Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Page 77

First, the Zhu and Wu Lianhuan families suddenly reduced their taxes by 25%. The already low tax rate of 50% was reduced to only 25%, and the families in the nearby towns suddenly found their lives much better.

Then, a few days after the two left, people came to Zhu Family Village. The head steward personally represented Master Zhu and not only compensated each person bitten by the guard dogs for the cost of medicine, but Miss Zhu also personally visited each family.

Chen Agen kept rambling on and on…

"Moreover, Master Zhu and Master Wu expanded the village school considerably, and the village provides two meals a day. Ah Hu and Ah Xiu both went to school."

"It's that kid Ah Hu. He can't sit still. He's not cut out to be a scholar. He's broken several pieces of firewood, but he just can't concentrate on his studies."

"Fortunately, the head steward said that the estate still needs to train hunting dogs to guard the houses and courtyards on weekdays; in winter, each household can borrow one or two to protect wild animals from coming down the mountain, just to take good care of them."

"Moreover, well-trained hunting dogs are also worth buying by caravans in the Central Plains, as they can be used for both travel and guarding."

"A huge training ground was built in the manor, right on the hill. I don't know how, but the head steward took a liking to Ah Hu and put him in charge of managing the hunting dogs in the manor, which is how he got a job."

"We're building two new houses at home soon. It feels like just yesterday Ah Hu was born, and now he's all grown up. He's engaged to Chen Lao Si from the village. Ah Niu, you..."

Chen Agen's wife, sitting behind him, tugged at his sleeve and said, "Dad, you're drunk again and talking nonsense. Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you?"

Chen Agen gave an awkward smile, picked up his teacup, took a few sips, and covered his face.

Looking at A Niu standing behind Zhu Yuchen, calm and composed, the aura emanating from him was even more oppressive than that of the head butler he had ever met.

That simple-minded son of his is gone forever, and he can no longer take care of him!

Thinking about this, Chen Agen didn't know whether to be happy or sad, but then he remembered that at least he had a son at home to carry on the family line, and he let go of his worries. Oh well, let it be!

Chen Agen kept rambling on, but Zhu Yuchen didn't get impatient. Compared to before, Zhu Family Village had finally improved, and Zhu Changling wasn't a completely hopeless good-for-nothing.

It turned a potential problem into a positive one, not only dispelling the pent-up hatred among the local residents but also creating more job opportunities for others. I wonder whose idea it was.

At this moment, Ah Hu, Ah Xiu, and her mother were sitting in the back, listening to Chen Agen's rambling. Zhu Yuchen smiled and said...

"It's good that Ah Hu and Ah Xiu can read; they'll have more opportunities than others in the future."

"It seems that the head steward is willing to give Ah Hu a chance because he is literate. He should continue to study in the future. Even if he doesn't go to school, he can read more books. There are always advantages and disadvantages."

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhu Yuchen decided not to linger any longer and got up to go home, so as not to cause any trouble by keeping his guest.

Outside the door, Ah Niu glanced at his younger siblings and parents and said, "Mom and Dad, you should go back. It's cold, don't catch a cold!" Then he drove away.

Chen Agen and his wife exchanged a glance and sighed. This eldest son was completely lost. After all, he had seen a lot in the world and stood at a different level. For a moment, they didn't know whether to be sad or happy.

Ah Hu, standing behind them, impatiently pursed his lips and muttered a few words, but no one heard him clearly...

Chapter 153 Returning to Zhu Family Village

As the carriage drove up the hill, around the large residential area, and arrived at the entrance of Zhu Family Village, Zhu Yuchen raised an eyebrow and saw the head steward personally greeting them at the door.

The narrator then prompted...

After the robbery at Zhu Wu Lianhuan Manor, the humiliated Wu Lie and Zhu Changling finally understood that intelligence and strength were the foundation for protecting their wealth.

A small number of sentries have been deployed along the only route through the Zhuwu Lianhuan Village to prevent further attacks on the mountain.

Seeing the carriage stop, the head steward eagerly stepped forward to greet him, and Zhu Yuchen didn't refuse him, nodding and exchanging a few words in response.

Passing through the gatehouse, I saw that the staff had changed, and two skilled martial artists were now in charge. Walking into the courtyard, the training ground was quite different, with twenty or thirty eight- or nine-year-old children practicing their punches and strengthening their muscles and bones.

He didn't ask any further questions and went straight inside. He then realized that things were truly different from before; the previous laziness was gone. Two or three people were stationed on each of the fire pits to observe, and patrol teams of three to five were also patrolling the estate.

The old butler, who had been silently observing him, had already begun the introductions...

"Some time ago, someone came to our door and humiliated us. The guards and servants were really useless, and the master was quite annoyed."

"Later, the incident of the young lady letting her dog injure someone occurred, and the master felt that the atmosphere in the house was not good and that it was necessary to clean it up."

"In the past two years, we have dismissed some people from our manor. The old servant and the master have recruited some young children from the neighborhood to train them in martial arts from a young age."

"The master should be overjoyed to see the young master return, but after the last incident, he has been focused on martial arts training and is currently in seclusion. He is unaware of the young master's return."

"Miss has also changed her ways. She is learning embroidery and needlework from the old women in the manor, and she hasn't neglected her martial arts training either. She is very different from before."

………………

Listening to the old butler's rambling on and on, occasionally adding to the story and offering explanations for what had happened earlier, Zhu Yuchen nodded and said, "Understood! Butler, go about your business!"

As they were talking, they had already stepped into the courtyard. Ah Niu blocked the entrance like a wall, and the old butler could only smile awkwardly and turn to leave.

Upon entering the courtyard, I noticed a difference from before. In the center of the once bare courtyard, a pavilion had been built; along the corner of the wall, several slender plum and bamboo swayed in the wind.

Stepping into the room, the original master bedroom has been converted into a living room, complete with high-backed carved chairs and a solid wood tea table; the guest rooms on the left and right sides have been opened up, and after passing the screens on both sides, there is a study on the left and a bedroom on the right.

The study on the left was filled with books from Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Zhu Yuchen glanced at them quickly; they were all ordinary books, with only a few rare copies that he had read before.

The bedroom was spotless, clearly having been cleaned. Near the window, several orchids were still in full bloom; it was unclear where they had come from.

Ah Niu conscientiously fetched water for him to wipe his hands and served him hot tea. Only after he knew that he had not given any instructions did he lead Wei Yixiao to find their own places to stay.

In the evening, Wei Yixiao, who served as the gatekeeper at the entrance of the courtyard, came in to report that Zhu Weishi and Zhu Jiuzhen had arrived.

………………

In the living room, after Ah Niu served tea, he and Wei Yixiao went outside to wait, while Zhu Yuchen sat silently on the high chair on the left.

Looking at her indifferent eldest son, Zhu Weishi felt a complex mix of emotions and didn't know what to say. Zhu Jiuzhen occasionally glanced at him secretly, then lowered her head and remained silent.

Zhu Weishi felt that you had been feigning madness since childhood, and that your thoughts were truly unfathomable.

Zhu Jiuzhen has undergone a major change; her personality has become much more restrained, and she is no longer the willful and capricious person she once was.

After the bandits besieged the village and your mysterious disappearance, Zhu Changling and his wife, along with Wu Lie and his wife, reunited and guessed that Habusa Hasatu was under your control, but that was all he knew.

[Back then, Zhu Jiuzhen nearly killed you, yet you remained calm and composed. Afterwards, Wei Bi died, Weijiaji was destroyed, Wu Qingying went mad, and Zhu Jiuzhen nearly lost her mind. Your methods of revenge truly terrified them.]

After many years, your return has made the Zhu and Wu families uneasy, so Zhu Weishi has come to test you.

While watching the system's narration, Zhu Yuchen calmly sipped his tea, completely ignoring the awkward atmosphere in the living room.

After an unknown amount of time, before even a cup of tea had been finished, Madam Zhu Wei had to speak up: "Yu Chen, you should stay a few more days now that you've returned. Master will be out of seclusion soon, and it's been a long time since you and your son have seen each other."

Zhu Yuchen looked up at her, neither confirming nor denying. After a long while, the atmosphere became increasingly oppressive. Zhu Yuchen put down his teacup and said, "Let bygones be bygones. No one needs to mention it again. Of course, I don't care what you think, and I don't care what you think either."

Waving his hand to stop Zhu Weishi from speaking, Zhu Yuchen continued, "I will be staying in Zhu Family Village for a period of time, at least one or two years, at most two or three years, and I will not be coming back after that."

Madam Zhu Wei smiled awkwardly and said, "Yu Chen, what are you saying? You are the master's legitimate son..."

Looking into Zhu Yuchen's cold eyes, Zhu Weishi felt awkward and didn't know how to continue, so she could only remain silent.

The conversation was rather dull and uninteresting, and Zhu Weishi didn't linger. She quickly left with Zhu Jiuzhen.

The next day, Zhu Changling and Wu Lie came to visit again in person, and Zhu Yuchen listened to the system's narration...

After being looked down upon by insignificant people, Zhu Changling reflected deeply on his experience, changed his ways, and devoted himself to martial arts.

After two years of diligent study and practice, Zhu Changling had reached the fifth level of the One-Finger Divine Skill, but he would stop at the fourth level in this lifetime.

After two years of arduous training, Wu Lie has reached the peak of the second-rate level and has the potential to become a first-rate master in this lifetime.

[When Zhu Changling and Wu Lie learned of your return, they were both wary of you, their feelings equally complex and difficult to describe.]

[Whether you intend to seize the millions of dollars in wealth belonging to Zhu Wu's Lianhuan Manor is their biggest concern.]

The preceding content made Zhu Yuchen nod in approval. It seemed these two had indeed undergone rigorous training and weren't just bluffing. As for their concerns, Zhu Yuchen shook his head and looked at the two of them, saying…

"I already told Zhu Wei yesterday that I will leave in one or two years at the shortest, or two or three years at the longest!"

"Whether you believe it or not is your own business. If there's nothing else, you don't need to come looking for me in the courtyard."

Seeing how bluntly Zhu Yuchen spoke, Zhu Changling and Wu Lie exchanged glances, but Zhu Yuchen was too lazy to deal with them and directly told A Niu to see the guests out.

………………

Watching Ah Niu politely yet resolutely see the two off, Zhu Yuchen shook his head helplessly. These people cared about things that were different from his own, and their connection would gradually fade away in the future.

Looking at Wei Yixiao at the door, he gestured for him to sit down and then said, "We still have time today, so why don't you tell me about the current situation at Bright Peak?"

Wei Yixiao was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What does the young master want to know?"

Zhu Yuchen told him to say whatever he wanted, and Wei Yixiao didn't refuse, since these things could be found out with a little inquiry.

At this time, the whereabouts of Right Envoy Fan Yao and Purple-Robed Dragon King were unknown; only Zhang Cuishan's family knew the whereabouts of Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun; Left Envoy Yang Xiao was living in seclusion on Zuowang Peak, commanding the Ming Cult; some time ago, White-Browed Eagle King and Butterfly Valley Physician had returned to the Ming Cult headquarters.

Zhu Yuchen wasn't surprised that Wei Yixiao mentioned many things he himself was unaware of. He finally asked, "If Yang Dingtian left a will that Xie Xun should succeed him as the leader of the sect, do you think they would be willing to comply?"

Wei Yi chuckled and didn't reply, clearly thinking it was impossible.

Seeing his reaction, Zhu Yuchen simply smiled and dismissed him. This reaction left Wei Yixiao completely bewildered.

P.S.: Some revisions have been made to Chapters 59 and 114.

Many people are unhappy with the early stages and have to start over. There's no way around it; the system is designed to grow alongside the protagonist, and when energy is insufficient, the only option is to burn the body as energy.

Similarly, even being forced to shatter the void cannot stop the immense power of spatial fragmentation. Let alone innate martial artists, even spaceships are helpless against spatial fragmentation!

Finally, I want to say that this is a cultivation story, which requires slow progress. The pinnacle of each world is not the pinnacle of cultivation.

Finally, I've finished reading. Could you please click the "request for more updates" button? The ratings are terrible!

Chapter 154 The Origin of the Thousand Spider Venomous Hand

A few days later, Zhu Yuchen was reading in his study when A Niu suddenly came in to report that many cattle and sheep had been dying mysteriously in the vicinity recently...

"After hearing what my father and the others said, the head steward sent people to check. It seems to be someone who practices poison arts, but that person is quite cunning, and they haven't been able to catch him yet."

“Last night, I sent Wei Yixiao to keep watch nearby, and they happened to catch a little girl practicing poison skills in the vicinity.”

"After being caught, the girl was unaware of what was happening. Later, after questioning her, it turned out that she hadn't intentionally poisoned the cattle and sheep; it was just that a few of the poisonous creatures she was practicing had accidentally escaped."

"Who is it?" Zhu Yuchen asked, putting down the book in his hand.

Ah Niu looked puzzled, scratched his head, and said, "She's just a little girl who's about ten years old. After she found out why we arrested her, she was willing to pay compensation, but I don't think she has much money."

At this moment, the system narrator says...

You encountered Yin Li, whose appearance was beginning to disintegrate due to practicing the Thousand Spider Poison Hand technique.

The Thousand Spider Venomous Hand was originally one of the martial arts techniques of the White Camel Mountain Manor in the Western Regions. After the White Camel Mountain Manor fell, it was obtained by Yin Li's mother. Because she lacked the White Camel Mountain Manor's internal martial arts manual, "Toad Stance," she could not completely refine the poison during practice, resulting in the disfigurement of her appearance.

Zhu Yuchen was taken aback, realizing it was her. He didn't have a strong liking or dislike for the girl, but since she hadn't done it on purpose and was willing to make amends, he might as well let her live a different life.

"Go and bring her, I want to see her," Zhu Yuchen said.

A Niu nodded and went to bring the people over. A moment later, Wei Yixiao came over carrying a little girl.

The little girl looked defiant and was quite restless; even when Wei Yixiao was holding her, she kept trying to resist.

Upon entering the hall and seeing Zhu Yuchen's aloof gaze, the young girl instantly felt a chill in her heart and, for some reason, immediately fell silent.

Zhu Yuchen glanced at the small, festering red patch on her cheek, clearly indicating that she hadn't been practicing the Thousand Spider Poison Hand technique for very long.

Zhu Yuchen gestured for her to sit down and asked, "What's your name?"

Yin Li looked up at him, then lowered her head and said, "My name is Zhu'er."

Then she mustered her courage and said, "I...I didn't know so many cattle and sheep died. I...I just caught a few poisonous spiders nearby. I'm willing to compensate."

Having said that, she took a jade hairpin from her hair. The hairpin was of average quality and had clearly been used for many years. There was a hint of reluctance in her eyes, indicating that this jade hairpin held special significance for her.

He placed the hairpin on the table and said, "I... I can pawn this hairpin to you for now, but I will redeem it later."

Zhu Yuchen waved his hand dismissively, but upon hearing her words, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "You mean there are many poisonous spiders nearby?"

Spider nodded and said, "Yes, they're not far from the hill. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come all the way here to catch them. There's a huge group of them."

Zhu Yuchen smiled and said, "Take the hairpin back. It's good enough that you told me this. Do you still remember that location?"

Yin Li (Zhu'er) nodded, immediately clutching the hairpin in her hand, before revealing the exact location, which was indeed not far from Chen Family Village.

Zhu Yuchen nodded and said to A Niu, "Tell the old steward to send people to search the vicinity and dispose of it after finding it."

Ah Niu nodded and turned to leave. Yin Li (Zhu'er) was clearly unhappy, but she pouted and didn't say anything.

Zhu Yuchen looked at her face and asked, "Did you catch them to cultivate the Thousand Spider Venomous Hand? Then you should be surnamed Yin."

"Yin? Oh, you're the daughter of Yin Yewang who was kicked out of his home?" Wei Yixiao said after looking her over for a moment, as if remembering something.

"How...how did you know?" Yin Li (Zhu'er)'s expression tightened, her fingers clenched her palms, and she became restless. Then she said angrily, "Who is his daughter? He killed my mother. I will kill him."

"Hehe, this is interesting. Eagle King's granddaughter has fallen out with her son! Let's see how he'll have the nerve to lecture me next time." Wei Yixiao smiled and chuckled.

Zhu Yuchen glanced at him, and Wei Yixiao's expression froze. His laughter stopped abruptly, and he stood silently to the side.

………………