Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 470 The Discussion on Relocation and the Southern Migration of Hehuan
— About half an hour later

"Come in," Kuang Liuting called softly. The magical barriers on the door withdrew on their own, and Fei Tianqin and Kang Dabao entered the hall together. They found that there were no other True Immortals inside. All the True Immortals who had come to observe the ceremony and were guests were nowhere to be seen. Only Kuang Liuting, Wei Dajian, and the two Nascent Soul True Immortals, Yueyin, were still seated.

"Greetings to the Duke and the Grand Eunuch."

This was not only the first time Kang Dabao had seen a Nascent Soul cultivator, but also the first time he had seen Kuang Liuting since he had formed his Golden Core.

But whether it was just his imagination or not, Kang Dabao felt that the newly appointed Duke of Qin was not only no more imposing, but also more approachable than before.

"So you are Kang Dabao?"

Somewhat unexpectedly, it was Wei Dajian who spoke first. Kang Dabao didn't know how powerful he was, but Fei Tianqin, the old fox, knew that this head eunuch was actually more capable than the Northern King. Among the Emperor's close associates, he was only slightly inferior to the Southern King, Kuang Shenzhi, and could be considered on par with the Silver Whip Prince Consort, Shen Lingfeng.

Fortunately, Kang Dabao didn't need to be urged, and he bowed deeply again: "Kang Dabao, the clerk in charge of Ping and Jin counties, pays his respects to the Grand Supervisor."

“Alright,” Wei Dajian scrutinized him for a while, but his expression didn’t change. He then fell silent, leaving Kang Dabao slightly taken aback and unsure how to react.

At this moment, Kuang Liuting took over the conversation and said softly, "I have just returned from the outer sea and have a lot of things to do. I originally intended to talk to you later, but I thought that I have something important to discuss with you today. You have also had some insights on many things, so let's listen to them together."

Kang Dabao's anxiety lessened considerably, and he bowed deeply, saying, "Your Excellency is too kind."

It was clear that Kuang Liuting was in a hurry this time. He didn't say much and went straight to the point: "Find a seat and sit down. Observe and listen more, but don't speak unless you are called upon."

"I understand." Kang Dabao's heart was pounding, but he dared not argue or ask any questions. He could only find a seat at the very end of the hall.

Wei Dajian remained expressionless, but Yueyin Zhenren, who had not spoken, revealed a hint of surprise in his eyes, thinking to himself, "This young sect leader seems to be a favorite of the Duke of Qin? The younger generation in the sect should try to get closer to him."

Unlike Master Yueyin, who was preoccupied with his own affairs, Fei Tianqin was somewhat worried about Headmaster Kang upon seeing this scene.

This is because the old bird also knows very well that there are many things that are not good to hear when one is not capable enough, and may even bring unexpected disaster.

Not long after Kang Dabao found a seat and sat down, Fei Nanying, who had just finished dealing with a group of upper cultivators, also arrived late. The latter was about to say something to apologize when Kuang Liuting interrupted him: "Lord of the Old City, no need for formalities, please take a seat quickly."

Gunshilu followed closely behind, but was not greeted by Kuang Liuting. He quickly glanced around, but only dared to sit at the end of the table, just like Kang Dabao.

As soon as Kuang Liuting finished urging him, the spiritual barrier on the door lit up again. The Duke of Qin didn't waste any time and went straight to the point: "Bai Canhong is unwilling to submit to the imperial family, unwilling to cede Shannan Road, and unwilling to lead his disciples to Huanggong Island. What do you seniors think?"

"A land swap?!" Kang Dabao was shocked, his brows twitching involuntarily, his heart trembling: "I've heard about the relocation of a Nascent Soul sect?!"

Even though he was considered somewhat knowledgeable among his peers, he had never heard of "Huanggong Island" before and had no idea where it was.

No one cared what doubts Sect Leader Kang might have at this moment. Master Yueyin had been present throughout the entire meeting, but upon hearing Kuang Liuting's question, he frowned again:

"My lord, things are different now than they were in the early years of the dynasty. Back then, not to mention those usurpers like Zhaixinglou, even if someone was granted the title of Fangbo or a single-character Zongwang, it would be a common occurrence if they received an imperial edict from Taiyuan to request a transfer to another region. We dared not disobey."

But the situation is very different now. Bai Canhong's talent is also remarkable among the past leaders of Zhaixing Tower. In addition, although Zhaixing Tower has few members, none of them are mediocre. We should not act rashly.”

Upon hearing Master Yueyin's words, Headmaster Kang couldn't help but inwardly grumble, "The Star-Picking Tower is an overstepping authority, but isn't your Five Old Mountain just as bad?"

However, when Master Yueyin spoke, he was completely frank and expressionless, as if he truly did not know his own situation.

Wei Da, who was standing to the side, listened to what Master Yueyin said and also agreed with him.

According to the Emperor's original intention, this time the five most pro-Immortal Realm Masters from Liangxi Dao Qingyulou, Lianghe Dao Zangchunzhong, Guandong Dao Hehuanzong, Yuwang Dao Wanbing Wuxiangcheng, and Jiuxiao Jiemingzong are all to attend the Kuang Liuting Conferment Ceremony, so as to put pressure on Zhaixinglou.

After all, even when the Immortal Dynasty suddenly launched an attack and annihilated the Blood Sword Sect of Lianghedao, which was adjacent to the capital region, it was not a very impressive victory.

Remnants of the Two Rivers Sect remained scattered in each of the various factions, some raising banners in rebellion, others lying in hiding. The factions failed to punish them effectively, and the situation was not as stable as it was before the destruction of the Blood Sword Sect of the Two Rivers Sect, leaving Emperor Wei in a rather embarrassing predicament.

Therefore, if the David Dynasty wanted to wage war again in remote border areas like Shannan Road and Zhaixinglou, let alone win or lose, even just the marching route would require a lot of effort to coordinate with all parties to make it happen.

Therefore, Emperor Wei thought of moving the Star-Picking Tower to Huanggong Island in the outer sea in exchange. After all, although the island is called an island, it is actually about the size of one-third of the Shannan Road, and can be considered one of the largest islands in the territory of the Wei Daxian Dynasty.

Moreover, its resources are comparable to those of Sweden, and even slightly superior to those of South Korea.

The island was severely damaged in a battle between Nascent Soul cultivators over a thousand years ago, and it also suffers from minor drawbacks such as invasions by water beasts, natural disasters like hurricanes, and tsunamis that inundate the island.
After all, if it weren't for this, the royal family of David wouldn't have been unable to restore local operations after the six kings fought for the capital and the nine dukes came to the aid of the sea.

Emperor Wei knew that this was a losing proposition for Zhaixing Tower. Bai Canhong had agreed, but he hadn't expected that only the True Immortals from Qingyu Tower and Hehuan Sect would come, which wouldn't put much pressure on the Zhaixing Tower Master. As a result, the latter simply refused.

Regardless of how difficult this matter might be, the result of this trial was not good. As the person in charge in name, Kuang Liuting naturally had to think carefully. After pondering for a long time, he finally asked, "Senior Fei, how is that Taoist Peng you have here now?"

Fei Tianqin's eyes flashed with a hint of wariness, and then he said, "I brought him to Xuanwei City, and he has recovered his Golden Core cultivation, but his dantian has been locked."

“My lord, it would be a bit of a joke to try to blackmail Zhaixing Tower with this matter.” The calmest of the three, Eunuch Wei, suddenly spoke up. “The people captured this time are not members of Zhaixing Tower, so why would Bai Canhong be afraid? Even if they were members of Zhaixing Tower, it would be difficult to put Bai Canhong in a difficult situation with just the charge of ‘colluding with the demon race’.”

“That makes sense.” Fei Tianqin quickly added, “My lord, this matter is not yet conclusive, and we cannot sway a seasoned master. We should not act rashly. It is true that His Majesty wants you to reclaim Shannan, but even if Bai Canhong is unwilling to return to the right path, we cannot force him to rebel in a short time!”

Master Yueyin seemed to agree wholeheartedly and immediately added, "My lord, the imperial clan is not yet fully recovered, and we must be patient for the sake of the country."

After listening to the words of the senior cultivators, Kuang Liuting showed no sign of distress. Instead, he smiled and said, "What you seniors say is very true. This matter is difficult to accomplish. We should discuss it further."

Since this matter was set aside, Fei Nanying, having received instructions from Fei Tianqin, brought up another urgent issue:
"My lord, according to His Majesty's decree, the Hehuan Sect of Guandong must relocate its first batch of disciples to Shannan within ten years. As for where they will be settled, we need to make preparations as soon as possible."

"Where will it be located?!" Kuang Liuting murmured. The Qin State Duke's Mansion, which was not yet completed, was under the jurisdiction of five prefectures: Jing, Yun, Ye, Pu, and Ding.

Yunjiao Prefecture may not be considered a prime location, but Kuangliuting has been cultivating it for a long time and has no intention of releasing it for the time being.
The war in Jingnan Prefecture rarely ceased; the two sides had been locked in a protracted stalemate, and casualties occurred frequently. Currently, the Yue family of Hancheng and the Tie family of Baisha were temporarily stationed there, with the Yue family nominally in charge.

The direct line of the Yang family in Yezhou has just been cleaned up, and they have finally driven away the collateral branches of the Yang family. They will not be happy to have disciples of a Nascent Soul Grand Sect move in.
Puzhou is barren; it is considered lucky that even a pseudo-Taoist sect of the Shishan Sect could emerge from there. There is no resources to settle the disciples of the Hehuan Sect.

Dingzhou, in comparison, is a prosperous place, capable of supporting several Golden Core cultivators, but it has already been promised to Wufeng Shangxiu to establish his own sect.

Although this old man was indeed useless, he had come to us early on, and it was Fei Tianqin, that old bird, who made the offer of Dingzhou. Kuang Liuting could not refuse the face of this senior Marquis of Fengcheng.

After much thought, I still couldn't find a place.

Kuang Liuting was about to speak and suggest taking some more meat from the three departments under the jurisdiction of Zhaixinglou, since Bai Canhong's performance this time showed that he was willing to sit on the fence and wait and see.

After all, as long as the commotion is not too great, there is no way to force him to rebel.

Unexpectedly, Master Yueyin suddenly spoke up to relieve his worries: "My lord, the Santing Prefecture in Shanbei Road can serve as a residence for fellow Daoists of the Hehuan Sect."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing Master Yueyin's words, the faces of the cultivators in the hall showed varying degrees of surprise. Even Supervisor Wei, who had remained calm and composed except for offering a reminder to Kuang Liuting, was drawn to look at him, demonstrating just how astonishing the words of this Lord of the Northern Mountains were.

Fei Tianqin also took a good look at the Moon Concealed True Man, and after looking at him, he sighed in his heart: "If it were a hundred years ago, this True Man would probably not have been able to say these words."

Then a sense of melancholy arose in his heart, because Wu Laoshan and the Fei family were in the same predicament. If the head of the family died, there would truly be no successor.

Although Kang Dabao's cultivation level was low, he knew how rare it was for a place like Wu Laoshan, a local tyrant for thousands of years, to take the initiative to hand over its subordinate prefectures and counties.

Even he knew this, so Kuang Liuting naturally saw it even more clearly.

Kuang Liuting had never considered setting aside a portion of the territory under the jurisdiction of Wu Lao Mountain to accommodate the Hehuan Sect, but after all, Master Yueyin had adopted a very humble attitude and had done his best to protect the Dao for several years. If he were to actually speak up, it would seem somewhat harsh and ungrateful.

Master Yueyin seemed to have discerned some of Kuang Liuting's thoughts. He himself understood perfectly well that Wu Lao Mountain couldn't even find a Nascent Soul seed at present. After his death, even with the protection of the Celestial Dynasty, his disciples would find it difficult to defend the entire northern region of the mountain. Therefore, although he disliked the Hehuan Sect, another Nascent Soul sect, settling in the northern region and becoming neighbors with Wu Lao Mountain, Master Yueyin still took the initiative to invite him to participate in the matter.

After all, he didn't have many years left to live. After he passed away, apart from Yue Hongguo, who was chosen as the so-called Holy Maiden, there would probably be no one in Wu Lao Mountain who could speak to this Duke of Qin.

Therefore, it would be better to do him a favor at this time, so that the Kuang family, who are known for their harshness and ingratitude, would remember him for a longer period of time.

Since Master Yueyin was so accommodating, Kuang Liuting hesitated slightly at first, but he quickly regained his composure. The David Clan wished that all the Nascent Soul sects in the world were as obedient as Master Yueyin, so offering land to the clan was a great thing, and Kuang Liuting had no reason to refuse.

"In that case, we will do as Senior Yueyin requests." Kuang Liuting nodded slowly, and the matter was settled.

Although Master Yueyin had not received a single promise, he was still quite satisfied. However, instead of returning to his seat, he said again, "My lord, the various families in the north of the mountain have been colluding with outsiders and rebelling against the Immortal Dynasty for a long time. Perhaps we can begin to eliminate them one by one."

"Wow, this master has really sold himself out today!" As soon as this thought popped into Kang Dabao's head, he quickly lowered his head, afraid that the look of surprise in his eyes would not be concealed and would be seen by others.

Even Kuang Liuting himself probably didn't expect that after returning from his journey with the crew from the outer sea, Master Yueyin would make such a big decision.

After all, Master Yueyin could easily handle matters like managing the northern mountain region himself. This immortal path is not as prosperous as the southern mountain region; not only does it have only one Nascent Soul cultivator, Master Yueyin, but even top-tier cultivators are hard to find.

In the past, the various families in the northern mountains, relying on the protection of the Moon-Hidden Immortal and the outer sea, dared to collude with outsiders and stir up trouble.

But now it seems unlikely that they will win. Without external help, no matter how arrogant and unruly those leaders were in the past, they will now almost only have one path left: to be called upon and die.

Therefore, as soon as Master Yueyin said this, even Eunuch Wei, who had been listening in, suddenly became much more serious.

The pale-faced eunuch pointed, and the complete map of the Imperial Guard in the hall slowly unfolded. After carefully examining the thirteen prefectures and one hundred and ninety counties of the Shanbei Road with his divine sense, before Kuang Liuting could speak, he spoke up for him to Yueyin, saying, "My lord, we must help with this matter."

Kuang Liuting, however, thought more deeply than Wei Dajian. He quickly recovered from his surprise and was not as anxious as Wei Dajian. He simply said calmly, "It is time to sort out those who are rebellious and lawless. Senior Yueyin, please do not rush this matter. Let us wait until we have established the procedures before proceeding."

"Yes"

Master Yueyin was very humble. After all, it was said that 99% of cultivators in the world would hardly ever see a dignified master like him in half a lifetime. Yet, Headmaster Kang was surprised to find a hint of meekness and obedience on his face.

He stayed in the hall for only the time it takes for a lamp to burn, and then he heard three extraordinary things. Just as Kuang Liuting had instructed, he only watched and listened, without uttering a single word.

Fortunately, Kuang Liuting never asked him to speak on these matters. Shortly afterward, except for the most honored angel, Wei Dajian, all the other cultivators were to be asked to leave the hall by Kuang Liuting.

Kang Dabao was the first to get up, but he was the last to arrive.

As Master Yueyin, Fei Tianqin, and Fei Nanying came out one after another, he was about to step across the threshold when he heard Eunuch Wei behind him suddenly speak: "Young friend, please wait."

"Hmm?" Master Kang was startled and suspicious, and even the hairs on his body stood on end, but he dared not show it. After stepping back and standing still, he stood quietly in a corner, waiting for the question.

Wei Dajian remained expressionless, and said in a low voice, "I have heard that the head of the Chenjiang Kang family of Huangpi Daosi Prefecture said that he is related to you, young friend, and recently he has been planning to come to Shannan to renew our kinship. I wonder what preparations you have made?"

"The Kang family of Chenjiang, Sizhou, Huangpi?" Kang Dabao murmured to himself, then went through the thirty-three Nascent Soul factions in his mind. After realizing that none of them were among them, he had a slight understanding and then respectfully replied, "Reporting to the Grand Supervisor, this humble official has never heard of such a matter. This humble official comes from the Kang family of Chongming and grew up in Shannan. I would not have such distant relatives."

Wei Dajian's expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded for a moment and then remained silent. It was only when Kuang Liuting saw this that he waved his hand, allowing Headmaster Kang to leave the hall.

Kuang Liuting then instructed, "Do your job well," and without waiting for Kang Dabao's reaction, he bent his wrist, causing the door to close by itself without any wind.

Just as the doors were closing, the spiritual barrier connecting the entire Sword Nurturing Hall to them reopened. Kuang Liuting spoke with Grand Eunuch Wei again, but their conversation was not about the important military and national affairs they had discussed before:

"Your Excellency, what do you think of this boy?!"

"Not bad. At his age, he might be comparable to some Daoist disciples from families like Wu Laoshan. I just don't know what the quality of his pill will be when he forms his core."

But under normal circumstances, how could such a person be authorized by Emperor Wei?

The reason why Emperor Wei earnestly instructed the two of them to carefully examine Kang Dabao was something that Eunuch Wei could easily understand: it was simply because the man came from a humble background.

Moreover, the previous question confirmed that Kang Dabao had no intention of currying favor with a noble family, which was exactly what Emperor Wei wanted.

Since gaining Shen Lingfeng, Emperor Wei seemed to have become addicted to promoting people from humble backgrounds. However, in the eyes of Grand Eunuch Wei, this was not entirely a good thing.

"The Emperor has been short of servants for a long time. Now that this matter is settled, this old servant must return to Taiyuan. The Minister of the Imperial Household and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs will later entrust Wanbao Trading Company to bring the provisions for establishing the capital. Your Highness need not worry. Before I leave, this old servant has a few more words to say to Your Highness."

He looked at Kuang Liuting, as if reminding him or warning him: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, in this great empire, the imperial lineage will ultimately have to be jointly governed by your family and the main lineage."

The latter pondered for a moment, then smiled and said respectfully, "Liuting thanks the Grand Eunuch for the reminder; I will certainly keep it in mind!"

Without further ado, Grand Eunuch Wei rose with the wind. When Kuang Liuting was left alone in the hall, the latter murmured again, "The main branch, your esteemed family."

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.

After leaving, Master Yueyin only bowed slightly to Fei Tianqin and glanced at Kang Dabao before heading to the north of the mountain.

He had been away from home for quite some time, and there were frequent rebellions in various families in the northern mountain region, as well as a major battle between the remnants of the two river regions and the imperial guards of the Immortal Dynasty. With so many things piling up, he naturally needed to return to the sect as soon as possible to take a look.

Gunshilu didn't exchange more pleasantries with Master Kang before leaving in a hurry.

Just now in the hall, he and Kang Dabao sat at the end of the table without saying a word, looking completely different from the spirited people they had when they first came to Shannan.

In those days, a fake alchemist could be considered a powerful figure; there were only a handful in the entire Yunjiao Prefecture. Gunshilu, by making a firm decision, enjoyed a period of glory.

But nowadays, even a genuine Golden Elixir like Wu Feng Shang Xiu can only be used at will and rarely have any dignity. Not to mention Yue Lin, Yuan Buwen, and Gun Shi Lu, who are also fake Golden Elixir users, they are also hard to compare with. Naturally, his status in the Yun Jiao Prefecture court has plummeted.

Kuang Liuting might still remember that he was a former servant of the Prince's residence. Previously, when discussing important military and national affairs, he would specially summon him to a banquet to discuss the matter, just like Fei Nanying.

However, given the Kuang family's harsh and ungrateful nature, they will probably gradually forget about it after only a few times.

As things stand, it's only a matter of time before Kang Dabao surpasses Gunshilu in status. Perhaps the next time the latter attends a hearing, he'll be able to offer his advice, while this fake Sima Gunshilu will likely remain a mere figurehead.

Looking at Gun Shilu's somewhat desolate figure, Master Kang couldn't help but sigh: "I wonder if Gun, the fake Sima, regrets it."

"It's not your place to worry about others," Fei Tianqin said calmly as he woke Kang Dabao up. "Did you hear clearly what the Duke and the Master were saying earlier?"

Kang Dabao respectfully replied, "I heard you clearly, sir."

Fei Nanying also chimed in at the opportune moment: "So, in your opinion, is it possible for our Duke of Qin's mansion to take over the fertile lands of Shanbei in one fell swoop?"

Headmaster Kang did not correct his brother's claim that the so-called "Qin State Duke's Mansion" did not even have a single glazed tile yet. He simply denied it, saying, "Absolutely not! Ever since True Person Yueyin voluntarily gave away a piece of land to the Hehuan Sect, it is enough to show how submissive the Wumu Mountain sect is."

Even if Mount Wumu becomes desolate in the future, we should do our best to help it preserve its lineage. We must never attempt to annex it, lest the other factions feel a sense of shared vulnerability! Right now, everyone is on the fence; if one side gains another, the other side will lose two. This is something we cannot do!

"Hmm, you have a good eye." Fei Tianqin seemed quite satisfied, then added with a faint smile:
“If you can see this clearly, Yueyin can see it very clearly as well. He has really played his tricks this time. It's only because Eunuch Wei still remembers the small contributions he has made in serving the emperor and traveling to the foreign seas over the years, otherwise he might have been punished on the spot.”

Let's go back and prepare. If one door closes, another opens. Since the Duke doesn't seem to be ready to confront Zhaixing Tower, we can turn our attention to the northern mountain road.

Even if other places require careful consideration, the Santing Prefecture allocated to the Hehuan Sect must be vacated immediately. It's a wealthy prefecture, with two Golden Core cultivators and three top-tier cultivators residing there; it can be moved at any time!

"Yes, I will remember it!"

(End of this chapter)