Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 452 Fearless Tower

————The Jade Clam Cave

"Does the esteemed master of your esteemed residence wish to see me?" Master Kang asked softly, looking at Yan Qingwei, who was dressed in a thin veil, his voice tinged with surprise and doubt. The latter covered her mouth and laughed, the waves of her chest heaving in a captivating way.

Strangely enough, although the Jade Clam Cave was a hundred feet in circumference and not exactly cramped, as Yan Qingwei approached, Kang Dabao felt that the room was filled with the fragrance of this maiden, which was very refreshing.

"My grandmother has always admired talent. Many years ago, she knew that you, Daoist brother, were a promising young man and a rare talent in the southern part of the mountain. She wanted to invite you to visit her many times, but it was difficult to find the right time, so it was delayed until today."

The woman's voice was so soft and sweet that it was almost cloying, but it was completely different from the aloof and distant demeanor that Headmaster Kang had when they first met.

Yan Qingwei no longer even wears the white shirt that is standard for the white-robed stewards of the Fearless Tower. Not only is her attire becoming bolder day by day, but even her frowns and smiles, her half-angry and half-joking expressions, reveal a certain mature and delicious charm, which cannot help but make people have some fantasies.

Fortunately, Kang Dabao was no longer the naive man he once was. His years of experience in bed had paid off, and he had seen it all. So even though he didn't know where Yan Qingwei had learned her seductive arts, which were of a high quality, the headmaster Kang remained calm and did not show any shame.

Seeing Kang Dabao's appearance, Yan Qingwei was not angry at all; on the contrary, her enthusiasm increased even more.

As the daughter of a pseudo-Dan (a type of cultivator who has achieved the highest level of cultivation) and a direct descendant of a Golden Core cultivator, Yan Qingwei, with her outstanding looks and exceptional talent since childhood, has received countless flatteries and fawnings. Ordinary flattery is no longer of any value to her; the dignified demeanor of Headmaster Kang is even more endearing.

It wasn't that Yan Qingwei was being obnoxious or enjoying being judged. Rather, ever since she listened to the advice of old man Jiang Hongdao and her mother's encouragement, and decided to squeeze into Kang Dabao's inner quarters, this woman had made up her mind to abandon the face and dignity she had cherished in the past in order to earn a future.

Therefore, if Headmaster Kang gets impatient and easily takes the bait, it would only make it seem that the Dao Seed that Yan Qingwei is pinning her hopes on is not steadfast and unlikely to last.

This was not because Yan Qingwei willingly degraded herself, but because seeking the Dao and cultivating herself was far more difficult than ordinary people thought.

Don't think that just because you've reached the Golden Core stage, you'll never have to worry about supplies.

She Fuyi has quite a few children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and personal disciples. Most of them can easily reach the Foundation Establishment stage, but very few can achieve the False Core stage. As for the Authentic Golden Core stage, She Fuyi is the only one in the entire Fearless Tower to date.

According to She Fu's guess, the current headmaster Kang, who is not yet a hundred years old, should already be no less than an ordinary fake elixir master. Even so, it is enough to attract many female Daoists in the world to rely on him.

Not to mention, the Black-Shoeed Daoist who went to the outer sea hoping to form a superior golden elixir had a close relationship with Kang Dabao, like a teacher and a father. If he succeeded, the Chongming Sect would probably become incredibly noble.

Given Yan Qingwei's dual spiritual roots, it's not impossible that she might aspire to the Great Dao.

Kang Dabao was unaware that in just a few breaths, so many thoughts had passed through the mind of the graceful female cultivator before him. After a moment's thought, he replied:
"The Fearless Pavilion has shown great kindness to the Chongming Sect and has taken good care of them over the years. It is indeed I, Kang, who have been impolite and should have long ago requested to pay my respects to the Pavilion Master!"

"We're family, no need for formalities, brother, you're too kind." The young woman's face lit up with even more joy, and she then asked, "When will you be able to set off, brother?"

"I cannot keep you waiting, senior. Please wait a moment, fellow Daoist Yan. I will return to my sect to give some instructions before I set off."

"Then I will wait here."

Yan Qingwei's words were so clingy they were almost frightening. It was as if the headmaster Kang had his throat stuffed with syrup, so he couldn't reply. He could only cup his hands in greeting and step out.

Yan Qingwei and Kang Dabao left the Bihu Cave together. The latter went into the Chongming Sect first, while the female Taoist's smile froze, and a trace of resentment appeared in her eyes.

But the fish just won't bite.

The angler gently bit her full lips with her pearly teeth, wishing she could taste the salty, fishy flavor. But after a soft sigh, she could not help it. After composing herself, she lowered her head and pulled her already loose strapless top down a little further.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The two traveled stealthily and arrived at the place where the Fearless Master of the Tower cultivated, as mentioned by Yan Qingwei, in just about two days.

"The headquarters of the Fearless Tower is actually located in the Cold Crow Mountain?" Headmaster Kang asked with surprise. Yan Qingwei, who was walking ahead, laughed upon hearing this. She had already changed into clothes that were more comfortable for walking, but she still patted her bulging chest, seemingly unintentionally, and replied in a crisp voice:
"Brother Dao, you've misunderstood this time. What kind of headquarters do we, Wuwei Tower, have?"

Kang Dabao was taken aback at first, then smiled wryly, agreeing with Yan Qingwei's answer.

He wasn't stupid; he knew that a force like the Fearless Tower, which hid in the shadows, wouldn't just stay in one place. It was possible that Master Kang had just visited this place to pay respects to the Fearless Tower Master today, and the next day, only a few empty mountain strongholds would remain.

Judging from the layout of this fortified village alone, the barbarian tribe was probably not very large in its time, or perhaps only a few Qi-cultivating barbarian shamans were in charge.

Yan Qingwei stood before the fortified village, her hands forming a strange hand seal. The Di Ting beast on the door knocker raised its mouth in a strange way, and the two still sturdy green spirit stone doors swung open with a bang. What appeared was not the dilapidated scene that Headmaster Kang had originally expected.

Before one's eyes is a simple white jade staircase, and guarding the entrance are two lifeless puppets, each about ten feet tall. One carries a spear and is clad in armor, while the other carries a sword and a bow; their menacing aura is unlike that of ordinary puppets.

The two puppets were lifeless, but their faces showed anger, which made the headmaster Kang's hair stand on end. Even though he knew that Yan Qingwei had no reason to harm him, he secretly made hand seals, his small eyes bulged, and golden light flashed in his eyes as he prepared for battle.

Yan Qingwei showed no surprise on her pretty face, as if she were already used to this scene. With a flick of her wrist, she revealed a three-patterned purple bamboo slip, which she displayed in front of the two puppets.

Upon receiving the token, the two puppets immediately sheathed their weapons and made way for each other.

"Please," Yan Qingwei invited, but seeing that Kang Dabao was still looking at the two puppets, she was a little curious, so she explained, "These two combat puppets at the Pseudo-Core Realm were purchased from the Lu Gong Sect's shop in Tengwen Prefecture. They have been guarding this building for over three hundred years and have made great contributions."

"Three hundred years, that's quite a bargain!" Kang Dabao sighed as he followed Yan Qingwei up the white jade staircase. However, acquiring the fake pill puppet was something even Zhong Mingzongzan would find difficult to accomplish.

Such items are not something that can be placed in just any household. The price is only one factor; the strength of the master's spiritual consciousness, daily maintenance, and replacement of parts all need to be carefully considered.

All things considered, it's not as easy as serving a spirit beast of the same level. Not to mention that high-level puppeteers are already extremely rare compared to beast masters of the same level, and they are even rarer in this remote place in Shannan Road.

Otherwise, how could Qiaogong Fort, a mere Foundation Establishment gate, have gained some fame in several states around Yunjiao Prefecture? Therefore, without a familiar puppeteer, it would be difficult to find someone to repair these two puppets once they are damaged.

"Could it be that these two pseudo-Core Formation puppets in the Fearless Pavilion were maintained by puppeteers from the Lu Gong School? For disciples of a Nascent Soul sect to do this, the cost must be considerable."

Kang Dabao's tendency to meddle in other people's business resurfaced, but fortunately, he soon came to his senses and saw the end of the white jade staircase. Before his eyes, he saw a hundred-foot-high dome inlaid with stardust, swirling with various colored light spots, dazzlingly bright.

Several mirrors stood in the corridors surrounding the hall, reflecting all sorts of images: a practitioner sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, silent for a long time; a dissolute child, wild and unrestrained, lingering on the bed; a loving mother, smiling as she sewed new clothes by lamplight.
Master Kang naturally knew that the scene before him was not the true secret of the Fearless Tower, but what he saw at that moment was still quite surprising.

"It's no wonder it has such a great reputation."

The moment this thought crossed his mind, Yan Qingwei led him through the corridor to a bedroom. The red brocade curtain in the center of the bedroom was ten feet in diameter, and outside the curtain were more than ten beautiful maids in palace attire, each with a different figure.

Besides these alluring maids, Master Kang also met two acquaintances in his bedchamber.

Jiang Hongdao finally changed into a groom's outfit. Dressed in a scholar's robe, he looked very scholarly and showed no trace of his usual unruly and roguish nature.

The other red-browed old cultivator was none other than Yang Jue, the Pill Master of the Fearless Tower who had come to Cold Crow Mountain to offer assistance last time. The meaning behind his gaze toward Headmaster Kang was hard to discern, but it was clear that he was much less affectionate than Jiang Hongdao.

"Hehe, is it young friend Kang who has arrived?"

Before Kang Dabao could greet the two old monks, he heard a woman's voice coming from inside the brocade tent. Although it was rather vulgar to describe it as the sound of silver bells, it was also quite fitting.

Yan Qingwei approached the headmaster Kang and tugged at his sleeve. He immediately reacted, stepped forward, and bowed deeply, saying, "Junior Kang Dabao greets senior."

A mature and beautiful woman lifted the gauze curtain, revealing her bare feet on the ground.

Strangely enough, even though she was dressed in a plain robe and tightly covering her chest, which was quite dignified, Kang Dabao felt that she was much more attractive than Yan Qingwei, who was dressed in revealing clothes a few days ago.

Although the woman's face showed no trace of seductive charm, her every move still made one's mouth dry.

When she came running over barefoot, her heavy breasts, which were tightly bound in her clothes and barely managed to escape, were still trembling and eye-catching.

A pair of small, white feet stepped on the ground, making a "thump-thump" sound, as if planting a string of beautiful footprints in the hearts of those around them.

"Excellent! What a magnificent man! He truly deserves to be called a hero who can defeat the demonic monk of the snow mountain and bring glory to the men of Shannan!"

The fragrance mingled with the beautiful woman's clear, melodious voice, and the Grand Master Kang, keeping his composure, dared not look up, only pondering:
"This fearless mistress is naturally charming. Her skills as a grandmother far surpass those of Yan Qingwei, a mere novice. Judging from her enthusiastic demeanor, there must be nothing good about her summoning me here today. I must be careful."

However, though he thought this in his heart, he dared not show it on his face. He only heard Kang Dabao wait until the beautiful woman finished speaking before respectfully replying, "Senior is too kind. This junior is unworthy of such praise."

"I didn't come here today to pay my respects to you, young friend," the beautiful woman said with a very friendly smile. With a gentle touch of her soft hand, more than ten maids filed out of the palace, carrying a fragrant breeze with them.

After only five people remained in the palace, the beautiful woman said softly, "Please raise your head, young friend."

After Kang Dabao got up as ordered, he saw that the beautiful woman was holding a precious object in her hand, which was dazzlingly bright.

"This item is called the Xuanji Mingqi Mirror, and it is the treasure of the Fearless Tower."

"It is indeed an extraordinary object. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to see it today!"

The beautiful woman wasn't showing off this treasure to this junior, Sect Leader Kang. She chuckled again and said in a crisp voice, "Young friend Kang and my Fearless Pavilion have a deep connection, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Young friend Kang, do you know that the person Mo Hegu of the Two Elements Sect was searching for in the five prefectures under the jurisdiction of Yunjiao Prefecture was a severely injured Golden Core cultivator?!"

"Seriously injured, a Golden Core cultivator?!" The Grand Master Kang's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise. Then the beautiful woman spoke up again, "Hmm, it must be the Blood Dao Golden Core cultivator who was taken in by Pu Hong Valley two hundred years ago. He seems to be surnamed Peng."

The beautiful woman paused here, her eyes sparkling, the corners of her mouth curving upwards, and she said with a faint smile, "It must have been caused by that old ancestor of my friend's wife's family, the one with the flat hair, that led to this end."

Having finished speaking, the beautiful woman did not continue this time. Instead, she extended her slender finger and gently touched the jade bottle on the low table in front of her. A wisp of inky black mist separated from the jade bottle and was cast into the lake in the mirror. After a short while, a complex seal character appeared on the lake's surface. It was mostly black, with only a few streaks of rose red flowing around the edges of the character.

Kang Dabao felt it was mysterious, but couldn't understand its secrets. Yan Qingwei was also junior, and like Headmaster Kang, she had never seen this treasure mirror before.

Seeing this, Jiang Hongdao coughed lightly and came over to explain. This old man was clearly of high status in the Fearless Tower, for even when facing a Golden Core cultivator like the beautiful woman, he only gave her a half-bow in a neither humble nor arrogant manner.

He turned to Sect Leader Kang and said calmly, "What the Master just used was one of the moves of the top-tier third-order magic treasure, 'Xuanji Mingqi Jian,' called 'Mirror Lake Tracing the Cause.' We asked the Liangyi Sect to extract a trace of the essence left by Daoist Peng from his two third-order bronze corpses, which is why it was possible. According to this method, auspicious omens should be represented by red seal script, inauspicious omens by blue seal script, and inauspicious omens by black seal script."

As soon as Jiang Hongdao finished speaking, Kang Dabao understood. In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, that Taoist Peng was still on the verge of life and death.

The mystical properties of the Xuanji Mingqi Mirror, this pseudo-spiritual treasure, are clearly not limited to this. As the beautiful woman changed her hand gestures, the black seal script in the mirror gradually cracked open on the surface, forming an obscure and difficult-to-understand hexagram.

Master Kang has never been a master of divination, but he became interested in this divination and volunteered to try his hand at it, but he never succeeded.

This caused the beautiful woman and Jiang Hongdao to look at each other for a while. In the end, Yan Qingwei couldn't stand it anymore and took out a palm-sized tortoise shell to help Kang Dabao for a while.

Finally, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Kang Dabao looked at the divination chart in his hand and seemed to be deep in thought.

Pingrong County?

"It is indeed Pingrong County,"

The sect leader immediately understood why the Lord of Fearless Pavilion wanted to see him. Given how impenetrable he had been in governing Ping and Jin counties, unless those cultivators could break through by force, they would eventually be thoroughly investigated by the various levels of patrols he had deployed. If the matter were reported to the state court, Fearless Pavilion would likely be in a very embarrassing situation.

"Then what does Senior need me to do?"

"Mobilize all the people under your jurisdiction and have them conduct a thorough search in the county! Wuwei Tower will also send someone to assist you. Remember, do not let Master Peng die without being taken care of," the beautiful woman added.

"Yes," Kang Dabao thought, "I owe Wuwei Tower quite a bit of good deeds before, and this time I can finally repay them all." After pondering this for a while, he realized, "Shouldn't I also mention this to the Fei family?! Ancestor Tianqin would surely be happy to know the whereabouts of that Blood Dao Golden Core, wouldn't he?"

(End of this chapter)