Chapter 507 – Ideological Instruction

Zhang Xiaohua spoke very softly. Valley Master Nie gave a slight nod and reached out to pat his shoulder, indicating that he understood. From not far away, Steward Yang, who had been waiting, watched the scene and found it rather reminiscent of a father-in-law and son-in-law parting ways.

Immediately afterward, Zhang Xiaohua patted Huanhuan and followed Steward Yang away. After going some distance, he turned back, cupped his hands toward the people of Spring Rebirth Valley who still stood where they were without moving, then turned his head and caught up with the Incense Spreading Sect’s convoy. They went farther and farther away until he gradually disappeared from sight.

Watching Zhang Xiaohua shrink into a tiny black dot in the distance, Nie Qianrong rode her horse to Valley Master Nie’s side and said: “Father, I’ve long wanted to remind you of something, but since I’m already married, I didn’t dare meddle in the Valley’s affairs. Now that the emissaries from the Incense Spreading Sect have left, I truly can’t hold it in any longer—I want…”

Valley Master Nie smiled. “You’re still worried that Young Hero Ren might bring trouble to our Spring Rebirth Valley, aren’t you?”

Nie Qianrong’s face flushed as she murmured: “Although Young Hero Ren has done our Spring Rebirth Valley a great favor, still…”

Valley Master Nie waved his hand. “Qianrong, remember this—Young Hero Ren’s kindness to our Spring Rebirth Valley is as heavy as a mountain. You don’t need to know the specifics. What we’ve done is merely a price that must be paid. Besides, things have already come to this point. Even if there were some mishap, talking about it now would be useless—why dwell on it?”

Nie Qianrong nodded. “It’s just that Little Yu…”

At this moment, Yue Zhonglin also stepped forward and said: “Father-in-law, this Young Hero Ren is a rare sort in the jianghu. Letting him go just like that—Little Yu is bound to suffer lovesickness.”

Nie Qianrong spat: “How can you speak about your sister-in-law like that?”

Valley Master Nie stroked his beard and said with a sigh: “Young Hero Ren is no creature meant to remain in a shallow pond. His time and fortune simply haven’t arrived yet—sooner or later, he will soar across the nine heavens. As for our Spring Rebirth Valley… ah, it will only depend on whether our Little Yu possesses that kind of charm.”

Just as he finished speaking, Nie Qianxiu and Qiang Sheng also stepped forward. The three of them exchanged glances, and all fell silent.

Nie Qianxiu looked curiously at the three who had suddenly fallen silent and said with a smile, “Father, Elder Sister, you were talking about that Ren Xiaoyao, weren’t you? That fellow is quite shrewd—he actually managed to muddle Father’s judgment and even got you to agree to let him go to the Incense Spreading Sect! Sigh, Father, it’s not that your daughter means to criticize you, but even if he escorted Little Yu back, all he did was drive a carriage and deliver a person. Who knows whether he had other motives? Our Spring Rebirth Valley possesses such a vast foundation—how could he not understand the benefits of becoming a live-in son-in-law? That day, he only pretended to decline, but afterward, why didn’t we see him take the initiative to leave? In my opinion, he must have already investigated everything clearly, using our Spring Rebirth Valley as a stepping stone to reach the Incense Spreading Sect, and along the way even toyed with Little Yu’s feelings, intending to bring our Spring Rebirth Valley under his control.”

Qiang Sheng did not speak so bluntly. He merely said: “Father-in-law, this matter may have been handled somewhat improperly. Ren Xiaoyao is, after all, an outsider. Even if his background is clean, it would still be best not to…”

Seeing Valley Master Nie’s expression darken, Qiang Sheng did not dare finish his sentence and only added: “In any case, Father-in-law should be more cautious in the future.”

Seeing this, Nie Qianxiu let out a cold laugh. “Since ancient times, loyal advice always sounds unpleasant to the ear. Father, I’m only thinking for the sake of our Spring Rebirth Valley. If you won’t accept it, we juniors cannot complain. Still, regarding Qiang Sheng’s matter, we must thank you again, Father. Now that the emissaries from the Incense Spreading Sect have left, we’ve already had our servants prepare the carriage. Your daughter will return to the Giant Whale Gang and report this matter to my father-in-law—surely he will come personally to express his thanks. When that time comes, I’ll return again.”

Hearing this, Valley Master Nie waved his hand. “No need. Qiang Sheng, go back and tell your father that this matter is not to be mentioned again in the future—treat it as though it never happened. If word were to leak out, it would not be good.”

Qiang Sheng acknowledged the order. The husband and wife then spurred their horses and departed ahead.

Valley Master Nie glanced at the others and also waved his hand. “Let’s go. Back to the Valley.”

He then looked once more in the direction the Incense Spreading Sect had gone, but there was already no one in sight. With a flick of the reins, he turned his horse and headed straight back to Spring Rebirth Valley.

The one who needed to be sent off had already been sent off, and those who needed to leave had already left. Several months had passed as though it were only yesterday. Life in Spring Rebirth Valley still had to go on as usual. Only now that they possessed the Scarlet Flame Pill and a new method of pill refinement, could Spring Rebirth Valley still remain the same as before?

A surge of hope rose in Valley Master Nie’s heart!

Now then, speaking of Zhang Xiaohua—he rode his Sibuxiang and caught up to Steward Yang ahead.

Steward Yang was some distance from the main convoy, moving along slowly. It was obvious he was waiting for Zhang Xiaohua.

When Zhang Xiaohua drew near, he cupped his hands and said: “Steward Yang, I thank you for your help.”

Steward Yang looked at Zhang Xiaohua, narrowed his eyes, and smiled. “Nephew Ren, that mount of yours—the Sibuxiang—is quite good. Spring Rebirth Valley must have given it to you, right?”

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback for a moment but did not argue, only smiling as he said: “It was indeed Uncle Nie’s kindness.”

Steward Yang nodded. “Old Brother Nie and Little Yu truly treat you well—going so far as to give you even the Valley’s rare Sibuxiang as a mount. I’m rather envious. But that’s a small matter. For your sake, they even ignored the rules about recommending medicine boys and pulled strings all the way to me.”

Zhang Xiaohua replied respectfully: “Yes. Valley Master Nie and Little Yu’s deep kindness—I will never forget it for as long as I live.”

Steward Yang let out a cold laugh. “What’s the use of ‘never forgetting’? In the future, you should repay kindness—that’s the proper way.”

Zhang Xiaohua was even more startled. He cupped his hands again. “Please rest assured, Steward Yang—how could I not understand? After I leave the Incense Spreading Sect in the future, I will certainly repay Spring Rebirth Valley.”

Steward Yang shook his head, still sneering. “Ren Xiaoyao, you and Nie Shuai both underestimate our Incense Spreading Sect. Return to the jianghu? How easy do you think that is? Who knows how many medicine boys from Spring Rebirth Valley have entered the Incense Spreading Sect—how many have ever returned? Don’t think so far ahead.”

Zhang Xiaohua grumbled inwardly, What does Steward Yang mean by this? When I say I’ll never forget, he says that’s useless. When I say I’ll repay the kindness, he still says it’s not enough—just what does he want from me?

Outwardly, Zhang Xiaohua remained respectful. “Then I ask Steward Yang for your instructions. No matter what my status was yesterday, from this moment on, I am a medicine boy of the Incense Spreading Sect. If there is anything I should do, I hope Steward Yang will give me your guidance.”

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s humble attitude, Steward Yang nodded inwardly. “Good. Since you understand your own status, that makes things easier. Speaking of your former status, you were the son-in-law of Spring Rebirth Valley. Remember that—Xiao Yu’s future husband!”

Zhang Xiaohua was instantly embarrassed. He thought to himself, Ai—what a huge title to have placed on my head. It sounds impressive enough, yet I haven’t even held her hand, and I’m already branded with it. If Little Yu’er heard this, she’d probably be delighted.

He found it awkward to refute, and said with an embarrassed smile, “Well… I understand, it’s just—”

“There’s no ‘just,’” Steward Yang waved his hand. “I can be said to have watched Little Yu grow up. Since Nie Shuai has entrusted his son-in-law to me, I will certainly keep a close eye on you. And remember—back at Spring Rebirth Valley, your future wife is still waiting for you!”

“Ugh!” Zhang Xiaohua inwardly groaned. What is all this? Valley Master Nie himself doesn’t even put on the airs of a future father-in-law, yet this unrelated person is… sigh. Still, he means well—at least it shows Valley Master Nie didn’t entrust me to the wrong person.

Yet in his heart, Zhang Xiaohua protested bitterly, You may be sounding the alarm for me, but Little Yu isn’t necessarily ‘waiting faithfully.’ Who knows—tomorrow she might meet some handsome young hero and get married. Meanwhile, I’m the only one being watched so closely—

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua remained silent, Steward Yang continued: “Moreover, your current status is nothing more than a medicine boy of my Pill Expansion Hall. This status is even lower than before. To put it plainly, it’s like the herb-gathering lads in your Spring Rebirth Valley—perhaps even more lowly. You’d best be mentally prepared, so you won’t find it hard to adjust.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded. “Please rest assured, Steward Yang. I understand. Uncle Nie also warned me about this.”

Steward Yang nodded as well, then changed the topic. “Since you understand your current status, then I must tell you this—within our Incense Spreading Sect, from top to bottom, female disciples are held in the highest regard. Whenever you encounter one, you must be cautious. Keep your conduct proper, set your mindset straight, and be a good medicine boy—pure of heart, restrained in desire, and mindful in both word and thought.”

When Zhang Xiaohua heard this, he almost fell off his Sibuxiang. Is it really necessary? After talking for so long, he’s basically just warning me not to flirt around and betray Nie Xiaoyu, isn’t he?

Sure enough, Steward Yang continued: “No matter your former status or your current one, neither allows you to provoke the female disciples of the Incense Spreading Sect. Leaving aside the matter of betraying Nie Shuai and Xiao Yu—even the rules of my Pill Expansion Hall would not spare you.”

Zhang Xiaohua gave a wry smile. “Steward Yang, just look at me—do I seem like the sort who would go around provoking female disciples?”

Steward Yang sized him up and down and shook his head slightly.

Then he glanced toward the convoy ahead and lowered his voice. “Ren Xiaoyao, tell me this—don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. Do you know our Lady Kong? When did you two meet?”

Steward Yang’s gossiping expression surprised Zhang Xiaohua. He hurriedly waved his hands. “Lady Kong? Please don’t speak carelessly, Steward Yang. I only met Lady Kong for the first time at Elder Zhang’s place. She was wearing a veil—I didn’t even see her face, nor do I know what she looks like. How could I possibly know her? Let alone have met her before.”

“You really don’t know her?”

Steward Yang still didn’t believe him. “Then why did she act so unusually when she saw you? And just now she treated you with such favor—even when you didn’t depart on time, she didn’t blame you. Do you take me for a fool?”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled. It’s just leaving a little late—how serious can that be?

He shook his head again. “Think about it, Steward Yang. If I really knew Lady Kong, would I have needed Uncle Nie to send me to you? I could have gone directly to her, couldn’t I…?”

“Hmm, that’s true,” Steward Yang frowned, then continued: “But even if Lady Kong were to take a liking to you, boy, remember this—don’t ever entertain thoughts of reaching too high. If you do, I swear on this old life of mine, I will drag you down, no matter what. Ha! Don’t think you can strut about just because you were the champion on the Martial Marriage Arena. Our Incense Spreading Sect is full of masters—pick any disciple at random and a single finger would crush you. If you don’t listen to me, and dare betray Little Yu, I can easily find someone to… neuter you, leaving you only able to watch but never partake.”

Seeing Steward Yang’s triumphant expression, Zhang Xiaohua almost toppled off his Sibuxiang again. His first lesson in the ideological education of the Incense Spreading Sect turned out to be shockingly severe!!!