https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-60-The-Third-Sword-Inviting-the-Divine-Essence/13019238/
Chapter 61: The Shrine in the Lower Levels
Chapter 61: The Shrine in the Lower Levels
The lower levels are rife with factions, but not all of them are lawbreakers. Most just scrape by, living off the masses.
Moreover, faction members generally avoid offending martial arts academies.
After all, their ability to fight is a crucial factor in whether they can claim more territory and live better.
To become a capable fighter, one must join a martial arts academy.
In the eyes of outsiders, Ji Jingqiu is not only a true disciple of the Yangyan Martial Arts Academy but has also registered with the Municipal Security Agency's external combat system. Recently, through his "order brushing," he has transformed his strength into "local prestige."
In a single leap, Little Ji has become Big Ji.
As the sun sets, the city's evening breeze blows through the alleys.
Grandfather and grandson walk home, with Big Ji giving his grandfather a heartfelt lecture.
"You have a home but don't return, playing mahjong outside and losing ten thousand each time. Didn't you always boast about your mahjong skills?"
"If you ask me, when you're not winning money, your mahjong must be pretty average," Ji Jingqiu says, maintaining a serious face. "I've just broken through to the Heaven-Human Second Limit, with the Third Limit in sight. Compared to those online big shots who can break all five limits with just a breath of sharpness, I still have a slight gap."
Break through all five limits with just a breath of sharpness?
Ji Wumian's lips twitched—this is pure boasting without a script.
"Right."
Seeing an egg cake shop by the roadside, Ji Jingqiu remembers something. He has been so focused on his martial cultivation recently that he forgot all about it...
"I'll buy some egg cakes that Grandfather Zhuang likes, and we can visit his shrine on the way."
Ji Wumian chuckles, "Your Grandfather Zhuang has been back for more than half a month, and you only think of him now? He always said he would pass the shrine to you in the future."
Ji Jingqiu pretends not to hear.
He has no interest in guarding a shrine with an unresponsive clay idol.
Following Senior Brother's grand vision, he has hopes of heading to the Central Region in the second half of the year, a place that's incomparable to Taian City.
Thinking of this—
"My Senior Brother says I have a chance to go to the Central Region for further cultivation in the second half of the year. What do you think?"
"Central Region? Go ahead, young man. When you have the opportunity, you should venture out."
Ji Wumian nods and advises, "Your father also studied in the Central Region back then. Your mother, he brought her back from there. You should try hard and make a name for yourself."
Ji Jingqiu: "…Do you want to come with me then?"
According to Senior Brother, those with martial cultivation potential can bypass tests and have guaranteed placements in the Central Region.
Ji Wumian shakes his head, "You don't need to worry about me. I'll live with or without you. In a while, I plan to go on a trip."
"A trip?" Ji Jingqiu is stunned, "Where to? With a group or alone?"
"With a group." Ji Wumian folds his arms, looking rather pleased, "The money is already paid."
"The money is already paid?" Ji Jingqiu can't help but ask, "How much, and where did you get the money from?"
Didn't Grandfather put all his savings into his account last time, along with some loose change, which had made Ji Jingqiu quite touched.
"From the mahjong table," Ji Wumian rubs his chin, "Not much, just 40."
"…So you're going on a day trip in Taian City without even meals included?"
"It's a senior citizen tour group, a whole three months from Dong San Qu to North District 2, with government subsidies. Meals are included throughout the journey," Ji Wumian explains slowly.
Ji Jingqiu's face darkens immediately.
This old man really isn't afraid of being tricked!
He tries to reason with his grandfather patiently, but the old man remains unmoved and unusually resolute.
"This is a government subsidy!"
"Right when you're going to the Central Region, I'll be traveling."
"An old man like me, penniless, what could they possibly want from me?"
"Me? Then they've made a mistake."
"Safety? Don't worry, your grandfather's going too, and he has a younger relative accompanying him."
As they walked towards the shrine, Ji Jingqiu couldn't convince his grandfather, so he decided to go and talk to Grandfather Zhuang.
The shrine, as it was called, was actually a storefront converted into a shrine, located in a quieter corner of the lower levels. The ground was paved with mottled green bricks, and the room was filled with a faint scent of incense.
The main hall, originally dedicated to the worship of deities, now had a mahjong table as the first thing that caught the eye, placed neatly in the center, surrounded by a few handmade rattan chairs, with the shrine placed on top of them.
It was called a shrine, but it might be better described as a senior citizens' card room.
Inside the shrine, an elderly man with a lively spirit leaned back in a rattan chair, his eyes slightly narrowed, and in front of him was a young man practicing a foundation training stance.
Judging by his age, he seemed a few years older than Ji Jingqiu.
Sensing the presence of an outsider, the young man glanced at the elderly man in the rattan chair, received his permission, and then put away his foundation stance. He walked a few steps to the old man's side.
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His body was straight as a pine tree, his face wore a warm smile, and his temperament was gentle and refined.
"Grandfather Zhuang, a 40-block senior citizen tour group, you dare to go too?"
Ji Jingqiu walked through the entrance with a stern expression.
The old man in the rattan chair was startled, his gaze moved past Ji Jingqiu, and he looked towards the old friend walking behind him. Only then did he respond with a sound of acknowledgment, saying, "Oh, it's a federal government subsidy."
Ji Jingqiu replied with a hint of annoyance, "Even with a subsidy, can something that costs 40 blocks be any good? You two are really not afraid of being scammed."
Zhuang Fusheng gave a short laugh, "Scammed? It's not certain that we'll be the unlucky ones."
He patted the young man behind him, "Jingqiu, come and meet him. This is my distant nephew, Xiao Shanhe. He came to visit me recently. You two should get to know each other. When I go on the tour with your grandfather, he'll be our escort."
Xiao Shanhe smiled and bowed to Ji Jingqiu, exuding a demeanor reminiscent of a martial arts novel's wandering hero.
Ji Jingqiu followed suit, bowing to Xiao Shanhe.
"Jingqiu, it's been a while since you've been here. Go to the inner room and pay your respects to the deity first." Zhuang Fusheng spoke with a serious tone.
Ji Jingqiu replied and headed towards the inner room to offer incense.
Grandfather Zhuang was his grandfather's mahjong partner, and he had often been brought here when he was younger.
At that time, the two old men would persuade him to worship the gods sincerely, saying that he might receive divine assistance and eliminate calamities. Because of this, he had believed in deities for a while.
However, later on, reality proved that the gods couldn't save him.
As Ji Jingqiu entered the inner room, Xiao Shanhe, who was standing nearby, leaned forward and asked, "Master Zhuang, is this young brother my competitor?"
Zhuang Fusheng didn't respond to him but turned to look at the inner room, asking, "Has Jingqiu started martial arts training? When did this happen? I've only been away for a short time."
"Less than two months. He found a martial arts academy on his own."
Zhuang Fusheng's eyes suddenly lit up, "The mysterious aura flowing through his body indicates that he has broken through limits, and not just one. To reach this level in just two months? Moreover, from observing the divine light in his eyes, it seems he has made rapid progress in mental cultivation."
"Yes, my grandson."
Ji Wumei's words were casual, but he quietly brought his hands behind his back.
Zhuang Fusheng glanced at him and turned to look at Xiao Shanhe behind him, narrowing his eyes, "Kid, I remember you were also called a martial arts genius a few years ago?"
Xiao Shanhe bowed slightly, "I passed the Star Cluster Standard two years ago."
"And now?"
"Now, I dare to challenge even the Bright Moon."
Zhuang Fusheng nodded in satisfaction and turned to shout,
"Jingqiu, come out after you're done paying respects. A quick one will do.
Old Ji told me you've been practicing martial arts recently. Perfect timing, let your brother Xiao accompany you in a sparring match."
(End of Chapter)
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