Jiangnan, White Dragon River.

Before departure.

Chen Sheng had not forgotten the 'drowning family revenge' from those years.

This journey was done effortlessly!

Mere bandits lurking in the river islands.

——The Banner Thieves.

Chen Sheng did not even need to take action.

As long as he found traces of them, he'd release three puppets.

Which could slay them thoroughly.

In mid-air.

Chen Sheng cast the 'Light Avoidance Technique'.

Hiding his figure among the flowing clouds.

He piloted the Cyan Cloud Shuttle, flying silently.

Shuttling back and forth over the hazardous, reef-filled river sections.

There were many small islands here.

Chen Sheng's spiritual sense scanned each island that might have traces of a water village.

No bandit lair was discovered.

The Banner Thieves that once dwelled on these islands.

Had left no trace.

After several rounds of searching.

Chen Sheng instead saw a different scene.

The embankment was orderly.

Newly planted willows swayed gracefully.

The once barren land had been cultivated into orderly rice paddies.

Villages were tidy, smoke curling up from cooking fires.

Merchant ships crowded the river, fishermen's songs echoed in response.

A scene of peace and prosperity during a tranquil time.

Chen Sheng suddenly realized:

"In the mansion, years go uncounted."

"Twenty-three years, the mortal world has long changed."

"Looking at this scene, it seems that chaos has settled, and the land has returned to peace."

"Perhaps the river bandits have long since washed their hands clean."

Chen Sheng shook his head gently.

Unable to find what he sought, he could only temporarily let go of this thought.

He looked towards the vast waters of the White Dragon River.

The rapid river flowed endlessly.

The sound of the waves still the same!

Chen Sheng chuckled lightly:

"Twenty-three years, the world has changed."

"Only the river remains as before, just like in the old days."

"I wonder how that young Bai Li is doing."

"Is Old Bai still alive?"

With these thoughts in mind.

Chen Sheng consumed a 'Qi Recovery Pill'.

A gentle stream of energy instantly dispersed.

Driving away the slight fatigue from long-time low-altitude searching and maintaining magic.

Under Chen Sheng's feet, the Flying Shuttle shone with cyan light.

Changing direction.

He followed the mighty river downstream.

Heading towards the place in his memories.

Where smoke from cooking fires briskly rose by the riverbank!

...

By the White Dragon River.

A river mouth both familiar and strange.

The original look had long disappeared.

If not for the difficult-to-change geography of mountains and rivers.

The shape of the mountains on both sides engraved in his heart.

Chen Sheng truly wouldn't dare confirm.

In his memory.

The low and broken thatched fishermen huts had vanished without a trace.

Replaced by a sprawling estate with towering eaves and intricate carvings.

The vermilion gates stood tall, the stone steps dignified.

Above the imposing lintel.

Hung a gilded imperial plaque.

Shimmering with an aura of majesty in the sunlight.

——Constructed as the birthplace of the Duke of England!

...

Chen Sheng's spiritual sense gently swept over.

In the delicate waterside pavilion facing the river in the backyard.

An elder in an embroidered casual robe was playing a game of chess with someone.

It was Old Bai indeed!

Joy surged in Chen Sheng's heart:

"Old friend has not passed away!"

With this thought.

Chen Sheng maneuvered the Escape Light, quietly landing at the mansion's gate.

The Light Avoidance Technique receded like the tide.

His figure gradually solidified.

The gatekeepers were not ordinary servants.

But a dozen military soldiers in standard leather armor, with sabers at their waists and sharp eyes.

The leader was a stern-faced.

Old soldier missing an arm.

The old soldier was leaning against the porch at that moment.

His hawk-like gaze vigilantly scanning the path ahead.

As soon as Chen Sheng appeared.

Without a sound.

As if he walked out of light and shadow!

"Who?!"

The old soldier's pupils shrank suddenly.

His remaining right hand instinctively gripped the sword's hilt.

His body tensed instantly like a drawn bow.

The soldiers behind him also awoke in alarm.

With a clatter, the sound of drawn blades filled the air.

However, Chen Sheng remained composed, saluting with hands clasped, his voice clear:

"I trouble you to announce my visit; an old friend comes to call."

The one-armed old soldier heard this.

Glanced at Chen Sheng, and was immediately startled within!

This man in a cyan Daoist robe, incredibly tall, seemed isolated from the mundane world.

Such a transcendent figure.

He had only seen in the King's military camp.

Each one a person of extraordinary talents.

No wonder he entered in such an unusual manner!

The old soldier dared not be negligent, respectfully clasping his fists:

"May I ask, sir, your distinguished name?"

Chen Sheng nodded:

"I am Chen Sheng."

The old soldier heard this.

Immediately, his brow furrowed.

He felt a deep familiarity.

His mind quickly churned.

Suddenly.

The old soldier suddenly realized.

Isn't this the Young Master Chen that the Old Master and the Lord Duke have been talking about for years?

Thinking this way.

The one-armed old soldier suddenly smiled.

He clasped his fists and bowed, showing extreme respect:

"So it is Mr. Chen."

"I did not know you were visiting earlier; forgive my rudeness!"

"The Lord Duke often mentions you."

"The Old Master also spoke of you beforehand."

"No need for a notice, please come in quickly!"

He spoke as he did.

While respectfully leading the way aside.

Then sternly ordered the soldiers behind him:

"Sheathe your swords! Do not be disrespectful!"

Chen Sheng had not expected this.

He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly:

"The wealthy do not forget their old friends!"

He followed the old soldier indoors.

All the way.

Through layers of courtyards.

Amidst flowers and trees, pavilions, and water pavilions.

The grandeur was overwhelming.

Chen Sheng walked calmly.

Soon, he was led to the backyard.

In the water pavilion.

The game was interrupted.

"Old Master, Mr. Chen has arrived."

Old Bai, with hair like silver snow, turned his head in confusion.

He was over seventy, yet still robust.

As the saying goes: change of abode alters the spirit, nurtured body changes the form!

Old Bai's vitality was full and red.

He appeared even younger than in previous years.

The two met each other's gaze.

Old Bai was slightly startled.

He closely observed the tall figure before him.

Finding him deeply familiar.

Yet, at the moment, he couldn't recall who it was!

Chen Sheng, however, smiled and clasped his hands:

"Mr. Bai, do you still remember Chen Sheng?"

"Thank you for the life-saving grace back then when jumping into the river."

A great joy suddenly erupted in Old Bai's eyes.

"Young Master Chen?!"

He rose abruptly.

Even overturning the chessboard.

White jade chess pieces clattered to the ground!

Old Bai stepped forward in a few strides.

Grabbing Chen Sheng's arms with both hands.

Carefully examining that familiar youthful face:

"It really is Young Master Chen."

"We haven't seen each other for over twenty years; where have you been?"

"Li'Er has been searching for you all these years!"

"We thought that..."

"Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes indeed!"

Old friends long separated reunited.

Old Bai was so emotional that tears welled up in his eyes.

Chen Sheng was also very happy, casually explaining:

"Thank you, Mr. Bai, for your concern."

"I have been cultivating with my master in the deep mountains all these years and haven't come down the mountain."

Old Bai realized:

"No wonder, no wonder."

...

After a short while.

The two sat by the window in the water pavilion.

A maid served fragrant tea.

Old Bai's emotions gradually calmed down.

His face shone with radiance.

As if suddenly much younger.

Chen Sheng then asked:

"How have you been all these years?"

Upon hearing this.

Old Bai immediately became excited.

Holding Chen Sheng's hand, he chatted endlessly:

"In my latter years, thanks to the blessings of you and Li'Er, I have enjoyed all worldly riches."

"Thank you for passing on great skills to Bai Li back then..."

Old Bai spoke with pride.

He slowly recounted the experiences of these years:

In Bai Li's youth.

His martial skills matured, and he could kill bandits.

Defending the village, his name resounded far and wide!

Later, when chaos reigned over the land.

Bai Li led his villagers into the military ranks.

Fighting from south to north...

Until recent years when the land was reunited.

Bai Li was bestowed the title of Duke of England.

Ranked as the first among the six dukes.

Chen Sheng, upon hearing this, smiled slightly and nodded gently.

Back then, he worried about Bai Li's success in martial arts.

Becoming arrogant and causing trouble!

He subtly mentioned the ideas 'the Immortal Dao is elusive yet real' and 'heavenly mandate rests with Chen'.

It seems.

This lad has been obedient after all.

Joining the royal army, following destiny, finally achieving the rightful result.

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