326: Chapter 158: The Unification of Acupoints and the Transformation of the Spiritual Body (Request for Monthly Tickets) 326: Chapter 158: The Unification of Acupoints and the Transformation of the Spiritual Body (Request for Monthly Tickets) Linjiang City, Village in the City.
Here, it’s similar to a rural layout, mostly single-story houses with large courtyards.
As the new year approaches, every household hangs lanterns, the New Year atmosphere is rich.
Shen Wanchen escorts Xu Zhou to the doorstep of his home, then finds a place nearby to hide and quietly observes the surroundings.
Xu Zhou enters the house, and to his surprise, it’s filled with people celebrating the New Year.
Isn’t this Little Zhou?”
“Yanping, your child is back!”
Seeing Xu Zhou, the whole house instantly becomes lively.
All eyes are on Xu Zhou.
Xu Zhou is not surprised; most of these people are relatives from his stepmother Li Yanping’s side, while there are few from Xu Tianhai’s side.
In the grandparent’s generation, Xu Tianhai was the only son; after his grandfather passed away, there was less contact with relatives on Xu Tianhai’s side.
Every year during the New Year, those who visit Xu Zhou’s house are from Li Yanping’s side of the family.
“Uncle, Happy New Year.”
“Second Uncle, Hello.”
Xu Zhou greets them one by one and is surprised to see in the living room: “Sis, you’re back too?”
Li Ruoxi smiles slightly: “I heard you were on a mission nearby, and since it’s the New Year, I came back early too.”
At this time, the relatives in the living room also turn to look at Xu Zhou and Li Ruoxi.
“I heard both of you got into Guang Han Martial University?
That’s impressive; I heard it’s one of the top two universities in the country!”
“Ruoxi, now that you’re in university, have you considered dating?”
“Right, Old Wang’s nephew, isn’t he studying at Imperial Martial Arts University?
Maybe he should meet Ruoxi?”
“What’s his name again?
“That boy is something, already a third-grade martial artist!
They say he’s a genius student at Imperial Martial University.
After graduation, he’ll at least be a key player in a state-owned enterprise!”
“That would be incredible, if Ruoxi could be with him, she’d be lucky…”
The aunts on the sofa chatter away.
Many bring up Li Ruoxi’s major life events.
Nowadays, the government has numerous supports and policies encouraging childbirth, so discussions about marriage happen earlier in village-in-the-city areas like Linjiang City’s Outer City District.
Xu Zhou is somewhat surprised, Zeng Kai?
Is it the Zeng Kai he knows?
Beside him, Li Ruoxi says helplessly: “I’m only a freshman, it’s way too early.”
“Freshman year is not early at all!”
An aunt shakes her head: “I heard students nowadays start dating as soon as they get into university.
If you don’t start early, the good ones will be snatched up by others!”
“I think Old Wang’s nephew is nice, maybe you should meet him someday.”
Li Yanping walks over with tea, also smiling: “Yes, getting to know him first is good, whether it turns into anything can be decided later.”
“You’ve barely interacted with any boys growing up, always hanging around Little Zhou, you can’t be with him forever, right?”
Li Ruoxi blushes, retorting: “What’s wrong with being with him forever?”
“You’re such a kid!” Li Yanping scolds: “He’s your brother, even without blood ties, but still…”
Li Yanping stumbles on her words, unsure how to continue.
She turns to Xu Zhou, urging: “Little Zhou, you should talk to your sister, it’s an important matter in her life.”
Xu Zhou coughs once, about to speak.
Not far away, Old Wang suddenly says: “My nephew just said that he would come over for a meal, Ruoxi, it’s the perfect chance for you two to meet!”
“Isn’t your nephew studying at Imperial Martial University?
Why come all the way here?” a middle-aged woman asks in surprise.
“Heh, he said he’s on a mission here.
Since we’re celebrating the New Year here, he’s coming along.” Old Wang laughs: “Isn’t that a coincidence?”
Li Yanping also laughs: “Maybe it’s fate.”
Only Li Ruoxi remains cold-faced, looking somewhat depressed.
Beside her, Xu Zhou’s expression is a bit peculiar.
Named Zeng Kai, and also doing task nearby?
Could it actually be the one he knows?
Just as he thinks of this, commotion erupts at the courtyard entrance.
“Old Wang’s nephew is here!”
Someone shouts, and everyone stands up, heading outside.
Xu Zhou also looks towards the courtyard entrance.
A tall, broad-shouldered young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes walks through the gate.
His gaze is sharp, and he seems to carry a powerful aura within him!
As he approaches, the crowd parts, making way for him.
Old Wang steps forward, smiling: “Xiao Kai, have you found someone special at Imperial Martial University?”
“Too busy with training, no time for that.” Zeng Kai shakes his head with a smile.
“What is your level now?” Old Wang asks, curious.
“Mid third-grade.” Zeng Kai smiles: “After the New Year, I should be approaching late third-grade.”
That means you’re close to the fourth rank!” Old Wang exclaims with joy.
The crowd expresses amazement.
“Fourth-grade martial artist?
Even Linjiang City’s Director of Security is only at that level!”
“So young and almost a fourth-grade martial artist, truly incredible.”
“This lad is destined to be a big shot.”
“Old Wang’s family sure produced a talent.”
The relatives wear expressions of admiration.
In this world, martial artists are revered, and they have a clear understanding of the hierarchy among martial artists.
A fourth-grade martial artist is already considered a pillar of the nation.
For a small city like Linjiang City, that’s a truly significant figure.
Old Wang enjoys the attention immensely, he chuckles: “Xiao Kai, Yanping’s daughter is also a top martial arts university student like you, she’s very charming, you haven’t met her yet, have you?”