Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 173

A wave of sorrow washed over him. With a face full of bitterness, he shook his head and sighed, “I always thought my son had decent talent, and he trained diligently for over a decade. Who could have imagined he would be defeated by Master Jiang? I suppose it was simply his fate.”

“Hmm, you have some discernment,” Jiang Tian remarked indifferently, waving a hand dismissively before turning and walking away with his hands clasped behind his back.

The challenge from the Zhang family of Five Tigers Fort was merely a minor episode, not something he gave any real thought to.

They were nothing but a group of insignificant ants. If they submitted, so be it. If they didn’t, he could simply crush them with a flick of his hand.

“Master Jiang, let us see you out!” Numerous War Dragons gathered around Jiang Tian, escorting him toward the camp’s exit.

Having witnessed Jiang Tian defeat a master, they all felt a surge of pride and honor, their backs straighter than before. Having truly seen his terrifying destructive power firsthand, their faces were now filled with reverence and admiration.

“Ah, such a dazzlingly talented young grandmaster. If he were to attend the Martial Alliance gathering, he would likely cause a huge stir!” Among the crowd, Feng Xiguang gazed at Jiang Tian with deep respect, his heart full of wistful admiration and profound emotion.

“We bid farewell to Master Jiang!”

“If our Five Tigers Severing Gate Saber technique ever encounters Master Jiang in the future, we will certainly retreat three paces out of respect!” Zhang Wendao bowed deeply, fists clasped, not daring to straighten up until Jiang Tian had left the training grounds.

Only then did he realize the back of his robe was already soaked through with cold sweat.

The Zhang family of Five Tigers Fort had arrived arrogant and overbearing, acting as if they owned the world. They left in disgrace, looking as wretched as stray dogs with their tails between their legs. The constant miserable cries from Zhang Qitian on the stretcher only added to the pathetic scene.

Watching this, Zhang Lang could only sigh deeply to the heavens. How did something that should have been a good thing end up like this?

It seemed the saying was true: character determines destiny. This applied not just to individuals, but to families as well.

The Zhang family had always been quick-tempered and arrogant. Perhaps after today, the Zhangs of Five Tigers Fort would learn that there is always someone better and a higher sky, and become a bit more humble and cautious?

“Ah, this was a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity for our Zhang family to befriend a grandmaster, but I…” Zhang Wendao’s heart was also filled with regret and remorse as he shook his head with a bitter sigh.

Both he and his son had been far too proud and hot-tempered. If they had treated Jiang Tian with proper courtesy today, welcomed him as an honored guest, and forged a connection, wouldn’t the Zhang family have gained a powerful backer?

“Father, are we just going to let this go?” On the road, Zhang Mingli still couldn’t accept it. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at her unconscious brother on the stretcher.

The Zhang family was a martial arts family. Although not top-tier, they weren’t lacking in precious elixirs for healing. With careful treatment, Zhang Qitian might be able to stand again, but his martial arts would surely be affected. His cultivation would likely drop to the Iron Body realm, or he might even be reduced to an ordinary person.

“We have no Grandmaster in our family. What else can we do? Throw an egg against a stone?” His beloved son severely injured, how could Zhang Wendao not be heartbroken? How could he not harbor some hatred towards Jiang Tian? It was just that Jiang Tian was too powerful; he was utterly helpless.

“Father, isn’t Zhao Hao’s father a Grandmaster? If he agrees to avenge my brother, I’m willing to marry Zhao Hao!” Suddenly, Zhang Mingli wiped her tears and said viciously.

“You mean Zhao Yuankun? Hmm, if he were to take action, perhaps it might work!” Mentioning that name sparked a flicker of excitement in Zhang Wendao. The dejection and gloom on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a surge of heat in his chest.

…

Jiang Tian ended the training for the War Dragons relatively quickly. On one hand, their strength had reached the required level. On the other hand, the Martial Alliance gathering was also about to begin.

Returning to Linzhou, the next day Jiang Tian handled various affairs, said goodbye to Zhao Xueqing, and prepared to set off for Hubei province to attend the Martial Alliance conference.

But Zhao Xueqing was reluctant to let him go. Knowing the journey was dangerous, she held Jiang Tian’s hand, tears in her eyes, and said, “Jiang Tian, you must take care! Father, Mother, and I… we can’t be without you!”

“Don’t worry,” Jiang Tian said softly, gently tapping her nose with his finger. “In this world, no one can harm me.”

“You must keep a low profile. I don’t absolutely have to cultivate. But I can’t be without you by my side…” Zhao Xueqing gave him endless reminders and instructions, packing his daily necessities for him before finally letting him leave.

Actually, Elder Qiu and Li Zhenwei were also attending the Martial Alliance conference as representatives of Lingnan’s martial arts community and wanted to go with Jiang Tian, but he declined, finding it troublesome.

Leaving Shen Mange at home for protection, Jiang Tian took Gui Jiao Ti and Tang Linglong and set off on the road to Jiujiang in Jiangxi province.

“Having ascended Mount Tai, the world below seems small.” For Jiang Tian, the figures of the Chinese martial arts world held little interest. No matter how powerful their techniques or cultivation, how could they compare to his path of cultivation?

However, these people often possessed precious spiritual herbs, rare medicines, and natural treasures, which Jiang Tian desperately needed. Especially since there might be a chance to inquire about the Empress Flower to improve Qing’er’s constitution.

“Master, do you think any Grandmasters will attend this time?” Tang Linglong, who was driving, asked curiously.

This time, Tang Linglong had pestered him relentlessly to come along, saying she wanted to broaden her horizons. Helpless, Jiang Tian had no choice but to bring her.

“Gui Jiao Ti, have you attended a Martial Alliance conference before?” Not knowing himself, Jiang Tian looked at the man beside him.

“Reporting to Master, the Martial Alliance gathering is arguably the most bustling grand event in the martial arts world. It’s very likely some Grandmasters will be present!” Gui Jiao Ti explained respectfully. “Furthermore, legend has it that Wei Feilong is getting on in years and plans to step down as chairman of the Martial Alliance. A new chairman will be decided through a leitai competition! It’s possible veteran Grandmasters like Li Tuofeng from the northwest, Wu Yingxiong from the southwest, Huo Qingtian from the central plains, and Ye Wudao from Jiangsu and Zhejiang might participate!”

“Oh ho, so many big shots. That should be quite a spectacle!” Jiang Tian said, though his gaze quickly returned to the traditional Chinese medicine text in his hands, his interest clearly lacking.

“Master, don’t hold back. You should just participate in the tournament this time and win the chairmanship!” Tang Linglong said with a lively tone, her eyes dancing with excitement, full of confidence in Jiang Tian as if the chairman position was already his for the taking.

Suddenly, Jiang Tian frowned as he looked at the medical text and asked, “Won’t that Lin Zhenyu from the Big Circle Gang come out?”

“Twenty years ago, after his defeat by Ye Zhantian, he swore an oath not to set foot in the mainland for the rest of his life. If he were to come personally, the Dragon Group would probably step in to suppress him,” Gui Jiao Ti explained. Having been immersed in the martial arts world for many years, he was like an encyclopedia, knowing almost everything. “And this martial arts gathering is being held at the Poyang Lake Estate of Grandmaster Zhao Yuankun from Jiangxi’s martial arts community. Zhao Yuankun is Ye Zhantian’s eldest disciple. If Lin dared to go, Ye Zhantian would likely know immediately.”

“Ah, what a pity. I originally thought I might have a chance to meet Lin Zhenyu. I didn’t expect he wouldn’t be there.” Jiang Tian shook his head in disappointment.

Gui Jiao Ti’s heart gave a jolt, followed by a wave of fervent admiration and respect. Master Jiang’s ambition was truly vast, to actually harbor thoughts of challenging a peerless powerhouse like Lin Zhenyu.

At noon that day, the SUV stopped at a gas station to refuel. Jiang Tian and Gui Jiao Ti got out to stretch their legs and were taking a break, having a smoke.

Suddenly, a girl in a white windbreaker jumped out of a Mercedes sports car and called out in surprise, “Jiang Tian! Where are you headed?”

“Oh, I’m going to Jiangxi province…” Surprised to encounter someone who knew him here, Jiang Tian turned to look at the girl.

She appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a refined and beautiful face, skin as smooth and fair as jade. Her soft, shoulder-length hair framed her features. The white windbreaker draped over a curvaceous figure, with a full chest that swelled beneath her sweater. Beige casual pants hugged a pair of long, straight legs, and she wore patent leather high-heeled boots.

She looked familiar, but he couldn’t place her immediately, so he just responded casually.

“You’re going to Jiangxi? Could you give me a ride?” the girl immediately asked, her face bright with excitement.

Jiang Tian’s expression showed a hint of hesitation. The girl playfully punched his arm and said with a feigned pout, “Jiang Tian, you haven’t forgotten the favor I did for you back then, have you? If it weren’t for me, you would have been caught cheating and expelled!”

“Oh, it’s her!” Her words jogged his memory. This was Lin Monong, his academic advisor from his university days.

Back when Jiang Tian studied at Jinling Pharmaceutical University, she was still a graduate student in Traditional Chinese Medicine, serving as the advisor for his class. By now, she should have already earned her doctorate.

“Well… alright. Are you still teaching, Teacher Lin?”

“Let’s talk about it later!” Lin Monong nervously glanced around, and seeing that Tang Linglong had finished refueling, she pulled Jiang Tian into the car.

As the car started moving, Lin Monong let out a long sigh of relief, patting her ample chest as she calmed down. “Phew, thank goodness. Luckily, this young lady is clever and quick-witted. They didn’t catch up to me!”

Seeing her abandon her sports car and acting so nervous, even calling herself a ‘young lady’ in an utterly cute way, completely unlike her former serious and strict self, Jiang Tian couldn’t help but tease her. “Teacher Lin, did you steal something and are being chased like a thief?”

“Ah, don’t even mention it,” Lin Monong sighed with exasperation. “My family arranged a marriage for me. The other party is a notorious playboy. How could I possibly agree? I’m running away from the wedding!”

“So it’s a runaway bride!” Jiang Tian chuckled. “But even a playboy can’t force a marriage, can he? This is a society governed by law. We have police and government. Could he really forcibly marry you?”

“Ah… you, an ordinary person, have no idea how terrifying those people can be. Forget forcing marriage, they’d even dare to kill and steal,” Lin Monong replied with a complicated expression, shaking her head without elaborating, only letting out a soft, melancholy sigh.

However, with Lin Monong along, the previously dull journey gained a lot more interest.

“You have no idea, the first time I stepped onto the lecture podium, I was so nervous my hands were shaking!” It turned out that although Lin Monong was a lecturer and advisor back then, she was only about three years older than Jiang Tian.

“No wonder you whacked me on the head so hard with your pointer when you saw me sleeping! You were just trying to establish your authority! It still hurts even now!” Jiang Tian exaggerated, rubbing his head and grimacing.

“Of course! How else could I keep you little monkeys in line…” Lin Monong shot Jiang Tian a playful glare, which added a touch of charm to her demeanor, and asked curiously, “That time you cheated was truly bizarre. You actually wrote the cheat sheet on your thigh! When I went to catch you, you yelled that I was harassing you! You were such a rascal! But it was strange. By the time we got to the dean’s office, the cheat sheet was gone?”

“Wasn’t that simple? It was summer, hot weather. I just rubbed it a couple of times and it was gone!” Jiang Tian laughed heartily.