Chapter 611 - 343: This Inspires the Most Yearning

It was no wonder Pei Guanli was in a bad mood.

Anyone would feel frustrated watching someone who had just taken up the Pile Skill make such rapid, visible progress in their Cultivation.

Pei Guanli sighed heavily. "Sister Liu’er actually took less than a quarter of an hour to generate Qi Mechanism and temper her muscles, bones, and flesh."

She looked at Chen Yi, pouting. "Brother-in-law, did you know all along that her talent in Martial Arts was extraordinary?"

Chen Yi nodded. "Liu’er’s talent is indeed extraordinary."

However, even he hadn’t expected Yuan Liu’er to take such a short amount of time to practice the Pile Skill. Even when he first practiced the Big Spear Pile Skill, it had taken him the better part of an hour to gain Initial Insight. This alone was proof of just how high Yuan Liu’er’s Martial Arts talent truly was.

Pei Guanli sulked. Putting on an old and wise act, she clasped her hands behind her back and sighed. "Every generation of the Jianghu produces its own talents. The new waves will inevitably crush the old."

Chen Yi smiled and tapped her forehead, stifling her heavy sighs.

"Weren’t you just saying at noon that you were going to work hard on your Cultivation to break through to the Seventh Grade Realm as soon as possible? Why are you losing steam now?

"Instead of spouting this nonsense, you’d be better off going back and focusing on your Cultivation. Perhaps in a few days, you’ll make a breakthrough."

Pei Guanli rubbed her forehead and pursed her lips. "It’s all your fault..."

She knew Chen Yi wouldn’t accept a disciple for no reason, especially someone like Ma Liangcai. It must have all been for the highly talented Yuan Liu’er.

Fortunately, Pei Guanli was broad-minded. She quickly tossed her frustration aside. Her eyes darting around, she said, "Brother-in-law, after the Annual Examination, are you going to teach Liu’er personally?"

Chen Yi looked around and gave a slight nod. "Her talent in Calligraphy Dao is equally impressive."

Pei Guanli naturally knew he was trying to avoid suspicion, but she didn’t mind. Chuckling, she asked, "Then will you bring me along too?"

"You?"

"Yeah."

Seeing that she wasn’t joking, Chen Yi thought for a moment before nodding. "Your handwriting is indeed a bit lacking. You can join Liu’er when the time comes."

Pei Guanli was just about to nod happily when she suddenly realized his meaning. "You... Brother-in-law, are you saying that besides..."

She threw a few mock punches and kicks, then mimed writing. "I have to do that too?"

Chen Yi gave her a sidelong glance. "What do you think?"

Pei Guanli’s face fell. "Reading is my least favorite thing... Can I skip the writing?"

"What do you think?"

"No, right? Ugh, fine, I’ll write."

"Mm..."

The two chatted and laughed all the way back to the Xiao Family.

The afterglow of the setting sun lingered, casting a dreamy, ethereal glow of evening clouds that stretched their shadows long. Although the pedestrians on the road were in a hurry, many still cast sidelong glances at Chen Yi and Pei Guanli.

The former now had quite the reputation in Shu State City.

Not only did scholars recognize him, but even the commoners in the streets and alleys had heard the name "Mr. Qingzhou." To this day, storytellers in teahouses and entertainment quarters were still recounting how "Song of the Water Melody: Mid-Autumn" took first place at the poetry gathering.

And after Chen Yi’s Poetry and Calligraphy Dao spread across the Nine State and Three Prefectures, people would occasionally arrive in Shu State, bringing rumors from the outside world.

One prominent scholar praised "Song of the Water Melody: When Will the Bright Moon Appear?" as the greatest Mid-Autumn poem in history, claiming that future generations would be hard-pressed to surpass it. Or a famous calligrapher who had the privilege of viewing Chen Yi’s Cursive Script copybooks was absolutely astounded and began tirelessly imitating and studying it.

Even from the Capital Prefecture, a few snippets of praise trickled in: "Chen Qingzhou’s mastery of Cursive Script is no less significant to the Calligraphy Dao than the teachings of the ancient sages."

The one who spoke these words was none other than Wei Chi, also known as Wei Cixin, one of the Two Sages of Calligraphy Dao in the Great Wei Dynasty. Not only was he a member of the Royal Family, but he was also the dean of the Imperial Academy in the Capital Prefecture. Consequently, the name "Chen Qingzhou" became widely known, especially among scholars devoted to Calligraphy Dao.

It wasn’t hard to understand why. His mastery of Cursive Script pioneered a new path in the Great Wei, allowing more people obsessed with Calligraphy Dao to try and forge their own paths, no longer limited to Wei Qing’s Style.

As for Pei Guanli... The Mountain Race girl was an independent spirit. Her attire and behavior made it hard not to attract the attention of outsiders.

Of course, most commoners in Shu State feared the people of the Mountain Race. It wasn’t surprising. Everyone was afraid of Witchcraft, Poisonous Insects, and Poisonous Gu.

A short while later.

Chen Yi and Pei Guanli returned to the Xiao Family. They quieted their footsteps and subtly crossed the front courtyard.

As soon as they reached the middle courtyard, Chen Yi caught sight of the Armored Warriors guarding outside the Qingjing Residence. He thought to himself that something must have happened. No wonder he hadn’t seen Wang Lixing, Liu Si’er, or the others in the front courtyard.

Seeing the two of them, Wang Lixing cupped his fists in a salute. "Second Son-in-law, Miss Pei."

Chen Yi smiled in greeting and asked casually, "Do we have guests in the estate?"

Feeling no need to hide it, Wang Lixing lowered his voice. "Duke Qian brought men to deliver grain to the Marquis."

He thought, "Duke Qian, Zhang Xuan? That shameless old man?"

Chen Yi nodded in understanding and smiled. "No wonder there’s such a big commotion in the estate."

He had originally thought it was Xiao Jinghong returning to the Xiao Family after hearing about the imperial decree. He certainly hadn’t expected Zhang Xuan to come in person.

After exchanging a few more words, Chen Yi brought Pei Guanli back to the Spring Lotus Garden.

In the pavilion, Xiaodie was keeping Xiao Wuge, who had changed into dry clothes, company as they chatted and laughed.

Pei Guanli’s eyes darted playfully. She pushed her tender white feet off the bluestone slabs and shouted with a laugh, "Watch out!"

The Bell chimed with a JINGLE.

Hearing the sound, Xiao Wuge turned his head, only to see a small fist enlarging before his eyes. He hastily ducked and nimbly dodged the blow.

Pei Guanli was somewhat surprised. Even though she had held back ninety percent of her strength, her speed was still much higher than that of a Lower Ninth Grade Cultivator.

"Xiao Wuge, your Martial Arts are improving really fast, even if you still can’t compare to a certain monster."

Xiao Wuge finally saw who it was, his tense expression turning to joy. "Sister Pei, you’re back."

Pei Guanli placed a hand on her hip and reached out to poke his forehead, giggling. "If I hadn’t come back soon, your Martial Arts would’ve surpassed mine, Xiao Wuge."