After staying on the mountain for three days, Zhang Yang finally left once the anniversary of his mother's passing arrived and he had completed the necessary rites.

This trip had consumed a significant amount of time, but at least he had managed to understand everything and resolve the underlying issues within himself.

Everything before had been a misunderstanding; the former 'Zhang Yang,' having only faint impressions of his father from childhood, had naturally blamed everything on him.

There had been opportunities to clear up these misunderstandings much sooner, but Zhang Keqin had strictly kept his promise and never revealed the truth, allowing the rift to deepen until the misunderstandings continued to affect the current Zhang Yang after inheriting the body.

Now that the confusion was gone, Zhang Yang truly felt that he was in complete control of this body.

From this point forward, he had no more hidden vulnerabilities.

"Yangyang, come back to visit whenever you have time, and don't neglect your cultivation!"

Zhang Yunshan felt a wave of emotion as he escorted Zhang Yang down the mountain.

Over these three days, he had taken every chance to discuss matters with Zhang Yang, primarily focusing on the ancestral knowledge and internal energy techniques of the Zhang family, eager to discover how much Zhang Yang had learned from his own father.

But through these discussions, he realized that Zhang Yang understood just as much, if not more, especially in medical arts, where the nephew edged slightly ahead.

The Zhang family built its foundation on medicine, making medical skills paramount; thus, they frequently traveled to treat the sick.

Zhang Yun'an's medical skills were not poor, but his focus had leaned more heavily toward cultivating internal energy, surpassing his pursuit of medicine. This was why he often remained secluded in the mountains, and his obsession with martial arts had borne fruit, allowing him to break through early to the fourth layer of Internal Energy, becoming one of the contemporary top masters.

Every gain has its cost; by only treating villagers, his medical skills had naturally stagnated somewhat.

He never expected that Zhang Yang, so young, would not only surpass his own level of internal energy cultivation but also exceed his medical expertise. This left him only capable of sighing that geniuses, even monstrous talents, still existed in this world.

However, this monstrous talent was his nephew. To have him inherit the lineage of the Medical Saint filled his heart with immense joy.

"Uncle, please don't worry. I will return whenever I have time!"

Zhang Yang also bid farewell to Zhang Yun'an. When he had searched through the previous memories, they had largely merged completely with him.

He now felt as if he had truly lived two lifetimes; the events of both lives had occurred, and the memories of both belonged entirely to him.

At this moment, he could truly be said to have fully integrated with this body, with no separation between them ever again.

"Very well, you all go!"

After seeing them off to the car, Zhang Yun'an waved and returned up the mountain alone.

Zhang Yang had actually invited him down, but he was accustomed to life in the mountains and had no desire for the bustle of city living.

The cultivation environment in the mountains was superior to that outside, and Zhang Yang’s early achievement of the late third layer had deeply motivated him; he needed to return and work diligently. He might lag behind Zhang Yang in medical arts, but he could not lose the edge in internal energy—he had to maintain his advantage there.

Emerging from the mountains and driving for a stretch, they discovered the Ford vehicle they had left behind parked by the roadside.

A small makeshift shed had been erected next to the car, with a villager standing guard inside.

"I was worried about leaving our car here for so many days, so I asked someone from the village to keep an eye on it. We just give them a small fee daily for watching the car!"

Seeing the slight confusion on Zhang Yang’s and Li Wei’s faces, Gao Jie quickly stepped forward to explain.

A car was an absolute luxury to the mountain folk; if someone decided to lay hands on it, they might genuinely try to take it. Even if it could be recovered later, it would be a massive headache. If someone stole it but couldn't drive it away, they might dismantle it for scrap metal, resulting in immediate losses. To prevent this, Gao Jie had paid a small amount to hire someone specifically for surveillance, a detail he hadn't shared with Zhang Yang and the others.

"Old Gao, you really think things through. I won't thank you for this now; we'll talk about it properly when we get to Shanghai!"

Li Wei clapped Gao Jie on the shoulder, conveying a sense of understanding that transcended words.

Zhang Yang nodded silently as well; Gao Jie’s consideration was thorough, and having the man stay by his side for several days now meant he owed him a favor.

"Don't worry, I will definitely come to Shanghai to find you!"

Gao Jie chuckled. Zhang Yang and the others got back into the Ford, and the three vehicles drove out of the mountain area together.

By noon, they were back in Weizhou City, driving directly to the Shannan Airport to catch a flight back to Changjing.

As for the two rental cars, Gu Fang would contact the rental company himself to have them driven back.

Furthermore, Zhang Yang called the An Tian Children's Hospital to get their contact information and anonymously donated five hundred thousand yuan to improve the hospital facilities—a token of gratitude for the director's warm assistance.

"Finally home!"

Upon arriving back at the house, Qu Meilan exclaimed dramatically, stretching her arms wide.

She pulled her stretch back halfway, looking sheepishly at Zhang Yang and the others.

Zhang Yang glanced at her, shook his head with a smile, and then turned to look at Long Feng.

Long Feng seemed to be in good spirits. He had contacted his father earlier from the mountain, confirming that he could cultivate the Wushang Zhandian (Supreme Canon); his father had even urged him to return and restart his training.

However, Long Feng had refused this request. Even if he restarted, he would do it elsewhere, returning only after achieving success in his cultivation. He had already managed to generate internal energy during the three days on the mountain.

This swift progress was largely due to his existing foundation. Zhang Yang had given him three Essence Blood Pills, but he hadn't started taking the spiritual herbs yet, intending to go into deep seclusion now that he was back home. Taking them while still unsettled outside might lead to wasted efficacy.

"No need to call for me; I'll come out if I need anything!"

Long Feng gave Zhang Yang a faint smile before heading to his room; he planned to immediately begin secluded training upon their return. Despite his earlier casual demeanor, he was eager now that the chance to fully recover was at hand.

Zhang Yang released Lightning and instructed it to guard Long Feng's seclusion. This time, Lightning showed no reluctance; the little fellow understood clearly that Long Feng was in his current state because he had tried to save them, making the guard duty appropriate.

"Gu Fang, Brother Li, thank you both so much this time. Now that we are back, I will definitely take you out to enjoy Changjing properly later!"

After seeing Long Feng off, Zhang Yang expressed his thanks to Gu Fang and Li Wei. Their help during this trip had been invaluable, and showing gratitude was only right now that they were back.

"Why are you being so polite with us? You promised to show us around Changjing—once we’re done with Changjing, it’ll be time for us to head back!"

Gu Fang chuckled, showing no reserve with Zhang Yang. His main purpose in seeking Zhang Yang out was to maintain a good relationship, coupled with genuine gratitude, as Elder Qiao’s rescue had been entirely due to Zhang Yang.

They arrived back in Changjing as evening approached. Instead of going to a restaurant, Zhang Yang had Qu Meilan buy groceries, and he personally showcased his culinary skills at home.

Both Gu Fang and Li Wei were full of praise for Zhang Yang's cooking, surprised that he possessed such skill. Gu Fang exaggeratedly declared that he would move into Zhang Yang's house permanently to eat his delicious meals every day.

They retired early that night. The next morning, as Zhang Yang began his solitary morning cultivation, he felt a pang of melancholy. Previously, he and Long Feng would train together; today, he was alone. He could only silently send blessings in his heart for Long Feng's speedy recovery, hoping they could resume their shared morning practices and advance together in the future.

…………

At the Changjing Recuperation Center, Elder Qi was leisurely practicing Tai Chi alone in the courtyard. His movements were slow, and not entirely perfect, but his face held an expression of deep contentment.

He had finished Zhang Yang’s Longevity Pills. Taking them precisely on schedule, the effect of these pills exceeded his expectations; just by consuming them, he could already move around freely. Although he was still not entirely agile, it was a remarkable improvement from his previous immobility. This gave him even greater confidence in Zhang Yang’s impending treatment.

"Great-Uncle, shall I call Zhang Yang? Today is the eighth day!"

Cai Zhelang emerged from the room, handing Elder Qi a towel, speaking softly.

Elder Qi took the towel, wiped his face, and chuckled, "No need to rush him. If he hasn't come, he must be busy. Perhaps he hasn't returned yet; we shouldn't hurry!"

Men like him were generally broad-minded; he wouldn't impose on Zhang Yang if he was occupied, and he trusted that Zhang Yang wouldn't leave without a significant reason.

Cai Zhelang nodded, turning back just as a Hongqi sedan drove into the compound. He recognized the car—it was Zhang Keqin’s official vehicle. Zhang Keqin had visited Elder Qi several times while the Elder was staying there.

"Elder Qi, you look even better today!"

After stepping out of the car, Zhang Keqin walked towards Elder Qi, while Zhao Min waited by the vehicle.

"Keqin has arrived. I told you not to come if you were busy; I’ve grown accustomed to staying here!"

Elder Qi laughed heartily, handing the towel back to Cai Zhelang and inviting Zhang Keqin to sit in the courtyard.

"How could I not come? Zhenguo and I are good friends, and you are my elder; I must visit!"

Zhang Keqin also smiled. Cai Zhelang had gone inside to arrange for tea to be served. Zhang Keqin remained there; for this period, he was responsible for taking care of his Great-Uncle.

Zhao Min watched the leader inside with a slight smile, fully aware of the relationship between his superior and these old veterans. Zhang Keqin’s career path had been remarkably smooth; early on, he had befriended a group of individuals in Beijing who were not yet successful but later achieved great things, laying down excellent karmic connections for him. Among these were Elder Qiao from Shanghai, the present Elder Qi, and several others. As these connections gained greater stature, Zhang Keqin’s promotions became more frequent, significantly aided by the support of these elders.

As he was thinking, Zhao Min suddenly turned as another car drove in—a Mercedes-Benz. Zhao Min was familiar with this vehicle; it was Zhang Yang’s ride. He hadn't seen Zhang Yang for days, and now he was finally here.

However, he couldn't help glancing worriedly inside. He was keenly aware of the resentment Zhang Yang held toward his own leader (Zhang Keqin). He silently prayed that Zhang Yang wouldn't refuse to come out of the car this time, as he had done previously. That incident had caused significant embarrassment for his leader. Although Zhang Yang had managed to smooth things over afterward, nobody present was naive; they had all seen that the relationship between father and son was not harmonious.

…………

Third update, the fifty-ninth chapter of the hundred-chapter bonus updates, more to come! (To be continued...) .RT

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