Chapter Forty-One: A Promise Worth a Thousand Gold—Li Tianjun

After a brief rest, Yang Cheng went to inspect the progress at the construction sites on either side of the east and west wings. To facilitate future movement of personnel, a large entrance had been opened in the walls outside both the east and west wings. Only the main courtyard remained intact for the sake of peace and security; now, it was completely enclosed by the east and west open spaces as well as the front yard and the rear mountain.

The first to be built were the communal residences, not much different from the wings but able to accommodate many more people. While Yang Cheng could have followed his own experience to build several more stories and maximize the use of space, overly tall buildings would stand out and attract unwanted attention. With the surrounding walls and factory buildings for cover, three stories were the maximum permitted.

Three rows were constructed on each side, with landscaping to ensure a comfortable environment even with a large population. Ideally, these could house thousands, allowing the current east and west wings to be entirely vacated for the guards, facilitating their swift mobilization.

The remaining open space near the rear mountain, more secluded and tranquil, was reserved for family residences. Outsiders could not enter, so Yang Cheng could confidently carry out his own designs.

His vision was akin to a villa district—not luxurious, but certainly superior to the current dwellings, sure to entice the key members of the Yang family to settle here in contentment.

The locations of two large factory buildings had already been designated, and work on their foundations had begun. Fortunately, there were enough workers, and construction could be completed in half a month.

For the following ten days or so, the entire Yang residence bustled with fervent activity.

One night, Yang Cheng was attempting to cultivate the “Ripple Step” and had not slept. Suddenly, Xiao Lan reported that a burly man had arrived at the main gate with a dozen people, demanding to see the young master.

Yang Cheng was puzzled; he knew few outsiders and could not imagine who would come knocking at midnight with a group. He ordered Zhong Qiang to take several men to investigate, and if there was nothing amiss, to bring the visitors to the front hall for a meeting.

As Yang Cheng reached the hall, Zhong Qiang reported that Li Tianjun had arrived.

Li Tianjun appeared travel-worn, carrying an elderly woman on his back, his face sallow. Behind him trailed a group of people, some youths, some robust men, all seemingly unfamiliar with the grandeur of a deep and spacious mansion, looking nervous and ill at ease.

Upon seeing Yang Cheng, Li Tianjun gently set down his elderly mother and knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face. “Thanks to the young master’s great kindness, I, Tianjun, was able to return home and see my mother, and seek a doctor to save her life. Had I delayed another month, I fear I would never again see my loved one and would bear regret for the rest of my life.”

The others, seeing Li Tianjun kneel, all followed suit. The old woman, frail and trembling, also attempted to kneel and pay her respects.

Yang Cheng hurried forward to assist her, but the old woman insisted on bowing, repeating, “If not for the young master, I would have ended up like my late husband—never seeing my son again. Our family owes the young master a debt of gratitude beyond repayment. Even if we must toil like oxen and horses, we will repay you.”

Yang Cheng replied, “Ma’am, you are of advanced age and have only just recovered from illness. There is no need to exhaust yourself with formalities. Please rest well.” He then instructed Xiao Lan to help Li’s mother to a seat nearby.

Meanwhile, Li Tianjun remained kneeling, declaring, “I, Li Tianjun, wish to devote my life to serving the young master. I beg you to accept me. Here and now I vow never to betray you; should I do so, may Heaven and Earth destroy me, may my soul perish and never be reborn.”

Yang Cheng was deeply moved. Despite Li Tianjun’s rugged appearance, he was a man of loyalty and emotion, which delighted Yang Cheng. He helped Li Tianjun to his feet. “From this day forward, you are a member of the Yang family—my brother. I will never let you down.” Pausing, he asked, “I see your mother is not fully recovered. Why not wait until her health improves before making such a taxing journey at night?”

Li Tianjun replied with remorse, “When I left, I promised the young master I’d return in half a month. After reaching home, I found my mother critically ill and sought doctors far and wide. Then our village was attacked by bandits; I led the clansmen to repel and eliminate them, which delayed us considerably. As the promised date drew near, I waited only for my mother to recover slightly before traveling nonstop. We arrived in precisely half a month, thankfully not breaching my word.”

Yang Cheng calculated and found it true—after sunrise, it would be the sixteenth day. He had not paid much attention to the deadline, but Li Tianjun’s strict adherence to his promise brought a smile to his face. “A promise worth its weight in gold,” he remarked.

Li Tianjun continued, “When my father passed away, I was unable to perform my filial duties at his side, which remains a deep sorrow. Now, I cannot bear to leave my mother behind, so without the young master’s permission, I brought her along. I beg your forgiveness; I shall find a place to settle her myself.”

“There is no offense in that. Serving one’s kin is the right and proper way, and your filial devotion is admirable. Why look elsewhere?” Yang Cheng smiled and turned to Xiao Lan. “Xiao Lan, please help our guest’s mother to rest. Find a small courtyard in the rear garden and have it prepared for them; from now on, mother and son shall reside there.”

Hearing this, Xiao Lan thought to herself that the young master valued this burly man highly. The rear garden was sparsely populated, inhabited only by those closest to the young master. Thus, she carefully assisted Li’s mother and arranged for her accommodation.

Yang Cheng turned around and saw the dozen or so youths and strong men still kneeling. He spoke, “Please stand and speak.” Only then could he properly observe them: three youths and twelve robust men. He turned to Li Tianjun, asking, “Who are they?”

Li Tianjun replied respectfully, “Young master, you mentioned previously that the Yang family urgently needed manpower. After I returned, I selected young men from Li Village to serve you. These are energetic, diligent, honest, and reliable—worthy of your trust and command.” With that, he addressed the villagers solemnly, “If any among us ever colludes with outsiders or tarnishes the young master’s reputation, I will personally deal with them.”

The group responded by bowing again, declaring, “We pledge to serve the young master and never betray him.”

Li Tianjun went on, “Li Village is mostly made up of ordinary folk, who have always kept to themselves, but suffer frequent bandit attacks and hardship. The elders wished the younger generation to follow me and seek a better future, so they sent these men for me to select.”

He pointed to the burly men. “Li Village men are known for their exceptional strength and resilience. I dare not boast, but each of these twelve can outwork three ordinary men. I plan to train them in their spare time, and should any important matter arise, they can serve you. For everyday labor, they will be invaluable.”

He then indicated the three youths, “These three are of my generation, though only thirteen or fourteen. They have the potential for cultivation; in time, their accomplishments will rival mine. I will personally nurture them to become formidable warriors under your command.”

He pulled one youth forward. “This is Li Tianxing. He possesses a unique constitution. According to the records of the Infinite Sect, he has the so-called ‘Overlord Physique,’ though it has not yet awakened. He was once advised to seek out the Thunderfire Sect, but I persuaded him to stay.”

Yang Cheng was delighted. Although he did not know the specifics of the Overlord Physique, acquiring someone with such talent was a cause for celebration. Li Tianjun’s actions, always considerate of Yang Cheng’s interests, proved that he had chosen wisely. In the future, Li Tianjun would surely be capable of shouldering great responsibilities.