Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 483 Nine Years Later, the Ascension Ceremony (Part 3)
On the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the 490th year of the reign of Emperor Qianfeng, it was a day of divine intervention, suitable for both examination and sacrifice.

A young woman rode in a beast-drawn carriage pulled by four cloud-riding steeds along a wide mountain road. On either side of the road were some laborers, but they looked different from those she usually saw, prompting her to ask the yellow-faced servant beside her:
“Granny Xiu, the teachers under the jurisdiction of Chongming Sect are somewhat different from those we usually see.”

The young girl's voice was clear and melodious, quite pleasant to hear. The yellow-faced servant woman, called "Xiu Mama," glanced at them briefly and saw that the teachers were all ruddy-faced, and the few rogue cultivators hired to supervise the work had almost nothing to do, only crowding around a young outer disciple and offering flattery. Remembering the rumors she had heard, she began to explain in a soft voice:

"It is said that the head of Chongming Zongkang advocates benevolence in governing, which is why the local customs may be different from those of our Yunwei Zheng family."

"Oh, I have heard of it." The young girl nodded slightly, her face showing no change, but she did not ask any further questions. The old woman beside her, clearly of high status, dared to speak before the girl could reply:
"The patriarch and elders must not reveal their opinions about Chongming Sect's actions on this small mountain, otherwise it may cause discord between the two families."

"I know, Granny, you don't need to worry." The young girl knew that the head of the family was somewhat dissatisfied with Chongmingzong's actions. After all, people like Kang Dabao, who truly treated ordinary people as human beings, were never popular.

The cloud-riding carriage the girl was riding in was quite conspicuous among the crowd heading to Xiaohuan Mountain for the Ascension Ceremony. This was not only due to the carriage's luxurious decor, but also because the four cloud-riding steeds pulling it were eye-catching.

This is because everyone knows that the spirit beasts bred by Chongming Sect are excellent as war mounts. Not only are they much tougher and easier to raise than spirit beasts of the same rank, but if you raise them carefully for one or two decades, they have a high chance of advancing to the middle rank of the first rank. For many small families, this is a good choice for a mount.

However, due to the numerous battles fought by the Chongming Sect, the number of Cloud-Stepping Steeds had remained stagnant. They barely had enough for their own use, so they certainly wouldn't put them in the Chongming Pavilion to be sold alongside the Grey Geese and Deer.

Therefore, apart from the disciples of the Chongming Sect itself, only the various families within the Chongming Alliance can obtain a few heads, and it is rare for outsiders to see them.

In other words, if this Cloud Steed were just a decent first-tier spirit beast, it would be fine, but it also represents the closeness of its relationship with the Chongming Sect, making it even more precious.

The owner of this luxurious carriage, whose origins are unknown, was able to obtain four carriages to drive, which naturally attracted the attention of many.

However, judging from the driver's profound aura, he was likely a Qi Refining Peak cultivator who was just one step away from attempting Foundation Establishment. The person inside the carriage was also someone of considerable background. Although the people around were curious, they did not have any inappropriate thoughts.

The beast-drawn carriage soon arrived at the reception hall at the foot of Xiaohuan Mountain. There were a few disciples outside the hall who had just come out to work from Yulin Hall. They were not knowledgeable enough to recognize which family they were from, so they could only report to Duan Yunzhou, who was in charge of this place.

Upon hearing the news, the latter immediately apologized and took his leave from the guest in front of him. As he came out, he saw the beautiful young woman emerging from the carriage. This woman was without makeup, with a face as white as porcelain, almond-shaped eyes, and long eyelashes; she was exceptionally beautiful.

Together with Granny Xiu, she slowly walked up to Duan Yunzhou and said softly, "Zheng Wanbi of the Yunwei Zheng family greets fellow Daoist."

After a slight pause, the latter ignored the stunning beauty before him and returned the greeting with a smile: "So you are the immortal seedling of the Zheng family of Yunwei this year? My master is currently in the council hall with your elders, and please come with me."

"I'm bothering you, fellow Daoist." Zheng Wanbi's smile deepened. Just as she was about to follow the newly built Ascension Ladder with Granny Xiu beside her, Duan Yunzhou stopped the yellow-faced servant woman.

"Hmm?!" Granny Xiu frowned, a hint of displeasure in her expression.

Duan Yunzhou inherited his father's demeanor and showed no fear even when facing a true cultivator: "Please forgive me, senior. Our sect leader has established rules. Xiaohuan Mountain is the foundation of our sect, and outsiders are not permitted to enter without permission."

"Please, senior, move to the reception hall. I will have my disciple guide you there. Once you have prepared your visiting card, and the sect leader issues an edict, disciples will then lead you up the mountain to meet Fellow Daoist Zheng."

Zheng Wanbi was slightly surprised, but she quickly suppressed the surprise.

Even though she knew that a disciple who could serve as a guest master must have an extraordinary background, Granny Xiu still didn't want her young lady to be mistreated.

You should know that Zheng Taibai, the patriarch of the Yunwei Zheng family, has been seriously injured and unable to leave the country since the Battle of Fazhou nine years ago.

Furthermore, because the Zheng family's private army collapsed early, they didn't even get much of the profits after the final recapture of Fazhou. Compared to the Chongming Alliance, which made a fortune, the Yunwei Zheng family lost a lot of assets and suffered greatly.

As a result, the Zheng family's power was greatly diminished. If it weren't for the fact that they still had some goodwill with Han Ningyue, the wife of Marquis Fei Nanying of the old city, and had obtained some favors and assignments, they would probably have had a hard time surviving in this lowly place in Shannan Road.

The Zheng family members are unworthy, and it's unknown when the next alchemist will emerge. Naturally, the entire clan is filled with anxiety.

Even after finally producing a disciple with two spiritual roots like Zheng Wanbi, they were afraid of being held back at home. So they wanted to seek refuge under a major Golden Core sect under the jurisdiction of the Duke of Qin's mansion, but ultimately, this plan failed.

It should be noted that even Wu Feng Shangxiu, who had just built the Zhanglong Court in Dingzhou, was unwilling to take in this ungrateful family member. Therefore, the Golden Core cultivators under the jurisdiction of the Duke of Qin's mansion had even less interest in Zheng Wanbi.

Left with no other option, the Zheng family had to settle for second best and went through Han Ningyue's connections to Fei Shuhe, finally managing to obtain a promise of a true lineage of the Chongming Sect.

If we follow what Granny Xiu thinks, the so-called tiger may die but its spirit remains. The Yunwei Zheng family is, after all, a respectable family from the capital region, and they are also considered to be descendants of the Duke's mansion. They probably even have an impression of Kuang Liuting. Even if they had some disagreements with Chongmingzong in the past, they shouldn't have given Zheng Wanbi such a show of force.

Thinking of this, Granny Xiu's anger deepened, and she sneered, "Your family certainly has some grand rules. I thought some Golden Core sect had come to visit! Your family has its rules, and so does my Yunwei Zheng family. As the direct descendant of the Zheng family and a descendant of the Pill Master, Miss is naturally of noble birth. How dare I leave so easily?!"

With each word the sallow-faced servant woman spoke, her aura grew stronger. Although Duan Yunzhou was already at the peak of Qi Refining, he was still so overwhelmed by her that he almost bent over.

Although the latter's cultivation was inferior, he showed no fear on his face. He even pushed aside several junior brothers who wanted to come forward to help, and then said calmly under such heavy pressure, "Xiao Huan Mountain is the foundation of our sect. Please respect yourself, senior. Do not say that I did not warn you."

"What a disobedient brat who doesn't know his place!" The sallow-faced maid was lifted up and was about to lash out when she heard someone speak coldly behind her: "Old woman, what do you intend to do?!"

The sallow-faced servant woman turned around and, seeing that the man was a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a rugged appearance and an extraordinary bearing, asked in a questioning voice, "Who are you, sir?!"

"You don't even recognize me, yet you dare to cause trouble in my Chongming Sect?!" The newcomer sneered. Duan Yunzhou and the other disciples in the reception hall immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Uncle Kang."

"Uncle Kang?!" Granny Xiu's heart immediately began to pound. There were quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators with the surname Kang in the Chongming Clan, but the person in front of her could not possibly be Kang Dabao. Another one named Kang Rongquan seemed to have the most upright and peaceful temperament, which was also different from the person in front of her. So there was only one person left.

"Servant Yunwei, a first-class guest of the Zheng family, greets the young master of the Kang family."

"Good old woman, are you introducing yourself to me now?!" Kang Changxi's disgust deepened, then he sneered, "What? Do you think my bloodline is lowly? Or do you think that because my Chongming Sect has no fake alchemist in charge, I have to put up with your Yunwei Zheng family's nonsense?!"

"This servant wouldn't dare!!" Granny Xiu was immediately trembling from the shout. If she hadn't been mindful of her master's reputation, she might have collapsed.

"If you don't dare, then get out!! Go back to the Zheng family and complain about this young master's wickedness. Let's see if your master dares to sow discord with the old lady." After Kang Changxi finished speaking, a golden light flashed in his eyes, frightening Xiu Mama so much that she immediately knelt on the ground, stammering for a long time, but unable to utter a word: "Servant...servant."

It's no wonder that Granny Xiu was terrified. Kang Changxi had formed the Ice Leaf Dao Foundation three years ago, which had already surprised many of the people in charge of the household.

This is because the father and son, both of whom are exceptionally talented, are rare in the Shannan region. Even within the Fei family of Yingzhou, only Fei Nanying and Fei Wanqing, father and daughter, have achieved such success in the past sixty years.

If that were all, Granny Xiu wouldn't need to be so afraid of Kang Changxi. However, the latter, along with Jin Shilun, who had just completed his Foundation Establishment, had accepted the request from Dingzhou Zhanglongting and led the Chizhang Guard to help pacify the area.

Within a month, they had conquered six strongholds and thirteen fortresses in Xijiang County, and even personally killed no fewer than three Foundation Establishment cultivators. For a cultivator like Granny Xiu, who was skilled in domestic affairs but not in combat, this was truly terrifying.

The situation had escalated to such a point that it was unlikely to end well. However, Zheng Wanbi, who had remained silent all along, gracefully stepped forward and bowed to Kang Changxi with a gentle smile.
"This matter is due to Wanbi's lax discipline. I urge you, senior, to consider the relationship between our two families and the fact that Granny Xiu was overly anxious and loyal, and to forgive her."

The latter, who was still furious, softened his tone upon seeing the female cultivator's appearance: "Heh, so the Yunwei Zheng family does have someone who knows how to talk?!"

Zheng Wanbi dared not answer, but simply lowered her head and remained silent. Kang Changxi let out another cold laugh and said to the yellow-faced servant woman in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist, take care and don't see me off."

"Thank you very much, Young Master Kang! Miss, you..."

"My Chongming Sect doesn't eat people, so hurry up and leave! She'll have to take a piece of our flesh! Go quickly, the old man might not even look at her. Does he really think being the true heir of my family is so easy?!"

After Kang Changxi finished speaking, he ignored the reactions of the cultivators present, whispered a few words to Duan Yunzhou, and then rode the golden-haired old donkey he had borrowed from He Chang to the council hall on the mountaintop.

Thanks to the Chongming Sect's skill in collecting storage bags, Xiaohuan Mountain was reconnected to its original spiritual vein several years ago, thanks to the efforts of several skilled geomancers. Now it is a mid-grade second-tier mountain, a far cry from the small two-courtyard house when the Golden-haired Old Donkey first arrived.

Moreover, Xiao Huan Mountain not only has become much richer in spiritual energy, but it also seems to have grown considerably over the years.

Back then, Wu Meng drove a donkey cart with several mortal family heads to the top of the mountain in less than half an hour. Now, Kang Changxi, as a true cultivator, rode a second-tier spirit beast, an old donkey, and it took him the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to reach the top.

There were several disciples on duty outside the council hall, some of whom were unfamiliar faces, but Kang Changxi recognized the leader, Tang Jiu, a true disciple.

This disciple of Jin Shilun is now at the peak of Qi Refining. He won first place in last year's small competition and has the aptitude of two spiritual roots. He will probably not be a few years behind Jin Shilun in Foundation Establishment, who has been struggling for a long time. Therefore, many elders have high regard for him.

At this moment, he was in a hurry to hand over his duties to the sect leader Kang, so he didn't have time to exchange pleasantries with this junior disciple. After checking the talisman on his waist, and waiting for the heavy spiritual barrier of the gate to be lifted, Kang Changxi stepped into the council hall.

The council hall was much livelier than usual at this time. The annual Ascension Conference was no longer a big deal for the elders of the sect.

In the past, Elder Yuan Jin of the War Hall and Elder Zhou Yixiu of the Spirit Plant Hall should still be training soldiers and tending to spirit plants in Wild Fox Mountain; while Elder Jiang Qing of the Punishment Hall should also be in seclusion.
Elder Duan Anle of the Beast Garden has taken a lot of pills in recent years and has made great progress in his cultivation. Now that he should settle down, he often goes alone into the Cold Crow Mountain to search for exotic monsters in order to make the Beast Garden even more prosperous.

Another elder of spiritual plants, Kang Rongquan, has become much less impetuous in recent years. He used to love fighting the most since he was a child, but in recent years he has become like a pure Taoist, spending most of his time cultivating in his cave and rarely showing himself.
Elder Mingzhe of the Commerce Department also received a favor. After the battle of Santing Prefecture, he temporarily took a break from his duties and devoted himself to cultivation, hoping to fulfill the earnest expectations of the Great Master Kang as soon as possible and transform the mountain of resources into cultivation.

The only elders who regularly take charge of affairs within the sect are Elder Ye Zhengwen, who is in charge of external affairs, and Jin Shilun, who has just completed the Foundation Establishment stage. Even Kang Dabao and his son are rarely seen, appearing only briefly in passing.

However, the Ascension Ceremony held every five or ten years is a rare occasion for families to reunite. Unless there is something urgent, they will all come out to meet.

However, upon entering the hall today, Kang Changxi discovered that Jiang Qing was not present. Seeing all the teachers and fellow disciples seated in the main hall, and noticing that the head of the group, Master Kang, was speaking calmly with a kind-faced, white-browed Taoist, he understood immediately. "Third Uncle still dislikes receiving guests," Kang Changxi thought, intending to discreetly find a corner to sit down and talk to his fellow disciples, but was stopped by Kang Dabao at the head of the group.

"You unfilial son, why haven't you come to pay your respects to Senior Zheng?!"

“Senior Zheng?!” Kang Changxi immediately understood and sighed inwardly, “What serious injury and difficulty in healing, what seclusion and refusal to emerge? Didn’t he still end up as a disciple of Xiaohuan Mountain? It’s really tough on this old man, he can’t even heal his injuries properly, yet he has to come out to seek favors for his descendants.”

Despite his thoughts, Kang Changxi's actions were meticulous: "Junior Kang Changxi greets Senior Zheng!"

Zheng Taibai, who was sitting next to the head of the Kangda Sect, had a look of admiration in his eyes and cheered repeatedly.

It wasn't that the old man was being disrespectful and insisting on praising Kang Changxi's demeanor. Although the latter looked quite like his father and his usual behavior was rather rough, to be honest, Fei Shuhe had hired quite a few etiquette instructors for him.

Therefore, if one were to perform the rituals in a strictly formal manner, Kang Changxi not only inherited the cheerful and carefree demeanor that Kang Dabao had when he was dressed up, but also, like Fei Shuhe, could demonstrate his nobility in the smallest details of stillness and movement.

Her demeanor alone is no less impressive than that of most of the nobles in Taiyuan.

"Excellent, truly worthy of being the prodigy of the Kang family." Zheng Taibai stroked his beard repeatedly, praising him. He then beckoned Kang Changxi closer and said gently:
"Sixty years ago, in Xunzhou, Huyao County, Jingji Province, I was fortunate enough to obtain a wisp of a third-tier Chi-type spirit. However, it remained a treasure hidden in my hands for decades. Today, seeing your youthful talent, I feel it is a perfect match for you. Therefore, I present this item as a token of my appreciation."

The latter, without even looking at the expression of the Great Master Kang, did not utter a word of refusal. After thanking him repeatedly, he accepted the gourd spirit artifact containing the third-tier Chi-type spirit from Zheng Taibai's hand, which surprised the head of the Zheng family.

Zheng Taibai was unaware that Kang Changxi also kept in mind Kang Dabao's long-standing principle of "don't listen to nice words, but keep good things." However, just by looking at the satisfied expression on the face of the headmaster Kang beside him, he knew that today's matter was already mostly settled.

The door knocker had barely been presented when Zheng Taibai, without pausing for a moment, immediately handed Kang Dabao a pre-prepared spiritual contract marked with a divination slip:
"Sect Leader Kang possesses profound virtue and a realm that is beyond the reach of ordinary people of the same level. The six towns north of Fuyang County in Dingzhou, which are adjacent to Jin County, are the wealthy lands under the jurisdiction of my Yunwei Zheng family."

There are approximately 180 sects dedicated to cultivating immortality, among which nearly a handful are of humble origins. These will be the offerings for Wanbi's initiation into the sect today.

As the head of the family, Sect Leader Kang's words and actions represented the reputation of the Chongming Sect, so he couldn't be as direct as his second son. Despite his inner joy, he feigned reluctance and said softly:

"They are all ministers in the same court, not to mention their private relationship with the old lady. What is the senior doing? If word gets out, won't people laugh at me, Kang Dabao, for mistreating my relatives and friends?! This is unacceptable! This is unacceptable!!"

Regardless of what Zheng Taibaek was thinking, his face was still full of affection:

"How could it not be? I am old and senile, and there is no one in the clan who can share my burdens. I am already unable to manage these affairs well. Headmaster Kang's assistance today is not only a help to the Zheng family, but also a blessing to the people of the six towns. How could it not be good?!"

"Alas, how can this be done? In that case, this junior will follow your instructions, senior. Tsk, if word gets out, it won't sound good. Senior has really caused this junior a lot of trouble!"

Zheng Taibai, however, was unwilling to continue the charade with Kang Dabao. Just then, Duan Yunzhou led Zheng Wanbi into the hall. After the two juniors had bowed to everyone in the hall, Zheng Taibai finally spoke, asking the headmaster Kang:
"What does Sect Leader Kang think of my Zheng family daughter?!"

"Radiant beauty and a kind and gentle heart."

"Could I become a janitor under Master Kang?"

"To be honest, senior, I haven't accepted any disciples for many years."

"Where is young friend Jiang?"

"My third junior brother has been in seclusion for over ten years. Otherwise, why wouldn't he come to pay his respects to you, senior?"

Zheng Taibai was taken aback, because apart from Kang Dabao and Jiang Qing, no one else in Chongming Sect could be called a "genius".

The old man was repeatedly rejected by Kang Dabao, a junior, and his anger was hard to suppress. However, his internal injuries flared up again, and he was almost in so much pain that he trembled all over.

Just then, Zheng Taibai suddenly remembered the tragic fate of the several alchemists who had fallen under his command. The resentment in his heart disappeared in a surprisingly humane way. He asked in a doubtful voice, "In Sect Leader Kang's opinion, which young friend should Wanbi become a disciple of?"

Kang Dabao had already prepared his answer in advance. After Zheng Taibai asked the question, he said softly, "My junior brother Mingzhe is a disciple of the Ming Clan. He has a clear sword heart and a bright future. He is worthy to be my teacher."

Ming Zhe responded and came out. Zheng Taibai saw that he was just an early-stage True Cultivator and a junior. Even though the former was outstanding in appearance, he was not pleased. However, he knew that the decision made by the Great Master Kang was probably not open to questioning, so he could only reply in a deep voice: "Great Master Kang is right. Wan Bi will be entrusted to your sect from now on."

"Rest assured, senior," Kang Dabao replied respectfully. After Duan Yunzhou led Zheng Wanbi down to settle her in and escorted Zheng Taibai off the mountain, the heavy spiritual barriers on the outer gate of the hall were tightly closed together, and only then did a burst of cheers come from inside the council hall.
"He, Zheng Taibai, has finally met his match!!"

"Back when Zheng Jiaqiang of Yunwei took my Uncle Heilü's share of the spirit stone mine, he should have expected this retribution!!"

"What respectable family in the capital, what fake alchemist, in front of the sect leader, don't they still have to be extremely obedient?!"

Headmaster Kang was smiling, but when he heard some arrogant words from his disciples, he straightened up and waved his hand, calming down the heated atmosphere in the hall.

As everyone in the hall grew more powerful, their respect for Kang Dabao also grew stronger. With just a slight movement from the latter, the originally noisy council hall fell silent.

The group of cultivators remained silent, waiting for the person at the head of the table to speak.

Kang Dabao didn't rush to speak, but waited quietly for a while. Just as he was about to do some calculations, Jiang Qing stepped in. Now that everyone was present, he said loudly, "Humility brings benefit, while pride invites loss. These words of the ancient sages are simple, but they are true insights. I urge you all not to forget your original intentions."

"This disciple will heed the sect leader's teachings!"

"Hmm," a loud drum doesn't need a heavy hammer; family members know their own affairs. Headmaster Kang didn't intend to lecture further, but simply gave Ming Zhe, who sat to the left, one last instruction:
"Now that she has entered the sect, she is my disciple. We must not show favoritism or prejudice. If she is willing to be my Chongming disciple sincerely, then we must not let this girl feel disheartened."

"Understood, nephew."

“Good. It is rare for us to gather together. Let us first discuss the important matters before we begin the sermon.”

"promise!"

“Junior Brother Ye, the requirements for the Ascension Ceremony have been relaxed for the past few years. Starting this year, the limit will be 120 people, with 9 being immortal seedlings and 1 being a rogue cultivator. If there are any rare talents who need special leniency, please discuss it with the disciple in charge and make your own decision. However, it is necessary to file it in the register for future reference.”

"This matter was not mentioned beforehand this year. Now that the news has come out, I'm afraid it will cause a lot of resentment. Could we postpone it until next year?"

"Well, you can decide for yourself, but you should still do your best."

"promise!"

"Third brother, Xu Liuxian, the leader of the Hanshan Sect in Hong County, was promoted to Pill Master three days ago. This is a major event for the alliance. Quickly select capable disciples and suitable spiritual items, and come with me to congratulate him at the Pill Completion Ceremony in a month or so."

"Brother Xu seems to really enjoy lively gatherings; I'm afraid he'd like more people to go."

"You can make the arrangements yourself, but keep it within limits. Don't let too many people go, or they'll end up eating all the gifts they gave away."

"Haha, don't worry, Senior Brother. Brother Xu is not a stingy person."

"Second brother, are there any vacancies in the Qingjue and Chizhang Guards? When can they be filled?"

“There are no shortage of people, but it’s difficult to get all the equipment. It’s hard to make it happen with just Yuan Yi and his men. If we buy everything, it will be very expensive, especially in Pingshui.” Yuan Jin’s eyes darkened and his tone suddenly became low.

Sect Leader Kang also sighed with regret, and then said:
"My junior nephew Ye failed in his Foundation Establishment attempt before the New Year and died. The Weapon Hall is still lacking a top-grade weapon master to oversee all affairs. Are there any outstanding disciples in the Hundred Arts Pavilion who can be selected for training? Junior Nephew Song also unfortunately died during his Foundation Establishment attempt. Are there any candidates for the position of deacon in the Punishment Hall?"

When Kang Dabao asked the question again, the little joy that remained in the hall vanished completely.

The cultivators also knew that the path of immortality was ruthless. They did not take the Ming Sect’s Foundation Establishment cultivators for granted, which seemed to spring up like mushrooms after rain. In reality, many more fellow disciples fell at the last hurdle, such as Ye Pingshui and Song Cheng, who were among the best.

The former was Yuan Jin's first disciple, and the weapon hall of Chongming Sect was built brick by brick by the master and disciple.

After Ye Pingshui's death, it was not just a matter of losing a high-grade weapon master for the Weapon Hall. Even He Yuanyi, who was about to break through to the second-level weapon master, could not replace the former's position in the hearts of all disciples of Chongming Sect who cultivated weapon crafting.

Song Cheng was also Ye Zhengwen's first disciple. With three spiritual roots, he possessed remarkable talent. After entering the Punishment Hall, he received instruction from Jiang Qing and was able to comprehend it thoroughly. His comprehension was far superior to his peers, earning him the favor of his teachers. However, he still fell at the insurmountable barrier of Foundation Establishment, which was truly regrettable.

Kang Dabao's question was ultimately about serious matters, and no matter how grieved he was, he had to answer. Ye Zhengwen, who was temporarily in charge of the Transmission of Skills Elder, had recently been handling the teaching affairs of the Hundred Arts Pavilion. As soon as he opened his mouth, he listed several candidates, most of whom were rogue cultivators who had just entered the sect. The sect leader Kang found it difficult to decide for a while, so he asked Ye Zhengwen to consider it further.

Jiang Qing also completely lost his previous joy and said softly, "Senior Brother Ye's second disciple, Liu Ya, is upright and has solid cultivation. She can be the successor to Junior Nephew Song."

Those around him secretly thought that Jiang Qing was quite straightforward and not afraid of Ye Zhengwen being moved to tears. However, Kang Dabao had a deep impression of Liu Ya and immediately agreed to Jiang Qing's request.

In addition, they discussed matters such as the favoritism shown by Han Xundao, the acting disciple of the Good Deeds Hall, and the approval of funds for the expansion of the Beast Garden. Headmaster Kang, somewhat exhausted, instructed his disciples to prepare for the subsequent Daoist gathering. He then kept only his second son by his side and asked in a gentle voice:
"How are things going with the tasks I assigned you?!"

(End of this chapter)