C15 Was the Tang Family Worthy of Him?

"Do you understand now why I'm so on edge? Qingcheng, in his ignorance, has offended a Master. When a Master's wrath is provoked, bloodshed is inevitable, especially when it's a Master with boundless potential! If he sets his sights on our Tang family, can we really endure his fury?"

Tang Zhenye voiced his concerns to Tang Xingye with a worried expression.

"Dad, if Mr. Liu truly is a Master, we must seek his forgiveness! Otherwise, Tang Qingcheng's reckless actions could spell doom for our family!"

Tang Xingye echoed the sentiment, equally troubled.

When Tang Zhenye spoke of Liu Changqing being a Master, it was accepted as fact.

Masters were rare in all of Udruesau, each one a force to be reckoned with, akin to the War God Yang Haotian!

The Tang family's brush with such a formidable figure in Gliatol could be a divine gift or a disastrous curse.

"That's why I've brought my treasured jade. These esteemed figures have little interest in worldly wealth; only rare treasures can catch their eye. I hope it will be enough to impress Mr. Liu!"

Tang Zhenye said, his anxiety palpable.

If Liu Changqing were present to hear Tang Zhenye's earnest speculation, he'd surely have to stifle a laugh and admit, "Truth be told, I'm actually quite short on cash!"

The path of immortal cultivation relies on technique, land, companions, and wealth. Since his rebirth, Liu Changqing found himself lacking in all but the technique.

"Dad, imagine if our Tang family could align with a Master like Mr. Liu. Wouldn't that give us the standing to return to our ancestral home in the capital?"

Tang Xingye couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought.

He was acutely aware of the formidable nature of the Tang family in the capital. Despite their prominence in Gliatol, they were mere minnows in the eyes of the main family. Gaining recognition and returning to their roots seemed an almost unattainable aspiration.

But with the backing of a Master, the entire scenario would shift dramatically.

The influence of a Master was immense; after all, the Tang family in the capital had the support of only two Masters.

"Enough talk! We must approach Mr. Liu with respect. Attempting to gain from him by cunning will only backfire."

Although Tang Zhenye was tempted to proceed as such, his years of experience cautioned him against it. If Liu Changqing were to discover their true intentions, he might grow to despise the Tang family completely, sealing their fate with no chance of redemption. To gain Liu Changqing's favor, they would need to approach him with genuine sincerity, sparing no effort to forge a friendship.

"Yes, Father, I understand," Tang Xingye responded, standing by respectfully after his father's admonition, not daring to utter another word.

Once Zhu Zhaofeng exited Liu Changqing's room, she made her way to the shop. Upon her arrival, Tang Zhenye hastened to her side and inquired, "What did Mr. Liu say?"

With a gentle smile, Zhu Zhaofeng replied, "Changqing asks that you take a seat; he'll be down shortly."

"Mr. Liu is truly willing to meet with us?" Tang Zhenye couldn't hide his excitement.

"If you doubt my word, perhaps I shouldn't bother coming down after all," came Liu Changqing's voice from above, followed by his appearance at the top of the stairs.

"I, Tang Zhenye, along with my son, Tang Xingye, am honored to meet Mr. Liu," Tang Zhenye said, bowing deeply with hands clasped.

"Greetings, Mr. Liu," echoed Tang Xingye, following his father's lead, despite not having seen Liu Changqing's face.

"What is this? I cannot possibly accept such a bow from the Tang family," Liu Changqing said with a cold huff, his presence bearing down on them.

"Mr. Liu, my grandson was ignorant of his place and offended you. Your restraint in not taking his life is a mercy for which we are deeply grateful," Tang Zhenye said, his voice trembling as he spoke.

Liu Changqing chuckled dismissively, "Killing him would only sully my hands. Please, rise. It's quite exhausting to watch you like this."

With that, Liu Changqing withdrew the imposing aura he had been projecting, and both Tang Zhenye and Tang Xingye felt the oppressive weight on their shoulders lift, allowing them to breathe a long sigh of relief.

"Let's have a seat and talk it over," Liu Changqing suggested, gesturing toward the dilapidated table in the breakfast shop.

"Sure thing!" Tang Zhenye, unfazed by the shop's shabby furnishings, led Tang Xingye to the table and they both sat down.

Once seated, Tang Xingye finally took a good look at Liu Changqing and was taken aback to see a young man who looked to be about the same age as Tang Qingshan. How is this possible? Had he somehow reversed the aging process?

"Mom, I'll handle things here. Why don't you go upstairs and get some rest?" Liu Changqing said to Zhu Zhaofeng after they had settled in.

"Okay, Changqing, but don't forget what I've told you," Zhu Zhaofeng replied, her voice tinged with concern that her son's youthful impetuosity might lead him astray. She reminded him one more time before heading upstairs.

"Now, what brings you here?" Liu Changqing asked, turning his attention to Tang Zhenye.

"Mr. Liu, we've come to offer our apologies," Tang Zhenye began, his face etched with remorse, making no mention of his wife's ailment.

Liu Changqing chuckled. "I suspect there's more to it than just that. Out with it, what do you need?"

Tang Zhenye took a deep breath. "To be frank, Mr. Liu, the pills you provided worked wonders. My wife's health improved dramatically after taking them. But Qingshan, with good intentions, made a grave mistake by adding mountain ginseng to her chicken soup. It caused her to vomit blood and collapse, leaving her in a dire state. In my desperation for her well-being, I've come to implore you, Mr. Liu, to lend your expertise and save her life."

With that, Tang Zhenye rose to his feet once more and bowed deeply in earnest supplication.

Liu Changqing shook his head. "With all the doctors available, they still can't save one life? Life and death are predestined, and many things are beyond our control. What makes you think I can intervene?"

"Mr. Liu, despite your youth, your skill is profound. I've always had an eye for talent, and I'm convinced that if you were to intervene, you could surely heal my wife. If you agree to help, the Tang family will be forever in your debt and will look to you for guidance."

Tang Zhenye spoke with resolve.

"Expect everyone to follow your lead? Haha, Tang Zhenye, aren't you overestimating your Tang family's importance? Do you really think your minor family merits such regard?"

Liu Changqing let out a cold laugh.

He wasn't being conceited. In his past life, as the Evergreen King, he reigned supreme over the Azure Dragon Domain, an entire star domain. Numerous prestigious families, rich in heritage, vied to serve him, and some even flourished for centuries thanks to his guidance. To him, the Tang family was merely a minor clan on Dookdil, hardly worth a second glance.

"I'm well aware that the Tang family as it stands doesn't catch Mr. Liu's discerning eye, but here in Gliatol, my family can offer you more assistance! Today, to make amends, I've brought this treasured jade, which I've safeguarded for many years, as a token of gratitude for sparing the life of my brash grandson."

With those words, Tang Zhenye received the exquisitely wrapped jade from Tang Xingye, unveiled the box, and presented it to Liu Changqing.

Liu Changqing initially had little interest in the jade, but upon casting a glance at the serene stone nestled within the box, he felt an unexpected jolt in his heart.