Chapter 28.8
Ah, the names of these four brothers were quite fitting: Liang, Gong, Jian, Rang.
The gray-haired Shen Gong was headache-inducing: “Enough! Go inside! Stop embarrassing us! Whatever you have to say, we brothers will discuss it inside. Not here at the door!”
He had just returned from the county office, his head still foggy, when his fourth brother grabbed him. Shen Gong struggled fiercely but couldn’t break free. Shen Gong roared, “Let go of me!”
Shen Liang’s expression darkened. “Shen Rang! What are you doing?”
Shen Rang wailed, “Big Brother! I know I was wrong! Please don’t take back the gambling house—it’s my lifeline!” The slightly plump Shen Rang released his second brother’s leg and began rolling around on the ground.
Shen Liang, enraged, flicked his wrist. Several streaks of purple spiritual energy shot forth, wrapping around Shen Rang and swiftly carrying him back into the Shen residence. Shen Gong exhaled in relief, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. “Thank goodness you’re back, elder brother. Who knows what chaos Shen Rang would have caused otherwise.”
Shen Liang’s voice darkened. “We’ll discuss this later. Go inside and inform Third Brother. I have distinguished guests.” Only then did Shen Gong notice Lian Wushang and Wen Heng standing behind Shen Liang. He bowed respectfully to them. “This humble one is Shen Gong. Greetings, esteemed Immortal Masters.”
His elder brother’s guests were undoubtedly cultivators—there could be no mistake. Shen Gong’s rise to the highest ranks of the court owed not only to powerful backing but also to his own smooth and slippery nature.
Wen Heng and Lian Wushang returned the courtesy. Had they had relatives like Shen Rang, they likely wouldn’t have been much better than Shen Liang and Shen Gong.
Shen Liang turned to the two men. “Please forgive my family’s disgrace, my fellow cultivators. What a disgrace!”
Lian Wushang offered comfort: “It’s quite fortunate, Fellow Daoist Shen. To have loved ones by your side even at your Golden Core cultivation level is a great blessing.”
The path of cultivation is arduous. Sometimes, decades pass before a cultivator emerges from seclusion. Many return home after establishing their Foundation or forming their Golden Core only to find their parents and siblings reduced to dust. Such grief is beyond words. Thus, most cultivators sever all worldly ties as their first step on the path.
Some extreme cultivators, seeking to prove their resolve, would go so far as to kill their wives, children, masters, and friends—slaughtering their entire kin. Of course, Lian Wushang had always believed such cultivators were unlikely to achieve greatness.
“Enough of that. Please, come inside.” Shen Liang led Wen Heng and Lian Wushang up the steps.
At that moment, a graceful young maiden emerged from the right side of the stone screen. Accompanied by her maid, she stepped around the screen and curtsied gracefully before Shen Liang. “Greetings, Uncle.” Shen Liang examined her from head to toe. “Ah Rou’s spiritual energy grows ever more refined. Is she nearing Foundation Establishment?”
The maiden replied softly, “Yes, Uncle.” Dressed in pale blue robes, she stood like a pool of clear, steady water. Her demeanor was dignified and measured, her bearing that of a true lady of noble birth.
“My dear child, are you going out?” It was already afternoon, and even Shen Liang felt it unwise for her to venture out. “Your wedding is imminent; you must rest more. Have the servants handle any errands.” The girl smiled faintly. “Uncle, my closest friend has invited me to admire the river lanterns at South Lake.”
Shen Liang, the very picture of a stern yet benevolent elder, replied, “Then enjoy yourself. I’ll come to fetch you later.” The girl curtsied gracefully. “Thank you, Uncle.”
As she passed by Lian Wushang and the others, she gave them a slight bow. When Wen Heng looked over, he caught a glimpse of her eyes.
“Master—” Wen Heng saw the girl kneel before him, weeping, “Master, I refuse to accept this!” Instantly, Wen Heng felt a splitting headache. Darkness flooded his vision, and he nearly collapsed. Only his beggar’s staff kept him upright, cold sweat breaking out on his brow.
What kind of chaotic nonsense was he seeing now?!
![Flying Dust [Fei Chen]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9k.png "Flying Dust [Fei Chen]")