Chapter 2490: Chapter 100: Like the Moon Reflected in Water, Forever Out of Reach (2)
The old master has passed away, which is only natural.
And the sooner you make it clear, the better, otherwise, as Zhongxuan Zun said, some people will always "overthink."
No other reason, Zhongxuan Zun is too outstanding, naturally a big ship. Even if he does nothing, many people still want to climb onboard.
Jiang Wang asked, "I heard you refused the invitation from the Blood River Sect?"
He had heard about this while in the South Border, but he didn’t know the details. Peng Chongjian, the True Man of the Removing Mountain, had officially succeeded as the Sect Master of the Blood River, which was no secret.
Regarding the subsequent attitude of the Qi Court, he chose not to get involved anymore, avoiding being directed around, and thus paid no further attention. The secluded cultivation at Old Mountain Consulate was not just an excuse; he truly ignored worldly affairs.
Facing this question, Zhongxuan Zun simply responded in a calm voice, "Shortcuts are for those lacking talent and capability to take. I walk the grand avenue directly, so why take a detour?"
Jiang Wang recalled his observations at the Blood River Sect, pondering, "Is that how you replied to True Man Kou?"
Zhongxuan Zun said, "Even more directly than that."
"What did you say?" Jiang Wang asked with interest.
The hem of Zhongxuan Zun’s clothes quietly fluttered in the wind as he only said, "Not interested."
Jiang Wang nodded in approval, "Very much in the style of Marquis Champion."
"I heard you acted arrogantly at the Sword Pavilion and claimed you would level Tianmu Peak in three months," Zhongxuan Zun calmly replied, "Also very much in the style of Marquis Wu’an."
Who was so talkative?
It must be that Yu Xiaochen, he must be dealt with later! Of course, it could also be Sikong Jingxiao, who cannot be let go either.
Surely it wouldn’t be Ruan Zhenjun or Si Zhenjun, right? Yan Dao Experts, it’s impossible for them to be so bored.
"Is that so." Jiang Wang laughed awkwardly twice, "Matters here have come to an end, so I’ll head back first. Let’s chat when we have more time."
As he spoke, he was already walking away.
"No need to see off." Zhongxuan Zun continued to look at the pond water, not turning back.
The footsteps of Marquis Wu’an gradually faded away.
Like many people and events that leave, it was actually very peaceful, without much of a ripple.
This courtyard, he was very familiar with.
Usually, when the sunlight was just right, the old man would lean back on that chaise, lazily basking in the sun. His father would sit on a small stool nearby, diligently serving tea, massaging shoulders, and pounding legs.
His father’s topics always revolved around the position of Family Head. Every three sentences, inheritance rights were mentioned, constantly urging the old master to step down and give way to those more virtuous. The first sage, of course, was him, as the eldest son of the Zhongxuan Family, and the second sage was his son, the eldest grandson of the Zhongxuan Family. No matter who the old master chose, it would not be wrong.
The old master usually responded with both curses and kicks.
And Zhongxuan Zun frequently sat on the stone steps connecting the bridge, quietly reading a leisure book, seldom intervening in the conversations of that father and son duo.
Those were such ordinary times.
Now looking back, they are like the moon in the water, beyond reach.
"Ah."
Zhongxuan Zun stood alone in this courtyard, on this stone bridge, letting out a light, gentle sigh.
He rarely sighed.
Like observing falling leaves many times, he never felt melancholic.
Silently listening to many pieces of music, he never felt sentimental.
Yet on an ordinary afternoon like this one, he suddenly recalled many past events.
Hence, this pool of autumn water became so poignant.
...
Walking down from the stone bridge, then back up the stone bridge.
Walking back and forth several times on those stone steps, he finally left without looking back.
Zhongxuan Zun left this courtyard and walked to the room where his father rested. After contemplating, he pushed the door and entered.
Grandpa Zhongxuan laid flat on the rocking bed, eyes open, staring blankly at the canopy.
"Grandpa has been laid to rest in the family grounds, and the funeral has ended," Zhongxuan Zun approached the bedside and said softly.
Zhongxuan Mingguang replied with a weak nod.
"Let’s go," Zhongxuan Zun said.
Zhongxuan Mingguang’s eyes shifted, "Where to?"
"Don’t you have your own house?" Zhongxuan Zun said, "You can come to mine too."
Zhongxuan Mingguang closed his eyes, "This is my home; I grew up here... I’ve lived here for many years."
"Alright, alright." Zhongxuan Zun said, "I’ll help you buy the courtyard of the neighbor to the east, and connect them for you. I’ll also hire Master Craftsman Xu to design it. Do you know Master Craftsman Xu? The Tianxiang Yun Pavilion is his work. I will cover all expenses to ensure your house becomes the finest mansion in the northern part of the city."
"It’s not about the house!" Zhongxuan Mingguang sat up, searching for shoes and muttering, "Mainly too unaccustomed."
Zhongxuan Zun crouched down, helping him put on boots, and said, "Fatty said your room will always be kept for you, and you can stay anytime you return. But I thought, for someone as particular as father, how could you stay in a nephew’s home after dividing the property?"
"Exactly." Zhongxuan Mingguang nodded vigorously, even snorting, "I, Zhongxuan’s sagacious elder, have done so well in business, how could I lack a place to live? Laughable small nephew, so worried!"
By this point, the boots were on, and Zhongxuan Zun gestured for him to proceed.
He stood up but rose too quickly, causing momentary dizziness, and wobbled before sitting back down.
The look of confidence on his face vanished instantly, looking somewhat sorrowfully at Zhongxuan Zun, "Am I growing old?"
Zhongxuan Zun looked at him seriously, "Father still looks handsome."
Zhongxuan Mingguang’s eyelids dropped slightly, "Father no longer has a father."
Zhongxuan Zun said, "Grandpa’s entire life was dedicated to the family. My chubby brother does have some abilities; he won’t disgrace the Zhongxuan name."
His voice was calm, naturally soothing emotions.
"He only has some minor intelligence," Zhongxuan Mingguang snorted, "Not to mention compared to me, he’s still a bit lacking compared to you, I’m truly worried for the future of the family!"
"Yes, yes, yes." Zhongxuan Zun agreed, "But since things are settled now, Father, do me a favor and let it go."
Zhongxuan Mingguang gave him a sidelong glance, "Would I argue with a junior? Do you think your father is one with good looks but a petty character?"
After a pause, he asked again, "But do you think... will your grandpa be at peace?"
Zhongxuan Zun answered seriously, "Fatty is only lacking in martial prowess. I taught him everything without reservation for three months. Grandpa knew this."
Zhongxuan Mingguang sighed, "I’m just afraid your teaching fell short. And he is quite foolish."
Zhongxuan Zun helplessly said, "Then when you have time, you guide him personally."
"Never mind, never mind." Zhongxuan Mingguang waved his hand, "I’ve come to terms. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Before your grandpa passed..."
At this point, he suddenly stopped, as if recalling something, and let out a long sigh.
Zhongxuan Zun was confused, "What’s the matter?"
Zhongxuan Mingguang didn’t speak.
"Speak your mind," said Zhongxuan Zun.
Zhongxuan Mingguang looked at him blankly, "My father is gone, and your father will be gone someday too."
Zhongxuan Zun felt like he was being scolded, and said nothing for a while.
"I wonder," Zhongxuan Mingguang sighed deeply, "What will you do when I’m gone too, and you’re left alone in the world?"
"That’s easy to handle." Zhongxuan Zun said, "All you need is to cultivate to the God Descending Realm, and you’ll live up to five hundred and eighteen years, with plenty of time."
Zhongxuan Mingguang gave him a wistful look, then said after a pause, "I’m not incapable of cultivating that realm; it’s just not my aspiration."
"I saw you practicing late into night a few days ago, and thought you were full of ambition," Zhongxuan Zun said.
"That was because your grandpa passed. I thought I’d work hard for a while, so that he could rest in peace... But as you saw, talent is envied by heaven, and providence doesn’t allow me to succeed. Moreover, cultivation cannot be rushed; it depends on destiny. Some spend a lifetime in arduous training with only modest achievements. There are also sages who through extensive research make a leap toward Yan Dao. What’s your father lacking? Next year I’ll start studying books, maybe it’ll work out. You are still young, and don’t understand the intricacies here. We can discuss this further when we have time."
While talking, Zhongxuan Mingguang patted his thigh, "Father is mainly worried..."
He sneaked a glance at Zhongxuan Zun’s expression, implying clearly, "When you’re old, who will take care of you?"
Zhongxuan Zun calmly stated, "You’re overthinking. As a Godly cultivator, I age only at death. Furthermore, my Dongzhen is not an issue; I’ll live at least to twelve hundred and ninety-six years."
"Oh, then there’s no problem." Uncle Ming Guang got up and left.
