Eternal Life: Talent Grows with Age-Chapter 64: The Wind Calms, the Rain Ceases

From the direction of the West Gate, two beggars hurried out through the city gate.

They didn’t even stop at the Traveler’s Inn as they passed by, but instead ran straight for the distance, not stopping until they’d covered more than ten miles, arriving at an abandoned village.

"Gugu~"

One man stood at the edge of the village, pinching his mouth and imitating an animal’s call.

A moment later, a figure crawled out from underneath the ruins.

There was actually an underground tunnel here, and the man emerged from it. Upon seeing who had come, his face was marked with surprise.

"Well? Is there news from the city?"

The two beggars blurted out excitedly, "There’s news—Master Lu made it!"

The man said, "Made it, fine—but wait, what? Say that again!"

"Master Lu made it! He passed as an Advanced Scholar, hell, he’s the Top Scholar!"

A shrill screech shot from that man’s throat. He spun around and darted back to where he came from, so excited he didn’t watch his step, and crashed headfirst into a stone slab that hid the underground entrance.

Thunk! The impact left him dizzy and reeling, his head buzzing, his footing unsteady as he tumbled downward into the tunnel.

Bang! The sound caught the attention of the Martial Artist Council members hiding below; heads poked out all at once, eyes sharp and wary. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Don’t just stare, it’s good news!"

The man on the ground finally snapped out of it, clutching a swelling lump on his forehead as he rushed over.

"Goddamn it, Lao Wu, I thought someone booted you down here!"

"Out with it already—what’s the good news?"

"Did Master Lu sort out the trouble inside the city?"

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One by one, the backbone members of Martial Artist Council emerged.

"He did it—Master Lu became an Advanced Scholar!"

"What the—?"

"He passed!"

"Advanced Scholar, huh!"

As soon as the words dropped, several men burst out, blades in hand—Zhao Hu, Wang Heihou, Niu Dazhuang, and the rest.

"What did you say? Are you sure you heard right?"

Zhao Hu strode over, voice trembling a little.

Half a month ago, after hearing from Lu Chang’sheng, they’d left the Four Gates area with their men to lie low, leaving only the regular Three Red Gang members to manage matters there.

As for the reason, Lu Chang’sheng never gave them the details—just told them, "You’ll know in half a month."

Chen Ming had weighed the pros and cons—he knew that even staying outside would just drag Lu Chang’sheng down, so they hid here instead.

"If something happens to Chang’sheng, we’ll risk our lives to get him out!"

The waiting was torture. Wang Heihou and Niu Dazhuang never let their blades out of sight.

And finally, news arrived.

But when they heard it, they were downright stunned.

"No mistake! The whole Prefecture City is talking about Master Lu right now—every scholar in town is calling him Scholar Lu!"

"Top Scholar? Chang’sheng, he—he took the top spot this exam!"

Liang Yun’s voice quivered; even now, he could hardly believe it.

"Let’s get out there!"

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Li Nangua pushed open the courtyard gate and spotted a great swarm of people packed into the house at once.

"Greetings to Scholar Lu!"

The crowd gave a synchronized bow and shouted in unison.

Thankfully, this was a secluded spot with few passersby—otherwise, it would have drawn all sorts of attention.

Lu Chang’sheng was startled at first but, seeing the scene, quickly found it funny.

"Get outta here, go on! Just call me Gang Leader, that’s more like it!"

"Gang Leader!"

Everyone chorused again in perfect unison.

If calling him Scholar Lu was rehearsal, this time—Gang Leader—there was no doubt who ran the place.

Lu Chang’sheng felt something surge in his chest. These folks, he realized, were his through and through. Whatever he said from now on would carry more weight than any other Martial Artist Council leader’s words.

Seeing all his core men gathered, he was satisfied; he sent Li Nangua, Zhao Hu, Wang Heihou and the rest out to buy food and supplies for tonight’s party.

By evening, much like previous gatherings, everyone sat around in the courtyard, shooting the breeze.

Soon the talk turned to the future of the Martial Artist Council.

Now that Lu Chang’sheng had passed the exam and gained official status, those groups who had forced the Martial Artist Council aside and kept them out of the Prefecture City wouldn’t have the nerve anymore.

The Martial Artist Council’s entry into the Prefecture was set in stone.

Of course, open opposition would be easy to handle. It was the hidden threats that could bring bloodshed.

"When money’s on the line, there’s no such thing as peaceful!"

Liang Yun, Zhao Hu, and the others all wore hard looks on their faces.

After years running the Four Gates, dealing with all sorts of characters, they’d developed a certain invisible pressure—you couldn’t see it, but any ordinary soul would feel it bearing down on them.

Lu Chang’sheng let them talk, weighing in with his thoughts when needed.

Before long, night had fallen.

Just as they were eating, there was a knock on the door.

"Is Scholar Lu here?"

One of the Martial Artist Council members nearest the door got up and opened it.

"I’m the steward of the Chen Mansion. Sir, could you please announce me?"

Li Nangua walked over and, seeing the fawning respect on his face, couldn’t help feeling a little amused.

Last time it was just a Chen family servant—now it’s the steward himself.

And she spotted, not far off, a few impatient figures skulking in the darkness. Cloaked in the dim moonlight, it had to be the real Chen Family bosses.

"Sorry—Chang’sheng says today’s not convenient."

Hearing the reply, the Chen Mansion steward’s face fell; he turned away, disappointed.

Soon, he walked into the darkness nearby, where Mr. Chen, Lin Xiaowen, and others were waiting.

Right now, all these gentryfolk looked rather grim.

They’d seen Li Nangua close the gate with their own eyes—clear as day.

Still, they held out a sliver of hope in their hearts.

"Well?"

"That Miss Li said today’s not right."

"Sigh~" Lin Xiaowen let out a long, heavy breath, turning to Chen Yifu. "Guess she’s really holding a grudge."

"Let’s not kid ourselves. Chen Yifu, you got us into this, you’d better take the bulk of the blame."

Chen Yifu’s face flushed red, but he didn’t argue—he just felt a chill in his heart.

This clique here, from day one, always claimed to share honor and glory—and hardship too.

But when trouble actually came, what was everyone’s gut reaction? Cut you loose to save themselves.

Bitter anger welled up inside, but he didn’t dare say a word.

If he truly lost this social circle, he and the Chen Mansion would only suffer more; those hungry wolves in Black Mountain Prefecture would tear them apart, strip them piece by piece.

"Last time, you said Scholar Lu mentioned your businesses—so why not..."

"Out of the question! If I lose those, the Chen Mansion—" Mr. Chen stomped his foot in fury.

Their properties kept the Chen Mansion afloat; lose those, and the family wouldn’t last long!

"I’m afraid this matter’s out of your hands. Instructor Qu has already spoken with me. If you stay stubborn, we’ll cut all ties with you." One of the gentry said quietly.

Their assets weren’t all theirs; plenty belonged to even higher-ups.

"Of course, we’ll cover your school’s deficit—you just need to hand over those other two businesses."

Another gentryman said, slowly and deliberately.

Chen Yifu gave a helpless smile and agreed, no other choice.

Watching those fellows melt away into the darkness, he looked back at the bustling five-courtyard compound not far off, and his eyes went momentarily blank.

That little yard, so utterly ordinary in his eyes before, now seemed like a beast lying in wait, gaping its terrible jaws wide open.

"Advanced Scholar..."

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