Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1918 - 1912: Enemy Alliance
Previously on Peach Blossom Divine Medical God...
Thus, he turned and addressed the elder, stating, "Senior, I have an additional matter I wish to inquire about during this visit."
"Something to ask me?" The old man chuckled, remarking, "It seems Old Liu hasn't ceased his gossip about me to you."
"Senior, you misunderstand. The old man didn't elaborate much, only mentioning your extensive knowledge and suggesting I could approach you with questions," Chen Yang clarified with a smile.
"Haha, very well. Since Old Liu recommended you, feel free to ask anything. I do possess some understanding of the cultivation world," the old man confidently affirmed with a nod and a soft laugh.
Upon hearing this, Chen Yang wasted no time and directly began his inquiry with the elder.
"Senior, do you happen to know anyone by the name of Chen Tianmin?" Chen Yang asked.
"Who? Chen Tianmin?" The old man's reaction was peculiar.
"Yes, Chen Tianmin." Chen Yang nodded, confirming once more.
"That name rings a bell. What is your connection to him? Why do you inquire about him?" the old man pondered, appearing deep in thought.
Within the provincial capital, Chen Yang was aware that his potential connection to the Chen Family was a highly sensitive matter. To circumvent any unforeseen complications, he had intentionally concealed his true lineage.
"He is an acquaintance. Some time ago, he departed without a word, stating he was headed to the provincial capital. I am here on some personal business and thought I might try to locate him and perhaps meet up," Chen Yang responded with a smile.
"An acquaintance? That seems unlikely. I recall this Chen Tianmin must be at least forty years of age. You can be acquainted with him?" The old man narrowed his eyes, seemingly unconvinced by Chen Yang's explanation.
Chen Yang, naturally, smiled and replied, "Senior, that reasoning is somewhat flawed. The age difference between myself and Old Liu is even greater, yet we are friends. How can age be the sole determinant?"
"Haha, you have a point there," the old man conceded with a laugh. Without further probing, he commenced sharing his knowledge.
"Regarding this Chen Tianmin, I am familiar with him, though our interactions were minimal. He is not a particularly stable individual, young friend. You should exercise caution if you intend to befriend him," the old man advised with a cautionary tone.
Judging by the elder's demeanor, it was evident he possessed considerable information about Chen Yang's second uncle.
Chen Yang promptly followed up, "Senior, I can discern you know a great deal about this Chen Tianmin. Would you be so kind as to elaborate further? I am eager to understand more."
"It is a rather lengthy account. If you are truly interested, please come inside and take a seat. I shall brew some tea, and we can discuss it at leisure," the old man replied calmly.
The hour was still early, approximately seven or eight o'clock, leaving ample time. Chen Yang, in no hurry to depart, readily agreed.
"Very well."
Accompanying the old man back inside, Chen Yang observed as he prepared the tea.
Once the tea-making process was nearing completion, the old man began his narrative.
"This Chen Tianmin, to my knowledge, did not originate from this region. He hails from the Lingdong area," the old man revealed, initiating his story.
Lingnan, Lingdong.
These were terms exclusive to the cultivation world.
Earlier, when Lisa had provided insights into the cultivation world, she had explained that inhabitants of this realm referred to the eastern territories beyond the imperial city as Lingdong, while Chen Yang and his companions resided in Lingnan.
Additionally, there were the Lingxi and Lingbei regions.
Hearing the old man's statement, Chen Yang's surprise was palpable. Their Lingnan cultivation realm spanned multiple provinces, and the closest province in Lingdong was over a thousand kilometers distant.
How could Chen Tianmin, who had departed from Liuhua Village, possibly be associated with the Lingdong cultivation world?
Chen Yang found himself quite perplexed.
"Lingdong? That's impossible; he informed me he was a local," Chen Yang feigned astonishment, responding unexpectedly.
The old man let out a hearty laugh. "Indeed, he is rooted here, but he grew up within the Lingdong Chen Family."
"Later, I heard that his identity was compromised, forcing him to flee from the Lingdong Chen Family and seek refuge in our Lingnan cultivation world."
"By my calculation, it has been at least seven years, so his time in our territory is relatively recent."
The Lingdong Chen Family?
Chen Yang registered another significant detail – could this Lingdong Chen Family share a connection with his own family?
And the matter of identity mentioned by the elder – could it be that his second uncle's true affiliation with the Chen Family was exposed, leading to him being pursued?
In that instant, a multitude of questions swirled within Chen Yang's mind.
"Seven years; that is indeed a considerable duration," Chen Yang remarked calmly.
"Haha, despite his brief tenure here, the ripples he has caused are not insignificant. You must have heard of the Blood Bat Hall, surely?" the old man inquired, taking a sip of tea.
Chen Yang acknowledged this and nodded, stating, "Indeed, I am familiar with the Blood Bat Hall; its reputation within the cultivation world is quite significant."
"Correct. The Blood Bat Hall stands as the foremost power in our Lingnan region. Even official bodies like the Lingnan Secret Bureau may not rival its influence. Consequently, within Lingnan's cultivation circles, virtually no one dares to incur their wrath."
"However, this Chen Tianmin is an exception. By some unknown means, he immediately found himself in conflict with the Blood Bat Hall upon his arrival."
"He even went so far as to unite with others, establishing an organization known as the Vengeance Alliance, specifically to oppose the Blood Bat Hall."
"While their collective might does not equal that of the Blood Bat Hall, they have managed to stir considerable trouble over the years, consistently serving as a persistent annoyance to the Blood Bat Hall."
The old man gradually recounted all the information he possessed.
Chen Yang listened intently, discovering that many details aligned perfectly.
Considering the Blood Bat Hall as the sworn enemy of the Chen Family, it was only natural that his second uncle would persistently antagonize them.
"And then what happened?" Chen Yang prompted when the old man momentarily paused.
"And then?" The old man paused before continuing, "Approximately three to four months ago, while attempting to dismantle a mine operated under the Blood Bat Hall's banner on the city's outskirts, Chen Tianmin was subjected to betrayal. This led to a meticulously laid ambush."
"Several of his subordinates perished on the spot. However, Chen Tianmin himself possesses considerable capabilities, and he managed to escape, albeit gravely wounded, from the clutches of the Blood Bat Hall Master. Nevertheless, after that incident, all traces of him vanished."
The latter part of the old man's account precisely mirrored Chen Yang's existing knowledge.
Having been injured by the Blood Bat Hall Master, Chen Tianmin had painstakingly dragged his near-lifeless form back to Liuhua Village.
It was then that Chen Yang discovered him and provided the necessary care.
"It appears that everything my second uncle mentioned is accurate,"
Chen Yang mused internally.
"Young friend, this is precisely why I urge you to distance yourself from him. I am not privy to Chen Tianmin's personal character, but the Blood Bat Hall is notorious for its brutal and merciless methods! Should the Blood Bat Hall discover your association with him, you could find yourself in grave peril," the old man cautioned.
Chen Yang understood that severing ties with his second uncle was not an option. However, outwardly, he had to concede to the old man's advice.
"I understand. Thank you, Senior, for your warning," Chen Yang expressed his sincere gratitude.
"It is of no consequence. As Old Liu vouched for you, we are now acquainted. A few words of advice are certainly in order," the old man chuckled.
"Haha, I am most grateful, Senior. Today, I not only obtained the information I sought but also gained significant insights," Chen Yang replied respectfully.
Upon concluding their discussion, neither party felt inclined to prolong their stay.
After exchanging final pleasantries, the old man escorted Chen Yang to the exit.
At the threshold, the old man added, "Incidentally, if you are indeed seeking Chen Tianmin, I can provide you with a potential lead."
Chen Yang had been contemplating the matter, realizing that beyond the initial revelations, he had not uncovered anything substantial.
Unexpectedly, just as he was about to depart, the old man offered this additional piece of crucial information.