Volume One, Chapter 67: Aftermath.

After weathering a recent storm, both the Ning Group and Su Chenglong’s company had suddenly risen to become the two leading conglomerates in Qingcheng. While part of this was due to their division of the Shanshui Group, the greater share came from Jiang Chen’s substantial investment—an amount that far outweighed the rest. At Jiang Chen’s suggestion, Su Chenglong had begun bold, sweeping reforms, rapidly integrating several enterprises under his command.

On the Ning Group’s side, the board of directors had made a decision: the position of chairman would now go to Ning Rou. The previous chairman, Ning Que, though still young, had completely lost his ambitions, a result of the psychological trauma left by Ye Qingfeng’s threats. Such was the consequence of being pushed too far.

As before, Jiang Chen continued to spend his days at Ning Rou’s home, but idleness was a thing of the past. Whenever he had time, he dashed about with Ning Rou, running business errands. At night, he returned home and collapsed into bed, utterly spent. If not busy with business, he was over at Li Jingshou’s place. As Li Jingshou’s martial arts instructor, Jiang Chen had to guide his training as well as offer strategic counsel.

During the engagement banquet, Li Jingshou had bested Chong Li so thoroughly that she was left dazed. In her anger, Chong Li stormed back to Maoshan and stayed there for a week. If not for the investment from Li Jingshou’s family—which helped Maoshan establish a new brand—she might never have come down. Even so, it was only when Jiang Chen himself visited that Chong Li relented. After this, their relationship was noticeably closer.

Thanks to the help from Institute 509, Jiang Chen made a trip to the hospital to heal Xue Qi’s injuries. Now, whenever Xue Qi saw Jiang Chen, her legs would tremble with fear.

One morning, Jiang Chen lay in bed, Ning Rou nestled in his arms. Happiness filled him—Ning Rou’s body was soft and fragrant, her hair gently brushing against his nose, sending waves of delight through him.

Just as he was about to take things further, the phone rang at the most inopportune moment.

Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz...

He hung up—

Jiang Chen had already taken off his shirt when the phone rang again. Blushing, Ning Rou said, “Maybe... you should answer it first.”

Suppressing his frustration, Jiang Chen resolved that whoever had interrupted him would get a beating—once he finished his business, of course—that was the only way to vent his anger.

“Hello? Who is it?” Jiang Chen answered, barely containing his fury.

“My student? Why are you so angry?” came a kindly voice. At the sound, Jiang Chen immediately knelt on the bed.

“Master, what brings you to call me today? Is there something important?” This was his seventh master, the former head of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Master Zhang.

Master Zhang shifted his position atop the mountain. “Hold on, the signal here isn’t great. Let me move somewhere else.”

Whoosh—

Jiang Chen heard the shrill whistle of a sword slicing through the air. He couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. His master was growing bolder with age—still flying by sword at his years.

A moment later, Master Zhang said, “Just calling to see how you’re doing. Have you adapted well?”

Jiang Chen, now unattached and surrounded by confidantes, had also found his senior sister. He was more than adapted—he could practically advertise his good fortune to the world. But to his master, he had to play the part of the suffering disciple; perhaps his master would feel sorry for him and reward him with treasures from Dragon Tiger Mountain’s vault.

“Master, I miss you so much. You have no idea how devious people are out here. I’m always getting tricked, and the women are terrible—they bully me constantly.” Jiang Chen’s complaints lasted a full half-hour, leaving Ning Rou, who overheard him, dumbfounded.

She wondered who could possibly be making him suffer. At his lowest, Jiang Chen’s monthly salary was thirteen thousand; how could that be hardship? He lived in a mansion and was constantly taking advantage of her. If this was suffering, what else could be called happiness?

Naturally, as a master, Zhang couldn’t bear to hear his disciple’s woes. Though saddened by Jiang Chen’s tales, he still urged him to be strong and upstanding, to never bring disgrace to his name.

Jiang Chen readily agreed, and after reminiscing, Master Zhang finally got to the point.

“You’ve had some contact with Institute 509, haven’t you?” Master Zhang asked.

Jiang Chen replied truthfully, “Yes, I have. Although there was some initial conflict, it’s been resolved. Why do you ask, Master?”

“There’s something going on at the Hongmen Bridge lately. Institute 509 is short-staffed and needs you to oversee things there. You don’t need to take action—just be present. If action is required, that’s a separate fee.”

“So we at Dragon Tiger Mountain are taking outside contracts now?” Jiang Chen retorted.

Master Zhang coughed on the other end, masking his embarrassment. “Not exactly. Just pay attention to this matter, and pack your things. Head to Hongmen Bridge in the neighboring city. Someone will meet you when you arrive.”

Jiang Chen grunted his assent and hung up. From the call, he gathered that his mere presence was required, suggesting the matter was no small affair—after all, his master knew his full strength. The rest would have to wait until he reached Hongmen Bridge.

Ning Rou was already up, dressed and helping Jiang Chen pack. He pulled her into his arms.

“Stop it. Don’t you have business to attend to?” Ning Rou said, resting in his embrace.

Jiang Chen couldn’t wait any longer. “A few more minutes won’t hurt.”

“Ah! Don’t— there... be gentle...”

Three hours later, Jiang Chen was riding in Li Jingshou’s Wuling minivan, exuding a robust masculine energy.

Inside the vehicle, Li Jingshou remarked, “Bro, isn’t your wife seeing you off?”

Jiang Chen rubbed his nose, “Well... she’s asleep. Stop asking. Just drive.”

“All right.” With that, Li Jingshou floored the gas pedal, and the minivan shot forward with a roar.

As they sped down the highway, Jiang Chen took the opportunity to give Li Jingshou a primer on the key departments within the cultivation world, further helping him acclimate. He also planned to introduce him to a few contacts so that, even in Jiang Chen’s absence, Li Jingshou would have a network to rely on in case of trouble.

After all, Li Jingshou was his proxy in the outside world, a fact Jiang Chen fully acknowledged.

It took three hours to reach Hongmen Bridge. Jiang Chen napped, only to awake and find the bridge cordoned off upon their arrival.

Hongmen Bridge, located in the neighboring city of Ha, was a crucial artery connecting to other provinces. Now, with the area sealed, it was clear something significant was afoot.

Surveying the scene, Jiang Chen saw numerous soldiers stationed along the riverbank, as if waiting for something...