Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 434 News from Pingzhou (Part 1)

They might have connections within the inner court, using those connections to secure a position or two at Qiyun Mountain. Or they might be relatives or family members of the three hall masters, coming to flatter him and try to build a relationship. Alternatively, they could be wealthy households or merchants from Jingming Town.

Ultimately, the reason these people are flocking here is simply because they are interested in Han Yi's status as an inspector and want to take the opportunity to become familiar with him and gain some benefits.

One wave after another of people came to offer their greetings to the Inspector's Mansion. First came his three chief stewards, who came with a large group of people, carrying bags and packages to pay their respects.

After Han Yi dealt with this wave of visitors, another large group of leaders and merchants came to pay their respects, including restaurant owners and caravan leaders. He was annoyed but still maintained a smile and politely sent them away. Once everything had quieted down, he still couldn't rest. He immediately prepared his carriages and horses and headed towards Huayang City.

Nothing much happened. It was just that, as is customary every year, Headmaster Zhong Yunxiu invited him to go back for a small meal and gathering, which could be considered a New Year's reunion dinner.

......

......

Huayang City, Yuquan Tower.

Yuquanlou, a top-tier restaurant in Huayang City, was also the place where Zhong Yunxiu hosted a banquet to celebrate Han Yi's victory last time.

Following the route from last time, Han Yi quickly found Yuquan Tower.

At this moment, several young women in yellow dresses, all dressed as maids, were already guarding the entrance of the restaurant.

Upon seeing Han Yi approach, one of the leading girls stepped forward and asked, "Are you Young Master Han Yi?"

"Mm." Han Yi nodded. "My name is Ling'er. If you have any instructions, please just call me." The girl from Huangshan led Han Yi quickly to the door of a private room, the Biyue Hall.

"Okay, I'll do it myself." Han Yi nodded, pushed open the door, and went inside.

In the spacious private room, there was only one banquet table in the very center. Zhong Yunxiu sat at the head of the table with a gratified expression, watching the lively conversation of the guests.

"Master." Han Yi stepped forward and bowed.

"Xiao Yi, you're here! Come and sit down, come and sit down." Zhong Yunxiu stood up when she saw Han Yi coming over, gesturing for him to sit down and talk.

Han Yi glanced at the banquet. Besides Zhong Han, Xiao Zhong, Sun Zheng, Shen Qiuling and other people he knew, there was also a male martial arts master he had never seen before next to Xiao Zhong.

The banquet organized by Zhong Yunxiu was actually only open to those who had truly become her disciples.

The qualifications, abilities, and status mentioned here are all equally important.

Just like Shen Qiuling, although she chose to leave the inner courtyard, she still recognized Zhong Yunxiu as her master, still respected her master and obeyed her master's orders, and was regarded as one of her own.

Therefore, disciples like Fang Chengqi, who lack both strength and status, naturally cannot participate.

"Xiao Yi, this is your senior brother Liu Song. He was selected to deal with the demonic disaster in Pingzhou. You had just entered the inner courtyard at that time, so it's normal that you don't know him," Zhong Yunxiu introduced briefly.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Liu." Han Yi clasped his hands in greeting, glancing at Liu Song with some curiosity. His eyes were full of curiosity and exploration as he dealt with the demonic disaster in Pingzhou.

Liu Song had a wooden face and a serious expression. He sat upright, exuding a rather cold and unsmiling aura.

"Junior Brother Han!" Unexpectedly, Liu Song's expression turned serious as soon as Han Yi gave a simple bow. He immediately stood up and returned the bow with a serious attitude. "Huh?" Han Yi was taken aback. This was the first time he had ever seen such a proper and standard return of greeting.

"That's just how your senior brother Liu is. To put it nicely, you could call it being serious. But to me, he's just stubborn, as stubborn as an old ox." Zhong Yunxiu smiled helplessly, clearly knowing that Liu Song's personality had caused quite a few troubles.

"It's alright. Our Jingtian Manor needs someone like Senior Brother Liu to promote righteousness and..." Han Yi chuckled twice, offering some polite words.

“No, I’m just stubborn,” Liu Song interrupted him.

"?" Han Yi was immediately stunned.

Are you serious, or are you just being silly...?

"Alright, alright, stop standing there and sit down." Zhong Han rarely saw Han Yi being humiliated, so she chuckled.

Han Yi gave an awkward smile and quickly sat down to cover his embarrassment.

Once everyone had arrived, Zhong Yunxiu immediately stood up and made two remarks.

Actually, it was nothing much. It was just a summary of the year's achievements, a look ahead to the future development of Jiuquyuan, and a few auspicious words as the New Year approached.

After she finished speaking, the disciples applauded and cheered, and the actual banquet began.

"Senior Brother Liu, I heard from Master that you came back from the demonic disaster in Pingzhou. What was the situation there?" Han Yi couldn't contain his curiosity and asked Liu Song directly.

Pingzhou is, after all, his hometown where he first grew up and developed. It's impossible for him to have no feelings for it at all.

"Over there, everything is going smoothly. There's no need for us sect martial artists to lift a finger." Liu Song was extremely honest, giving a wry smile as he answered methodically, "We're just a bunch of undisciplined sect martial artists. Only when we're actually on the battlefield do we realize there are always people more capable than us, and there's always something beyond our understanding... At most, we can do some logistical tasks like cleaning up the battlefield and removing corpses..." Their conversation had already attracted the attention of a circle of disciples around them.

Actually, when Liu Song came over and sat down, Zhong Han and the others were quite curious about this senior brother they hadn't seen in a long time. However, they couldn't ask him because Zhong Yunxiu was talking the whole time.

Now, listening to Liu Song and Han Yi's conversation, I'm also listening intently to what they're saying.

However, as soon as Liu Song finished speaking, some people raised different opinions.

Sun Zheng immediately interjected, asking, "Senior Brother Liu, what makes you say that? I don't know about other places, but in Yunzhou, in terms of individual strength, the martial arts masters in the army are far weaker than the martial arts masters in our sect in terms of one-on-one combat ability."

Even on the battlefield, the army's discipline is strict, and military law is heavy; it cannot rely solely on the strength of its battle formations. In contrast, while martial arts masters from sects may have weaker teamwork, they can still be used as elite troops to complete tasks such as guerrilla warfare, flanking maneuvers, and small-scale operations. The debate over whether military martial arts masters or sect martial arts masters are stronger has occurred countless times amidst the discussions and arguments.

Just like last time, Sun Zheng also argued with Xiao Zhong about the relative strengths of military martial artists and martial arts masters from different sects.

However, last time, thanks to Zhong Han's mediation, the argument was forced to stop. Although no one was decided, he had been holding back his anger ever since.

Upon hearing Liu Song's view that martial arts masters from martial arts sects were weaker than those from the military, he immediately spoke up and offered a different opinion.

However, Liu Song just sneered repeatedly, his face full of disdain.