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

Lin Yun's words made Xie An feel a little embarrassed.

Actually, Xie An had been considering a question before this: how to tell Lin Yun about these things.

After all, Xie An was a Second Deacon, subordinate to Lin Yun. Suddenly vying for the position of Incense Master and showing strength far surpassing Lin Yun would inevitably make Lin Yun feel uncomfortable, or even suspect him of having other intentions.

Xie An had always been cautious, afraid of hurting Lin Yun or creating rifts between them.

However, with the examination imminent tomorrow, time was pressing. Xie An had no choice but to reveal these things tonight.

Now it seemed, Xie An realized he had overthought it.

Lin Yun was very forthright and magnanimous, immediately adjusting his mindset and correcting his position.

"Brother Lin..."

Before Xie An could speak, Lin Yun patted Xie An on the shoulder and, in turn, did some ideological work for Xie An, "You don't need to worry about me. I'm happier than anyone that you can stand up. Moreover, the development of the Blood Ridge Black Market will become greater and greater in the future, and only extraordinary people can sit firmly in the position of Incense Master. Even if I侥幸(jiao xing-luckily) win the Incense Master position, I won't be able to sit firmly. With you here, I feel more at ease.

Hahaha, our Blood Ridge lineage has welcomed a late-blooming Brother Xie. Good, good, good!"

Lin Yun was so excited that he seemed several years younger, praising Xie An for being promising. After a long time, he realized it was late and told Xie An to rest early and go to the hall early tomorrow morning to participate in the examination.

Zhang Lin and the other two also congratulated and praised him, leaving on the pretext of not disturbing Xie An's rest.

After seeing everyone off, Xie An breathed a sigh of relief.

The stone weighing on his heart had finally been lifted.

The series of events that had recently occurred made Xie An sigh with emotion.

According to Xie An's original intention, he simply felt that the current chaotic world was not friendly to the elderly, and there was no way to get ahead. That's why he chose to join the Tiger Wolf Gate to find a place to develop steadily, practice martial arts, and cultivate.

All along, Xie An only wanted to develop steadily, and didn't want to cause trouble, nor did he have too much ambition to stand out.

But later... he accidentally obtained a celestial treasure, and met Wei Dian, who was poisoned by the Corpse Poison Pill, who imparted all his knowledge... From then on, he passed the starting stage of martial arts, and now he has entered the Refined Flesh Realm, making him a super-first-class expert in the White Feather Hall.

And the battle at the Chen Mansion caused the four Incense Masters of the White Feather Hall to be defeated, facing examination and the promotion of new people.

With Wei Dian gone, Lin Yun risked his life to take the stage...

And Xie An happened to break through to the Refined Flesh Realm before the examination...

One thing after another came one after another, prompting Xie An to decide to take the stage and wield his saber.

Although it was different from the original plan, it undoubtedly gave Xie An an opportunity to be promoted to Incense Master.

From deacon to incense master, it was an opportunity that many martial artists couldn't wait for in ten years.

Now, it was placed in front of Xie An.

It would be unrealistic to say that he wasn't a little excited and expectant.

"Since the situation forces me to be this Incense Master, then so be it!"

Xie An gathered his thoughts and closed the courtyard door.

He entered the kitchen, moved the water tank, dug out the blue bricks and stones below, and took out a red square celestial treasure box from a secret compartment, carefully stroking it in his hand.

Every time he held this celestial treasure box, Xie An felt a strong sense of security.

"It just so happens that Tang Qingyun is coming tomorrow, I'll go and tell him that I've already cultivated Qi Sensation... If I have the opportunity to obtain the Tang Family Fort's inheritance and cultivate the Bright Jade Skill, I'll open this celestial treasure in the future... and see what exactly is inside."

Compared to this Incense Master position, Xie An was most looking forward to the celestial treasure.

Li Changchun of the Changsheng Sect, the former dynasty's state religion, had obtained it in his lifetime.

It must be extraordinary.

"However, I always feel that obtaining this celestial treasure was too easy, which is a little unsettling..."

...

The next day.

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Although today was an important day, Xie An was not too excited. He still wore his inner衬(chen-lining) as usual and practiced a set of Five Animal Frolics in the yard,调运(tiao yun-circulated) the Fetal Breath Technique, and then熟络(shuluo-skillfully) practiced the伏阳(fu yang-Subduing Yang) Saber Technique and重山(chong shan-Heavy Mountain) Saber.

After completing all this, he began to wash, put on the deacon's uniform, fastened his belt, and hung a jade pendant on the belt. In fact, there was a hanging扣(kou-buckle) on the belt that could be used to hang a腰刀(yao dao-waist saber), but Xie An's腰刀(yao dao-waist saber) was too heavy to hang, and even his褲衩(ku cha-underpants) would be pulled down, which was extremely indecent.

He could only change to carrying it on his back.

This wouldn't seem abrupt, as many刀客(dao ke-saber users) and劍客(jian ke-swordmen) did this.

After dressing neatly, Xie An pushed open the courtyard door.

"Boss, I've been waiting for you to come out." Wang Xiang stood early in the snowy ground outside the door, constantly搓手(cuo shou-rubbing hands) and哈气(ha qi-breathing out hot air).

Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi were also waiting next to him, and they came up to greet Xie An after seeing him.

Everyone knew that Xie An was going to the hall today to participate in the examination, which was related to the future of the entire Blood Ridge Black Market, so naturally they treated Xie An as a treasure.

Xie An knew this well and didn't hesitate, "Let's go. Set off."

"Okay, I'll牵马(qian ma-lead the horse)."

Wang Xiang had the lowest position and was very self-aware. Without waiting for everyone to speak, he麻溜(ma liu-quickly) went to the stable to lead four good horses.

驾(jia-Giddy up)!

The four of them mounted their horses and疾驰(ji chi-galloped) in the snow. The rapid hooves踏(ta-trampled) up the sky of snowflakes,冲(chong-rushing) out of the峡谷(xia gu-canyon) all the way, straight to 水灯镇(Shui Deng Zhen-Water Lantern Town).

When they arrived at 水灯镇(Shui Deng Zhen-Water Lantern Town), it was just dawning.

However, after the snow stopped, the entire 水灯镇(Shui Deng Zhen-Water Lantern Town) immediately returned to its former prosperity.

The花船(hua chuan-pleasure boats) parked at the 水灯(Shui Deng-Water Lantern) Wharf, after a night of旖旎(yi ni-romantic and charming), re-opened their lights, and many姑娘(gu niang-girls) dressed in花枝招展(hua zhi zhao zhan-gaudily dressed) disembarked, creating a unique scene.

The streets were filled with卖货郎(mai huo lang-peddlers) and摊主(tan zhu-stall owners), each吆喝叫卖(yao he jiao mai-hawking).

"Freshly baked豆腐脑(dou fu nao-tofu brain), new, sweet and delicious, passing by, have a bowl and feel refreshed."

"Freshly baked牛肉包子(niu rou bao zi-beef buns), two文钱(wen qian-copper coins) each."

咕噜(gu lu-rumble).

Wang Xiang's stomach咕咕(gu gu-rumbling) sounded.

Zhang Lin heard it and laughed: "Brother Wang Xiang, please bear with it. Wang Po's shop is in front, that's a ten-year old brand. Today, I'm treating, all you can eat. Just consider it a send-off for Brother Xie."

After hundreds of meters, the four dismounted, tied the horses' reins to the ancient槐树(huai shu-locust tree) by the road, and entered Wang Po's shop.

"Wang Po, come four屉(ti-steamer layer) of肉包子(rou bao zi-meat buns), four bowls of豆浆(dou jiang-soy milk), eight油条(you tiao-fried dough sticks)..." Zhang Lin went inside and found a seat,熟络(shuluo-familiar) calling out. He was obviously a regular here.

A middle-aged woman in an apron凑(cou-approached) to record,寒暄(han xuan-exchanging greetings) and greeting with a smile, "Master Zhang, you are a rare guest here. I remember you. Wait a moment, I'll bring it to you right away."

Taking advantage of this间隙(jian xi-pause), Xie An looked around.

This breakfast shop was not small, with twenty or so wooden tables inside, and seven or eight of them were occupied by diners at the moment. Many diners called out 'Wang Po' one after another, calling out very熟络(shuluo-familiar). Some of the diners were also wearing佩刀(pei dao-saber), obviously江湖客(jiang hu ke-martial artists) with martial arts foundations.

This looked unusual.

"Aunt Wang, why are there so many Jianghu people here today?"

Aunt Wang, while serving the buns, said, "I heard that the White Feather Hall is examining four incense masters today. This is a rare event in Shuideng Town. Many are here to watch, and some... I heard that they are deacons from other halls of the White Feather Hall, who have come here specifically to participate in the examination."

So that's how it is.

Xie An had a plan in his mind. While eating breakfast, he opened his extraordinary senses and paid attention to the Jianghu guests around him. Many of them were quite strong, and some were even discussing it loudly.

"I've been a deacon in the county town hall for five years. I'm clearly strong, but I just don't have the opportunity to be promoted to incense master. This is a rare opportunity, and I must take the top four spots. I want to be an incense master and bring glory to my ancestors."

"You can't stand being a deacon for only five years? I've been a deacon for eight years. Damn it, the cheapest thing in the Tiger Wolf Gate is a deacon. There are so many of them. It's really boring. When I get an incense master position this time, I'll be superior to others. I want to see who dares to order me around."

"I've been a deacon for twelve years and haven't said anything. What are you guys shouting about? I'll be straight with you, I only have one goal in coming to Shuideng Town this time."

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As soon as this was said, everyone around looked over.

"What goal?"

The man who had been a deacon for twelve years successfully attracted the attention of many people, and immediately patted the table proudly, "To win the top spot! Take over the Blood Ridge Black Market. I heard that the Blood Ridge Black Market will expand in the future and transform into a commercial center. This incense master position is more important than the White Feather Hall master. It's mine for sure."

"Bah, you? Win the top spot? Where do you get your confidence?"

"What about me? Isn't twelve years of韬光养晦 enough?"

"Your information is too outdated. I'll tell you directly. Recently, Elder Tang of the Kao Gong Hall urgently promoted a deacon named Chen Qing. The top spot will either go to Hong Lie or this Chen Qing."

"Who is Chen Qing? Why haven't I heard of him before? Are you exaggerating?"

"According to rumors, Chen Qing... is the son of Chen Qinglang."

As soon as this was said, the people around gasped and fell silent.

The guy who had been a deacon for twelve years didn't dare to say harsh words anymore. Instead, he was greatly shocked, and his whole person wilted.

Xie An's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.

Tiger Wolf Gate... Meng Hu... Chen Qinglang...

That's right, Chen Qinglang is another gate master of the Tiger Wolf Gate.

That's definitely a big shot among big shots.

Xie An never expected that this Blood Ridge Black Market... would attract the attention of the gate master. He even personally sent his son to participate in the examination.

Things are getting bigger and bigger.

However, Xie An, who was eating buns with his head down, realized that something was wrong.

Even if someone revealed that Chen Qing was participating in the examination, it should only be silent for a moment before returning to the lively atmosphere. Why has no one been talking all this time?

This is very abnormal.

Just then, Xie An heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Xiao Qing, feel free to order whatever you like to eat. Today, I, your uncle, am treating. Consider it a send-off for you."

Eh?

Isn't that Tang Qingyun's voice?

Xie An immediately turned around and saw Tang Qingyun, wearing a green lanshan robe, leading a handsome young man in his early twenties into Aunt Wang's bun shop.

No wonder the deacons who came to participate in the examination didn't dare to speak...

The main character is here.

They may not know Chen Qing, but they definitely know Tang Qingyun.

Unfortunately, there are no seats in the shop.

Tang Qingyun glanced around, feeling very embarrassed.

Immediately, an understanding deacon stood up and moved his seat, "Elder Tang, please sit in my seat."

Tang Qingyun smiled and politely declined, "When you're out and about, there's no need to talk about so many rules. Everyone just needs to eat and drink well. It's the same if I buy some food and eat it on the roadside outside."

As soon as this was said, it immediately attracted the admiration of countless people.

Just then, Xie An raised his hand and said to Tang Qingyun, "Elder Tang. You're here."

Eh?

When Tang Qingyun saw Xie An, his eyes lit up a lot, and he felt very kind. He led Chen Qing to Xie An's side, "If you don't mind..."

"How dare I mind? Elder Tang, please sit." Xie An hurriedly gave Wang Xiang a look, and the latter immediately stood up and swept the dust off the stool. Liang Zhi also quickly stood up, made way for a seat, and swept the dust off with his sleeve.

"Don't be so polite, sit down. I'll just add two benches." Tang Qingyun still politely declined, asked Aunt Wang to find two benches, and squeezed in to sit down.

This subtle action made Xie An very admire him, so he beckoned Wang Xiang and Liang Zhi to sit down and eat breakfast together.

The deacons around were unhappy and glared at Xie An angrily. They wondered who this old guy was? Why was Elder Tang giving him so much face?

But they only dared to think about it and didn't dare to show it.

Taking advantage of the break while eating breakfast, Tang Qingyun said casually to Xie An, "Although I rarely go to Blood Ridge, I've also heard about your affairs. You made a contribution during the siege of the Plum Blossom Monster in the Chen residence, and Wei Dian even made you the Second Deacon. Are you here to participate in the examination this time?"

Xie An said, "Yes. Thanks to Elder Tang's help back then, I was able to gain a foothold in Blood Ridge."

Hehe.

Tang Qingyun smiled and said, "It's because you're capable. However... it's indeed fate that you met me. This world is often prejudiced against old people, but only my Tang Family Fortress knows the power of great things coming late and the Art of Longevity. By the way, when you come to the examination this time, have you set any goals?"

Xie An looked at Chen Qing, who was eating buns with his head down, and said, "Incense Master Wei has done me a great favor. I don't want Incense Master Wei's efforts to fall into the hands of others, so I want to compete for it."

This matter can't be hidden sooner or later.

Since Tang Qingyun asked, Xie An felt that he couldn't hide it. Otherwise, when the results come out later, Tang Qingyun would feel that he deliberately hid it from him, and there would be some suspicion.

Taking the stage for the examination is a public matter, so there is no need to be evasive.

As soon as this was said, Chen Qing and Tang Qingyun looked up at Xie An at the same time, very surprised. Especially Chen Qing, there was some disdain in his eyes, probably thinking that Xie An was overestimating himself.

Tang Qingyun didn't have any emotions, and smiled softly, "Good. You have ambition. The men of my Tiger Wolf Gate should be like this. Have you broken through the second level?"

Xie An said, "Thanks to Incense Master Wei's care, I broke through the second level. Moreover... my Art of Longevity has also cultivated Qi, which has added a bit of confidence to me."

The first half of the sentence is not important, the second half is the information that Xie An actively expressed.

Swish!

Tang Qingyun suddenly stood up in shock, uncharacteristically losing his composure, "You have cultivated Qi!?!"

-----

ps: Three updates of 11,000 words, asking for monthly tickets.