Longevity Martial Arts: I have a Mysterious Water Snake Avatar

Inside the carriage, Hong Yuan methodically checked for safety before activating the Energy Array and Talismans. Although the carriage itself was already equipped with sufficient defensive Energy Arrays, Hong Yuan trusted his own setups more.

CLIP-CLOP. The sound of horse hooves echoed from the front as Hong Yuan calmly observed his surroundings, comparing them with the map in his hand to ensure the coachman hadn't taken a wrong turn.

The first half of the journey passed uneventfully, following the correct route towards the General's Mansion of Pengcheng. Upon entering the outer city, the carriage slowed, a change Hong Yuan noted without concern. The main roads here were often crowded with plainly dressed commoners, making it impossible to maintain speed.

Suddenly, a flurry of urgent hoofbeats erupted. A group of burly men on horseback galloped past, their leader—a man in black, Zhang Kaihe—behaving with particular arrogance. They thundered past Hong Yuan's carriage without a glance, their wild laughter echoing amidst the alarmed cries of the common folk. The disturbance forced Hong Yuan's carriage to a halt, and the guards drew their swords to protect it.

"My lord," the coachman inquired, "Zhang Kaihe, one of the Five True Disciples from the Long Lake Sect, is causing trouble up ahead. Shall we teach him a lesson?"

Hong Yuan lifted the curtain and watched the commoners fleeing in panic. He gently shook his head. "No need. Let's wait a while before proceeding."

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Regardless of how utilitarian Hong Yuan might be, he couldn't erase that deeply ingrained crimson mark on his conscience. He understood that for these lower-class citizens, what they needed most at this moment was a return to stability. After all, he was merely a passerby. His intervention, while perhaps satisfying in the moment, would only bring them greater turmoil in the long run.

「Ahead.」

Zhang Kaihe, accompanied by numerous disciples from the Long Lake Sect, rode towards the General's Mansion in the center of the inner city. Once they were inside the inner city, the number of disciples accompanying him gradually dwindled.

"Big Brother," one disciple asked, "we've visited the General's Mansion daily for nearly a month, but General Black Wolf completely ignores us. Can we really secure the Dongyu District Official position?"

"Yeah, Big Brother," another chimed in, "if that's not possible, we could also go for the Zhengle District Official position."

Zhang Kaihe, whose sturdy build and imposing presence made him resemble a large black bear, scanned his surroundings. The Long Lake Sect disciples who had just been trying to persuade him quickly bowed their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

"Hmph, myopic fools!" Zhang Kaihe berated his underlings while straightening his clothes. "The reason it hasn't been settled this past month is that I'm not the only one after the Dongyu District Official position; there are several others. General Black Wolf is waiting for one of us to emerge as the winner. And don't forget what we did at the Giant Whale Gang yesterday."

Among the many districts of Pengcheng, Dongyu District was the most prosperous, excluding the four districts—East, South, West, and North—directly controlled by the Phoenix Creek Sect. Dongyu District boasted the most merchant guilds and the most diverse collection of factions. It was a hub where people from all walks of life mingled, making it incredibly lucrative. If one could secure the Dongyu District Official position, who would bother competing for the lesser Zhengle District?

To contend for this post, Zhang Kaihe had endured numerous bloody battles over the past month. He had not only lost many friends but had also acquired several deep scars. Thinking of backing out? It's not that easy, Zhang Kaihe thought.

Soon, Zhang Kaihe and his men reached the General's Mansion of Pengcheng. However, due to the surveillance of the inner city guards, only two individuals were ultimately allowed to remain by Zhang Kaihe's side. One was his younger brother, Zhang Kaiyong. The other was his scheming advisor, Huang Kou. They presented their visiting cards to one of the General's Mansion stewards and waited respectfully for Mo Jiuyou in a nearby pavilion. Despite being kept waiting by Mo Jiuyou for nearly a month, none in Zhang Kaihe's group dared to harbor the slightest disrespect towards him. Still, the agony of waiting was always torturous.

「General's Mansion.」

Mo Jiuyou was in the garden admiring flowers and playing with his daughter, while his strategist, Chen Ke, analyzed and explained the recent situation in Green Sun Prefecture. Green Sun Prefecture, a prefecture under the jurisdiction of the Qinglu Taoist Temple, bordered Nanyang Government. If the Qinglu Taoist Temple were to launch a counterattack, they would likely initiate it from Green Sun Prefecture.

"Hmm, is there anything else?" Mo Jiuyou nodded slightly, his gaze returning to Mo Yue'er.

"Sir, the 'bear' has been stewed long enough; it's time to close the net," Strategist Chen Ke said. This 'bear' wasn't a literal animal, of course; it referred to Zhang Kaihe of the Long Lake Sect. No matter how arrogant and boisterous Zhang Kaihe might appear to others, in Mo Jiuyou's eyes, he was merely an ant.

"No rush," Mo Jiuyou replied. "I have my own arrangements." He caught a bamboo dragonfly toy and walked laughing towards Mo Yue'er. Although his junior brother was due to arrive, spending time with his daughter was clearly more important.

An hour later, Hong Yuan's carriage entered the inner city and arrived at the Pengcheng General's Mansion. Hong Yuan alighted but did not presume upon his status as Mo Jiuyou's junior brother to rush inside. Instead, he first presented his visiting card as a sign of respect for his senior brother. Then, he waited to the side, observing the General's Mansion.

The entrance to the mansion was imposing. Above the vermilion-lacquered main gate hung a plaque inscribed with "Pengcheng General's Mansion," flanked on either side by two majestic stone lions. Multiple squads of armored soldiers patrolled back and forth, and security was very strict. High walls loomed, so tall that even birds would find it difficult to enter.

Estimating the vast expanse of the General's Mansion, Hong Yuan was inwardly astounded. Such a display of might and power! No wonder Senior Brother Zhu didn't understand my questions back then, he thought.

In a nearby pavilion, Zhang Kaihe and his two companions scrutinized Hong Yuan with intense gazes. Since Hong Yuan was not wearing the blue robe that identified him as a Phoenix Creek Sect disciple, nor was he overtly displaying his strength through his aura, Zhang Kaihe wasn't certain that Hong Yuan was one of the Phoenix Creek Sect disciples who had arrived on the flying ship, though he had a vague suspicion.

"Big Brother, that fellow looks unfamiliar," Zhang Kaiyong inquired. "Could he be from some noble family, here to compete with us for the Dongyu District Official position?"

"Unlikely," Huang Kou demurred. "But I have a feeling he might be one of the Phoenix Creek Sect disciples who came down from the flying ship..."

Just as Zhang Kaihe was about to speak, the gates of the General's Mansion opened, and Mo Jiuyou himself emerged. Zhang Kaiyong's face lit up with joy, while Zhang Kaihe and Huang Kou's expressions turned grim.

I hope this Phoenix Creek Sect disciple isn't here to compete with us for the Dongyu District Official position but chooses the mines and river channels—those more vital posts—instead, Huang Kou thought, closing his eyes with a helpless expression.

Zhang Kaihe stared intently at Hong Yuan and Mo Jiuyou. He had been given the cold shoulder for a month, Mo Jiuyou not even sparing him a glance, and yet now... It was truly frustrating.

「In front of the General's Mansion.」

"Senior Brother, long time no see," Hong Yuan greeted.

"It's good that you've come," Mo Jiuyou replied.

Hong Yuan and Mo Jiuyou enacted a warm scene of martial brothers reuniting, while Mo Yue'er curiously stared at Hong Yuan, her bright eyes blinking, looking quite adorable.

"Yue'er, quickly call him Little Uncle," Mo Jiuyou said, scooping Mo Yue'er into his arms and introducing her to Hong Yuan.

"Hello, Little Uncle," Mo Yue'er greeted obediently.

"Hello, Yue'er," Hong Yuan replied, gently taking her small hand.

In an atmosphere of perfect harmony, Hong Yuan entered the Pengcheng General's Mansion and presented his arrival gifts... Mo Yue'er was delighted with the interesting toys Hong Yuan had given her, such as a small pellet drum, and she giggled happily.

Outside the General's Mansion, Zhang Kaihe and his two companions continued to brave the Cold Wind, still waiting for Mo Jiuyou's favor.