Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Secrets of a Century Past

Over a hundred years ago, Nanshan Town was known as Yang Family Town. With its back to Misty Cloud Mountain, it was more prosperous, wealthier, and stronger than it is now. Yet, for reasons unknown, Yang Family Town was destroyed overnight—raging fire consumed it, screams echoed to the heavens.

That day, the casualties were immense. Still, many survived or were away at the time. One branch of the family fled to distant lands, prospered and multiplied, learning from past misfortunes to scatter their kin far and wide. Some wealth was hidden away as well, so that should calamity strike again, it could be used to swiftly recover and regain strength. Alongside, a secret rumor was left behind: there was treasure in Yang Family Town.

Yang Tai’s father, Old Master Yang, learned of this by chance and moved to Jinhua County, where after years of business, he became a wealthy merchant. He deliberately sent his son Yang Tai to present-day Nanshan Town to open a tavern, to establish a foothold first.

“I always wondered why Yang Tai, with such a vast family enterprise, would expand by opening a tavern in a small town rather than in nearby cities. No matter how bustling Nanshan Town is, it’s still only a small place.” Yang Fan finally understood the reason. Yet he never imagined that Yang Tai’s family also originated from Nanshan Town.

“Treasure?”

“Is this why the county officer humbles himself, having his kin and even his eldest son manage affairs in Nanshan Town?”

“Nangong siblings!”

“And Han Li!”

“Are they here for the same reason?”

“Right, Han Li said the county officer has someone powerful behind him.”

“By rights, a mere county officer with eighth rank martial cultivation shouldn’t be qualified to keep a beast, and yet he does.”

Yang Fan scratched his head in confusion.

“Nanshan Town…” He showed a complicated expression, finally grasping that this secret chamber was prepared against unforeseen events; if disaster struck again and someone survived, these hidden treasures could be used to restore and strengthen the family. Perhaps the secret room at Taifeng Tavern was created by Yang Tai for the same purpose. In the end, he had managed to claim a share.

Searching through the trove, he found the Wild Ox Fist, the Cloak Sabre Technique, and two martial arts manuals: Demon Ox Fist and Wind-Chasing Steps.

“Martial arts as foundation, silver to expand, secrets to pass on—the preparations are thorough. I wonder if anyone from Yang Tai’s branch escaped?” This was how great families endured. If someone survived, they held the capital to rise again. Especially with the Red Spirit Blood Fruit, which could create a martial artist in a short time, providing the most essential strength.

Suppressing his many thoughts, Yang Fan began absorbing the three spiritual items.

Pearl: 6.3; Essence of Blue Gold: 1.5; Red Spirit Blood Fruit: 4.3.

[Energy: +12.1]

Total: 12.3.

“Once again, I am wealthy!” Yang Fan couldn’t help but laugh. His luck was truly remarkable. However, he refrained from using the energy just yet, for the surge of power remained unmastered and he couldn’t wield it freely. He needed time to settle and assimilate it.

Yang Fan started reading through the martial arts manuals. Demon Ox Fist was an advanced form of Wild Ox Fist, likely of lower grade, with unique insights, though not suitable for him. Still, he could absorb the martial experience within to strengthen his foundation.

Wind-Chasing Steps was a light movement technique—how to exert force with the legs, how to maximize endurance during long journeys with minimal energy, and how to use blood energy to boost speed.

This technique was excellent; he resolved to cultivate it in the future. Having memorized the contents, Yang Fan returned them to their proper place. He didn’t intend to use the gold or silver either, as it was inconvenient at the moment.

Leaving the secret chamber, he covered the soil and used the “Earth Surge” divine art to restore everything to its original state, leaving no trace.

The slanting sun burned hot. Yang Fan sat on a stone bench nearby, took a few sips from his water flask, closed his eyes for a brief rest, then rose to practice the Fierce Tiger Fist.

His fists moved, his body shifted, his feet turned with his form. Blood energy coursed within him. Because of the destiny of the “Mountain Patrol Envoy,” Yang Fan had a formidable mind and unwavering will, far surpassing ordinary people, with exceptional control over himself. Especially with the “Earth Sense” enhancement, his self-control rose even further.

Through cultivation, the surging strength gradually came under his command, ultimately responding as easily as moving an arm or finger. Though he hadn’t yet reached the level of minute precision, he could now wield it at will. Such progress was astonishing.

This time, his improvement was immense.

The sun set, nightfall slowly approached.

Yang Fan rubbed his stomach, disguised himself simply, then leapt from the courtyard and vanished into the darkness.

The Liu Family.

“Still haven’t found him?” Liu Kaizong’s face darkened, his eyes reddened, and murderous energy swirled around him as if he might devour someone. The maids attending him trembled, their faces ashen.

“Master, we haven’t found him!” The steward of the Liu residence bowed deeply, his face drawn. “We’ve searched the city several times; there’s no trace. We’ve also searched Nanshan Town and the surrounding area, but still no sign. Most likely, he’s hidden in Misty Cloud Mountain, waiting for nightfall.”

“Waiting for nightfall? Then let him wait!” Liu Kaizong’s expression was icy. “Wasn’t it said he has two childhood friends? Have you caught them?”

“No!” The steward bowed even lower. “Just as we were about to seize them, the Sky Patrol guards appeared and said, said…”

“Sky Patrol? What did they say?”

“They said they’re protecting Nanshan Town. Anyone who tries anything, they’ll cut off their hand!”

“Why would they interfere?” Liu Kaizong frowned deeply.

“A fifteen-year-old eighth rank—is he recruiting? Hmph, he’s disregarding me. Han Jinchang, does he really think I can’t deal with him? If he infuriates me…” Liu Kaizong’s forehead veins bulged.

Sky Patrol Tower.

This was the emblem of the Sky Patrol Bureau; every station had a pagoda, octagonal in shape, varying in height. In the northwest corner of the city stood a three-story octagonal tower.

Now.

Dinner. At the table, Han Li sat respectfully. Opposite him was a middle-aged man with a thin, narrow face, exuding a cold aura. He put down his chopsticks. “You say he’ll come?”

“He will!” Han Li replied earnestly. “I saw him leave the town and head straight toward the county city, waited a long time, and didn’t see him return or head for Misty Cloud Mountain.”

“But up till now, there’s no trace of him in the city, and none in the surroundings either,” the middle-aged man said. “You should know—with the power of our Sky Patrol Tower and the county officer’s full efforts, even if he hid in the county office, we could find him. Yet, nothing.”

“He can conceal his presence!”

“That’s still not enough to hide!”

“Father, he really didn’t come? That shouldn’t be!” Han Li frowned. “I haven’t known him long, but I understand his character. Even if I gave him the method, he’d come to kill the county officer, eliminate future troubles once and for all.”

“From your account and my investigation, I agree he’ll come. Let’s set that aside. Now, about you—whether in temperament or cunning, you’re not his equal.” Han Jinchang picked up his teacup, sipping slowly.

Han Li pursed his lips, offering no retort. He genuinely admired Yang Fan’s ruthless decisiveness, immense strength, and true nature.

“Do you realize you made a grave mistake?” Han Jinchang’s tone suddenly turned stern.

“Mistake?” Han Li was puzzled.

“A fifteen-year-old orphan, low-key and patient, with kindness and good deeds, willing to risk himself to protect others, and an eighth rank martial artist—such a person, unless cut short by fate, will surely soar to the heavens. And you didn’t recruit him? How foolish!” Han Jinchang’s voice grew sharper.

“He wants to kill the county officer,” Han Li quickly explained. “You said we can’t interfere with city affairs, especially those involving the county officer.”

“A mere county officer!” Han Jinchang snorted, more displeased. “For a young man destined to be strong and loyal, I’d personally crush Liu Kaizong. As for non-interference? Sometimes you must weigh gain and loss. If it’s valuable, do it. As for mistakes? The Sky Patrol guards don’t fear mistakes; we only look for others’ errors! Remember, we monitor sects, suppress demons, and need strength—especially righteous strength, which is even more precious.”

“I…” Han Li lowered his head.

“You’re still young, inexperienced, lacking vision and courage—not your fault!” Han Jinchang’s tone softened. “Compared to your peers, you’re already excellent.”

“But compared to Yang Fan, I’m far behind!”

“Li’er, you must understand—every era produces extraordinary geniuses. Your task isn’t to compare yourself to them, but to take them as your goal, strive, work hard, address your weaknesses, continually improve yourself, strengthen your resolve, perfect yourself, surpass yourself—that is the success that truly belongs to you.”