Chapter 9: Treasures
The seal shattered, and above the Martial Peace Hall, a magnificent gust of wind surged like a grand tempest. In an instant, the fierce wind tore away tiles from the roof, toppling several large trees nearby. The disciples outside the hall swayed with the force, and some were lightly injured by falling tiles. Such a scene naturally alarmed the Palace Mistress.
The Jade Orchid Palace Mistress, cradling a lynx beast, appeared before the Martial Peace Hall’s entrance. She witnessed Xiao Bugui mounting the dragon and soaring out of the broken barrier. His majestic and graceful demeanor elicited a chorus of astonished exclamations from the assembled girls.
The soaring dragon danced and circled in the sky, unable to contain its excitement: “After decades of confinement, I am finally free! Hahaha... Young Master Xiao, let me take you on a tour. How about we find a large lake first for a refreshing swim, catch some live fish and shrimp, and hunt a big turtle?”
Xiao Bugui replied, “Wait a moment, Brother Jiao. Let’s seek out Granny Meng first; I need the Jianghu Token.”
“Very well.” The dragon descended before Granny Meng.
Xiao Bugui dismounted politely before her. “Granny, I have passed the trial. Please grant me the Jianghu Token.”
Granny Meng turned to the Palace Mistress and reported, “Palace Mistress, Xiao Bugui has broken the barrier of the Martial Peace Hall. Please bestow the Jianghu Token.”
“Is that so?” The Jade Orchid Palace Mistress hesitated in her words.
Seeing her hesitation, Ma Zengsan stepped forward to defend his disciple resolutely: “Granny Meng said my disciple must battle the divine beast. If he wins, the Jianghu Token should be given to my good disciple. Surely the Palace Mistress will not go back on her word? The Changle Palace is a reputable sect; they do not renege on promises.”
Granny Meng retorted sharply, “Elder Xiao, earlier you claimed Young Master Xiao was your son. Now he’s your disciple?”
Ma Zengsan shouted, “My surname is Ma, not Xiao. I am Ma Zengsan. A true man does not change his name or identity. Our master-disciple bond is as strong as father and son.”
Granny Meng sneered further, “If your disciple was in danger just now, how come you, his master, did not come to his rescue?”
Ma Zengsan bellowed, “Enough nonsense! Will the Changle Palace grant the Jianghu Token or not?”
Hearing Ma Zengsan’s outburst, the Jade Orchid Palace Mistress forced a stiff smile, retrieved a jade token engraved with the Jianghu Token from her sleeve, and said to Xiao Bugui, “Young Master Xiao, take this Jianghu Token.”
“Thank you, Palace Mistress. I take my leave.” Xiao Bugui accepted the token, then hurried to Hao Meili, took her hand joyfully, and said, “Meili, look, I’ve obtained another Jianghu Token. Let’s go. Climb onto the dragon; I’ll take you home.”
The Jade Orchid Palace Mistress’s smile turned to a frown as she saw Xiao Bugui holding her daughter’s hand. She immediately scolded, “How dare you! Release my daughter’s hand at once. Such conduct in broad daylight is disgraceful!”
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Hearing the Palace Mistress call Hao Meili her daughter, Xiao Bugui quickly let go of her hand. Seeing Meili’s flushed face, he embarrassedly explained, “I was just too happy earlier. Sorry.”
The Jade Orchid Palace Mistress said, “Meili, you won’t be going home today. Stay here at Changle Palace.”
Faced with her stern mother, the obedient Hao Meili could only say to Xiao Bugui, “Young Master Xiao, I must stay. You should go.”
“Alright then, goodbye.” Xiao Bugui scratched his head awkwardly and climbed onto the dragon.
Ma Zengsan called out anxiously, “You scoundrel! Your mind is only on the girl, and you just leave your master here?”
Xiao Bugui chuckled, “Old man, get on. We’re flying off now.”
But the dragon said, “Young Master Xiao, you are a Golden Dragon. As a higher-ranked dragon, you can ride me. How can a mortal ride a dragon’s back?”
“I’m his master. Why can’t I?” Ma Zengsan’s voice grew smaller as he faced the fierce glare of the Azure Dragon.
Xiao Bugui said, “How about this: old man, you and I walk down the mountain. Azure Dragon, transform into a sword. I’ll carry you down so the mortals below won’t panic.”
The Azure Dragon agreed, “Fine. I’ll turn into a bracelet you can wear on your wrist to avoid trouble.” Its body began to shrink and, in a blink, transformed into a jade ring of azure hue on Xiao Bugui’s wrist.
Xiao Bugui comforted the Azure Dragon, “Brother Jiao, as far as I know, there are no large lakes nearby. When we find one, we’ll have a proper swim. Sorry for the inconvenience for now.”
The jade ring emitted a soft glow and spoke, “Young Master Xiao, no need for thanks. Thanks to you, I have regained my freedom. I am deeply grateful. I can transform into this jade ring to store items. If you fear losing the Jianghu Token, you may place it inside me.”
Xiao Bugui produced two Jianghu Tokens and asked, “How do I store them?”
The jade ring glowed again, “Touch the Jianghu Token to me, and I will absorb it automatically. If you want it back, just tell me, and I will return it.”
Seeing their divine beast about to be taken away, the disciples of Changle Palace naturally voiced their objections. After all, who would willingly part with a treasured companion?
A sultry-dressed young woman spoke to the Palace Mistress, “Senior Sister Yulan, this Azure Dragon was the divine beast of the previous Palace Mistress. Are we really going to let him be taken away just like that?”
The Jade Orchid Palace Mistress replied, “Junior Sister Furong, the divine beasts of Changle Palace traditionally choose their own paths upon the passing of their Palace Mistress. Now, the Azure Dragon wishes to accompany Young Master Xiao. It is fate.”
Furong lamented, “It’s a pity. Our late master’s original intent was to imprison this Azure Dragon for the use of Changle Palace disciples. Yet, fate has chosen this outsider as its destined companion.”
Xiao Bugui, somewhat naïve, asked, “Everyone, should I leave or stay?”
His innocent question drew a smile even from the Jade Orchid Palace Mistress. “You’d better leave quickly.”
Among the women, someone remarked, “Or do you want to stay and kidnap our Miss Hao?”
Hao Meili immediately lowered her head, her cheeks rosy like a ripe apple.
“Well then, everyone, goodbye.” Xiao Bugui glanced at Hao Meili, reluctant to part, then turned and strode away.
Ma Zengsan saw through Xiao Bugui’s feelings and, still resentful over the Azure Dragon’s refusal to carry him, criticized, “You’re a dragon, and Miss Hao is a mortal. How can you entertain such improper thoughts?”
Xiao Bugui remained silent. Ma Zengsan raised his voice, as if addressing not only Xiao Bugui but everyone in Changle Palace: “I see you like her, but earthly relationships depend on matching status. You have no wealth, no land or mansion, and your skills are hardly top-tier. Miss Hao may not even like you. Don’t delude yourself.”
Xiao Bugui, a disciple of the Southern Flower Immortal, replied with philosophical reflection, sighing, “There are so many beautiful things in this world I desire, yet nowhere to place them all.”
Ma Zengsan asked, “Are you really planning to collect all the Jianghu Tokens and leave the mortal realm to return to the Immortal Island?”
Seeing Xiao Bugui silent again, Ma Zengsan continued, “I fear you cannot return. Though life here is full of hardship, it binds one with countless attachments. Though you are a dragon, you have taken human form and thus share human sorrows and attachments.”