Chapter 9: The Storm Rises

  Liang Xiaos mood changed, and he had an idea: "I cant figure out the heavenly secrets of the Ten Calculations, and staying here will only bring me ridicule." He began to think about leaving, but then thought again, "Xiao Feng has a good heart, and over the years she must have been afraid of disturbing my research on arithmetic, so she hasnt come to see me. I also dont know how her strange illness is doing? If I leave now, who knows when Ill be able to return? Others may not need to see me off, but shes one person I must bid farewell to."

  He inquired from Mei Ying and learned that Hua Xiao Xue lived in the southern "You Chan Garden". He had been studying mathematics for a long time, no longer as frivolous and arrogant as he was in his youth. Thinking of Hua Xiao Xues cleanliness, he deliberately took a bath, changed into clean clothes, inserted his precious sword at an angle by his waist, and strolled along the way to find her.

  After a while, I found the "You Chan Garden" outside, and in front of the gate, there was a white marble monument with two lines of cursive script: "The winding path leads to a secluded place, the Zen house is surrounded by deep flowers and trees." The characters were like dragons and phoenixes flying, elegant and extraordinary. Looking at the signature, it was also the work of Liang Xiao thought: "This persons handwriting is so free and easy, and his name is called Crazy Life, he must be a very carefree and generous person. If there is an opportunity, I really want to get to know him."

  The Tianji Palace was built on a mountain, with ancient trees and rocks everywhere. The quiet and peaceful garden was especially beautiful, with small paths in the forest that turned every three steps and changed direction every ten steps. After walking for a while, Liang Xiao saw a small building, and as he approached, he saw the four characters "Listening to the Rain and Wind" on the sign above the door. He thought to himself, "Could it be that Xiaoxue lives here?" Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly heard a faint noise coming from upstairs. Liang Xiao recognized the voice as Hua Xiaoxues and his heart skipped a beat: "Could there be someone evil upstairs?" He wanted to burst in, but was afraid of startling the other person and losing the initiative. So he quickly climbed up onto the eaves and stopped at the window, and just as he was getting steady, he heard another faint noise coming from inside the building.

  Liang Xiao pushed the window open a crack, and a strong herbal scent wafted in. As he looked closer, Hua Xiaoshuang was sitting cross-legged on the floor, with a short, stout old man behind her, his body round and plump like a ball of meat. His eyes were wide open, his mustache bristling upwards, and his expression seemed extremely tense. To his right were dozens of small silver basins filled with colorful medicinal liquids; to his left was a square-shaped stove with a purple copper mesh on top, upon which lay large and small golden needles that had been licked by the flames below, glowing bright red.

  The fat old man picked up a red-hot gold needle, dipped it in a basin of indigo medicinal liquid, and with lightning speed, stabbed it into Hua Xiao Shuangs "Feng Fu" acupoint. His five fingers slightly twisted, and Hua Xiao Shuang let out a cry of pain, her eyebrows trembling violently.

  Liang Xiaos anger surged to his head, "Peng" shattered the window frame, and he kicked the fat old man with a single kick. The old man was concentrating on manipulating the golden needle, caught off guard by this sudden kick, and rolled out far away like a ball.

  Liang Xiao didnt care about his life or death, turned around and pulled out the golden needle from Hua Xiao Xues back. His hand hadnt even touched it when he received a punch on the shoulder. Liang Xiao glanced sideways, it was that fat old man, he shouted in anger, just about to throw a punch, but suddenly saw Hua Xiao Xue turn her head around, weakly saying: "Xiao Gege, dont..." Liang Xiao was stunned, but then saw the fat old mans face full of anger, yet he sat down slowly and began to manipulate the golden needle. After a while, he pulled out the needle and picked up another red-hot one, dipped it in a bright yellow medicinal liquid, and inserted it into Hua Xiao Xues "Da Zui" acupoint. He twisted it slightly before pulling it out. This fast and slow process continued, and soon he had pierced all of Hua Xiao Xues vital points.

  Fat old man recognized the hole accurately, only saw Liang Xiaos life, confined to Hua Xiaoxues words, and did not dare to act rashly for a while. Ling Shuangjun heard the sound coming up, lifted the curtain and took a look, and couldnt help but shout: "Liang Xiao, come out."

  Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment, then walked forward. Ling Xuejun pulled him out of the house and asked gruffly, "What are you doing here?" Liang Xiao replied truthfully, "I came to see Xiaoxue." Ling Xuejun was extremely annoyed in her heart: "This country bumpkin comes to visit someone, but doesnt even enter through the front door. He breaks in through the window and almost causes a disaster!" Then she heard Liang Xiao ask, "What is Old Man Pang doing?"

  Ling Fengjun impatiently said: "Mr. Wu is currently using Inflammation Sun Hundred Grass Lock Soul Needle to treat Frosts illness!" Then she pulled Liang Xiao, "Lets go downstairs and talk again."

  Downstairs, Liang Xiao asked again: "Auntie, whats wrong with Xiaosheng?" Ling Shuangjun glanced at him and didnt bother to answer. Just as Liang Xiao was about to ask again, he heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, and a fat old man rushed down like a flying bird, staring fiercely at Liang Xiao with both eyes. Ling Shuangjun said to Liang Xiao: "This is Evil Hua Tuo Wu Changqing, Mr. Wu!"

  Liang Xiao knew he was the doctor who treated Xiao Fengs illness, and all his resentment disappeared. He respectfully called out: "Mr. Wu!" Wu Changqing rolled his eyes and stared at him, saying: "Go to your mother." He raised his hand and punched towards Liang Xiaos chest.

  Liang Xiao hastily crossed his arms over his chest, blocking the incoming punch. Wu Changqings fist didnt land, and he became even angrier, cursing and swinging his fists; Liang Xiao had disrupted his medical treatment, feeling guilty in his heart, but only defended himself, taking three punches before ten moves were made. As he retreated, his back was already against the wall, and he couldnt help but shout: "Stinky fatty... Ahh, you hit me again... Im going to fight back!"

  "Alright!" Wu Changqing took a step back, his eyes wide with excitement. "Id like to see how you counterattack!" Before he could finish speaking, his nostrils flared slightly and a hint of joy appeared between his eyebrows as he exclaimed, "What? What?" Suddenly, Ling Shuangjuns laughter echoed from upstairs, "Mr. Wu, can you guess?"

  Wu Changqing closed his eyes, shook his head and laughed: "Xiao Tuanlong! Ha, Xiao Tuanlong!" He dropped Liang Xiao and rolled up like a ball, "zip" and jumped upstairs. Liang Xiao was worried about Xiao Shuang, but followed him quietly, only to see three people surrounding a stove, each with a purple sand pot in front of them. The copper kettle on the fire was boiling, Hua Xiaoshuang leaned against her mothers side, kneading a two-inch square round tea cake, and the fine tea threads fell into the pot. Ling Shuangjun picked up the copper kettle and poured boiling water into it, the green waves in the pot rolled over, and a faint tea fragrance filled the upstairs, washing away the smell of herbs completely.

  Hua Xiao Shuang saw Liang Xiao, smiled and greeted him. Wu Changqing was taken aback, sizing him up and saying: "So youre Liang Xiao..." The scent of tea wafted from the tip of his nose, but he couldnt help throwing away what he was going to say next, staring at the teapot as he rubbed his hands together repeatedly.

  Liang Xiao was surprised in his heart: "Isnt it just drinking tea? Whats so special?" He glared at the old man, "Could it be that this old fattys family is too poor to even afford tea leaves?" But then he heard Xiaoxue laugh and say: "Xiao Gege, look at this white vapor, what does it resemble?" Liang Xiao focused his eyes and saw that the white vapor of the tea water was gathering in mid-air without dispersing, resembling a white crane stretching its neck and spreading its wings. One dispersed, another appeared, and he couldnt help but exclaim: "Strange!"

  Xiao Shuang smiled and said, "Its not strange at all. This is the Lonely Crane Jade Spring that is unique to Qiu Yue Valley. The water quality is so beautiful that it can be called unparalleled in the world. Using it to brew Small Dragon Team, its really...". Wu Changqing raised his thumb and interrupted with a smile, "Unmatched in the world, haha, unmatched in the world!" As he spoke, his eyebrows danced with joy, and he couldnt contain his excitement. Xiao Shuang handed the tea cake in her hand to Liang Xiao, while Ling Shuangjun placed a purple sand pot in front of Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao asked, "Whats this for?"

  Hua Xiao Shuang smiled and said, "This is called divided tea! You crumble some of the tea cake into a bowl, and then Mom will pour in boiling water." Liang Xiao nodded and casually broke off half of it, placing it in the bowl. Wu Changqing scolded, "Do you think this is eating rice? Putting so much in, arent you afraid of heavenly punishment?" As he spoke, he revealed a pained expression, scooping out the excess tea leaves with his hands. Liang Xiao couldnt help but say, "Whats the big deal about putting more or less? Its just tea leaves!" Wu Changqing rolled his eyes and said, "You little kid knows nothing! This Small Dragon Ball is a top-grade tea, worth hundreds of gold coins for just one small cake. Even the emperor treasures it dearly. I heard that only during the emperors southern suburban ritual can high officials from the Imperial Secretariat and the Grand Chancellors office receive one cake each, which they share among four people while seated around it. This divided tea method is also unique to the Small Dragon Ball, with some even writing poems about its wonders." As he spoke with relish, his small eyes narrowed into two fine slits, and he shook his head back and forth, reciting a poem: "Like snowflakes drifting through the sky, shadows falling on the cold river, changing endlessly. The silver bottle pours down, still high in the air, writing words with a majestic flourish."

  Liang Xiao took a sip after hearing Wu Changqings praise. Wu Changqing stared at him with a smile and asked, "Hows the taste?" Although Liang Xiao thought it wasnt bad, he said, "Its nothing special, not even as good as horse urine!" Wu Changqing glared at him and said, "Your mouth is only worthy of drinking horse urine." He snatched the tea cup from Liang Xiao and poured all the tea into his own cup.

  Liang Xiao was furious, almost jumping up, but after glancing at Hua Xiaoxue, he suppressed his anger and sat back down, forcing a smile as he said: "Mr. Wu, Im not good at drinking tea, now that Ive finally tasted the flavor, can I have another sip?" Wu Chang looked at him with a cold gaze, sneering: "You want to drink? Ha! Based on what you just said, I wont give you a single drop." He covered the teacup with one hand, guarding against Liang Xiao trying to grab it.

  Liang Xiao dared to be angry but not dare to speak. Hua Xiao Xue covered her mouth and laughed for a while, filled a cup, handed it to him, and smiled: "Xiao Gege, drink mine." Liang Xiao took it over, tasted two mouths, but felt refreshing and soothing, the anger in his heart seemed to have dissipated with it.

  Four people sat drinking tea, all silent. Wu Changqings way of tasting was strange, every time he took a sip, he would close his eyes and savor it for a long time. Liang Xiao couldnt help but ask: "Where did Uncle Hua go?" Ling Shuangjun said lightly: "Hes very busy, today at noon is the Opening Heaven Ceremony."

  Li Shuo said, "The Grand Opening Ceremony?" Ling Xue raised an eyebrow and said, "You dont know?" Li Shuo was taken aback. He had been busy studying and practicing his skills, and knew nothing about the affairs of the palace. Moreover, no one ever bothered to inform him of anything, big or small.

  Hua Xiao Shuang smiled and said, "Xiao Gege, this Opening Heaven Grand Ceremony is self-explanatory. It means to open the heavens, create a new world, and establish a new order." Liang Xiao seemed to understand but was still puzzled, just as he was about to ask more questions, the sound of the Persian water clock echoed from afar, ringing three times in succession. A maid entered and said, "Madam, Miss, Mr. Wu, the Palace Master requests your presence." Ling Shuang Jun nodded slightly, took Hua Xiao Shuangs arm and said, "Mr. Wu, its time, lets go."

  Wu Changqing waved his hand and said, "You go first, I want to finish my tea!" Ling Shuangjun knew he was a tea enthusiast and couldnt bear to leave the "small dragon team" behind. She glanced at Liang Xiao and thought that this country bumpkin didnt know etiquette, and such an important ritual, if he left, who knows what trouble he would stir up again. Thinking about it, she pretended to forget and didnt call him, pulling Hua Xiaoshuang along as they quickly walked away. They left in a hurry, with Hua Xiaoshuang only having time to glance back once before disappearing behind the door curtain.

  Only Liang Xiao and Wu Changqing were left in the house. After Hua Xiaoxuan left, Liang Xiao felt lost and drank all the tea water with his head down. Wu Changqing suddenly said: "Little boy, do you want to go to this grand ceremony?" Liang Xiao shook his head and said: "No one invited me, why should I go?" Wu Changqing sneered: "You little boy, are really a stone in dung, both smelly and hard!" Liang Xiao retorted: "You fat man, are really a maggot in dung, both smelly and fat!" Wu Changqing was savoring the tea flavor when he heard this and felt nauseous, angrily saying: "Smelly little boy, cant you say something else?" Liang Xiao said: "You scolded me first." Wu Changqing glared at him for a while, then nodded and said: "You little boy have some backbone, not like those ordinary people who only know how to be scolded and dont dare talk back." Liang Xiao said: "Whats wrong with ordinary people? Arent the food and drink you enjoy all grown by ordinary people?"

  Wu Changqing was taken aback, and quickly changed the subject: "Hmph, Xiaoshuang often mentions you to me, and every time she talks about you, shes very happy." Liang Xiaos heart warmed up, and he said loudly: "Thats natural, were the best of friends."

  Wu Changqings face cracked a smile, nodding repeatedly: "Alright, you come here more often to keep her company and cheer her up, its good for her illness." Liang Xiao was taken aback, speaking in a low voice: "Mr. Wu, what exactly is Xiaoyings condition?"

  Wu Changqing took a sip of tea and said coldly, "Thats called the Nine Yin Poison Pulse. She was born with excessive yin energy and weak yang energy. The cold poison is coiled in her nine major yin pulses, threatening to take her life at any moment." Liang Xiao jumped up in shock when he heard the last sentence and exclaimed, "What did you say? How could she have contracted such a strange illness?"

  Wu Changqing had a big temper, but he was a straightforward person. When Liang Xiao asked him, he answered readily: "Her mother ate a palm force that was extremely cold and poisonous back then, and when she was carried to my place, she was almost dead. I took her pulse and found out that not only was she poisoned by the cold toxin, but she was also pregnant for several months." He said this with his eyebrows tightly furrowed, "If I had known it would be like this now, I should have just saved the mother and not the fetus. At the time, I asked Hua Qingyuan if we should save the fetus, and he cried and begged me to save both of them. As a doctor, I couldnt say that I couldnt do it, so I used all my skills to try and save both of them. Alas, in the end, the mother and daughters lives were saved, but the remaining cold toxin stayed inside the fetus and became the Nine Yin Poison Pulse." He said this with a slap on his thigh, "What bad luck! Truly, what bad luck!"

  Liang Xiaos heart was burning with anxiety, and he hastily said: "Master, your medical skills are superb, you must be able to cure her, right?" Wu Changqing glared at him with a dark face, took a sip of tea, and then said: "That yin toxin is something she brought with her from the womb, its stubborn and wont dissipate. Over these many years, Ive tried every method, used countless medicines, but in the end, I can only prolong her life temporarily. Ah! As for me treating illnesses, theres always a beginning and an end. Let her come into this world, as long as I dont die, Ill save her for one more day. Besides that, theres no other way."

  Liang Xiao was stunned, suddenly shouting: "Youre deceiving people?" Wu Changqing slapped his thigh in anger: "Deceiving you? Deceiving you cant even exchange for a cup of tea!" Liang Xiaos heart sank: "Why is it that in this world, good people always have bad luck. My father was kind and died unjustly; Xiaoshuang treated others the best, yet suffered from an incurable disease. Is it that the heavens want all good people to die out?"

  He grew angrier by the minute, and suddenly slapped out with his palm. This slap was full of anger, "Hua La La" a loud noise, actually broke through the floorboard beside him. Debris splashed, smoke rose, all fell into the purple sand pot. Wu Changqing was shocked and angry, shouting: "You little scoundrel, have you gone mad?"

  Liang Xiao stared at a pair of palms, his heart slightly bewildered. It turned out that he had been practicing the Stone Array martial arts and Black Water martial skills for these days, although the time was short, his internal strength had made great progress, but he was so obsessed with it that he didnt know himself.

  Wu Changqing took a sip of tea, only to find that the flavor had greatly diminished. He thought it must have fallen into the mud and ruined the taste. He was as fond of tea as his life, and he was extremely annoyed in his heart, so he blew his beard at Liang Xiao loudly.

  Liang Xiao calmed down, thought of something and asked: "Mr. Wu, have you heard of the pure yang iron box?" Wu Changqing replied gruffly: "What about it?" Liang Xiao said: "Ive heard that the iron box contains Lü Dongbins Dan Book Fire Symbol, which can cure any illness and transform ones body. Mr. Wu, can this Dan Book Fire Symbol cure Xiaoshuangs illness?"

  Wu Changqing stroked his beard and sneered, humming: "Lü Dongbin is a useless Taoist priest, what can he do? No illness is cured, rebirth from the bones... Bah! Go to hell. Illness comes like a mountain collapsing, illness goes like pulling out silk threads, coming and going, its not something that happens overnight. Its a pity that people only love to give up on the difficult and seek the easy, hoping for a cure for years of serious illness in just one day, not listening to medical advice, not taking medicine, but instead seeking out some quack or witch doctor, drawing talismans... Hum! In the end, the illness is still there, death is still death, its all over, and it serves them right." He scolded with increasing fervor, his voice growing louder and louder, as if he wanted everyone in the world to hear.

  Liang Xiao hesitated and said, "I heard Qin Bo Fu say that he went to get that box because you, Mr. Wu, mentioned the pure yang iron box." Wu Changqing glanced at him and said, "I told you to drill into your pants, are you going to do it or not?" Liang Xiao angrily replied, "Of course I wont."

  Wu Changqing nodded and said: "That day, Qin Bofu came to me for treatment after practicing his Giant Spirit Mysterious Skill and going mad. I took one look at his pulse and knew that his skill was too overbearing. To cure him completely, he would have had to give up his martial arts. The Giant Spirit Mysterious Skill is a Taoist martial art, and Qin Bofus master, Xuan Tianzun, used to be a Taoist priest. He didnt believe me and brought out the Taoist Zhou Tian Ban Yun method to argue with me. I got annoyed and said: "Whats so special about the Giant Spirit Mysterious Skill? Do you know Lü Dongbin? Hes a famous immortal. I heard he has a pure yang iron box, inside which is a dan book fire symbol that can cure all illnesses. Why dont you go find it and try it out?" Hmph, Qin Bofu seemed clever but was actually stupid as an ox. When he heard this, his face lit up with joy. Luckily, he still had some conscience and asked: "Can it cure the Frost Maidens illness?" I got fed up with him and said: "Of course it can! If you have the ability, go find the iron box and then well talk." That guy was overjoyed when he heard this and left in a hurry. Hmph, not to mention that the iron box is just an illusion, even if he found it, what could he do? The iron box has never been opened by anyone before; its just a deceitful trick used by evil Taoists."

  Wu Changqing had spent his whole life practicing medicine, and he hated those who practiced divination and witchcraft. He was scolding them nonstop. Liang Xiao wanted to ask about the iron box, but couldnt get a word in edgewise. Just then, a maid lifted the curtain and came in, saying timidly: "Mr. Wu, the master of the palace is summoning you!" Wu Changqing was startled by this: "I was so busy arguing with this good-for-nothing that I almost missed something important." He stood up and glared at Liang Xiao: "You little scamp, youre coming too."

  Liang Xiao frowned and said, "Must you go?" Wu Changqing hummed and said, "You consider Frost as a friend, this grand gathering is something you must attend!" Without giving him a choice, he dragged him away, took two steps then turned back, downed the tea in one gulp, even scooping out the tea leaves with his hand, eating while saying: "Dont waste it, dont waste it."

  Two men walked to the foot of the pavilion, seeing a crowd of people gathered on it from afar. The two picked up their pace and climbed up, just reaching the middle section when Hua Qingyuan welcomed them with a bow and a smile: "Mr. Wu is well?" He also smiled at Liang Xiao, "Youve come too? You look like youre in good spirits, should be fully recovered by now?" Liang Xiao nodded with a smile, "Im all better." Hua Qingyuan was overjoyed upon hearing this.

  Three people walked up to the stage together. Liang Xiao looked around and saw Hua Wuyan sitting in the south, facing him. She smiled and greeted Wu Changqing: "Mr. Wu, hello." Without even glancing at Liang Xiao. Hua Mucun stood behind her, holding a black scabbard ancient sword. On one side sat Hua Xiaoxue and her mother, Hua Xiaoxue saw Liang Xiao and burst into joyful laughter. The seven people below were seated in a specific arrangement: three on the left and four on the right. The first person on the right was an old man with the surname Ming who guarded the Lingtai, followed by Zuoyuan, then Tongzheng and Qin Bofu. Qin Bofus complexion had improved significantly, he nodded silently when he saw Liang Xiao. On the left side sat Xiugou, followed by Ye Zhong and Yang Lu. The demeanor of these seven people was different from others, the men and women around them were all solemn-faced.

  Hua Qingyuan led the two to the front, ordering someone to bring over two chairs. Liang Xiao saw that most of the young people were standing and said: "Uncle Hua, Im still young, its no problem for me to stand." Hua Qingyuan didnt expect him to be so sensible, and was taken aback, smiling as he said: "Good, hearing you say this makes Uncle Hua truly happy!" He patted Liang Xiao on the shoulder and stood beside Hua Wuyue.

  At this time, the Persian water clock struck again, and the voices gradually fell silent. Hua Wenyin nodded slightly, and saw that the old man with the surname Ming slowly stood up, stroking his beard with one hand, and said in a loud voice: "Gao Yuns name has been heard before, but I have never met him. Tonight is just the right time to meet. One call will break the silence of the night, and there is no idle intention to reach the blue clouds." The tone was slow and clear, with a distant and leisurely atmosphere. As soon as he finished speaking, Zu Yuanlong responded in a loud voice: "The light sleep is awakened by the falling flowers, and after dancing, I listen to the sound of the stream flowing. The feathers are bright and shining, and the snow is accumulated, the wind is scattered, and the autumn is occupied."

  The sound fell, and Tong Zhong said: "I left my hometown far away from the Huating River, and followed me to settle in the Yunling Mountains. Im ashamed that the rice is not full, and Ive never looked back at the chicken flock." Qin Bo Fu smiled slightly and recited: "The right wing is low and the left leg is injured, pitifully hiding its proud appearance. Also knowing that a sunny day with blue sky is good, dont fly high for now and nurse your wounds." Xiugou burst out laughing: "Qins poem about the sick crane is too depressing!" After a moment of thought, he said: "Crows fight over food, sparrows fight over nests, standing alone by the pool in the wind and snow. All day long, I stand on one foot on the ice, not making a sound, what do you think?" Qin Bo Fu clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Good! A lone crane standing in the snow!"

  Liang Xiao listened to the strange conversation and elbowed the young man beside him, asking: "Hey, what are these old men talking about?" The young man was displeased with his rough tone, but thinking that he had spoken with Hua Qingyuan before, he patiently explained: "Youre an honored guest from afar, right? The Eight Cranes poetry recitation is a tradition of the Heavenly Ceremony. However, six years ago, Linghe Autumn Mountains Autumn Uncle passed away, and since he never married, there was no one to inherit his legacy. Now, only seven cranes remain!" He trailed off, looking disheartened.

  The young man pointed to the old man and said, "That is Huang He Ming Bo Bo, with a single surname of Gui..." After listening to the young mans introduction, Liang Xiao only knew that Zuo Yuan was "Bai He", Tong Zhu was "Qing He", Qin Bo Fu was "Bing He", Xiugou was "Dan Ding He", Ye Zhong was "Chi He", and Yang Lu was "Hei Jing He". After the young man finished speaking, Yang Lu had already recited: "Wò dǐng xiān máo pǐn gé xún, suǒ tíng xián yè zhòng nán qún. Wú duān rì mù dōng fēng qǐ, piāo sàn chūn kōng yī piàn yún." He was the last of the eight cranes to recite a poem, and with this, he ended.

  Hua Wuyan stood up solemnly: "Today..." Before he could finish, Ming Gui shouted loudly: "Slow down!" Hua Wuyan frowned and said: "Brother Ming, what else do you have to say?" Ming Gui said calmly: "Ling He has gone west, we old brothers must not forget each other for a moment. I, Ming Gui, am not talented, but Id like to recite a poem on behalf of Autumn Mountain, to make up the number of eight cranes." Hua Wuyan frowned and nodded: "Alright!"

  Ming returned to a low voice and said loudly: "Qingyun has the intention, but the power is still weak. Who would have thought that it would be low and get what it depends on? Fortunately, the wings are trapped by the wind and rain, and who taught the body to fall into the rice and millet fat." After finishing the poem, he said, "Autumn younger brother lived a life of loneliness and depression, but his bones were clear and high. Now although he is dead, his spirit remains in the vast sky, shining on us ordinary people." He knelt down towards the sky and bowed once. Tong Zhong and others also bowed down with sadness, and the crowd fell silent for a moment.

  The flowers are not in bloom, and the old affairs are brought up again, which makes me feel surprised. Minggui got up and said: "Master Hua, Autumn Lao Di died unjustly back then, I dont know what happened after all these years?" Hua Wuxin frowned and said: "Autumn Shan poisoned himself to death, how can it be unclear?" Minggui asked: "But why did he poison himself? Does Master Hua know?" Hua Wuxins face sank, and he shouted loudly: "How would I know?" As soon as the words came out, Zuo Yuan, Tong Zhu, and Xiugou looked at Hua Wuxin with sorrowful and indignant expressions.

  The flower fairy felt something was off, but suppressed her anger and said: "Today is the grand ceremony of the heavenly gate, lets talk about it later." Minggui smiled and said: "Alright, alright." Then she turned around and sat down.

  Hua Wu Xians gaze swept over the crowd, saying: "Today, everyone has come from all corners of the country, it is indeed tiring, and even more rare for Ba Fu to return. In six years, Tian Ji Seven Cranes have gathered together for the first time, it is extremely rare..." At this point, Ming Gui suddenly said: "The Palace Master is wrong, it should be Tian Ji Eight Cranes." Hua Wu Xians eyebrows rose sharply, just about to refute, when Zuo Yuan loudly said: "Ling He Qiu Shan, the crane has died, but its spirit remains." Tong Zhu and Xiugou also nodded in unison: "Old Second Left is right."

  Huas face turned gloomy, and she fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly, "You are all right, I was wrong." She let out a soft sigh. "My father passed away at a young age, leaving behind me and Wu Xiang. My younger brother was weak, so I had no choice but to take charge of the Tianji Palace. Originally, I planned to hand it over to Wu Xiang when he grew up, but who would have thought that his luck was thin? As soon as he became the palace master, he challenged a strong enemy and suffered severe injuries." She thought of her late brother, and her eyes welled up with tears. "At that time, the palace was in disarray, so I had no choice but to take charge again. Fortunately, the Hua familys bloodline has not been severed, and my son Qingyuan has grown up. He has achieved success in both his studies and martial arts. Therefore, I plan to hand over the position of palace master to Qingyuan. Does anyone have any objections?" As she spoke, her gaze slowly swept across the room.

  Liang Xiao suddenly realized: "So the grand ceremony of opening the sky is actually a ceremony to change the master of the palace!" Thinking that Hua Qingyuan was going to be the new master, he secretly felt happy for him. Hua Wuyan saw that the scene was quiet and silent, so he said: "Qingyuan." Hua Qingyuan responded by stepping forward and kneeling down. Hua Muyang handed over the black-scabbarded long sword in his hand to Hua Wuyans hand, and Hua Wuyan turned the hilt of the sword and said: "Qingyuan, this Tae sword is the symbol of the master of the palace, once you grasp the hilt of the sword, you will be the twelfth master of Tianji Palace."

  Hua Qingyuan was about to draw his sword when someone suddenly shouted, "Wait!" Everyone turned their heads to look, and a man in his thirties with a purple sash and a refined face emerged from the crowd. With a loud laugh, he said, "I am Ming Sanqiu, the master of the Su Nan Money House. I think its not suitable for Young Master Hua to be the Palace Master."

  Hua Wuyings face surged with a burst of anger, sheathing her ancient sword and shooting out a cold glare: "What does the master think is amiss?" Ming Sanqiu smiled slightly: "Firstly, Young Master Yuan is unfilial and treasonous!" As soon as these words were spoken, several hundred people erupted into an uproar. Hua Wuying was taken aback, her expression icy as she said: "You dare to spout such nonsense? Ming Sanqiu, if you dont explain yourself clearly, youll be subject to the palaces rules and regulations!"

  Ming Sanqiu continued calmly, "There are three unfilial acts, and having no descendants is the worst! Hua Qingyuan only has one daughter to this day, with the Nine Yin Poisonous Pulse in her body, her life hangs by a thread. If she doesnt make it past a hundred years, who can inherit the Tianji Dao tradition?" Hua Xiaoxue seemed to have been punched in the chest, her face turned pale and she lowered her head. Ling Shuangjuns face also turned pale. Liang Xiao couldnt help but feel angry at Ming Sanqius words.

  Hua Wu Yans expression didnt change, and she calmly said: "This is my sons family matter, he has his own wife, and in the future when they have children, it wont be a difficult thing!" Hua Qing Yuans whole body shook, wanting to speak up, but seeing Hua Wu Yan wave her hand, she could only silently retreat to the side.

  Ming Sanqiu smiled and said, "As the palace master has said, Hua Xiaoxue is already nearly fifteen years old. Why havent we seen her give birth to a boy or girl?" Hua Mucun couldnt bear it anymore and shouted loudly, "Ming Sanqiu! Youre just a small official, arent you being too presumptuous?" Ming Sanqiu smiled and said, "Miss, dont misunderstand. Im also thinking about the future of Tianji Palace. The palace has stored up all sorts of books from around the world, and outside we have good fields and warehouses. Even if there are only one thousand seven or eight people in the palace, its still a big deal. If there is no leader, then money and lives are small matters. But if the books in the palace were to be lost, what face would we have when we meet our ancestors?"

  Hua Wus gaze swept over Hua Qingyuan, and she coldly said: "This matter is already arranged by Qingyuan, no need for Master Ming to worry about it. If you have nothing else, please withdraw." Ming Sanqiu smiled slightly and said: "I havent finished speaking yet!" Hua Mucun angrily said: "You... what else do you want to say?"

  Ming Sanqiu smiled but didnt speak. Hua Wuyings face was unpredictable, and she thought to herself: "This person is usually unremarkable, how did he become so arrogant?" The more she thought about it, the more suspicious she became, and she glanced at Ming Gui. Ming Gui was the head of the Ming family, and Hua Wuying had originally hoped he would step in to stop things, but unexpectedly Ming Gui stroked his beard, treating the scene before him as if it didnt exist. Hua Wuyings anger rose to her head, and she coldly sized up Ming Sanqiu, saying: "Very well, Master Ming, please speak!"

  Ming Sanqiu smiled and said, "As far as I know, those who are selected to be the master of the palace must have martial arts skills that surpass others in order to inherit the position. Is that correct?" Before Hua Wuyan could respond, Zuo Yuan chimed in, "Thats right! There is such a rule, it was established back when the population was booming. After Lingtong Gong, within ten generations, the number of people in the Hua family gradually decreased, and for the past three generations, there has only been one heir at a time. This rule hasnt been mentioned in a long time." Hua Wuyan heard that what he said was true, so she could only say, "Second Brother Zuo is right."

  Ming Sanqiu smiled and said, "Then, Yuan Shaozhu cant take the position of Gong Zhu anymore." Hua Wuyans face sank, staring at him without saying a word, with a hint of anger in his eyes.

  Ming San Qiu looked at Hua Qingyuan and said, "As far as I know, whether its arithmetic or martial arts, Hua Shaozhu is not the first in Tianji Palace." Hua Wuyan chimed in, "Thats right, Qingyuan is slightly inferior to me, but he has made rapid progress. In a year or two, there will be no one in Tianji Palace who can match him."

  Ming Sanqiu burst out laughing, his voice loud and clear, unmatched by anyone. The sound shook everyones ears, making them buzz. Hua Wuyans face turned slightly pale as she raised her voice to ask, "What are you laughing at?" Ming Sanqiu stopped laughing and said loudly, "As the saying goes, the way has no fixed way, the law has no fixed law! The master of the palace only calculates among the people of the Hua family, but doesnt know that not everyone here is surnamed Hua!" Everyone who heard this was perplexed.