Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 555 Asking the Right Question
—Outside the Duke of Qin's Mansion in Fengming Prefecture
Today was the day that Duke Kuang Liuting of Qin summoned Kang Dabao for an audience, so Fei Nanying, who had been diligently cultivating, also managed to free himself up and led the headmaster Kang to the gate of the Duke's mansion to give him a proper explanation:
"Times have changed. When meeting the Duke, you must restrain your temper."

This instruction was given because news had already spread within the Duke's mansion that the Dingzhou Taoist temple that Kang Dabao desired had been promised to the Haiyue Kuang family by Kuang Liuting.

This wealthy family has not been established for long and has no outstanding members; they only moved here from Huangpi Road a few years ago.

His family's Golden Core combat skills are far inferior to those of others of the same level, and even the spiritual land where he is currently residing is rented from another family, so there is really nothing to praise about it.

However, two hundred years ago, a concubine's daughter in the Kuang family was chosen by the Hon'eiji Michiko to be the Mingfei. In the eyes of many outsiders, this was the opportunity for the Kuang family to change their fate.

The fact that the current Daozi Ga Da of Benying Temple is practicing in Fengming Prefecture is a secret known to few.

Some people say that this is because the Zen masters of Benying Temple are putting on a show of strength on the surface, but in reality they are already making peace with the Kuang family clan. And that Ga Da is the hostage sent to the Kuang family.

The matter spread like wildfire for a time, and even after pondering it for a while, Master Kang couldn't find anything amiss. However, when he tentatively asked Fei Nanying, the latter also had an expression of ignorance, which aroused Kang Dabao's curiosity.

After all, even though there are now many more cultivators working for the Duke of Qin's mansion, Fei Nanying, as the next head of the Fei family and a mid-grade Golden Core cultivator, is still far from being considered lowly.

But the fact that even Fernando doesn't know the purpose of this guy's visit is quite a rare thing.

However, after hearing this, Sect Leader Kang sighed. He remarked that the longer Fei Nanying's core cultivation progressed, the more disciplined his personality became.

After all, the latter had served as Boyue for so many years and was naturally familiar with the true nature of the Grand Master Kang.

In the past, Fei Nanying would not have been afraid that Kang Dabao would become arrogant because of his recent smooth sailing, and that he would offend Kuang Liuting, whom he could hardly see, because of some resentment.

"Don't worry, Boyue, I will act with caution."

After bowing and paying his respects, Kang Dabao bid farewell to Fei Nanying and walked alone toward the gate of the Duke's mansion.

Even when the Marquis himself arrived, the cultivator on duty in the side sect showed no sign of flattery. He coldly asked Headmaster Kang for his waist token and edict before opening the gate and letting the latter step inside.

After entering, a white-faced, beardless eunuch in a green robe was already waiting at the door.

His tone was soft and his words gentle. His delicate hands, with their orchid-like fingers, seemed even whiter and more tender than those of an ordinary woman. He truly had no trace of masculine spirit.

However, Kang Dabao, who had read the classics, knew that this feminine appearance was a sign that the secret techniques of the palace had not been mastered.

When this eunuch cultivates to the level of Grand Supervisor Wei, he will become a proud man again, only still bearing the slight drawback of being unable to have marital relations.

However, Master Kang did not treat this eunuch poorly. After exchanging greetings, the latter led Kang Dabao into the Kuangliuting reception area.

Kuang Liuting, who had already been promoted to Duke, was no longer as carefree as he was when he was in Yunjiao Prefecture. When Master Kang arrived, there were still guests inside.

He noticed a barely perceptible hint of surprise in the eyes of the eunuch who had led the way. He quickly stepped forward and inquired with a guard at the gate. After the guard nodded repeatedly in agreement, he picked up the fragrant tea prepared by the tea server in front of the gate, turned back, and apologized to Kang Dabao, saying:
"Among them is a Spring Breeze Envoy from the Hehuan Sect, who came from Santing Prefecture. For some reason, the Duke is still leaving a message, so please wait a moment, Marquis."

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Kang raised an eyebrow slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He took the tea tray from the eunuch and said with a smile:
“I have long known that Your Excellency has been extremely busy lately. I am already honored that you have taken the time to meet with me. There is no need for you to explain. You are being too polite.”

Low-ranking eunuchs did not hold a high position in the David Dynasty, as the secret techniques within the palace were indeed difficult to cultivate.

After all, before the emergence of Eunuch Wei, it had been nearly a thousand years since anyone had achieved immortality through this method. Therefore, it is understandable that ordinary people often look down on these self-degrading eunuchs.

In fact, not only did the civil and military officials look down on them, but even the high-ranking eunuchs would beat and scold them without any mercy.

The eunuch was perhaps unworthy of such courteous treatment, and was thus somewhat flattered. Two blushes immediately appeared on his pale face as he repeatedly declined.
"Ahem, no, no, Su Chen is terrified. Su Chen is of lowly status and cannot bear such a title as Marquis. It is too much of an honor!"

"Not at all, not at all. I've heard that Eunuch Su is a man who just came from the Forbidden City before the New Year, and he's imbued with the aura of the dragon. How could he possibly be described as 'lowly'? You're being far too modest!"

Seeing that Kang Dabao's eyes truly showed no sign of disgust when he spoke, Su Chen hadn't even reacted when he saw the former raising his glass to invite him to drink, and his heart immediately warmed.

He carefully moved forward, only cautiously landing on his bottom, before accepting the teacup with both hands and respectfully saying, "Thank you, Lord Marquis."

"No need for thanks," Kang Dabao said, taking a big gulp of the tea and trying to savor its flavor. Seeing Su Chen sipping it carefully as if it were a precious treasure, he asked curiously, "Does Grandpa know about tea?"

"Ahem, I learned a little while serving the elders in prison." The latter glanced with some pity at the mouthful of tea he had choked on, then quickly regained his composure and answered carefully:
"It's all thanks to the Marquis. Su Chen has been smelling the aroma of tea in prison for nearly sixty years, but it's only today that he's finally tasted it for the first time."

Upon hearing this, Master Kang clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "Ha, that's good! If I hadn't met you today, Eunuch, this tea would have been a waste of my time."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. Su Chen"

Just as Su Chen, who was sitting opposite Sect Leader Kang, was about to speak, he saw the former's expression suddenly become much more serious, and then the sound of farewell came from behind.

"Fellow Daoist Chu, this way please."

"You're too kind, sir."

"It's a pity I don't have time to learn the art of tea from Eunuch Su today. Let's talk again next time." Master Kang said and left, but as he stood up, he seemed to intentionally or unintentionally drop a second-grade jade pendant next to the spout of the teapot.

Su Chen, a high-ranking official, was indeed notorious for accepting bribes in the past, which made him pause for a moment. After he realized what was happening, he hurriedly picked up the item and went to find Sect Leader Kang Dabao to refuse.

But as soon as he turned around, he saw that the latter had already stepped close to the two important figures who had just come out of the council hall, so he had no choice but to stop.

Then, for some reason, even though the jade pendant was as cool and refreshing as ice, Su Chen felt that it was even warmer than the scalding hot tea he had just drunk when he held it in his hand.

Kang Dabao had no idea that a high-ranking official was behind him, expressing his gratitude to him. When he passed by Chu Han, the Spring Breeze Envoy, and Zhu Tong, the Chief Clerk of the Duke's Mansion, who had just come out, he saw the former's provocative expression but did not stop or make a fuss. Instead, he simply bowed slightly to the latter, which was enough to acknowledge their greeting.

This reaction surprised Chu Han somewhat. He hadn't seen Marquis Wu Ning many times. Recently, he had only heard that Kang Dabao had repeatedly taken the heads of his peers outside. He had assumed that even if Marquis Wu Ning was a volatile and irritable person, what he saw this time was far beyond his expectations.

"He is cunning and difficult to deal with, just like his shameless uncle."

Chu Han cursed under his breath, but when Zhu Tong called him from beside him, he replied, "Rest assured, Chief Clerk, I will report everything the Duke said today to you without fail. There will be no mistake."

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.

When Kang Dabao entered, Kuang Liuting was engraving away with a knife and pen. Compared to when they first met, the latter seemed less dazzling. However, the sect leader Kang didn't feel that the gap between him and Kuang Liuting had narrowed considerably since they both reached the Golden Core stage.

Today, Kuang Liuting may seem to have concealed its sharpness, but in reality, it is like a sharp blade returning to its sheath. Even those with discerning eyes, who cannot bear to see the slightest glint of a blade, can still feel its chilling gleam.

Even when it came to Fei Tianqin, Master Kang had never noticed such a feeling.

Now Kang Dabao truly knows that his pill quality is in no way inferior to Kuang Liuting's, but the gap between the two still exists, so he can only speculate in his mind:

"Just how much wealth did the royal family of David provide to support such a person?"

The rustling sounds inside continued for quite some time, but the headmaster Kang's bowing gesture remained unwavering. After an unknown amount of time, the slender Duke of Qin finally stopped what he was doing and said calmly:
"The Hehuan Sect's True Person Jiangxue said that she seemed to have discovered the Demon Commander's whereabouts within the barrier. This matter is of great importance, so she temporarily summoned his subordinate, the Spring Breeze Envoy, for questioning."

Seeing that Kang Dabao did not make a move after hearing the voice, Kuang Liuting said again: "Marquis Wuning, please do not stand on ceremony. Find a place to sit. There is a cake of Golden Sprout Spring View tea on the seat closest to me. It is the most popular tribute tea of ​​your old ancestor, Bianmao. You may take it back as a gift."

"On behalf of my ancestor Tianqin, I thank you, Your Excellency."

After responding, Sect Leader Kang made no attempt to be reserved and simply sat down next to Kuang Liuting as he spoke. However, the moment he sat down, Kuang Liuting spoke again, which startled him so much that he trembled.

"Lord Wuning, could you teach me?"

The Duke of Qin spoke with utmost sincerity, which made Headmaster Kang feel uneasy and uneasy.

It took the latter a while to calm himself down, but when he spoke, he said, "Your Excellency is a learned man of extraordinary talent and noble lineage, while I am but a lowly, ignorant man from the borderlands, living a muddled life. How dare I presume to teach you?!"

Upon hearing this, Kuang Liuting did not respond to Kang Dabao's humble words, but instead asked:
"It has been nearly a hundred years since I went to Shannan. The mountains and rivers have changed, the grass and trees have withered and flourished, and countless lives have been lost in those spiritual lands. Yet, sects still hold sway and powerful families still collude."

Evil cultivators and bandit cultivators are much like the weeds growing alongside spiritual plants; kill one batch, and another will emerge, seemingly endless. I am surrounded by capable and virtuous individuals, and wise ministers who can govern the country well.

But they all just kept advising me that this is how the world has always been, so why bother getting upset?
This means that once the Primordial Emperor Yuanying reaches full maturity, all the world's difficulties will be readily resolved. In what seems like an instant, the court will be filled with righteous officials, and peace and tranquility will prevail.

At this point, Kuang Liuting paused, looked at Headmaster Kang seriously, and then sighed, "But I feel that it is not so. If I cannot understand it, my mind will not be pure, and my cultivation will be difficult to proceed smoothly."

Therefore, I would like to ask Marquis Wuning for advice. In terms of weapons, your household is certainly more powerful; in terms of provisions, your household is also more abundant. Yet, how is it that your family and people are not subject to exploitation and oppression? And how have the counties of Yunjiao Prefecture gradually transformed into a paradise on earth?

The hall fell silent for a moment, because even the usually perceptive Master Kang had not expected that Kuang Liuting would ask him such trivial matters, which most high-ranking cultivators would consider unimportant.

Recalling how Kuang Liuting's initial determination from the capital was shattered by the increasingly dire situation when he first arrived in Yunjiao Prefecture, one could understand the bitterness in the Duke of Qin's heart.

After all, this alchemist's theories were no secret for a long time. To say that he was as callous and indifferent as the royal family members of the previous David Dynasty would be a bit harsh.

The silence lasted for a few breaths before Kang Dabao broke it by speaking up: "Your Excellency, in my humble opinion, what the gentlemen of the Duke's mansion have said is indeed wise advice."

"Oh? Tell me."

Kang Dabao didn't tell the truth. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "The sage said, 'A gentleman labors with his mind, while a petty person labors with his body.' My jurisdiction only includes one prefecture and thirteen counties. In order to achieve complete success, I can slowly scrape the bone to remove the poison."
However, I, David, possess the whole world and govern countless lives; as the saying goes, "a single hair can affect the whole body," and to prevent widespread suffering, I must not act rashly. What you gentlemen have said is indeed the right medicine for the illness, only the preparation time is a bit long. But this good medicine is good medicine, and it avoids the pain of scraping the bone, which is indeed in accordance with medical principles.”

Kuang Liuting listened attentively, seemingly pondering whether what Headmaster Kang said was right or wrong.

He pondered for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, and it was unclear whether he agreed with it or not, but he let out a long sigh and spoke again: "Well, in the end, I have to figure out this kind of reasoning myself. After all, it's never easy to get a few words of truth from you."

After speaking, he turned his gaze back to Kang Dabao, and a sense of emotion welled up in his heart.

In the past, what Kuang Liuting valued most about the Grand Master Kang was his talent for governing the world. But upon seeing the former again, he felt that the talent of this minor sect leader, who did not lose his true self, was even more remarkable.

Even though Kang Dabao was already a high-ranking official, he still showed little arrogance or courtesy towards a lowly eunuch. This was something Kuang Liuting had not anticipated when he had made the special arrangements.

After all, which person in a high position doesn't know the principle of "walking on thin ice with trepidation"? It's just that those who can stick to their original intentions and not fall into delusion are truly rare.

He initially only wanted to test whether the recently successful Sect Leader Kang was still obedient, but he never expected that the eunuch would receive such courtesy.

After that, when Chu Han, this nemesis, was contacted by Zhu Tong, the chief clerk, even the headmaster Kang, who was next to the junior official, did not get angry. Instead, he rushed to the council hall to listen to the reprimand.

After he came in, Kuang Liuting deliberately let him out for a while, also in order to dampen his spirits in the design. Unexpectedly, Kang Dabao accepted it calmly, just like when he was building his foundation, without even a superfluous expression.

The same principle applies as before: even though the Duke of Qin's cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds, he still values ​​loyalty the most; even if it is feigned loyalty, as long as you have some skill in feigning it, the Duke of Qin will still like it.

"His Majesty often says that the affairs of the country are difficult. You and I are both people selected by His Majesty, so we must not fail His Majesty's expectations. We must always remember to be loyal to the country."

"Yes!"

"Dingzhou was given to the Kuang family, do they resent me?"

"Never."

"Ha, you're trying to fool me!" Kuang Liuting scoffed lightly, but he wasn't really angry. He pointed at the headmaster Kang and laughed, "Don't think that I don't know about your private grudges, and that your family is short of spiritual land and has difficulty expanding your territory."

The latter immediately replied solemnly, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Excellency!"

But Kuang Liuting waved his hand to stop him and changed the subject: "Whether you are considerate or not, you know for sure. My decision is also for the good of Marquis Wuning."

Kang Dabao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and looked in the direction of the voice. He then heard Kuang Liuting speak again, saying calmly, "I just feel that it would be a waste of talent for Marquis Wuning to only govern one or two prefectures."

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

Kuang Liuting did not respond immediately, but simply pointed with his halberd to a place on the map inside the hall that belonged to Huangpi Road.

"Xianzhou??"

(End of this chapter)