Translator: Myuu Editor: Myuu
The wonders of a person’s fate were indeed difficult to put into words. A few months ago when Yan Liqiang came to the Lu Clan, he was nothing but a penniless boy. However, in just half a year, Yan Liqiang won first place among top three in the Martial Arts County Trial of Qinghe County, became a sensation in his hometown, and joined the prefecture’s martial arts academy. He was then unexpectedly given an offer by Sun Bingchen who had come to patrol Pingxi City. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Yan Liqiang was a swallow which had flown onto a branch and had become a phoenix.
An influential clan like the Lu Clan would be able to comprehend the significance of Yan Liqiang serving Sun Bingchen by his side better than the commoners.
This was putting aside everything else except for the other influential clan in Huanglong County which had been eradicated by the Prefectural Governor — the Wang Clan, if the Wang Clan had someone like Yan Liqiang who could serve an important official like Sun Bingchen at his side, the Wang Clan wouldn’t have disintegrated without a trace in the blink of an eye.
The more powerful the clan was, the better they could understand such impressiveness.
“What are your thoughts, Liqiang? Are you ready to serve Lord Sun by his side?”
When Yan Liqiang finished telling Qian Su about Sun Bingchen, Old Master Lu and Lu Peien exchanged looks. Both of them could see the surprise in each other’s gazes. It was only after Old Master muttered to himself for a moment did he then softly ask Yan Liqiang his question.
“The purpose of my trip home this time was to discuss this matter with my father. My father seems to be supportive of me working by Lord Sun’s side. Besides, I also wish to follow Lord Sun around to gain more experience, hone my capabilities, and broaden my horizons too!” Yan Liqiang humbly replied.
Yan Liqiang’s answer could be considered partly true. It at least seemed convincing on the surface. However, the true factor which influenced Yan Liqiang’s decision to follow Sun Bingchen around was still the calamity that both he and his father experienced before. In the Prefectural Governor’s eyes, their lives were as insignificant as ants. With a flip of his hand, or even a wag of his finger, he could completely crush his clan.
How did Ye Tiancheng manage to do this? The answer could be summed up into two words — power and authority!
Yan Liqiang only truly understood the formidability of power and authority after he experienced and comprehended them through his pain and sufferings. Among everyone who lived in this world, aside from the exceptional experts and hermits hidden away in the forests, how many people could possibly escape the influence of power and authority? If one couldn’t escape from those forces, then wouldn’t it be better to embrace them? At least that would work more effectively than just dealing with them and coping by staying passive.
Aside from his sense of crisis, there was another reason which caused Yan Liqiang to make such a decision — since God had given him another chance to live in this world, then he should live a more exciting life and explore the world. Only by doing so would his opportunity in coming to this world not be in vain.
God had bestowed the Heavenly Stone on him and allowed him to grasp Muscle Tendon Changing and Marrow Cleansing. Was it all only for him to mind his own business here in this world? No! Yan Liqiang refused to believe that. He felt that there must always be a reason when God bestowed something upon you…
Even without Sun Bingchen, Yan Liqiang had planned to travel around and explore the world someday anyway. With Sun Bingchen’s offer, he might as well conveniently board the Patrol Inspector’s ship.
“This is indeed Liqiang’s opportunity and blessing. Naturally, the Lu Clan is happy for you and wishes you a brilliant future ahead!” Lu Peien smiled. He took a glance at the Old Master and understood the look that the Old Master was giving him. “If Liqiang will be working for Lord Sun, then you will probably have to leave with him too if he is leaving Pingxi Prefecture and Gan Province. In that case, it won’t be that easy for us to meet you again Liqiang. When I think about it, I really feel a little sad…”
Lu Peien let out a sad sigh at the end.
Yan Liqiang was smart enough to understand what Lu Peien was implying. The Lu Clan was basically saying that though they were supportive of his decision, they’d have to be clear on some things at a time like this. Whether things worked out or not, they needed a conclusion now. Otherwise, things would be troublesome or they would be delayed in the future. This was also the exact reason behind Yan Liqiang’s visit to the Lu Clan this time.
“I understand what you are trying to say, Sixth Brother. My visit to the Lu Clan this time is to also have a heart-to-heart talk with you and Old Master to convey what is on my mind!” Yan Liqiang looked at Old Master Lu and Lu Peien earnestly. “The Ninth Lady is from an eminent clan and is also the Old Master’s beloved daughter. She is a phenomenal beauty with exceptional personality. Although the time that I’ve spent with Ninth Lady is short, she has left a very good impression on me. I am aware of Old Master’s thoughts and is extremely grateful to him for looking upon me with such favor. It would be my greatest pleasure if I could tie the knot with the Ninth Lady. If she is willing, we can set the date for our wedding first before I leave Pingxi Prefecture. I will definitely treat her well in the future!”
What else could Old Master Lu and Lu Peien possibly complain about with such a great, potential son-in-law? Yan Liqiang had already said everything they wanted to say from the bottom of their hearts. Not only that, he had done it in a courteous manner.
Upon hearing that, Old Master Lu’s long eyebrows quivered. He straightened his back and immediately ordered Lu Peien with a solemn expression, “Peien, Liqiang has already made it clear. Go call Beixin over!”
Lu Peien instantly got up and left, leaving Yan Liqiang, Qian Su and Old Master Lu waiting in the living room sipping on their tea. Lu Peien returned ten minutes later, but without Lu Beixin.
He seemed like he was a little awkward and embarrassed, and he only explained the situation when he saw that Old Master Lu was about to blow his top off. “Umm, Ninth Sister… Ninth Sister said that she’s afraid that… Liqiang and her are not meant to be, so there’s no need for her to come here…”
Yan Liqiang chuckled when he thought about Lu Beixin. From his understanding of Lu Beixin, he was pretty sure that she wouldn’t say such eloquent words. Instead, the only thing she probably said was — ‘I rather die than marry him!’ Lu Peien had only ‘beautified’ the words to avoid further embarrassment, but he still had conveyed the exact same message.
How would Old Master Lu not understand the temper of his own beloved daughter? Even so, it wasn’t like he could force it on her. Even if he approved Yan Liqiang one hundred percent, it was useless if his beloved daughter wasn’t willing. If he were to really force Lu Beixin, he wasn’t sure what she would do again. After listening to Lu Peien’s words, Old Master Lu could only sigh as he told Yan Liqiang, “Beixin has been spoiled by me since she was young. This is her loss. If you don’t mind, please don’t call me Old Master Lu from now on. Just call me ‘Uncle’, Liqiang. If I can’t take you as my son-in-law, I will take you as my nephew. We are family from now on. ”
Yan Liqiang stood up and respectfully bowed to the Old Master as a junior, “Greetings, Uncle!”
…
By the time Yan Liqiang and Qian Su came out from Lu Residence, the sky was already dark and they had their dinner. Lu Beixin’s response was well within his expectations, and hence Yan Liqiang didn’t really feel any disappointment. Regardless, he still had to pay this visit. Otherwise, he’d be seen as an ungrateful person to the Lu Clan for immediately kicking them aside as soon as he had found a better position to be in. Such social conventions mustn’t be neglected.
Qian Su, who was riding on his rhinodrake steed, waited until they exited the Lu Residence. Then he asked Yan Liqiang in a soft voice, “Liqiang, you knew Lady Lu would reject you from the beginning?”
“Uncle Qian, Lady Lu is Old Master Lu’s beloved daughter. She must have her own opinion in regards to the most important event of her life. A few days ago when I brought her to Pingxi City, I kind of offended her. Although I have come with sincerity today, I’m afraid I am not the ideal significant other in her eyes…” Yan Liqiang shook his head.
“That’s really a pity!” Qian Su sighed too. “Everyone thinks you and Lady Lu are quite a good match for each other and will be a match made in heaven in a few years time. If you could win the Lu Clan’s support, you will definitely have it easy in Pingxi Prefecture in the future!”
“Well, this kind of thing can’t be forced.”
“You’re right. But if you follow Lord Sun around, countless opportunities will naturally come to you in the future. There’s no need to rush into anything!”
Just then, Yan Liqiang, who had already left the Lu Residence, sensed that someone was staring at him from behind. He turned around on his rhinodrake steed and saw that unbeknownst to him, a beautiful silhouette was standing on the defensive wall, watching his retreating figure.
Upon noticing that Yan Liqiang had turned his head around, the figure hurriedly left the defensive wall.
…
Yan Liqiang stayed a day in Huanglong County, then set out for Pingxi City the very next day. After he changed into a fresh set of clothes, he made his way to the manor near the Plum Gardens where Sun Bingchen lived once again and requested for an audience with him.
