Why do I have so many masters?-Chapter 557 - 196: The Number One Manor in the World (1/2)

The Hour of Chen had not yet passed, and it was the time when martial artists began their entrance into training, starting to temper their bodies. Amidst the sound of the wind, one could hear the faint whooshing of fists slicing through the air as they practiced.

A gray donkey had leisurely made its way up the back path of the mountain.

On the donkey's back were two Taoists, one of whom was older. Although handsome, his face was filled with laziness.

With half-closed eyes, the Taoist on the donkey's back swayed back and forth as the donkey climbed, as if at any moment he might tumble off and roll down the steps.

But no matter how fiercely he swayed, he never fell off, simply making onlookers anxious, almost wishing they could push him so he would just roll down quickly rather than continue to sway and irritate them.

The lazy Taoist in the front was followed by a younger boy, around fifteen or sixteen years old, striking with clear brows and handsome eyes that were particularly appealing. He appeared distressed, supporting his chin with one hand and heaving a long sigh.

Behind him, the lazy Taoist, who had originally not been asleep, opened his eyes, lifted a hand, and rubbed the head of the young Taoist, saying with a smile:

"You're so young, what's there to sigh about?"

The young Taoist sighed deeply again, a worried look on his face, and said:

"Elder Brother, didn't the elder say he wouldn't let us two descend the mountain this year? We've run so far away, would we anger the enforcer elder by doing so..."

"The elder ordered us to descend the mountain to buy some salt, yet we ended up coming this far."

"The meals made on the mountain are so bland, they have no taste; the elder is surely angry..."

Mu Shanxue feigned ignorance and said:

"Bland? You're mistaken, Junior Brother. We are ascetics who have left worldly life behind, Taoists cultivating on the mountain. We're different from those who always cluster around the rich and powerful to discuss profound metaphysics. Isn't it fitting for ascetics to eat bland food?"

"Our legs are on our own bodies; it's not like we're not going to return. We are simply going back later. When descending the mountain to buy salt, one must travel around a bit outside. The only difference here is that we've walked a bit farther. We just need to buy the salt and take it back."

"Besides, think about it, when the elder sees us returning to the mountain with an unhappy face, if we first go out and move around, he might even be very happy for all we know."

"Elder Brother, the elder always seems to have never been happy."

The young Taoist reminded in a quiet voice.

Mu Shanxue scratched his head and chuckled, slapping his chest to reassure:

"Don't worry, I am your Senior Brother. You were only tricked by me into coming down the mountain. If the elder punishes us when we return, he will certainly trouble me."

The young Taoist looked utterly miserable and said, "But Elder Brother, when have you ever finished copying the Taoist scriptures without my help? You say the punishment is for you, but I end up copying much more than you."

"And to help cook, do laundry, and clean the courtyard..."

The young Taoist counted on his fingers.

Mu Shanxue's gaze unconsciously drifted away as he replied with a dry laugh:

"Don't be angry, Junior Brother. Look."

"We are about to ascend the mountain, The Number One Manor in the World, no less. I, your Senior Brother, wandered outside for three years before by chance learning of this path that leads up the mountain. Didn't you say since you were little that you wanted to go in and take a look?"

"Here I am bringing you along."

The young Taoist was indeed distracted.

His eyes fixed on the towering manor appearing intermittently at the mountain's peak, his gaze somewhat transfixed. Beside him, Mu Shanxue wiped away non-existent sweat and breathed a deep sigh of relief.

The young Taoist stared at the impressive manor.

In fact, he was not angry; his eyes slightly curved, hiding a hint of happiness.

The last time it had been two months after Mu Shanxue was commanded to descend the mountain.

Day after day, he pleaded with the enforcer elder, was forced by the always cold Jade Crowned Taoist to spend two years mastering the Innate Bagua Great Ritual, which might take others half a lifetime to enter, before leaving the mountain with a big bundle and a happy heart.

Finding Mu Shanxue, who was wandering around Fufeng's Jianghu, took even more effort.

This time, however, was different; it was his Elder Brother who had personally taken him down the mountain.

The young Taoist smiled secretly, lips pursed.

Mu Shanxue caught sight of his Junior Brother's smile, seriously considered for a moment, and realized that during his three-year absence from the mountain, he had never seen a single woman as good-looking as his Junior Brother. Yet, his Junior Brother was definitely male.

The two of them had grown up together from a young age, so there was no way he could be mistaken.

Where could one find girls with Junior Brother's resilience and a disposition as steely and rigid as iron?

Not to mention the presence of an Adam's apple.

Mu Shanxue, lost in thought, heaved a long sigh and said:

"Such a pity..."

The gray donkey underneath them moved steadily and unhurriedly up the somewhat steep mountain path. This route was quite hidden, and they barely encountered anyone. The few dignified-looking elders they did happen to see merely smiled at them.

As for the matter of these two Taoists sneaking off to The Number One Manor in the World, it was as if no one saw a thing; not a word was spoken, let alone any attempt to stop them.

This only added to the disappointment of Mu Shanxue, who had only meant to console his Junior Brother.

He only planned to take a stroll around this side, to comfort his junior brother. Should someone chase them away, he would immediately take the hint and leave without a second word.

He certainly hadn't intended to sneak into this manor through the back door.

This was none other than The Number One Manor in the World.

The Number One—how enormous that title sounded.

The relationship between Jianghu and the Imperial Court was particularly delicate nowadays; significant cases involving both parties generally required a visit here to request a judgment.

The Manor Master of The Number One Manor in the World was known for his impartiality, showing no favoritism whether dealing with murderous fiends from the martial world, revered masters with great reputations, or high-ranking officials with titles. In this place, they were all treated equally. Once the facts were ascertained, if the crime warranted punishment, he would not hesitate nor show any leniency.

And no one dared to object.

Because the Manor Master of The Number One Manor in the World was also an extraordinary martial artist who had deep roots and relations with the Imperial Family, had been prominent on battlefields, and had walked the Jianghu with just a pair of fists, earning great respect from both sides.

The current Emperor, in private, had to address him as "Third Uncle" due to seniority, whereas the sect masters and elders of the seven major sects in Jianghu, more or less, had some familial ties with him. The Confucian School valued propriety above all things, and its current Sect Master even treated him with the respect due to a half-master.

Twenty years ago, the southeast suffered severe flooding. The water level of Qiantang River reached unprecedented heights, threatening to engulf an entire region's population. It was then that the old Manor Master emerged from his seclusion, opening the river's path with a single palm strike, creating a seven hundred li waterway.

His fist strength carried the tidal waves, which rolled back into the Cang Hai Sea.

On that day, the booming lasted for several Hours, its low thunderous sound was no less than the thunder from Heaven, and to this day, within the towns near that seven hundred li waterway, Longevity Temples for the old Manor Master can be found. Each household has erected a Longevity Plaque to venerate him as they would an immortal.

Mu Shanxue smacked his lips.

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This was nothing short of an immortal. Of all the various demons and spirits documented in the Taoist Scriptures, how many had such ability? This master's skill was boundless; at the very least, he should be having a drink in the Jade Void Palace of the Lingxiao Hall, right?

Guests in the Jade Void Palace, an old man from the mortal world.

Nevertheless, without such abilities, how could one dominate an entire era?

How could he shatter the spirits of countless martial artists, who no longer dared to speak lightly of martial arts, and how could he inspire the martial aspirations of countless youths, creating this vast and mighty era of Jianghu?

When only a few steps away from The Number One Manor in the World, Mu Shanxue patted the donkey's back.

The old grey donkey stopped.

The carefree Taoist pointed at the closed gate, grateful that they wouldn't have to meet the Land Immortal rumored to have smacked the troublesome dragon of Qiantang River back into the sea with a single slap. Yet his face seemed a bit regretful as he sighed towards his junior brother,

"It seems like our timing is unfortunate, Junior Brother."

"It appears we can't get in today. Let's just go down the mountain to grab some food; I'm hungry. When we return to Fufeng later on, we can swing by here again, how about that?"

The disappointment was clear on the Junior Taoist's face, but he was helpless.

After all, his senior brother was hungry.

The grey donkey, carrying the two Taoists, turned to head down the mountain. The road was steep and rugged, but the old donkey walked as if it were flat ground, even more smoothly than a horse. However, after only two steps, they heard a creak from behind.

The previously closed crimson back door was pushed open from the inside.

A woman in her twenties stood inside the gate. The two Taoists, having heard the noise and instinctively looking back, were startled by the sight of the woman.

Mu Shanxue inwardly cursed their luck.

The woman's gaze was calm as she courteously gave a nod to the two men, saying,

"May I ask if the two venerable Taoists are here for a particular reason?"

Mu Shanxue waved his hand and chuckled,

"We were just..."

The Junior Taoist, unaware of his senior brother's thoughts, dismounted and respectfully bowed to the woman before saying politely,

"We were just hoping to take a look inside the manor..."

Mu Shanxue's mouth twitched.

Understanding, the woman nodded and said, "The Number One Manor in the World has a resounding reputation, yet it does not place undue importance on worldly rituals. Many places within the manor are open for public access, and as for this back door, though it's usually closed and only occasionally open, it wouldn't be right to let you in."

"However, following what the Taoists say, since the two of you have arrived at this time, and I just happened to open the door, it must be destiny's will for you to enter."

"Although we in the manor only practice martial arts and do not engage deeply in the Yellow and Laozi teachings, it is no harm to act whimsically. If the two venerable Taoists do not mind, please come in. Although we cannot offer the variety of delicious food available at the foot of the mountain, a simple cup of tea and some refreshments can still be provided."

The woman smiled at Mu Shanxue.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, the lethargic Taoist scratched his head, sighed in resignation, and gracefully dismounted. After adjusting his robes, he respectfully bowed to the woman, saying,

"Then my brother and I will trouble you today."

"Not at all, Taoist Master, please come in."

PS: Presenting the first update of the day...