Peerless Martial Expert in the City
Chapter 497 - 496: Elegant and Graceful

Chapter 497: Chapter 496: Elegant and Graceful

"Elder Zhao is right, this Li character, I really want to see what kind of fuss he intends to make. What can he stir up? Hmph, to think his spear is now pointed at my Zeng family, does he believe that just because he’s raised his voice twice, we Zengs will remain mute?"

The elderly man who first spoke clapped his hands once, his slightly squinted eyes revealing a sharpness that seemed highly incongruous with his age and stature. After that flicker of intensity passed, his gaze shifted towards the two old men beside him.

"Sigh, today the three of us old fellows have gathered together, a rare occasion. Let’s not talk about all those messy things and those nauseating characters. Come, this tea is quite good, pre-rain Longjing, an absolute fine pick. It took quite the effort for an old coot like me to snatch a little bit from the folks over at Glass City!"

The thin old man next to him seemed to suddenly wake up from a dream as the scent of the tea reached him, diverting his attention to the tea set and the woman preparing the tea beside him. The previously gloomy expressions on his face vanished without trace, and in an instant, he appeared as a kindly, amiable old gentleman with a touch of sage-like charm.

"With such good tea, we definitely need to appreciate it. Although we in the South have a stronger tea culture and most of the fine teas are produced here, it’s ironically difficult for us to get our hands on them, as most are snapped up by Glass City."

The tall figure, the first to curse the man surnamed Li as a pig, also adopted a genial and benevolent look.

Damn it, the old fox named Li is an old fox indeed, and you two old geezers, you’re both old foxes too. My turn hasn’t even come yet, and you’ve already changed the topic miles away.

Watching the expressions of the two old men, the slightly short and chubby elder inadvertently twitched the corner of his mouth, silently scoffing in his heart.

But being able to sit at the same table and share fine tea with two old foxes, his own intelligence naturally wasn’t lacking. He was aware that today’s topic had reached its limit, and the two had already made their stance clear. If he continued, it would be somewhat pointless and embarrassing. There was no need.

So he just laughed heartily, a laugh as jovial as Maitreya Buddha himself, and joined the discussion about tea.

"Old Zeng, I hear that your quirky little girl has been quite lively with a young man these days?"

Suddenly, the tall man who had been discussing tea put down his cup and turned to the short, chubby elder.

"Uh... seems there is such a matter, but who has the time to meddle in the affairs of that little girl... Eh, Elder Zhao, why do you suddenly ask about the children? Could it be that with age, you’re also starting to reminisce about your youthful days like those ostentatious old men and women out there?"

Hearing the other’s inquiry, the short, chubby man’s eyes, which were nearly squeezed shut with laughter, flashed with an odd shimmer. Then, putting on a surprised and inquisitive look, he addressed the old man somewhat teasingly.

The lean old man to the side also showed a strange expression.

"Haha... I am but a common man after all, and not immune to the passage of time. These past years, as I age, I really can’t deny getting old. Those complicated affairs I’ve left to the younger generation. Life suddenly became idler, and slightly desolate, so I’ve had my granddaughter stay with me for some comfort. I happened to hear about this from her, so I casually brought it up."

Elder Zhao’s eyes also revealed an unusual look, carefully sizing up the short, chubby old man’s expression, speculating in his heart. This old fellow doesn’t seem to be faking; does he truly know nothing about that Xiao Yi kid?

Yu mentioned that the young man is quite interesting? Even Beichen Feng has taken a liking to him?

If Old Zeng truly is clueless, perhaps it would be worth finding an opportunity to have a chat with the kid and get a bit closer.

"Haha, Elder Zhao, you’re too kind. I’ll take this concern of yours to heart. That girl has been a law unto herself since she was small. I really should find a chance to talk to her properly, we can’t allow her to bring shame to the Zeng family’s reputation. We, after all, are people with status and face to maintain, and we can’t afford to lose it."

The chubby old man looked at Elder Zhao’s expression, his mind slightly tense. Could Old Man Zhao have begun to take an interest in that Xiao fellow as well? It seems the little girl wasn’t wrong, there’s indeed something unusual about Xiao Yi. Later, I should consider finding a chance to meet him in person and learn more about him.

However, his face betrayed nothing out of the ordinary. After a hearty laugh, he spoke to Elder Zhao with gravity.

"That’s true, Elder Zeng," Xiao Yi said with a nod of agreement, "when girls grow up, there’s definitely more to worry about. Many things are so obvious we don’t even have to mention them."

The thin elder next to him nodded emphatically as if he suddenly remembered something and laughed, "Speaking of which, our three families haven’t yet settled on matches for our third-generation girls, have we? I wonder if either of you have someone in mind?"

"Ah, yes...now that you mention it, they’re not so young anymore...I did bring this up with the girl some time ago, but both little ones said they’re too young to think about these things and brushed it off."

"It’s the same with my Yu... Ah, with her cold demeanor, it really worries me..."

"Don’t just talk about us! What about that precious granddaughter of yours, Han? Among the three of us, you’re the luckiest. Zhao’s granddaughter, though outstanding she may be, has that cold demeanor from practicing whatever Kungfu, which sends shivers down my spine whenever I see her. But your granddaughter is different—she’s pretty, and that goes without saying. She’s gentle and well-mannered—a girl easy to boast about. If my two girls had half her charm, that would be more than enough!"

"Exactly, Elder Han, Elder Zeng has a point there. We might not envy you in other aspects, but we really have to admire you when it comes to your granddaughter."

"Ah...you only know one side of the story...my girl is no pushover either..."

Hearing the other two praise his granddaughter, a hint of pride flashed across the face of the elderly Mr. Han. Indeed, his granddaughter was his pride and joy—a pride not only for her kindness and her calm and obedient nature but, more importantly, for the wisdom hidden beneath her quiet exterior, something they did not know. He dabbled in destiny and knew well that his granddaughter was Han Family’s blessing, destined for great fortune all her life!

Recently, she took him on a trip to Book City, where they met the Little Divine Doctor with the surname Xiao Yi—a proof of her fortunate encounters. Every activity they did together since her birth had always been successful.

He heard rumors that she and Xiao Tie, the Little Divine Doctor, had some private contact. Building a good relationship with such a person would undoubtedly be of great benefit to her, and in the future, she would certainly be able to lend a significant hand to the Han Family...

Despite his immense satisfaction, he remained humble, waving his hands modestly with a hint of embarrassment on his face.

Go on, keep pretending, just look at that smug satisfaction...

The other two elders glanced at Mr. Han as he put on an exaggeratedly pained expression, even though his pride was evident, and they mentally gave him the middle finger, inwardly despising his pretense.

The conversation regarding their grandchildren continued amidst self-praise and self-pity, and before long, the three elders shifted to reminiscing about the romantic escapades of their youth and the latest trending gossip. The atmosphere became even more harmonious, fitting the elegant and calm ambiance of the tearoom.

...........................

Liu Jingling’s injury was primarily caused by Inner Strength. The most difficult part of her treatment, the urgent measures required to save her life, had already been effectively handled by Xiao Yi using the heavens-defying Seven Needles. Following that, the process of applying and ingesting the medicine, although tedious for someone like Xiao Yi who disliked hassle, was actually quite straightforward.

In the evening, Xiao Yi prepared a dose of the medicine and brought it to her. After she took it, he used the revitalizing energy of the Taiyi Needle to treat her once more, accelerating the recovery of her injuries. Liu Jingling’s spirits immediately improved substantially.

As a martial artist, her superior healing abilities meant that, with her meridians gradually mending, she would likely recover most of her strength within a week.

Although Xiao Yi regarded Taiyi Needle Technique as a basic introductory skill, it elicited the same astonishment and awe from Liu Jingling as it did from outsiders. Her doubts and mistrust in the young doctor vanished, replaced by curiosity about how someone so young possessed such profound medical skills.

"Miss Liu, with your injuries, taking medicine daily and my occasional acupuncture sessions should ensure a full recovery within a week. However, I advise against any intense activities for the next few days, especially cultivation, as it’s absolutely imperative not to force it. Additionally, I might be busy these days and unable to prepare your medicine daily. There’s a kitchen downstairs with the necessary equipment, so you can try making it yourself. I’ve written down the instructions on this piece of paper—I’m sure you’ll understand them at a glance."

After administering the final needle to a visibly astonished Liu Jingling, Xiao Yi carefully replaced it in his needle case. Then looking up at her, a small smile on his face, he produced a piece of paper as if by magic. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please cast your recommendation and monthly votes at Qidian. Your support is my biggest motivation.)