Chapter 304: Chapter 24: Home, the Realm of Thunder
“That old man?” Zhou Heng was astonished upon hearing the answer, never having expected Yu He to respond in such a way.
He knew of Jiang Er and had met him.
After the calamity faced by the Pure Yang Martial Arts Hall of Huangtong Mansion City, spearheaded by the Loose Immortal Yu Long, it had undergone rapid development and expansion. The original Longxing Martial Arts Hall was transformed into a sort of memorial hall and renamed “Pure Yang First Martial Arts Hall.”
Inside, many of the items that Zhou Heng had used during his training were well preserved, each with a written description and put on display for the public, something that could only be Yu He’s doing without question.
The effect was indeed very good, attracting many visitors and generating significant foot traffic.
Jiang Er was the old man selling tickets at the entrance of Pure Yang First Martial Arts Hall.
It was said that the old man was over seventy years old, an outsider who lived a life of solitude, without children, and had no choice but to wander from place to place.
Yu He, feeling sorry for him, had given him the job of selling tickets.
But in Zhou Heng’s memory, this Elder Jiang Er was aged and not versed in martial arts, just a normal old man.
How could he be connected to a situation that might involve a great demon’s contamination?
Could he be a hidden master?
Zhou Heng was perplexed and asked, “What’s going on?”
“Heh, you must not know.” Yu He wore a self-satisfied expression, saying, “You don’t know, right. Not long ago, just half a month ago, our city suddenly had a large number of people come down with a strange illness.
“This disease was bizarre, it rendered thousands unconscious overnight, it even alarmed the lord of Huangtong Mansion, but even with his personal investigation, the cause couldn’t be determined. Eventually, it was I who found the remedy.”
“You?” Zhou Heng was taken aback, then quickly realized, “That Elder Jiang Er?”
“Exactly.” Yu He nodded with a smile, saying, “When everyone else was at a loss, Elder Jiang Er came to me, claiming that he had seen this strange disease before, as the people from his hometown had also died from it.
“After he miraculously escaped, he underwent many hardships and, after a long time, finally found a solution. He then provided a prescription, instructing us to collect the herbs and, after concocting the medicine, administer it to the patients.
“And guess what? The remedy worked like a charm, and all the unconscious people woke up. However, after an examination by the lord of Huangtong Mansion, he said that remnants of the disease still lingered in their bodies. They would need a period of rest before a full recovery could be achieved.”
“I can hardly believe such an event occurred.” Feeling utterly surprised, Zhou Heng asked further, “Apart from this, did anything else happen in the city?”
“No, that’s all.” Yu He found the questioning somewhat strange and asked, “Did you come across some news?”
“Yes, Zhou, just tell us directly if something is difficult,” Lin Cang also added, “We will certainly help with everything we’ve got.”
“Is it related to the safety of Huangtong Mansion?” Lei Xiuyan speculated.
“No, no.” Zhou Heng waved his hand, not stating the details and unable to divulge them, clarifying, “I’m just curious after being away for so long. Let’s continue eating, we shouldn’t waste all this food and drink. Haha.”
“Right, if you keep talking, everything will get cold!” Yu He too burst out laughing, saying, “Come on, it’s rare for you to come back, let’s eat well, drink well.”
“You’re right.” Zhou Heng nodded with a grin.
…
After three rounds of drinking, Lin Cang and Lei Xiuyan had already gone off to rest.
Only Yu He remained at the table with Zhou Heng.
“Big brother, you’ve got something on your mind,” Yu He said as he poured Zhou Heng a cup of wine, smiling, “Master Lin and Master Lei noticed too, so they left early to let us two have a chat.”
“Something on my mind?” Zhou Heng was momentarily stunned, took the wine cup, and chuckled, “Perhaps there is something.”
“You seem quite burdened with your life now,” Yu He took a swig himself and declared, “Traveling everywhere, facing life and death, it’s all exciting, sure, but you can’t find peace. It feels like you were more at ease back when you were at the martial arts hall.”
“Actually, I’m quite content with my current situation,” Zhou Heng countered with a smile. “Being able to grow stronger step by step, gradually unraveling the puzzles in my heart, chasing the goals within—it’s tiring, yes, but not bad.”
“Then I’m relieved.” Yu He grinned, refilled his cup, and laughed, “Master Lin and Master Lei were somewhat worried about you too; now they can be at ease. Life is short, we should enjoy it timely, don’t be too hard on yourself. Come on, drink up!”
“Alright, cheers!” Zhou Heng raised his cup and drained it.
“Cheers!” Yu He too downed his cup and exclaimed, “Someday when you’re tired from your adventures out there, come back here. This is your home; your brother will drink with you!”
…
The next morning, Zhou Heng went to Pure Yang First Martial Arts Hall.
To meet with Jiang Er.
The collective unconsciousness of two thousand people was obviously not normal; he had also received that prescription from Yu He. The herbs used were all common and did not seem to possess any special effects.
Zhou Heng still suspected there might be something wrong with Jiang Er.
As the sun just started to rise, Pure Yang First Martial Arts Hall had not yet opened for business, and there weren’t many people at the entrance, just Elder Jiang Er sitting out front.
He was fanning himself with a palm leaf fan, resting with his eyes closed.
Zhou Heng slowly approached him, bowed with his hands clasped, and smiled, saying, “Thank you, senior.”
Jiang Er opened his eyes, looked at Zhou Heng, shook his head, and said, “Head of the hall, I make my living off your martial arts hall, what’s this about calling me ‘senior’? and thanking me, that’s strange.”
“Senior’s kindness and benevolence saved the critically ill citizens of Huangtong Mansion City, and I thank you on their behalf,” Zhou Heng smiled, by then he had learned of Jiang Er’s real identity but did not disclose it.
Upon arriving at Pure Yang First Martial Arts Hall and seeing Jiang Er, Zhou Heng had used a “Identification Card” on him.
“Name: Jiang Tafa
“Gender: Male
“Age: 5,793 years old
“Rank: Second Rank of the Tao
“Martial Arts: Rites and Canons, Heavenly Statue Palm…
“Taoist Formulas: Heaven-Sealing Great Taoist Formula, Landscape Prohibition…
“Magic Weapons: …
“Weapons: …
“…
“…
“Status: Transform Disguise”
“Hostility: None”
This identification card’s effect when used on people was truly remarkable; it nearly displayed all kinds of information about Jiang Tafa clearly, even discerning whether there was any hostility.
Zhou Heng suddenly felt that the way he had been using the identification card before was indeed a waste; it was truly put to full use when identifying people!
Upon learning that this elder Jiang Er was none other than the sealed Tao Lord Jiang Tafa, he naturally understood that Huangtong Mansion City remained uncontaminated by the aura of the broken Tao Lord bone finger because of Jiang Tafa’s presence.
With a real Tao Lord here, Huangtong Mansion City was definitely the safest place in the world.
However, since Jiang Tafa was here in disguise and had no intention of revealing his identity, Zhou Heng naturally wouldn’t rashly expose him, as it would benefit neither party and was not a wise decision.
Of course, the necessary gratitude had to be expressed, and the traditional respects had to be observed—it was said that the big shots from the Middle Ancient Era put great importance on proper etiquette.
After all, the safety of Huangtong Mansion City would rely on him in the future.
“It’s just a small effort for an old man like me, you’re too kind with your praise,” Jiang Er laughed, then said, “Did the hall owner come here to ask the old man to leave?”
“You misunderstand, senior, I truly came to express my gratitude,” Zhou Heng hastened to explain, then added, “As for your position, as long as you wish to keep it, no one can force you out.”
“Well, well, with the hall owner’s words, the old man can rest easy,” Jiang Er’s aged face broke into a deeper smile, “After wandering for so many years, to finally have a stable place to settle down, the old man is reluctant to leave.”
“Please rest assured, senior,” Zhou Heng smiled, “As long as you wish, from now on, Huangtong Mansion City is your home.”
“Home?” Jiang Er paused, and after a long moment, as if recalling something, he laughed, “Hahaha, good, good, this place is now this old fool’s home.”
He was very happy, extremely so.
Zhou Heng could feel his overflowing joy, much like a wanderer with no place to call home, who after a long time adrift, had finally found a sanctuary.
“But where is my home? That place I may never be able to return to… ”
…
After confirming the absolute safety of Huangtong Mansion City, Zhou Heng then left.
To return to the Pure Yang Palace.
First, to inform Yan Shouyi of Jiang Tafa’s presence in Huangtong Mansion City, and second, to complete his mission and exchange it for “Pure Yang Thunder Technique.”
The snowstorm of Taihua Mount was unchanging throughout the year, and the sea of clouds around the Golden Top of Jade Void Peak continued to churn.
When Zhou Heng returned, Yan Shouyi was, as usual, sitting cross-legged on a rock platform, as if watching the sea of clouds, or as if his spirit was wandering beyond the heavens.
“Senior brother,” Zhou Heng said, “I met a Tao Lord in Huangtong Mansion City.”
“That Senior Jiang?” Yan Shouyi stood up, smiling.
“So senior brother already knew.” Zhou Heng was slightly startled, then realized, “Was it during that time when we subdued the Golden Crow Cave Sky? Ah, when the restriction on the wall showed abnormalities, it was that Tao Lord who made a move in secret.”
“Correct,” Yan Shouyi nodded gently, “This Tao Lord means no harm, and at the moment, he probably just wants a quiet place to retire for a while. Unless necessary, we will not disturb him. Hmm, with him there, Huangtong Mansion City is indeed the safest place under the heavens now.”
“Hmm.” Zhou Heng nodded, then continued, “Senior brother, I completed the mission, but there were some issues along the way, involving the Great Demon Cang Hua, as well as a bone of the Demon Lord…”
He briefly recounted the situation.
“The suppression of the Demon Lord’s phalanx under Huangtong Mansion City, I have heard Grand Ancestor Master mention this before, but only in passing, and my understanding is not extensive,” said Yan Shouyi, pondering. “That Demon Lord must have invaded during that Dark Era, causing a great disaster before being dismembered and suppressed.”
“Senior brother, what happened during that Dark Era?” Zhou Heng asked.
“Not clear,” Yan Shouyi said with a gentle shake of his head.
“Even you are not clear, senior brother?” Zhou Heng exclaimed in astonishment, his face filled with confusion and surprise.
“I do understand some circumstances, but indeed, not very clearly,” Yan Shouyi sighed softly and said, “Junior brother, regarding the Dark Era, I advise you not to delve into it just yet.
“That was an extremely chaotic time, with much of the history buried; many powerhouses are very reticent about that era, even the Grand Ancestor Master himself is reluctant to mention it too much.
“Moreover, that era was too close to the Ancient Mythological Era, and some matters may involve secrets you are not capable of bearing, which would be extremely dangerous for current you.”
The Grand Ancestor Master mentioned by Yan Shouyi was the third sect leader of Pure Yang Palace, a Divine First Rank Tao Lord who took on a critical mission during that Dark Age, leading the Pure Yang Palace to its rise.
“Hmm, I understand, thank you for the reminder, senior brother,” Zhou Heng nodded, but inwardly he took special note of the key information Yan Shouyi had just mentioned.
The secrets of the Dark Era might be directly related to the Ancient Mythological Era.
Based on what Zhou Heng had learned so far, some immortals from the Ancient Mythological Era might be associated with the mythological legends of Earth, and if he could find related information, he might find a way back to Earth.
Even if it was not appropriate to investigate deeply now, he could still pay attention to related information.
“Junior brother, your ‘Pure Yang Thunder Fury Technique,'” Yan Shouyi said as he took out a purple-gold booklet and handed it to Zhou Heng with a smile. “This technique is not easy to cultivate; you must find a place with intense thunder energy to refine True Qi.”
“Do you have any recommendations, senior brother?” Zhou Heng asked.
“Do I need to make any recommendations?” smiled Yan Shouyi. “Isn’t Shenxiao Sect a suitable place? I’ve heard that after your friendship grew through conflict with Chu Qingchuan of Shenxiao Sect, some good relations were established. It should not be difficult to ask to use a place where thunder energy is rich.”
“That is indeed a feasible plan, but I don’t want to owe any favors,” Zhou Heng said with a light shake of his head, smiling. “It’s more convenient to find on my own.”
“In that case, I do have an idea,” said Yan Shouyi with a smile. “Actually, you could use the privileges of the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer to find a world where cultivating thunder is the essence. That way, the Thunder Fury True Qi you refine will be purer and more powerful.”
“That’s possible?” Zhou Heng listened, stunned, and said in amazement, “But in such a case, if the world itself is of a low level, wouldn’t that affect the quality of the True Qi? And would it affect the conditions for merging external scenery?”
“Junior brother, you have yet to understand the true nature of True Qi,” Yan Shouyi shook his head slightly and said, “True Qi is indeed the medium for mobilizing the external world’s energy and the bridge for merging external scenery, but essentially it is your own power, the True Qi cultivated by yourself.
“Since it is your own power, there is no need to consider the conditions for merging external scenery, and you can adapt once you return—it won’t take more than a few hours. As for the quality of the True Qi itself, a world where thunder is the essence of cultivation is already the best place for thunder energy.”
“I see,” Zhou Heng said with bright eyes, nodding, “Thank you, senior brother.”
“You don’t have to thank me; thank Jiang Jian instead,” Yan Shouyi said with a smile.
“Huh?” Zhou Heng looked confused.
“This idea was actually something Jiang Jian mentioned to me when she came looking for you,” Yan Shouyi explained. “She guessed you might choose an Inner Strength technique related to thunder and asked me what I thought about this method. I must say, it is indeed an excellent idea.”
“Then I will have to thank her properly,” Zhou Heng nodded, deciding to buy Jiang Jian some more sweets to eat once he returned after cultivating the Thunder Fury True Qi.
“I’m afraid you won’t have the opportunity to thank her for a while,” Yan Shouyi shook his head and sighed.