Chapter 472: Chapter 305: Nianjun Enters the City, the Lady Sets Her Pieces, Leshang the Benefactor—An Impending Encounter? (Part 2)

Moreover, the dual paths of martial arts and scholarly pursuits often contradict each other. A Martial Artist does not receive the favor of fate, while a scholar finds it difficult to attain immortality. Trying to progress both paths side by side is understandably challenging.

Though he has the title of "Master of Both Arts," and is renowned as the "Talented Young Master," his reputation exceeds his actual skills; neither fully a scholar nor truly a Martial Artist. His nature is strong-willed; he should have chosen one path long ago to pursue with dedication. However, "Gu Nianjun" has also walked the path of "Master of Both Arts," and progressed remarkably well, with a high Martial Arts Realm and having seized three strands of fate.

Since he admires Gu Nianjun, he does not want to fall behind. Otherwise, how could he conquer the beauty? Thus, he has never changed his path.

In such a way, he hangs in the balance. There is a real danger of becoming "indistinguishable from the common crowd." Yet his pride is hard to quell, unwilling to show weakness like this. He is even more unwilling to give up the title of "Master of Both Arts."

While the two were talking leisurely, they walked into the distance. Zhou Shijie wrapped the food in oil paper, following by Gu Nianjun’s side. Gu Nianjun slightly frowned, occasionally looking back, and asked, "Brother Shijie, do you feel someone is tracking us?"

Zhou Shijie said, "I do not." He added, "Flying Dragon City is a mix of various people, currently quite lively. It is normal to be watched by others."

Gu Nianjun also found it reasonable, so she focused on walking. That feeling of being watched disappeared, and she reached an elegant residence in the west of Flying Dragon City.

As soon as she approached, she heard clear and bright reading sounds, full of vigor. Gu Nianjun smiled and said, "Xiaofan!" The reading stopped, and a young voice responded, "Huh?"

Then footsteps were heard, and a fair, handsome young man came out briskly. Upon seeing Gu Nianjun, he joyfully said, "Sister Gu!" His peripheral vision caught Zhou Shijie, and he politely called, "Brother Zhou!"

Zhou Shijie nodded lightly, and Gu Nianjun said, "Xiaofan, it’s been a long time, you’ve grown so tall!"

Li Xiaofan had shed his childishness, showing the spirited energy of youth. Gu Nianjun suddenly thought of Li Xian, whom she met in Prefecture City before, and observed closely. The two brothers didn’t resemble each other much in appearance, but their brows and expressions were somewhat similar. In terms of sharpness... his elder brother was more distinguished.

She suddenly paused slightly, thinking, "I only met that Li Xian once; why do I have such a strong impression of him?"

Li Xiaofan said, "Sister Gu, Brother Zhou, please come in. What brings you here?"

Gu Nianjun laughed and said, "We missed you, so we came by to see you." Li Xiaofan jokingly said, "Is that so? This place is in Flying Dragon City, far from Qiong Heavenly Mansion. Could it be that Sister Gu came all this way just to see me?"

Gu Nianjun laughed, "It’s been a few years, and you’ve become sly."

Zhou Shijie felt somewhat jealous, unable to get a word in. Gu Nianjun said, "Xiaofan, where’s Teacher Fu?"

Li Xiaofan said, "Master is in the inner courtyard, exchanging scholarly discussions with City Lord He!" Gu Nianjun curiously asked, "Is it City Lord He Wentian of Flying Dragon City?"

Li Xiaofan nodded and said, "It’s City Lord. Speaking of which... this residence also belongs to City Lord He. He greatly admires my master, so he allowed me and Master to temporarily reside here. Master declined several times, but City Lord He is truly hospitable, so it was hard to refuse; hence we stayed with some trepidation."

Gu Nianjun glanced towards the inner courtyard and saw that the mansion had an unusual specification, with elegant scenery yet was not ostentatious. The courtyard was planted with elegant items such as green bamboo and lotus flowers, which Fu Haoran, who had a fondness for ’Gentleman’s Bamboo,’ liked. No wonder he agreed to stay. She smiled and said, "Since that’s the case, let’s not disturb Teacher Fu. There’s a stone pavilion there; let’s go there to talk."

The scenery in the stone pavilion was pleasant. Once everyone was seated, Gu Nianjun said, "Xiaofan, I know you like street snacks, so I bought some for you and they’re still warm. Have a taste."

Li Xiaofan saw that they were all common snacks: sugar figurines, glutinous rice cakes, candied hawthorn skewers... He was very touched. His family was poor before, and he wanted to eat but couldn’t. Later, when he entered the mansion for study, with the support of his master, he still maintained a frugal habit, occasionally secretly tasting but not daring to eat much. Gu Nianjun’s identity was unusual, untempted by delicacies, yet she intentionally bought street snacks for him. Her thoughtfulness was evident. Gu Nianjun genuinely cared for him.

Li Xiaofan’s eyes slightly reddened, smiling and saying, "Sister Gu, I’m all grown up now, do you still think I’m a child?"

Gu Nianjun, laughing and crying, said, "How did this come to tears? Through all the hardship and fatigue of your studies, I’ve never seen you cry."

Li Xiaofan said, "No, I just thought of my brother. Aside from my brother, Sister Gu treats me the best."

Gu Nianjun’s expression slightly changed. Li Xiaofan asked, "Sister Gu, I’ve been studying abroad for nearly two years now, how is my brother? I’ve sent letters back, but there’s been no news."

Gu Nianjun casually deflected, saying, "With your brother’s capabilities, he must be quite well-off." She secretly paid attention to Li Xian, but after the Golden Scale Feast... Li Xian was completely out of contact, and the situation in Qingning County changed drastically. She didn’t know whether Li Xian was dead or alive. Revealing the truth now might sadden Li Xiaofan, so she casually deflected. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Li Xiaofan was slightly aware but thought of his brother’s capabilities and felt it made sense.

Gu Nianjun thought, "If Li Xian vanishes without a trace, it would actually be a good thing for Xiaofan. Xiaofan can fully understand the ’Scarlet Heart Sutra,’ with his heart pure and flawless, he could achieve great things in the future. In these chaotic times, a pure heart is rare."

As she was deep in thought, a clear laugh suddenly came from behind, and someone said, "Master Fu’s knowledge is profound, and this student is greatly enlightened. If you don’t mind, Master Fu, please stay longer in Flying Dragon City, this student will spare no effort to meet all your needs."

Fu Haoran said, "City Lord He is too modest. City Lord He treats people sincerely and has managed Flying Dragon City into a place of peace and prosperity, which is beyond this old man’s ability."

Gu Nianjun, Li Xiaofan, and Zhou Shijie all looked toward the direction of the sound, and saw a handsome middle-aged man beside Fu Haoran. His temples were white, with a square face, walking steadily with the air of a tiger, and his smile was quite amiable. He was indeed He Wentian, City Lord of Flying Dragon City.