Chapter 399: Looking Down upon All Other Mountains! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 399: A Glimpse of All Under Heaven! (Seeking Daily Votes)

It was unclear how much time had passed.

Chen Yiyou slowly opened his eyes, exhaled a puff of stale breath, and glanced around.

The surroundings were not the room he had been living in.

Instead, it was an illusion of a Go board.

—Towering mountains pierced the heavens, their peaks bathed in sunlight, white clouds swirling.

In the distance, several mountain peaks rose, strange rocks jutting out, sparse vegetation, their forms barely visible through the veil of clouds and mist.

Chen Yiyou stood atop a mountain summit, gazing at the undulating landscape below, thinking, "When I reach the peak, I shall view all under heaven as small."

"Du Fu's spirit in his prime was truly lofty."

"But—"

Alas, the later Du Fu stumbled through life, and when he climbed high again to gaze afar, his youthful vigor had long since faded.

His writings bore only the sighs of hardship and aging: "Frosted temples, drunken cups in disarray."

Chen Yiyou stood with hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm.

He was not Du Er-Liang, nor did he wish to endure hardships. He desired only simplicity.

To live leisurely, playing Go and fishing, a life of ease would suffice.

Then, his mind stirred slightly, and a brilliant light screen materialized before him.

[Daily Intelligence·Heavenly Grade Premium: At the hour of the snake, Gong Yebai and Ye Gouyan discussed Daoist philosophy on the upper reaches of the Red River, yielding immense auspicious opportunities!]

Chen Yiyou read each character slowly, his gaze settling on the final words, "immense auspicious opportunities," and a smile spread across his face.

"A Heavenly Grade Premium."

Chen Yiyou had entered this world, where opportunities of all sizes were meaningless, yet this was the first time he had encountered the term "Heavenly Grade Premium."

Even the two characters "Heavenly Grade" were familiar only from the tale of the Moon Palace's fire that burned the summer supplies of the three cities.

He still remembered that time, when he had toilingly earned the "commendable" rating.

His fortune had reached 433 points.

Additionally, his Long Dragon Spear had been elevated to the Celestial Level.

This time, a Heavenly Grade Premium—what opportunities awaited him...

Chen Yiyou's eyes drifted downward, "Now the opportunities total 815 points... meaning..."

"With this, it would be difficult to avoid going."

Chen Yiyou's smile widened, not just for the vast fortune, but also for the potential extra rewards.

Improvements in techniques, martial arts, and more.

"Truly, even when one falls asleep, there's a pillow waiting. Song Jin-Jian, even the heavens themselves seem determined to make you perish."

Song Jin-Jian's swordplay was something Chen Yiyou could still contend with.

Yet, aside from his sword techniques, he also wielded footwork.

With a two-level gap in cultivation, surpassing Song Jin-Jian would be challenging.

But now, with this fortune, he could ascend another layer to the Perfect Realm, giving him a greater advantage.

"The simplest path is to elevate his footwork to the Perfect Realm, not only closing the cultivation gap but also allowing his Celestial-Level Star Butterfly Step to leave Song Jin-Jian without a trace."

"Under heaven's martial arts, nothing is unbreakable save speed; nothing is unbreakable save swiftness."

"Improved agility would place me in a position of invincibility against strong foes."

Chen Yiyou scanned the light screen, "His palm, sword, blade, medical, qin, and painting arts—all are at the Great Completion level..."

"For now, I'll wait until tomorrow to make plans."

Having dealt with fortunes for so long, Chen Yiyou understood the hierarchy of intelligence grades and knew they couldn't directly grant equivalent rewards.

It still depended on his performance within them.

If he chose to merely observe, the opportunities would likely be lower than those gained by staying in the Spring Lotus Garden.

Thus, this time, he not only had to go but also needed to display some abilities, to make a proper showing.

There was no need to overthink it.

Chen Yiyou clearly understood that before the duel between Gong Yebai and Ye Gouyan, this would be one of the few chances he had.

"Brother Shu, I owe you one."

"Tomorrow's contest won't be as restrained as before; I fear I won't hold back."

Chen Yiyou gazed at the scene before him, his heart swelling with anticipation, his battle spirit rising a notch.

Though he could only manifest as "Liu Wu" this time, he stood before two terrestrial immortals and a host of martial arts prodigies.

His heart would inevitably have its fluctuations.

"Someday, when the Xiao family is at peace, I'll have no more constraints."

"When that day comes, my name will be spoken throughout the realm... what then?"

After giving the illusion one last glance, Chen Yiyou's spirit steadied, and with a blink, he returned to his chamber's bed.

He scanned the room, stretched his limbs, and approached the window.

At that moment, the gray sky began to drizzle.

In the Spring Lotus Garden, the raindrops fell steadily, like a thin veil.

Through the mist, several lanterns swayed, their red light casting a warm glow.

Peaceful and serene.

Yet in such weather, Xiao Biao was already up early, wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt, one hand holding an oil-paper umbrella, the other sweeping leaves from the courtyard.

Seeing the courtyard nearly clean, she had likely been busy for some time.

At that moment, Pei Wenhui emerged from the wooden pavilion, greeting Xiao Biao: "Xiao Biao-sister, you're up so early."

Xiao Biao turned her head, troubled: "It rained heavily last night with strong winds. When I woke up, the courtyard was full of leaves."

Pei Wenhui glanced at the sky: "Looking at these clouds, the next few days will all be overcast and rainy... Xiao Biao-sister, should we wait two days before sweeping?"

Xiao Biao shook her head like a drum: "It has to be done."

"What's the worry, brother won't scold you."

"Still, it has to be done."

"My aunt-in-law is kind-hearted and won't scold you, but the household managers would not be pleased."

"And spreading this around would lead people to say I'm lax in discipline."

"Moreover, if Lady Xiao returns and sees it... Xiao Biao, I'm not sure I could face her."

Upon hearing her mention Xiao Honghong, Pei Wenhui rolled her eyes.

She, too, felt a certain trepidation toward Xiao Jinghong.

There was no way around it.

Who gave them the right to be the only one who could bully her without fear of Madam Zhou's wrath?

Pei Manlu watched the little butterfly busy in the rain, and she too went over to help.

The two, one on each side, would chat occasionally, chattering and clattering away, and their progress was indeed quite swift.

Chen Yì watched the two girls busy at work, smiled, and then turned to wash and change his clothes.

When he arrived at the living room, Xiao Shuò had already brought breakfast from the kitchen.

Xiao Shuò and Pei Manlu sat facing each other, glaring at one another with wide eyes, neither yielding an inch.

After Chen Yì took his seat, he looked around, smiled, and asked, "You two are going to fight a rooster?"

Xiao Shuò immediately pointed at Pei Manlu, indignantly declaring, "Brother-in-law, Manlu said that even if I practice for ten more years, I'll never be as good as her."

Pei Manlu complained just as loudly, "Brother-in-law, Xiao Shuò just said that once he's truly cultivated, he'll definitely be stronger than me."

Looking at the two of them, big and small, Chen Yì enjoyed the spectacle without shying away from the matter's scale.

"Why don't we make a ten-year pact?"

"In ten years, at some place, let's have a contest to spar and exchange skills."

"At that time, whoever loses should kneel and submit, how's that?"

Pei Manlu's eyes lit up, "That's good, brother-in-law's proposal is excellent."

She looked at Xiao Shuò, chin lifted, and asked, "Xiao Shuò, are you brave enough to make a ten-year pact with your elder sister?"

Xiao Shuò hesitated, glanced at her, then at Chen Yì, his face tense, and said, "I'm brave."

"If we compete, when Manlu and your elder sister lose to me, don't cry."

"Crying?"

"Xiao Shuò, don't make big boasts, your elder sister will get angry."

Pei Manlu waved her fist and laughed, "But it's not ten years from now, not yet the time to make your elder sister angry..."

Several tiny worms crawled out from her collar and perched on her shoulders, hissing at Xiao Shuò.

Xiao Shuò pulled back his neck, quickly lowering his head to pull at the rice.

Chen Yì glanced at those few worms—spiders the size of clenched fists, snakes as thick as fingers, and two little bees—and said, "What a strange sight."

When he heard his voice, those worms, startled to great alarm, didn't wait for Pei Manlu to speak—they crawled back into her.

Pei Manlu patted her chest, as if to soothe them, "Brother-in-law, you frightened them."

Chen Yì was speechless, "They're quite clever."

Pei Manlu laughed merrily, "Hua Hua is their leader; they've all along been told by them how strong you are."

"They're afraid of you."

Chen Yì understood the reason all along, and said nothing more, bidding everyone eat quickly.

Xiao Shuò pulled at the congee while muttering, "Wait till then, I'll be as strong as brother-inlaw someday."

"Let your little bugs be afraid too."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing... Manlu, these buns, would you like some?"

"Some..."

Not long after,

they finished their breakfast.

Chen Yì ordered Xiao Shuò to take him to Xiaojingyu, and he and Pei Manlu went to Jishi Pharmacy, leaving the Spring Lotus Garden.

At that moment, daylight brightened.

The rain intensified.

Inside the Hou family mansion, there was a slight hush.

Yet outside Xiaojingyu, the place was quite lively.

Tang Huansha and others had arrived yesterday, and early this morning had scattered throughout the Hou estate.

To avoid suspicion.

Qin Xiuche and others had only stayed overnight in Xiaojingyu, and this morning had already moved in to live with Wang Li-xing and others.

Only Tang Huansha remained to guard Xiaojingyu.

She was quite diligent.

After a brief rest last night, she had proactively discussed rotation of night watch with Zhang Tingyun, Shen Huatang and others.

After taking breakfast this morning, she even stayed outside Xiaojingyu, slowly punching the air.

Chen Yì held an oil-paper umbrella, and with Pei Manlu walking out of the Spring Lotus Garden, he glanced back, smiled, and said,

"Miss Tang, good martial arts."

Tang Huansha's boxing skills were indeed excellent.

Even without causing a stir in the surrounding heavens and earth, using a loose and ordinary combination of punches and kicks, Chen Yì could still perceive the faint martial intention within.

It felt to him as if those newly learned Shadowless Swords were merging with body and technique, fitting seamlessly with the world around them.

Tang Huansha glanced at him, naturally full of charm, paused her stance, and bowed, saying,

"Your respect is excessive, Gentle Scholar."

Though she knew Chen Yì was not skilled in martial arts, in her view, both the Way of Books and the Way of Arms could stir the subtle energies of the world; Chen Yì noticing the essence in her boxing was quite normal.

Chen Yì smiled, and said nothing more, leading Pei Manlu toward the inner courtyard.

Tang Huansha watched his back disappear into the distance, and muttered to herself, "This fellow is quite a bookish type."

Yesterday, when she had gone to find water, she had heard him mention Chen Yì, and had spoken at length.

In summary—Gentle Scholar is a good fellow, worth befriending.

Indeed, that was the case.

"Sister Xiao, your destiny and talent are excellent."

Tang Huansha was about to continue boxing, when Shen Huatang approached, "Miss, you're going out today."

"Alright, I'll prepare the carriage..."

Not mentioning the others' plans for Xiaojingyu.

Chen Yì led Pei Manlu out of the Hou estate, and they headed straight for Jishi Pharmacy.

On the way, they chatted and laughed, walking and pausing at leisure, appearing quite relaxed and strolling about.

Even so, from time to time some people do notice them.

There's nothing one can do about it.

Chen Yi's fame has grown even greater now.

For one, he was already quite renowned, a master of both literature and martial arts, and taught at the prestigious Baikun Shuyuan, so many people knew him.

Secondly, because his essays in the annual examination impressed countless scholars.

Following the example of Ren and Yun, the common folk have come to regard him as a man of great talent.

Moreover, the couplet hanging at Bai Caotang is seen by many bookish folk who pass by the western market every day.

Chen Yi's name, that of the light boat master, naturally spreads throughout the entire city.

Thus, those who have just arrived in Shu Zhou, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary White Sage and the sword master Jin Yong, often hear whispers of his deeds.

Some hold him in the highest regard, like Tang Huansha.

Others scorn him utterly.

Just as scholars look down upon martial artists wielding blades and sticks, those wandering warriors despise the bookish types who only write, read, and speak of grand principles.

In the eyes of these wandering folk, Chen Yi counts as a figure—a scholar with some merit.

That is all.

So when Chen Yi and Pei Menglu pass by, these wandering folk merely give him a quick glance, then direct their attention to Pei Menglu.

"Are you from the mountain clans?"

"His attire seems to indicate a high status among the mountain folk."

"Oh my, brother, you point that sword all willy-nilly, it's dangerous."

"Huh? And who is that young woman?"

"She's Pei Menglu of the mountain clans, granddaughter of the Mountain Mother, we can't afford to offend her."

Upon hearing these words, the wandering folk turn their gaze back to Chen Yi, shaking their heads:

"Before, I heard the mountain clans were close allies of the Xiao family, now I see it's true—here is a Xiao family son-in-law traveling with a mountain woman as his companion."

"Chen Zhiyou, after all, is the husband of the Xiao general's daughter, though... back when he first entered the Xiao household, things weren't quite like this."

"Do tell, do tell."

"He... heh, he was once called a 'runaway groom' by others..."

Pei Menglu hears these idle murmurs, her eyes narrowing, about to scatter some powder, but Chen Yi pulls her back.

"Business matters come first."

"Well... good."

She nods politely, but her hands are already wriggling with several burrowing insects, thinking to herself:

"Little bees, fly over and kill them all."

Buzzing away in a moment, she causes those gossiping wandering folk to shout in pain:

"My damn bees, where did they come from, burning me up..."

Chen Yi knows exactly what happened, reaching out to pat the tiger girl's head, saying nothing much.

Pei Menglu sticks out her tongue and follows him closely, "Brother, if they knew about your prowess, they wouldn't dare speak so."

"People may speak of others, it's just a few words, don't take it to heart."

"Alright..."

They walk slowly, Chen Yi doesn't truly leisure about, his eyes glinting with a faint light as he uses sensing techniques to observe the people around.

In doing so, he notices some noteworthy individuals.

Like a rugged barefoot man in coarse cloth robes.

Though he crouches on the ground with no apparent form, devouring a steamed bun with wide mouthfuls, his body and technique have reached the pinnacle.

Or a young nobleman of a great family, in fine silken robes, curiously glancing around.

His cultivation, however, has only reached the third grade.

There are also several women in black pleated skirts, perhaps disciples of some sect.

The leader, a veiled woman with a sword at her waist, must be a master swordswoman.

In just two short streets, Chen Yi has encountered several masters at the middle and lower grades, enough to see the great influence of the White Sage and the Sword Master.

Though... well.

Chen Yi knows that most wandering folk have no right to attend that duel.

They're merely there for the spectacle.

Just as Chen Yi is about to drift into thought, his eye catches sight of a familiar figure, his gaze locking onto it, a slight smile on his lips:

"Has his swordplay and cultivation both improved?"

(Chapter Complete)