Chapter 3: Restoring the Glory of Wushang Sword Sect - Our Duty
"Brother Zhao truly understands me. I didn't rush here in the middle of the night for nothing. Next time there's such good fortune, don't forget to call me!"
Chen Xuan happily accepted the thick stack of banknotes. Even under moonlight, he could see the "one hundred taels" printed on them. This stack was worth at least a thousand taels.
No wonder everyone liked being friends with rich people - they were so generous.
Under the astonished gazes of the Zhou family members, Chen Xuan put the banknotes in his money pouch. After all, he wasn't a wealthy patron like Zhao Youqian and didn't have spatial rings and such treasures.
But seeing his bulging money pouch at his waist, Chen Xuan somehow felt his back had straightened considerably.
Whoosh!
Zhao Youqian produced a folding fan from his spatial ring, smiling: "Brother Chen, there's actually something I'd like to ask of you."
"Oh?"
Chen Xuan asked curiously: "What is it? Tell me."
Zhao Youqian slowly said: "Actually, I came down the mountain this time not just to help the Zhou family, but to uphold the sect's reputation."
"Someone dares insult our Wushang Sword Sect?!"
Chen Xuan frowned, feeling somewhat displeased. Though the Wushang Sword Sect had declined a bit, he was still part of it. He could criticize it privately, but if others dared to insult it, they would have to ask whether the sword in his hand agreed.
"More than an insult!"
A flash of anger appeared on Zhao Youqian's face as he said: "Brother Chen, you know our Wushang Sword Sect has been declining year after year. The surrounding powers eye our Sword Sect covetously, wishing they could take a bite out of us.
A few days ago, Second Junior Brother sent word from the Ascension Office that this year's sect assessment task is to suppress the Red Pavilion.
If we fail the task, we'll have to cede a mountain to pay the penalty. But our Wushang Sword Sect now only has the main peak and the Sword Tomb - just two mountains."
"Indeed, that's not just an insult - that's threatening our very existence!"
Chen Xuan's expression darkened. His eyes narrowed, filled with killing intent. If this assessment failed and they lost either mountain, the Wushang Sword Sect would inevitably be carved up.
Once the Wushang Sword Sect was gone, he would have to return to those precarious days again.
He had come to this world just wanting to quietly practice his sword. Why couldn't these people give him time to develop in peace?
They just had to force him to draw his sword!
Since that was the case, it was time for Chen Xuan to show his blade! Let's see if their heads were harder than his precious sword was sharp!
"Restoring the glory of Wushang Sword Sect - our duty! I, Chen Xuan, accept this task!"
"Good!"
Zhao Youqian clapped in praise: "Brother Chen truly lives up to being the eldest brother of the Sword Keeper lineage. Those words have my blood boiling!
I had originally planned to spend money hiring dozens of experts to help. But now with Brother Chen taking action, that money won't go to outsiders."
Chen Xuan shook his head: "Keep the money. I just want the task reward."
"Brother Chen is magnanimous!"
Zhao Youqian gave a thumbs up: "Let's rest well tonight. Tomorrow evening we'll go suppress that Red Pavilion!"
"Alright, back to the sect!"
Chen Xuan turned to leave.
"Immortal Chen, please wait."
Zhou Delong suddenly called out to them.
"Is something wrong?"
Chen Xuan looked at him with confusion.
Zhou Delong smiled brilliantly like a chrysanthemum: "Immortal Chen, you slew that bull demon earlier, and our Zhou family hasn't properly thanked you yet.
Besides, it's late at night. Going back up the mountain now isn't convenient. Why not rest at our Zhou family home for the night? You'll be well-rested for suppressing the Red Pavilion tomorrow evening."
"Fine then, lead the way."
Chen Xuan didn't refuse. Going back to the mountain now would mean coming back down tomorrow - running back and forth was indeed troublesome.
"Immortal Chen, please!"
"Please!"
The next evening, as the sun set in the west.
By the Tongtian River, a grand procession was particularly eye-catching. Everyone rode wind-chasing horses with demonic beast bloodlines. At the front, a banner bore four large characters: Wushang Sword Sect.
At the rear followed a luxurious carriage pulled by four wind-chasing horses. Its golden body was particularly striking in the sunset glow.
"The Wushang Sword Sect people are here!"
As soon as the procession entered the dock, someone shouted.
The Ascension Office members and sect disciples waiting at the dock all shifted their gazes.
Seeing who had arrived, the dock grew lively.
"I thought Zhao Youqian would spend money to invite some capable experts. Didn't expect him to bring along that wealthy Zhou family - truly birds of a feather."
The speaker was an elderly man with an immortal demeanor, his tone full of disdain.
Beside him, the Ascension Office's Commander Liu Qingyun mocked: "Sect Master Feng, that's not right. Don't you see the Zhou family head and all their high-level members riding wind-chasing horses? Someone must be sitting in that golden carriage.
Perhaps Zhao Youqian really did invite an expert. We might truly be in for a show today, haha!"
At his laugh, everyone around joined in the laughter.
"Hahaha... Commander Liu makes a good point!"
Their laughter was loud and piercing. Even Chen Xuan sitting in the golden carriage could hear it clearly.
Zhao Youqian and the others walking at the front naturally heard it too. His lips curled into a disdainful smile as he silently memorized the faces of these people.
When Brother Chen suppressed that painted boat, he'd see if they could still laugh.
"Oh my, everyone's laughing so happily. Aren't you afraid your teeth might fall out?"
At these words, the laughter abruptly stopped.
The Great River Sword Sect's Master Feng said sarcastically: "Young Master Zhao, from the sound of it, you've spent big money inviting an expert. Quick, bring out this expert and let this old man expand his horizons."
Zhao Youqian said dismissively: "Old Ghost Feng, what are you squawking about? Our Wushang Sword Sect is an imperial lineage immortal gate. Do we really need to invite help to suppress a mere Red Pavilion?"
Master Feng snorted coldly: "Hmph! Putting on airs! This old man wants to see what experts your Wushang Sword Sect still has!"
Zhao Youqian completely ignored this old fellow. He raised his hand, and the entire procession stopped. He glanced at Zhou Delong beside him: "Please ask Brother Chen to descend!"
The Zhou family members all shouted in unison toward the golden carriage: "We respectfully invite Immortal Chen!!!"
Suddenly, all eyes focused on that golden carriage. Who was sitting inside?
The golden carriage door slowly opened. Under everyone's watchful gaze, a handsome young man with a sword stepped out.
This young man was Chen Xuan. He hadn't intended to ride in such a flashy golden carriage, but since he couldn't ride a horse, he had to accept this ostentatious entrance.
The Ascension Office members and sect disciples who had been waiting, seeing Chen Xuan descend, were first stunned, then erupted in boos...