Chapter 1463: Another Shock
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie was really shocked by Heller's question like as if he was struck by a lightning bolt.
"Heller, you mean that there…there're some spiritual beings more powerful than sage-level demon knights?" Zhang Tie couldn't help but stammer.
"I could only tell you that sage-level demon knight couldn't pose any influence to the bearing rules of the small tree. It's a very advanced power that is far greater than that of sage-level knights as it could directly prevent demon knights from being affected by the bearing rules of the small tree!"
Although Heller didn't tell Zhang Tie explicitly, Zhang Tie, who was familiar with Heller's talking style had already got the answer. In the past, Zhang Tie had already sensed it. However, he didn't want to face it. Now, this answer was finally proved by the fruit of redemption from the gratitude of humans given Heller's explanation.
Zhang Tie didn't know what to do, cry or smile.
The new fruit was a piece of good news for Zhang Tie. However, the fact that demons had powers far greater than sage-level knights let Zhang Tie feel a heavy burden. As for Zhang Tie, this stress was similar to that when he realized that the holy war was going to break out soon when he was a horny boy. In a trance, the invisible stress shocked his soul and made him suffocated about his fate facing the sea of stars at night.
"Is…is there really a demon deity?"
"What's your definition for deity? Based on your current ability, if you were in the age before the Catastrophe, you could live hundreds even thousands of years; you could fly in the sky out of the effect of gravity of the planet; you could be immune to sabers and guns; you could remain young forever; you could read others' memories; you could control one's soul by throwing a glance at him; you would also be a deity for those people in that age. However, do you really think that you're a deity?" People always say that deities are almighty. However, the word "almighty" itself is contradictory; it's the product of a paradox; it's an innocent fantasy."
After being silent for a few seconds, Zhang Tie asked another question, "Would the small tree bear other fruits of consciousness of universal laws on higher levels?"
"Yes, the small tree could bear another 8 fruits of consciousness of universal laws from class II to class IX. Each level of the fruit of consciousness of universal laws could enable Castle Lord to touch the rules of a new level. The last fruit that this small tree could bring Castle Lord is also the class IX fruit of consciousness of universal laws!"
Heller's words meant that there were at least 9 greater realms above a sage-level knight. Attention! It was at least. Due to the limited abilities of the small tree, it could not bear anything higher than itself…
It was not an end, but a beginning to become a sage-level knight.
There were unimaginable, more powerful existences above sage-level demon knights.
However, Zhang Tie was just a shadow knight. He should promote to a heavenly knight, then a sage-level knight, from when he just gained a new start as there would be more powerful realms above it.
Such a new recognition was like an ice bucket challenge for Zhang Tie. After quivering all over for a bit, he abruptly woke up from the sense of achievement after he killed a heavenly demon knight above the bank of Weishui River.
"Now that there're such powerful demon existences, why would the holy war last for so many years?" Zhang Tie asked Heller.
"What do you think?" Heller gazed at Zhang Tie seriously too.
"Are there also unknown powerful human existences?" Zhang Tie felt there probably was as he added, "The more powerful the individuals are, the longer would they live. Many unimaginable powerful existences which created brilliant human histories and civilizations might…might still be alive…"
This conclusion was a bit horrible. However, it was the most reasonable explanation that Zhang Tie could imagine. If there were really demons higher than sage-level knights, there must be balanced forces on the same level. Otherwise, demons would have been unscrupulous and such holy wars would not last almost 1,000 years.
Heller maintained a smile silently. At the sight of Heller's expression, Zhang Tie knew that he couldn't get any answer from Heller.
Zhang Tie then suddenly let out a sigh as he said, "If I could make a choice, I prefer there's no such a fruit!"
"Ostrich is used to bury its head in sand; however, it doesn't mean that it could live longer than a lion. Under the sea of stars, each of us is small. Tens of millions of years is just a ripple rising and falling in the long course of the river. " Heller looked at Zhang Tie calmly as he added, "Castle Lord, would you take this fruit?"
"I would; of course; why not?" Zhang Tie suddenly revealed his side of decisiveness and ferocity as he added, "No matter what, I've already secured advantages. I've f*cked the most beautiful women, killed fierce demons and saved a lot of people at the risk of my life. I've got everything that others could have or have not. I've got everything that I want. What I'm afraid of? F*ck! Whatever, no matter how powerful the guys behind demons are or how higher the realms above sage-level knight are, this f*ther would not lose one hair now!"
Zhang Tie said as he directly picked off the fruit of consciousness of universal laws before sitting down under the small tree with crossed legs and engulfing it…
When the energy of that fruit started to spread over Zhang Tie's body, Zhang Tie's consciousness and senses were instantly involved in overwhelming energy. Zhang Tie felt being engulfed by that fruit as he felt each cell and nerve in his body was melting in that fruit…
In the overwhelming energy, Zhang Tie couldn't sense the existence of time and his body anymore; instead, he only felt his awareness and senses skyrocketing. After a period, the fresh sense immediately broke through the thick clouds and the skyline briskly and openly.
When he gradually recovered his consciousness and senses, he opened his eyes.
Heller was still standing in front of the small tree; however, the bizarre light in the palace tree had been lit, which reminded Zhang Tie that it was already night.
Zhang Tie looked around as he found that everything in front of his eyes appeared as same as before. However, as long as he slightly concentrated on something, he would find that everything had become different…
Chapter 1464: A Shocking Experience
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Everything in Palace Tree had suddenly become "clean" in Zhang Tie's consciousness as they were completely in another state. Zhang Tie couldn't describe it; however, he found that everything that he could see appeared to lose their "names", including Heller's clothes, the stone steps and the furnishings in the lobby of the Palace Tree.
Everything was independent and interdependent out of the bound of nouns and concepts in his mind. They had recovered the purest, cleanest and most majestic state which carried limitless possibilities.
Zhang Tie watched the stone steps at foot quietly as he couldn't remember that they were called steps; they were not square, humble stones anymore. In this world, nothing was really square and humble. They just existed in a lofty and beautiful state. When Zhang Tie looked at them, they were also looking at Zhang Tie. After that, both Zhang Tie and the stone steps became "pleasant". All of a sudden, Zhang Tie felt being full of tranquility and sweetness.
In this state, Zhang Tie felt like watching a lover who had left him for a long time and how a jewelry trader gazed at a top-notch jade.
He was startled by this feeling as he thought that there was something wrong with his mind. Looking at the stone steps, he felt pleasant as if he were looking at his lover and the most perfect jade in the world.
As Zhang Tie's attention dispersed, he immediately exited that bizarre realm. Everything in front of his eyes recovered, including Heller's clothes, stone steps and the furnishings in the lobby of Palace Tree.
Everything remained unchanged. At the same time, Zhang Tie couldn't sense that tranquility and pleasure anymore. Everything in front of his eyes recovered their original looks as they didn't look lofty or beautiful anymore.
'Is this the real experience of the consciousness of universal laws?'
Zhang Tie went downstairs the high platform as he walked out of the lobby and came to the hillside under the calm gaze of Heller. As long as he focused on his attention, he would enter the same bizarre state again.
It was already pitch-dark outside the lobby of Palace Tree. Grasses and woods were verdant on the Immortal Mountain. A waterfall flew off a mountain stream in the distance like a Milky Way. In the dim light given out by the colorful mist in the sky, the undulating ranges in the far were like having a sound sleep. In the farther place, it was the billowy ocean…
Squatting down, Zhang Tie looked at a common small grass as he felt pleasant again.
It was not a small grass anymore.
Even though rooting in soil, it was still as clean as crystal.
Although growing in the hillside, it was as lofty as the mountain.
Foiled by luxuriant flowers, the glass was distinctively beautiful.
It was just an existence that integrated with the universe. Its delicate body was full of firmness and freedom.
In this strange state, the grass could last tens of thousands of miles like a mountain and cover the sky and the sun like a tree. Even a drop of dew on the grass could surge like billows in the ocean…
Everything in the universe was the reflection of rules. Even a speck of dust was as brilliant as the myriad of stars; because the rules to maintain the existence of a speck of dust was nothing different than that to maintain the existence of the myriad of stars and the universe as a whole.
In front of the same rules, why would there be humbleness and loftiness?
It was a human heart which discerned them. The human heart was the biggest thief that stole the secret of universal laws. By being sincere and silly could one reveal the secret of universal laws.
Those concepts which could be named were not eternal concepts!
Those laws which could be explained were not real universal laws!
Those rules which could be made were not real rules!
In a split second, Zhang Tie had understood the truth that Meng Shidao was pursuing. Additionally, his comprehension of "sincerity" instantly reached an extremely high realm.
This was the world that one could see with class I consciousness of universal laws.
As night breeze blew over the hill, the grass slowly waved itself towards Zhang Tie with a smile.
Zhang Tie could even get gnosis from common grass. Immersed in a bizarre realm, Zhang Tie felt that the rocking delicate grass was performing a rapid ���dodging" skill facing the stormy battle qi strikes.
The grass was people; people were grass; the wind was as aggressive as saber and sword…
Right outside the Palace Tree, Zhang Tie suddenly strode forward. At the same time, he shook weirdly. Closely after that, he strode out for the second time as his body tilted backward, making it an unimaginable gesture in others' eyes.
Closely after that, Zhang Tie strode out for the 3rd times. This time, he tilted backward completely and was almost parallel to the ground, with less than 3 cm in between. When he strode out for the 4th time, he sprung up and entered the breeze like a weightless feather. Then, he accelerated his footsteps. In a split second, the entire hillside was covered with his weird movements. He loomed in the breeze as swiftly as a lightning bolt and as solid as a mountain. What weird movements! Even though Zhang Tie cut into the breeze, it appeared that the tender night breeze could barely touch the corner of Zhang Tie's clothes…
After a short while, all the frames on the hillside had disappeared. Zhang Tie still stood on the original position with his eyes closed as if he had not moved at all, leaving 49 bizarre footprints on the ground around him.
When Zhang Tie moved with the wind, Heller had already walked to Zhang Tie's back silently as he watched Zhang Tie's weird movements out of a bit amazement.
"Congratulations, Castle Lord, you've created another great skill. Combining with your gnosis of "One Step, One Scenery", you could easily deal with surging battle qi strikes. Although the realm of "One Step, One Scenery" couldn't be reached by everyone, such weird movements could be cultivated by everyone. I think such weird movements could rank among top skills that could be available to people below knight level. If you push it into the world, you would shock the world for sure. Iron-Dragon Sect has got a new trump card. Castle Lord, why not dub it?"
Chapter 1465: A New Achievement
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie was awakened by Heller's words from behind. Looking down at the disorderly yet mysterious footprints, Zhang Tie wondered how could he create such a powerful battle skill only by looking at a small grass for a few seconds with the consciousness of universal laws.
Even though being a shadow knight with the gnosis of One Step, One Scenery , Zhang Tie could never create such a powerful battle skill so easily. Otherwise, such battle skills would not count anymore.
With the effect of consciousness of universal laws, Zhang Tie instantly sensed the wisdom of small grass and the strength of some rules followed by the small grass.
After gazing at the common small grass quietly for quite a while, Zhang Tie let out a sigh as he said, "I will call it Vigorous Grass Gait…"
"There's a Hua line called strong wind knows the ability of vigorous grass. Good name!" Heller commented.
Zhang Tie turned around as he asked, "Could all the sage-level knights sense and access to such a realm whenever they want?'
At the same time, Zhang Tie was wondering about the frightening ability of sage-level knights.
After hearing Zhang Tie's question, Heller shook his head decisively as he said, "Sage-level knights couldn't access to such a realm whenever they want. This realm is not subjective to sage-level knights; on the contrary, this realm creates sage-level knights!"
"If we divide the universal laws that could be sensed by the consciousness of universal laws into different classes, a semi-sage knight could sense the power of the realm in consistence with class I rules after forming earth chakra, water chakra, wind chakra and fire chakra in some circumstances; after mastering the power of realm, semi-sage knights would promote to sage-level knights. However, the power of the realm is just one reflection of class I rules. The rule of the realm is just a start from where powers enter a higher realm of cultivation. Before this, all the cultivation is about material and elements, lighting surging points or forming chakras; after promoting to a sage knight, all the cultivation would be comprehension, application and sublimation of spiritual energy and rules. Earlier cultivation process works as a foundation for later cultivation. Later cultivation is the root of power. Castle Lord would sense it when you promote to sage-level knights…"
"What are the names of realms above sage-level knight?"
With a wink, Heller said, "The realms above sage-level knights are grade I, II, III, IV. Castle Lord, the name of the realm doesn't count. What's important is whether it exists or not. Because the same thing has different names among different human races and carries different meanings in different regions and periods. As long as Castle Lord could take care of yourself, you would know it sooner or later!"
"Will my King Roc Sutra still be available after I promote to a sage-level knight?"
"Castle Lord would understand it…"
Realizing that he couldn't get any secrets about it from Heller anymore, Zhang Tie shook his head silently. However, he made a comparison between the consciousness of knights and the consciousness of universal laws. Zhang Tie found that the consciousness of knights basically improved one's perceptive ability about "superficial things"; however, the consciousness of universal laws could get the "root" behind "superficial things". The first told him what was happening while the second told him the reason. The latter was the real foundation and source of power of powers.
When he thought about his current situation, Zhang Tie revealed a bitter smile. After the fight at the bank of Weishui River, he couldn't use his spiritual energy and battle qi. However, he gained consciousness of universal laws as compensation. What you lose on the wings you get back on the roundabouts.
He lost battle strength above knight level; however, he acquired the ability to observe the essence of things that even sage-level knights longed for. Zhang Tie wondered whether such an exchange is worthwhile or not.
Vigorous Grass Gait originated from his perception and his experience in fights. Whereas, the secrets carried by Vigorous Grass Gait actually couldn't match that of class I rules which only sage-level knights could understand. It was just a bit like the class I rules.
"I'm not a genius. Nevertheless, after taking this fruit, I feel that I might be able to pretend to be a genius from now on…'
…
"Castle Lord, you've not enjoyed the scenery in Castle of Black Iron for a long time. Two months ago, when you were in a coma, I had just accomplished a large-scale topographic expansion. What do you think about that?" Heller moved one step forward and came to Zhang Tie's side as he pointed at the scenery outside the Immortal Mountain and told Zhang Tie satisfactorily.
After hearing Heller's words, Zhang Tie fixated onto the other places outside the Immortal Mountain.
The Palace Tree was on the highest range in Castle of Black Iron, from where, Zhang Tie could see clearly the entire space.
Zhang Tie could still use his lotus flower eyes, even though he could barely run his spiritual energy in the mind sea. Therefore, he could see everything clearly inside Castle of Black Iron.
After over 2 years, even Zhang Tie felt a bit strange about the layout of Castle of Black Iron especially after the latest renovation carried out by Heller.
Zhang Tie looked in the far as he found that the land area in Castle of Black Iron had covered 600,000 square miles. The undulating ranges and dense woods contained almost all the plants that could be found in the real world. The vigorous growth of these plants provided enough reiki for Castle of Black Iron.
Beneath the earth, Zhang Tie saw many karst caves, underground holes, "bubble" space as well as other environments which were suitable to the growth of underground plants…
Chapter 1466: A Family Member
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Two years ago, before Zhang Tie set for Western Theater of Operations, the seed bank that he ordered from Jiang Clan of Herbal Palace had arrived at Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.
Although being a bit late, the seed bank contained enough seeds in quantity and quality, including 125,471 underground plants, 39,817 aquatic plants as well as hundreds of thousands of kinds of plant seeds. After the arrival of these seeds, Zhang Tie had teleported them into Castle of Black Iron and had Heller deal with them. As of now, except for over 100 rare plants, all the plants in the outside world could be found in Castle of Black Iron.
In recent years, these plants provided more and more Reiki for Castle of Black Iron. Plus the Reiki that was provided by those earlier plants, the quantity of Reiki that Castle of Black Iron could produce per day could already match that of basic energy storage that Elements Abyss could convert every day, even more than the latter.
"Castle of Black Iron could already provide the best geographical environment for the growth of all plant seeds. All the plants are growing pretty well…"
"I've seen it…"
When Heller opened his mouth, Zhang Tie had already moved his eyes onto those woods where he had sprayed edible plant seeds.
The walnut woods had already covered hundreds of square miles. All the walnut trees were growing well. Zhang Tie was imagining about the bumper harvest of walnuts in the future. In addition, many fruits and herbal medicines in the walnut woods had become ripe.
The hills where Zhang Tie had sprayed strawberry seeds had been covered with ripe strawberries. Stepping on it, people would feel like walking in the pulp.
The pine trees had been very high. The ground within the pines was covered with a mushroom and large pieces of top-notch truffles. The entire pine woods was like a fairyland.
Some valleys were filled with fresh berries. After falling in swallets and low-lying places, the berries started to ferment, filling the entire valleys with the special aroma that could usually smelt in berry wine taverns.
Furthermore, there was a plain of peanuts covering hundreds of square miles. All the peanuts over there had been ripe, making the entire plain a huge warehouse of peanuts.
Those sunflower seeds that Zhang Tie once sprayed had turned into golden heavenly roads.
Besides, sweet potatoes and fruits could almost be seen everywhere.
Few people had seen paradise; however, many people could imagine it through Castle of Black Iron.
"Those residents in Castle of Black Iron have built many huge warehouses to store grains. They made fresh fruits into wine and spirits as well as preserved and dried fruits. Sweet potatoes are made into starch. Herbal medicines are collected too. Even though residents could reproduce, the growth of the population could never catch up with the speed of the expansion of space in Castle of Black Iron. The larger the space was, the more complete the ecological system would be. That's the universal law of balance��" Heller told Zhang Tie.
"You mean, I could bring in more people…"
"Castle Lord, it depends on you. But I want to say, there are too few animals in Castle of Black Iron. The existence of enough plants is the foundation of the existence of animals. We've already got the foundation…"
"Yes, we could make more preparations for the future…" Zhang Tie nodded as he asked, "There're already enough Reiki and basical energy storage. As long as we've got sufficient merit values, Castle of Black Iron would accomplish its expansion constantly, right?"
After knowing that there were unimaginable existences above sage-level demon knights, Zhang Tie had been intense. The greater the threat was, the more the value of Castle of Black Iron would be; especially after Zhang Tie lost his battle strength. In Zhang Tie's heart, the more complete Castle of Black Iron was, the more people would he save in the future.
"Castle of Black Iron has already got enormous merit values. What's more important, the merit values that could be produced in Castle of Black Iron everyday could also match that of Reiki and basic energy storage…"
"What? You mean Castle of Black Iron could produce merit values constantly every day?" Zhang Tie widely opened his eyes, 'How could Castle of Black Iron produce merit values itself? Is it a new ability that Castle of Black Iron evolved itself?'
"Yes, Castle of Black Iron could already produce enormous merit values every day itself."
"How?"
"Castle Lord, don't forget about the bet between you and Sagus." Heller looked at Zhang Tie as he reminded, "Since Castle Lord won the bet, Sagus' bloody pledge to the demon god had already taken effect. As a result, many Hua people would avoid miserable lives every day. Actually, these Hua people's destinies would be changed. Therefore, as long as this bloody pledge takes effect, Castle of Black Iron would gain enormous merit values every day!"
"If this bloody pledge lost its effect, would it not produce merit values any more?"
"Certainly!" Heller nodded as he told Zhang Tie meaningfully, "Therefore, if Castle Lord wants Castle of Black Iron to produce enormous merit values every day, you have to maintain the constraint of the bloody pledge!"
The key was to keep Sagus alive. Otherwise, if a new sage-level knight was arranged to rule the demon army, this bloody pledge to the demon god would not work anymore. By then, Castle of Black Iron would not produce merit values every day anymore; the expansion speed of the space of Castle of Black Iron would also be affected and fewer people could be saved in the future…
As long as Sagus was alive, more people would be teleported into Castle of Black Iron in the future…
Zhang Tie stood on the hillside for a long while as he felt that the world was like a black humor sometimes.
…
Zhang Tie had already spent 2 days in digesting the fruit of consciousness of universal laws. Additionally, there were fruits of redemption from the gratitude of gulf shrimps and hairy shells. It had been 3 days after he took these fruits of redemption and returned to the head's backroom of Iron-Dragon Sect.
3 days' cultivation in Castle of Black Iron was like 3 minutes' stay in the backroom. Everything remained unchanged in the backroom as the gate was still closed.
However, Zhang Tie was not the very one 3 days ago. After taking the fruit of consciousness of universal laws, Zhang Tie understood that he was small once again. He almost refreshed his concept of the world and realized the real crisis facing humans. Compared to such a crisis, the situation in the Western Theater of Operations was not the toughest. The real crisis facing humans had not arrived yet.
In the backroom, Zhang Tie raised his two hands and watched them. Closely after that, he shook his head as he muttered, "The consciousness of universal laws that could be owned by living beings above sage-level knight plus the battle strength below a knight. What a marvelous match!"
After this self-mockery, Zhang Tie recovered his composure as he walked outside.
…
After leaving the backroom, Zhang Tie was shocked to see Zhang Chengxu waiting for him.
Zhang Chengxu, Zhang Tie's nephew and disciple, was slightly frowning. At the sight of Zhang Tie, he slightly relieved his frown as if he let out a sigh.
"Chengxu, why are you here?"
"Second uncle, the eldest uncle has been in Iron-Dragon Sect for one day. He's waiting for you!" Zhang Chengxu said as he slightly lowered his tone with a bit sad feeling, "Eldest uncle said…said…grandpa's father's disease is deteriorating…"
Chapter 1467: Nostalgia
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie didn't imagine that his grandpa's health could deteriorate so fast.
Zhang Tie remembered that it was over 2 years ago when he saw his grandpa last time before he was going to leave Youzhou Province for the Western Theater of Operations at the Xuanyuan command. In his second chakra rotating ceremony, Zhang Haitian had started to cough as he became humpbacked with a crutch in hand. Before he left Youzhou Province for the Western Theater of Operations, he paid a special visit to his grandpa. Zhang Haitian didn't look bad then. Zhang Tie even left some tips and secret medicines to him. Therefore, he was outrightly shocked by such a piece of news.
It was Zhang Lin who came here to notice Zhang Tie. Zhang Lin was Zhang Su's father, Zhang Tie's eldest uncle, the eldest son of the eldest son of Zhang Haitian and the principal of Zhang family's old mansion.
Of course, he was not new. After Zhang Tie promoted to a knight; especially after Jinwu Shipyard's merger of Long Wind Shipyard, Zhang family's core had shifted to Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang.
Jinwu Shipyard was now the largest shipbuilding enterprise in Youzhou Province, which could rank top 5 in Northeast Military Region. This enterprise was being managed by Zhang Tie's uncles and cousins. Zhang Tie didn���t care about it at all; Zhang Yang just assigned a chief financial officer over there.
Compared to the scale of all-purpose medicaments managed by Jinwu Business Group, although Jinwu Shipyard was large, its annual profit couldn't even reach 1 percent of that of Jinwu Business Group. Therefore, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang didn't care about it at all. In the eyes of the two brothers, this shipyard was used to arrange their relatives on the side of their grandpa.
Zhang Haitian had 11 children, 5 female and 6 male. Zhang Ping ranked 8 at home. Therefore, besides two younger uncles and one younger aunt, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang had 4 elder aunts and 3 elder uncles. Plus the spouses of these uncles and aunts, they had over 30 seniors and 20-30 cousins at home. Additionally, due to the young age of Zhang Tie's cousins, their reproductive abilities were in the peak. Therefore, the Zhang family could have a few more juniors each year. Unless their parents, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang could never tell how many relatives did they have without looking up the pedigree.
Zhang Tie was famous and powerful; of course, these relatives shared his glory. In case of trouble, after the merger of Long Wind Shipyard of Huaiyuan Palace, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang, through negotiation, determined to hand Jinwu Shipyard completely to their relatives on the side of their grandpa. If any relative wanted to share his glory, they could join Jinwu Shipyard directly. Those talents would find their own positions in this enterprise; those commoners could also find a job there. Near home, dear bonus and fair day!
Those able ones would naturally join Jinwu Business Group or hold higher positions in the officialdom; those commoners just needed to stay at their family firm. If Jinwu Shipyard which worth tens of millions of gold coins went bankruptcy in their hand, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang didn't care about that either as they had already agreed through negotiation that they would take some money to establish a home fund, allowing them to maintain their lives and the decency of Zhang family. By then, Zhang members would feel embarrassed speaking ill of them.
Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang didn't clarify it. However, their uncles were not idiots. They were clear that if Jinwu Shipyard went bankrupt in their hand, it would be impossible for the juniors on the side of Zhang Haitian to be favored by Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang. Even if they didn't consider the business of Jinwu Shipyard for themselves, they had to consider it for the sake of their juniors. Therefore, Zhang members were running Jinwu Shipyard conscientiously these years. Zhang Su's father Zhang Lin was the CEO of the shipyard; all the other uncles were in the board. All the major events of the shipyard were determined by the board. Over these years, although Jinwu Shipyard was not as prosperous as Jinwu Business Group, it was also developing steadfastly and could win about one million gold coins a year.
After a short greeting with Zhang Lin, Zhang Tie left some words to Mountain Lifting Hermit. Closely after that, he flurriedly boarded an airboat and left for Golden Light City together with Zhang Lin and Zhang Su.
Zhang Chengxu and Zhang Chengze were not entitled to go back home as the disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect; especially because of the poor health of their elders except for their parents. The disciples were strict. Even being the founder of Iron-Dragon Sect or his grandpa was in Youzhou Province, Zhang Tie would still not break the rule for them.
"Previously, father lived in Tiger Embracing City. However, as his health grows worse these days, he suddenly requested to go back to the old mansion in Golden Light City. Therefore, all the family members are now in Golden Light City…"
Zhang family originated from Golden Light City in Huaiyuan Palace. Now that the old man urged to go back home, it meant that he was going to leave his will and die there.
On the airboat, Zhang Lin was talking with Zhang Tie. Zhang Su listened beside them with red eyes. As Zhang Tie grew up in Blackhot City, honestly, he didn't have a deep love for his grandpa. By contrast, Zhang Su was the eldest son of the eldest son of Zhang Haitian and was mostly favored by the old man since young. After hearing that his grandpa was going to die, Zhang Su felt most sad as his eyes were always red.
"I've just come back for a couple of days. Previously, I planned to pay a visit to my grandpa after dealing with the affairs in Iron-Dragon Sect. How could my grandpa's health go worse so fast…"
"When dad knew that you had come back a few days ago, he was very happy as he directly got off the bed and took a walk by crutch in the garden. He even drank two bowls of millet congee with sugar. Previously, he was lying on the bed and ate less. We all thought that he was getting better. Unexpectedly, he was soon in a coma on the second day since you came back to Youzhou Province…"
Chapter 1468: In the Old Mansion of Zhang Family
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Grandpa didn't look bad when I saw him last time. Additionally, we've got enough secret medicines at home. How could he go worse in 2 years?" Zhang Tie asked Zhang Lin.
Zhang Lin became hesitant for a second before answering in a low tone, "Papa's health abruptly deteriorated in the last four months…"
"Last four months?" Zhang Tie slightly frowned.
"Yes. After being told that you were struck by the thunder of nirvana of a heavenly demon knight at the bank of Weishui River and losing your message during the period when you received medical treatment in Xuanyuan Hill, the old man's health turned worse rapidly. During that period, he would ask about you many times a day. If not blocked by family members, he would have gone to Xuanyuan Hill for you. Afraid of being cheated, he even had people collect newspapers across the country every day. He wanted to find some news about you. Sometimes, he even insisted on listening to others' discussions in teahouse despite our persuasion. We've fetched many doctors for him. They all said that the old man was poor physically and spiritually due to long-term concerns. Previously, his health was not good. After his heart failure, nothing could do any help to him anymore…"
Zhang Tie instantly felt like crying with red eyes. He had not imagined that his grandpa's disease was related to him.
Blood is thicker than water!
Zhang Tie bore his sorrow as he asked, "Where are my parents?"
"They've already been to Golden Light City 3 days ago. Zhang Yang is also over there. Almost all family members have arrived. The old man just wants to see you and Zhang Su in the end…"
Zhang Tie didn't ask Zhang Lin anymore. He only wanted to go to Golden Light City as soon as possible.
Thankfully, the imperial airboat gifted by the crown prince could move about 20 percent faster than common airboats. Therefore, it was just a 3-hour ride from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to Golden Light City. Before sunset, Zhang Tie's airboat finally arrived at GoldenLight City.
The afterglow of the setting sun was cast over the entire Golden Light City, which, although being nothing strange, looked not auspicious in Zhang Tie's eyes.
Zhang family's old mansion in GoldenLight City covered a wide range of area; however, it could not hold a common airboat, not to mention the imperial airboat which was about 1,000 m in length. Therefore, the airboat could only be parked outside the city according to the regulation. However, Zhang Tie directly had it suspend over 100 m high above Zhang family's old mansion before jumping off it.
After jumping off the airboat, Zhang Tie activated the bloodline of Liezi Driving the Wind that he awakened at the bank of Weishui River using a bit wisp of spiritual energy. When he was over 10 m away from the ground, he suddenly turned as light as a feather. At the same time, he stagnated in the air before falling on the lawn steadily.
After seeing Zhang Tie's airboat, many family members in the old mansion exited the courtyard as they raised their heads and watched Zhang Tie jumping off the airboat.
Together with Zhang Tie was Zhang Su. Zhang Su's landing manner was more appropriate. After jumping off the airboat, he opened his parachute when he was near the ground. After slowing down suddenly, he rapidly closed his parachute from over 10 m high in the air before landing steadily on the lawn.
After Zhang Tie and Zhang Su jumped off, Zhang Tie's eldest uncle was let off by a piece of lifting equipment on the airboat.
The moment Zhang Tie landed, he had opened his mouth, "Where's my grandpa? Hurry up, show me the way…"
The onlookers included relatives on the side of Zhang Haitian, servants and guards. Some of them had already seen Zhang Tie. Even those who didn't see him had already known who he was at the sight of the imperial airboat above them——Besides Qianji Immortal Zhang Tie, nobody else across Northeast Military Region was qualified to take such an imperial airboat.
In fact, the airboat had already aroused a shock across Golden Light City. Besides those on the side of Zhang Haitian, uproars and noises had been drifted from outside the old mansion.
"The old man is in Benigncloud Building…" Someone instantly stood out and showed the way for Zhang Tie and Zhang Su. They moved so flurriedly that all the servants and maids on the way hurriedly gave way to them. Therefore, Zhang Tie and Zhang Su had already come to Benigncloud Building in less than half a minute.
At this moment, Zhang Tie's nephews and nieces were gathering in the periphery of the building. Almost all the juniors had arrived, including the children of Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang. There were over 100 juniors among the crowd outside Benigncloud Building, male or female, ranging from 6 to over 20 years old.
Zhang Tie's kids and Zhang Yang's kids were being attended by the crowd with specific temperaments. They looked very special among the juniors of Zhang family like cranes standing among chickens.
Among these kids, Zhang Yang's 4th daughter Zhang Shiyu was almost 15 years old. Elegant and decent, she was already a beauty. By contrast, some like Zhang Chengba and Alexander were still young and full of curiosity. Although with serious looks, they were glancing around stealthily; instead of being affected too much by the depressive and sad atmosphere in the old mansion. Only Zhang Shini's and Zhang Shixia's eyes looked red while some others were comforting them.
As the old man was going to pass away and Zhang Tie was in close cultivation, Zhang Tie's parents and Zhang Yang took juniors here so that the old man could see them for the last time.
"Ahh, second uncle, you're back…" Zhang Shiyu hurriedly greeted Zhang Tie.
"Ahh, papa…" Zhang Chengba and the other little guys shouted.
Zhang Tie just nodded towards them as he told them to wait here with his eyes.
Many juniors in the Zhang family were not qualified to see Zhang Tie before. It was their first time to see Zhang Tie. Given Zhang Tie's young look, they even treated him as another junior of the Zhang family. Therefore, few of them could recognize Zhang Tie. After hearing Zhang Shiyu calling someone second uncle and Zhang Chengba calling someone dad, they even looked around out of curiosity as they were confused about who they were calling. Those smarter juniors who had seen Zhang Tie had long pushed out of the crowd and knelt down on the roadside, greeting Zhang Tie.
"Welcome back, Uncle, I'm…"
Zhang Tie glanced at them with a nod. Closely after that, he entered Benigncloud Building rapidly.
Dozens of Zhang Tie's cousins were staying in the Benigncloud Building. At the sight of Zhang Tie, those who were sitting on chairs immediately sprung up.
Zhang Tie remained silent. After Zhang Su glanced at them, all of them lowered their heads as they stood well and dared not look straight into Zhang Su's eyes.
"Where's the grandpa?" Zhang Su lowered his tone.
"Upstairs!" Someone replied at once.
Zhang Su nodded. Zhang Tie then went upstairs silently.
After going upstairs, Zhang Tie saw over 20 people in the side hall, including 11 children of the old man and Zhang Tie's uncles and aunts in law. Zhang Tie's parents and Zhang Yang were talking about something in a low tone.
At the sight of Zhang Tie, everybody let out a sigh of relief. Zhang Yang hurriedly moved forward with a sad look, saying, "Grandpa has just woken up; he's missing you and Zhang Su…"
Chapter 1469: The Death of Zhang Haitian
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The air was filled with herbal and a bit stinky smell, which came from someone whose guts had deteriorated to the extreme.
After passing two curtains, Zhang Tie smelt it as he abruptly became disappointed.
The old man's guts had already started to exhaust. Even immortal pills couldn't save him.
In the bedroom, the eldest grandma was sitting on the bedside with a haggard look and red eyes. She was watching the old man in a trance. A doctor with grey hair was looking after Zhang Haitian and touching his pulse now and then.
Previously, the eldest grandma was extremely authoritative and delicate at home. However, this time, she appeared 10 years elder as more grey hair could be seen and her face turned much more gaunt.
Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang had long forgotten about the old story between their parents and the side of the old mansion. This time, Zhang Tie found she was just a common old woman as he started to feel a bit compassionate about her.
"Grandma…" Zhang Su called.
After hearing Zhang Su's sound, the old woman slowly moved her eyes from the old man to Zhang Su and Zhang Tie.
At the sight of Zhang Su, the old woman instantly dropped off her tears as her voice quivered, "You came back. That's good. That's good. Your grandpa is waiting for you…"
Zhang Tie threw a glance at the old man as he let out a sigh inside.
Lying on the bed, the old man's fleshy face had dried with dazzlingly sunken eyebrow ridges and cheekbones. Many senile plagues could be seen on his dark skin. With some needles on his head and a piece of ginseng in the mouth being linked with a red line, he only had the last mouth of breath.
Zhang Tie threw a glance at him using his lotus flower eyes as he found that his grandpa's guts had started to deteriorate while his brain fluid was almost empty. He had already withered up.
Watching the old man who had worked hard for so many years to establish such a great undertaking of Zhang family in his whole life, Zhang Tie slightly held his emaciated hand with tears.
Without his life-and-death situation, the old man could live a few more years.
"Doctor, the last ones that my husband want to see have arrived. Please, wake up him so that he could have a talk with his two grandsons…" The old woman withheld her grief as she turned around and told the doctor.
"Madam, the old man's last moments are held by the piece of ginseng and the needles. After I drew out of the needles and wake him up, he would look brighter; however, he could at most stand half an hour. I couldn't do any help then…" The doctor reminded the old woman.
"It's okay. It's not your fault. I know you've already tried your best. Please wake him up…" The old woman said with sobs.
"Fine!" The doctor replied before drawing out of all the needles from the old man's scalp. Later on, he took out the piece of ginseng from the old man's mouth before pinching his philtrum heavily. The old man's eyelids then quivered before opening up with a faint flush on his cheeks.
The old woman had someone on her side take the doctor away.
"Zhang Tie and Zhang Su are back…"
"Grandpa…"
"Grandpa…"
Zhang Tie and Zhang Su called Zhang Haitian lightly at the bedside.
After seeing Zhang Tie and Zhang Su clearly, Zhang Haitian's dim eye light gradually became bright. Watching the old man struggling to sit up, Zhang Tie and Zhang Su hurriedly supported him before padding two pillows under his back.
"Go out…it's none of you woman's business…I'm talking with my grandsons…" The old man told the old woman.
The old woman could only stand up before leaving the bedroom with the help of her maids.
"Zhang Tie, Zhang Su…you're back…" The old man didn't open his mouth until the old woman left there. Due to extremely poor health, he immediately panted after a simple line.
"Grandpa, we're back…" Zhang Tie and Zhang Su nodded.
"Zhang Su…" The old man panted for quite a while before fixating onto Zhang Su.
"Grandpa, I'm here…" Zhang Su instantly knelt down beside the bed.
"You're the most promising one in Zhang family…later on, you should…learn from Zhang Tie…Zhang Tie said…you have the most odds to promote to a knight in our family…when he saw me last time…when you promote to a knight…remember to notice me with joss paper…"
Zhang Su poured out tears as he forcefully nodded with a closed mouth.
"Zhang Tie…"
"I'm here…" Zhang Tie hurriedly held his grandpa's hand forcefully.
"They…they say you're…already a shadow knight…"
"Yes…I'm already a shadow knight!" Zhang Tie nodded.
"Even the commander of military region…couldn't defeat you?"
"Yes, he could not!" Zhang Tie nodded forcefully with tears.
"It's said…that quite a few demon knights and a demon prince as powerful as the commander of the military region…had been killed by you at the bank of Weishui River…you even saved a lot of people…"
"Yes…I didn't lose face for Zhang family!"
"What…what is divine dominator? Is that powerful?" The old man asked as his eyes twinkled hopefully.
"It's powerful. I could fly everywhere. Nobody could defeat me!"
"That's great…that's great…I will be reassured about the safety of our home…" The old man said as he started to pant heavily. His face turned pretty red. Zhang Tie hurriedly smoothened his qi. After a few seconds, the old man felt a bit better as he continued, "Two more things…"
"Grandpa, go ahead, I'm listening!"
"I've seen your kids…Alexander and…they're your posterities…they also have the blood of Zhang family…they should be surnamed Zhang too; additionally, their names should be listed on our pedigree. They should have Hua names…"
"Grandpa, don't worry. They will have Hua names. They all are surnamed Zhang and should be recorded on pedigree!"
"Those on the side… of the old mansion…you should…take care of them later on. Those who have no hopes, don't let them starve to death…in these troubled times; those who have hopes…could help you manage the undertakings… No matter what, blood is thicker than water…I know, from now on, all the major events at home…would be determined…by you…with Zhang Su's help…I will not worry about you anymore."
"Grandpa, don't worry. All the people on the side of the old mansion are Zhang family members. I will look after them!" Zhang Tie nodded.
"Fine…fine…fine…" The old man nodded three times as he said, "Open the curtains…let them in…it would be a bit boisterous…"
Zhang Su then stood up and opened the curtains, having people enter the bedroom.
Zhang Tie's parents, Zhang Yang and their uncles and aunts on the side of the old mansion knew that it had come to the last moments. Therefore, they all forced bitter smiles.
The old man looked more spirited as he talked to each one of them briefly.
"I feel a bit bitter in the mouth…do we have iced waxberry soup…" The old man became less spirited and wanted to drink something after leaving some words to them.
After hearing that, someone immediately ran out. In the blink of an eye, he had served the iced waxberry soup.
At this moment, the old man pointed at the door as he told Zhang Tie's dad, "Ah, Zhang Ping, your mom is picking me up…"
Zhang Ping's mom was Zhang Tie's real grandma, the fourth wife of the old man, who had passed away many years ago. Neither Zhang Tie nor Zhang Yang had seen her.
After hearing the old man's words, many people in the room felt goosebumps all over due to fear. They all looked at the door only to see nothing. After they fixated their eyes back onto Zhang Haitian, the old man had already closed his eyes and lost his breath without even having a sip of the waxberry soup…
The room was filled with cries at once…
Chapter 1470: Big Terror
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Only after a short while, the cries in Benigncloud Building had spread over the entire old mansion.
Zhang family members were crying in and out the Benigncloud Building, followed by the servants in the old mansion outside the building. The servants of Zhang family had to push out some drops of tears more or less whether out of sincerity or not.
At this moment, the masters of the old mansion might not remember who was crying; however, anyone, if dared smile at this moment, must have trouble later on. As long as one cried, all the others could only follow him or her. In fact, Zhang Haitian treated the servants mercifully. Besides rewarding them a bonus in festivals, the old man would always help them whenever their family got trouble. Many senile servants in the old mansion appreciated Zhang Haitian. Therefore, after the old man passed away, the greater part of the servants cried sincerely.
The dark had just fallen. With the cries from Benigncloud Building, the butler had servants replace those red lanterns across the mansion with white lanterns.
After the old man was heavily sick and returned to Golden Light City, many people in the city had been paying heed to Zhang Mansion; especially after Zhang Tie arrived at Golden Light City by imperial airboat today which had shocked the entire city. After knowing that Zhang Tie had arrived, the moment the red lanterns were replaced with white lanterns outside the gate of the old mansion many people in the street and boites had run away.
White lanterns were equal to obituary.
Those who were staying outside the old mansion were all assigned by influential clans and sects in the downtown. At the sight of the white lanterns, they instantly knew that Zhang Haitian had passed away as they hurriedly left to notice their clans and sects.
Without Zhang Tie, the death of Zhang Haitian was just a minor affair in Golden Light City. Because of Zhang Tie, the death of Zhang Tie's grandpa became a major event.
In the mournful atmosphere across the old mansion, when all the servants were busy doing their own business, a guard silently came to the lawn where Zhang Tie had just landed. Squatting there, he started to fumble something in the lawn.
Just now, this guard was one of the onlookers. He saw how Zhang Tie and Zhang Su jumped off the airboat just now and was clear about the landing point of Zhang Tie.
He soon got two footprints on the lawn.
Being covered by grasses, the two footprints couldn't be easily discovered. However, they were about 3 cm in depth due to wallop.
In the eyes of commoners, the two footprints were nothing special; however, someone could get much information from them. Because these footprints were left by Zhang Tie, a shadow knight and a divine dominator. If a knight could maintain the manipulative ability of his chakra and battle qi, he could never leave such footprints on the lawn.
Even Zhang Tie couldn't imagine that the simple movement of jumping off the airboat could be studied by someone because he only wanted to see the old man at that time. Even lions would doze, not to mention humans.
"Zhang Yue, what are you doing? We will have visitors soon, go make a tour inspection right now…"
A butler hurriedly blamed the guard as he hurriedly negotiated a wall behind the garden. As everybody else in the mansion had started to work, of course, this butler felt a bit angry about this guy's indolent deed.
"Fine, butler Niu, my trousers are loose. I want to fix them. I will be there right away…" The guard said humbly as he moved his hands from below the grasses onto his legs as if he was really fixing his leggings. After that, he threw a glance at the two footprints in the grasses. With a flash of exotic light in his eyes, he left the garden…
It was just a little episode in the mansion. Nobody could notice that.
…
Although Zhang family members were mounful, they had long prepared for the funeral ceremony according to rules. After negotiating with each other for a short while, some uncles in the old mansion had arranged everything well as everybody had started to work.
Personnel had been arranged for the layout of the mourning hall, noticing relatives and friends, dressing up the old man, preparing for greeting guests who came here for condolence respectively.
In this case, Zhang Tie became free. He just stayed in Benigncloud Building and quietly watched the others preparing the funeral ceremony for the old man.
Even though being not a strike, the death of the old man was a wallop for Zhang Tie. Previously, Zhang Tie had not experienced similar things at all. He had to face such a question again and again sooner or later.
The death of the old man reminded Zhang Tie of his parents. As his parents were not real cultivations. They were far from the realm of knights. One day, they would also pass away. What would Zhang Tie do then?
Zhang Tie didn't look good when it occured to his mind.
Watching his parents among his uncles and aunts and their grizzled hair, Zhang Tie felt his heart pounding a second.
There was a big terror in a life-and-death situation. Zhang Tie felt unacceptable when he thought such a big terror would decline to his parents one day.
'Isn't there a solution? I wonder whether people above sage-level knights could get rid of this great terror!'
'I wonder whether the existence who created Castle of Black Iron could get rid of such a great terror.'
The realm above sage-level knights was still far away from Zhang Tie. At present, Zhang Tie couldn't even solve the aftermath left by the thunder of nirvana. However, the death of the old man suddenly aroused Zhang Tie's aspiration about that mysterious realm.
'I swear to reach that realm for the sake of my parents!'
Zhang Tie clenched his fist as he made a decision inside…
"Elder Muyuan and the mayor have arrived…" A butler noticed as Elder Muyuan and the mayor of Golden Light City who shared the same branch of a bloodline with Elder Muyuan entered the old mansion with a sad look in white clothings. Zhang seniors hurriedly exited the room to greet them…
Before the mourning hall was arranged well, the closest relatives in Golden Light City had arrived…
Chapter 1471: A Multitude of Guests
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Starting from the second day when the mourning hall was well arranged, the old mansion in Golden Light City had started to be boisterous. The head and the elders of Huaiyuan Palace in Yanghe Prefecture came to offer their condolences first, followed by the heads of branches of Huaiyuan Palace. After that, all the representatives of major clans and sects from Gaozhou Province, Mozhou Province, Tongzhou Province, Qiongzhou Province, Yanzhou Province, Huizhou Province and Chaozhou Province within Northeast Military Region poured into Golden Light City. Then, major clans and business partners which cooperated with Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and Jinwu Business Group across the country arrived one after another.
Additionally, none of them were small figures. Actually, all of them were clan heads, grand elders or regimental commanders. As they all knew that Zhang Tie was in the old mansion of the Zhang family. If they assigned small figures here, they might not even have a chance to meet Zhang Tie, which would be in vain.
Golden Light City had never been so boisterous since it was founded. Now, it was even more boisterous than that when major clans scrambled for the provincial governor of Youzhou Province years ago. The sky above Golden Light City was covered with airboats. The airports outside the city had almost been filled with airboats as those airships in the airports had been transferred to other places by the mayor.
Thankfully, the Zhang family had long predicted that many people would come here to offer their condolences to the old man's death. Therefore, two walls in the old man had been demolished in the very evening for the sake of the space of the mourning hall.
Besides Zhang Taixuan who left Golden Light City for Youzhou City after offering the condolence due to public affairs, Elder Muyuan, Elder Muyu and Elder Muen just stayed there and greeted moguls from all walks of life. With the help of the three elders, the old mansion didn't meet any trouble.
Zhang Tie was the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace. Therefore, the death of his grandpa was a major event for Huaiyuan Palace and it was reasonable for the clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace to stay here for greeting guests.
The best hotels and inns in Golden Light City had long been rented by the Zhang family for the sake of their guests.
Due to the large population, officers and soldiers were maintaining the two streets outside the old mansion.
Zhang Tie put on a mourning dress and started to greet those guests in the old mansion on the second day. After offering their condolences to Zhang Haitian, those clan heads and elders of major clans and sects would be guided to Zhang Tie for a short chat. After that, they would be arranged to take a rest somewhere.
There was an old Hua saying——the poor would be ignored in the boisterous market while the rich would have relatives in deep mountains. That was how things went. Zhang Tie could accept this fact; instead of being cynic and self-assured. Zhang Tie knew his role in the old mansion and the purpose of many guests. Therefore, he just listened to the arrangement of family members tenderly. At this moment, the arrival of these guests represented their sincerity and was the the glory of the old man. Therefore, Zhang Tie treated them politely. As for those who wanted to have a short chat with him, Zhang Tie didn't put on airs at all; instead, he just talked with them casually and kindly so that they could return satisfactorily.
Disasters and pain would make people mature. After the old man passed away, the future of the Zhang family would be determined by Zhang Tie. Zhang Tie found that he became much more mature overnight.
As more and more guests arrived, the monetary gifts frightened Zhang Tie's uncles and aunts.
…
The first night fell soon. After 12 am, according to the rules, nobody would come to the mourning hall any more although the old mansion was brightly lit with an open gate. Those who hadn't offered condolences could only come here after sunrise. The mourning hall would last for 7 days. After then, they would hold funeral rites such as amnesty, offering sacrifice in each 7 days and burial ceremony. The entire process would last 49 days.
Of course, it was the custom persisted by major clans in Taixia Country. As for small families, the funeral ceremony would only last 3 days or 7 days.
"…Fraternity Palace of Mo Clan in Mozhou Province 17 million gold coins; Qian Clan with the provincial governor of Tongzhou Province 3 million gold coins; Morality Palace of Gu Clan in Gaozhou Province 3 million gold coins; RockEmbracing Palace of Wang Clan in Qiongzhou Province 3 million gold coins; Liu Clan with the provincial governor of Huizhou Province 3 million gold coins; SkyDistant Palace of Xiong Clan in Chaozhou Province 2 million gold coins; SageMiss Palace of Hong Clan in Chaozhou Province 6 million gold coins; Zhu Clan with the provincial governor of Yanzhou Province 4 million gold coins, WoodsPiling Palace of Sun Clan in Yanzhou Province 2 million gold coins and…"
Zhang Tie who had received guests for the whole day was listening to Zhang Su's father reading a list of gifts in a chair in a room beside the mourning hall.
The thin page of gifts sounded as heavy as Mount Tai for Zhang Tie's eldest uncle as he kept quivering his hands and his voice.
Hundreds of clans' names and gifts were recorded on the long list. The total of the monetary gifts was astronomical. It took Zhang Su's father a few minutes to finish reading them.
However, this list of gifts only contained those clans whose gifts worth over 1 million gold coins. Those below 1 million were not even recorded.
The monetary gift of Fraternity Palace of Mo Clan alone was already several times greater than the total asset of the former Galaxy Shipyard of the old mansion. No wonder Zhang Tie's eldest uncle became intense.
Besides, Zhang Tie's other uncles were also in the room in mourning clothing, including Zhang Tie's father. They were all listening to the report. The figures on the list of monetary gifts made them dazzled and thirsty. Even Zhang Tie's dad was not interested in money, he was also shocked by such an astronomical figure.
Zhang Yang was also listening to it aside right on a chair beside Zhang Tie. When he drank tea, he glanced over his uncles every now and then.
"A younger cousin said that the old man passed away brightly and received so many monetary gifts; the money should be shared by all of us as the old man's heritage. Each one could at least get millions of gold coins. All the posterities of the Zhang family would be millionaires and don't worry about money for ten generations. We could all lead steady lives. I wonder whether the other uncles are also thinking this way?" Zhang Yang put down the teacup as he opened his mouth the moment Zhang Lin finished his words.
Zhang Yang said with a smile; however, it sounded a bit cold.
Zhang Tie threw a glance at his elder brother. Of course, he didn't doubt Zhang Yang's intention, but he couldn't imagine that some disciples on the side of the old man had already lost their mind by the money on the list of monetary gifts only after the old man passed away for one day.
In the following days, there would be more monetary gifts. No wonder someone would think about having this money.
Was it the heritage of the old man? Of course, it was apparently; however, everyone knew what it was as long as he or she was not an idiot. These monetary gifts were more like the sincerity that these major clans and sects expressed to Zhang Tie than their respect to the old man. Without Zhang Tie, even Zhang Taixuan's death would not be so attractive, not to mention Zhang Haitian.
Under the gaze of Zhang Yang, some uncles remained calm while others looked a bit embarrassed…
Chapter 1472: Disposal
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Erm…erm…the monetary gifts in the funeral ceremony of the old man belong to the public money at home. After the funeral ceremony, we could deal with it slowly; we could deal with it slowly. We could make a considerate negotiation about its distribution…" An uncle evaded from Zhang Yang's eye light as he whitewashed with a flash of his eyes.
The speaker was Zhang Fan who was delivered by the second wife of Zhang Haitian. This uncle behaved well at home and assumed as a senior executive in Jinwu Shipyard. However, Zhang Tie had not imagined that this senior had already been obsessed with money only in one day.
It was normal. Very few people could remain sober-minded in front of such an astronomical wealth. One could become blind to 10,000 gold coins, 100,000 gold coins or 500,000 gold coins. What about millions of gold coins? Only a few people could remain innocent in front of such a high figure.
The moment Zhang Fan opened his mouth, the atmosphere in the room had become a bit strange. Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang remained silent as they just drank tea. However, Zhang Tie's dad looked gloomy at once. At home, Zhang Tie's dad was always uncompetitive; neither did he argue with his family members. However, it didn't mean that he was an idiot. After realizing that his brothers were going to rip off Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang in such a shameless way, Zhang Tie's dad couldn't bear his fury anymore.
"What do you mean by dealing with it slowly? The brat might make a farce, but 9th younger brother, are you also that innocent?" Before Zhang Ping opened his mouth, Zhang Sheng, Zhang Tie's eldest uncle, had blamed Zhang Fan with a furious look, "How could the old man and Zhang family gain so many monetary gifts from clans with provincial governors outside Youzhou Province? Isn't it because of Zhang Tie? These monetary gifts were made by Zhang Tie at the bank of the Weishui River at the risk of his life. Although they were sent to the old mansion, we owed Zhang Tie. How could we share them?"
Zhang Tie's eldest uncle made the starkest condemnation, causing Zhang Tie's 9th uncle to be silent; however, he still muttered out of unwillingness, "I didn't mention to share them. No matter what, they sent the gifts for the old man's funeral ceremony. Aren't we going to negotiate it…"
"Negotiate what?" Zhang Sheng was driven furious.
"4th elder brother, you don't need to be that angry…"
Zhang Tie's eldest uncle still wanted to say something; however, Zhang Tie slightly raised his hands to stop him. After that, Zhang Tie watched Zhang Lin as he asked calmly, "What did my eldest grandma say?"
"She said it's at your discretion!" Zhang Lin answered calmly.
After hearing Zhang Lin's words, Zhang Fan's face turned slightly stiff. Another one who wanted to say something instantly closed his mouth after finding the atmosphere in the room was strange.
Although Zhang Tie was also drooling about such an astronomical figure, he was still sober-minded. He knew that how Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang thought about the people on the side of the old mansion counted most. Without Zhang Tie's consent, nobody could take away the money. Even if he could, he wouldn't enjoy it. As was persisted by Hua people, great virtues carried things. If a person lacked virtue, even if he made a fortune suddenly, he wouldn't enjoy it. Similarly, when a sampan was suddenly loaded with some fully-laden containers, it would sink facing a bit wind or wave. Most of those Zhang juniors might be in trouble in a few years after getting millions of gold coins.
After getting the opinion of the old lady, Zhang Tie nodded inside, 'Thankfully, there's someone sober-minded in the old mansion.'
"How about this? The old mansion keeps the part of gifts from the major clans in Youzhou Province. After reducing the expenditure of this funeral ceremony, my uncles could make a decision on how to distribute the rest of them. I will not interfere with it!" Zhang Tie had a sip as he put the teacup onto the table lightly, adding, "As for the rest from other provinces, just use them to create a clan fund. My elder brother Zhang Yang would be responsible for the expenditure of this clan fund. Additionally, we should put away this list of gifts. As we Hua people pay attention to "courtesy demands reciprocity", we should pay back at proper moments. As for the monetary gifts that we pay, we could take them from this clan fund. We should not be too mean; otherwise, we would be regarded as being impolite. We have to pay more than their figure. The gap would be fixed by Zhang Yang and me…"
Zhang Tie's opinion was very convincing. Even Zhang Tie's dad and eldest uncle nodded slowly. That was how a major clan should behave. If being too greedy about money, it would be shameless.
Zhang Fan looked stiff. However, he couldn't refute Zhang Tie at this moment given Zhang Tie's words, not to mention Zhang Tie's identity and authority. No matter what, they couldn't share the monetary gifts now and say no when they should pay back. If Zhang family couldn't pay back, it would lose its face completely. That would be preposterous if they took the money now and had Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang pay back later.
After saying these words, Zhang Tie looked straight to Zhang Sheng with a smile as he said, "I heard that two elder cousins in the home of elder uncle had become adults and enjoyed good fame in Jinwu Shipyard these years. After a couple of days, elder uncle could negotiate with my two elder cousins about whether they would like to manage this clan fund together with my elder brother Zhang Yang as his assistants. You could invest in some businesses using the clan fund…"
Needless to say, the clan fund would be at least tens even dozens of times greater than the asset of Jinwu Shipyard. They would have a bright future after joining the management of the clan fund.
Those people in the room were all watching Zhang Tie's eldest uncle Zhang Sheng with admiring looks. Zhang Sheng blushed as he took in a deep breath and said in a low tone while suppressing his excitement, "I'm afraid that my two sons are not familiar with the management of clan fund…"
"It's fine. My two elder cousins have good foundations and management experience. They could learn about it slowly. Both my elder brother and I would be reassured about that. In the future, many things about the clan fund would be monitored by people…"
"Fine!" Zhang Tie's eldest uncle nodded as he fixed this thing. Even idiots would not refuse it.
"In addition, the Liaozhou Province in the north of Yanzhou Province has vast land and is abundant in mines and other resources, although being cold as half of a year there is winter. I was told that Jinwu Shipyard is preparing for prospecting over there and investing in mines in Liaozhou Province. We need helpers there. 9th uncle, you could go there!" Zhang Tie had another sip as he looked at Zhang Yang instead of looking at Zhang Fan whose face had been completely pale, saying, "Elder brother, you could recommend some disciples of Zhang family to do some exercises in Liaozhou Province!"
Zhang Yang nodded. The disciples of the Zhang family are too indolent and depraved. Previously, they even dared screw Zhang Tie with a trick. When the old man was alive, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang didn't care about that. After the old man passed away, those idiots couldn't wait to jump out again. No wonder Zhang Tie would throw these idiots to Liaozhou Province to calm them down.
Watching Zhang Tie's calm and easy look, Zhang Yang found that Zhang Tie had already changed in one day. He didn't behave that casually; instead, he started to consider many things.
"I…I…" Zhang Fan stammered with a pale face.
"What? Are you unsatisfied with my arrangement? You don't want to go there?" Zhang Tie fixated onto Zhang Fan. In a split second, Zhang Fan had felt overwhelming stress which almost shattered him. Not until then did Zhang Fan remember that this man with a young look was not only an unrivaled knight but the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace…
Chapter 1473: Responsibilities
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Taixia Country had national laws; each clan across the country had its own rules, which were definitely more authoritative than national laws. A person could be executed to death penalty according to national laws or clan rules. As the grand elder of a clan mastered the clan rules, Zhang Tie's words were absolutely more authoritative than an imperial decree in the old mansion or Huaiyuan Palace as a whole. Nobody dared violate his decisions…
Zhang Tie could call him 9th uncle out of respect. If Zhang Tie wanted him to die, only with a flash of eye light, many people in Huaiyuan Palace would swarm up to stomp him to death.
"No…I dare not!" Zhang Fan's heart pound due to fear. In only a couple of seconds, Zhang Fan's forehead had oozed sweat as he didn't even have the courage to refuse Zhang Tie's order.
"Let's call it tomorrow. You don't need to care about the funeral ceremony of the old man anymore. After leaving some words to your family members, you shall leave for Liaozhou Province tomorrow!"
Zhang Tie's words made Zhang Fan's face appear paler as he slightly quivered all over. However, Zhang Tie didn't look at Zhang Fan anymore; instead, he told Zhang Yang, "The disciples who need an exercise should also leave for Liaozhou Province tomorrow. Elder brother, you tell Zhang Su who they are. If they resist, let Zhang Su assign guards to send them there. If anyone of them dares run back stealthily, break their legs and throw them back, having them stew in their own juice!"
Zhang Tie's words caused everybody's heart race. It was equal to banishment soon after daybreak.
"From today on, Zhang family should have starkest rules for the wellbeing of the family!" Zhang Tie told everyone else. Finally, he threw a glance at Zhang Fan meaningfully as he added, "Uncles could relate my words to the disciples at home——Hopefully, every one of Zhang family could bear rules in mind. Before they do something or say something, remember to ask themselves whether it's legit or not. A nation has its laws; a family has its rules. To follow rules is to follow your heart and fairness. It's the bottom line of one's virtue. Anyone who breaks the rules would accept the punishment. In Zhang family, only selfless ones could get real respect. Those vicious ones had better stay in bitter and cold places such as Liaozhou Province. If you have gimmicks and the competitive mind, why not compete with outsiders? Our home is not the place where they play their tricks!"
"Erm…how long will they stay in Liaozhou Province?" Zhang Tie's eldest uncle asked hesitantly.
"If some of them could gain a good reputation in Liaozhou Province by competing with outsiders, it indicates that they have become sober-minded and could be useful to the clan; they then could go back home and be granted with high positions. If not, they'd better not come back until death in case of bringing trouble to their families…" Zhang Tie said calmly.
After hearing Zhang Tie's words, Zhang Fan almost slid off the chair.
"If uncles have nothing more to discuss, please go back for a rest. We have jobs to do tomorrow. Eldest uncle, don't forget to have someone take over the job of 9th uncle. If we have not enough staff at home, tell Elder Muyuan to send some more here!" Zhang Tie said as he picked up the tea cup.
After exchanging a glance with each other, Zhang Tie's uncles stood up before leaving there one after another. Zhang Fan even felt difficult to stand up at this moment. The other uncles of Zhang Tie just threw a glance at him; some were sympathetic; some were distant. However, no one spoke for him. Zhang Fan looked at an uncle delivered by the second wife of the old man for help; however, that one didn't even dare look at him. When Zhang Fan spoke just now, that one wanted to root for him; however, he didn't have a chance to speak. At this moment, knowing Zhang Fan's consequence, he felt sweaty all over his back.
When Zhang Fan left there, he fell down at the gate. After climbing up, he disappeared in Zhang Tie's vision in a trance.
Zhang Tie's dad and Zhang Yang stayed in the end with Zhang Tie.
Zhang Ping was also infuriated just now. However, he felt a bit sorry when he saw Zhang Fan leaving there. Therefore, after everyone else had left, he whispered to Zhang Tie, "Guoguo…is it…too…too excessive…"
"Dad, do you know how these people screwed Zhang Tie in the birthday of the old madam in Huaiyuan Prefecture?" Zhang Yang opened his mouth before Zhang Tie in a disdainful way, "Zhang Tie just kicked the ball back at that time. However, these guys forgot everything else at the sight of such an astronomical amount of money. Before the old man's corpse turns cold, they have thought about gaining profits at the cost of Zhang Tie with a shameless reason. They treated Zhang Tie and I as idiots. Such people are blinded by money, shortsighted and extremely silly. They would be black sheeps at home and would incur troubles sooner or later. I feel Zhang Tie's deed is not excessive at all. If it were me, I would have whipped them today. Zhang Tie is right. We have to follow starkest rules at home since today!"
"Erm, no matter what, Zhang Fan…is your 9th uncle. Those people are your cousins!" Zhang Tie's dad said with a sigh of relief.
"Therefore, I didn't have people chop off their head for the sake of the old man; instead, I left a chance to them!" Zhang Tie watched his dad as he added, "The goodwill, tolerance and trust of my elder brother and I about this family is not weeds in the wild. We're not to be spoiled and disappointed by them. Otherwise, they have to pay for that and prepare to face the other side of us…"
"Alright. I won't talk about it any more. You're clearer than me about these things. You two brothers should go to bed early. I will go accompany your mom…" Zhang Tie's dad said helplessly as he shook his head and left there, leaving Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang alone in the room.
Zhang Yang threw a glance at Zhang Tie, saying, "I feel you've changed a lot after the death of the old man."
"Before the old man passed away, he handed the entire family to me. I have to live up to his trust!" Zhang Tie forced a bitter smile at his elder brother as he added, "Additionally…" Zhang Tie became hesitant as he stopped…
Zhang Tie's hesitation aroused Zhang Yang's curiosity as the latter watched him with explorative eye light.
Zhang Tie shook his head silently with a bitter smile…
The existence above sage-level demon knights was the biggest crisis facing Zhang Tie. As Zhang Tie had lost his battle strength, he felt intense more or less as he longed for gaining a greater ability to respond to it before the real crisis arrived. To make it, he had to make a great reform about his clan so that his clan could grow stronger even if he incurred swear and condemnation.
However, Zhang Tie didn't feel necessary to tell his elder brother about it, as his elder brother was not even a knight. Otherwise, his elder brother would only feel more fretful.
Men's shoulders were used to carry burdens, even a mountain. Zhang Yang could carry burdens for the family, even Huaiyuan Palace as a whole. However, if one was not able to tread a heavenly demon knight under foot, he could only feel fretful about such a stress.
In front of Zhang Yang, Zhang Tie had already called Zhang Su in by remote-sensing finger ring. He then repeated his decision to Zhang Su before having him assign some guards to take away those cousins who wanted to share the monetary gifts.
Zhang Su propped up Zhang Tie's decision very much. When Zhang Tie spoke, Zhang Su's eye light had turned downright cold with shrewd and aggressive light. After Zhang Tie finished his words, Zhang Su clarified the names of those cousins to Zhang Yang. Then, he cupped his hands towards Zhang Tie and left there.
Only after a short while, the two courtyards in the old mansion where Zhang disciples lived had been filled with cries. However, only after a few seconds, the cries had disappeared. The old mansion recovered its tranquility. At this moment, a team of powerhouses of Fire-Dragon Corps towed some people out of the old mansion from the rear door and left Golden Light City by airship in the evening.
Chapter 1474: Top Glory after Death
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The atmosphere in the old mansion refreshed after last night…
What happened in the old mansion last night shocked Zhang disciples very much. On one hand, some disciples were promoted to manage the clan fund of hundreds of millions of gold coins, causing the others very jealous. On the other hand, Zhang Fan Zhang Tie's 9th uncle and his three cousins were "banished" to Liaozhou Province before the funeral ceremony of the old man came to an end. They might not come back in dozens of years. The sharp difference between the two treatments immediately awakened all the Zhang disciples and relatives and reminded them that Zhang Clan had been different than before.
Additionally, "follow the starkest rules" had been born in mind by all the Zhang disciples overnight.
Someone had already exemplified the consequence of violating clan rules.
After knowing the reason that Zhang Fan and the others were banished to Liaozhou Province, many Zhang disciples felt shameless about them as they clapped their hands and spoke highly of Zhang Tie's punishment. Very few of them felt sympathetic about them. Even idiots understood why the old mansion could receive so many monetary gifts. Before the old man's funeral ceremony came to an end, someone had already wanted to instigate the others to share the money. Being so unscrupulous and shameless, these people must have been blinded by profit.
…
"Zhang Fan's wife and the mothers of Zhang Zhukang, Zhang Zhufang and Zhang Lide were crying as they wanted to see you last night. However, my father had people take them away from the old mansion and monitor them. They're not allowed to come back until the old man's funeral ceremony comes to an end. Zhang Zhukang and Zhang Zhufang are sons of the 4th uncle of the 2nd wife of the old man; Zhang Lide is the son of the 5th aunt of the 3rd wife of the old man. 5th aunt married a man surnamed Zhang in Huaiyuan Palace in Goldensea City; therefore, she's close to the side of the old mansion…" Zhang Su told Zhang Tie when they had porridge and pickles in the early morning. Zhang Tie nodded slightly.
Compared to Zhang Tie, Zhang Su drank porridge like drinking water. After finishing drinking it, he put down the chopsticks and started to talk about domestic affairs to Zhang Tie.
These two days, the family members ate simply due to the death of the old man according to the rule adopted by major clans in Taixia Country. Zhang family were not forbidden to eat meat in 49 days. It was called "filial food". There were two explanations for "filial food". First, after a senior passed away, it would be impolite for juniors to eat meat in near days. Second, "filial food" meant no kill. During the 49 days after the death of the senior, the juniors would save many fowls, poultry, fish and shrimps so that the late senior could ascend to heaven as soon as possible.
"Zhang Fan, Zhang Zhukang, Zhang Zhufang and Zhang Lide have been on the way. They're not allowed to get off the airship until they arrive at Liaozhou Province. As for those who cried for them, they've been warned——if they continued to cry, they would also be banished to Liaozhou Province so as to reunite with their family members. Therefore, they all calm down. The 2nd wife and the 3rd wife of the old man remained silent. It would be ridiculous if the domestic rules could be amended casually because of someone's cries. Fortunately, we got a chance to correct this evil wind at home this time.
After drinking it, Zhang Tie put down his bowl and chopsticks as he cleaned his mouth by a piece of napkin, saying, " I made a rule for family members as an evil person. Elder cousin, you should be responsible for the side of this old mansion from now on. In the future, nobody would dare not follow your orders. Previously, it was a bit lenient at home and a lot of jokes have been made. Later on, you should deal with them right away if anyone dare violates domestic rules…"
"I see!" Zhang Su took in a deep breath as he nodded.
…
Like yesterday, the moment the day broke, the first guest had arrived. It was the head and two elders of Sun Clan of Guide Prefecture, Youzhou Province. As Sun Clan had no airboat, after getting orbituary, Sun representatives spent one day to arrive at GoldenLight City by airship. In order to express their sincerity, they had been waiting outside the old mansion in the early morning. The moment the sun rose, they had offered their condolence to the late old man.
Sun Clan 1 million gold coins.
After Sun representatives finished their condolence, Zhang Tie met them and had a short chat with them. After that, Sun Clan people left there satisfactorily.
After Sun Clan came people from all walks of life. Therefore, the drum outside the gate of the old mansion kept sounding.
When it was close to noon, the drum sounded once again while a distant and euphonious voice drifted into the backyard of the old mansion.
It sounded more like a roar.
"Yan Feiqing the head of Fantasy Women Palace, CloudyDream Mountain, Wuzhou Province and Guo Hongyi, the head of Guo Clan, ThreeSpring Prefecture, Youzhou Province are coming…"
After hearing this voice, all the people in the old mansion were shocked, including Zhang Tie who was in the mourning hall. After being stunned for a second, Zhang Tie paced up towards the ante-court.
Soon, Zhang Tie saw Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi.
In white longuette and simple make-up, the two people looked like brilliant twins; instead of master and apprentice. The moment they entered the old mansion, they had won the attention of many people, including Zhang servants, relatives and guests.
Yan Feiqing looked calm while Guo Hongyi looked a bit embarrassed. Watching Zhang Tie coming over here, Yan Feiqing revealed a smile. After throwing a glance at Zhang Tie, Guo Hongyi lowered her head as her ear roots and neck turned faintly rosy.
Watching the two people, Zhang Tie finally let out a sigh of relief. Although he wondered how they communicated with each other this period, he realized that the two people would really call each other sisters in front of him later on.
"Feiqing, Hongyi." Zhang Tie opened his mouth.
"Hmm!" Yan Feiqing answered.
"Go light some incenses for my grandpa!" Zhang Tie said as he led them towards the mourning hall.
After Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi entered the mourning hall, Zhang juniors and the wives of the old man instantly fixated onto them. Yan Feiqing remained calm as usual while Guo Hongyi's face turned redder.
"Wait a moment!" Zhang Tie told Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi. After that, he told a butler in the mourning hall, "Go fetch two linen belts…"
After hearing Zhang Tie's order, that butler was shocked for a second. Closely after that, he understood Zhang Tie's meaning as he rushed into the rear court at the fastest speed and brought Zhang Tie two white linen belts in a split second.
Under the gaze of everyone else, Zhang Tie gave a linen belt to Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi respectively, "Fasten it…"
To wear a linen belt in this case meant that they were the late old man's granddaughters-in-law. All the women with linen belts were the wives of Zhang Tie's cousins.
The two linen belts were more persuasive than any swears.
Yan Feiqing took the linen belt and fastened it. Guo Hongyi also imitated Yan Feiqing as she took Zhang Tie's linen belt and fastened it.
After they fastened the linen belts to their own waists, Zhang family members in the mourning hall instantly looked at them with different eye light. Zhang Tie also let out a sigh of relief outright. After something became a fact, it would not haunt people anymore.
From then on, Guo Hongyi had become Zhang Tie's woman officially. As for whether the fact that he married Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi would incur him some dissolute gossips and the reproaches of some traditionalists or not, it was out of Zhang Tie's concern.
Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi then knelt down, kowtowed and served incenses in the mourning hall according to the rules of granddaughters-in-law…
After their sacrifice, Zhang Tie introduced Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi to the wives of the old man. After that, he led the two women to the rear court to meet his parents, mainly Guo Hongyi.
…
In the following days, more and more guests with increasingly higher social status arrived to offer their condolences to Zhang Haitian, including representatives of Gold and Power Law and Lord Guangnan's Mansion, elders of Heavenly Fortune Sect, Cheng Honglie the commander of Northeast Military Region. Even Lord Xuanwu, Lord Jingtian, Lord Dingxi and Lord Yian had assigned representatives here with great monetary gifts.
Watching so many dignitaries converging Golden Light City for the sake of the death of the old man, even the servants in the old man had been downright spirited these days, not to mention Zhang Tie's uncles and cousins.
On the 5th day, the crown prince assigned representatives to offer his condolence with a great monetary gift. Additionally, His Majesty granted the late old man with the title of posthumous count.
According to the rule in the black iron age, only those who killed demons could be granted with the title of nobility. However, imperial dignitaries in Taixia Country were entitled to grant late people with posthumous titles, which couldn't be inherited and were exclusive to the late ones.
Because of Zhang Tie, Zhang Tie's dad was granted with the title "lord" while Zhang Tie's grandpa was granted with the title of posthumous count. Therefore, everyone across Taixia Country knew how much the crown prince valued Zhang Tie.
Chapter 1475: The Arrival of Senior Sister Apprentices
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
In the blink of an eye, 6 days had almost passed. After the 7th day, the mourning hall would be demolished. After that, the funeral ceremony would gradually come to an end except for 6 rituals in 42 days, 7 days for each time.
In order to fulfill the last wish of the old man, Zhang Tie named Alexander and the other hybrids Hua names respectively these days. Actually, Zhang Tie had long planned to do that. Previously, Zhang Tie wanted to name them again after a few years. Now that it was the old man's will, it was nothing serious for him to do it a bit earlier.
After negotiating with his dad, Zhang Tie had fixed their Hua names.
Like Zhang Chengan and Zhang Chengba, the middle name of his hybrids would also be Cheng. Additionally, as they came from Ice and Snow Wilderness, it was easier for him to name them.
Alexander meant guardian; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengwei(卫).
Andre meant brave; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengyong(勇).
Matvey meant God's gift; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengli(礼).
Anatoli meant guardian too; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengbao(保).
Victor meant victory; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengsheng(胜).
Igor meant the beloved son of the God of Wealth; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengfu(富).
Orego meant the sacred; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengdao(道).
Nigolas meant great trumph; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chengwei(伟).
Lev meant lion; therefore, his Hua name was Zhang Chenghou. Previously, Zhang Tie suggested Lev Zhang Chengshi; however, Zhang Tie's dad vetoed it as he said it was not good for a name to carry a fierce beast. As lions could roar loudly, Zhang Tie wanted to name him Zhang Chenghou(吼); however, it didn't sound good; therefore, he replaced "吼" with "侯".
Honestly, Zhang Tie didn't master too much Hua culture, nor did he read too many ancient Hua books; therefore, he didn't excel at naming his sons. However, all the hybrids felt pretty happy about their Hua names.
On the 7th day, although there were still guests, all the major clans across the country had already assigned their representatives here. After staying in Golden Light City for a day, all of them had left. Even Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi who had left Golden Light City for Three Spring Prefecture on the next day. Those who came here to offer their condolences were almost local people in Yanghe Prefecture, Youzhou Province. Zhang Tie didn't need to greet them himself as they could be received by his uncles in the old mansion.
Previously, Zhang Tie thought that he didn't need to see anyone anymore; however, a butler brought him a piece of news which caused him to run out of the rear courtyard to greet the guests.
It was Ma Aiyun, Gu Caidie and Yuan Ziyi. They were all Zhang Tie's senior sister apprentices and bosom friends in Hidden Dragon Palace. It had been 16 years since he set apart from them in Heavens Cold City, Waii Subcontinent, excluding the 6 decades when he stayed in the tower of time.
Therefore, when a butler told Zhang Tie about the arrival of Ma Aiyun, Gu Caidie and Yuan Ziyi, Zhang Tie became stunned for a second. Closely after that, he went to greet them himself.
Zhang Tie saw the three senior sister apprentices in the parlor beside the mourning hall.
Zhang Tie's look almost remained unchanged during the past 16 years. However, the three girls had already turned into charming beauties.
No sooner did Zhang Tie open the curtain and enter the parlor than the three pairs of beautiful eyes fixated onto his face.
There were pure friendship and ambiguous love between them; especially Zhang Tie and Ma Aiyun, who had one night stand in Heavens Cold City. Therefore, Zhang Tie couldn't subdue his excitement at the sight of the three people.
Zhang Tie and the three women looked at each other for a minute. Even though Zhang Tie had a lot of words to say, he didn't know how to express.
"16 years no see. Three senior sister apprentices are still so beautiful and brilliant…" Zhang Tie broke the silence.
"We dare not be the senior sister apprentices of the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace!" Gu Caidie revealed a faint smilec as she said with bright eyes and white teeth in an extremely alluring manner, "If other elders heard it, we three would be punished severely. Just call our names. Very few people in Taixia Country dare say that they're your senior sister apprentices now!"
"Alright. I will call your names. Caidie, Ziyi and Aiyun sound better!" Zhang Tie said with a generous smile.
"Are you afraid of your wives' jealousy? Although we've not seen you these years, we've heard a lot of dissolute affairs about you!" Yuan Ziyi said as she threw a casual glance at Ma Aiyun.
"I'm not afraid of that. I could subdue them…" Zhang Tie said as he patted his chest like how he always did when he joked with his senior sister apprentices in Hiding Dragon Island. After hearing his words, the three women couldn't help but giggle. The estrangement caused by 16 years' departure appeared to be solved in a split second.
Later on, Zhang Tie told them to take a seat and have people serve tea for them. After that, he started to chat with them and learned about their recent situations.
Since the three women returned to Taixia Country from Waii Subcontinent, they had been staying in Huaiyuan City, Yingzhou Province, another basement of Huaiyuan Palace in Taixia Country. However, as this basement was not near Youzhou Province, the three people didn't have a chance to visit Youzhou Province these years.
Huaiyuan Palace also built a place similar to Hidden Dragon Island in an island nearby Huaiyuan City so as to train clan elites who were transferred to Taixia Country from Waii Subcontinent. As the three people were talented in cultivation and had perseverance, they promoted to LV 9 at the same time 3 years ago. Since then, they could recover their freedom to a certain extent and leave the clan base in Huaiyuan City.
This time, the three people received the tasks of Long Wind Business Group at the same time and came to Youzhou Province. By the way, they offered a condolence to the late old man in Golden Light City and met Zhang Tie…