Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 508 After Core Formation (Part Two: Conferring a Marquis Title)

—Hehuan Sect Supervisory Office
The bronze lampstand on the inside of the stone wall is decorated with acacia flower carvings, but the wick is soaked in dark purple medicinal oil, from which wisps of pink mist rise.

The mist drifted along the slippery blue brick floor, and the soul-suppressing bell in the corner moved automatically without wind, its dark gold surface shimmering with mottled blood vessels resembling human eyes.

The cell floor tiles were engraved with a pattern of two snakes intertwined, and in the four corner recesses were congealed dark brown scabs, the result of someone's struggles. The air was damp and filled with a sweet, rotten smell.

The taste is indescribable to ordinary people.

Outside the Vajra Gate of the prison cell, the restrictive talismans flowed continuously. The cinnabar runes, tanned from the blood essence of a third-tier demon, had already seeped into the Vajra Gate, making it difficult for even a Golden Core cultivator to escape.

Patrolling disciples occasionally passed by outside the gate, including both men and women. Although they inevitably had some traces of femininity, their spiritual foundation was quite remarkable, and they could be considered elites even among major sects.

The cleanest spot in the entire stone chamber was a jade table in front of the rack, with an open box carved from a single piece of chalcedony, revealing silver love needles adorned with barbs.

Ming Zhe couldn't remember how long he had been in this place. His eyelids were stuck together by congealed blood scabs, and every breath seemed to make his chest feel like it was being roasted by fire.

The stench of putrid water seeped up from the cracks in the ground, seeping up his already rotten toes and spreading throughout his body, an unbearable stench. The chilling air emanating from the blue bricks beneath him, like a giant rat, was slowly gnawing away at Ming Zhe's remaining willpower through his already tattered robes.

With a "whoosh," the chill under the blue bricks suddenly stopped, followed by a burst of scorching heat.

Before Mingzhe could react, large blisters appeared on the previously intact half of his face, making him look extremely gruesome.

He tried to curl up his numb left leg, but the chain made of wind spirit iron tightened suddenly like a venomous snake coiled around his ankle, and the silver ring wrapped around Ming Zhe suddenly emitted a red light.

The joyful lines on his thighs suddenly bulged, leaving pink marks on his inner thighs, causing an abnormal blush to rise on his face.

A sliver of blood-red light filtered through the only window diagonally above the cell, gliding across the entangled human figures carved in relief on the wall.

The mottled paint peeled off among the moss, and a naked woman was leaning over and gazing at the cell, with some red tears still remaining under her eyes, which added a touch of color to her already beautiful face.

A foul wind swept in, causing the iron bells hanging above the cell to clang loudly, and drops of foul discharge fell from the cell ceiling, as if a red rain were falling on Ming Zhe's head.

As the foul wind swept through the hall, it seemed to carry with it the lingering sound of string and bamboo instruments.

"crunch"

The deliberately made sound of the door opening prompted Mingzhe to open his eyes. A pair of fair and alluring bare feet stepped in, and as they lifted and lowered, the ten round and smooth toes clenched and unclenched, like a docile and lovable raccoon.

Strangely enough, although the cell was filthy, her jade feet were spotless, and even her ten delicate pink toenails were free of a single speck of mud.

When they reached Mingzhe, they were still as white and tender as jade.

Ming Zhe was already exhausted. He heard the noise, but could only manage to lift his eyelids with all his might. Just as the scabs were beginning to heal and fall off, a tearing pain shot through his eye sockets again, causing him to squint and look at the owner of those jade-like feet.

"Witch."

The naked female cultivator opposite was not annoyed by the insults. She simply untied Ming Zhe's trousers with practiced ease and, without any disgust, stretched out her slender fingers to pull off his filthy trousers.

He thought to himself, "This young man is a tough nut to crack. None of his fellow disciples could even withstand the previous methods, so he's willing to do as I say and enjoy all the pleasures of life next door. Well, it's only people like him who are somewhat interesting."

"Well!"

Ming Zhe clenched his teeth and remained silent.

At the same time, vague and persuasive words reached his ears again.

"Good brother, back then, you were deliberately trying to cause trouble for the Three Immortals Cave on behalf of your sect, which led to your disciples attacking people. Even your sect was instructed by a powerful figure behind you to deliberately send people to provoke conflict, isn't that right?!"

Ming Zhe felt as if his mind was about to fail, and he almost responded to the naked female cultivator's words.

At the crucial moment, however, a Taoist scripture he had been reciting for countless years suddenly welled up from his throat, pulling him back from the edge of the cliff:
"The ten directions are boundless, and all worlds are like crystal, without any obstruction. All beings from the ten directions ride on five-colored jade wheels and jeweled chariots."

The erotic scenes in Mingzhe's mind gradually faded, and then the scene of Jiang Qing, who was on duty transmitting skills, leading his fellow disciples in chanting scriptures emerged.

Under the eaves of the main hall, the two characters "Lao Xue" (Old Learning) still hung, written by Master Kang himself, no less skillful than Master Qi's calligraphy. Jiang Qing, whom the younger generation all respected, sat at the head of the table with a stern face, holding a ruler in his hand. All the fellow disciples sat upright and silent, as if trembling with fear.

That day, it was Senior Brother Han who led the reading, and Senior Brother Pei was also present. He abandoned his usual carefree demeanor and began to recite along with the former in a serious and methodical manner:
"Nine-colored birds fly around the jade wheel; dark reflections adorn the crimson carriage, which travels on clouds in its azure chariot. Celestial songs resound, and ancient hymns are chanted in unison; divine winds carry smoke, and celestial blossoms scatter fragrance. All saints rejoice together, entering the Jade Capital's palace; a thousand immortals, holding their tablets, gather together in the Golden Palace's courtyard."

At first, Ming Zhe was able to suppress his surprise and continued reciting the scriptures. However, gradually, the sound in his ears became louder and louder, almost shattering his mind and causing him to lose his composure.

"Good brother, is it comfortable?!"

"Good brother, is it comfortable?!"

"Shushu."

"Smack!" The thick ruler lashed down heavily. "Zhe'er, what are you doing? Wake up and recite the scriptures!"

His master's stern expression jolted Ming Zhe awake, and the lewd look on his face vanished instantly. Then, he didn't know where the strength came from, but he pushed forward with spiritual light in his palm, almost cracking the head of the naked female cultivator who was in the middle of her act.

The latter immediately collapsed and lost consciousness. Outside the cell, a mocking voice came again: "Hmph, you scarred-faced fellow, you have a blessing but don't enjoy it, you just want to suffer."

The man who stepped in was a fair-skinned middle-aged man with considerable spiritual energy. Ming Zhe had some recollection of him, since before he was repeatedly "served" by this naked female cultivator, the one who used the harshest torture was this man with the hoarse voice.

Ming Zhe's previous palm strike had only exhausted his already damaged body, so he was no longer capable of fighting against this pale-faced middle-aged man.

The latter habitually took out a bone whip covered in sharp spikes, but the next moment, fearing that it would harm Ming Zhe's head and make Chunfeng Shi lose face, he put away the magical weapon and said resentfully:
"If you had been wiser earlier, even if you were still alive today, you could at least have enjoyed a few days of blissful existence before you died. Now, you truly only have one path left: a miserable death."

Ming Zhe showed no fear in his eyes; instead, a sense of relief arose in his heart: "Finally, it's over; at least I haven't harmed my sect."

The pale-faced middle-aged man couldn't fathom Ming Zhe's thoughts, nor did he consider the latter's silence. With a flick of his finger, a pearl on his wrist leaped out and transformed into a radiant ring, which encircled Ming Zhe's neck.

Just as he was about to continue, someone hurried over and shouted, "Stop!"

The pale-faced middle-aged man initially didn't want to respond, but then he thought again that this cell was crucial. He himself had only been able to enter after receiving a token from Chu Han, a high-ranking and powerful official. He certainly couldn't afford to offend this person.

One must never act without leaving room for maneuver. The cautious, middle-aged man, who sought neither merit nor reward, merely sought to work. He halted his actions and temporarily spared Mingzhe's life.

He turned back to look, and saw a handsome cultivator dressed in a black gauze canopy entering on a gentle breeze. When the fair-skinned middle-aged man recognized the handsome cultivator, a look of great surprise immediately appeared on his face: "Disciple greets Envoy Burning Peach!"

The pale-faced middle-aged man was, as always, a disciple of a Golden Core cultivator from the Hehuan Sect. However, Chu Han was a cold and aloof person and had no disciples to command, so he was transferred from the pale-faced middle-aged man's master's ranks.

However, whether in front of his Golden Core master or Chu Han, the high-ranking Spring Breeze Envoy, the pale-faced middle-aged man was not as respectful as he was now.

Even though the person in front of him was nothing more than a self-destructive, fake elixir-making peach, the pale-faced middle-aged man still showed no disrespect whatsoever.

"Hand this person over to me, and you may leave. If Senior Brother Chu blames you, just mention me."

The valiant cultivator spoke gently, but his demeanor was authoritative. After he finished speaking, he ignored the pale-faced middle-aged man.

With a single finger strike, a sharp ray of light pierced through the latter's prized magical artifact. He then picked up Ming Zhe, who was already severely injured and barely alive, and turned away.

The pale-faced middle-aged man kept his head down until long after the sharp-looking cultivator had left, but he didn't dare to raise it. Instead, he felt uneasy: "That young man from that county can actually get in touch with such an important person? No, I really can't go back to Chu Han. He might have to sell me out to do him a favor."

After hesitating for a while, the pale-faced middle-aged man made up his mind and decided to ignore Chu Han's instructions and go to Guandong to find his Golden Core master to save his life.

————Inside Chu Han Hall

Fei Nanying glared with fierce eyes, almost as if he wanted to devour someone. Even on the territory of the Hehuan Sect, he displayed a certain unruly air. Chu Han, as the host, was naturally not intimidated by the former's actions. He maintained his usual calm smile, and his sarcastic remarks remained unhurried:
"Fellow Daoist Fei, have you come here to show off your power in my Joyful Union Sect?!"

Fei Nanying did not respond. At this point, he knew that he could no longer care about the lives of the mere junior cultivators of Chongming Sect. Even with his face ashen, he knew that he had to go back to Yunjiao Prefecture with Chu Yanran to make proper preparations.

Judging from Chu Han's reaction this time, Fei Nanying couldn't tell whether Chu Han was the one who orchestrated this whole thing. However, once he returned to the Duke's mansion, with his years of experience and more time, he would surely be able to gather some information to make a plan.

Fei Nanying calmed down at this moment. If this matter was not orchestrated by Jiangxue Zhenren, then he would go to the clan headquarters to report to the two elders so that he could take action.

The Hehuan Sect is indeed formidable, but it is not to the point that even a mere Spring Breeze Envoy could humiliate the Fei family.

Chu Yanran hesitated for a moment. She knew that after Fei Nanying returned, the two sides would inevitably have to fight several times, and there would probably be some bloodshed. It would be normal for even a high-level cultivator to perish.

In his own heart, he wouldn't want it to be like this.

Seeing Fei Nanying leave in a huff, Chu Han didn't try to stop him. Instead, he mocked, "Fellow Daoist Fei, please wait a little longer. I'll be here shortly after."

These words indeed angered the former so much that his body trembled, and he seemed unable to suppress the surge of murderous aura within him.

Seeing this, Chu Yanran knew that there was no room for maneuver, so she got up and left with Fei Nanying.

No sooner had Chu Han finished speaking than Fei Nanying and Chu Yanran had not yet stepped across the threshold when they saw a handsome cultivator dressed in a black gauze canopy carrying someone, riding the wind.

The two guests were not surprised, but a complicated expression appeared on Chu Han's face. After hesitating for a moment, the official made his fake smile more sincere before bypassing the two and stepping out on red clouds to greet them.

"Junior Brother Lian, why have you taken time out of your busy schedule to come to this secluded place today? Did the Master give you any instructions?!"

Even though the junior brother was in front of the senior cultivator, he showed no fear. He simply bowed and thanked him, and then said in a calm voice, "The Master ordered the junior brother to go into seclusion with him. We have only just come out, and we have not yet heard what teachings the Master has given to Senior Brother Chu."

"I see," Chu Han was extremely disappointed. His jealousy of his junior brother almost filled his chest, but he remained expressionless.

Only when he looked down at the person the latter mentioned did Chu Han reveal a slight dissatisfaction in his tone: "What does Junior Brother Lian mean by this?"

Even the junior brother seemed oblivious to Chu Han's anger, and instead laughed heartily:

"Senior Brother Chu must know that I am from Shannan, and it just so happens that this boy is related to me. That's why, when I heard that this boy was arrogant and disrespectful to Senior Brother Chu's disciples, I rushed to the prison to bring him out. I didn't come to inform you first, so please forgive me."

Chu Han was immediately shocked and exclaimed, "Oh dear!! How could this happen!! What... what should we do?! Junior brother, please don't be angry!"

As he spoke, Chu Han held his junior brother's hand tightly. The latter understood his concern and regret, and comforted him repeatedly.

Neither of them concealed their actions, and this scene of brotherly affection surprised Chu Yanran. She thought to herself, "Just what is the background of this Kang boy's Chongming Sect? How come he has one powerful backer after another without end?!"

Fei Nanying, standing to the side, gleaned some meaning from the situation. He didn't care about Ming Zhe's life or death in his junior brother's hands, but a sharp glint appeared in his eyes when he looked at Chu Han.

"Ah, so there was no one who gave the order after all."

——————Taiyuan Capital, Xuanqiong Palace, Dulong Hall

Azure palace lanterns cast shadows on the nine-foot-high dome, while the ebony throne at the end of the steps shimmered with a faint light, exuding nobility and elegance.

Compared to the main hall of the Xuanqiong Palace where court assemblies were held, the Dulong Hall was much smaller in scale and was where Emperor Wei received important ministers and close advisors.

The Grand Master Kang, who had never been to such a place before, was brought in by a man and a bird, quite a grand entrance. Fei Yeqing and Fei Tianqin were clearly quite familiar with this place, and upon seeing Emperor Wei seated on the throne, they showed no sign of alarm. They simply led Kang Dabao to bow and respectfully greet him.
"Your subject Fei Yeyi/Fei Tianqin/Kang Dabao pays respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Wei, dressed in a black robe embroidered with gold and without a knee covering, looked at Kang Dabao below the imperial steps while tapping his knuckles on the lion-shaped incense burner, producing a crisp sound.

"You are much more promising than I expected."

As Emperor Wei spoke, the admiration in his eyes almost overflowed. This was because, although there were occasionally some amazing talents like those who achieved mid-grade Golden Core in the Great Wei Dynasty, they almost all came from prestigious sects.

Knowing how many years it would take to find a poor but reliable young man with a clean background, Emperor Wei was truly gratified to see him today.

His praise was exactly what Fei Ye had expected. After all, Emperor Wei had never been stingy with praise for geniuses from humble backgrounds, from Shen Lingfeng to Kuai En.

Compared to the two mentioned above, Emperor Wei's preparations for Kang Dabao today seem rather rudimentary.

"Your Majesty's great blessings and the devoted cultivation of my family have enabled me to have some good fortune and to serve my country and protect the people. I may have made some contributions, but they are not worth mentioning. I dare not accept Your Majesty's praise."

Emperor Wei was similar in temperament to the nobleman from the royal family who had gone to the south of the mountains; he loved it when his subjects showed their loyalty, even if it was just by exerting some effort and pretending to be loyal.

However, compared to the many performers in the court, Kang Da Bao's expression, though sincere, still lacked a certain flair. Emperor Wei glanced at him and then lost interest. He didn't say anything more to Kang Da Bao, but simply gave a wink to Wei Da Jian, who immediately understood.

Then, a piece of magical silk emerged from Wei Dajian's sleeve. With a flick of his little finger, he broke the seal on the silk, slowly unfurled it, and loudly chanted:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, having received the Mandate of Heaven, rule over the world. You, Kang Dabao, uphold loyalty and martial prowess, your merits are renowned throughout history. Your achievements in quelling rebellions and defending against foreign aggression are remarkable; your accomplishments in bringing peace and stability to the people and the land are even more outstanding."

You led the army and people to pacify the borders, and then pacified the people and brought peace to the villages. Your loyalty shines like the sun, and your iron armor is as hard as frost. Now I hereby enfeoff you as the Marquis of Wuning, with the fief of Yunjiao Prefecture.

He was granted the privilege of establishing his own government and holding the same rank as the Three Excellencies, and was bestowed with the honor of having his official residence marked with vermilion doors and the right to enter the imperial palace. The rivers and mountains served as a protective barrier, forever securing his position as a bulwark of the region.

The imperial edict reads: "You must uphold your loyalty and integrity, remaining as cautious from beginning to end; diligently devote yourself day and night, unwavering in your resolve. This proclamation is hereby issued, both within and outside the capital, so that all may know. Respectfully obey!"

"Female title?"

Before Sect Leader Kang could react, the man and the bird beside him were already surprised. After all, even though the Immortal Dynasty had declined somewhat, this title had not yet become widespread.

Consider Fei Nanying, who also attained the middle-grade Golden Core stage. Despite having Kuang Liuting's request and the backing of the Fei family of Yingzhou, he only received the title of Marquis. In terms of actual fiefdom, he was even less than Kang Dabao, who came from a humble background. This shows that Emperor Wei truly valued these people from small and insignificant families.

The two top-tier Golden Core cultivators were both astonished to be here, and at this moment, the sect leader Kang, who was the main character, was completely at a loss.

It's no wonder he was so shocked that he lost his composure. Even though Kang Dabao already knew from the two elders of the Fei family that Emperor Wei had always liked to help poor children, and that he himself seemed to have seen the Emperor's projection on him when he was in Xuanwei City.

But Master Kang never imagined that he would actually receive this title of marquis.

"Once the golden elixir is formed, everything will be perfect. Phrases like 'upholding loyalty and displaying martial prowess, achieving great merit' and 'suppressing chaos and defending against aggression, making outstanding contributions' are all excessive praises that he can hardly bear, yet he lavishly praises himself as if they were free."

Fortunately, he had never stopped cultivating his inner strength. As soon as Fei Yeyi coughed lightly, he immediately came back to his senses from his joy, straightened his clothes and face, and bowed deeply, saying, "Your subject kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your trust and kindness!"

"Do your job well. If you achieve great merit in the future, you will be rewarded by princes and dukes, and I will not be stingy with it."

At this point, Emperor Wei made no further promises. All the necessities needed for the Grand Master Kang's establishment of his residence, whether or not they were provided, or how much or how little, were to be properly arranged by his subordinates; he didn't need to worry about it at all.

He only glanced at the man and the bird once, then spoke to Kang Dabao Yue:
"The Fei family has provided you with many treasures, and you have come laden with gifts. However, I am in a rare good mood today, so tell me what you still need? If I have it, I will grant it to you."

(End of this chapter)