SWDnovel Chapter 26 The Feast
Chapter 26 The Feast
In the following days, the monster tide that the people of Qingshan County had anticipated did not arrive.
After that beastly roar, the source of the roar seemed to vanish into thin air, and there was no further sound.
The only minor disturbance involved some frightened wild animals venturing into the foothills, which were swiftly quelled by the timely response of the Mountain Guard, before they could even cross the mountain pass.
"Damn it, first there was a beast tide, then a cat demon, and now this ghostly howl! What on earth is going on?!"
"Why not just have a proper beast tide? What's the point of hanging like this?"
"Now I'm even afraid to go up the mountain. The Mountain Guard Command doesn't have a clear answer about what's going on in Nanshan."
"My second uncle works at the Mountain Guard Command. I heard that Commander Luo led his men to search the deep mountains for several days, but they didn't even see a single demon hair."
"Hiss... This is a ghost."
"..."
"..."
Similar conversations filled the streets and alleys. As Chen Luo walked along the county road, a sense of unease and repression settled over his heart.
The people of Qingshan County have suffered greatly from the demonic calamities, gradually developing a fierce and resilient character, and have become somewhat numb to the monster tides.
But this monster tide seemed to be coming and going, causing widespread panic among the county residents, who were even becoming angry under the weight of their suppressed emotions.
It seems the rumors are true; the Mountain Guard probably really didn't find anything in the mountains.
But finding nothing is actually more agonizing than finding something.
There's no way around it; invisible threats are often more terrifying than visible hordes of monsters.
It was like a sharp blade hanging over people's heads, yet it lingered, pushing the county residents' nerves to their limit, and the panic slowly fermented into resentment.
Yesterday, seeing that things were relatively peaceful, Chen Luo couldn't resist going to the outskirts of Nanshan. He took a look from a distance and found that the Mountain Guard had reinforced the mountain pass and that the patrol teams were coming and going more frequently, but he still didn't know what was happening in the deep mountains.
Chen Luo shook his head, too lazy to think about it anymore.
He wasn't heading to the martial arts academy right now, but rather to the northwest, to Zhou Xiaoliang's house.
He went to a banquet, a celebratory banquet.
Indeed, there have been some happy events in the past two weeks.
Not only did Lu Qun finally break through to the second level of strength, but Zhou Xiaoliang, after receiving guidance from Instructor Li, also spent more than ten days in seclusion at home and actually broke through to the third level of Nine Yang Strength in one fell swoop.
Zhou's parents were overjoyed and immediately slaughtered pigs and sheep to prepare a feast, inviting all the neighbors and relatives. Chen Luo, who was a meritorious official, was naturally also invited.
In fact, Chen Luo did not expect that Zhou Xiaoliang would break through to the third level of strength so quickly after only being given guidance once.
Recalling the way his good brother had enlightened him that day, Chen Luo couldn't help but smile.
We arrived at Zhou Xiaoliang's house.
Zhou Xiaoliang was also a farmer in the suburbs of the county. His home was a simple farmhouse, slightly larger than Chen Luo's.
As soon as you enter, you see red silk hanging everywhere, from the gate and eaves to the branches. The several tables that look like they were borrowed are almost full of guests. Perhaps the county has been too depressed lately, because everyone is now beaming with joy and loudly congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Zhou.
Mr. and Mrs. Zhou were dressed in brand-new clothes today, and they were a little at a loss when faced with the various congratulatory gifts, their faces full of smiles.
Zhou Xiaoliang, the protagonist in the center of the crowd, was quite composed, smiling and returning the greetings to each guest.
Chen Luo smiled knowingly, genuinely happy for his brother.
In Qingshan County, the phrase "Nine Yang Strengths in Three Layers" signifies that the gates of the Mountain Guard Command have been knocked upon.
The mountain guards were highly paid and held prestigious positions. Their job was to defend the local area, so they were greatly respected. They also enjoyed tax reductions and received rice during festivals. Even if someone was injured or killed, they would receive a substantial pension. Therefore, every farming family in Qingshan County considered it an honor for their child to join the mountain guard.
"Little Chen's here! Come on over!"
Zhou's father, with his sharp eyes, immediately told Zhou's mother to greet the guests alone while he strode forward, grabbing Chen Luo's arm and saying, "Come on, come inside."
Before Chen Luo could offer his congratulations, Zhou's father pulled him into the house without saying a word.
Zhou Xiaoliang followed, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Dad, A'Luo and I are brothers, there's no need..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhou's father's face darkened. "What brothers? Even blood brothers have to bow to each other!"
"This is..." Chen Luo still didn't understand what was going to happen.
Immediately, Zhou Xiaoliang's expression turned solemn. He faced him, raised his hands above his eyebrows, and bowed deeply.
Chen Luo was taken aback, and his heart was immediately touched.
Feudal society placed great importance on etiquette. In ordinary times, the greeting was a slight bow, which represented a way of expressing gratitude.
Zhou Xiaoliang's deep bow, however, represents profound gratitude, often for the great kindness of saving his life and rescuing him from danger.
He knew that Zhou Xiaoliang's family would thank him, but he didn't expect it to be such a solemn and heartfelt thank you.
Chen Luo was used to joking around with Zhou Xiaoliang, but he dared not be careless at this moment. He quickly helped Zhou Xiaoliang up and said, "Please, no need for formalities."
Zhou Xiaoliang then stood up straight, but kept his eyes down and looked away slightly.
But Chen Luo still saw it; he was clearly a little hesitant before bowing, but his eyes were red after he bowed.
When Zhou's father saw him help Zhou Xiaoliang up, his tense face relaxed. "Xiao Chen, Xiaoliang told me everything. The Zhou family will always remember your kindness."
"No need, no need. We're all brothers. Besides, even if Ah Liang hadn't been instructed, he would probably still have been able to break through to the third level of strength," Chen Luo quickly said.
Mr. Zhou shook his head. "We only know our own situation. Xiaoliang has been practicing at home until late at night every day for over a year and hasn't made any progress. If you hadn't helped him get this opportunity... it's hard to say."
Chen Luo was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected that this guy, who seemed so casual on the surface, would secretly roll around at home every day.
Meanwhile, not far away, Lu Qun, who had just arrived, witnessed the entire scene unfolding inside the hall and couldn't help but smile.
After the meal, the three of them slipped away to the backyard for a few drinks. Lu Qun asked, "Ah Liang, are you really going to join the Mountain Guard?"
Chen Luo also put down his wine glass and looked at Zhou Xiaoliang.
"Yes." Zhou Xiaoliang nodded and smiled. "If you stay at the Martial Arts Academy, your progress will probably be very limited, and it will also waste time. It's better to go to the Mountain Guard sooner. That way, you can supplement your family income. It's just that I won't be able to stay at the Martial Arts Academy with you two anymore."
"Going to the Mountain Guard is a legitimate path to martial arts training. I've heard that many Mountain Guards broke through their cultivation levels while fighting wild beasts," Chen Luo comforted him, but didn't forget to remind him, "However, you must be careful."
"Yes, things aren't very peaceful in the county right now. You only have the Triple Strength, so don't try to be a hero," Lu Qun said worriedly.
Zhou Xiaoliang laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm not going to be fighting wild beasts. I'll probably just be guarding the mountain pass or something."
Chen Luo nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.
Indeed, the Mountain Guard has its own rules and regulations. New recruits with the Triple Strength will definitely not be assigned to patrol dangerous areas. They are usually responsible for guarding passes, like Liu Zhengshan.
If they were to actually patrol the mountains, they would be at least at the fifth level of strength or higher. And if they were to go to the deep mountains, they would often be led by a master of the Nine Yang Strength or even an Inner Realm master.
Therefore, although serving in the mountain guard was dangerous, the actual casualty rate was very low; otherwise, the mountain guard would not have become such a sought-after career path for farmers' sons.
"This time, we really owe a debt to A Luo." Zhou Xiaoliang raised his glass and said with emotion, "Now I understand that opportunities don't just come to you; you really have to fight for them."
"Yes, opportunity is so important." Lu Qun downed his drink in one gulp and said with deep agreement, "A casual word of advice from a great figure can sometimes change a person's fate."
As Chen Luo listened to their words, he suddenly thought of the pharmacist at Qingyun Martial Arts School and the medicinal liquid that could temper bones and muscles.
"I'm pleased that you all have this understanding." He raised his glass, a smile in his eyes. "So, who among you wants to come with me to the Qingyun Martial Arts Academy tomorrow to seek medicine?"