing when prospects were good, disappearing when things looked bad.

Chen Qing only responded simply before walking toward Zhou Liang's location.

Chen Qing cupped his fists, "Master, this disciple has something to discuss with you."

Zhou Liang opened his eyes, saying gently, "What matter? Speak freely."

"This disciple plans to..."

Chen Qing had just begun to speak when his words were interrupted by the crisp sound of horse hooves and carriage wheels outside the courtyard.

A black carriage pulled by two magnificent horses quietly stopped in front of Zhou's courtyard.

The driver was a middle-aged man about thirty years old, wearing a deep blue brocade robe.

The disciples all looked over curiously.

An expert!

Chen Qing's gaze sharpened, his heart stirring.

The newcomer's eyes were calm as an ancient well, sharp as needles. His posture was relaxed like an ancient tree taking root, spine like a great dragon, steps silent yet firmly grounded.

An invisible oppressive aura, like a crouching tiger, struck them.

Zhou Liang had already stood up. Looking at the newcomer, he seemed to want to speak but hesitated, finally only saying, "...the journey was hard."

The middle-aged man's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, his voice flat, "Where are my sister and Xiao Yu?"

This person was Lady Li's younger brother, Li Yuan.

"Ah Yuan!"

Hearing the commotion, Lady Li quickly emerged from the back courtyard. Seeing the man, her eyes immediately brightened.

Zhou Yu followed closely, standing obediently beside her mother.

"Sister, I've come."

Li Yuan saw Lady Li, nodded, his facial lines softening somewhat.

His gaze fell on Zhou Yu, rarely showing a trace of gentle smile, "Xiao Yu has grown so big."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they moved into the inner hall.

The Zhou courtyard disciples watched this scene, whispering even more.

From the earlier conversation, the newcomer should be Master's brother-in-law. They had never heard of this person, but judging by his bearing, he was definitely an expert.

Some disciples went to ask Sun Shun, who also shook his head in confusion, indicating he had never heard Master mention him.

Seeing this, Chen Qing had to temporarily set aside his words, preparing to report later.

Before long, a disciple responsible for serving tea rushed out in panic, lowering his voice to tell everyone, "Incredible! I just heard while serving fruit! Master's wife's uncle wants to take Senior Sister Zhou to Sea Sand Sect! That's a real major sect!"

"What? Senior Sister Zhou is leaving?"

This news was like a boulder thrown into calm water, instantly stirring up waves among the disciples.

Zhou Yu held a special position in the hearts of Zhou courtyard disciples, being the object of many young disciples' admiration.

Now hearing she was about to journey far away, everyone felt shocked and deeply reluctant.

"Sea Sand Sect... that's a real major sect! Senior Sister Zhou is blessed!"

"Sigh, who will apply medicine for us when we're injured..."

"With Senior Sister Zhou gone, it feels empty inside..."

The discussions were full of envy and loss.

Sun Shun's eyes also showed surprise and melancholy, "Senior Sister Zhou is leaving?"

Chen Qing was also astonished. He clearly heard the words "Sea Sand Sect."

At this moment, Zhou Yu emerged from the inner hall.

Her gaze swept across the courtyard, finally stopping on Chen Qing, saying softly, "Junior Brother Chen, Father wants you to come in."

Chen Qing stopped his boxing stance, grabbed his outer garment and casually threw it on, following Zhou Yu into the inner hall.

In the guest hall, Zhou Liang and Li Yuan sat on either side of the main seats.

Li Yuan held a blue porcelain tea bowl, his posture composed.

Lady Li was packing luggage in the inner room.

Chen Qing cupped his fists in salute, "Master!"

"This is my disciple Chen Qing, not yet eighteen, already reached transforming strength."

Zhou Liang smiled as he introduced, "This is Yu'er's uncle, Executive Li from Sea Sand Sect."

Chen Qing cupped his fists, "Chen Qing greets Senior Li."

Li Yuan looked Chen Qing over once, saying indifferently, "Foundation is fairly solid. To break through to transforming strength in a place like Gaolin is also rare."

His tone was flat, obviously in Sea Sand Sect such aptitude wasn't uncommon.

Zhou Liang's smile stiffened slightly, but he still steeled himself to speak, "Ah Yuan, you see my disciple has excellent character and is willing to work hard. Yu'er going so far alone needs someone to look after her. Chen Qing... could he..."

He didn't finish his words, but the meaning was clear. He wanted Li Yuan to also take Chen Qing to Sea Sand Sect's inner sect.

Hearing this, Chen Qing's heart remained calm.

He had already received Pang Qinghai's recommendation letter, possessing a stepping stone to enter Five Terraces Sect.

"Brother-in-law."

Li Yuan set down his teacup, "Sea Sand Sect's rules are strict. Without being a martial examination talent or having internal recommendation, one cannot easily enter. Even for Yu'er, considering blood relationship, I pulled strings above and below to secure one slot from the sect, which was already difficult."

His gaze swept over Chen Qing again, shaking his head, "Indeed promising material, but without roots or proof, rashly bringing him into the sect goes against rules and may not be fortune for him."

Hearing this, Zhou Liang sighed inwardly and said no more.

The inner room curtain lifted, and Lady Li and Zhou Yu each carried a packed bundle as they emerged.

Zhou Yu had changed into plain, thick cotton dress, her hair redone, appearing even more elegant.

"All packed?"

Li Yuan stood up, brushing non-existent dust from his brocade robe, "Time is not early, snow makes roads difficult. Let's set out now."

"Ah Yuan..." Zhou Liang's voice was hoarse, wanting to say something.

"Brother-in-law, take care of your health."

Li Yuan interrupted him, nodding slightly to Lady Li, "Sister, I'll take good care of Yu'er, don't worry."

Having said this, he took the lead walking outside.

Zhou Yu walked to her father, tears finally rolling down uncontrollably, "Father... you and Mother must take care of your health."

Lady Li's eyes also reddened.

Zhou Liang patted his daughter's shoulder, thousands of words becoming just one sentence, "Listen to your uncle when you go, take care."

Zhou Yu finally looked at Chen Qing, her lips moving slightly, "Junior Brother Chen... take care."

Chen Qing cupped his fists, saying solemnly, "Senior Sister, take care, may your future be bright."

Finally, Zhou Yu looked back with every step, boarding the black carriage amid her mother's suppressed sobs.

The carriage curtain fell, blocking their view.

Horse hooves sounded, wheels rolled over accumulated snow, slowly departing from the familiar small street in front of Zhou's courtyard.

Zhou Liang stood in place, watching the direction the carriage disappeared, motionless for a long time.

After a long while, Zhou Liang finally dragged his heavy steps back to the courtyard, calling Chen Qing into his room.

He sat in a chair, his voice tired, "You said earlier you had something to say. What matter?"

Chen Qing took a deep breath, saying solemnly, "This disciple will depart for the prefectural city in three days. Today I came specially to bid farewell to Master."

Zhou Liang was slightly startled, somewhat surprised, "The martial examination is still a year away. Going to the prefectural city now... isn't it too early?"

Chen Qing replied, "Through fortunate circumstances, this disciple obtained a recommendation letter and token for Five Terraces Sect's inner sect."

"Recommendation letter!?"

Zhou Liang's eyes flashed, immediately understanding.

He knew Five Terraces Sect's rules. With a recommendation letter and token, one gained a precious 'door-knocking' opportunity.

Though whether one could ultimately enter the sect remained unknown, for a humble family child like Chen Qing, this was already tremendous fortune!

He paused, his gaze falling on Chen Qing's face, "The help your master can give you is truly limited."

Speaking thus, Zhou Liang stood up, walking to an inconspicuous corner by the bookshelf where there was a hidden compartment.

His fingers deftly manipulated it several times, and the compartment silently slid open.

He carefully lifted out a foot-long rosewood box from inside.

The wooden box was ancient, emanating a faint fragrant scent.

Zhou Liang placed it on the table, gently opening it.

Inside the box quietly lay a strange medicinal herb.

This herb was about three inches tall, its stem displaying a warm jade-white color, faintly emanating vitality.

The leaves were narrow and long, edges bearing subtle golden patterns like natural talismans.

Most peculiar were its roots, intertwined and complex, showing a deep reddish-gold color.

The entire herb emanated an indescribable strange aura mixing grass and wood freshness with earth's weightiness. Just smelling a trace made one's spirit lift, internal qi and blood seeming to become more active.

"This is 'Yang Restoration Grass.'"

Zhou Liang took a deep breath, "Your master obtained this by chance years ago, treasured it until now for a full twelve years. It contains a wisp of pure yang vitality, having marvelous effects for strengthening foundation, cultivating essence, and even stabilizing spirit and replenishing vital energy when breaking through bottlenecks."

"This herb's medicinal effect is extremely strong, cannot be taken directly. Best used for pill-making and medicine preparation. Keeping it is useless for me."

He picked up the wooden box, offering it to Chen Qing, "This journey is long and distant. If you encounter insurmountable difficulties at Five Terraces Sect, or suffer severe injuries threatening your foundation, this item might help you. If truly nothing can be done and prospects are dim..."

Zhou Liang's voice paused slightly, a trace of complexity flashing in his eyes, "You can also sell it for sufficient silver to establish yourself. Don't force things."

Chen Qing looked at the Yang Restoration Grass in the box, warmth filling his heart.

This was Zhou Liang preparing a final retreat path for him.

In the end, Chen Qing didn't refuse much, only taking a deep breath, "Master's great kindness, this disciple remembers in his heart."

Zhou Liang's face showed a trace of relieved smile. He patted Chen Qing's shoulder, thousands of words becoming a heavy, "Go!"

Evening time, Chen Qing returned home.

Just entering the courtyard gate, he heard familiar gentle voices from inside the house.

Pushing open the door, he saw Cousin Yang Huiniang and his eldest aunt sitting in the main room, talking with his mother Lady Han.

Several bundles were piled on the table, emanating faint salty seafood and grain aromas.

"Ah Qing is back!"

Yang Huiniang stood up upon hearing, her face showing gentle smiles. She pointed at the things on the table, "Hearing you're going on a long journey, Mother and I hurried to prepare some things. These are dried shrimp and fish jerky, travel-friendly and can add some meat. These packages are this year's finest dried shrimp, and... these are several pairs of thick-soled shoes I personally made for you."

Eldest aunt Chen Jinhua also nodded busily, smiling apologetically, "Yes, yes, traveling away isn't like home, food and clothing must be prepared. Huiniang specially went to Wang's Fabric Shop to get several feet of fine cotton cloth, made you two sets of undergarments..."

Chen Qing thanked them solemnly, "Thank you, cousin, for your trouble."

After chatting for a while, the atmosphere in the room gradually quieted.

Yang Huiniang looked at Lady Chen, then at Chen Qing, her face showing some difficulty. After hesitating, she spoke softly, "Ah Qing, there's another matter. Grandfather asked me to pass word, saying... saying you've succeeded, which is great joy for the Chen family. He wants the whole family to gather for a meal before you leave."

"A meal?"

The warmth on Chen Qing's face instantly faded, his eyes calm and unruffled, as if hearing something unrelated to him.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze.

Lady Han's lips moved, but she ultimately said nothing, only silently lowering her head.

Eldest aunt Chen Jinhua also looked embarrassed, wanting to speak but stopping.

Yang Huiniang saw Chen Qing's reaction and understood in her heart, "Grandfather is old, perhaps... sigh, Ah Qing, I'm just passing along the message."

Chen Qing interrupted his cousin's words, "Cousin, please decline for me. The meal... is unnecessary."

He paused, his gaze turning toward the deep night outside, "When my father... returns someday, then we'll talk."

Yang Huiniang sighed and said no more.

Lady Han buried her head even lower, her shoulders trembling almost imperceptibly.

Old Master Chen had forcibly made Chen Wu replace his second son for that life-threatening corvée labor, then after Chen Wu left, ignored the orphaned mother and son, even treating them harshly. These old matters were like festering scars that couldn't be covered with one meal.

Chen Qing's attitude was already the greatest restraint considering blood relationship.

"Sigh..."

Lady Han sighed long, patting Yang Huiniang's hand, "Huiniang, just tell the old master this way. Ah Qing... has his reasons."

Yang Huiniang nodded silently, looking at Chen Qing with understanding and heartache.

"Ah Qing, I understand. Be extremely careful on your journey."

She paused, then looked at Lady Han, "Aunt, you also take care of your health. If anything happens, come find me anytime."