Cultivators Are So Weak in This World

Chapter 549 - 516 Leisure 6

Withdrawing his thoughts, Zhang Rongfang turned to look inside the pavilion.

Today, his sister had invited her friends from the city for a flower appreciation gathering.

Although it was called a flower appreciation gathering, there would actually be a small auction of flower seeds and fully bloomed flowers later.

The money from the auction would be used for disaster relief and rebuilding efforts around the city.

This was also a way to support his brother-in-law’s current work endeavors.

Zhang Rongfang was called in to provide security, to guard the surroundings.

After all, he was an officially recognized advanced-grade Martial Artist now. His sister’s invitation to take full responsibility for the safety of the flower appreciation gathering was just a small task for him.

Inside the pavilion, in the courtyard, many ladies and young mistresses from the city were moving around, accompanied by household servants and maids, appreciating the well-arranged flowers.

The prices were marked below the flower pots, and there were wooden plaques indicating the origins, information, historical references, and meanings of the flowers.

The entire flower gathering was held inside this pavilion, and now there were over thirty people present.

Zhang Rongfang had access to twenty-five people to mobilize, all were household servants and temporary recruits from the estate.

Apart from himself, a sixth-grade expert, there were only three other skilled practitioners, along with some strong household servants familiar with basic martial arts and pole fighting.

These household servants were just robust men with abundant Qi and blood, ordinary people. They could maintain order, but would surely be helpless if trouble arose.

However, Zhang Rongfang didn’t mind. It was just a flower gathering anyway, nothing troublesome was expected.

At this moment, he listened to his sister chatter enthusiastically about the various flowers, their prices, and acquisition difficulties while casually observing different parts of the pavilion.

Key areas were guarded by household servants, so there were no major issues, mainly controlling conflicts and disputes between guests.

Tong Yuan had finally obtained a Blue Butterfly, putting him in a good mood. At the very least, his survival skills saw a significant improvement, aiding much in his future plans.

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A few hundred meters away from the pavilion.

A group of peddlers who had just settled down for a drink at a roadside tavern were conversing quietly, occasionally using their peripheral vision to watch the pavilion.

"The pavilion has three stories; the target is on the third floor. Experts in the city have been dispatched to assist in sweeping the remaining insurgents and aid in reconstruction. We only need to complete our task within half a quarter of an hour to disengage."

One of them said in a low voice.

"An uneducated, unsupported woman consorting with a lunatic from the Spirit People to produce a successor? Today, she’ll learn that not everything in this world can be grasped through scheming!"

Their eyes met briefly before quickly looking down again.

After a few drinks, the group of five stood up one at a time, dispersing as they proceeded towards the flower pavilion.

"The situation in the pavilion is clear, not many skilled guards responsible for safety, we only need to heed three individuals.

Two are ordinary practitioners with basic level skills utilizing long poles, the remaining one is Zhang Rongyu’s younger brother, reportedly an advanced-grade Martial Artist, from the Great Dao Teaching."

"He’s just a sixth-grade anyway, I’ll deal with him, and you guys need to act swiftly. If there’s any delay, the teacher will intervene. Once Zhang Rongyu is dead, her son will have nothing to rely on, and certainly will not inherit the gentleman’s position!"

The group exchanged whispers, drawing ever closer to the pavilion, their expressions growing increasingly cold and severe.

Upstairs in the pavilion.

Zhang Rongfang felt something, glancing down at the street.

Down below, people bustled about, ox carts carrying goods continued heading out of the city.

"What’s going on, Rongfang?" Zhang Rongyu approached with a smiling blue-clad lady.

"Quick, quick, come and meet her. This is my good friend Lady Lan’s younger sister, she has been training in martial arts for years and has now returned to take up a position in the city’s defense!"

Zhang Rongfang turned to the woman. She had bright eyes and white teeth, a healthy sun-kissed complexion, a figure with appealing curves, and athletic legs, clearly someone skilled in martial arts.

"Her surname is Li, given name Zhen. Come, Little Sister Zhen, this is my brother Zhang Rongfang. Get acquainted!" Zhang Rongyu introduced with a smile.

Although Li Zhen wasn’t really interested, she couldn’t resist Zhang Rongyu’s warm enthusiasm, urging her to come over.

Originating from a branch high up in the hierarchy of Confucianism, her talent and strength far exceeded most people’s imagination. She didn’t concern herself with so-called experts from external sects.

It was only due to Zhang Rongyu having helped her greatly before, their close relationship, and Li Zhen considering her an honorary elder sister, that she agreed to set aside her rigorous studies to come and assist today.

But she didn’t expect...

She looked up, meeting Zhang Rongfang’s eyes, discovering his face wore the same resigned, indifferent expression.

"You two have a good chat, with both of you practicing martial arts, there must be more topics of conversation than with us weak girls," Zhang Rongyu winked, gesturing subtly with her eyes, and cheerfully walked away.

If her brother were the same as before, she certainly wouldn’t have thought to introduce him to Li Zhen. But now Rongfang was different, wasn’t he?

So young yet he entered the realm of advanced grade, who knows how he will develop in the future?

With that kind of potential, he had the merit to acquaint with Li Zhen and give it a try.

Maybe the two would just happen to find a connection and fall for each other?

Li Zhen, so gifted and with a strong background, would be a great advantage if they indeed became an item.

Zhang Rongyu walked away.

Li Zhen looked at Zhang Rongfang before her.

"It seems you also feel resigned, unwilling to let Sister Xiaoyu introduce you to me?"

"As long as my sister is happy." Zhang Rongfang smiled.

"You’re quite interesting," Li Zhen’s impression of him improved markedly. For someone willing to so accommodate his family, surely he couldn’t be a bad person.

"You also have some intriguing qualities."

Zhang Rongfang smiled, his keen vision revealing that she seemed to have a strong foundation. Compared to typical practitioners, she was quite impressive, somewhat like Ding Yu and other Super Grade experts, even surpassing Zhang Zhenhai in Qi and blood flow.

To reach such a level of martial prowess at such an age wasn’t something an ordinary faction could cultivate.

There’s no doubt that Sister’s ability to interact with martial figures of that level is related to some hidden secrets.

"What do you mean?" Li Zhen asked back.

"Sister acknowledges very few people, but once she does, that person must have something extraordinary." Zhang Rongfang answered.

"Are you flattering me?" Li Zhen laughed.

"I’m just speaking the truth."

"Well, this truth sounds good." Li Zhen walked to the edge of the courtyard railing and looked down.

"Speaking of which, since you’re a Martial Artist and used to be part of the Great Dao Teaching, what do you think of the current world situation?" she asked aloud.

This is the nature of someone with a bit of skill.

Zhang Rongfang chuckled inwardly. Some skilled people always like to comment on the world, speaking eloquently, thinking they’re someone significant on this global chessboard.

"The world situation tends toward stability now, with the Great Dao Teaching at the forefront, forming a grand religious alliance, integrating all scattered religions, which will greatly enhance control over various regions." He replied casually.

"So you’re saying things will become more stable in the future?" Li Zhen raised her eyebrows. Her outfit was a form-fitting martial attire, similar to a riding outfit, accentuating her curves perfectly. At this time, her questioning carried an inexplicable charm.

"Whether stable or not, what I need to do is strive to practice martial arts to be ready to protect my sister in the future." Zhang Rongfang answered.

"I’ll also protect Sister Xiaoyu. Protecting her isn’t easy; great strength is required. I’ve heard you have quite a talent. Shall we spar sometime?" Li Zhen suggested.

"I’d rather not, martial arts is for stopping wars, not for competition." Zhang Rongfang shook his head slightly.

"So you’re saying you don’t dare? Or are you worried it’d be embarrassing to lose to me?" Li Zhen raised her eyebrows.

Zhang Rongfang was about to say something when a commotion erupted downstairs.

Their attention was simultaneously drawn, and they walked to the window to look down.

Bam!!

A peddler drew a single-edged sword from his pole and slashed forward at full speed, fiercely chopping at the attic door.

The door latch broke, and several people rushed in, easily knocking down the household servants defending the way.

They then headed straight to the second floor.

On the second floor, two skilled individuals holding steel knives charged forward, shouting.

"Overestimating themselves!" One sneered, raising his sword, the sword light splitting into two points, precisely stabbing the wrists of the two opponents.

"Release!"

With two clangs, the steel knives fell to the ground, and the servants stepped back, the outcome decided in an instant.

While this person subdued the guards, the others proceeded to rush up to the third floor.

Upstairs, Zhang Rongfang frowned slightly, walking toward the stairs to act.

Clang!

At that moment, a splendid silver sword light suddenly exploded at the stairway.

The sword light bloomed like a flower, exceptionally dazzling. In just an instant, it pierced each of the people who had rushed upstairs.

Broken swords clattered to the ground.

Then it was silent, no sound remaining.

Zhang Rongfang squinted slightly, stepping forward to take a look.

Only to find the people who had just rushed up all lying on the ground, unable to rise.

In the corner of the stairs, an old man with white hair, who had been feigning sleep, stood up, grabbed one person with one hand, and casually tossed them out the window, far away.

After throwing a few people out, the old man silently went downstairs, blending into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

"Everyone, don’t worry. Those who intruded have been dealt with, the flower-viewing event will continue." Zhang Rongyu stood in the center of the attic, addressing all the guests loudly.

She seemed to have anticipated this.

Seeing her brother looking at her, Zhang Rongyu playfully winked at him.

The crowd stirred a bit, quickly calmed and reassured, continuing to enjoy the flowers. Those who survived the great chaos weren’t simple.

Zhang Rongfang recalled the sword move just now; it was a martial arts technique he had never seen before.

Somewhat similar to Dongfang Mu’s Confucian style, but mixed with many other elements.

"Did you see? If you want to protect your sister, your martial skills are far from enough." Li Zhen sighed. That sword just now was used by an elder expert in our lineage.

Even for her, reaching that level would require continued effort.

Recently, Sister Xiaoyu may have more people around to protect her.

"It was indeed a very powerful sword..." Zhang Rongfang closed his eyes, recalling the brilliant sword light just now. Even at his current level, if his strength and speed were restrained to match the opponent, evading perfectly would still be difficult.

The sound of the sword, the light of the sword, and the blade of the sword, perfectly merged together, making it impossible to locate and sense, even creating errors in spatial perception.

Finally, it induced the opponent’s response error, exposing a flaw, and was defeated by one sword.

"Keep working hard, Sister Xiaoyu is much more formidable than you think," Li Zhen patted his shoulder.

"I see..." Zhang Rongfang nodded slightly.

From that sword just now, he had already discerned that his sister might be related to the Confucian school.

The Confucian school... that was a giant entity that once dominated the world.

It crushed many sects, leaving them powerless to resist. According to Dongfang Mu, the Imperial Tutor defeated the Confucian leader Chen Junchen at the time, by borrowing force.

Emperor Kun was one of them.

There was also the Spirit Court and Spirit Flying Church’s frontal suppression, massacring Confucians, learning palaces, and various major literary lineages.

In Dongfang Mu’s words.

Chen Junchen might not have necessarily lost, but during the stalemate, news came of his disciples and friends being assassinated in succession, causing him to lose focus and ultimately lose by one move.

Returning to his senses, Zhang Rongfang said softly and earnestly, "Actually, it doesn’t matter. Her being formidable is her matter, wanting to protect her is mine."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhen understood the meaning within and couldn’t help but look at Zhang Rongfang with a newfound respect.