Chen Chuan looked at Nian Qian floating in midair and said, "A biological force field is a defensive perimeter existing outside a martial artist's body. Most attacks are rendered completely ineffective once they enter this layer of power."
Nian Qian listened in sheer wonder. As a technical military officer, he harbored a natural curiosity about such things. If it weren't the New Year holiday, he would have insisted on firing a couple of shots just to test it.
Chen Chuan continued, "Different martial artists possess different traits; every martial artist is unique. If they don't wish it, those below the limit cannot see them at all, nor can they hear them speak."
Even as he spoke, Nian Qian suddenly realized that Chen Chuan seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving only his voice drifting into his ears.
He looked over toward Nian Fuli, Yu Wan, and his younger brother and sister. They were chatting among themselves, utterly oblivious to what had just transpired here.
*Incredible.*
Excitement and awe warred within Nian Qian's heart. This was his first direct encounter with the capabilities of a martial artist, and he knew this was likely only a fraction of what they could do. There were bound to be many more abilities that were inconvenient or difficult to display.
Yet the thought also struck him: if a martial artist ever attacked them, they would be virtually powerless to resist. For someone who placed immense faith in technology, this brought a distinct sense of frustration. Because he was currently enveloped within the biological field, the moment that emotion surfaced, Chen Chuan sensed it immediately.
Chen Chuan reached out. A carved lion-head wooden plaque brought back from the Biesa Khanate drifted over from the side into his hand. He glanced at the object, a gleam flickering in his eyes as a faint luminescence rippled across the surface of the wood. Then he tossed it to Nian Qian, who caught it deftly.
"Cousin, remember to keep this on you. It can protect you if anything unexpected happens."
Surprised and delighted, Nian Qian asked with slight excitement, "Cousin, can this block an attack from a martial artist?"
Chen Chuan replied, "You're expecting too much, Cousin. If a martial artist is determined to kill you, this won't stop them. But any martial artist facing you will recognize from it that you have a martial artist backing you. Unless they have a personal vendetta and must have your life, they generally won't go for the kill."
Barring exceptional circumstances, a martial artist would not needlessly fight to the death against another martial artist. They had families and friends of their own; making an enemy of a martial artist was a losing proposition from every angle, whereas letting someone go cost them nothing. So long as their emotions remained stable, one could usually get away safely.
Of course, the Generals of State Subjugation from the former imperial house in the Confluence were not part of this equation. Those people were practically a different species altogether, and neither side considered the other as their own kind at all. Moreover, the conflict had reached a point where reconciliation was impossible—it was strictly a matter of kill or be killed.
Nian Qian did not put the plaque away immediately. Instead, he asked, "Cousin, what about Mom and Dad...?"
"Don't worry," Chen Chuan said. "I've already given Aunt and Uncle protective items. And once you move to Center City, not even a martial artist could easily pull anything off there."
Only then was Nian Qian reassured. Slipping the wooden plaque into his pocket, he said, "Then I won't stand on ceremony with you, Cousin." In his mind, he made a note to find a cord later so he could hang it around his neck.
After finishing his meal, Nian Qian went over to help Yu Wan with the New Year preparations. Chen Chuan walked to the side, switched on the radio, tuned it to Nian Fuli's favorite traditional opera station, and set it on the windowsill.
By now, occasional pops of firecrackers were already echoing outside. Melodious tunes drifted from the radio as Nian Fuli flipped through Nian Qian's military commendation certificates, occasionally humming along to a couple of lines. The two little ones were frolicking nearby, and faint murmurs floated from the kitchen. Listening to these sounds while watching the warm, golden sunlight resting upon the eaves outside, Chen Chuan couldn't help letting a faint smile touch his lips.
On New Year's Eve, the crackle and pop of firecrackers resounded across Yangzhi. Every household hung red spring couplets, and whistling fireworks shot into the sky, bursting into brilliant, shimmering cascades of light.
Inside the warm living room, Chen Chuan and Nian Fuli's family sat around the dining table, which was laden with steaming dishes.
This was the happiest New Year the family had ever shared, as it was a rare occasion where every single member was gathered together.
Nian Qian picked up his chopsticks and first served several slices of meat to Nian Fuli and Yu Wan before taking a piece for himself. The meat was still quite hot, but it was succulent, smooth, and bursting with flavor, melting away with barely a chew. He slapped the table in admiration and said, "So fragrant! Cousin, this meat you brought back is truly exceptional!"
For this trip home, Chen Chuan had brought back plenty of ingredients from the Confluence that offered wonderful nourishing benefits even for ordinary people. Once served, they were met with immense enthusiasm. While the adults chatted, the two little ones were practically competing to snatch the food.
Watching them, Yu Wan felt both amused and tenderhearted. "Eat slowly, there's plenty more. Don't burn yourselves."
After eating a single slice, Nian Fuli barely touched the dish again, using his chopsticks to transfer several slices that had cooled down into the children's bowls.
*Whew—boom...*
A burst of bright light flared outside the window as multicolored fireworks exploded. This particular blossom was extraordinarily magnificent, drawing the eyes of the entire family.
Chen Chuan looked outside. This would likely be the last New Year his family spent in Yangzhi. Come the next New Year, they would be in Center City.
He raised his cup toward the window in a quiet toast—toasting his past, and toasting his past self.
Just then, he heard the two little ones clamoring, "Cousin, Big Brother, we want to set off fireworks too!"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "All right."
After New Year's Eve passed, the family stayed home on the first day of the year, going nowhere. On the second day, Gao Ming's family came to pay their New Year respects.
This was exceedingly rare, as Gao Ming's parents were solicitors with a relentless stream of business out of town, seldom finding the time to visit in person.
Yet this time, the Gao couple had cleared all their appointments to pay a formal, solemn New Year call. Evidently, this was not unrelated to Chen Chuan's current status and prestige.
In truth, Nian Fuli cared little for their ways. He always felt that aside from Gao Ming, whom they had watched grow up from childhood, the couple was exceedingly utilitarian in their dealings and lacked warmth. Still, they were relatives after all, so polite smiles were maintained on the surface.
The Gao couple did not stay long. After sitting for a short while and presenting their New Year gifts, they took their leave. Only Gao Ming stayed behind. With the couple gone, the atmosphere grew noticeably warmer and more harmonious.
By the third day, visitors began arriving one after another at the Nian residence to offer New Year greetings. Before long, there were so many guests that the living room could hardly seat them all. Nian Qian helped Nian Fuli and Yu Wan attend to them, though it was already clear that far more people would visit this year than ever before.
Chen Chuan did not remain at home. He stepped out alone, eschewing any vehicle and walking all the way to Wuyi Academy on foot. Under the influence of his mental power, ordinary people and guards along the way were entirely unable to see him.
At this time of year, aside from a handful of students from out of town who couldn't bear the travel expenses to return home, the academy was virtually deserted.
He skirted around the conference building, walked past Spring and Autumn Lake, and made his way to the lakeside residential quarters. As he arrived outside Cheng Zitong's home, the security guard stationed there caught sight of him and hurriedly snapped a salute. "Chief Chen! Happy New Year, Chief Chen!"
Chen Chuan nodded. "Happy New Year. Is Teacher home?"
"He is, sir. He's been waiting for you since early morning."
Hearing the commotion from inside, Cheng Zitong had already walked out. He said, "Xiao Chuan, why did you come so early?"
Chen Chuan smiled and replied, "Happy New Year, Teacher. I hope I haven't interrupted your rest?"
"Happy New Year to you too, Xiao Chuan! How could you? These days I eat well and sleep well, going to bed on time and waking on time—regular as clockwork. Come, don't just stand out there. Let's talk inside."
Cheng Zitong ushered Chen Chuan in, remarking as they walked, "You silly student, why bring gifts when you come? It's enough of a joy just having you visit."
Chen Chuan smiled. "Bringing gifts to my teacher brings me joy as well."
Cheng Zitong chuckled. Once inside the house, Chen Chuan took the initiative to fetch the tea leaves and teapot to brew tea for him.
Cheng Zitong waved a hand. "Ah, sit, sit down. I can do it myself." Once Chen Chuan had taken a seat, he sighed with feeling. "Ah, it's only been half a year, yet so much has changed. In the blink of an eye, you're already a martial artist. Then again, since it's you, Xiao Chuan, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Tell me, how does it feel?"
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "Standing a bit higher lets me see a bit farther, but it hasn't brought me much closer to the sky above."
Hearing these words, Cheng Zitong looked at him and couldn't help expressing his admiration. "Xiao Chuan, your greatest virtue as a student has always been knowing yourself clearly." He smiled with genuine relief. "I was originally worried you were advancing too fast and climbing too high, but now I can rest easy."
He reached out to lift the warm teacup and asked, "Are you still only staying for a month this time?"
Chen Chuan nodded. "Yes. Actually, there's something I wanted to mention to you, Teacher. After the New Year, I plan to move my aunt, uncle, and the rest of the family to Center City to live."
Cheng Zitong agreed wholeheartedly. "A wise choice. With your current status, people looking to take advantage of you—whether with good intentions or bad—could form a queue stretching all the way down the street. Those who don't dare approach you directly will try every possible way to get close to your family. Moving them to Center City avoids those troubles and ensures they're better cared for. In your position, such precautions are unavoidable."
At this point, he let out a soft sigh and added, "What a coincidence. An old friend of mine sent an invitation, so after the New Year, I might also have to make a trip back to Center City."
Chen Chuan said, "That's wonderful, Teacher. I came by airship this time. If it's convenient for you, I can easily take you with me. I still remember that when I went to Center City for the first time, it was you who saw me off. This time, allow me to escort you."
A smile appeared on Cheng Zitong's plump face. He took a leisurely sip of tea and said, "Xiao Chuan, I appreciate the thought, but I have some personal business to handle on this trip. I'll be fine on my own."
Chapter 849