Chapter 30: Liu Erlong
Looking at the report in his hands, Sheng Jun couldn't help but give a tired smile. The paper was worn from countless scrutinies, yet its contents brought a glimmer of satisfaction amidst the weariness that weighed him down. "In a year at most, in a year, and my company will enter passive development" he mumbled softly to himself, tracing his fingers over the report.
Most of his inventions and investments had now spread into the Star Luo Empire, casting a web of influence that extended all over the Douluo Continent. If one were to tally the overall wealth, Sheng Jun knew that within a decade, if he were to say that he is the second richest person in the Douluo Continent, no one would dare to say they are the richest.
With a weary sigh, he attempted to rise from his seat, his muscles protesting the strain of long hours and sleepless nights. Almost stumbling, he was steadied by the simultaneous calls of concern from his two subordinates, Bernard his first subordinate, and Arthur, his first disciple whom he had accepted only a year ago, had already ascended to the rank of Spirit King. Despite his comparatively low soul power compared to others, Arthur's skills had propelled him to the position of leader of the company's attack team, a testament to his formidable combat prowess.
"Master, please rest" Arthur urged, his voice laced with genuine worry as he supported Sheng Jun's faltering frame. The concern in his eyes spoke volumes, a silent plea for his master to prioritize his well-being above all else.
Bernard nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with a simmering anger. "That's right, Young Master. Please, allow yourself a rest for a couple of days. I can take charge and hold those bastards off in your absence"
After the company stabilized a bit, a year ago. They had set their sights on expanding into the Star Luo Empire. However, their ambitions were met with significant opposition from the local nobility, who relentlessly attacked them at every opportunity, leaving Sheng Jun with little time to rest.
Though the company wouldn't collapse under the pressure, allowing the nobles to thwart their progress would mean a significant loss. Their investments and innovations in the Star Luo Empire would be in vain. Fortunately, today's report brought a glimmer of hope. The situation was finally stabilising a bit, making it harder for the nobles to undermine the Sheng Company's branch in the Star Luo Empire.
With a fleeting sense of peace settling over him, Sheng Jun nodded wearily, conceding to the need for rest. The weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifted from his shoulders as he allowed himself the luxury of a brief rest. It had been far too long since he last indulged in a moment of relaxation.
Tomorrow, he promised himself, he would explore the capital. But for now, sleep beckoned.
...
As Sheng Jun walked the bustling streets, a sense of rejuvenation washed over him, the rhythmic pulse of life in the city serving as a tonic to his weary soul. He savored the simple pleasures of street food and games, the cares of the world momentarily forgotten in the midst of laughter.
But as evening descended and the crowds began to thin, his attention was drawn to a figure standing amidst the fading light. It was not her beauty that captivated him, but the haunting familiarity of her features. Memories stirred within him. Could it be? he wondered with sudden recognition. The woman before him bore a striking resemblance to the one his teacher had kept a picture of 'what was her name again, Liu Erlong?' he recalled.
"Mistress!" Sheng Jun called out eagerly, his steps quickening as he closed the distance between them.
Turning around, Liu Erlong's expression registered a mix of surprise and confusion. "Young man, you've mistaken me for someone else" she protested.
Sheng Jun's brow furrowed in confusion, his certainty wavering. "Mistress, how could it be a mistake? You are Teacher's wife, of course, I should call you Mistress" he insisted, his words laced with bewilderment. "Also, why haven't I seen you with Teacher before? Are you two having a long-distance relationship?"
Liu Erlong's response was tinged with sadness, a shadow passing over her features. "Young man, you really have the wrong person. I am... not married" she confessed quietly.
"That's impossible. Why would Teacher Flender look at your picture every day if you two aren't in a relationship?" Sheng Jun pressed, his skepticism evident in his tone.
Liu Erlong's surprise was palpable, her eyes widening at the mention of Flender's name. "Flender? You are Flender's disciple?" she exclaimed, a hint of astonishment coloring her words.
As Sheng Jun's doubts lingered, Liu Erlong found herself lost in thought, memories of the past flooding back with startling clarity. 'So he still loves me even after 20 years... Is his reaction at those times fake? Has he always supported us from the sidelines since then, regardless of his feelings?' she pondered silently, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions, it would be a lie if she said she wasn't moved by such a selfless act.
Yet, despite the tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts swirling within her, Liu Erlong shook her head as she emerged from her reverie. "No, you misunderstood. Flender and I are... just friends" she clarified, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Hearing Liu Erlong's explanation, a glint flashed in Sheng Jun's eyes, his smile widening despite the confusion that still lingered. "Oh, is that so" he chuckled softly, masking his inner thoughts "I apologize for the misunderstanding."
However, beneath the facade, Sheng Jun's mind raced. This encounter had sparked a curiosity within him, igniting a desire to uncover the truth behind the relationship between Flender and Liu Erlong.
"By the way, Aunty" he began, only to be met with a frosty glare from Liu Erlong
"Cough, cough" Sheng Jun hastily corrected himself, realizing his mistake. "I mean, where does Sister Erlong live? I have hit a bottleneck with my cultivation lately, teacher is busy with the academy right now, he can't teach me much, so I would like to seek your guidance" Sheng Jun said as he put on a pitiful expression, his tone pleading as he sought to appease Liu Erlong's evident displeasure.
Satisfied with his correction, Liu Erlong's demeanor softened slightly. "You may find me at Blue Tyrant Academy" she replied, offering him a badge as a token of her willingness to assist him. "Use this to visit me if you have any questions. However, I may not be available every day" she cautioned.
Accepting the badge with a nod of gratitude, Sheng Jun watched as Liu Erlong departed, after Liu Erlong's figure vanished from view, the smile on Sheng Jun's face faded, replaced by a mask of deep contemplation. "Qinyu" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Instantly, a woman clad in black materialized beside him, her presence silent and stealthy. "Yes, Young Master" she responded respectfully, awaiting his instructions.
"How is yours and everyone else's cultivation progressing?" Sheng Jun inquired.
"Reporting to Young Master" Qinyu began, her voice steady and composed. "Three-quarters of the intelligence team, including myself, have successfully broken through to the second level of the Heavenly Dao Technique. Among us, I am still the only one who has awakened the special ability to travel through shadows unnoticed by anyone. However, prolonged use of this ability still drains my soul power excessively even after the upgrade. Additionally, a quarter of us, including myself, have achieved a breakthrough to Spirit Emperor" she reported, her words precise.
Satisfied with her report, Sheng Jun nodded thoughtfully. "That's good to hear. I have a new mission for you all" he declared, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts.
"Gather any information you can find about my Teacher's past and this woman's past in detail" he instructed his voice firm with determination. "Report back to me in a week with your findings"
"Understood" Qinyu acknowledged, her demeanor unwavering in the face of their new assignment.
With a nod of dismissal, Sheng Jun watched as Qinyu vanished into the shadows, her form disappearing without a trace.
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Aczekial Sorry (not sorry) to all Grandmaster X Erlong shippers.
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