Chapter 837: Chapter 494: Chen Yuan of Qingzhou, Greetings to the Old Heavenly Master!
“We respectfully welcome Martial Artist Chen to Wudang. Please, Martial Artist, ascend the mountain!”
The loud voices of several Wudang disciples immediately stirred many hearts around, but at the same time dispelled their previous doubts.
After all, for Zuo Chengzong to personally come down the mountain to welcome someone and with a reception involving six cranes, it was indeed rare. They had speculated a lot before, but none could guess correctly.
“So it’s him?”
“It turns out that the Chen brother Zuo Chengzong spoke of is actually Demon Sword Chen Yuan.”
“That makes sense now. Only Chen Yuan, once ranked first on the Hidden Dragon List and first in Ascension Battle, is worthy of Zuo Chengzong going to such great lengths.”
“Indeed, with Chen Yuan’s strength and talent, being welcomed by six cranes is not excessive. His status is not inferior to a True Master of Yang Transformation.”
People nearby suddenly understood, discussing fervently.
“Ah, such is a true man. How I wish to receive such a grand welcome at one of the top ten Immortal Sects like Wudang Mountain,” sighed a young martial artist named Li.
Looking at the scene in the void, he felt a bit envious.
“But… Yifeng brother?”
The young man, just expressing his admiration, was surprised to hear a familiar voice nearby asking incredulously.
Li Yifeng, hearing someone calling his name, turned instinctively, somewhat unbelieving, and cupped his hands to ask:
“Brother Da Yuan?”
“It’s me, Wu here!” the man who had just spoken exclaimed quickly.
“Oh, it’s really Brother Da Yuan. It’s been a long time since we last met. What a coincidence today. Did you also come to Liangzhou because of that matter?”
Li Yifeng asked.
“Li brother, still as astute as ever. Yes, Wu also came because of that affair.”
“Fate, fate indeed. Yifeng brother, we must drink a few cups today to celebrate. I shall host a banquet at Ju Liu Pavilion later, you must come, and tonight I’ll take you for a stroll at the Goulan.”
“Haha, well then, I’ll follow Wu brother’s lead.”
“Then Wu shall go inside and wait for you.”
“Rest assured, rest assured, I’ll definitely come later…”
The reunion of two young martial artists, well acquainted, attracted a small crowd nearby, though it was a minor wave as most eyes remained fixed on the six Immortal Cranes in the void.
After all, Li Yifeng and Wu Dayuan were merely promising youths from the two states, though they stood out, still far from the likes of Chen Yuan and Zuo Chengzong, such extraordinary talents renowned across Jianghu.
“Thank you very much.”
Chen Yuan smiled and cupped his hands toward Zuo Chengzong.
He was not surprised at the Wudang disciples referring to him as ‘Martial Artist Chen.’ Instead, he found it quite normal. Firstly, because his appointment as Golden Envoy of Liangzhou had not yet spread.
Probably, Zuo Chengzong hadn’t revealed it either.
Secondly, because the title ‘Martial Artist Chen’ had almost become his symbol, as the reputation he earned in this position was the most prominent, providing the first impression to others.
Individuals like Sima Ke, Princess Pingyang, Guo Zifeng, upon seeing him, also preferred the name ‘Martial Artist Chen’ rather than Chen Commander.
Zuo Chengzong nodded and then stepped onto the largest Immortal Crane in the middle, with Chen Yuan following to stand upon the crane’s back.
The crane’s wingspan nearly ten zhang long, enough to accommodate standing humans.
“Let’s go!”
With Zuo Chengzong’s command, the cranes below moved in unison, five cranes carrying five Wudang disciples ahead to clear the path, with Chen Yuan and Zuo Chengzong at the back.
Leaving behind silhouettes for the martial artists in Prefecture City, with most gazes filled with envy.
“These cranes must be intelligent spirits?”
Chen Yuan asked, somewhat surprised at the Wudang disciples riding the cranes, though he had heard of Wudang’s extraordinary cranes, he still found it curious.
“Brother Chen is correct; these cranes used for reception possess intelligence equivalent to seven or eight-year-old children, while the one beneath us here has intelligence nearing twenty years, even capable of human speech, with strength akin to a Dan Realm Master.”
Zuo Chengzong explained with a smile.
“Capable of human speech?”
Chen Yuan’s eyes moved. He had heard of Great Demons causing chaos at the Southern Border centuries ago, understanding their intelligence might be akin to humans, but this was the first time witnessing speech.
“Indeed, this crane is nearly two hundred years old, yet in its race, it’s just reaching youth, with a lifespan far surpassing that of human warriors.”
“With such spirit beasts on Wudang Mountain, there must be even more terrifying ones, right?” Chen Yuan remarked, observing.
Zuo Chengzong did not conceal the fact, as this information could be discovered at certain realms, even with slight expense. He replied:
“Wudang Mountain indeed has a Sect Guardian Spirit Beast exceptionally powerful, subdued by a Wudang expert six hundred years ago, and it is the ancestor of these cranes.”
“Today, Chen has truly opened his eyes.”
Such words were not mere fabrications; he had learned just recently, and admittedly his attention had never been directed towards such matters.
After all, it had little significance to him.
Anyone well-informed wouldn’t find it overly surprising.
“Brother Chen, you jest. Sect Guardian Spirit Beasts are not exclusive to Wudang Mountain. As far as Zuo knows, there are other forces possessing such beasts, though most don’t appear openly, it’s only the spiritually intelligent crane race that forms a true clan.”
Zuo Chengzong chuckled softly.