Day and night tour

Chapter 506 Wind and Willow Play

With its flowing banquets and grand gatherings, Dongshi Street is bustling with activity today.

The street is not wide, but there is an open space at the east end of the street, which was originally intended to be used to build a park, but it is not yet completed and has a rather pristine feel.

But this piece of land is spacious, making it perfect for hosting a banquet.

So, hundreds of tables were set up on this piece of land.

The people in the Imperial Guard also each have their own specific tasks.

The musicians invited famous performers, Gu Ling was in charge of setting up the stage, and the painter invited the head chefs from the most prestigious restaurants in Mingjiang Prefecture to cook.

Those master chefs all brought their own coal stoves, pots, and pans. However, the fire from the coal stoves wasn't strong enough, and they were cooking in large pots. With the heat from those small burners, it would take forever to cook.

Fortunately, Sister Cui possesses the laws of the earth at the fourth level, making it easy for her to help Zhou Xuan build a towering alchemy furnace. Constructing a hundred large stoves out of thin air in this open space would be a piece of cake for her.

After she performed the procedure, those stoves sprouted up like bamboo shoots after a rain, growing wildly from the ground.

With the stove in place, a large amount of firewood was needed. Li Chengfeng, a celestial scholar from the Bone Elder Society, organized various groups to deliver firewood to the East Market Street.

In no time, the streets of Dongshi were bustling with activity, like ants carrying food, each person doing their own job.

"Sir, there are too many guests; there aren't enough seats at the tables."

Li Changxun took on the role of greeter, and looking at the swarming guests, he was filled with worry.

"Are all those tables full?"

Zhou Xuan pointed to the hundreds of tables in the open space and asked.

"It's all full, there's really no room left."

Zhou Xuan thought for a moment and said, "From now on, you should turn away the guests who are still rushing in. Also, find Lao Hua and set up two hundred more tables in the open space. These are for the fox clan."

After all, he had promised King Xishan in advance to let his fox offspring come and pay their respects to Mu Hua.

The words have already been spoken, so we must make room for those foxes.

"okay."

Li Changxun listened to Zhou Xuan's instructions and immediately set about carrying them out.

Everyone got busy, and Zhou Xuan was also busy coordinating. However, in the spare time between coordination, he also took the opportunity to ask the Longevity Cult Master about the Heavenly Fire Clan.

"Master, you said that the Fire Clan is essentially made up of insects, and they are born from insect eggs."

"Correct."

"Then tell me, where did these insect eggs come from?" Zhou Xuan asked. "Insect eggs couldn't have just popped out of a crack in the rock, could they?"

"This has stumped me," said the Immortal Cult Leader. "I really don't know where those insects came from."

"Is it that you really don't know, or are you pretending not to know?" Zhou Xuan said with a forced smile.

"I really don't know." The Eternal Life Cult Leader almost swore an oath. He raised his hand slightly, touched his chest, and said with certainty, "The gods in the heavens are considered by the world to be of a high status."

"Isn't that right?" Zhou Xuan asked.

"At best, we are just guards for the Skyfire Clan," said the Eternal Life Cult Leader. "The sky is a cage for us, and many places are like forbidden zones for us."

Zhou Xuan asked, "When can you leave the cage?"

“When we have something to do,” said the Eternal Life Cult Leader, “if we are assigned a task from above, we go to the stone house in the sky and get a lantern. With that lantern to light our way, we can go to the place we want to go.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xuan understood why Li Changxun was no longer willing to return to Tianqiong—that extremely cold place.

The Lord of Longevity added, "The coldness is only to us outsiders. If we were members of the Heavenly Fire Clan, the sky would be a warm and welcoming place for us."

The Skyfire Clan was mentioned.

The leader of the Longevity Cult sincerely advised Zhou Xuan, saying, "Master, you are efficient and courteous in your actions. Regardless of any past grievances we may have had, I must offer you some advice."

"please say."

“In the Kingdom of Well, you can kill anyone you want, whether they are nine sticks of incense, gods, or even celestial beings. Once you kill them, you kill them. With your current status, you don’t need to be too afraid.”

The leader of the Longevity Cult said, "With the imperial decree from Baiyujing, you are now an extension of the heavens. They will rely on you to do their work, and naturally, they will grant you certain privileges... You won't even need to lift a finger to deal with the trouble you cause; someone will step in and smooth things over for you."
However, there is one thing you must never do.

"What is it?" Zhou Xuan asked.

"You cannot kill members of the Skyfire Clan."

The Lord of Longevity said, "The Heavenly Fire Clan, don't be fooled by the fact that they are just insects who have been resurrected and cultivated to great heights. They possess a sense of community that is hundreds of times stronger than that of humans."

"You killed the Heavenly Fire Clan; in the heavens, no one can protect you."

"They are not from the Jing Kingdom; they are a race of gods who consider themselves extraordinary."

The leader of the Longevity Cult said with some sorrow.

It is said that humans are the most intelligent of all beings, and he held this belief in his heart as he cultivated himself, attained enlightenment, and ascended to immortality... but in the end, he became a servant and follower of a group of insects.
How could such a truth not damage his Dao heart, which he had cultivated over many years?
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xuan neither nodded nor shook his head, and it was unclear whether he had heeded the advice of the Longevity Sect Master.

"Young Master Linming of the Tianhuo Clan is a case in point. If Wuwenshan kills him, then no one can protect Wuwenshan anymore."
Whether it's the "Sixteen Forms" of the deity behind Wuwen Mountain, or the Wuwen Mountain spirit—the Butcher—who has already reached the level of a celestial being,
The Heavenly Fire Clan is the sole ruler among all beings in the Three Realms.

"know."

Zhou Xuan responded lazily.

"Master, it seems you don't take my words to heart?" the Eternal Life Cult Leader asked.

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "Master, you said the Heavenly Fire Clan is a united front, right?"

"That's natural."

"I don't believe it." Zhou Xuan looked up at the sky, where fiery clouds swept by, a truly beautiful sight.

"They are truly a united front."

"Where there are people, there is a world of martial arts; where there is a world of martial arts, there is strife; where there is strife, there will inevitably be kinship, hatred, and enmity."

Zhou Xuan concluded, "Once all of these are in place, the Heavenly Fire Clan will have a hierarchy. I don't believe that the Heavenly Fire Clan, such a large clan, is without distinctions of rank."

The leader of the Longevity Cult sensed a dangerous aura in Zhou Xuan's words and immediately wanted to refute them, but after careful consideration, he felt that he had no way to refute them.

If the Heavenly Fire Clan didn't have a hierarchy, why would Mr. Yan, who guards the stone house, bow and scrape to the Palace Master of Longevity, Qing Yangyu?

If there is no hierarchy within the clan,
That Qingyangyu only dared to cause trouble in the Changsheng Palace. Once he went to Baiyujing, he became a well-behaved person and never caused trouble again.
"There may be different classes, such as three, six, and nine."

"If we have... then we don't need to be afraid of killing the Skyfire Clan."

Zhou Xuan said, "If I befriend those at higher levels and cultivate close relationships with the higher-ups of the Heavenly Fire Clan, would I still be afraid of the lower-level members of the Heavenly Fire Clan?"

"If I befriend those at the higher levels, then the lower-level Skyfire Clan members will be utterly despicable—the God Clan? Slaying them is like slaughtering pigs and dogs."

"hiss."

Zhou Xuan's words were like chunks of chilling old ice, seeping into the heart of the Longevity Cult Master with a bone-chilling cold.

After a long pause, he finally understood why Zhou Xuan had grown from a novice gangster to the master of Mingjiang Prefecture in such a short time.

"If you need anything from now on, please just give the order, and Changsheng will do his best to carry it out."

The leader of the Longevity Cult said with trepidation.

The Buddha Kingdom is about to descend, a fact that every celestial deity is fully aware of, yet keeps unspoken.

They knew better than anyone else that chaos was truly on its way.

In such chaotic times, the more one wants to survive, the more one needs to attach oneself to a powerful "master".

Zhou Xuan's ambition, speech, and aspirations revealed to the Longevity Cult Leader a colossal hand hanging in the sky, comparable to the highest cliff in the human world.

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Zhou Xuan put his arm around the Changsheng Sect Leader's shoulder, pointed to the newly added tables and chairs in the open space, and said, "Those empty seats are reserved for the Fox Clan." "Uh..." The Changsheng Sect Leader couldn't figure out what Zhou Xuan was up to.

Zhou Xuan said, "Today, all the prominent foxes of the Snow Mountain Fox Clan will come. When that time comes, you will apologize to them... for what you have done to the Fox Clan over the years."

"what?!"

The leader of the Longevity Cult was puzzled by Zhou Xuan's thoughts and said, "Although our 'Shaman' sect has used a lot of foxes as blood offerings and sacrifices over the years, that's an agreement between us shamans and the fox clan..."

"Times have changed."

Zhou Xuan said, "I hope the Longevity Cult Leader will lower his stance. Of course, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to do a proper apology, even if you, an ancient god, were to do so."

"I really can't do it," the Immortal Cult Leader quickly replied.

Just a few days ago, those foxes were nothing more than lowly demons. Not to mention them, even the Fox King, Xishan, was killed at will by the Longevity Cult Leader, treated like a plaything.

But now, asking him to apologize to these playthings of the fox clan—even if it's just an apology—is something he can't bring himself to do.

Zhou Xuan said, "So, I'll give you a suggestion. You are a shaman, and shamans have long lived in Dongguan Prefecture, a good place with white mountains and black waters. There should be a famous local opera in that place, right?"

“Yes, there is the old spring song of Dongguan, also called Fengliu Opera,” said the leader of the Longevity Cult.

Zhou Xuan nodded and explained, "The fox clan's ancestral home is Dongguan Prefecture, and they also love to listen to the 'Wind and Willow Opera.' So, if the sect leader is willing to perform a 'Wind and Willow Opera' for the fox clan at my event,..."

The fox clan naturally understands your apology. And you, there's no need for such embarrassing apologies, how about that?

As soon as he finished speaking, the Longevity Cult Leader became even more displeased. He lowered his head in frustration and said, "Master Zhou, I am a celestial deity, and an ancient one at that. To make me act like an actor for the fox clan would be to utterly disgraceful."

If he, a god-level being, were to perform for a fox spirit, and this got out, how would he face his colleagues afterward?

Zhou Xuan's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Master of the Longevity Cult, in the end, you're putting on a show for me. Is putting on a show for me a disgrace?"

Upon hearing this, the Longevity Cult Leader froze, abruptly raising his head to look at Zhou Xuan with reverence.

Yes, what's shameful about performing for Zhou Xuan?

Performing a traditional opera for Bai Yujing's Divine Pill Master—isn't that something a deity like him should do?
The other god-level figures who want to sing it haven't even found a way yet.

Master Shendan is someone even the Palace Master of Qingyangyu Palace would actively protect. What's wrong with performing for him? Who dares to say anything against it?

"Master Zhou, I need to think about this opera performance some more." The Longevity Cult Leader was already interested, but it would take time for him to fully accept the idea.

"It's okay, think about it first. There's still time. After all, you're the last one to speak."

After Zhou Xuan finished speaking, he flicked his sleeves and went to arrange the wedding banquet.

As he passed by Yun Ziliang and Peng Sheng, who were helping the cook prepare vegetables, Yun Ziliang called out to him and asked, "Xuanzi, what are you saying to the Longevity Cult Leader? You're whispering to each other."

"The leader doesn't look too good," Peng Sheng said.

Zhou Xuan found a small stool, sat down, and said, "I'd like to ask the leader of the Longevity Cult to perform for me at a private gathering, to sing the local opera of Dongguan Prefecture—Fengliu Opera."

Upon hearing this, Yun Ziliang immediately knew what Zhou Xuan was up to and said, "Aren't you insulting people? Making such a great god-level being perform a love song for the fox clan?"

"A celebratory feast, a celebratory feast! I just want to make the fox clan happy." Zhou Xuan said to Yun Ziliang and Peng Sheng, "King Xishan has a lot on his mind. He still has countless grievances of the fox clan hidden in his heart that he can't express. I'm using this gathering to let him express them properly."

Then, Zhou Xuan added, "Moreover, the pill I'm refining this time is called the 'Joyful Longevity Pill,' which requires great joy. If the pent-up frustration of the fox clan members were released all at once, how intense would their joy be?"

Zhou Xuan's plan was meticulously planned, with each step leading to the next. Yun Ziliang understood it perfectly and said, "This matter is indeed feasible, but aren't you offending the Longevity Sect Master? Aren't you afraid of his retaliation later?"

“My position in the Sky Dome is now higher than his. Isn’t it only natural for a subordinate to put on a show for a superior? How is that disrespecting him?” Zhou Xuan said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Yun Ziliang immediately lit a hand-rolled pipe and said, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. You've risen to a high position and wield great power."

Peng Sheng said from the side, "If the Eternal Life Cult Leader puts on this act, he will lower his stance and the Fox Clan will regain their dignity. There is no reason why the Fox Clan would not be overjoyed."

"Incidentally, Xuanzi can also train that Longevity Cult Leader. By constantly lowering his bottom line, the cult leader's bottom line will become lower and lower until he finally obeys Xuanzi's every word. Isn't this what Xuanzi often refers to as 'PA'?"

“PUA,” Zhou Xuan said with a smile. “Old Yun, the longer you’ve been with me, the more new words you’ve come up with. And you’re becoming more and more able to guess what I’m thinking.”

Yun Ziliang laughed and said that this was all due to being influenced by what one sees and hears. He pointed to Li Changxun, who was enthusiastically welcoming guests in the distance, and said...
“Take Changxun for example. He’s learned some of your domineering ways from you. He was just showing off to me, saying that he went to Tianqiong, kicked Zhong Guan, Qingyang Yu of Yin Yang, and the Master of Changsheng, and released all his pent-up frustrations. Now, when he thinks about what he did today, he’s so happy he’s practically drooling. He even thinks he’s really cool.”

Zhou Xuan laughed heartily upon hearing this.

Peng Sheng said, "That's why you have to learn skills from a master. Li Shanzu used to be such a coward, but now he has some presence."

Yun Ziliang agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "From this one move, you can tell which school or sect they belong to. If we encounter any domineering people in the future who don't give face to anyone, don't ask, they've probably taken lessons from Xuanzi."

When the conversation reached this point, everyone burst into hearty laughter.

……

As the sun set, the banquet hall was filled with guests.
Those hundred or so stoves produced hot dishes with a wonderful wok hei (wok aroma), which, when served, carried the fragrance of firewood.

The performance began, and the first to take the stage was Liang Ziyuan Jinpeng from the Mingjiang Grand Theater.

He usually held himself in high esteem and was reluctant to perform in ordinary situations, but today, he was unusually humble. Upon stepping onto the stage, he clasped his hands in a fist salute towards Zhou Xuan, incidentally giving himself a buff, and said…
"Gentlemen, I am truly humbled to perform for the Master today. After all, the Master is quite accomplished in his family, and the Zhou family troupe has produced a famous performer like Liu Jiaotian. My skill level is not high, and my ability is limited. If my singing displeases the Master, please bear with me."

Yuan Jinpeng adopted a humble attitude, so Zhou Xuan naturally gave him face. He stood up first, waved his hand, and signaled the audience to cheer and raise the atmosphere.

The audience erupted in applause.

Zhou Xuan then called over the concierge and asked Xiao Fuzi for six small yellow croakers, which he then placed in the gift tray.

These gold bars and yellow croakers were given to Zhou Xuan by the Red Coffin Lady when she visited his home.

Now Zhou Xuan uses it to reward the performers in the performance.

Upon seeing Xiao Huangyu arrive, the concierge announced loudly, "Master Zhou Xuan of Mingjiang Prefecture bestows six Xiao Huangyu upon Yuan Banzhu."

Upon hearing that there were six small yellow croakers, Yuan Jinpeng grinned from ear to ear. He bowed to Zhou Xuan again, and then he put on a truly energetic performance.
Not only did he not cheat or slack off, but he also played each note perfectly, which made the guests in the audience cheer with great enjoyment.

"The performance was excellent."

Yun Ziliang loved listening to opera, he said.

Lu Mingkun, the fifth senior brother sitting at the table, said with a smile, "Old Yun, you really haven't heard Liu Jiaotian sing opera. Our Zhou family's Liu Jiaotian is the best."

"Liu Jiaotian's acting is that good?" Yun Ziliang had never heard it with his own ears and couldn't imagine it.

Zhou Xuan said with a smile, "I'm going to Huangyuan Mansion in a while. If I have time then, I'd like to see my third senior brother and senior sister Liu. You'll find out how well senior sister Liu sings then."

Liu Jiaotian and his third senior brother Li Shuangyi were at Huangyuan Mansion at this time.

“Then I must hear it with my own ears,” Yun Ziliang said.

After Yun Jinpeng had performed more than half of his play, King Xishan finally led his fox cubs and grandchildren into the venue.

Hundreds of foxes—it was like a mountain of snow slowly rolling by.

The guests cheered for the foxes.

Mingjiang Prefecture owes the Fox Clan.

When Zhou Xuan and Mu Hua combined their magic mirrors, they produced thousands of foxes, which they used to send Mu Hua to Mingjiang.

After the disaster in Mingjiang, it was the fox clan from all over the world who brought mountain delicacies. Zhou Xuan used these delicacies to exchange for grain, which allowed the people to have enough to eat and drink after the disaster.

Zhou Xuan pulled Xishan Wang over and said, "Old Xi, sit next to me?"

Zhou Xuan sat at the main table, where Sister Cui, Mu Hua, Fifth Senior Brother, and Xiao Fuzi were all present. King Xishan smiled and sat down.

The rest of the fox cubs and their offspring, led by Fox Slave, a favorite of King Xishan, took their seats.

Zhou Xuan did not mention the "surprise" to the King of Xishan, but instead began to toast each other.

Only the leader of the Longevity Cult was still struggling with whether or not to be the final performer, singing the "Wind and Willow Opera" for the Fox Clan.

"Sing, or not sing?" As the leader of the Longevity Cult was struggling with this question, he glanced at the usher, who was carrying a tray with the six gold bars that Zhou Xuan intended to give to Yuan Jinpeng as a reward...

(End of this chapter)