Chapter 73

The treatment process was actually not complicated. Zhang Tianyuan had done this kind of thing many times before, treating his father's injuries and his own. Now, he was very proficient at it. Moreover, this time, he had absorbed a lot of earth qi in the cave, and his realm had advanced to the Golden Dragon level. Whether in terms of effect or operation, it was far superior to before.

Zhang Tianyuan might not think much of it, considering it just a minor effort, but for Zhao Shenluo, it was a life-saving grace. He already had a good impression of Zhang Tianyuan, and now he even had the idea of becoming sworn brothers.

The Song people liked to form sworn brotherhoods, and the Shenluo Kingdom was actually a small country established by the Song people later on. They also enjoyed forming such bonds.

On Liangshan, there were 108 heroes who were as close as brothers, so it was not surprising that Zhao Shenluo had such thoughts.

Moreover, while Zhang Tianyuan was treating him, Zhao Shenluo could clearly feel that the functions in his body, which were almost dead, had come back to life. It felt like he had been reborn, experiencing a kind of mystical sensation he had never felt before.

Unconsciously, he fell into a deep sleep.

Actually, it wasn't that he wanted to sleep; Zhang Tianyuan had used the earth qi to stimulate his brain nerves, making him fall asleep. Some things were too shocking, and it was better not to let Zhao Shenluo see them.

While Zhang Tianyuan was treating Zhao Shenluo, Zhao Liangde, Xu Gang, and Liu Mengxun appeared outside the cave.

"Yah, why are you waiting outside?" Zhao Liangde asked in surprise.

"Dad said he had something to talk to Brother Zhang about and asked me to wait outside, not letting anyone else in easily," Zhao Wenyah shrugged, somewhat helplessly.

"What? What kind of play are you putting on? No way, I have to go in. If I can't see my brother, I'll call the police," Xu Gang was unhappy. He was now worried about Zhang Tianyuan's safety.

As he spoke, he rushed into the stone cave. Zhao Wenyah couldn't stop him. Although Xu Gang's strength was not as great as Zhang Tianyuan's or Lan Fenghuang's, and even compared to She Lin, he was far behind, he was a rural boy and a former soldier, so his strength was not something ordinary people could match.

However, just as he reached the cave entrance, a white eagle suddenly flew out, scaring Xu Gang into retreating and covering his face with his hands.

Sure enough, this guy cared most about his face. Although he wasn't particularly handsome, he had a manly charm.

"Feathered beast, you dare to block me? I'll chop you up!" Xu Gang, recognizing it as an eagle but not Shenluo, because the eagle had changed a lot and he wasn't Zhang Tianyuan, naturally couldn't recognize it.

As he spoke, Xu Gang picked up a broken branch and rushed over, trying to drive away Shenluo. However, he didn't expect Shenluo to not only not retreat but also use his claws to break the branch in his hand.

The contemptuous look in the eagle's eyes seemed to disdain Xu Gang.

"Hey, you feathered beast, you dare to look down on me? I'll chop you up and roast you today!" Xu Gang couldn't stand being disrespected by an eagle and got angry. But he had nothing suitable to use as a weapon, and with his bare hands, he couldn't beat the eagle, so he picked up two stones to throw at it.

Fortunately, Liu Mengxun recognized Shenluo and quickly grabbed Xu Gang, saying, "Don't hit him, this little guy is Tianyuan's eagle!"

"Impossible, it looks completely different!"

"Look again, it can't be wrong. Although the feather color has changed, the spiritual eyes haven't. They look like they can speak," Liu Mengxun had stared at it for a long time before recognizing Shenluo.

Xu Gang looked again but still couldn't see anything, so he asked Liu Mengxun, "Are you sure?"

"It can't be wrong. Tianyuan must have something important to do inside, which is why he let this eagle guard the entrance. Let's wait a bit."

Liu Mengxun felt relieved seeing the eagle, as it meant Zhang Tianyuan was fine.

However, she didn't expect to wait for a full two hours, almost shouting out several times. In the end, she held back to avoid disturbing Zhang Tianyuan inside.

After two hours, Zhang Tianyuan came out of the cave, supporting someone. Although Zhao Shenluo was still emaciated, his eyes now had a glint of life, and there was even a hint of redness on his face.

"Dad!" Zhao Liangde and Zhao Wenyah called out in unison.

"Um, let's go back. Today, I will host a banquet for Brother Zhang and his friends at home. Liangde, go prepare. Remember, use the best wine and the best dishes, not the ordinary stuff I use for guests," Zhao Shenluo spoke with more confidence, sounding stronger.

Zhao Liangde was a bit puzzled but didn't have time to ask, so he agreed and left.

"Brat, what were you hiding inside for so long? Why didn't you even call? Don't you know everyone was worried about you?" Xu Gang said, somewhat annoyed, while Liu Mengxun looked at him with concern.

"Exaggerating, Gangzi. I'm 25, not 3. I've only been away for six or seven hours, and you're already worried?" Zhang Tianyuan regretted saying this as soon as it came out. He suddenly remembered the scene on the street earlier, where Zhang Suya had tried to stab him. This was a special situation, and it was reasonable for Xu Gang and the others to be worried.

Liu Mengxun came over, looked Zhang Tianyuan up and down, pinched his arm, and felt his body before nodding. "He's fine, no injuries."

"Miss Liu, this isn't a dragon's lair or a tiger's den. There's no need to be so worried," Zhang Tianyuan said, though he was secretly pleased to be so cared for by the woman he liked.

"Hmph, who cares about you," Liu Mengxun said, acting proud.

Zhang Tianyuan touched his nose, feeling a bit awkward. He had never seen Liu Mengxun act this way before, which made him wonder if their relationship had taken a step forward.

"Cough, Brother Zhang, is this your girlfriend?" Zhao Shenluo suddenly asked, perhaps feeling the awkwardness.

"Oh, this is Miss Liu Mengxun from the Liu family in Taiwan. When we talk about the Liu family in Taiwan, we mean the Liu family of Miss Liu Mengxun, as they are the first family of the Liu clan in Taiwan. When people on the mainland mention the Liu family in Taiwan, they are referring to her family," Zhang Tianyuan changed the subject. He wanted to maintain a vague relationship with Liu Mengxun, as developing it too quickly might make it hard to control the situation.

"Miss Liu, I know your father. We are friends," Zhao Shenluo smiled.

"Brother Zhao's name is well-known in Taiwan. I often hear my family mention you. It's a great honor to meet you today," Liu Mengxun responded.

"Alright, enough flattery. Didn't you say we were going to eat? I haven't had a proper meal today because I was worried about this brat, Zhang Tianyuan," Xu Gang grumbled.

"You only think about eating. Come on, let's go. You won't go hungry here. This is the home of Zhao Cai Shen in Nandu. Do you think there won't be food for you?" Zhang Tianyuan shook his head and smiled bitterly.

Zhao Wenyah wanted to help Zhao Shenluo, but he said, "Go with Miss Liu. I have some things to talk to Brother Zhang about."

"Okay!" Zhao Wenyah was puzzled. What could these two men have to talk about for so long?

But she didn't dare disobey her father's order and went with Liu Mengxun to the palace-like mansion.

Zhang Tianyuan and Zhao Shenluo walked behind, while Xu Gang played with the eagle, which was now friendlier and no longer attacked him.

"Brother Zhang, what did you want to tell me?" Zhao Shenluo asked.

"Brother Zhao, I'll be honest. We just came back from Shenluo Valley and brought out a girl named Zhao Danfeng. Is she your daughter?" Zhang Tianyuan decided to be straightforward, as he didn't think Zhao Shenluo was the type to ignore family ties.

"Danfeng! Really Danfeng?" Zhao Shenluo's body trembled, and he stopped walking.

"It seems you are indeed the one who came out of Shenluo Valley. Why haven't you returned in so long?" Zhang Tianyuan asked, puzzled.

"Look at me. How could I return? It's better for my family to think I'm dead," Zhao Shenluo sighed. "I've dreamed of my old mother and my daughter many times. My poor wife was still calling out for Danfeng when she died. How could we not miss her? But with this strange illness, I can't live much longer. What good would it do to see her, only to give her hope and then take it away?"

Zhao Shenluo's words made sense. If he couldn't get better, there was no point in disturbing his daughter's life, no matter how wealthy he was. What she needed wasn't his wealth.

"What about now?"

"Now, of course, I want to see her. Not only because she came looking for me, but also because you've cured my illness. Even if she doesn't come, I will go to Shenluo Valley," Zhao Shenluo said excitedly.

"That's great! That's great! I've finally completed the task the old lady gave me and haven't let her down," Zhang Tianyuan sighed in relief. This was the best outcome. Although he was a bit reluctant to see Zhao Danfeng leave, as she was lively and cute and brought joy to everyone, it was only right for her to be with her father.

When Zhao Danfeng and Zhao Shenluo met, they felt a bit awkward.

When Zhao Shenluo left, Zhao Danfeng was just a little girl. Now, she had grown into a young woman, and he was hesitant to recognize her.

Zhao Danfeng was also a bit scared, as Zhao Shenluo was so emaciated that he looked unrecognizable.

But the awkwardness was short-lived. The deep bond of family soon overcame their hesitation, and they cried and hugged each other, with Zhao Danfeng sobbing loudly in front of everyone.

After so many years, she had finally seen her father.