Chapter Fifty-Two: The Car Is Not For Lending

When Song Yue drove back home, he saw Xiao Qi sitting all alone at the entrance of the neighborhood, picking at her fingers with a pitiful look on her face.

He stopped the car and rolled down the window. “Get in.”

Xiao Qi stared at Song Yue for a long while before exclaiming dramatically, “Whoa, where did you get this car? Isn’t this the eighth-generation Shenlong Flyer, fresh off the production line… It can fly at supersonic speed!”

As she spoke, she made her way over to the driver’s side. “Come on, let me take it for a spin—this is my dream car!”

Song Yue waved her away. “No, no, I haven’t even warmed the seat yet. Hurry up, get in so we can go home.”

Xiao Qi circled around to the passenger seat and got in, running her hands over everything and marveling sincerely, “This is amazing! Song Yue, didn’t you say you had no money? I don’t think even money can buy this car, right?”

Song Yue sighed. “It was a gift. I didn’t want to accept it, but they insisted… What could I do?”

Xiao Qi was left speechless.

Once home, Xiao Qi went off to sleep, while Song Yue returned to his room to sort out the small gifts he’d received.

He tried out the little harmonica from Wu Dongshan. Following the breath technique he’d been taught, he aimed the harmonica at a glass and blew. Instantly, the glass shattered with a sharp crack.

Xiao Qi rushed up to the third floor and knocked. When Song Yue opened the door, she looked grave. “What was that just now?”

Song Yue shrugged, holding up the harmonica. “Smashed a glass.”

Looking at the glass on the floor, crushed nearly to powder, Xiao Qi gave him a helpless thumbs-up. “Bro, you’re something else. Even the way you break a glass is unique—learned something new today!”

With that, she turned and left, feeling that Song Yue had far too many secrets.

Take that car earlier, for instance—she’d been drooling over it for ages. Someone who loves the limelight as much as she does absolutely must have a flashy car! Too bad the Shenlong Flyer isn’t something money can just buy. The waiting list for custom orders among the wealthy is already in the thousands, production capacity is limited, and it’s a strictly limited edition!

Song Yue took out a broom and swept up the glass shards, then carefully put away the harmonica. He felt that Uncle Wu was a good man—every little gift he gave was so practical.

If used at the right time, it could easily knock an opponent senseless with one blow.

He didn’t dare try the small bottle of medicinal powder lightly; it was something meant for underhanded use, just as Lü Xiaohong had warned—not to be used unless absolutely necessary.

Sun Zeping’s knife spoke for itself, perfect for daily training and combat. His own original blade was not something to be shown casually.

Miss Leng Ruijun had called Zhu Jia stingy, but she was the real miser! She’d only given him a standard-issue watch that everyone got, and even claimed she’d send him a dream… What a heart of stone.

The bottle of wine from “Young Master Xu” he planned to give to his master in the morning—a gift that fine should be reserved for elders.

As for He Guanghui’s ingredients, Song Yue put them in the fridge, intending to send them to his master’s wife the next day. After all, Sister Wang wasn’t around anymore; although he could cook, his skills were far inferior.

Meng Hong’s little magic cube with storage space was a real treasure, perfect for holding daily essentials—or hiding the presence of the Jade Void Stele.

Meng Gang’s array diagrams were also to Song Yue’s liking. He lay on his bed and studied them earnestly for a long while, gaining much from the experience.

Finally, he practiced the first two chapters of the Taiyi Body Refinement Scripture and the Heavenly Venerate Spiritual Method before drifting into a deep, contented sleep.

It had been a fruitful day, and he was happy.

The next morning, Xiao Qi was already gone early as usual.

Song Yue took the wine and ingredients to his master’s house. After passing them to his master’s wife, he was about to take his leave—he’d arranged to meet Xiao Meng to visit Grandmaster Miao.

He really ought to pay a visit; he’d been back so many days, busy with one thing after another, and it was starting to seem rude.

His master’s wife said, “Don’t go yet. Your master wants to see you.”

Song Yue nodded and went to the study.

Inside, his master immediately transmitted a mental technique to him and then explained, “You’re about to go to the Western secret realm. That place, like others, opens and closes at set times. If you miss the window, you can use the method I’ve taught you to resonate with the secret realm’s frequency. Once you find the right frequency, you’ll be able to enter and exit all secret realms freely—including the world of cultivation.”

Song Yue was stunned and quickly memorized the technique. Then he asked, “Master, does that mean I can use this method to enter the cultivation world?”

From childhood, his master had told him Earth was a special place—not only home to countless secret realms, but also surrounded by an immense world of a higher order. That was the world where legends said the ancients ascended, became saints in the flesh… All those tales of becoming immortals referred to that world.

But until now, his master had never mentioned there being a way to enter it.

His master nodded. “Yes. The cultivation world is a realm of its own, where immortals dwell in the eyes of mortals. When you one day reach the level of grandmaster, you can travel there, broaden your horizons. But remember, that world is exclusionary and looks down on ordinary mortals. The great sects and ancient orders are better, as they have some rules, but many rogue cultivators are cruel and ruthless. Avoid conflict with them if you can.”

As he spoke, his master produced two compass-like objects, each the size of a palm, and gave them to Song Yue. “Keep these safe. They’re formation plates I made from biqing-jade and gold. With them, you can pinpoint your location. Place one at home and one in the cultivation world or a secret realm, and you can teleport between them.”

“If I weren’t injured, I could make you a few more…” He coughed softly as he spoke.

Song Yue noticed his master didn’t look well and felt a pang of sadness. He couldn’t help but ask, “Master, could you tell me how you were injured? Is there any way to heal you?”

His master glanced at him, saw the pain in his eyes, and said with comfort, “The thought alone is enough…”

Song Yue pressed him. “Please, just tell me?”

His master was reluctant; not because he wanted to keep secrets, but because it would bring up painful memories.

But Song Yue was grown now, and after keeping the fox demon incident from him before, the boy had been a little unhappy… So, what harm in telling him now?

Looking at Song Yue, his master said, “My injury comes from offending an important figure on the Battlefield of the Nine Passes years ago. I was sealed, then exiled with a warning never to set foot on that battlefield again…”

He sighed, unable to help himself.

Once a peerless prodigy, he’d suffered a cruel suppression that completely cut off his path of cultivation.

He’d never told anyone but his wife about it. After all, it wasn’t something to be proud of.

For a man as proud as his master, it was a devastating blow.

If not for his deep affection for Song Yue, he wouldn’t have spoken of it.

“An important figure? Sealed? Forbidden from returning to the Battlefield of the Nine Passes?” Song Yue struggled to comprehend.

Wasn’t that battlefield the place where all the worlds joined forces against outside threats? Weren’t all humans supposed to unite there?

Just like the cheerful banter between acquaintances he’d witnessed in the Jade Void Stele, it should have been lively and enviable.

How could something like this happen?

Now that he’d started, his master didn’t hide anything. “The seal on me is triggered whenever I fight. Every time I use spiritual power, it tightens, and there’s a backlash… But you needn’t worry. With some rest and by avoiding the use of spiritual power, it won’t affect anything else.”

Some comfort that was!

Song Yue felt his heart twist.

He knew his master—behind that gentle exterior was a fiercely proud soul.

A true genius! To the world, he was only known as a great Confucian scholar, but in truth, his martial prowess was unmatched, and he was versed in all the classics.

“How could it come to this?” Song Yue asked sadly.

The Battlefield of the Nine Passes he’d imagined was nothing like this.

His master smiled and shook his head. “Wherever there are people, there will be interests; where there are interests, there will be conflict and disputes. It’s nothing. I kept it from you before because I didn’t want you to develop a heart for vengeance.”

Song Yue looked up, his bright eyes fixed on his master. “I understand. You were afraid that if I knew who did it, I’d be affected, and once I entered the battlefield, I’d go looking for trouble.”

His master nodded. That was precisely why he liked Song Yue so much—despite his youth, the boy was incredibly clever.

“I know you can protect yourself. But under that carefree exterior, you have a loyal, passionate heart. If you knew who it was, you couldn’t keep it to yourself,” his master sighed. “And that’s not someone we can take on.”

“Old Wolf… was he also a warrior on the Battlefield of the Nine Passes?” Song Yue asked suddenly.

He remembered Old Wolf saying their temperaments were alike—both daring to challenge the powerful at a young age…

He hadn’t thought much of it then, but now it seemed Old Wolf knew something of the inside story. He’d have to ask him next time they met.

“He was. He fought on the battlefield and only returned after suffering an irreparable injury,” his master said.

Song Yue had once caught a glimpse of Old Wolf in action in another dimension—ferocious, wild, nothing like the tea-sipping, newspaper-reading grandma-wolf he appeared to be.

It seemed all these elders had once lived through tempestuous times.

“Is there any hope of breaking your seal?” Song Yue asked.

“Well… there is, but it’s extremely difficult. Unless you find someone of equal power to help, but at that level…” His master shook his head with a wry smile.

“Then wait for me,” Song Yue said.

“Very well, I’ll wait,” his master replied without a trace of mockery. “So don’t ask who it was, and don’t ask Old Wolf—he won’t tell you. That name can’t even be mentioned in the mortal world.”

Song Yue, his little schemes seen through, wasn’t embarrassed. Instead, he looked at his master and asked, “What if I do mention it?”

His master replied, “You would be sensed, and hunted down across worlds.”

Song Yue clenched his fists and nodded. “Understood, Master. I won’t ask!”

After he left, his master’s wife placed the bottle of wine on the desk in front of her husband with a smile. “Your disciple’s grown up!”

His master glanced at the wine and couldn’t help but laugh. “That rascal… I bet it’s a gift from some misfit in the Administration. Still… this one’s not bad!”

His wife’s eyes lit up. “Shall we… try it?”

His master touched his waist unconsciously and hesitated. “Maybe… in a few days?”

She snorted. “Hmph.”

...

Xiao Meng finally received Song Yue’s call and drove over to pick him up. When he saw the eighth-generation Shenlong Flyer parked outside Song Yue’s house, he insisted on driving, immediately claiming the driver’s seat so he could enjoy the ride.

Song Yue, caught off guard, could only sit in the passenger seat.

All the way, Xiao Meng almost forgot what they were supposed to be doing, chattering non-stop about how incredible the car was.

But Song Yue’s mind was elsewhere, still preoccupied with his master’s sealed injury, giving distracted replies.

Xiao Meng was annoyed by this attitude—how could such a fantastic car end up with someone who didn’t appreciate it? If it weren’t for the big, stylized “Yue” character on the hood, he might even have offered to buy it off Song Yue at a high price!

But this guy didn’t even cherish it.

They arrived at Meng Xudong’s family estate on the outskirts. As they got out of the car, it was clear Xiao Meng had called ahead—Grandmaster Miao came out with several disciples and family members to greet them.

Song Yue hurriedly got out and apologized.

“Sorry, Teacher Miao, I’ve been tied up with all sorts of things these days and haven’t been able to visit. Please forgive my neglect!”

Miao Qiang laughed heartily and waved it off.

He didn’t remember what had happened inside the Jade Void Stele, but he recalled the previous events. If not for Song Yue and the Qian family’s young lady, he might have lost his life in the secret realm.

Though it began with him trying to protect Song Yue, in the end, it was Song Yue who saved him.

Later, knowing he might not make it out, Song Yue had even asked Meng Xudong to look after his family. Miao Qiang remembered all of this and was deeply grateful.

“I know you’ve had a lot to deal with lately. Of course I don’t blame you. Xiao Meng’s been wonderful to us!”

Meng Xudong, humble as ever, said, “I was only following Yue’s instructions—just did a few trivial things.”

Miao Qiang then introduced his disciples and family members.

Sixty years in the secret realm had left the once young man with silver hair—he was a grandfather now.

The whole family was deeply grateful to Song Yue and Meng Xudong.

Especially Miao Qiang’s wife, who was especially moved. She’d left the secret realm with her family, prepared to wait sixty years for her husband, only for him to return alive and well after just a few days!

That debt was remembered by every member of the family, as well as Miao Qiang’s disciples.

In the living room, Miao Qiang said with emotion, “Sixty years have passed—how the world has changed! I used to think after coming out I could start my own sect, but after looking into things, any decent location with enough space costs a fortune in rent each year.”

Meng Xudong smiled. “No need to worry, Teacher Miao. If you need, I can rent a place for you, and you can pay me back whenever you’re able.”

Miao Qiang shook his head. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I understand your intentions. In fact, even if you hadn’t brought Song Yue to see me, I was going to ask if you could take our family in at the Elite Martial Hall…”

Meng Xudong immediately stood and bowed. “Teacher Miao, you honor us! It would be our great fortune to have you and your senior brothers and sisters at the Elite Martial Hall! We dare not say we’re ‘taking you in.’ Please rest assured, as soon as you agree, we’ll set up a Miao branch hall under the Elite Martial Hall, and you’ll still be its founder. Officially, it will be part of the Elite Martial Hall.”

“All the facilities, expenses, and initial setup will be handled by us. Later, you’ll receive the lion’s share of any income…”

Though Miao Qiang had been away for sixty years, he wasn’t naive. He smiled wryly and stood. “Xiao Meng, that’s really too…”

Meng Xudong was earnest. “Not at all! Frankly, we’re getting a bargain—grandmasters like you are rare, and it’s an honor to have you! With you joining, it’s our privilege!”

Song Yue observed the faces of the Miao family and saw their joy—he knew the deal was sealed.

Xiao Meng, so young, was a real talent—eloquent, emotionally intelligent, not at all like a typical martial artist.

Song Yue couldn’t help but glance at him, wondering if this guy had gone to the Cultivation Academy after Wen Rou just to elbow aside Zhang Zichen and befriend him. But that seemed unlikely—if he were that deeply calculating, he’d be a real monster.

Seeing everything settled, Xiao Meng made a decision on the spot. He turned to Miao Qiang. “To show our sincerity, my elders told me to bring you—or someone you designate—to do the paperwork. From today on, this estate will be the Miao family’s.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept!” Miao Qiang protested. “We’ve already received more than we ever hoped for—how could I take your family’s house?”

Though they hadn’t been back long, they’d learned enough about the area to know what this estate was worth in the Hangcheng suburbs.

Meng Xudong looked troubled. “My elders insisted. The old master himself wants to visit you soon. He said there are countless martial artists in the world, but very few grandmasters, and this is the treatment a martial grandmaster deserves.”

He looked to Song Yue.

Song Yue thought for a moment and said, “Teacher Miao, since Xiao Meng is expressing his family’s sincerity, you should accept. A house, however valuable, is nothing compared to your whole family!”

Meng Xudong nodded. “Exactly. You may see it differently, but to us, your family of martial cultivators is priceless!”

In the end, under their insistence, Miao Qiang accepted the estate, and the family’s gratitude toward the Elite Martial Hall and Xiao Meng was beyond words.

The Meng family was generous, but not without purpose. It was open and aboveboard—no scheming against a grandmaster who’d been out of touch with the times for sixty years.

People who act with integrity always reap rewards.

On the way back, Meng Xudong drove and grinned to himself, not talking about the car anymore.

“You can’t stop smiling,” Song Yue remarked.

“Heh, one grandmaster Miao is worth it, and there are so many young talents about to become grandmasters—this is a fantastic deal!”

Meng Xudong didn’t hide the commercial value he saw, which far exceeded the house and other things he’d promised.

“Alright, I’m not interested in business, just don’t shortchange them in the future,” Song Yue reminded him.

“Don’t worry, I may be shrewd, but I never cheat my own people!” Meng Xudong promised earnestly.

“You really are something, bragging with such a straight face.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Believe in yourself!”

When they arrived at the Elite Martial Hall, the stunning Shenlong Flyer drew plenty of attention.

Meng Xudong thickened his skin. “Yue, since you’re heading west, how about letting me drive this car for a while? Parked outside the hall, it’ll attract customers!”

“You, the young master of the Meng family, need my car to help you attract attention?” Song Yue glanced at him. “No way!”

“Don’t be so heartless… Maybe I’ll ask again later?”

“Still no!” Song Yue was firm.

No way was he lending it out—not when he hadn’t had enough fun with it himself. Besides, this was a joint gift from Zhu Jia, Zhao, and his mother—letting Xiao Meng sit in it was generous enough. Take it away? Not a chance!

Ten minutes later.

In the small lounge of the Elite Martial Hall, Meng Xudong was seriously explaining a contract to Song Yue.

“This contract is for the board of directors. After all, we’re giving away some shares, and those are quite valuable. We can’t just make a verbal agreement, so I drafted a contract. Yue, have a look—I guarantee no one in the industry would believe it; any professional would laugh at it.”

Song Yue read it.

There were no hidden traps—in fact, it was overly generous.

He was being given three percent of the Elite Martial Hall’s shares. Don’t underestimate three percent; the hall’s current market value was over thirty billion. With someone like Xiao Meng at the helm, it was sure to reach new heights.

Martial artists on Earth dreamed of opening schools off-world, to show the world’s authentic martial arts!

The Zhang family’s Star Martial Hall had the same goal, but their approach had been wrong.

Even at its current value, three percent was close to a billion.

And according to the contract, Song Yue had no obligation to preside at the hall—he only had to attend branch openings up to three times a year.

No duty to teach, no other responsibilities.

The contract was for ten years, with the option to renew if both parties were satisfied. If Song Yue wanted to leave, he could cash out his shares at the hall’s then-current value.

It was practically a gift.

All he had to do was sign and walk off with a billion, just for showing up a few times a year.

“Xiao Meng… is your family really okay with such a stupid contract?” Song Yue set the contract down and looked at the handsome man opposite him. “Don’t try to fool me!”

Meng Xudong looked sincere. “No objections at all!”

Afraid Song Yue wouldn’t believe him, he counted on his fingers, “First, it’s you—I’m sure being a grandmaster won’t be your limit, just your starting point!”

“You’re almost there, right?”

Song Yue shook his head. “Not yet—I haven’t even opened my acupoints.”

“That’s nothing for you!” Meng Xudong said. “I’ve seen your miracles firsthand, and I believe you’ll set records in the martial world!”

“So, just having you in the Elite Martial Hall is worth three percent.”

“Second, your master—no need for me to elaborate. Anyone qualified to know his background knows how formidable he is.”

“Third—and this is what convinced the whole board to approve it unanimously…”

Meng Xudong lowered his voice. “You joined the Bureau of Anomalous Affairs, didn’t you?”

Song Yue blinked. “Wow, you even know that?”

Meng Xudong grinned. “Local connections, you know.”

He looked at Song Yue. “You might not care about your own commercial value, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re one of us at the Elite Martial Hall. That’s enough.”

Song Yue hesitated, then asked, “Does this have anything to do with my family’s business channels in the Interstellar Alliance?”

Meng Xudong paused, then laughed wryly. “People say I’m a monster, but after meeting you, I realized I’m not alone. Yue, I admit it—yes!”

Song Yue picked up the contract and scrawled his signature. “If you’d said no, I wouldn’t have signed. Also, my mother will hold these shares for me. If you want to use our business channels, you’ll have to negotiate with her or my sister.”

Meng Xudong beamed. “Yue, from now on, we’re family!”

Song Yue eyed him warily. “Anything else I can share, but not the car!”

Meng Xudong: “…”

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A long chapter.