Eternal Tale

The neighbors in the alley, wielding sticks, walked together, cursing and swearing.

Did these people from the martial world really think they were something special just because they knew a bit of martial arts? Did they think they could do whatever they wanted?

But they seemed like nothing more than show-offs. There was no flying over rooftops or running up walls, and they hadn’t even drawn their swords. They just looked fierce, yet ended up beaten like stray dogs.

A middle-aged man stopped, filled with righteous indignation, and shouted from the front, ”Chen family girl, don’t be afraid! If those martial world people dare to seek revenge, tell us, and we’ll go to the mayor to reason with them!”

”That’s right, those people don’t look like they’re from our Qiongyang Town, definitely not disciples of any reputable sect.”

An uncle with sharp eyes stroked his beard and analyzed carefully, clearly an old hand in the martial world, ”I once had some reputation in the martial world; they wouldn’t dare seek revenge.”

”Oh, you had a reputation?” Wang Da Auntie clapped her hands and laughed, ”I don’t know how you dared to boast about your ’Mountain Breaker’ title when you struggle to even break a piece of wood.”

”Hey, you old woman!”

”Don’t embarrass yourself in front of so many neighbors, just stay aside.”

Wang Da Auntie rolled her eyes at him and shouted loudly, ”Alright, neighbors, disperse, disperse. It’s not a big deal; I’ve encountered this kind of thing countless times.””Alright, if anything happens, call us, Sister Heling!”

”Chen family brothers, if they dare to cause trouble again, call your Brother Ma. I run the town’s main road and have many connections.”

”That’s right, a bunch of small fry from the martial world, no need to worry about their revenge. I’ll report to the garrison commander tomorrow.”

...

The neighbors comforted Chen Xun and the others, assuring them not to worry, as they had done nothing wrong. Why should good people fear ruffians from the martial world?

Chen Xun cupped his hands towards them, smiling lightly, ”Thank you, brothers and sisters. The Chen family will remember this kindness.”

”Oh, no need to be polite, we’re all neighbors. Who hasn’t been through the martial world? Chen Xun, don’t be afraid of them!”

”Then we’ll head back. Just speak up if anything happens.”

...

Everyone laughed heartily and headed in different directions down the alley. Black Bull mooed as he bid them farewell, a scene rarely seen in the world of immortals.

Chen Xun watched them leave, feeling a bit sentimental.

He wasn’t afraid now, as he could easily deal with those ruffians with just a strand of hair.

Wang Da Auntie pulled Nangong Heling aside to chat loudly, making Little Crane smile. Though not worried or afraid, a warm feeling spread in his heart.

”Brother Xun.”

Zhou Guangyi, holding a wooden stick and looking furious, approached with his two sisters, ”These martial world people truly disgrace the name, bullying the weak and women, knowing nothing of honor!”

”Yes, exactly.”

”Big brother is right.”

Guanghan and Guangdai looked at their big brother with admiration, tapping their sticks without fear, charging ahead.

”What a good lad,” Chen Xun laughed, stepping forward to pat his shoulder, ”Those people carry swords, and you’re not even of age yet. Aren’t you afraid?”

Zhou Guangyi, not very tall and with a simple and honest face, resembled his father somewhat.

He shook his head quickly, ”Brother Xun, I practice martial arts to protect my family and uphold justice. I’m not afraid!”

Chen Xun smiled broadly, nodding slightly, ”Why not train with me regularly? Come at sunrise, and I’ll help you adjust your body. Martial arts training is quite demanding.”

”Wow, Brother Xun, you know martial arts?”

Before Zhou Guangyi could speak, Zhou Guanghan jumped out in surprise, ”Sister Heling said you don’t know martial arts!”

”I’ve seen some techniques, know a little.”

Chen Xun smiled, but before his voice faded, his figure suddenly appeared behind the three of them, like a ghost.

A breeze swept by, leaving the three of them dumbfounded. They rubbed their eyes and turned around in amazement!

”Moo~”

Black Bull snorted, wagging his tail with a smirk, seeing how the kids were left in awe.

”Brother Xun, I want to learn!” Zhou Guangyi snapped out of it, immediately dropping his stick and bowing deeply, ”If you teach me martial arts, I’ll cook for you. I’ll bring my own food.”

”...No need, just come for an hour in the morning, and I’ll guide you casually.”

”Oh... okay, Brother Xun, I’ll come tomorrow!”

”Hehe, good.”

Chen Xun smiled calmly, ”Kid, I see you have the makings of a great hero. Don’t waste your potential.”

He then gave Black Bull a look, signaling him to leave.

”Moo~” Black Bull nodded, leisurely following Chen Xun, eyes filled with contemplation.

Zhou Guangyi doesn’t have a spiritual root, how can he practice martial arts? Isn’t he going to cultivate immortality...

Zhou Guangyi was still excited, his two sisters happily chattering around him.

Brother Xun is clearly a martial arts expert; big brother is really lucky!

Zhou Guangyi nodded excitedly. Their family wasn’t wealthy, and just his martial arts training had cost a lot of spirit stones. Once he came of age, he would have to venture into the martial world.

If he could make a name for himself, he might even join a martial sect and become a ninth-grade expert!

Then their family could move to a big city, find good matches for his sisters, and not be stuck in this alley forever.

He felt for his parents, who were over forty and still setting up stalls in town. He didn’t want them to suffer in their later years.

”Woof woof!” Little Chi raised his paws, walking through them with his head held high. He had just gone to relieve himself. If he didn’t beat a dog when it was down, what was the point of his cultivation?

The three of them shivered at the dog’s bark. Little Chi’s bark was fierce, unmatched by any dog in the streets, often scaring people, with a bad reputation.

”Little Chi!”

”Did Little Chi go fight too...”

”Sister, didn’t you see? When Brother Xun called, Little Chi charged right in, haha. It wasn’t afraid of those big knives and swords!”

Zhou Guanghan laughed, squatting down to stroke Little Chi’s smooth fur, ”It’s as fierce as Black Bull, beating those martial world people senseless.”

Zhou Guangdai, more mature, looked at Little Chi with amazement and surprise. She thought Little Chi only barked, but it actually dared to fight, truly protective.

Zhou Guangyi was stunned by this, surprised that Black Bull also protected its master. Could Brother Xun’s ancestral Black Bull be a spiritual beast...

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. His parents said they came from the city, generous, eloquent, and knowledgeable, not ordinary people.

They also said not to seek connections but never to envy or gossip about others. That incident back then earned the Zhou family’s respect, so they should disturb others less.