When Jiang Wuming published his statement on the Shenwang forum denying his identity as the Dragon Hall Master, the students of Donghai Martial Arts Academy began to feel dejected.
They believed Jiang Wuming's words without question.
This was a case of celebrity effect and idol effect.
Many fans blindly believed whatever their idols said. Even if their idol's lies were later exposed, they would find various excuses to defend them and try to turn the situation around.
Independent thinking.
This was an extremely important ability in any era, yet few possessed it.
Jiang Wuming had never considered himself an idol, nor had he anticipated the immense impact of his announcement.
Although Daoist Tianlong had informed him that the Military Department would handle everything for him, he had still chosen to address it himself. His intention was to avoid causing trouble for Qi Wufu and the Military Department, but he hadn't expected the Military Department to eventually issue a statement.
...
Two days later, after the news of Jiang Wuming being the Dragon Hall Master had cooled down, Jiang Wuming returned to Donghai alone. Meanwhile, Dongfang Xiaoyao had gone to Sujiang to continue protecting Su Shiyun.
In the evening, Chu Feng invited Huangfu Weixia, Su Qiang, Xiao Han, and Xia Dong to his villa for a barbecue, to welcome Jiang Wuming back.
It was called a barbecue, but in reality, all the food was prepared beforehand, and only Xiao Han was responsible for grilling the meat. Everyone else could only watch.
Whether it was Chu Feng, Huangfu Weixia, Su Qiang, or Xia Dong, none of them had ever cooked before.
While Xiao Han toiled away, grilling meat alone in the courtyard, Jiang Wuming and the others were in the living room, drinking tea.
"Brother Wuming, you told me that day that you were the Dragon Hall Master, and then you denied it on the Shenwang forum. We were all confused by you—are you or are you not?"
Chu Feng couldn't help but ask the question that was on his mind.
This was also the question on the minds of Huangfu Weixia, Xia Dong, and Su Qiang.
At that moment, hearing Chu Feng speak, they all looked at Jiang Wuming.
"What I told you is the truth. What I said on Shenwang was for outsiders," Jiang Wuming said with a wry smile.
So that's how it was!
Upon hearing Jiang Wuming's words, Chu Feng, Huangfu Weixia, Su Qiang, and Xia Dong were suddenly enlightened and simultaneously filled with excitement!
Because they had confirmed the news—Jiang Wuming was indeed the most astonishing martial arts prodigy in the history of the global martial arts world!
Even more so, Jiang Wuming considered them his own people and was willing to share secrets with them.
"Brother Wuming, since you don't want the outside world to know about this, we will all keep it a secret for you."
After the excitement subsided, Chu Feng understood that Jiang Wuming had his reasons for denying his identity externally. He didn't ask for the reasons but proposed to keep the secret for Jiang Wuming.
"Right!"
Huangfu Weixia, Su Qiang, and Xia Dong quickly agreed.
Jiang Wuming nodded with a smile, saying nothing.
"Brother Wuming, will you still be staying at Donghai Martial Arts Academy?"
Xia Dong hesitated, her face filled with worry, and asked.
Since she learned that Jiang Wuming was the Dragon Hall Master, she had a feeling that Jiang Wuming's future might not be at Donghai Martial Arts Academy.
She had even asked Xia Xueqin about it, and Xia Xue's answer coincided with her thoughts—the small pond of Donghai Martial Arts Academy could not contain a dragon like Jiang Wuming!
"I will remain at Donghai Martial Arts Academy for the time being, but I will be going to the Southwest in a few days," Jiang Wuming said.
Swish!
Hearing Jiang Wuming's words unexpectedly, Huangfu Weixia instantly thought of something, and her expression changed slightly.
Chu Feng also realized something and glanced at Huangfu Weixia, clearly noticing the change in her expression.
It was a look of unconcealed disappointment!
However, Xia Dong was completely oblivious and continued to ask, "Brother Wuming, what are you going to the Southwest for? Can I go with you?"
"You little kid, he's going to Yaoshen Valley in the Southwest to find his fiancée. Why would you go with him?"
Immediately, before Jiang Wuming could answer, Huangfu Weixia spoke, her face no longer showing disappointment but a smile.
Huh?
Hearing Huangfu Weixia's words and seeing her smiling expression, both Xia Dong and Chu Feng looked surprised!
They hadn't expected Jiang Wuming to go and find Li Lianyi.
They also hadn't expected Huangfu Weixia to say this with a smile, appearing as if she didn't care at all.
Did she care?
Yes.
But the girl knew that whether she cared or not was unimportant; it couldn't change anything.
She also knew that the young man had never belonged to her.
After her disappointment and sadness, she chose to face it calmly and comforted herself, feeling fortunate.
Because.
Before the young man amazed the world, she had met, known, and fallen in love with him, albeit silently.
That affection, devoid of any ulterior motives, simple and pure, would be the most beautiful scenery on her life's journey!
...
Southwest, Yaoshen Valley.
Li Guyi, the patriarch of the Li family, once again visited Li Lianyi's residence alone.
As usual, after dinner, Li Lianyi sat alone in the study, reading a book, with the scent of sandalwood filling the room.
"Grandfather."
Seeing Li Guyi enter, Li Lianyi stood up to greet him and then went to fetch water to make tea for him.
Li Guyi sat at the desk with a smile, casually picking up the medical book Li Lianyi had been reading, waiting for her to prepare the tea.
"Grandfather, the tea is ready."
A moment later, Li Lianyi brought the tea to Li Guyi.
Li Guyi put down the medical book, took the teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Lianyi, you prepared the tea leaves and mountain spring water in advance. It seems you guessed I would come to see you."
"Grandfather wants to discuss with me whether to invite Jiang Wuming to your birthday celebration."
Li Lianyi stood by the desk and stated the truth calmly.
"Indeed, nothing can be hidden from you, my dear girl," Li Guyi said with a wry smile, but he was inwardly pleased.
The world only knew of his granddaughter's extraordinary medical skills, but they didn't know that his beloved granddaughter was as wise as a demon.
"Lianyi, since you guessed my intention, you must have also considered this matter."
Li Guyi took a sip of tea and then looked at Li Lianyi expectantly, "Can you tell Grandpa the answer?"
"No invitation."
Li Lianyi's words were astonishing, only two words.
"Why?"
Li Guyi was stunned, nearly spitting out the tea in his mouth.
This answer was somewhat beyond his expectations!
"If he comes to Yaoshen Valley, he should come on his own initiative, not because we invited him," Li Lianyi stated her reason.
"While that is true, if we don't invite him and he comes uninvited, it would put him in an awkward position. Would you bear to see that?"
After his surprise, Li Guyi chuckled.
He himself was inclined not to invite him, but considering his beloved granddaughter had been poisoned by Jiang Wuming's love, and not wanting his granddaughter to feel distressed, he had come specifically to seek her opinion.
"He deserves to be embarrassed!"
Li Lianyi, abandoning her usual calm and wise demeanor, snorted as if in a huff, "Who owes me an agreement and an explanation?!"