I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon-Chapter 970 - 361: Chen Qianhu’s Grand Investigation! An Old Acquaintance? (Part 2)
Chen Mo and Li Yuan exchanged a glance.
So this is the one called Li Chichang?
With muscles rippling, a glowing face and strong energy, he really doesn't look over sixty.
Though cultivators generally live longer than ordinary people, before achieving the Heavenly Human Realm, the difference isn't that substantial.
Moreover, martial arts cultivation fundamentally exploits the body's potential; many Cross-training Masters are vigorous when young but deteriorate prematurely as they age.
Li Chichang seems to be following the path of cross-training, and he's maintained himself quite well.
"Eh? Who are these..."
Li Chichang noticed the three accompanying guests and asked aloud.
Ji Weifeng hadn't decided how to introduce them, but Chen Mo promptly spoke, "Chen Mo of the Sky Scale Guard Thousand Households, an old acquaintance of Lord Ji, happened to be passing by and thought to join the festivities if you don't mind."
"S-Sky Scale Guard? Thousand Households?!"
Li Chichang was stunned.
The two darts masters guarding the door were also baffled.
In their line of work, they often deal with local government offices and understand what his identity implies.
Even if Changfeng Escort Agency does substantial business, it's at best, a local power, while the Sky Scale Guard Thousand Households is a significant figure, even ranked in the Capital City!
Imperial Power grants special privileges, with real authority over life and death, a true court elite!
How could Ji Weifeng, merely a County Magistrate in Tiannan State, have had the opportunity to meet such a character?
"What, is Li Master's Guard unwelcoming?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow and asked.
Li Chichang came back to his senses, hastily bowed and said, "Welcome, of course! If Mr. Chen wishes to visit my home, it would brighten the Li family and be a great honor!"
"I came here in haste, and didn't prepare any gifts." Chen Mo took a Jade Pendant from his sleeve and said, "This is Clear Spirit Jade, effective for calming the mind, nothing too valuable, just hope Li Master doesn't mind."
Li Chichang hurriedly gestured, "Just your presence is a tremendous honor, how could I dare accept anything?"
Chen Mo's face turned cold, "Does Li Master look down on me?"
"I wouldn't dare!"
Li Chichang's throat moved slightly, glancing awkwardly at Ji Weifeng.
Ji Weifeng cleared his throat and said, "Since he's giving it to you, take it; otherwise, you'd be slighting Mr. Chen's generosity."
"Then...then I'd be honored to accept." Li Chichang carefully received it, placing it into his chest, and gestured, "Please, esteemed guests, come inside."
Chen Mo's expression softened, smiling as he said, "Sorry for the intrusion."
The group stepped through the gate, entering the mansion.
The Li Mansion isn't the typical courtyard layout, but is composed of several independent courtyards interconnected, with corridors crossing, houses arranged neatly, occupying a vast area with almost ten courtyards, a true mansion even in Central State.
The wealth is evidently quite substantial.
Tables and chairs filled the courtyard, bustling with heads, glasses raised amidst mutual celebration.
In the center, a stage set up where a slender Dancing Girl danced gracefully to the sound of string instruments, occasionally eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Chen Mo observed carefully; among the guests, aside from darts masters in military uniform and government office assistant officers, most were common folks without cultivation, indicating as Feng Liu mentioned, Grandmaster Li truly intended to entertain the whole city.
Was it necessary to make such a grand scene for taking a concubine?
Ji Weifeng noticed Chen Mo's puzzlement and whispered, "Li Master's Guard has always valued face; ever since his wife passed away from illness years ago, he hasn't remarried. Though this is for taking a concubine, it's practically done as a formal marriage..."
Chen Mo asked, "Does he have offspring?"
"Two sons and a daughter, all darts masters." Ji Weifeng replied.
Chen Mo nodded without further comment.
Li Chichang led them to the main seat, bowing, "Today there are way too many guests, please forgive the inadequate hospitality, esteemed ones."
"No matter, we're just here for a bite, feel free to go about your business, Ji carry on as you need." Chen Mo said with a smile.
"Thanks for your understanding, Mr. Chen."
"I'm just a rough man, don't know much etiquette, let me offer three cups myself first." Li Chichang grabbed the wine pot, filled the cups before them, then downed three cups in succession and took leave.
Chen Mo tapped his finger on the table, glancing at Song Xuan.
Song Xuan stood up, silently and stealthily followed.
"Seems something's not quite right..."
Li Yuan furrowed her brows slightly, transmitting, "We've been in the city for a while, and I've been inquiring about Li family all around, the commotion is so large, how could Li Chichang not know?"
"But his first encounter with us seemed overly surprised, almost too deliberately..."
Chen Mo replied evenly, "Could be avoiding trouble, or hiding something, but intuition tells me we've come to the right place..."
"Mr. Chen, from the time you entered the city, I haven't had a chance to express my welcome." At that moment, Ji Weifeng stood up with two wine cups, offering, "So, let me take this occasion to honor you with a drink!"
"Lord Ji is too kind."
Chen Mo reached for his cup without hesitation, drinking it down.
"Mr. Chen, such fortitude!" Ji Weifeng praised, refilling the cups, "This second cup, to celebrate your salvation of the thousands at Southern Border..."
"Cheers!"
Chen Mo, too, accepted with no reservation.
They exchanged cups back and forth, the atmosphere bubbling as if Chen Mo was truly there just for the feast.
...
...
Song Xuan quietly trailed Li Chichang, weaving through the corridors.
"Congratulations, Grandmaster Li."
