Chapter 21: New Alias - Gongsun Wulong

Duan Wenxuan returned home through the small door and finally enjoyed a well-deserved half-day rest.

After rejuvenating, Duan Wenxuan promptly headed to Tongfu Inn. His Merkle Strike technique was still rudimentary, so he decided that visiting Tongfu Inn would remain a frequent occurrence.

However, upon arrival, he encountered an unexpected issue. Previously, his visits had always been peaceful, but this time, he found the inn’s owner, Nian, along with the staff sleeping on makeshift beds downstairs, and the inn itself temporarily closed.

Upon inquiry, Duan Wenxuan learned that a notorious bandit had arrived in town, stealing official seals along the way, and now reached their area. Rumor had it that this bandit operated like a phantom, stealing items to lure out the Robber Sage. While others were unaware, Duan Wenxuan knew that the Robber Sage was none other than Bai Zhan Tang, one of the inn’s employees. No wonder everyone was extremely anxious.

Since he was already there, Duan Wenxuan spent the day mingling with the inn’s staff. Eventually, the supposed bandit appeared, leading to a comical misunderstanding—it turned out to be Bai Zhan Tang’s mother.

With all the commotion at the inn, Duan Wenxuan couldn’t focus on practicing martial arts, so he decided to leave. It was also about time to check on his cheap apprentice.

Hospital.

The alias Tang Tianlu had become well-known in An City; his presence was instantly recognized upon arrival.

Compared to before, the isolation perimeter around Shi Tongmin’s residence had been dismantled, but the original police officers remained on duty. This time, as soon as Tang Tianlu appeared, Zhao Mingcai rushed over immediately.

Tang Tianlu had promised to return in two days, and Zhao Mingcai hadn’t left a single step from the hospital since, even eating and sleeping there just to await him. Additionally, this time Zhao Mingcai was accompanied by two individuals.

One male and one female, both appearing young, around seventeen or eighteen years old. Despite their gender differences, they shared lively yet dignified features that instantly evoked goodwill upon first glance.

These two were carefully selected, as Tang Tianlu mentioned having no children, so here came his surrogate grandchildren.

“Old Tang, you’re here.” Previously exhausted in protective gear, Zhao Mingcai now felt more at ease and spoke with greater confidence.

Tang Tianlu went straight to check on Liao Yangsu. After removal of the parasitic vine, Liao Yangsu recovered rapidly and could already walk normally.

“Master.”

Upon seeing Tang Tianlu, Liao Yangsu became visibly excited. As a modern individual, he initially resisted kneeling out of respect for tradition. However, acknowledging the saying “Heaven, Earth, Monarch, Family, Teacher,” where a master is akin to half a father, combined with the gratitude for saving his life, Liao Yangsu promptly knelt down to bow reverently.

“All right, all right, get up.” Duan Wenxuan helped him to his feet and then produced a pouch of wild chestnuts from within his robes. “These are gifts from Little Peak Mountain’s Spirit Deer. The young master heard about your situation and specifically gave them to me for you. Eat these later; they’ll aid your recovery.”

Liao Yangsu felt a lump in his throat as he saw the genuine concern in Tang Tianlu’s eyes. As a modern individual, he didn’t typically feel deeply connected to traditional roles like teachers or mentors, but this time it truly resonated with him. For Tang Tianlu, once accepting someone as a disciple, he genuinely treated them as family and devoted himself to their training.

Zhao Mingcai quietly listened to their conversation from the side. Even when Tang Tianlu subtly indicated that they should leave, Zhao Mingcai did not linger longer than necessary. However, upon exiting, he seemed somewhat disappointed.

This was because Tang Tianlu had barely glanced at the man and woman accompanying him. It appeared that the elderly man’s character was steadfast; he would not easily develop favor towards others unless he personally acknowledged them.

Once Zhao Mingcai left, Tang Tianlu found a place to sit down.

Liao Yangsu knew his master had something important to say, “Master, this room is under surveillance. Surveillance means others can see what you speak and do. Does it matter?”

Duan Wenxuan smiled, “Ha ha, no, it doesn’t matter. Follow me.”

Unfazed by the presence of surveillance cameras, Duan Wenxuan opened a small door and swiftly stepped through with Liao Yangsu, disappearing from the room.

In the control room, Zhao Mingcai, Li Dong, and others were stupefied, breaking out in cold sweat as they hurriedly reported this unexpected development.

Seven Heroes Town.

“Master, where are we?” Liao Yangsu felt disoriented, experiencing a sudden dizziness as if his head was spinning. Just as it began to ease, he found himself in an unfamiliar place surrounded by antique decor.

With Tang Tianlu’s identity compromised, Liyang City was no longer an option; thus, their only choice was Seven Heroes Town. Apart from renting a room at Tongfu Inn, Duan Wenxuan also owned a two-story courtyard house there.

“This is the Duan family’s minor blessed land. The Duan family practices ancient martial arts, and while their blessed land lacks abundant spiritual energy, it suffices for cultivating up to the Void Transformation stage.”

Still dressed in his hospital gown, Liao Yangsu stared wide-eyed, incredulous.

“For now, you cannot train here, as you are my personal disciple, not directly loyal to the Duan family. However, I possess some merit within the clan. Once your foundation is solid, I will arrange for you to cultivate in this minor blessed land for a period.”

“Thank you for your concern, Master.” Liao Yangsu scratched his head sheepishly.

Duan Wenxuan’s expression suddenly turned serious as he sternly commanded, “Kneel.”

Without hesitation, Liao Yangsu dropped to his knees.

“I understand some of the characteristics of people from Xuanlan Star now. Expecting you to dedicate your entire life to the Duan family, like myself, is likely impossible, and I won’t force it upon you. However, you must swear an oath here and now that, unless there is a grave betrayal involving spouse or kin, you will never harm the Duan family in any way.”

“Yes, Master,” Liao Yangsu solemnly pledged.

“My own life has not been entirely righteous, but neither have I been deceitful or treacherous. Therefore, you must also vow never to commit acts that defy moral principles or dishonor your master and ancestors.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good. Since you’ve agreed, you may rise now.” With a look of satisfaction, Duan Wenxuan helped Liao Yangsu back to his feet.

After seating Liao Yangsu, Duan Wenxuan taught him the first volume of the Changchun Internal Arts, personally guiding him through one full circulation along the meridians to give him a temporary feel for the energy flow. Then, he handed over Tang Tianlu’s complete manual on Tang’s Eight Trigrams Palm.

Duan Wenxuan had already introduced Tang Tianlu to the Longevity Internal Art. True to his martial genius, Tang Tianlu progressed rapidly with this technique, even showing early signs of transitioning from darkness to transformation.

“The Longevity Internal Art is balanced and harmonious. While not considered highly advanced, it possesses greater depth and longevity compared to most other methods, making it unique in its own right.

This internal art was acquired by me at the Duan family’s martial arts library, and obtaining the lower volume still requires accumulating more merit points. As for the Eight Trigrams Palm, it’s my signature skill, and I shall fully impart it to you today.

Such techniques must not be casually shared. After you have meticulously recorded them, you must destroy both texts entirely. Especially the internal art, being of the Duan lineage, cannot be privately transmitted without their permission. Failure to adhere to this could hold your master responsible; remember this well.”

Liao Yangsu, having just experienced the genuine internal art akin to those found in wuxia tales, was incredibly excited. He tightly embraced the two volumes, saying, “Master, rest assured. Your disciple understands the value and will never bring any harm upon you.”

“Understood. Now, Master will send you back. Once your foundation is solid, I’ll redeem merits to take you for proper martial training within a minor blessed land.”

Liao Yangsu nodded, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself on Xuanlan Star, at a suburban location near the city’s north. This was Duan Wenxuan’s third door obtained from the white deer.

“Remember this place. If you need to find me next time, wait here,” Duan Wenxuan said, patting Liao Yangsu’s shoulder before swiftly opening the small door and departing.

After a minute or two,

Liao Yangsu, still dressed in his hospital gown and slippers, suddenly jumped with excitement.

Success! It really worked!

Holding the two cultivation manuals securely against his chest, he cautiously covered them with his clothing, then slowly made his way along the path.

Two hours later.

Liao Yangsu had changed out of his hospital attire, but as he walked home, Zhao Mingcai accompanied him, saying, “Mr. Liao… since you grew up in Hanming Country…”

With his mind fully occupied by the cultivation techniques nestled in his arms, Liao Yangsu couldn’t wait to start practicing and had no attention to spare for Zhao Mingcai’s words. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he interrupted, “Enough, I know which country I’m from, but I won’t betray my Master. Whatever my Master gives me, I cannot hand over unless he expressly agrees.”

“However,” I continued, “my master has also told me that I am not merely a servant of the Duan family; I am free to choose my path. If there’s ever something in An City that requires my assistance within my capabilities, I will gladly help. Beyond that, there is little else I can do.”

Zhao Mingcai hesitated for a moment before smiling again. ”…That’s good to hear. The special forces team welcomes your involvement, Mr. Liao. Here is a temporary membership card for the team. I hope you’ll accept it.”

As he spoke, Zhao Mingcai handed Liao Yangsu a document bearing Hanming Country’s national emblem, indicating his status as a temporary member.

Liao Yangsu, after a brief moment of hesitation, accepted the card.

Upon returning home, Liao Yangsu immediately closed all doors and windows to begin cultivating. After a night of uninterrupted practice, he appeared not the least bit fatigued but rather invigorated. However, just after breakfast, he received a call from his parents.

His retired parents, who were ordinary workers, had unexpectedly learned that their pension would increase dramatically starting next month, jumping from around two thousand to over eight thousand per month—a staggering difference. Additionally, they were allocated a fully furnished apartment in the city, attributed as a retirement benefit from their former factory.

Additionally, Liao Yangsu’s cousin, who worked at the factory, and his sister, employed as a beautician at a salon, were both offered new jobs with less workload, higher salaries, and excellent benefits.

Considering all this happened within a single day, it was clear something extraordinary was behind it.

Upon inquiry, they learned that Liao Yangsu had invented a groundbreaking medication while working at the hospital, deemed immensely beneficial for the nation and its people. To retain such talent, the government provided a series of incentives.

Wow! In no time, Liao Yangsu, once just a small-town doctor, became a renowned figure back home.

His parents now planned to host several banquet tables, inviting relatives and friends for a celebratory meal. They started preparations early in the morning, only to be informed that the town mayor himself would soon arrive to present gifts and join them for dinner.

Hearing the sheer joy in his parents’ voices over the phone, sounding almost giddy like they could take flight, Liao Yangsu couldn’t help but feel equally pleased. After all, who doesn’t care about recognition and success? Moreover, Zhao Mingcai handled everything meticulously, ensuring there was nothing for his parents to worry about, leaving them only with pride and happiness.

For the rest of the day, Liao Yangsu spent most of his time answering calls from his excited parents.

After wrapping up Liao Yangsu’s matter, Duan Wenxuan dove back into Tongfu Inn once more. Oh boy, this time he nearly encountered a ruthless villain who threatened to slaughter everyone inside.

“Hurry…run…” As Duan Wenxuan rushed through the inn, Bai Zhan Tang, holding onto the shopkeeper, shouted at him urgently.

Duan Wenxuan sprinted away, with the vicious assailant hot on his heels and yelling, “Where do you think you’re going? Once here, you stay.”

The attacker possessed exceptional martial prowess and swiftly grabbed Duan Wenxuan by the arm within the main hall. Instinctively, Duan Wenxuan attempted a half-hearted Merkle Strike, but it proved utterly ineffective.

“Haha, is that all you’ve got against someone like me?”

Just as the assailant was about to finish off Duan Wenxuan, Duan managed to open the door, desperately dragging the attacker along for a forceful collision. They emerged moments later, tumbling out from Duan Wenxuan’s wardrobe.

Clutching his arm, now completely dislocated, tears welled up in Duan Wenxuan’s eyes from the excruciating pain.

As for the attacker, they wore a stunned, numb expression. However, Duan Wenxuan had no time to concern himself with them; he hastily changed clothes amidst the chaos and rushed to the hospital for his arm to be reset.