Beware Of Chicken Chapter 307 v7c54: A Praiseworthy Accomplishment

Our attempt at a stroll through Dueling Town was, shall we say, unsuccessful. It quickly became quite obvious that our presence was rather conspicuous. A hush fell over the streets, and all eyes turned our way as we passed. Perhaps the dragon accompanying us had something to do with it.

Fortunately, the townsfolk didn't appear fearful. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and apprehension, but Washy's seemingly friendly demeanor likely eased their worries. His eyes, still round and a bit fish-like, gave him an almost puppy-like look when they were fully open.

Washy was undeniably adorable for a dragon. Of course, no one dared to voice this sentiment; he was our formidable warrior, noble and profound, not some mere pet!

Still, the situation proved rather awkward for everyone involved. Instead of observing the daily lives of the inhabitants and the town's operations, we found ourselves the unwilling subject of everyone's attention. Consequently, we retreated to an opulent restaurant boasting a magnificent viewing balcony, allowing the town to return to its normal rhythm. The restaurant staff had initially expressed concern about Babe ascending the stairs, fearing he might struggle with the descent. However, the allure of cultivator renown and a talisman from the Azure Jade Trading Company swiftly dispelled their reservations.

Once we finally had the opportunity for a proper appraisal, the vista revealed itself to be truly breathtaking. Meimei, Xiulan, and I positioned ourselves at the balcony's edge, while Washy, Babe, and Suyan were engrossed in perusing the menus.

"Oh, what an unfortunate coincidence that the Lord Magistrate and Lady Wu have retired—they truly ought to witness this," Meimei remarked, surveying our surroundings with a smile. She was now holding Zhuye, giving Suyan a welcome respite.

"I believe he will undoubtedly glean some inspiration," I concurred, taking in the scene.

During my previous visit, the town was still in the process of recovering from a devastating cultivator **cultivation** brawl. The atmosphere had been predominantly somber, the populace subdued and uncertain. Even the sections of the town that had escaped significant damage exuded a certain stagnation, as if they were underutilized. According to Xiulan, the population had been largely transient, arriving solely for the tournament. Those who remained barely outnumbered the residents of Verdant Hill, a disappointingly small population for the Grass Sea region.

There simply hadn't been sufficient enticement to retain people here.

This situation underwent a radical transformation with the establishment of thousands of cultivators who chose to remain permanently, accompanied by their retinues of servants. Consequently, the estimated hundred thousand individuals who were once temporary visitors found themselves settling down year-round. Dueling Town had unequivocally transcended its status as a mere town and was poised to become the province's newest city in the very near future.

The influx of such a large population necessitated a swift and comprehensive restructuring of the entire town. I could barely recognize the place, despite having been here less than two years prior. The town had shed its slightly peculiar, manufactured resort ambiance, blossoming into a vibrant hub of activity. The repairs I recalled had acquired a natural patina of age, and the skyline had been reshaped by new construction. The entire locale, much like the magnificent mountain at its heart, thrummed with palpable energy.

However, the most striking transformation was evident in the public works. Pristine, and more importantly, purified water now flowed through every street. Residents readily filled their canteens from wall-mounted spigots, lounged by ornate fountains, or, in the case of the children, splashed joyfully in what appeared to be a purpose-built wading pool. One of the wider channels even featured a submerged water wheel, its powerful flow sufficient to operate a mill.

The gardens, once concentrated near the cultivators' district, had rapidly expanded, blanketing the town in verdant splendor. Citizens diligently tended to their vegetable patches in backyards and adorned poles with baskets brimming with vibrant, hanging flowers. These poles provided continuous 24/7 illumination to the streets, courtesy of strategically placed glowstones.

The collective effect was undeniably beautiful, further enhancing the majestic presence of the grand mountain at the town's center.

"Was this meticulously planned, or did it simply evolve organically?" I inquired of Xiulan.

"A blend of both, actually, but the majority stemmed from a collaborative effort between the Dueling Peaks Restoration Commission and the town itself. The primary concepts originated from Gou Ren and Delun. Their rationale was that as the Dueling Peaks Restoration Commission, their purview extended to the surrounding town as well," she explained, a smile gracing her lips as she observed the scene. "However, it proved somewhat less amusing for the town magistrate. He was quite taken aback when Huizhong delegated this responsibility to him. He typically prefers to remain detached from cultivator affairs, content to let Huizhong manage them, offering only his seal of approval. Most individuals perceive Huizhong as the true authority in town. The magistrate, however, was entirely unprepared for Huizhong to designate him as our primary point of contact. He simply… acquiesced to all requests. Gou Ren also possesses rather unconventional notions regarding the capabilities of magistrates. I believe I witnessed the man's spirit momentarily depart his body when he comprehended the sheer volume of work now before him. He eventually accomplished the task, but I genuinely began to worry for his well-being towards the conclusion..."

"That's quite amusing. I suppose if you consider a competent teacher the standard, then it makes a degree of sense," I remarked, a shake of my head accompanying my words. A ripple of chuckles went through the others. Truly, the idea that capable government officials were commonplace was a testament to the Magistrate Lord's influence. "Nonetheless, all of you have done a truly remarkable job."

I turned my gaze towards Xiulan, my voice filled with genuine admiration. Honestly, I doubted I could ever accomplish something of this magnitude myself…

"It has indeed been a period of great transformation," Xiulan concurred. "Everything is undergoing profound change, extending far beyond the superficial. And a significant portion of this progress is attributable to you. Your words resonated deeply within people's hearts, Jin."

I stopped, a flicker of confusion crossing my face as I met her warm smile. "My words?" I inquired.

"You instilled in them the principle of rectifying what they had broken; that was the pivotal concept," Xiulan elaborated. "The Grand Ravine Sect now crafts the ropes essential for the cranes. Half of the visible store signage has been completed by the Framed Sun Sect. The Rumbling Earth Sect has undertaken the vital task of road repairs. And the people they assisted… so many have continued to engage with them, to collaborate. Just look over there, do you see?"

She gestured, and I followed her pointing finger to a pottery studio situated not far away. A cultivator, quite obviously, was standing outside, engaged in conversation with an elderly man. The woman wore an exquisite butterfly hairpin. "Yinxia Qiao apprenticed there, choosing to learn the art of pottery herself. She regards old potter Shu with the affection one would a grandfather. They even altered their maker's mark to a butterfly emblem just this year."

I paused, a hint of disbelief coloring my tone. "It couldn't possibly have had such a far-reaching impact," I uttered softly.

Xiulan extended her hand, her fingers intertwining with mine. She surveyed the bustling town spread out before us.

"We strived so intensely to become cultivators, endeavoring to distance ourselves from mortals due to our proximity, yearning to ascend to something greater. We aspired to stride across the heavens and claim them, even when we knew it was beyond our grasp. We were taught that the powerful held little regard for the opinions of their inferiors, that great heroes acted unilaterally, and everyone else was expected to adapt." She turned her gaze back to me, her smile unwavering. "And then, the most formidable individual we have ever encountered walks amongst those very people. He allows the earth to soil his garments, and he bows his head to those deemed 'lessers' because he caused them harm. How could we ever assert that this was the exclusive domain of the weak, of those beneath us, when someone of such elevated stature offers assistance without hesitation?"

A warmth spread across my face, and I frantically sought a way to deflect the praise. This was… this was their achievement. My contribution hadn't been that significant, had it?

Xiulan’s gentle smile shifted, taking on a playful glint.

"Look at him, so quick to commend others, yet incapable of accepting praise himself! I believe we must address this particular weakness, don't you agree, sister?" Xiulan inquired, her tone light.

Meimei sidled closer. "Hu, hu, hu. Repair it? We should instead exploit it without mercy," Meimei declared with a mischievous grin. "Look! He becomes incredibly endearing when his face flushes!"

My face wasn't red. At most, it was a delicate pink.

"Oh? You speak the truth. A most captivating expression. I shall ensure it graces his features as often as possible," Xiulan stated, leaning in conspiratorially and positioning me between herself and Mei. They bumped fists behind my back before both began playfully prodding my sides, aiming to elicit a stronger reaction.

I crossed my arms resolutely and tilted my chin upwards. "You shall both learn to regret incurring the displeasure of this Great Expert," I growled menacingly.

Both of them erupted into peals of giggling laughter.

It's hardly fair, three against one, I lamented internally.

"Three against one, my most virtuous, benevolent, handsome, and courageous contractor!" Tianlan’s voice chimed in, her tone as sweet as honey.

Damn it all.

There was simply nowhere to escape, not even within the confines of my own mind. Feeling utterly besieged, I staggered back to the table and slumped over its surface, hoping this show of surrender would finally halt their relentless assault. I glanced up at Washy, who met my gaze.

"You are an absolutely incredible cook, boss; your creations are sheer genius," Washy exclaimed, a wide, triumphant grin plastered across his face.

'Your calligraphy is sublime, and I sincerely hope to learn much more from you,' Babe added.

Suyan reached out, then hesitantly placed a hand on my shoulder. I genuinely appreciated the gesture. However, it soon became apparent that her intent was merely to get close enough to twist the knife further.

"Of all the Masters this Su Suyan has had the honor of serving, Master Jin stands undeniably supreme, with no comparison whatsoever; if it were within my power, I would dedicate the rest of my days to serving you," Suyan declared with apparent sincerity… yet, I detected the faintest hint of a smirk playing on her lips.

The maid tossed the ball high into the air.

"Dada Bes'!" and Zhuye executed a perfect dunk.

I felt as though I had met my demise.

The bees also emitted a chorus of buzzing. The only phrase I managed to catch was "His Imperial Majesty" before my awareness faded, merging with the sounds of Xiulan, Meimei, and Tianlan’s shared laughter.

Tianlan, however, I couldn't ignore, and the brat was aware of this fact.

===============================

Following our unplanned lunch, a decision was made to operate discreetly. Suyan retrieved Washy's container, and the dragon transformed into a fish. Mei and I removed our outer garments, and Suyan's ears vanished. Babe... well, Babe required no disguise to blend in with the common oxen on the streets. Xiulan offered a smile and a farewell wave, returning to her own responsibilities for the time being.

Then, we ventured into the town proper.

This time, we attracted minimal attention. A few cultivators cast curious glances our way, but naturally, there will always be those who stare.

As we proceeded, I had a clear destination in mind.

===========================

Ye Shun's brow furrowed deeply. He harbored a strong desire to meet this Master Rou—to witness firsthand the prowess of someone so far above him and attempt, however fruitlessly, to gauge his strength.

One of his companions had mentioned the man entering a restaurant with the Grand Marshal, prompting Ye Shun to wait. However, to his knowledge, the man never emerged.

There was a fleeting sensation, but the throng outside the establishment made it difficult to discern. The only other element capturing his attention was a maid, noteworthy due to her squinting eyes, reminiscent of the creature he had encountered in Pale Moon Lake City.

Yet, this woman exhibited no beast-like features. Merely a squint, he surmised with some certainty. Furthermore, while attending to a Lord Magistrate was one thing, a powerful fox-maid assisting a prosperous farmer seemed improbable.

Highly unlikely.

Thus, Ye Shun retreated to his manor, his current objective thwarted.

He sat down to meditate, aiming to clear his mind of such distractions. A focused intellect was essential for his scheduled meeting with fellow independents that evening.

============================

Locating it proved to be swift. This particular street had undergone significant changes, yet the shop itself remained unaltered.

It was the very establishment I had inadvertently caused damage to during my initial visit. A modest, family-run business situated near the city's periphery.

This was the first shop in the town to benefit from a cultivator's repairs.

Business appeared to be thriving, with the shop bustling with customers. Chaoxiang was stationed at the entrance, engaging with patrons and negotiating with a cheerful demeanor. Presumably, his wife managed the operations behind him, diligently packaging items for the clientele.

The individual at the counter, also occupied with packing, moved at a considerably slower pace, meticulously counting stock and acquiring experience.

Ning was now two years older—growing rapidly, transitioning from childhood to that gangly phase just before adolescence.

Upon spotting me, Ning did a double-take.

"Mister Freckles?" she inquired, her face lighting up with a wide smile.

"Hey kiddo," I responded.

We shared a delightful conversation with the family, enjoying a wonderful afternoon in Dueling Town.

=====================

=====================

Edited by: Massgamer, BargleNawdleZouss,