Chapter 59: The Iconic Scene Still Unfolds
For this harvest, Wu Tong could only say he was more than satisfied.
To put it simply, the techniques within the restriction and those collected outside it were worlds apart.
Even ten thousand techniques without restrictions couldn't compare to a single one found inside.
Wu Tong looked at the database of the King of Wisdom and couldn't help but feel fortunate that he had proposed borrowing them in front of the Old Celestial Master.
If he hadn't brought it up and simply returned, it would have been like picking up sesame seeds while dropping a watermelon.
Fortunately, the Old Celestial Master had agreed to his request.
"Wu Tong, your three-day borrowing period is up."
Just as Wu Tong was still rejoicing, an aged voice came from the entrance of the Scripture Pavilion.
Wu Tong looked up and saw an elderly Daoist in a plain robe watching him, his deep, unwavering gaze sizing Wu Tong up as if trying to see through him.
"Greetings, Old Celestial Master." Wu Tong cupped his hands in salute.
The man was none other than the Old Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, who had come to remind Wu Tong because the agreed-upon three days were up.
"No need for formalities. Judging by your expression, your harvest must be quite something."
The Old Celestial Master looked at the unconcealed excitement on Wu Tong's face and spoke with a meaningful tone.
"Replying to the Old Celestial Master, the gains were indeed far beyond expectation. I'm deeply grateful for your generosity."
Wu Tong wasn't surprised by his remark and responded with calm courtesy.
"Hahaha, it was just a transaction. As long as you remember your promise, that's all that matters." The Old Celestial Master chuckled at Wu Tong's gratitude.
"I wouldn't dare forget. Please rest assured."
Wu Tong also wasn't surprised at the reminder, answering solemnly.
"Good, then come with me."
With that, the Old Celestial Master said no more and led Wu Tong away from the Scripture Pavilion.
…
"Chulan, how have things been these past few days?" Wu Tong looked at Zhang Chulan and the others who had come to greet him, and, thinking of a certain rumor, teased him with a grin.
"Brother Tong, you're finally out." Zhang Chulan came over and first greeted Wu Tong.
Hearing Wu Tong's question, Zhang Chulan pulled a bitter face. "Don't even mention it. Ever since they arrived, I've been on high alert, but I still fell for it."
Wu Tong laughed even more freely at that. The 'they' Zhang Chulan referred to—
Naturally referred to the group of young people brought by Lu Jin in the original storyline, now standing behind Zhang Chulan.
The moment they arrived, Wu Tong recognized them from the narrative descriptions.
Lu Linglong, Canglong, Zhi Jinhua, Bai Shixue, Wang Ergou, Yun, Lu Lin… the younger generation of the Lu family.
Ever since Longhu Mountain and the Lu family formed an alliance, Lu Jin had brought the younger generation over, under the pretense of "building bonds," while he himself set off to search for his master's remains.
Originally, the Lu family's juniors were getting along well with Zhang Chulan, but by a twist of fate, someone heard a rumor that Zhang Chulan had a virginity mark engraved on his private parts.
And so, last night, the group plotted a scheme against Zhang Chulan.
They invited him to a networking party.
Zhang Chulan, initially cautious about the gathering, let down his guard upon hearing the Old Celestial Master would also attend.
He figured, no matter how mischievous they were, they wouldn't dare make a fool of him in front of the Old Celestial Master.
But unexpectedly, before the Old Celestial Master even arrived, Zhang Chulan—who had already let his guard down—was tricked and made drunk by the ill-intentioned bunch.
What happened next, naturally, was a widely celebrated scene: a moonlit stroll with the bird, a chick turning into a phoenix, a roc spreading its wings, a woodpecker destroying a great tree, a golden bird laying waste to the forest...
You ask how Wu Tong knew about all this?
By this morning, the news about Zhang Chulan had already spread across Longhu Mountain. Even Wu Tong, who had been in the Scripture Pavilion, heard the whole story from a young Daoist cleaning the area.
It was said that Zhang Lingyu had even intended to confront Zhang Chulan over it.
But judging by the current situation, he was probably stopped by the Old Celestial Master.
The people standing next to Zhang Chulan, hearing the two of them talk, chuckled to themselves—clearly still pleased by the grand scene they had witnessed last night.
"All right, Chulan, it's not that big of a deal. Compared to how many people saw it in the original storyline, there were far fewer this time, right?"
Seeing Zhang Chulan's darkened face, Wu Tong quickly offered some consolation.
"Oh, right. I'll be leaving tonight. Why don't we grab a meal together later?"
"Forget it, Brother Tong. I've developed a bit of trauma toward group gatherings." At the invitation, Zhang Chulan seemed to recall the previous night again and hurriedly declined, still shaken.
"Fine then." Wu Tong looked a bit disappointed at the refusal.
But seeing Wu Tong's expression, Zhang Chulan couldn't help but feel that his disappointment looked more like the frustration of a failed scheme.
As if sensing that Zhang Chulan had caught on, Wu Tong quickly changed the subject. "So, how's the planning for the Luo Tian Dajiao coming along?"
"The planning is done. Tomorrow, the steward will officially announce the Luo Tian Dajiao to the world of exorcists. One month from now, the grand event will formally begin."
Hearing Wu Tong's question, Zhang Chulan dropped the previous matter and replied, "All that's left is to wait for that group from Quanxing to show up on their own. Then we can close the net."
"All right. If you need anything then, just ping me in the group chat. I can help with something that small."
With the timing now clear, Wu Tong made a quick mental calculation and saw he'd be free then, so he spoke directly.
"Got it, Brother Tong. Don't worry, I won't be shy about asking." Zhang Chulan responded with a cheeky grin.
"Hello, you must be Wu Tong? I've heard so much about you."
Seeing the conversation wrap up, a chubby guy nearby stepped forward enthusiastically.
Then he took out a phone, preparing to show Wu Tong something, wearing the expression of a sleazy uncle hawking shady DVDs on the street.
"How about it, Brother Tong? Want to watch a video of Zhang Chulan's moonlight bird stroll?"
"Canglong! Didn't you say you deleted all the pictures and videos?" Before Wu Tong could even respond, Zhang Chulan shouted at Canglong in a panic.
"How could I delete them? That stuff is art! How can I not preserve it properly?"
Seeing Zhang Chulan rush forward to snatch the phone, Canglong quickly sidestepped to dodge.
"Delete it now!!!" Seeing Canglong still trying to evade, Zhang Chulan went after him in full pursuit.
"Nope, not deleting, not deleting." With Zhang Chulan in hot pursuit, Canglong took off running.
And for a moment, Zhang Chulan actually couldn't catch up to him.
Watching Canglong's retreating figure, Zhang Chulan was genuinely baffled—how could that chubby guy move so nimbly?
Everyone nearby burst into loud laughter at the sight.
Wu Tong also revealed a knowing smile at the scene.
Ah, youth~
Afterward, Wu Tong was formally introduced to the younger generation of the Lu family through Zhang Chulan's introduction.
(End of Chapter)
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