Chapter 396 – Help Me Find Someone

Butler Liu was born from one of the Zhang Family’s “retainer” families. Since childhood, he was part of a group of people who were trained by the Zhang Family as future managers of the ancestral residence. Later on, he strove to absorb everything he could utilize and worked tirelessly. After passing several tests, he finally obtained the authority of a butler. Then, among the butlers, he went through an intense competition to follow this generation’s family head, and served as the head butler for several decades — He was also the sole individual who could be designated as a named butler.

Over the years, Butler Liu had seen many types of people. Some were secretive, whose information was only known by the family head. As the family head’s most trusted confidante, he also knew numerous things. However, from Butler Liu’s memories of “those people” the Zhang Family feared, none of them possessed such a terrifyingly oppressive force as the one who appeared before them.

Butler Liu’s bearing immediately became more prudent. He restrained his gaze, and treated Gongyi Tianheng with the utmost courtesy and respect: “Whom might this young master be?”

Although he knew that this person had come over by following their family’s eldest young master, as a man with extensive experience, how couldn’t he see that their family’s eldest young master treated this person with such a reverent attitude? Naturally, he wouldn’t say anything like “the eldest young master’s friend”.

Zhang Bohan exchanged glances with Butler Liu, and replied: “Ah, right. He is called Gongyi Tianheng. He’s my life-saving benefactor. During these days, if it wasn’t for Mister Gongyi’s help, I’m afraid that I wouldn’t have come back.”

Butler Liu spoke to Tianheng: “So it’s like this. Mister Gongyi, please come in.” Then, he said, “The Zhang Family shall remember the life-saving favor of this sir.”

Tianheng faintly nodded his head: “Thank you.”

Butler Liu’s heart loosened slightly, but he still wore a sincere smile on his face: “Sir, please follow me.”

Subsequently, the matter of welcoming other family members was handed over to the second butler, third butler, and the rest. Using a type of respectful and well-regarded bearing, Butler Liu led Tianheng and Zhang Bohan into the ancestral residence. No matter who they met along the way nor how the others sized them up, Butler Liu kept his eyes trained forward as if he didn’t see anything else.

With the development of the times, the ancestral residence of the Zhang Family had also changed from a plain and unadorned style to the current large-scale villa with an exterior that combined simplistic and chic fashion as well as an incomparably luxurious interior.

After stepping past the threshold, they entered a spacious lounge with quite a few long tables set up. Everyone present was either beautifully clothed or immaculately dressed, and all of them appeared modern and stylish.

However, this was just a side hall. As they walked onward, they came to the main hall. In this place, there were many comfortable sofas arranged in an orderly manner. On the centermost sofa sat several elders. Sitting and fawning on the side were loads of younger men and women. In addition, there were a few upper-class ladies who delivered fruit platters, teas and cakes, and other refreshments with graceful and elegant postures.

It seemed that the inside and outside were two different worlds. Nonetheless, it was very comfortable and warm.

When Zhang Bohan came in after following Butler Liu, someone saw his figure and promptly said: “Our eldest young master has returned!”

In the blink of an eye, a dignified and important-looking elder sitting on the main sofa turned his head and peered over. The elderly man’s eyes suddenly flickered with a sharp, falcon-like gaze.

After that, the elderly man waved his hand: “Bohan, come here and let your grandfather take a look at you.”

Zhang Bohan approached deferentially, but didn’t forget to give an introduction on behalf of that calamity: “Grandfather, this is your grandson’s life-saving benefactor, Gongyi Tianheng.”

The elderly man — This generation’s family head, Zhang Huiguo, had long taken note of this young person, and perceived Butler Liu’s hints. There were some notions in his heart.

But at this time, he still only nodded toward Tianheng: “As it turns out, it’s Bohan’s benefactor… Mister Gongyi, please have a seat.”

During this short conversation, nothing was covered up. Everyone who was sitting around clearly heard what was said. At the same time, those fellows who had various plans also picked out a few keywords from this exchange.

Life-saving benefactor and Mister Gongyi.

Within all of this, there were several things that could be contemplated over.

Zhang Bohan had been missing for several days. Amid the uncertainty, some information leaked out. The members of the Zhang Family naturally wouldn’t ignore it, and each person would use other means to scout things out a few times. Among them, there was a reliable source of information that Zhang Bohan had already perished — It was said that all of those subordinates’ corpses had already been found, but Zhang Bohan had been submerged in the river. Of course, there were still some doubts here. In the end, who was behind the incident? Quite a few people were suspected. Yet, amid this investigation, Zhang Bohan suddenly returned, which gave others the feeling that a storm was approaching.

However, for those who had nothing to do with this matter, they only needed to consider whether their side’s benefits would be affected. While they sat secure and firm as before, those responsible were panicked and alarmed. This was because Zhang Bohan would definitely find out any flaws and handle things thoroughly.

People from several sides took measure of that “life-saving benefactor” using unobtrusive glances.

It wasn’t known what role this Gongyi Tianheng would play in this little drama. Was he, this so-called benefactor, really a savior or was this person part of another one of the eldest young master’s plans?

But no matter what, under everyone’s scrutinizing observations, Tianheng remained calm and composed. Additionally, they weren’t able to overlook his excessively outstanding appearance and deportment.

In a smooth and natural manner, Tianheng sat down on a vacated, upholstered armchair that was close to Zhang Huiguo. Likewise, Zhang Bohan found a nearby seat as well.

Zhang Huiguo’s expression was somewhat severe: “Bohan, the matter of your disappearance needs to be carefully explained to me.”

Zhang Bohan respectfully said: “Yes, grandfather.”

Zhang Huiguo faintly nodded. He stood up while clutching his walking stick, and steadily walked to the second floor: “Come with me to the study.” He instructed Butler Liu, “Old Liu, properly attend to Mister Gongyi on my behalf.”

Then, he spoke to Tianheng: “Pardon me, Mister Gongyi. I must take my leave first.”

Tianheng’s lips curled into a grin. His voice was slightly low and gentle: “No harm done.”

In the split second he opened his mouth and spoke, his voice seemed to carry a deadly kind of magic that drew everyone’s attention to him.

Soon after, Tianheng quietly sat with upright poise. He only occasionally spoke a couple sentences amid Butler Liu’s seamless praises. However, with regards to the other members of the Zhang Family, he didn’t pay the slightest bit of attention to them. Those people didn’t have a clear grasp of his inside information. After some hesitation, none of them took the initiative to step forward and talk to him.

After half an hour of this seemingly peaceful deadlock, someone came to Butler Liu’s side, and whispered a few words into his ear.

Butler Liu nodded his head without batting an eye. After that, he respectfully said to Tianheng: “Mister Gongyi, the family head has requested for thee to go to the study for a chat.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Butler Liu met Tianheng’s unchanging eyes — He seemed to be aware of everything already? In other words, no matter what, there was no way to shock or rattle him? Butler Liu quickly waved those guesses away, smilingly guided the already-standing Tianheng straight to the study’s doorway.

The numerous Zhang Family members were left behind in the main reception hall. They looked at one another in dismay. Each of them had their own thoughts.

Tianheng pushed open the study’s door, and smelled the faint fragrance of books and ink. However, within the qi of these book fragrances, he didn’t sense the same vestiges of power as those books from the continents he hailed from. Rather, it was very ordinary, stiff, and inflexible. There was only an extremely small number of overflowing qi emissions that had some detectable spiritedness.

— Because he already understood this world’s knowledge systems, Tianheng also realized that the things that gave this spirited sensation were probably handwritten a long time ago, while those things that felt rigid and immovable were the so-called printed materials.

Of course, this wasn’t too important.

Tianheng lifted his eyes. What he saw was Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan who were sitting next to a coffee table. The expressions of this grandfather and grandson pair were somewhat solemn, especially that of Zhang Bohan. His attitude toward Tianheng had changed even more — Besides the sense of revealed respect, his prudence and reverence had increased.

When Tianheng entered, Zhang Huiguo took the initiative to stand up: “Mister Gongyi, please have a seat.”

His talking speed was slow. It seemed that he was deliberating over his words: “Just a while ago, I slighted this sir. I hope thou doesn’t take offense. Also, this sir had helped Bohan several times. My Zhang Family shall certainly repay this favor.”

Tianheng sat down accordingly, and spoke in a measured voice: “There is nothing to be slighted about. Master Zhang doesn’t need to mind it. As for the matter of lending a hand, it was no more than lifting a finger.”

Both of them were talking. However, although every word was no different from that of an ordinary conversation, the speed and tone of Tianheng’s speech gave others a peculiar sense of rhythm that one couldn’t help but carefully listen to. After that, others would feel that every word was very reasonable.

Zhang Huiguo paused. His voice was somewhat aged and his bearing was somewhat hesitant — Or to say, it carried a bit of caution and solemnity: “Mister Gongyi, I have a question, and I’m not sure if I should ask it or not…” His fingers were splaying over the knob of his walking stick, and seemed to tighten slightly, “Is thine identity…an ancient martial artist?”

Tianheng brows faintly moved: “Ancient martial artist?”

Zhang Huiguo hesitated even more: “When thou saved Bohan, the power used was very strange. Though this one is untalented, I had once seen some ancient martial artists. They possessed a type of internal power. Reportedly, thou could achieve a similar effect. I had this conjecture when I heard Bohan bring this up. I don’t know whether or not it’s correct.”

Tianheng pondered for a moment, and replied: “I really am a martial artist, but I don’t know anything about this ancient martial artist you’re talking about.”

Zhang Huiguo’s expression loosened, and his smile became more eager: “In that case, may I presume that Mister Gongyi doesn’t know about the Ancient Martial Artists Association?”

Tianheng gently shook his head: “I don’t.”

Zhang Huiguo didn’t ask where he learned his skills from. It was because he more or less understood that an ancient martial artist’s inheritance was a secret. If he tried to get to the root of the matter, perhaps it would instead make the other party unhappy. On the contrary, what was important was the ancient martial artist himself — If he was a member of the Ancient Martial Artists Association and his Zhang Family made friends with him, then they might be able to build a relationship with the association. And if he wasn’t a member of the association, then that would be even better. They might be able to rope in this ancient martial artist.

As a result, Zhang Huiguo quickly said: “Does Mister Gongyi have any intentions of joining the Ancient Martial Artists Association? Although my Zhang Family leaves much to be desired, if this sir so wishes, we will do everything in our power to knock upon their doorstep and recommend thee.”

Tianheng said: “I have always liked my freedom. I’m not that interested in the Ancient Martial Artists Association.”

Zhang Huiguo was silent for a short while. Following this, he sounded things out: “Mister Gongyi, how do you feel…about my Zhang Family?”

Tianheng faintly smiled.

Everyone here was intelligent. While Zhang Huiguo was a crafty, old fox, he repeatedly deliberated when faced with what he believed was an ancient martial artist. Nevertheless, he only brought up the subject tactfully, and didn’t make any schemes. Firstly, even if such schemes bore results, ancient martial artists were arrogant and unyielding. Later on, perhaps he would end up overreaching himself. Secondly, during Zhang Bohan’s brief recounting, Zhang Huiguo already realized that this ancient martial artist’s disposition wasn’t as gentle and mild as what was currently displayed — What’s more, such temperament and meticulous thinking made one feel that this fellow had long resided in high-ranked positions. In a moment of carelessness, he might think himself clever and end up offending someone to death.

The facts of the matter were precisely so. Tianheng had been at the very top ever since he was born. Even in Qingyun Sect, he had never been reprimanded. He had long become accustomed to controlling the overall situation. Although there were many times when he was lenient and tolerant, that also depended on his mood — As it happened, he had recently received a blow from his little pharmacist. Even if he persuaded himself to make the corresponding decision, that shard of sorrow was still firmly lodged at the bottom of his heart.

Fortunately, Zhang Huiguo relied on his intuition, which he used to brave through great storms over the many years, and made the most correct choice. This allowed Tianheng to think twice before anything else. He opened his mouth and said: “I’m aware of your intentions, and it’s not like we can’t cooperate.”

The smiling expression on Zhang Huiguo’s face deepened: “Would this sir please elaborate?”

During this back and forth exchange, Zhang Bohan didn’t interrupt the talks, but the shock in his heart was by no means small.

Originally, he felt that Tianheng was very scary, but at the same time, he also felt that his grandfather would be able to handle the situation after this person was brought over.

But now, when Zhang Bohan truly witnessed the meeting between the two and listened to the discussion of both parties, intentional or otherwise, he unexpectedly discovered that his grandfather’s attitude towards Tianheng was even more cautious than his own… This couldn’t help but cause his heartstrings to stretch taut.

At the same time, he abruptly understood that his action of rashly bringing Tianheng to meet his grandfather was actually very dangerous — Although the circumstances at that time forced him into making that choice, he also believed that the protective power of the ancestral residence was strong enough.

Zhang Bohan immediately felt a lingering fear, and broke out in a cold sweat.

Perhaps, one could only say that his luck this time around wasn’t bad… At this very moment, he was even more vigilant of the “ancient martial artists” mentioned by his grandfather. He wanted to understand the existences of the ancient martial artists as well as the organization known as the Ancient Marital Artists Association.

On the other side, Zhang Huiguo and Tianheng already had the intention of deepening their connection.

Tianheng’s index finger lightly tapped on the armrest. As his finger fell again and again, it seemed like he was in the middle of pondering something. After this short period passed, he said: “From what I understand, the Zhang Family’s forces aren’t small.”

He raised his eyes, and looked at Zhang Huiguo’s expression, which hadn’t undergone any peculiar changes. He slowly continued: “Then, if you guys want to find a person’s whereabouts, it would be presumably easy.”

At first, Zhang Huiguo was still thinking about the reason why this ancient martial artist was willing to associate with ordinary people like them. While he was happy, he naturally had precautions. But now he heard this — The first matter that this sir raised was actually to find someone?

It wasn’t known what kind of person he was looking for, or if there was anything troublesome about that person. However, anyone capable of making an ancient martial artist pay that much attention to them should’ve been extraordinary.

Zhang Huiguo slowly nodded his head: “The Zhang Family can still handle a few matters. If it’s finding a person, it’s probably within our capabilities.” He paused, “Could it be that Mister Gongyi wants to find someone?”

Tianheng faintly nodded: “That’s right. So long as you guys help me find this person, I can allow you guys to take some things you’ll need —” He looked Zhang Huiguo in the eyes, “For example, martial skills and the like.”

Zhang Huiguo’s pupils suddenly contracted: “Martial skills — The types that this sir uses? The special powers exclusive to ancient martial artists?”

Tianheng smiled: “More or less.”

Zhang Huiguo’s breathing quickened. His chest faintly moved up and down.

Ancient martial artists were rarely seen. The Ancient Martial Artists Association was also mysterious. It was to the point that the general population didn’t even know about them. As for an aristocratic family like the Zhang Family, they had only caught wind of names and occasionally saw a few members in that organization. This definitely wasn’t a grassroots organization, but rather, an independent and detached force that was tacitly accepted by, and inextricably linked with, the nation. While their Zhang Family had history, they were exceedingly careful over the generations. It could be said that they were dancing on a knife’s edge. A moment of carelessness, and the family would be plunged into a decline. This was because their foundations were insufficient. Even though they had built many connections, those relationships weren’t that sturdy or reliable.

However, the Ancient Martial Artists Association wasn’t the same. The number of people they took in was very small, but the Zhang Family had learned from a few channels that the various aristocratic families and clans in the capital city had some children who shared deep ties with this association. It could be said that if the family’s younger generations could be accepted into this association, the Zhang Family’s whitewashing would be even easier and its foundations would be even stronger. It also wouldn’t be so easily to purge it.

However, Zhang Family wasn’t strong enough for the members of the Ancient Martial Artists Association to take the initiative to recruit their children. If they wanted to get closer to this association, they could only search for ancient martial artists to practice martial arts. After instructing their outstanding younger generations, they could think of a way to join the association. However, ancient martial artists weren’t cabbages lying on the side of the road, either. The Zhang Family wouldn’t have been able to find this kind of person. And even if they did, the other party wouldn’t necessarily be willing to provide serious guidance. If the teaching wasn’t taken seriously, what was the point of talking about outstanding younger generations?

Tianheng’s appearance was undoubtedly the Zhang Family’s fortuitous and sweet rainfall after a long drought. Originally, Zhang Huiguo thought that, since the other party wasn’t a member of the association, perhaps this ancient martial artist would loosen his mouth and provide teaching if they roped him in and treated him well. However, he didn’t expect that this ancient martial artist would openly put forward conditions and agree to teach martial skills. This couldn’t help but make Zhang Huiguo feel wild with joy. As such, gasping out of excitement was only natural human behavior.

They only needed to find one person…

Zhang Huiguo swiftly calmed himself, and returned to his normal state of rigorous plans and deep insight. Though, his urgent tone still revealed his eagerness: “This sir wants to find someone? The Zhang Family will certainly spare no effort!”

Tianheng’s gaze was serene and deep: “He’s called Gu Zuo. He’s a young man of twenty years.”

Zhang Huiguo didn’t hear anything else, and was stunned: “There are only these pieces of information?”

At this time, Zhang Bohan also understood many things, and suddenly asked: “There are certainly many people with this name and age. Mister Gongyi, do you have a photo of this person in your possession?”

Tianheng already knew what a photo was, and gently shook his head: “I don’t have any.”

Zhang Bohan asked further: “Do you know the address where he lived in the past?”

Tianheng shook his head again: “I don’t know.”

Zhang Bohan was silent.

But, after thinking about it, this wasn’t strange. If the other party knew everything, then there basically wasn’t any need to look for their Zhang Family to check. In other words, the lack of information created a favorable position for the use of their skills.

At this time, Zhang Huiguo started to plot and calculate. Within the family, there were younger generations who were experts with regards to the internet and electronic information. In addition, there were some descendants working in the government who should be able to contribute. If all of these people were brought out for a complete investigation, conducting side-by-side comparisons and running through checklists one by one would require a bit more time…

However, at this moment, Tianheng said: “Take out a set of paper and brush. I can draw out his features.”

This request was a little strange.

He didn’t have a photo, but he could draw a picture?

However, when considering ancient martial artists, they all had some eccentricities. Zhang Bohan didn’t make any objections, and only quickly got up and looked for a paper and pencil — Right before he left, he suddenly thought of something, and inexplicably asked: “What kind of ‘paper and pencil’ does this sir want?”

Tianheng also recalled the problem of this world’s pen and ink, and answered: “A writing brush and the ink from an ink stone will suffice.”

Zhang Bohan: “…”

He almost went to fetch a sketching pencil and white paper.

Fortunately, he made sure to ask.

It was just that things drawn with a brush were generally similar in spirit, but not in shape. Was this really going to be useful?

Tianheng quickly demonstrated to them what it meant to use a brush to draw an image that reflected both shape and spirit. He wielded the brush as it flew across the paper, and used less than fifteen minutes to draw a young man with a spirited and elegant appearance. When Tianheng was painting the young man’s eyes, the young man seemed to come alive. The image was so lifelike that he was practically leaping right off the paper.

Zhang Huiguo couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration at this ancient martial artist’s painting skills.

Zhang Bohan also felt that, with this painting, it would be much easier to find the young man so long as they made reasonable use of computer technology.

Tianheng put down the writing brush, and spoke in a gentle and mild voice: “I believe in the Zhang Family’s strength, so I’m also willing to pay a certain price.”

He ascertained that the other two were listening well, and clearly stated: “If you can find him within one day, I will take out three types of martial skills. If he’s found within two days, it’ll be two types. And if three days are spent, there will only be one type of martial skill. Of course, if he can’t be found in three days, then I can only doubt the Zhang Family’s capabilities. Then, I will find another family for help.”

Zhang Huiguo took a deep breath. Soon after, he calmly said: “The Zhang Family won’t disappoint this sir.” He said to his grandson, “Bohan, this matter will be handed over to you. If you succeed, you can immediately become the heir of the Zhang Family. Everyone in your generation and even those of the previous generation will follow your lead.”

He enunciated the following sentences one word at a time: “You must handle this matter properly. The Zhang Family’s manpower is yours to command.”

Zhang Bohan’s expression hardened: “Grandfather, rest assured. I will accomplish this as soon as possible!”

The corner of Tianheng’s mouth curled up slightly. He seemed to show a satisfied smile.

Perhaps, generous rewards created courageous men. Zhang Bohan’s work ethic was pretty good, and the Zhang Family’s capabilities were also rather powerful. After approximately one day passed, there was news.

T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.

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