Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path
Chapter 444 - 394: Past Clouds of Smoke, A Bright Future

Chapter 444: Chapter 394: Past Clouds of Smoke, A Bright Future

Watching Xiao Lishu looking as beautiful as a small white flower atop a mountain at dawn, Sun Changzhi felt a great comfort.

"She is several times more beautiful than her mother, with a gentle disposition and a kind heart. This must be the genetic gift I passed on to her, growing all the best qualities in her."

While harboring these thoughts, Zhu Changzhi did not show them outwardly and instead feigned urgency, "You don’t want to go pick her up? Alright, prepare some food at home, and I’ll go to the airport to greet her."

"No, I haven’t seen Sister Tangtang for several days, and I want to see her."

Zhou Ping’an had just returned from a major battle, and Tang Tang would surely be there to meet him.

What Sun Lishu said wasn’t entirely wrong.

"Alright then, hurry along, your Uncle Deng is already waiting in the car."

Sun Changzhi restrained his laughter and chose not to expose his daughter’s little schemes.

...

"Out with the old, in with the new. Fortunately, no one was hurt."

Seeing Mother Zhou silently shedding tears on the side and Zhou Xiaolan, his classmate, also wearing a somber expression and sighing deeply,

Zhou Ping’an knew his mother and sister were reluctant to part with the small villa in Jinguiyuan.

Their family had always lived in a small alley in the Southern City Suburb, cramming into a house less than fifty square meters—never living in such a nice place before.

In the villa at Jinguiyuan, there was also a small courtyard where flowers were planted, and his mother would spend time daily, attentively tending to the few vegetables in the garden.

"Besides, we’re not without money; we can just buy another place."

"Would it be the same?"

Mother Zhou sighed deeply.

It wasn’t just about the house. Despite the short stay, they had created memories here—essentially, they became emotionally attached to the place.

Such a beautiful place, devastated into ruins by a missile, made it almost unbearable for her to breathe.

Looking around, the entire neighborhood within a three to four hundred meters radius was in shambles, even the Third Group’s police station was leveled to the ground. Even though Zhou Ping’an had killed the main perpetrator and had some form of revenge, he still felt uncomfortable.

In this world, there are always those who trample on the law and deem themselves above ordinary people.

Out of their selfish interests, these individuals instigate horrifying incidents.

And yet, these incidents could be covered up so effortlessly afterward.

Sometimes, it just made one unable to truly love this land.

"The Huang Family is effectively annihilated, and the Town Defense Commander Zuo Longsheng in Linhai doesn’t have any chance of recovery, but why do I still feel so unsettled?"

Zhou Ping’an looked around the devastated street, hearing faint cries from all directions, and felt a slight irritability.

After all, the destruction of people’s homes was partially due to his involvement.

Collateral damage.

"Don’t worry, the Administration Hall will allocate funds to assist in rebuilding the neighborhood and will try its best to compensate the civilians who suffered losses. Officer Zhou shouldn’t blame himself too much."

Sun Changzhi, astute and insightful, could easily discern what Zhou Ping’an was thinking.

Now practically in control of Dongjiang City’s administration, Sun Changzhi felt confident and knew what should and shouldn’t be done, given no one else but Zhou Ping’an would dare to question him.

"Thank you, Chairman Sun," Zhou Ping’an said gravely.

Yet, internally, he was calculating the follow-up matters concerning the Hongguang Group.

It must be said, it was a massive entity.

And its capacity for action was also noteworthy.

Since the demise of Huang Shanmin and the downfall of the Huang Family, the group had immediately cut ties, withdrawn from the Linhai market, and issued several notices. Hence, even if Zhou Ping’an wanted to seek further revenge, he could no longer find an adversary.

But he knew it was just a temporary measure by the other party.

Certain things not happening now doesn’t mean they never will, their failure to oppose now merely indicates reluctance, not a lack of desire.

"Immigration from the Sakura Clan is quite peculiar. Compared to the Frost, Yue Mountain, and Ronnie immigrants, they assimilate into Zhuxia fastest and contribute the most. Consequently, over the years, some people from their ranks have ascended to high positions due to their contributions."

Tang Tang whispered from the side, "The characteristic of this group is, how should I put it, somewhat bullying the weak and fearing the strong. You hit them with a stick, and they’ll behave for a long time. But if you show weakness one day, they’ll immediately start oppressing you. In their bones, they possess a violent and fierce nature.

As long as we maintain a strong stance, the other directors of the Hongguang Group will not only refrain from acting against us covertly but will also be very obedient and intentionally curry favor, even making you feel like they are the best of friends."

"Commander, someone from Hongguang Group’s Northwest Headquarters has come bearing a gift called ’Moon Spirit Sand’ and is waiting to be received."

Yang Zhengyu walked as if he was floating on clouds.

When reporting, his voice also seemed somewhat unreal.

Now serving as the Third Group Police Chief, although he hadn’t really been promoted, his immediate superior had leaped to become the Dongjiang Police Commissioner—which gives one something to think about the real value of his position as the Third Group Police Chief.

Tang Tang’s expression changed slightly, and he laughed, "See what I was saying? That was fast."

"Moon Spirit Sand must not be cheap, right?"

Zhou Ping’an had no particular reaction.

Tang Tang nodded, "Last month, at the auction in the Northern River Quiet Garden, it fetched a price of thirty-five million, billed as creating a Spiritual Master with one portion of Moon Spirit Sand."

"That’s really generous."

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

The current situation was such that Hongguang Group, fearing relentless pursuit by Zhou Ping’an that would escalate their losses, felt compelled to forcibly swallow this bitter pill and continue to expend efforts to ingratiate and please, despite knowing that their branch could no longer operate.

Things were very different now.

Zhou Ping’an had made a name for himself with this battle, and no one could now overlook his threat.

Especially with the ruthlessness and dominance he displayed in the battle at Linhai, he had indeed frightened some people.

Hongguang Group, no matter how financially strong, was ultimately a business. Businessmen must strive for harmony and wealth, always weighing the pros and cons. Once they identified someone they couldn’t deal with, they naturally turned into tail-wagging dogs.

"Just leave him hanging, there’s no rush to meet him."

Zhou Ping’an casually gave the order.

Moon Spirit Sand was supposed to enhance spiritual power, and it was indeed good, but it paled in comparison to the Heart Sutra of Vast Cold that the Southeastern Town Defense Commander casually offered.

Zhou Ping’an was somewhat puzzled. Could it be that the Chu Town Guard didn’t know the wonderful uses of the Heart Sutra of Vast Cold? This was a Soul Cultivation Secret Technique of Immortal Sutra Rank, to give it away so lightly? Or did he genuinely nurture his juniors wholeheartedly without any selfish motives?

Following the methods of the Heart Sutra of Vast Cold to operate his Cultivation Technique again, he suddenly understood.

It turned out that the reason he cultivated the Heart Sutra of Vast Cold and swiftly strengthened his soul was ultimately due to burning the Wish Power Threads, which accelerated the process. Once he practiced normally, the strange energy that strengthened the soul was actually very subtle, difficult to absorb, and had limited effects.

With this realization, Zhou Ping’an felt a bit more at ease.

If this was indeed the case, this Immortal Sutra Rank Cultivation Technique, in the hands of Chu Wenli, was actually like chicken ribs—a useless possession. It could enhance spiritual power but very slowly. To achieve breakthrough progress, cultivation would need to be measured in decades.

"That makes sense."

"Sister, do you think we should accept that Hundred Flowers Garden given by the Zhao Family?"

Concerning the situation in Linhai, Tang Tang had grown up there and naturally knew it better than him.

In some respects, Tang Tang had been forced by her father to marry someone from the Zhao Family and suffered oppression afterward. It was impossible she didn’t feel uncomfortable about it.

Whether to accept the Zhao Family’s apology, Zhou Ping’an decided to leave it up to Tang Tang.

After all, every grievance had its origin, and every debt its debtor.

The happiness of those around him was far more important than any garden.

"Silly, of course we should accept it. How could we not? This time, we really took a big piece from the Zhao Family. Come on, let’s go see the garden. You probably don’t know what the Hundred Flowers Garden is like?"

At the mention of this, Tang Tang’s face lit up with a smile.

Pulling Zhou Ping’an along, she moved.

She hadn’t been this excited even when she received twenty billion in "pocket money" from her grandfather, entrusted to Zhou Ping’an.

That wasn’t actually pocket money; rather, it represented the early division of the Tang family assets into Tang Tang’s hands.

The phone rang.

Tang Tang glanced at it and silently answered.

"Little Tang, the family meeting just approved my appointment as the CEO of Qingning Mining with a five percent share. Tell me, should mom accept it?"

The voice on the phone sounded anxious and humble.

Hearing this, Tang Tang’s irritation flared for no reason: "Take it if it makes you happy, refuse if it doesn’t. If you run out of money, I’ll send you some more. Can you not be so timid?"

"Alright, alright Tangtang, don’t get mad. I’ll take the CEO position and look after the family assets. Later, I’ll also secure a dowry for you."

Fearing Tang Tang might scold her or something, the female voice hurriedly ended the call.

Listening to the beep on the phone, Tang Tang stayed dazed for a while, her expression blank, then suddenly she turned and let out a chuckle, "Thank you really for this."

"Why are you thanking me? I didn’t do anything,"

Zhou Ping’an shook his head.

He clearly sensed the slight gloom in Tang Tang’s heart quietly dispersing.

The sun appeared in the sky, the clouds scattered, and ahead, amidst mountains and water, a vast, stunningly beautiful estate came into view.

"Flowers blooming all year round, water evergreen, trees eternally verdant. The Zhao Family has never opened this Hundred Flowers Garden to the public. I’ve only heard that the Head of the Zhao Family once hosted guests from Shangjing and stayed here once. That time, I led my team on the outer defenses, never even stepping on the garden’s grass."

Looking at the palace-like beautiful estate straight out of a fairy tale, Tang Tang was eager.

"Let’s go in quick. This garden is yours from now on."

"It’s ours."

Zhou Ping’an turned to look at Tang Tang, watching her cheeks turn from white to red, even her ears blushing.

Seeing her glance darting away, becoming visibly uncomfortable.

He couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

It was just an estate, if I told you that in Another World, I also have three counties, would your teeth fall out in shock?

Zhou Ping’an thought to himself.

An estate spanning hundreds of acres, it could only be said that the extravagance of the wealthy knew no limits.

And the poor, happy enough to live in houses of thirty to fifty square meters.

Such were the times.

"Isn’t that nice?"

Zhou Ping’an looked toward the South of the City where vast shantytowns spread unbroken.

It seemed like one city, yet not one city.

"Peace time calls for vigilance, having a rare peaceful and stable time, I must seriously enhance my strength. A crisis from Another World is looming. If I can get through this, the future will be promising; if not, let’s not talk about it."

Thinking of the troubling situation in the Three Counties of Liyou.

Zhou Ping’an felt an urgency rising within him.

Just in time, as Wish Power was plentiful.

He decided to strengthen himself further.

...