Pure Yang!

Chapter 460 Five Waters Converge at Tianjin Gate, the Spirit Tortoise Guards the Capital! The Third Branch of the Xu Family
Tianjin, located in the north of China.

It was September, and the summer heat had not yet dissipated. Stepping out of the airport, the glaring sun hurt one's eyes.

Pushing his luggage, Zhang Fan had already set foot in one of the most prosperous and legendary cities in northern China.

“Tianjin…this is the gateway to the capital,” Zhang Fan exclaimed.

Since ancient times, Tianjin has been the gateway to the capital and a hub for the grain transport of the entire country.

Since modern times, this place has been filled with concessions, a gathering place for martial arts practitioners, and a strong sense of江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world). Wrestling halls, security escort agencies, martial arts schools, teahouses, theaters, opium dens, and other establishments are everywhere, making it a melting pot of all sorts of people.

In Tianjin, to be able to earn a living, one needs either extraordinary skills or ingenious techniques to survive in chaotic times.

"It's been so many years since I've been back."

Xu Changshou walked up from behind, his expression complex, with a hint of "the closer you get to home, the more timid you become."

He left the Xu family and Tianjin when he was young, and wandered around the Xijiang area, never to return.

Returning to this familiar place now, everything has changed.

Those familiar things and familiar people have all changed.

"Old Xu, you've finally come home. This is your territory now," Zhang Fan said with a light laugh.

“Go home…” Xu Changshou murmured softly, savoring the unique emotions contained in those two words.

"Let's go!"

The two pushed their luggage and hailed a taxi.

"Shanshui Hall!"

This is the Xu family's property, and also the place where Zhang Fan and Xu Changshou will stay on this trip.

Along the way, Zhang Fan looked at the scenery outside the window. Tianjin's local customs were indeed unique. Waterways crisscrossed the city, while tall buildings stood on both sides. Cruise boats floated on the river, and the bridgehead not far away was crowded with onlookers.

"Gentlemen, this is the famous Wanguo Bridge in Tianjin. It will be lifted up in a moment, it's really interesting," the driver said enthusiastically as he drove.

Zhang Fan smiled but remained silent, observing the crisscrossing waterways along the way. As a cultivator, he refined his own body, observed the heavens and earth, and discerned the flow of fortune...

At this moment, he couldn't help but marvel at the feng shui layout of Tianjin.

When he was a child, in addition to his daily cultivation, both Li Linglong and Zhang Lingzong would teach him some basic knowledge about feng shui and mountain ranges. Zhang Lingzong, in particular, explained the feng shui of Tianjin in detail.

The attention to detail was so meticulous, it was as if the person had been there before.

The feng shui layout of Tianjin is extremely unique, which can be summarized in one sentence:

At the confluence of nine rivers, water dragons gather, guarding the capital region, ensuring the eternal stability of the tortoise-shaped city!
Tianjin is located at the "lower reaches of nine rivers," where many rivers in the Haihe River basin flow into the sea. It is also the only outlet of the northern water system of China to the sea, thus forming a feng shui pattern of "water dragons converging."

Most importantly, it is the waterway to the capital.

In Feng Shui, the so-called "water outlet" is the main outlet of a water flow.

In Feng Shui, water is extremely important.

The location of a watercourse is related to the gathering and dispersing of vital energy and the flow of wealth in a place.

Jinmen is the main water outlet of the Feng Shui Bureau of Shangjing.

In addition, Shangjing, as the "acupoint" of the ancient imperial capital, belongs to the northern branch of the ancestral dragon vein, and is a veritable mountain dragon.

In other words, the northern dragon vein comes from the northwest and plunges into the water dragon pattern of Tianjin. Like a dragon returning to the sea, it has both mountains and water, a perfect momentum, and a stronger royal aura.

For this reason, Tianjin is not only the gateway to the capital region, but also, in terms of feng shui, it enhances the dragon energy of the capital.

hum...

Sitting in the car, Zhang Fan suddenly felt a tremor between his brows. An invisible wave spread out, gentle and flowing, like a soft breeze or surging waves, permeating the void.

"Um!?"

Xu Changshou raised an eyebrow, as if sensing something. He looked at Zhang Fan and couldn't help but reveal a strange expression.

At this moment, he felt Zhang Fan's aura merge with the surrounding environment; his primordial spirit seemed to become a part of the environment, sensing the rhythm of heaven and earth, sensing the atmosphere of this city...

Xu Changshou's expression was solemn, but his heart was already in turmoil.

Although this method is not as advanced as the Celestial Master's "unity of heaven and man", it already possesses a touch of profound mystery.

“King Fan…” Xu Changshou murmured softly.

Nowadays, in all mortal realms, the divine positions of mortal kings are enshrined.

Of all the offerings made at the gates, only this true king is venerated.

Ordinary people might be okay with it, but someone like Xu Changshou, who had reached a certain level of enlightenment, knew all too well how terrifying, absurd, and unbelievable it was to establish a divine position with a mortal body and receive offerings from the mortal world...

Ordinary people, weak and of lowly status, will surely suffer divine retribution if they practice this method. At best, they will die young; at worst, their families will be destroyed.

However, since establishing that divine position, Zhang Fan seems to have become even more different.

"Well, in broad daylight, I've been squinting!"

Just then, the driver's shout echoed inside the car.

Zhang Fan slowly opened his eyes. He knew that the driver had been affected by him; the invisible fluctuations had disrupted the balance between the driver's consciousness and his primordial spirit.

This experience will have a long-lasting impact on him. After returning, he will likely experience various strange phenomena, and his primordial spirit may even briefly awaken while he sleeps at night.

In ancient times, this would be considered encountering a master. If one had enough good fortune to become a disciple of such a master and receive guidance, it would be an immense blessing.

pity……

"This Tianjin is truly a giant turtle," Zhang Fan murmured.

Just now, he used his primordial spirit to observe and communicate with heaven and earth, and he vaguely felt that the vast city of Tianjin was like a giant tortoise crawling in this place where water dragons gather.

"Tianjin prospered because of the Grand Canal and had already begun to flourish during the Tang Dynasty, but it was not until the Ming Dynasty that it was truly established as a city." Xu Changshou glanced at Zhang Fan meaningfully and said softly.

In the second year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, the imperial court established Tianjin Garrison and began the construction of the city.

The Minister of Works at the time was named Huang Fu. He was well-versed in feng shui and designed Tianjin as a "turtle city," thus forming the feng shui pattern of "spiritual turtle suppressing water," which was intended to resolve the negative effects of water.

“The core of Tianjin’s feng shui is water, which is why the Xu family was able to take root here,” Xu Changshou said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan had a sudden realization.

Back then, Xu Zu traveled the world, controlled floods, slew dragons and subdued monsters, which led to his great achievements and ultimately his ascension to immortality.

It can be said that he was connected with water throughout his life.

"That's why the [Xu Zu Sword] is enshrined in Tianjin, and is kept by this spirit tortoise," Xu Changshou said calmly.

These words moved Zhang Fan even more.

A moment later, the car stopped in front of the [Shanshui Club].

After getting off the car, Zhang Fan looked around at the rows of Western-style buildings, and the simple, ancient building in front of him seemed somewhat out of place.

“This area was once a concession,” Xu Changshou explained. “Now it’s a popular tourist attraction, a must-visit spot in Tianjin.”

"go in!"

Upon entering the hall, one is greeted by a huge black copper basin in the center of the lobby, with golden lotuses floating in it.

Black represents water, and metal generates water; thus, the water element is abundant and inexhaustible. "Longevity..."

Just then, a loud voice rang out, echoing throughout the entire hall.

Zhang Fan looked up and saw a middle-aged man walking towards him. He was big and fat, with a big belly and a ruddy face. When he walked, the flesh on his cheeks jiggled.

"A powerful expert at the head of the sect!"

Zhang Fan's gaze sharpened, his brow trembled slightly, and he could vaguely see a ball of red light dancing in the middle-aged man's dantian, like the rising sun. That was an inner core, a life-cultivating essence.

Xu Changshou was, after all, a powerful figure in the Zhai Sect. Now that he had returned to his hometown in glory, it was only natural for the Xu family to send a Zhai Sect leader to receive him.

However, this person's cultivation level was far inferior to Xu Changshou's, and his inner core had only reached the first or second grade.

"Brother Mingcheng!"

Xu Changshou was stunned when he saw the person who came. He was obviously not able to recognize him. After a brief moment of distraction, he finally recognized him.

Xu Mingcheng is a master of the second-grade inner alchemy.

Before arriving in Tianjin, news came from Xiling Mountain that this person was likely the one they were receiving.

"Changshou, you're finally back! It's been thirty years since we last met."

Xu Mingcheng stepped forward, warmly grasped Xu Changshou's hand, his gaze sincere, revealing the wistfulness of a long-awaited reunion and the joy of a brotherhood.

Before coming, Zhang Fan specifically asked Xu Changshou about Xu Mingcheng's situation.

Xu Changshou said that in terms of seniority, the other party should be considered his cousin. When he was young, he was outstanding in the clan and was very popular. He looked down on Xu Changshou at the time, so the two had a very ordinary relationship and almost no friendship.

"Thirty-five years have passed," Xu Changshou sighed.

"You're really heartless. You've been gone for so many years without even coming back to visit," Xu Mingcheng complained.

As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes.

"I was young and impetuous back then..."

"Alright, let's not talk about the past. You're not allowed to leave again this time... Let your brother see how thin you've become. I still remember how strong you were back then. When you took off your clothes, you were all muscle." Xu Mingcheng was just like a warm-hearted older brother, remembering even these details from the past clearly.

Xu Changshou's body is so weak because he has been tempered by the sword intent of the Dragon-Slaying Technique over the years.

"Brother Mingcheng has gained quite a bit of weight," Xu Changshou chuckled.

He still remembered that when Xu Mingcheng was young, he was as thin as a bamboo pole.

"Hahaha, time is like pig feed." Xu Mingcheng laughed, holding Xu Changshou's hand and saying, "With you back this time, our second branch of the family is going to be rich again."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan's heart stirred slightly.

He had heard Xu Changshou say that the Xu family had three branches, with the third branch being the least powerful and the fewest in number.

The eldest and second branches of the family are the most powerful. The current head of the Xu family comes from the eldest branch, and they are superior to the second branch both openly and secretly.

Now that Xu Changshou has returned, a powerful expert with the fifth-grade inner core, he is a significant asset to the second branch of the family.

Perhaps this is why Xu Mingcheng was so enthusiastic.

"Come on, let's go upstairs and talk. I'll introduce you to our second son later."

As he spoke, Xu Mingcheng pulled Xu Changshou upstairs, while the latter subconsciously looked at Zhang Fan.

Zhang Fan nodded at him and gave him a look, indicating that he didn't need to worry about him.

At this moment, two waiters in suits came up and took Zhang Fan's luggage.

"Sir, please come with me to the lounge," the staff member said very politely.

Clearly, Zhang Fan was mistaken for Xu Changshou's disciple or assistant.

Zhang Fan didn't say much and followed the waiter to the lounge.

Pushing open the door, you'll find that this lounge is quite different from the rustic decor outside. It's resplendent in gold, with even the carpet featuring hand-embroidered wave patterns and the tea set on the table made of azure crystal glass.

At this moment, two people were already seated in the lounge.

They were two young men, both quite handsome and tall, probably around 1.8 meters. One of them wore black-rimmed glasses, had fair skin, and was very refined.

The other person had slightly darker skin and a more robust and muscular build, as if he exercised regularly. He wore a gold ring on the index finger of his right hand, which was not a modern design but rather had an antique feel. There seemed to be a beast head pattern on the ring.

The moment Zhang Fan walked in, both young men's eyes fell on him simultaneously. After a brief pause, they looked away.

Zhang Fan glanced at them and could tell that both of them had cultivation. In particular, the young man with black-rimmed glasses had a faint light between his eyebrows, indicating that he was actually a master at the Great Master level.

"They must be members of the Xu family."

Zhang Fan guessed what was going on, but didn't care, and sat down in the corner by himself.

"Brother, I heard that this Uncle Changshou, who just returned from outside, has already surpassed the third rank in his inner alchemy cultivation?"

Just then, the young man wearing the golden ring spoke.

"Yes, they say he has reached the second major level of inner core cultivation," the young man wearing black glasses nodded.

"It's quite interesting that you could achieve such success after leaving the clan," the young man with the golden ring said casually.

"That's not surprising. A large tree has deep roots; it can shelter you from the wind and rain, but it can also keep you from seeing the light of day. Some people can achieve great things after leaving the protection of their clan," the young man with black glasses said solemnly.

"The return of this long-lived uncle to the clan will greatly strengthen the power of our second branch. The other two branches will probably be envious this time."

At the Zhai Shou realm and with a fifth-grade inner core, such cultivation would be highly valued even within the Chunyang Xu family, and no one would dare to be negligent.

"The other two rooms? Aren't they just the big room?" the young man wearing a gold ring said with a smile.

“Brother, you should know that the third branch of the family has long been a mere formality. It might fall into the hands of our first and third branches one day…”

"Don't talk nonsense," the young man with black glasses said in a deep voice.

"That's how it is." The young man wearing the gold ring said calmly, "Look how many people are left in the third branch of the family."

"Grandpa Xiao is probably the only one left from our ancestors."

“Not just.” The young man wearing black glasses shook his head.

"Oh right, there's another one named... Xu Xuanguan!? How many years has that person been gone from the Xu family? Forget about the third branch, he has no connection with the Xu family at all."

The young man wearing the gold ring said calmly, "The third branch of the family has always been small, with only these three people in the ancestral line..."

Xu Xuanxiao is now the head of the third branch of the clan.

Xu Xuanguan left his hometown at a young age to cultivate at Maoshan, and from then on, he lost contact with the Xu family.

"There's also an aunt who can't even get into the ancestral hall. I heard she married into Nanzhang back then..."

"Be careful!"

The young man wearing black glasses raised an eyebrow and whispered a warning.

"Um!?"

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Fan raised his head, his deep gaze fixed on the two young men from the Xu family.

(End of this chapter)