Chapter 4, On Meaning (Part 2)

The shopkeepers greeted the young man warmly, and Zhang Xuanning did not immediately respond to Erlong's question. Instead, he maintained a clear and composed demeanor, continuing to bow respectfully: "Dear uncles and aunts, you are too kind. I am Zhang Xuanning, merely relying on the favor of the gang leader, the hall master, and Master Su to make a living. We are all from the same town, so there is nothing we cannot discuss. If there are any issues, please feel free to bring them to me, and I will certainly not delay in offering my assistance"

It is good that you understand. If this succeeds, you all can hang a bamboo pole and manage a street. Go ahead!" Just as these words were spoken, two individuals, who were unaware that they were about to be whipped, Ku Zhong and Xu Ziling, were smiling as they accompanied a young married woman, who was none other than Sister Zheng, to move things.

Zhang Xuanning benefited for nothing

Zhang Xuanning took a few more steps and arrived in front of a martial arts arena, where the golden signboard "Shilong Martial Arts Arena" shone brightly in the sunlight

He can obtain two years' time. After two years, Emperor Yang of Sui, Yang Guang, dispatched Yu Wenhua to investigate the "Changsheng Jue," which ultimately led to his defeat and death. However, Zhang Xuanning certainly would not grant him two years. Those who have read about the Tang Dynasty all have a lingering interest in this remarkable book, and Zhang Xuanning is no exception.

At this moment, they had already stepped onto the street, and the people on the street suddenly became much more enthusiastic. The previous enthusiasm was because this young man was charming and eloquent. Now, this young man has gained power, and it can be said that the dozens of shops on this street must give him some respect; otherwise, even a slight provocation could lead to trouble in the shops.

With this thought in mind, I chuckled heartily, no longer looking back, and turned to leave. Upon stepping outside, I saw the bustling street filled with people coming and going, a continuous flow. I couldn't help but praise in my heart, this city of Yangzhou is truly remarkable. It has trade routes with the Khitan, Goryeo, and Southeast Asia, and its population is exceedingly prosperous. To possess this, one would have the resources of an emperor.

In these past few months, you have been following and observing my actions, and you all know that there is no illicit relationship between me and Sister Zhen. I truly do not know where these rumors originated, but that is beside the point. We originally owed a favor to Sister Zhen, and we are people who make a living by the edge of the knife. We do not know, nor should we know, anything about righteousness and morality. If Old Feng and that woman treat her well, I can assure you that as long as I, Zhang Xuanning, am around, the Old Feng family will surely have peace, and no one will cause trouble. However, if Old Feng and that woman make things difficult for her over baseless matters, and she cannot carry on, that is also fine. First, let us deal with that woman; Sister Zhen is naturally the rightful wife. If the root of the problem still lies with Old Feng and the issue cannot be resolved, then let us deal with him as well. I can marry Sister Zhen again. We are people of the rivers and lakes; what responsibility do we not have for killing and seizing wives? What does it matter?

"Yes, Master Xiang, there are a total of fifty-six families, each with one tael, which amounts to fifty-six taels!" As he spoke, he leaned closer and asked Zhang Xuanning, "I heard that we are going to war with Old Yan? Old Yan controls three streets; if we take them, we will become wealthy."

This is the largest gang-like power organization in Yangzhou City

"Master of the incense, is this really necessary? Is this little bit also subject to a penalty?"

How? Have you received this month's share?

Gui Xiliang and the few thugs behind him were equally moved, this confirmed the message: "Understood, Master Xiang"

After Zhang Xuanning finished speaking, they were almost at the bun shop. Although they had just mentioned killing and exterminating a family, they now hesitated and said to the somewhat dazed pair: "Alright, that is a matter for the future. For now, I will still avoid any suspicion. You two boys, go help out in the shop. Speaking of which, over the past two years, Sister Zhen has taken care of you, so it is only natural for you to lend a hand. However, don't stay too long; return by yourselves in the afternoon, alright?"

Who did you hear that from

Upon hearing these words and seeing Zhang Xuanning, whose lips still bore a warm smile, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling felt a chill deep within their hearts. The words they had intended to say were immediately swallowed back.

The "Pushing Mountain Hand" Shi Long, the foremost master of Yangzhou, personally established the Shi Long Martial Arts School, where both internal and external skills have reached the level of top-tier masters. According to the historical accounts in the book, he could contend with Yu Wenhua of the Yu Wen clan, and his level is roughly comparable to that of Fu Cailin's eldest disciple, who is also the daughter of Er Long, Fu Junruo. For the current Zhang Xuanning, this is an insurmountable peak.

It is no wonder that students come from near and far to seek knowledge, continuously arriving along the way, and that they control half of the underworld business in Yangzhou, making it difficult for the Zhu Hua Gang to establish a foothold in the city.

Hmph, truly loose-lipped. Return and, in accordance with the guild rules, each administer two lashes to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, and you shall do it yourself!" Zhang Xuanning said with a cold smile

Since it is a martial arts arena, it is naturally not heavily guarded, allowing outsiders to come in and visit. At this moment, Zhang Xuanqing gracefully entered through the door and beheld the martial arts arena, which featured four main buildings. The training area was quite expansive, and there were already dozens of people practicing their martial arts there. Looking at other locations, various trees were planted throughout, and there were even small pavilions. At that time, the spring breeze was blowing, and the entire martial arts arena appeared vibrant and full of life.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling just told me that it was you who said it

Considering the time, Shi Long should have obtained the Daoist secret text "Changsheng Jue" by now. Although intelligence reports do not indicate that he possesses "Changsheng Jue," he has moved out of the city alone and resides in a small villa on the outskirts, rarely leaving his home. His disciples regularly send him the necessary living supplies, and apart from dedicating himself to the study of "Changsheng Jue," there are no other possibilities.

Indeed, Zhang Xuanning is quite peculiar, as this demeanor has come with his advancement in cultivation, rather than being his original intention. However, recalling the world of the Tang Dynasty's Twin Dragons, it is not surprising that many top-tier martial arts have the effect of altering one's temperament. After a while, once the greetings were exchanged, Zhang Xuanning, maintaining his smile, said to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling: "It is indeed true that a clean official finds it difficult to resolve family matters, but why should we meddle in family affairs? Let us not forget, we are not clean officials."

Unfortunately, this secret, at least for now, is known only to him, the outsider who has traversed here. Although the fact that the Stone Dragon is in seclusion is not a secret, most people believe he is devoted to his cultivation, unaware that he has obtained the Longevity Sutra and is too preoccupied to pay attention to the outside world. Therefore, it is not entirely their fault that they missed this opportunity to establish themselves in Yangzhou.

Zhang Xuanning focused his gaze and saw it was Gui Xiliang, who was fiddling with a few pieces of broken silver, his face full of smiles, followed by several newly recruited thugs.

"Stone Dragon, oh Stone Dragon, you have obtained the secret to immortality, and naturally understand the principle that harboring guilt is a crime. You must be deeply engrossed in your studies, ignoring external matters. Since this is the case, I too can rise in the city." Zhang Xuan knew in his heart that this was a golden opportunity, as well as a chance for his own development

As soon as the two rushed over, Zhang Xuanning merely smiled faintly and said, "Well, what I just said must have frightened these two little kids. It is understandable; no matter how gifted they are, their nature is quite kind. In the book, they could even be described as naive, not to mention that they are still too young now.

Sister Zhen has fair skin, a beautiful appearance, and a curvaceous figure, yet she lacks any hint of frivolity or petty bourgeois demeanor. It is no wonder she is known as the "Bun Xi Shi." Most importantly, although she is still young, her expression carries a touch of gentle maternal warmth, which explains why Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, two young men who have lost their mothers, are captivated by her.

However, Zhang Xuan gazed at the elegantly dressed disciples of the Stone Gate behind the door, and upon seeing this hall again, which was rectangular with walls ten feet high, a trace of an inscrutable smile had already escaped from the corner of his mouth

"Hmph, two good-for-nothing little brats," Zhang Xuanning said, but in her heart, she felt a stir towards Sister Zhen; spring had arrived, and she seemed to be even more beautiful than before

"The leak of the plan, a whipping is already the lightest punishment. What, do you still want to plead for mercy?" Zhang Xuanning cast a cold glance at him, paused for a moment, and seeing that Gui Xiliang did not dare to argue, continued, "The matter is indeed as such; you know it in your heart. Go back and prepare well, and don't embarrass yourself on the battlefield."

Upon returning to the South Market, someone approached and spoke: "Incense Master?"

The young man before me is dressed in ordinary blue attire, yet there is a hint of heroism in his features. His demeanor is graceful, prompting many to secretly admire him. Such character and poise are indeed rare.