"No matter Changshou's age, he will always be considered a junior in front of Mr. Chen."
Lul Changshou spoke the words sincerely, expressing the truth in his heart.
This Mr. Chen appeared youthful, but he was well aware of his true age. Moreover, he had done immeasurable favors for the Lul Family and had personally taught him martial arts.
To perform a kneeling salute before this man, Lul Changshou did so willingly.
"Enough."
"Rise."
Chen Jichuan noticed Lul Changshou's excessive reverence, smiled faintly, and stepped forward to gesture for him to rise.
"Thank you, Mr. Chen."
Only then did Lul Changshou rise, his face still showing unrestrained excitement. He respectfully said, "Now that Mr. Chen has returned, my father, elder uncle, and third uncle will surely rejoice. I shall send word immediately and arrange a banquet tonight to welcome Mr. Chen and wash away the travel's dust."
Lul Changshou was exceedingly sincere and enthusiastic.
But Chen Jichuan could still discern that when Lul Changshou mentioned his elders, his facial expression showed a trace of hesitation. Reflecting further, Chen remembered when he first arrived and found Lul Changshou immersed in practicing the 'Golden Blade Changing Palm Technique,' so much so that he hadn't sensed his arrival. Clearly, something weighed heavily on his mind.
Thus, with a wave of his hand, Chen Jichuan said, "No rush. I've been secluded for some time and am unaware of many events. Tell me about them first."
"Yes."
Lul Changshou dared not neglect the request and promptly led Chen Jichuan into the house, away from the wind and snow. As they entered, he began to narrate, "After you left Langning City a couple of years later, the grand patriarch passed away..."
Thirty-five years had gone by.
Enough time for chaos to unfold and for dynasties to change.
The old friends whom Chen Jichuan had once known—like Lul Xiong, Lul Rong, Yangg Qing, and Tan Jinxuan—had all passed away. Even the younger generation, such as Lul Xiong's son, Lul Zijian, and Lul Rong's son, Lul Zikang, had departed one by one over a decade ago.
Time is merciless.
It leaves one sighing with melancholy.
…
"The current Emperor Yann indulges in carnal pleasures and neglects state affairs, causing chaos in the court and increasing unrest throughout the realm."
"With the turmoil in the imperial court, the green forest thrives. Over the years, masters from various walks have emerged in great numbers."
"Back in Mr. Chen's days, he and the northern 'Scattering Flower Leg' Tan Jinxuan, the Master of the Tan Sect, were jointly recognized as the strongest martial artists of the time. After Mr. Chen left, Master Tan remained silent for some time. About twenty years ago, he founded the Tan Sect, took on many disciples, and imparted his painstakingly developed 'Ten Road Tan Leg' technique. His fame shook the martial arts world, and masters from his sect emerged in great numbers, establishing the Tan Sect as the largest martial faction in northern territories."
Lul Changshou, deeply passionate about martial arts, had only a superficial grasp of court affairs but was well-versed in the matters of the martial world. He continued, "The Tan Sect has grown powerful and displays ostentatious behavior. News arrived recently from the north that the 'Thirteen Grand Protectors' of the Tan Sect have all been dispatched, taking thirteen different routes to challenge masters from various factions across the country. They've already crossed the Ji River and are expected to reach Lingnan in as little as three to five months, or at most within a year."
The rise of the Tan Sect.
Dominating the northern martial arts world.
By comparison, the legacy of the 'Southern Dynasty Chen,' once equal to Master Tan and collectively known as 'South Chen and North Tan,' had since vanished. As the self-proclaimed heir to the Southern Dynasty Chen, Lul Changshou, nicknamed 'Little Nanchen,' could hardly remain indifferent to the current state of affairs and the coming storm of the Tan Sect's Thirteen Grand Protectors. His heart struggled under mounting pressure.
His concern lay not solely in victory or defeat.
Though his personal reputation mattered little, he feared whispers claiming that 'Southern Dynasty Chen' paled in comparison to 'North Tan.' It would tarnish the legacy of the Southern Dynasty Chen. Furthermore, the Lul Family faced numerous internal troubles, with Lul Changshou himself central to many of these issues. He had chosen to retreat to the Chen Mansion in solitude to focus on enhancing his martial arts.
Over the years.
Whenever perplexed or disheartened, Lul Changshou would come here. Inspired by Mr. Chen's single-minded dedication to cultivation, he would gather his own resolve.
"The Tan Sect."
"The Tan Leg."
Chen Jichuan listened and finally discerned the reason behind Lul Changshou's unsettled spirit.
At its root.
It was merely a matter of being burdened by reputation. There was the legacy of the 'Southern Dynasty Chen,' his own title 'Little Nanchen,' and the weight of both names that held him down.
Martial world affairs intrigued Chen Jichuan, and he also desired to witness the skills of Tan Jinxuan's famed 'Ten Road Tan Leg' technique.
But as for the domestic affairs of the Lul Family, Chen Jichuan had no interest.
He turned to Lul Changshou and said, "Reputation to me is as fleeting as clouds. The opportunity to face skilled opponents is something I long for. I'll remain here in the mansion for the time being. When the Thirteen Grand Protectors arrive, have someone inform me. I'd like to take a good look at these rising stars."
Thirty-five years ago.
Chen Jichuan had bested every rival in Lingnan. Over these years, a new generation had risen, and he was uncertain whether these new masters were stronger or weaker.
Judging by Lul Changshou, known as 'Little Nanchen,' his abilities, while inferior to Chen Jichuan, placed him among the strongest in Lingnan. There were three or five who matched his skill, and at least one who surpassed him by a margin.
In reality, cultivating martial skills required methodical progress and gradual refinement.
Yet, a martial artist's strength.
Partly depended on the depth of their martial arts technique and physical power. Another factor was their experience in combat, adaptability, and mental resilience. While the former required time, the latter could be tempered through trials in the Great Yann's martial world.
Chen Jichuan hoped for more masters with greater strength in the Great Yann Martial World.
"Mr. Chen—"
Lul Changshou was startled upon hearing this and hurriedly objected, "Although the Thirteen Grand Protectors carry a fearsome reputation, they are merely the disciples of Tan Jinxuan's disciples. Given Mr. Chen's status and seniority, there's no need for you to intervene personally. I alone can handle them."
In the martial world, reputation mattered greatly.
As did seniority and ranking.
For someone of Chen Jichuan's stature to engage with figures from a disciple's generation would be entirely unbecoming.
"It doesn't matter."
Chen Jichuan was unconcerned.
Lul Changshou, seeing his insistence, offered a bitter smile and said, "Even if Mr. Chen is willing to enlighten them with your teachings, I fear that the Thirteen Grand Protectors wouldn't dare act rashly."
After all, Chen Jichuan had once been an equal to Tan Jinxuan.
Their seniority was clear.
How could the Thirteen Grand Protectors risk offending him?
Moreover, if the Tan Sect lost this match, it would uphold the reputation of the 'Southern Dynasty Chen.' But even if they won, some would argue, "Southern Dynasty Chen, aged ninety-four, despite maintaining a youthful appearance, could not escape the inevitable decline in Qi-Blood and physical vitality. Victory by the Tan Sect over him would be dishonorable."
Either way, the Tan Sect would lose face.
The Tan Sect would not act so foolishly.
"That makes sense."
Chen Jichuan agreed after hearing this reasoning. After some contemplation, he added, "Then how about this? Let my identity remain known only to you. Publicly, I'll be referred to as a descendant of Chen Jichuan and treated as your peer. That way, I can face the Thirteen Grand Protectors without issue."
Since his true identity could not be revealed, residing at the Chen Mansion was no longer appropriate.
Chen Jichuan turned to Lul Changshou once more, "Do you have any suitable places I can stay?"
"..."
Lul Changshou's expression was tinged with bitterness. He wanted to persuade further but saw the eagerness in Mr. Chen's expressions and decided to hold back on the matter. He replied, "I've established the 'Chen Sect' under Mr. Chen's name in Taiqing Mountain. The 'Taiqing Eighteen Ridges' boast serene landscapes, perfect for both martial practice and leisure."
…
Taiqing Mountain.
Located at the intersection of the counties of Wuyuan, Jinxing, and Fengling in Langning Mansion, it is divided into eighteen ridges, earning titles such as the 'Taiqing Eighteen Mountains,' 'Taiqing Eighteen Plateaus,' and 'Taiqing Eighteen Ridges.'
Decades ago.
The mountain was occupied by bandits until court forces subdued them. In the subsequent decades, waves of new bandits and river raiders sporadically took over, seeking refuge there.
But they too fell.
More than a decade ago.
'Little Nanchen' Lul Changshou, armed with acquired martial prowess, came to Taiqing Mountain to establish a sect named 'Chen Sect.' With the financial backing and influence of the Lul Family's 'White Jade City,' the sect quickly secured a foothold.
From then on, the sect became one of the few prominent factions in Lingnan.
However, compared to the northern Tan Sect, it paled considerably in comparison. Among the Chen Sect, the only member capable of matching the Tan Sect's Thirteen Grand Protectors was Sect Leader Lul Changshou himself. Beneath him, the so-called 'Three Heroes and Five Tigers' were merely distinguished names with little to show in substance—ordinary talents at best. In contrast with the Tan Sect's abundance of skilled individuals, they couldn't compete.
When Chen Jichuan arrived at Taiqing Mountain, he did not draw attention.
He settled quietly in the rear mountains.
The area was surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil waters, secluded and serene. The Chen Sect disciples rarely ventured there, making it the perfect refuge.
Lul Changshou ordered the erection of knife racks, archery targets, wooden stakes, and various training areas.
Three days of continuous effort.
Finally, everything was in place.
During this period, Lul Changshou accompanied Chen Jichuan constantly, discussing martial arts and introducing him to the Chen Sect and the changes that had occurred in Langning and Great Yann. After the arrangements were completed, he stayed for several more days before bidding farewell and leaving.