The voice sounded from everywhere, and the people were surprised. The Prince woke up from his daze, clasped his hands, bowed his head to Shi Lang, and said, “Thank you for your lesson, teacher.”
Shi Lang immediately turned to the side and said, “Your Highness, I cannot accept your bow. This is a capital crime. You are a Prince.”
Tian Longjian did not know what to say to get Shi Lang to accept his gratitude when an old man appeared behind him. Shi Lang was surprised by the sudden appearance of a scholarly person. The apparated person was an old man with a dragon beard.
His back was slightly hunched, but his eyes were filled with wisdom and a sparkle of life. The
Prince looked at the old man and said, “Elder Ye, why did you come out?”
The old man chuckled, and his brocade robe fluttered with his beard. He waved his hand and said, “Your Highness, if this old man had not come out, this young friend would continue being humble.”
Tian Longjian tilted his head, and the old man said, “If I am not wrong, this young friend has already mastered the intent of the sword?”
The words shocked the people completely. They all looked at Shi Lang with widened eyes and shivering bodies. The terran himself was surprised to hear what the old man said. He could not believe that this man had seen through him.
He clasped his fist, bowed to the old man, and asked, “May I know who this senior is?”
The old man smiled and said, “I am Ye Ling, protector of the Fourth Prince.”
Shi Lang smiled and said, “Greetings, Senior Ye.”
The old man nodded, and while stroking his beard, the man said, “Hmmm, Young Friend Shi is indeed a genius to have cultivated sword intent in the golden core stage.”
Shi Lang shook his head and, with clasped hands, replied, “Senior, you are overpraising. People my age have already stepped into the realm of an immortal soul or even an immortal physique. At the same time, I am still left at a standstill. What sort of genius am I?”
Ye Ling smiled and said, “Too much humility can birth arrogance, Young friend Shi.”
Shi Lang did not say anything in response, the old man was not simple, and Shi Lang did not want to get into trouble for offending the royal protector. If only he had strength, he would not have to bow to anyone. This phase of life reminded him of his life back in the Federation.
Ye Ling nodded to the Prince, who bowed properly as the old man said, “Tian Imperial Family has the virtue of recognizing gratitude. You must not feel odd about it.”
Shi Lang sighed and said, “Senior, although I guided the Prince. His talent allowed him to get a grip on the situation. Now, he should go in a period of seclusion to consolidate his experience.”
Ye Ling nodded and stroked his beard, thinking about what to do, when Ling Tian stepped forward and bowed to Ye Ling as he said, “Senior Ye, greetings. I am Ling Tian. On behalf of my family, I invite you and His Highness to the Ling Family Manor. His Highness will be able to cultivate there in peace.”
Ye Ling watched the young master of the Ling Family and said, “Thank you for your kind intention, but His Highness would need a sparring partner when cultivating. You do not seem to have a sword master in your family.”
Ling Tian was slapped by an invisible hand, and Ye Ling turned to look at Shi Lang and asked, “I wonder if the Shi Family can allow us to include?”
Shi Lang was shocked but bowed and said, “It would be the pleasure of the Shi Family.”
This was a godsend chance for the Shi family. In the city, the Shi family’s reputation will explode. Thinking about it, Shi Lang said, “Then shall we leave now?”
Ye Ling smiled and said, “Young Friend, you are forgetting something. The reward for someone to win five matches.”
Shi Lang was taken aback and said, “Senior, I only fought two matches. How can I claim the prize.”
Ye Ling was at a loss when the Prince said, “Then, consider it a meeting gift. Today, you helped me breakthrough, and this pill is my gratitude.”
Xiang San said, “Brother Shi, accept the pill. The fourth prince will complain to the third princess. You do not know. Her Highness will whip you.”
Tian Longjian tilted his head to look at the speaker and said, “Oh, third brother Xiang is here. It seems like you have forgotten my sister’s lesson last time.”
Xiang San shivered and said, “Fourth Prince, you must grow up and deal with your matters yourself.”
Tian Longjian smirked. He was unphased by Xiang San. Ye Ling snapped his fingers and asked, “Does anyone have any objection if the pill is handed to Young Master Shi?”
How would anyone dare to object except for Ling Tian? However, he still maintained a sly smile and took the lead in applauding Shi Lang.
The people followed the lead and watched Tian Longjian retrieve a jade bottle from his space ring and give it to Shi Lang. The terran accepted it with both hands and stowed it away. Then he asked, “Senior, shall we head to the Shi Manor?”
Ye Ling nodded, and Shi Lang led them out of the pavilion. He gave a signal to Shi Yua and Shi Ning as well. The girls moved quickly and swiftly. They were going to inform the family quickly.
Shi Lang chatted with the two guards. First Master Ling was silent, though the other guy was a battle maniac called Bai Hu. He repeatedly asked Shi Lang for a battle. The terran gave him a wry chuckle. Shi Lang rode the carriage with the Prince, and Elder Ye Ling hid in the shadows.
The carriage was slower than the pedestrian walk because the crowd on the streets was too heavy. They had all come out to see the PPrince’scarriage.
Shi Lang praised himself for sending the two girls away. Xiang San and Xiao Nan followed. They had other matters to discuss. The other people from rich families also wanted to follow, but the maid of the Prince said, “His Highness does not like to be bothered much. Please return, for now. His Highness will meet you all after his seclusion ends.”
Thus the people left. Shi Lang led the convoy to the family’s manor, where the entire Shi family stood at the door. The manor had been moderately decorated. Shi Lang got down from the carriage and led the Prince.
Shi Yulong and the rest of the people welcomed the Prince warmly. Ye Ling appeared, took the Prince to a guest courtyard, and entered seclusion directly. Shi Lang sighed at everything and gave a detailed account to the people about what happened.
Shi Shanwang said, “Shi Lang, do not consume the enlightenment pill before you are close to the breakthrough.”
Shi Lang nodded, and then he took a leave. He was going to deal with Xiang San and Xiao Nan. The newly acquainted man had proposed a collaboration, and Shi Lang wanted to know what it was.
…
Meanwhile, Ling Tian arrived back at the Ling Family manor. But his expression was cold and worn. He did not know how Shi Lang took advantage of this situation. The more he thought, the more hatred brewed in his heart.
A disciple appeared beside him and said, “Young Master, Patriarch has called for you.”
Ling Tian nodded and went to meet his father. The family Patriarch was strolling in the garden with his hands behind his back. Ling Tian approached, and the older man said, “Tian, what is it about the Fourth Prince entering the Shi Family?”
Ling Tian sighed and then told him everything that happened and as it happened. This was quality; he did not add or subtract things from the account. Calmly dealing with the situation was what made him a ferocious enemy.
The Patriarch nodded and said, “You need to plant a few people to keep an eye on them.”
Ling Tian nodded and said, “I will.”
The Patriarch nodded, and the two discussed countermeasures in detail. They knew what impact the visit of the Prince would have on the city, and now that the Prince had moved to the Shi Family, it will raise their reputation rapidly.
…
Shi Lang sat in a pavilion facing Xiang San and Xiao Nan. He asked, “So, brother Xiang, tell me what you have to propose.” 𝓞𝑣𝗅xt.𝕔𝑶𝕞
Xiang San looked around and took out an array disc. He channeled a shred of spirit array in the disc. The disc erected an isolation barrier around the pavilion and Xiang San said, “How do you like the idea of exploring an ancient tomb of an immortal sovereign-level cultivator?”
Shi Lang and Xiao San stood up from their seats.