HPDBC Chapter 28: 28. The Master of the Magic Gate is not as professional as you
Chapter 28: 28. The Master of the Magic Gate is not as professional as you
After returning empty-handed from the bizarre game, Tan Shuchang had been full of grievances, and his daily diary entries turned into "Qiu Junlin owes a debt, interest added by one," "Qiu Junlin still hasn’t repaid, interest added by two." But fortunately, today, these grievances could finally be somewhat alleviated.
Because his injuries had finally healed.
In less than a month, his grievous injuries had healed entirely. Besides the herbs used by Tan Shuchang, which were all rare and miraculous, his body’s special abilities had also played an indispensable role.
Otherwise, if it were any other cultivator, even using the same medications, it would take at least three to five years to recover.
After all, the injuries had been severe.
But soon, Tan Shuchang’s mood soured again.
"What are you three doing here?" When the three princes of the Zi Xuan dynasty set foot on Black Heart Mountain, Tan Shuchang reacted instantly and then descended the mountain with an unfriendly look.
Letting these three figures ascend the mountain did seem somewhat ominous.
"Tan Shuchang! Seeing us and not performing a grand salute, could it be that you wish to rebel?" clad in brocade robes despite their light attire, and accompanied by no small number of attendants, the princes were startled by Tan Shuchang’s audacious words; the youngest of them, the Fourth Prince, could not help but retort angrily.
Among the four princes, the fourteen-year-old Fourth Prince was the least calculating. As he and the Second Prince were born of the same mother, he had, from an early age, renounced any claims to the throne to prevent fratricidal conflicts. His mother also intentionally cultivated this trait in him, to facilitate his future role as a leisurely prince.
"So you can represent the court? Then, are you saying you want to usurp the positions of your elder brother and your father?" Tan Shuchang said, his expression unchanged, his tone light and casual.
"Tan Shuchang, shut your mouth!" The Fourth Prince was immediately intimidated, for as the Crown Prince who trembled even at the mention of that position, he was even more perturbed.
Compared to the Fourth Prince, the Second and Third Princes were much calmer. The Second Prince waved his hand dismissively and smiled, "Enough, enough. The Fourth Brother is joking. Brother Tan, it’s been many years since we’ve met. My brothers and I wish to host a banquet in your honor. Would you do us the honor of attending?"
"I will not." Tan Someone’s attitude was resolute, refusing to partake in anything ominous.
Affronted by Tan Shuchang’s snub, the Second Prince’s pride was somewhat wounded. Fortunately, at that moment, the Third Prince spoke up: "Brother Tan, you’ve changed quite a lot. I remember the days when you were gentle, courteous, and could charm many a young lady of good families with your elegant writings."
"They were charmed by my identity back then, weren’t they?" Tan Shuchang said, quite self-aware.
He had no talent in literature.
Well, he had a bit, but it was mainly the kind that involved copying good phrases for his own use. To write vibrant, soul-stirring essays, he would need another sixty years of study at least.
And although back then Tan Shuchang was merely a bastard of the Tan family without even a servant to command, his status was still unattainably high for those young ladies.
"Brother Tan, your current status is not bad either!" The Second Prince had recovered by this point.
In the realms of immortals, respect for one’s teacher can sometimes be greater than that for one’s biological father. After all, if a biological father is merely a mortal, all he can provide is the flesh and blood body. But, a teacher in the world of cultivation can offer a splendid future on the path to enlightenment!
This situation aligned somewhat with Tan Shuchang’s own experience.
Tan Shuchang immediately understood the implication from the third prince and remained silent. After pondering for a moment, he decided to salvage his reputation: "I was compelled to make this decision..."
"Although we are unaware of your difficulties, Brother Tan, we can empathize," said the second prince. However, everyone could tell that he was merely placating him.
Upon hearing this, Tan Shuchang’s mouth twitched. He eventually gave up on explaining and internally cursed, but kept his face unchanged and his tone as mild as before, "After all, betraying one’s teacher is a tradition of the Sacred Gate, and as a disciple of the Sacred Gate, it is my unavoidable duty to uphold this tradition."
The second prince: "..."
The third prince: "..."
The fourth prince: "..."
Are you listening to yourself? Even the former demon sect leader wasn’t as dedicated as you!
...
Meanwhile, in Qinghe City, an old man with a kindly look, who had followed the tracks of the three Zi Xuan dynasty princes and come all the way here, couldn’t help but spit out the tea he was drinking upon picking up on the conversation.
This gesture startled the tea house’s waiter, who swiftly came over, because despite the old man’s gentle appearance and easygoing nature, he emanated an indescribable aura of authority, imposing great pressure on others.
Therefore, to the waiter, this old man was undoubtedly an important figure.
Even if he wasn’t, he must be a senior from the world of cultivation.
However, halfway there, the waiter was stopped by a gesture from the old man.
"My mistake, it’s unrelated to you, don’t worry about it," said the old man.
Then, he placed the tea cup and the silver necessary for the bill on the table and walked outside.
"Initially, I wanted to follow the old Tan family’s example, helping a nearly impossible candidate attain leadership, nurturing him into a true dragon. But now, perhaps passing on the Shadow Retaining Immortal Secret Tome would make my staged death all those years ago more meaningful..." This old man had considered taking on a disciple.
Of course, to be precise, it wasn’t about taking a disciple. Instead, he intended to pass on the Shadow Retaining Immortal Secret Tome.
After all, in the old man’s eyes, someone seemed to consider teacher-slaying a tradition.
Although he was fearless, he couldn’t help but feel a bit squeamish...