Eternal Life: I Have the Favor System-Chapter 186 - 142: Of One Mind (Part 2)

He commanded three thousand troops. Within the Qiling region, only the Lord Governor could give him orders.

He was the very definition of youthful success.

Now, for Guo Wei’s sake, Yang Shaorong seemed to be gambling with his entire future.

Chu Lingguang instinctively tightened his grip on his Long Spear, the power in his body poised and ready. ’No matter what, if a fight breaks out, I have to act. Even if I can’t withstand a single one of his palm strikes, as the junior brother, it’s my duty to step forward.’

Seeing the two martial brothers so united, many in the crowd grew envious of Guo Wei. Others, however, lamented that Chu Lingguang was foolish and Yang Shaorong was reckless.

"Eunuch Liu, the Court places the utmost importance on the bond between master and disciple," Li Dayao said in a timely manner. "Chu Lingguang possesses a heart of pure loyalty. If you were to take him away by force, how could he ever face Guo Wei again? Burdened by guilt, he would have no heart to cultivate the Soft and Flexible Technique. Besides, this is the academy, a sacred ground of the Court. No one is permitted to engage in violence so lightly."

He reached out, placed a hand on Eunuch Liu’s wrist, and lowered the eunuch’s palm. He was extricating Chu Lingguang and Yang Shaorong from their predicament, while also giving Eunuch Liu a way to save face.

A Eunuch fighting with a Military Officer outside the Imperial City to steal another’s disciple would not reflect well on him. The matter could be escalated or downplayed, but even if Yang Shaorong lost, Eunuch Liu would gain no advantage should the Court investigate.

"Lord Yang, it’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding."

Liu Wan stepped between the two of them.

Chu Lingguang was a brilliant addition to their list of achievements, and his loyalty and honor had made both men very fond of him, so they were inclined to show him favor.

Eunuch Liu took a deep breath, composing himself. When he opened his eyes again, they flashed with a piercing light as he stared directly at Chu Lingguang and Yang Shaorong. "I will not stoop to arguing with you juniors," he said. "But as for this Guo Wei, I am determined to see him."

"Hmph!"

With that, Eunuch Liu turned and left the Martial Arts Arena.

"Eunuch Liu, wait for me!"

Yue Yuanshan hurriedly chased after him.

"Farewell."

Knowing that staying any longer would only be awkward, Fan Zhibian nodded to Chen Jin and the two other men, then also walked out of the academy.

"When Lord Yang activated his Dantian Qi Sea just now, it was tantamount to declaring open conflict with Eunuch Liu," Feng Junyi warned. "Eunuch Liu is a man who cares deeply about face. He likely won’t let this go easily."

"If I didn’t make my stance clear, he would only continue to harass my junior brother in the future," Yang Shaorong explained. "If my master were to find out and end up clashing with him, he has no official position to protect him. It would be all too easy for the eunuch to find leverage against him."

Everyone understood his intentions. He was primarily acting for the sake of Guo Wei and Chu Lingguang.

The crowd couldn’t help but look toward Chu Lingguang again, filled with envy. To have a senior brother like Yang Shaorong and a master like Guo Wei was a true blessing. But when they remembered that Chu Lingguang was also willing to offend Eunuch Liu for their sake, their envy was replaced by heartfelt respect.

"Eldest Brother, do you think Eunuch Liu will go find Master now?"

Chu Lingguang asked.

"It’s possible. Master and your other senior brothers are waiting for you by the lake. I’ll go ahead and explain the situation to him. You come over after you’ve finished the procedures here. We’ll be waiting for you right across from here," Yang Shaorong instructed.

"Okay."

Chu Lingguang nodded.

Yang Shaorong left first.

"Everyone, I shall take my leave as well."

Yan Zhen clasped his hands in salute to the others.

"Chu Lingguang, I hope I’ll be able to see you at this year’s Provincial Examination."

Yan Zhen said to Chu Lingguang with anticipation before he left.

Chu Lingguang looked as if he wanted to say something, but he held his tongue. This was not a promise he could easily make.

"Don’t feel pressured. Just listen to your master’s arrangements. You and your martial brother were truly an eye-opener today."

Yan Zhen seemed to realize Chu Lingguang wasn’t the one to make that call.

He smiled, then departed.

"I should take my leave as well."

Feng Junyi also saluted the group with clasped hands.

Li Dayao and Liu Wan walked out with him. Feng Junyi was known for being just and incorruptible, and he had an excellent reputation at Court, so both men held him in high regard.

"Chu Lingguang, I’m going to see your master. We will meet again shortly."

Feng Junyi said to Chu Lingguang.

"Thank you, Lord Feng."

Chu Lingguang understood that Feng Junyi was going there to prevent Eunuch Liu from causing trouble.

"All of you, come here."

Li Dayao gathered Chu Lingguang, Emperor Yue Xuan, and the others.

"Here is the Zhenyuan Pile Skill. It is a reward from the Court for all of you. When you return, you must cultivate it diligently. This Pile Skill will help you with Strengthening the Foundation and Nourishing the Essence and reduce your consumption of Qi Power. It can also play a certain role in awakening your Dragon Elephant Power."

Li Dayao placed a copy of the Zhenyuan Pile Skill into the hands of each of the eleven people.

"Mr. Li, if there’s content in here that I don’t understand, may I show it to my master and ask him to guide my training?"

Chu Lingguang inquired.

"You may. With guidance from your master, you will each be able to grasp the essentials more quickly."

Li Dayao nodded. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Other than your master and your future children, you must never reveal this technique to anyone."

Liu Wan instructed.

"Yes, sir!"

The group replied in unison.

"A martial artist serves the nation above and the common people below! After you leave here, you are forbidden from using your Kung Fu for wrongdoing. Otherwise, if Mr. Liu and I find out, we will deliver justice ourselves. We will show no mercy, regardless of your status or background!"

Li Dayao warned again.

His voice carried a shocking aura, as if a force was piercing into everyone’s hearts. They all trembled and couldn’t help but reply, "We students wouldn’t dare!"

"Return to where you came from. You are all dismissed!"

Liu Wan waved his hand at the eleven of them.

Worried that Eunuch Liu would actually go and cause trouble for Guo Wei, Chu Lingguang was anxious to leave.

"Chu Lingguang, come here for a moment."

But Li Dayao called out to him. Liu Wan, standing to the side, waved him over.

Puzzled, Chu Lingguang hurried over.