I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

"Master?"

The word filled Xie An with emotion, his thoughts immediately drawn back to his years as an apprentice appraiser two years prior.

In this world, the greatest ambition of most commoners was to become a master in their lifetime.

To have their own residence, maids, servants, and beautiful wives and concubines.

To have a coachman driving their carriage and sedan bearers carrying their sedan chair when they went out.

To have stable businesses, status, and power.

For everyone to greet them with a "Master."

Xie An had once entertained the idea of becoming a master himself.

However, due to insufficient ability and the difficulty of rising in chaotic times, he had given up.

Later, Xie An joined the Blood Ridge Black Market and focused on steady development, forgetting about the whole "master" thing.

Unexpectedly, a casual action had yielded unexpected results.

Now he was a master?

Moreover… Xie An looked up and down and thought this girl was quite good.

She didn't have that kind of youthful shyness; instead, she was mature and sensible, the kind who knew how to handle things.

Although Xie An had some guesses in his mind, he still politely asked, "Elder Tang, this is…"

Elder Tang glanced around, "This isn't the place to talk; let's go inside."

"Okay."

Xie An readily agreed.

Just as he stepped over the threshold, Yu He thoughtfully came up and took Xie An's arm, "Master, be careful of your step."

As a fragrant breeze wafted over him, Xie An…

Whoa.

So attentive?

It's making this old man a little uncomfortable.

Elder Tang seemed to see Xie An's awkwardness and immediately laughed, "Let's go in, let's go in."

Tong Shan, Zhang Lin, and Lin Yun also followed inside.

Entering the courtyard, Xie An was shocked to find that it had been renovated, with new doors and windows, and a red carpet laid on the snow, leading straight from the courtyard entrance to the living room.

Xie An entered the living room on the red carpet.

This treatment…

Left Xie An quite shocked.

Arriving in the living room, Xie An discovered that… the decorative style mostly used red, and all the furniture had been replaced.

A stove had been lit early, emitting warmth, and tea had been brewed on the low table between the two seats at the head of the room, steaming hot.

You can't always have a bunch of burly men around you; having a maid by your side will make life and travel much more convenient.

This Miss Yu He is of good background, having grown up in my Tang Family Fortress, and followed my sworn brother in practicing health cultivation.

Later, she couldn't cultivate Qi, but she had extraordinary martial arts talent and was noticed by Chen Qinglang, who intended to train her, so he took her to the Tiger Wolf Gate to learn martial arts.

Although she is only twenty-three years old, she is already a martial arts expert.

Chen Qinglang values her highly; if she weren't a woman and without family connections, she could even be a hall master.

This time, Brother Xie takes office as the Branch Leader of the Blood Ridge Black Market, and this place is of great importance.

Chen Qinglang was worried that Fang Baiyu would make things difficult for you, so he bestowed Yu He upon you as a maid.

It's convenient for communication and correspondence, and also to take care of Brother Xie's daily life."

After hearing this, Xie An nodded repeatedly, "Thank you for Lord Wolf's regard."

Not dispatched, but bestowed.

That meant that Xie An could do whatever he wanted with Yu He, and even bestow her upon someone else.

Logically speaking, Yu He's martial arts achievements weren't small, and she shouldn't be treated as a commodity to be sent back and forth.

But that's just how the world was; men were supreme, and women got this treatment.

Unless they were Jianghu heroes or daughters of wealthy families, they couldn't avoid such a fate.

Xie An, with his keen eyes, naturally saw that Tang Qingyun was only telling one side of the story.

There were two other aspects of the inside story that Tang Qingyun didn't make clear.

First, Chen Qinglang bestowing such an important maid upon him, in addition to the importance of the Blood Ridge Black Market, was definitely taking the Tang Family Fortress's face into account.

Second, why did Chen Qinglang bestow a woman who had connections with the Tang Family Fortress? Why not someone else?

It was to reassure the Tang Family Fortress.

There was another layer… Chen Qinglang sending Yu He probably had some flavor of monitoring him.

It was possible that the Tang Family Fortress also intended to observe him through Yu He.

Thinking of this, Xie An suddenly felt that this matter was not simple.

This Yu He… she had a bit of a double agent vibe, not simple!

Whether it was Chen Qinglang, the Tang Family Fortress, or this girl named Yu He… none of them were simple.

No matter the reason, Xie An couldn't refuse.

Seeing that Xie An had accepted this reward, Tang Qingyun chuckled, "Brother Xie, no need to overthink it.

Miss Yu He is steady and reliable, and very good at taking care of people.

If Yu He does anything inappropriate in the future, Brother Xie doesn't need to hold back; punish her as you see fit, and if you don't like her, it's fine to bestow her upon someone else."

Xie An looked at Yu He, only to see the woman slightly lower her head and bend over to pour tea, revealing her fair neck and delicate collarbones.

Her expression was as usual, without any displeasure, as if she was used to it.

Tang Qingyun, on the other hand, was calm and collected.

It seemed that he didn't think there was anything wrong with bestowing a woman.

Xie An could understand; it wasn't that Tang Qingyun was cruel and ruthless, but that's just how the world's views were.

After some small talk, Tang Qingyun said, "Yu He, go serve Brother Xie to change his clothes.

As the new Branch Leader, the uniform and jade pendant are also different from those of the stewards."

"Yes."

Yu He slightly bowed and then gestured to Xie An, "Master, please follow me.

The uniform and accessories are all in the room."

Xie An didn't hesitate and followed Yu He into the inner room.

Xie An had been to the inner room many times before; Wei Dian had lived and recuperated here when he was seriously ill.

However, it had now been renovated.

The furniture, doors, windows, curtains, and floors had all been replaced.

There were also many more red items, all of which showed a festive flavor.

Moreover, incense had been lit inside, which was refreshing.

On the brand-new bed was the Branch Leader's uniform.

Next to it was a full-length bronze mirror, which was called a dressing mirror in this world.

Through the half-open window, bright sunlight shone in, and two sparrows perched on the windowsill, chirping merrily and joyfully.

Before Xie An could speak, Yu He skillfully came up to help Xie An take off his clothes, "Master, allow me to undress you."

Over the years, Xie An had gotten used to taking care of himself, and suddenly having a maid serve him to undress… it was really a bit unaccustomed.

However, Xie An thought that he would have to get used to it sooner or later.

So, Xie An simply opened his arms generously.

Soon, Xie An was only left with a white undershirt.

Yu He took out the uniform from the bed one by one and carefully put it on Xie An.

A cyan silk robe embroidered with flying cranes, a round collar, and long sleeves.

The style was not that of a loose robe, but rather more fitted.

It highlighted Xie An's strong and upright figure very well, and as soon as he put it on, a heroic aura came over him.

The belt was also inlaid with two pieces of cyan jade, which, although not precious jade, had a very textured feel.

With a pair of cloud-patterned boots on his feet, the whole person's temperament was already significantly different from ordinary people.

Walking on the street, he would immediately have the feeling of a crane standing out from a flock of chickens.

"Master looks very young."

Yu He glanced into the bronze mirror and couldn't help but laugh.

Although it was unknown whether her words were sincere, Xie An felt comfortable after hearing them.

Little kids don't like others calling them little kids; they hope others will say they are steady and mature.

The elderly, on the contrary, hate others saying they are old men and like others praising them for being young.

People ah…

In fact, apart from some white hair in his long hair, Xie An was no different from a middle-aged man.

“This is the blood-colored jade pendant symbolizing the Xiang Lord, with the Master's inscription and identity on it. I'll put it on for you, Master.” Yuhe took out a blood-colored jade pendant, the size of a baby's palm, strung on a very delicate rope, from the bed. She hung it on his belt.

It further accentuated his noble temperament.

Yuhe stared at the bronze mirror for a moment, a satisfied, bell-like smile on her face, “Master looks so good. Please sit down, Master, and I'll tie up your hair.”

Xie An sat down, feeling Yuhe's gentle hands tying up his hair, giving him a sense of déjà vu from getting his hair washed at a barbershop in his previous life. As his long hair was styled, Yuhe brought over a jade hairpin and inserted it into Xie An's bun, then asked Xie An to stand up and look in the mirror.

Xie An stood in front of the full-length mirror and was truly shocked by his reflection.

It's said that a woman in the house is a treasure; after Yuhe's makeover, his whole person had completely changed.

He looked noble and extraordinary, with a dazzling aura.

Moreover, Yuhe had carefully concealed Xie An's white hair.

Who would call this an old man?

He was clearly a mature and heroic man in his early thirties.

Unconsciously, Xie An smiled.

Yuhe smiled and said, “Master, go out and let everyone see. You still need to accept everyone's greetings.”

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Huff!

Xie An took a deep breath and walked out of the room led by Yuhe.

The few people in the living room were originally chatting idly, but when they heard footsteps, they all looked towards Xie An, and then they were all surprised.

Especially Lin Yun and Zhang Lin, who clearly felt that Xie An was different.

His whole person's temperament had undergone a fundamental change, and under the backdrop of the azure uniform, he exuded an aura of a superior, making them instinctively feel… Even though Xie An was standing right in front of them, there was clearly a chasm that was difficult to cross.

“Hahaha.” Tang Qingyun stood up with a smile, “As still as a mountain cliff, attracting tall pines, as graceful as a white crane soaring into the sky. Truly a man of talent, Brother Xie was originally a pearl, but he has been buried for so long, and now his brilliance is finally revealed.”

Although Tang Qingyun praised him to the extreme, Lin Yun and Zhang Lin didn't feel it was exaggerated at all, but felt… this was the truth!

Xie An was very pleased to hear this, but he smiled and said, “Elder Tang is too kind.”

Tang Qingyun said with a smile, “Lin Yun, Zhang Lin, come and meet your new Xiang Lord.”

“Greetings, Xiang Lord Xie.”

“We pay our respects to Xiang Lord Xie.”

Lin Yun and Zhang Lin stepped forward and cupped their hands, offering their heartfelt greetings.

They were clear:

From this moment on—

A new Xiang Lord emerged.

Xie An went up to help the two up, “My two worthy brothers, don't stand on ceremony.”

The three looked at each other and simultaneously revealed bright smiles. Because there were outsiders present, the three smiled somewhat restrainedly, but the joy and delight within could not be concealed no matter what.

Just then, Yuhe also bowed and said, “Yuhe greets Xiang Lord Xie.”

Xie An smiled and said, “No need to stand on ceremony, please rise quickly.”

Yuhe got up, her face full of smiles.

Tang Qingyun nodded and said, “The inner etiquette is complete, but the outer etiquette has not yet been completed. According to the procedure, all four Xiang Lords of the branch will be replaced today, and most of the disciples of the branch have arrived at the martial arts field. I need to take you to meet them, so that everyone can recognize your faces and accept everyone's greetings.”

Since it was a procedure, Xie An naturally couldn't refuse, “I'll trouble Elder Tang.”

Following Tang Qingyun out of Ping'an Garden, Xie An found that the other three Xiang Lords were actually waiting outside.

Compared to Xie An's being surrounded by stars, the other three Xiang Lords didn't have this treatment, and were standing alone. Moreover, the uniforms on their bodies, although also very good, were obviously a level below Xie An's.

Although they were both Xiang Lords, the treatment and etiquette were already undisguised. Chen Qinglang's intentions were already evident.

Chen Qing stepped forward at this time and cupped his hands at Xie An, “Congratulations, Xiang Lord Xie.”

When Chen Qing first saw Xie An at Granny Wang's shop, he didn't take Xie An seriously. Or rather, at that time, Chen Qing didn't take any of the contestants from the White Feather Hall seriously. In layman's terms, it was: except for me, everyone sitting here is trash.

But later… Chen Qing changed and put down his posture. He was even influenced by Xie An to stay and serve as a Xiang Lord to gain experience.

Xie An cupped his hands in return, “Congratulations, Xiang Lord Chen.”

“Congratulations, Xiang Lord Xie. I, Wang Liuhe, am sincerely convinced that you won first place. I am very grateful to Xiang Lord Xie for showing mercy to me at the beginning.” Wang Liuhe also came up to express his gratitude at this time. If Xie An was a ruthless and insidious person, he could have completely crippled him, Wang Liuhe, and prevented him from becoming a Xiang Lord.

Xu Bin was slightly awkward, but still cupped his hands and said, “Congratulations, Xiang Lord Xie. If you hadn't killed Hong Lie, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to fill the vacancy…”

Speaking of which, Xu Bin, this young man, probably felt quite embarrassed, so he lowered his head and his voice became smaller.

Xie An didn't expect the other three Xiang Lords to be so considerate and proactively express their gratitude.

If that's the case… their three appointments as Xiang Lords were all thanks to him?

Influenced Chen Qing's decision, showed mercy to Wang Liuhe, and killed Hong Lie, giving Xu Bin the opportunity to fill the vacancy…

Hiss!

Xie An took a deep breath in his heart, not expecting that imperceptibly… his influence as a Xiang Lord was so great?

Recovering, Xie An saw Xu Bin's awkwardness, so he smiled and said, “Xiang Lord Xu, don't be like this. Opportunities are only left for those who are prepared. If you weren't strong enough, you wouldn't have won the second test either. The person you should thank the most… is actually Elder Tang. If Elder Tang hadn't been selfless and determined this test, everyone wouldn't have had a chance to stand out.”

Then everyone suddenly realized and turned their guns around to thank Tang Qingyun.

Tang Qingyun was obviously taken aback, not expecting such a reversal. After thinking about it carefully, he felt that Xie An was very understanding and looked at Xie An with admiration, then smiled and said, “Everyone doesn't need to be so restrained, just do your job well. Let's go, I'll take you to meet the disciples of the branch and accept their greetings.”

After this conversation, the unfamiliarity between the four Xiang Lords was reduced a lot, and they all felt that Xie An was easy to get along with and had no airs. No wonder he was deeply valued by Elder Tang. Those who can lead are indeed not simple.

Xie An followed Tang Qingyun to the martial arts field and saw that two hundred and several dozen branch disciples had all arrived.

They were neatly lined up, with great momentum.

Pairs of fiery eyes were all focused on Xie An.

As for Wang Ziwu and Fang Baiyu, they were not present. It stands to reason that Fang Baiyu, as the Hall Master, should be there, but he was probably angry and didn't show up.

Tang Qingyun didn't care, walked to the front of the crowd, pointed to Xie An and the others, “Everyone is a good man of my Tiger Wolf Gate, come, meet the four new Xiang Lords. The first one is the Xiang Lord of Blood Ridge, Xie An.”

As soon as the voice fell.

The sound of thunder echoed throughout the audience.

“Greetings, Xiang Lord Xie!”

The roar was like thunder, as fiery as fire.

Xie An stood under the eaves, looking at the two hundred and several dozen disciples in front of him, feeling their admiration, yearning, and fiery passion.

The houses outside the courtyard were covered with white snow, undulating and continuous, connecting to the distant Huai River. There was wind swept over from the surface of the Huai River, across the streets of Shuideng Town, the crowd, every household… and finally blowing on Xie An's face.

Xie An knew that he was no longer the inconspicuous little clerk he once was.

But… a carp leaping out of shallow water, entering the rivers and seas!

From now on… the sea is wide for fish to leap!