The Extreme Yang Spiritual Power, perfectly merging essence, qi, and spirit, stabilized once more, increasing by more than double compared to before.
Zhang Jian briefly familiarized himself and was instantly able to move his mind as he wished.
At this moment, his Spiritual Mechanism inclined towards completion, evoking a sense of Primordial Perfection.
Zhang Jian couldn’t conceal the joy within his heart.
Using the Mysterious Inner Vision from the "Nine Chapters of Pure Tongshan," he could feel his Extreme Yang Spiritual Power being extraordinarily pure, without any impurities.
Zhang Jian opened his eyes, his expression suddenly stirred, his gaze scanning the surroundings; his sensitive Divine Thought momentarily allowed him a subtle perception, eventually settling his sight on the Dragon-locking Tower atop the levee.
This Dragon-locking Tower, located atop the dam, is considered the most renowned tavern in Fengyang City. He faintly felt gazes from the tavern resting on him.
Yet, his expression remained unmoved, as if unaware. He simply called over an old soldier beside him, who shortly turned and left.
"Young Master, the guest has arrived!"
Zhang Jian didn’t wait long, soon seeing the awaited guest. A man, dressed in a tight outfit and robustly built, presently entered the pavilion, his face showing joy upon seeing Zhang Jian, he then spoke,
"He Xiong greets the Young Master!"
Zhang Jian turned slightly, smiling, "Brother He, no need to adhere strictly to etiquette. We haven’t met for years, you seem increasingly seasoned, having established a considerable estate in the Commandery City!"
He Xiong repeatedly claimed he dared not, yet inwardly amazed at this gentle-as-jade Young Master from the Zhang Family being even more affable than rumors, though his eyes felt quite intimidating, unconsciously making He Xiong hesitant to take lightly.
Zhang Jian nodded, then requested He Xiong to introduce the situation within the Commandery City.
This was the purpose behind Zhang Jian’s summon of He Xiong.
He Xiong was a strategic piece placed by the Zhang Family within the Commandery City, himself being a capable Body Refining Martial Artist who founded the Cyan Bamboo Gang, which, though less influential than larger gangs like the Sanhe Gang, was not without impact.
At the moment, as the two exchanged questions and answers, Zhang Jian gradually gained a clear and thorough understanding of the Commandery City’s circumstances. Since arriving here, he naturally needed to prepare to avoid becoming inadvertently entangled in inexplicable troubles.
This is also the foresight expected of the future head of a noble family.
This was taught by Zhang Yi since childhood.
Provoking enemies unknowingly constitutes pointless loss.
Reducing the cost of mistakes is naturally better.
Regarding the Commandery City’s many rumors, Zhang Jian listened with keen interest, particularly rumors concerning the Qi Family.
Moreover, he developed a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Zhang Family and the Qi Family. Initially, the Qi Family’s old master did not wish to marry Madam Zhang Qi into the Zhang Family.
In a way, his own father used some unsavory means, ultimately forcing the Qi Family to begrudgingly marry Madam Zhang Qi to the Zhang Family.
At this moment, Zhang Jian’s eyebrows moved as distant noises of brawling echoed forth.
He saw a group of beggars noisily rushing over, with two small beggars leading the escape towards here.
The few Household Soldiers guarding the pavilion saw this, and without hesitation, stopped them.
The beggars saw each Household Soldier being sturdy and robust, their faces ruddy, and holding weapons, quickly backed a few steps, showing fear.
Only the tall, skinny leader braved the fear, clasping his hands in respect:
"Lords, we do not wish to cause trouble, but these two little ones were unruly, begging in our territory and stealing our things. Please, Lords, let us through, we only wish to take back these two little ones and leave immediately!"
Meanwhile, another young and strong person had already captured the two dirty small beggars.
The eyes of the two small beggars darted around, one shouting loudly:
"Lords, do not believe their nonsense, we did not take anything of theirs. This broken silver was given to us by generous lords, they harbor ill intentions, wanting to rob our copper coins!"
The beggars immediately disagreed, loudly shouting: "The kid lies; these two stole our broken silver; it is ours!"
Some strong men were a bit impatient, about to disperse the group of beggars, when Zhang Jian glanced over, seeing this scene slightly frowning, he looked into the bowls of the two small beggars.
Inside the bowls were indeed several taels of broken silver.
Zhang Jian knew this kind of broken silver had strong purchasing power, enough for an ordinary family to eat for a month.
He thought for a moment and immediately ordered the Household Soldiers to drive away the shouting tall, skinny beggars.
Seeing this, the two small beggars beamed with joy, one who was dark-skinned stepped out, imitating an adult, and saluted:
"Thank you, Young Master, Young Master must be a scholar, wise and high above, surely will become Champion Scholar and hold high office!"
The smaller beggar beside chuckled awkwardly, mimicking: "Definitely will become Champion Scholar!"
Seeing this, Zhang Jian lightly frowned and said:
"You two brats, don’t perform in front of me. Your actions can’t fool me; those silvers aren’t yours, are they?
Yet, I observed their pale complexion but full spirit, each vigorous and having threatening eyes, evidently having committed many misdeeds.
While you two have blood deficiency, plus internal injuries, so I helped you drive away the beggar group, cherish it! I’ll help you this time, but next time you might not be so lucky!"
He waved his hand.
These words puzzled all present, the small beggar showing a flicker in his eyes, seeing Zhang Jian wave his hand.
"Thank you, Lord!"
The small beggar, seriously, bowed and hastily departed.
Beside, He Xiong saw this, his gaze stirring: "How did Young Master know the silver was stolen by these two small beggars?"
Zhang Jian casually smiled: "Very simple, because the broken silver was covered in filth, coated with grease, indicating the silver was kept closely for a long time, frequently played with by the keeper, clearly inconsistent with these small beggars’ words!"
He Xiong heard, his eyes moved, nodding inwardly, his expression showing more acquaintance.
...
And this scene also caught the eyes of two girls atop the Dragon-locking Tower. The two girls exchanged a look, then went downstairs and left without delay.
But after the two girls returned, a female attendant informed Madam Qi Wan of their actions.
Madam Qi Wan merely smiled slightly and said,
"Growing up, learning self-preservation!"
...
When the two girls left, Zhang Jian looked over, having noticed the presence of these two girls early on, yet seeing they bore no animosity, simply pretended not to have seen.
But he still instructed Hu Shan to follow and observe the two young girls.
After all, having entered Fengyang County for half a day, he shouldn’t become embroiled in trouble so swiftly.