Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 45: Indulgent Times

Inside the Governor’s Mansion.

Zhang Yao and Li Xiaofeng exchanged some cultivation experiences while chatting idly.

Actually, once you reach the stage of a Grandmaster, the Martial Dao has no further advancement, and it’s challenging to increase your strength further since all potential has been exhausted.

Generally speaking:

The first few years after refining True Qi represent the peak of a Grandmaster’s ability, and as time passes with a gradual decline in vitality, the strength also starts to diminish.

Someone as elderly as Grandmaster Wang, being able to exert sixty to seventy percent of his strength, is already quite remarkable.

"Brother Zhang..."

After a brief exchange, Li Xiaofeng couldn’t hold back and revealed his idea of inviting Zhang Yao to join the Cao Bang.

This was his real reason for visiting Zhang Yao this time.

If a Grandmaster could be recruited into the Cao Bang, it would immediately overshadow the Business Alliance and the Government Office, becoming the top hegemon in Jiangzhou.

Unfortunately, as soon as he hinted at this idea, Zhang Yao decisively refused.

He was here to enjoy life as Master Governor, not to be someone’s enforcer.

No matter how favorable the terms offered by Li Xiaofeng, they didn’t impress him since no matter how generous, Li Xiaofeng wouldn’t step down and let him be the Cao Bang leader.

"That really is a pity..."

Li Xiaofeng felt a bit regretful but didn’t persist and quickly changed the topic.

The two chatted for about half an hour before Li Xiaofeng took his leave, with Zhang Yao personally seeing him out of the Governor’s Mansion.

When Li Xiaofeng returned to the Baihe Sub Branch of Cao Bang, Baihe Squad Leader approached with his men:

"Gang Leader, how did it go?"

"Everyone has their own ambitions."

Li Xiaofeng shook his head, saying:

"This Master Zhang possesses incredible talent, reaching the Grandmaster stage at such a young age, he surely doesn’t intend to be subordinate to others."

"But you don’t have to worry, I see his intentions are quite simple. He’s practiced martial arts for years to stand out and just wants to enjoy life."

"Act according to his wishes, refrain from opposing any ideas, and prepare lavish gifts during festivals to prevent him from causing us troubles."

Upon hearing this, Baihe Squad Leader felt a bit disappointed yet secretly relieved.

If they could avoid it, no one would want to be enemies with a Grandmaster, even Li Xiaofeng was no exception.

Since Master Governor Zhang indeed doesn’t meddle in Baihe City’s specific affairs and merely wants to enjoy a high-ranking life, it’s already the best outcome.

......

Joyful days always pass quickly.

In the blink of an eye, Zhang Yao has been serving as Master Governor in Baihe City for over two years.

The citizens of Baihe City have gradually grown accustomed to this Master who loves luxury, fine food, and beauties.

Rumors and anecdotes about him are often circulated around the streets:

A certain farm girl, spotted by Master Zhang while he was out, was taken in and her family immediately rose to riches, moving into the city and becoming the envy of all.

Once during a lake outing, Master Zhang showcased his extraordinary Martial Arts by rescuing several people after a boat capsized, becoming a celebrated hero.

Some gossip claims that Master Zhang doesn’t want an heir, so he enjoys his pleasures outside, but those enchantresses often outsmart and battle with him.

It’s even said he invented numerous new-style clothes specifically for those pretty maids in the Governor’s Mansion, though no one has ever seen them.

Gradually, tales and rumors about Master Zhang have become everyday gossip among Baihe City’s citizens.

Though no one dares to speak badly about him, speculations and discussions privately circulate widely, with everyone enthusiastically participating.

Making up stories about the high and mighty offers joy to the common folks.

On this day, a luxurious pleasure boat drifts on Bai Bo Lake.

Zhang Yao lies on the deck, his chair swaying, while a young maid peels grapes for him.

"...Is what you said true?"

He eats grapes, asking indistinctly: "That ’Pingbo Dragon King’ really encountered an Immortal in Bai Bo Lake?"

"Yes, everyone says so!"

The maid peeling grapes giggles:

"I’ve heard that Gang Leader Li was initially a poor fisherman in Baihe City, living a wretched life."

"Until one day while fishing in Bai Bo Lake, he met an Immortal who gifted him some Miracle Elixir, enlightening his mind."

"From then on, he worked from the bottom level of Cao Bang, swiftly rising to become Hall Master, Squad Leader, and eventually Gang Leader!"

Zhang Yao laughs heartily, dismissively saying:

"Where do these fake stories come from?"

"I’ve personally met Li Xiaofeng; he’s much like me, simply skilled in Martial Arts."

"If anyone claims he’s seen an Immortal or knows some Immortal Technique, I’m the first to disbelieve it."

"Do you think because he’s nicknamed ’Pingbo Dragon King,’ he’s really become a Dragon King?"

The maid pouts, refusing to back down:

"This info was personally shared by my grandfather."

"Supposedly, it was originally told by Gang Leader Li himself, claiming he saw an Immortal treading the water without leaving a trace— once causing quite a stir."

"Though decades have passed, few people know about it now."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yao suddenly sits up, snorting:

"Walking on water without leaving a trace, huh?"

"Then watch carefully with wide-open eyes."

As soon as he finishes speaking, he leaps directly off the pleasure boat, onto the lake.

The maids on deck cry out in surprise but soon widen their eyes.

"Splash!" "Splash!" "Splash!"...

Zhang Yao’s form shifts, moving at an incredible speed across the water, truly not sinking.

Looking closely:

Every step he takes heavily strikes the water, such immense force should cause waves like huge stones tumbling, yet under his skillful force control and True Qi application, only small splashes arise.

The tremendous power strikes the water surface, stirring dark currents underneath while supporting his own weight instantly moving to the next spot.

With absolute speed and startling skills, Zhang Yao indeed achieves the legendary "walking on water without leaving a trace."

"Boom!"

He circles the water before returning to the boat, full of pleased arrogance:

"So, did you see clearly?"

"Walking on water without leaving a trace, your master can do that too."

Numerous maids instantly crowd around, chattering:

"Master is truly amazing!"

"Master’s Martial Arts are unbelievably high..."

Listening to their praise and feeling their admiring gaze, Zhang Yao laughs heartily.

"Such enjoyable days, even a hundred years wouldn’t make them boring."