Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 77

“Reaching the pinnacle of martial arts in just one month through mere breath meditation—this is a miracle! A true divine miracle!” Some disciples murmured in awe.

“Master, how does he compare to you?” someone asked, unable to suppress their envy.

“How could I ever compare to him? I’m not even fit to stand in the shadow of Tang Linglong, whom he merely gave a few pointers to!”

“With such terrifying cultivation speed, even Ye Zhantian might be overshadowed by him…” Huang Xiangsheng shook his head with a bitter smile, lost in thought.

In modern Huaxia’s martial world, aside from the hidden masters of ancient sects, Ye Zhantian reigned supreme in the secular realm.

For decades, Huang Xiangsheng and countless other experts had been utterly suppressed by Ye Zhantian—like ants gazing at a towering mountain, none dared challenge his dominance.

Yet now, Huang Xiangsheng believed Jiang Tian might even surpass the legendary War God Ye Zhantian.

“Third Brother! Where is Brother Jiang—no, where is Grandmaster Jiang?! How could you let him leave?!”

Suddenly, Tang Weimin snapped out of his daze. Realizing Jiang Tian was gone, he turned to Tang Wannian with a furious glare.

The crowd’s eyes followed.

“Wasn’t it you, Secretary Tang, who told him to leave? I didn’t dare stop him!” Tang Wannian stood frozen, his expression blank and helpless.

“Husband, was it really okay for us to leave like that?”

While the crowd remained in shock, Jiang Tian had already returned to Time Manor with Zhao Xueqing.

“What? Do you still want me to take Tang Linglong as my disciple?” Jiang Tian smirked.

Tang Wannian had invited him precisely for that purpose, pleading until Jiang Tian reluctantly agreed. But after seeing Tang Weimin’s arrogant attitude, Jiang Tian lost all interest.

“Hmph! That Secretary Tang looked down on you. If he doesn’t believe in your abilities, just ignore them!”

Zhao Xueqing’s words came out effortlessly—but the moment she said them, she startled herself.

A few months ago, she would’ve groveled for even a glance from the Tang family. Now, she could dismiss them without a second thought. What a terrifying leap in status!

“These days, I just want to focus on being with you.”

Jiang Tian smiled, pulling her into his arms, his heart brimming with contentment.

“By the way, has Tang Linglong really reached the pinnacle of martial arts?” Zhao Xueqing asked.

“Not exactly. Strictly speaking, she’s still at the internal energy stage. But the ‘Haoran Body Tempering Art’ makes her internal energy rival the true qi of ordinary masters.” Jiang Tian chuckled.

…

That evening, however, Old Master Tang arrived at Jiang Tian’s doorstep with Tang Weimin and Tang Linglong in tow.

“Grandmaster Jiang, I was blind! I offended you—please, forgive this ignorant fool!”

Tang Weimin bowed deeply, his face etched with reverence—more than he’d ever show even to a high-ranking official.

Had this scene been witnessed publicly, it would’ve sent shockwaves through Lianzhou.

Tang Weimin, the city’s top authority, a man destined for the national stage, now stood before Jiang Tian like a devout worshipper.

“Hmph, ignorance is no crime. At least you didn’t throw me out earlier.” Jiang Tian sipped his tea, his tone light but edged.

“Grandmaster, your words shame me! I beg for your mercy!”

Though Jiang Tian’s tone was calm, Tang Weimin broke into a cold sweat, his face pale.

He now knew Jiang Tian was the uncrowned king of Jiangbei, commanding tycoons like Ye Gufeng and Zheng Guangsha. If Jiang Tian willed it, a single order could drain Lianzhou’s investments—forcing Tang Weimin to resign in disgrace.

“Enough! You disgrace our family!” Old Master Tang snapped before turning to Jiang Tian with a flattering smile.

“Grandmaster Jiang, I failed to discipline my family. They’ve grown too arrogant.”

Jiang Tian sipped his tea, indifferent.

“Grandmaster, I know you care little for fame or wealth. But your wife manages worldly affairs. If you accept Linglong as your disciple, the Tang family will serve her faithfully!”

Tang Wannian had done his homework—Jiang Tian was a wife-devoted madman. Threats or bribes wouldn’t work. The only leverage was Zhao Xueqing.

“Oh? So if I refuse, you won’t help her?” Jiang Tian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Smack!

Unlike his upright brother, Tang Wannian had no shame playing the fool. He slapped himself and grinned.

“Ah, my clumsy tongue! Whether you accept her or not, you’re our Tang family’s benefactor. But Linglong worships you—if you reject her, she might kill herself!” He nudged his niece.

“Grandmaster, please take me as your disciple! I’ll serve you faithfully!”

Tang Linglong blinked teary eyes, her lips trembling—clearly ready to cry if refused.

“I have hands and feet. Why would I need your service?” Jiang Tian rubbed his temples.

Zhao Xueqing tugged his sleeve. “Husband, just accept her. She’s pitiful.”

She had her own agenda—Tang Linglong was Lianzhou’s top socialite, stunning and well-connected. If she developed feelings for Jiang Tian, she’d be a threat.

But as a disciple, with Zhao Xueqing as her master’s wife? That’d keep her in line.

“Fine, since my wife says so. Accepted.” Jiang Tian sighed.

“YES! Thank you, Master!” Tang Linglong jumped in joy.

“Kowtow to your master!” Old Master Tang barked.

Without hesitation, Tang Linglong knelt and knocked her head three times, then offered tea.

“No need for excessive courtesy. Just remember your respect.” Jiang Tian drank calmly.

“Now bow to your master’s wife!”

“Sister Xueqing, I—”

“Call me ‘Elder Sister.’ ‘Master’s Wife’ makes me feel old!” Zhao Xueqing laughed.

With Jiang Tian’s tacit approval, Tang Linglong beamed. “Then… Elder Sister Xueqing!”

“Perfect!” Old Master Tang’s eyes gleamed. Finally, the Jiang master is tied to our family!

“But rituals matter!” He clasped his hands. “Grandmaster Jiang, we’ll host a grand ceremony at Wolong Villa in a week—a banquet fit for legends! The world shall witness this union!”

“Hmm. Approved.” Jiang Tian smirked.

He saw through their scheming—but to a reborn immortal, shielding a minor family like the Tangs was child’s play.

“Master, our chefs have prepared a feast. May we share a drink?” Tang Weimin asked humbly.

“Very well.”

In the past, Jiang Tian would’ve refused. But Tang Linglong’s talent had won her a place as his first disciple since his return. The Tangs were now his people.

That night, Wolong Villa.

A lavish spread adorned the redwood table—exotic delicacies, rare game, and vintage Maotai reserved for state banquets.

Jiang Tian sat at the head, Zhao Xueqing beside him. Old Master Tang led the toasts, Tang Weimin played host, while Tang Wannian and Tang Linglong served drinks.

“Master, our deepest gratitude for accepting Linglong. This is her fortune—our family’s fortune!” Old Master Tang raised his glass.

“It’s mine as well. She’s talented.”

“Such praise from you means I can die in peace!” The old man drank deeply.

“Master, Elder Sister, a toast to you!” Tang Linglong giggled, her eyes crescent moons.

At twenty, she was a vision—sometimes a pure maiden, sometimes a seductive enchantress. The ideal woman: skilled in martial arts, refined in manners.

“Mind your manners!” Tang Weimin scolded lightly. “You can’t toast two at once!”

“But I wished for Master and Elder Sister’s eternal love!” She stuck out her tongue. “I’d never dare disrespect them!”