Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 506 Pond Fish
—Yunjiao Prefecture, Xuanwei City, Fei Family

Fei Nanying formed the Dragon-Tiger Seal with his hands, dressed in a black Taoist robe, and sat cross-legged in meditation. The "Dongxuan Lingbao Scripture" on his lap moved without wind, and the silk-like pages emitted a purple light, each word imprinted into his sea of ​​consciousness like a branding iron.

Beside him, a jade lotus-patterned incense burner emitted incense smoke. The smoke, made from the finest sandalwood and mixed with the crisp floral fragrance of spring in the snow, permeated the quiet room, refreshing the mind and spirit, and giving the cultivators inside a sense of tranquility.

If he were still in the Yingzhou clan territory, a pillar of the clan like him, within sixty years of reaching the Core Formation stage, should be cultivating peacefully, keeping quiet and avoiding outsiders.

But Fei Nanying is caught in the whirlpool of the world, so it's rare for him to be so carefree.

His cultivation had only lasted for half a month when, on this day, someone again made a sound through the eaves of the quiet room.

"Patriarch, several fellow Daoists from the Chongming Sect have arrived."

Upon hearing the commotion, Fei Nanying opened his eyes, a hint of anger flashing in them.

He gestured towards the door, and the spiritual seals on the Lingzhen wooden door gradually dispelled. Hearing the commotion, Fei Enwen stepped across the jade threshold and respectfully said, "Master, it is Fellow Daoist Jiang and several other fellow Daoists from the Chongming Sect who have arrived."

Since being formally registered in the Fei family genealogy, the latter has received the same resources and treatment as the direct descendants, and can be considered one of the few Golden Core seedlings among the Fei family members in Yunjiao Prefecture. In addition, due to his special status, he was able to serve as a regular servant by the head of the family.

"Yes, I understand. Has Fellow Daoist Chu arrived yet?!" Fei Nanying stood up from his jade throne, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang said that Fellow Daoist Yuan has gone to invite him, and he will come to visit soon."

Upon hearing this, Fei Nanying showed a hint of satisfaction on his face, and then said, "Well, then I'll go and see him. Hehuanzong, take my name card to the Duke's mansion and invite Zhu Tong, the registrar, to come to our home as well."

Feinwen replied respectfully, "Uncle Nanfeng has already set off, but we haven't received any news of his return yet."

"Hmm, that's good then." Fei Nanying's expression of satisfaction deepened noticeably.

While Fei Nanying was burdened by Fei Tianqin's journey to the clan's territory and the absence of another high-ranking cultivator from the Fei family residing in the southern mountains, making it difficult for him to focus on his cultivation, everyone in the family did their best to minimize the disturbances to Fei Nanying.

Fei Nanying strode into the council hall, where Chongmingzong and his entourage were already standing. Fei Nanying had some impression of these people.

Jiang Qing goes without saying; in Gun Shilu's eyes, this Third Master Jiang Chongming is already a sure thing to become his son-in-law. However, Fei Nanying feels that given the Anshan Gun family's social standing, it would be difficult to make this happen.

After all, with such a background, such age, such cultivation, such talent, such character, and such swordsmanship, it seems that no ordinary family could possibly be worthy of her.

As for the three people behind Jiang Qing, Fei Nanying had seen them several times.

One of them, surnamed Zhou, was over 120 years old, yet he was still Kang Dabao's junior brother. At such an age, he was only at the late stage of Qi Refining, making him a rare second-tier cultivator, but he wouldn't be able to do much for the Chongming Sect for much longer.

The other person seemed to be Kang Dabao's apprentice, and appeared to have inherited some of the boy's honest and pragmatic personality. Fei Nanying vaguely remembered that Kang Dabao had mentioned that he knew some beast-taming skills and was quite reliable. As for his name, he couldn't recall it.

However, Fei Nanying didn't care about any of this. After all, in his opinion, apart from Kang Dabao, the only person in Chongming Sect who was qualified to talk to him was Jiang Qing.

"Please have a seat." Fei Nanying exchanged a few simple pleasantries, and only after Jiang Qing and the other two had taken their seats did he speak: "Young friend Jiang, what price did those scoundrels from the Three Immortals Cave ask for this time?!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qing's face showed some displeasure: "Reporting to Senior, the Chongming Sect is to cede more than four hundred households in the Cold Crow Mountain Range, pay one million spirit stones, and provide ten Foundation Establishment spirit items. As the leader of the group, my unworthy disciple failed to severely punish the Chongming disciples who offended the Three Immortals Cave's followers, and should also pay with his life. This matter can be considered settled."

"Heh, why doesn't he just let all the Foundation Establishment cultivators of your Chongming Sect stick out their necks and let them chop them off? That would be much more efficient!" Fei Nanying sneered, but then remained silent for a long time.

Jiang Qing's expression grew even more anxious. If it were up to his nature, how could he possibly do something so humble and subservient?

It was only because Sect Leader Kang went to Yingzhou, Ye Zhengwen stayed at the sect to appease the people, and Yuan Jin went to the Fei residence to invite important people that he was able to take on a major role in this council hall.

Zhou Yixiu, being an experienced and shrewd man, naturally noticed his third senior brother's unusual behavior. However, as a mere minor cultivator, it was already somewhat presumptuous of him to have a position in this hall, and it would be even more inappropriate for him to speak rashly.

Upon reaching this point, he gave Duan Anle, who was beside him, a wink. The latter immediately understood, having already prepared his response. He rose, stepped into the hall, and bowed to Fei Nanying, saying:
"We juniors understand that this matter has put you in a difficult position, senior, and we had no intention of offending the esteemed envoy of the Hehuan Sect. Junior Brother Ming and the others were genuinely unaware that it was the esteemed envoy of the Hehuan Sect who had sent people to carry out this task, which is why they acted so rashly. The Chongming Sect is willing to make amends, only hoping that Junior Brother Ming and the others can return to the sect as soon as possible. However, this compensation is truly..."

"Well, the Three Immortals Cave has no intention of negotiating at all. Let alone the fact that only an outer disciple has perished, even if they were to sell a fake core, it wouldn't be worth this much."

Fei Enwen had maintained a good relationship with the head of the Kang family over the past year or two. Seeing that his master looked alright, he mustered up his courage and stepped forward to speak up for him.

A look of melancholy gradually appeared between Fei Nanying's brows. This Three Immortals Cave was just an idle force in the Northern Mountain Road, and it couldn't even occupy a third-order spiritual vein.

It only had a few fake Core Formation cultivators in charge, with two or three hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators and several thousand Qi Refining disciples of varying quality interspersed among them. Although it was called a sect, it actually had more of a mortal bandit's feel to it.

Let alone outsiders who can't understand their background and lineage, even those few fake cultivators in their sect probably don't know how many disciples they have or how many cultivation techniques are used in their sect. It's laughable.

Back in Shanbeidao, Sanxiandong had a habit of engaging in some dubious business.

However, he often did things that were outrageous and angered both heaven and man, but he was good at keeping his eyes open and never offended anyone he couldn't afford to offend, so he wasn't particularly conspicuous.

If this Three Immortals Cave were in normal times, let alone what Fei Nanying would do to it, even if the Chongming Sect, now that Kang Dabao is not here, were to launch a large-scale attack, it might be able to easily overthrow this force.

But this time, the Three Immortals Cave has become involved with Chu Han, the Spring Breeze Envoy of the Joyful Union Sect, which is a bit of a headache.

It's important to understand that the Hehuan Sect is not like the Wumu Mountain Sect, which has no successors and is only at the Nascent Soul stage. Its ability to operate in the prosperous Guandong region for thousands of years, spanning two dynasties, speaks volumes about its strength.

To be honest, even local tyrants like the current Star-Picking Pavilion Master are far inferior to him, only a level below forces like the Yu Kun Han family and Benying Temple.

It's truly remarkable that such a powerful family has managed to join the Qin State Duke's household. Therefore, Fei Nanying would never want to provoke them unless absolutely necessary.

However, the matter concerning Chongming Sect was clearly different. Fei Nanying did not believe that Chu Han, the Spring Breeze Envoy of the prestigious Hehuan Sect, would be so concerned about a Foundation Establishment sect.

You should know that Mingzhe and his group had just witnessed the Chongming disciples being harmed by the villains of the Three Immortals Cave and had reached a truce with them; then the elite disciples of the Hehuan Sect abducted the entire Chongming caravan and locked them in the newly built prison in Xuanxiao Mountain.

Subsequently, the document of accusation from Sanxiandong was placed on the archway of Xiaohuanshan.

Jiang Qing and his group had come to inquire about strategies and request a reconciliation ten days prior, and Fei Nanying had also met with them at that time. After all, this matter involved the Nascent Soul sect, and even Fei Nanying had to lose his arrogance and become extremely cautious.

After hearing this, the latter told the Chongming Sect members to wait for news and gave them a word of advice: "Don't send out the news yet, lest you implicate your sect leader a second time."

But after waiting for another ten days, judging from the rampant behavior of the Three Immortals Cave, it was clear that things were not looking good.

Everyone knows who the Chongming Sect is, and everyone knows whose son-in-law the Chongming Sect leader is. So it is self-evident who this Spring Breeze Envoy Chu Han is here for.

Fei Nanying roughly understood that this was probably because the Hehuan Sect had its eye on the Fei family's position. Or perhaps, it was because they had their eyes on the positions of the former princes.

Many believe that the Fei family of Yingzhou lacks a true leader and should relinquish their position as the Duke of Qin's right-hand man so that another family can take over.

However, Fei Yeyi placed his bet early and made the right choice. It would have been too unseemly to attack the Fei family right away, so the Chongming Sect became someone else's target. Clipping off the wings first and then forcing the main party to back down was a fairly common tactic.

Therefore, regardless of whether this is a warning to others or a way to make an example of someone, Fei Nanying felt there was still some room for maneuver if this matter was only the intention of Chu Han, the Spring Breeze Envoy. However, if it was truly the work of the Crimson Snow Immortal, then this matter would be difficult to handle.

The will of the true person cannot be defied in the slightest by Fei Nanying in his current state. It may be necessary to report to Ancestor Ye Qing before proceeding with any further actions.

It's strange, really. This David dynasty is clearly still in turmoil, and after the imperial edicts left Taiyuan, it's unclear how many families would actually comply. Yet, the officials in the court and these powerful clans and families outside the capital have already started to disregard decorum and engage in these sordid acts. It's laughable.

I wonder how many tricks it will take to win back the throne if the Duke of Qin really ascends to the throne.
Fei Nanying pondered for a while, and was about to speak when he was interrupted by Yuan Jin and Qi Buxiu, who had entered the room together.

"Does fellow Daoist know the background of Chu Han?" Chu Yanran asked before even sitting down. Her tone was somewhat urgent, clearly showing her great apprehension towards this Spring Breeze Envoy from the Joyful Union Sect.

Fei Nanying was somewhat surprised by her enthusiasm, as he knew that Chu Yanran had some connection with Chongmingzong because of her father.

However, the one who wants to punish Chongming Sect this time is a Grandmaster Golden Core cultivator. In Fei Nanying's eyes, it was already rare that Chu Yanran even bothered to come over, but judging from her current appearance, she really seems to be willing to lend a hand.

Little did he know that this beautiful woman was the Black-Shoeed Daoist who was still thinking about heading to the outer seas to seek the opportunity of a superior golden elixir, which was why she was taking such good care of Chongming Sect.

Fei Nanying thought that Chu Yanran was truly kind-hearted, which was why she rushed to help out of a sense of public duty, and he felt a little more favorably disposed towards this beautiful woman. He pondered for a moment before speaking:

"If my memory serves me correctly, Chu Han began serving Immortal Jiangxue and was promoted to Spring Breeze Envoy a year ago."

Chu Yanran knew these things. After all, the Spring Breeze Envoy of the Joyful Union Sect was extremely famous, and only those who had served a True Person for many years and were at the Golden Core stage could become envoys. This was already basic common knowledge among cultivators with a little knowledge.

Fei Nanying knew these things, so he continued without pausing after saying them: "However, it is rumored that Master Jiangxue is not fond of any of the twelve Spring Breeze Envoys under his command, but only favors one pseudo-Dan Master who is skilled in the art. Therefore, Chu Han is not very valued by him either."

"Just a marginal character?" Chu Yanran's beautiful eyes flashed, her tone revealing a hint of ease.

Fei Nanying was somewhat taken aback by her reaction. "This woman..."

Hearing Chu Yanran's words made Jiang Qing, who was sitting to one side, somewhat excited. However, Fei Enwen, who had returned alone, poured cold water on everyone in the hall.

When Fein heard this, he looked embarrassed, but he could only bite the bullet and say, "Master, Clerk Zhu said that he is busy with official duties and can hardly find time to leave."

"Has the Duke shown his face?!"

“Master, I... I haven’t even met Zhu Zhubu. He asked a subordinate official of the Duke’s mansion to tell me this.”

Those in the hall reacted with varying expressions upon hearing this, but all felt a chill in their hearts because of these words. Jiang Qing was about to speak out in anger almost instantly, but after glancing at the expressions of his senior and junior brothers beside him, he swallowed his curses back.

Chu Yanran did not show any surprise in her eyes; instead, she quietly comforted her husband beside her.

Fei Nanying could only sigh softly to himself, "Truly worthy of being from the Kuang family."

————The Duke of Qin's Mansion

Kuang Liuting's face was ashen. Zhu Tong and the other high-ranking officials of the Duke's mansion knew that the Duke of Qin was in a bad mood, so they all remained silent, not daring to utter a word. After an unknown amount of time, Kuang Liuting suddenly spoke, which made all the important figures in the hall, who had been hanging their heads, raise their heads.

"Zhu Tong, go to Xiaoshan and bring that scoundrel Chu Han to see me!!"

"My lord, this is unacceptable!"

Zhu Tong, who had just achieved the Golden Core stage, had barely finished speaking when he saw Kuang Liuting staring at him with fierce eyes. He immediately felt his hair stand on end, as if he were being glared at by a dragon or tiger. He immediately abandoned all restraint and kowtowed, offering his advice:

"My lord, the Hehuan Sect has come from the Guandong region, a journey of thousands of miles, which shows their respect. As their superior, we must not show them the slightest disrespect, lest we incur condemnation from the world and be shunned by the elite."

Kuang Liuting's anger showed little sign of abating; instead, he questioned her sharply:

"So you mean that another official of my Great Wei Dynasty has been murdered in the south of the mountain, and I should just back down and turn a blind eye?! Back then, I had to endure it before I achieved the Golden Core, and now that I have achieved the highest level of the Golden Core and been granted the title of Duke, you still expect me to endure it?!"

“My lord, I know that you have lofty ambitions, but you must not be too hasty in everything. Now that the Duke of Qin’s mansion controls two regions and bears the Emperor’s high expectations, we can no longer do things in a way that pleases you.”

When Zhu Tongyan arrived at this point, he saw that Kuang Liuting's anger had intensified, and a sense of fear arose in his heart. However, he was, after all, someone whom the Left Chancellor Gui Nianzhi recognized, and he quickly calmed down and continued speaking eloquently:
"Today's forbearance is tomorrow's intolerance; today's temporary leniency towards the county official's humiliation is for tomorrow's upright officials to truly govern and protect the people on behalf of the descendants of the founding emperor."
Today, let the Hehuan Sect run rampant; this will ensure a just cause for cleansing the realm tomorrow. My lord, as the sage said, "A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan." This humble official humbly begs Your Excellency to consider this matter!

Upon hearing this, Kuang Liuting's expression softened slightly, and he continued:
"Can't you really see that the Hehuan Sect's actions are aimed at the Fei family?! Fei Nanying is a former retainer of mine from my time as a prince, and the Fei family of Yingzhou still has a large number of members abandoning their families and homes to come to this desolate border region. How do you expect me to explain this to them? Won't the world laugh at me, Kuang Liuting, for being a heartless and ungrateful person?!"

"'Big fish eat little fish' is also a profound truth as told by the sages. If Your Excellency really gets involved in this matter, it will only invite criticism."

Zhu Tong spoke up again to persuade them: "The Hehuan Sect was originally wavering, but it was all thanks to the Duke's achievement of a top-grade pill that caused a sensation throughout the world. This time, the fact that they were able to relocate their elite troops to Shannan is even more a testament to their obedience. It was inevitable that they would do something inappropriate in the early stages. It is only right that the Duke's Mansion covered for them. How can you still speak out and question them?"

After these words, Kuang Liuting seemed to suddenly calm down. After a while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Does the world really not laugh?"

"If Your Excellency were to make such an unwise move as 'offending a Nascent Soul cultivator for the sake of a powerful family,' it would only draw the world's attention." At this point, Zhu Tong had already sensed Kuang Liuting's change of heart, and so she pressed her advantage, respectfully advising him:

"In the vast world, Your Excellency only needs to care about the moods of the thirty-two Nascent Soul factions scattered across various paths. As for the thoughts of the rest, they are not worth mentioning. Moreover, the Hehuan Sect's methods are currently mild, merely a test."

If Fei Jiazi of Yingzhou had known how to protect himself, then the Hehuan Sect wouldn't have been able to make any big moves this time. At most, that damned Chongming Sect would have lost some disciples and resources.

Kuang Liuting was so shocked by these words that his body trembled. A long list of words immediately came to mind, but he could not find a single one to refute them, so he fell silent again.

"Have someone keep an eye on Chu Han. The Fei family of Yingzhou has served me faithfully for many years and must not be treated lightly. Chong Mingzong has also rendered meritorious service to me and is considered a good family, so he must not be treated too harshly either!"

"Yes."

—Inside Fei Family Hall

"In that case, I will go and see Chu Han, the Spring Breeze Envoy, after some time to see if there is any chance to turn things around."

Zhu Tong, who was expected to attend, declined to participate, which greatly disrupted Fei Nanying's plans. For a while, he couldn't find a suitable person to discuss things with, which made him feel very tired.

The cultivators of Chongming Sect were not satisfied, but seeing that the two senior cultivators in the hall were no longer speaking, they wisely got up and took their leave.

Jiang Qing seemed to have gained a lot of understanding after being advised by his fellow disciples, and his face had lost much of its resentment. However, after hastily bowing to the two senior cultivators, he was the first to leap out of the door.

The remaining cultivators of Chongming Sect followed closely behind, except for one hunched old man with snow-white hair who turned back halfway through his cultivation.

He seemed to have made a great decision. He didn't speak at first, but instead bowed deeply to Fei Nanying with utmost respect: "This junior, Zhou Yixiu, presumptuously requests that if the Hehuan Sect insists that my Chongming Sect pay with a life, I, an elder, may offer my life in exchange. That would be quite appropriate."

(End of this chapter)