Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 593 The Zhang family presents a prescription and receives a generous gift; Jiang Qing awakens and awaits relocation.

Ten days later, Chongmingzong and the council hall
At this moment, Zhang Huangshi, the current patriarch of the Yun Gu Zhang family, stood anxiously outside the dilapidated council hall. The disciples around him, regardless of their cultivation level, were all bustling about.

Even though they saw this unfamiliar stranger all alone, they rarely lingered for long.

Summoned by a letter, he was left unattended for an hour or two without any response. No wonder Zhang Huangshi was filled with unease.

After all, his family was once a powerful clan with a high-ranking cultivator in charge, and had even formed marriage alliances with the Fei family's direct line several times. However, due to the Zhang family daughter's breach of fidelity, and the loss of their Golden Core ancestor half a century ago, their fortunes declined.
Otherwise, given the generations-long friendship between the Yun Gu Zhang family and the Fei family, they wouldn't have been chosen to come to Yun Jiao Prefecture along with former vassals like the Feng Shi Fang family, to be given as dowry to Fei Shuhe, an orphan with no parents.

Such a disgraceful matter was previously unrelated to a family like the Yun Gu Zhang family.

As the sun was about to set, Zhang Huangshi, a dignified pseudo-core cultivator, was already feeling weary under the setting sun, exhausted from his efforts. Only then did he see a kind-hearted cultivator come out of the hall to greet him.

"Elder Duan Anle of the Chongming Sect's Beast Garden pays respects to Senior Zhang!"

Duan Anle performed the greeting meticulously, but Zhang Huangshi dared not accept it openly. The latter immediately feigned fear, hunching over even more than Duan Anle, before bowing and saying:
"Huang Shi dares not accept the elder's courtesy. The elder is the most outstanding disciple of Sect Leader Kang. If you do not mind, you can treat Huang Shi as an equal."

Duan Anle hesitated for a moment, but finally returned the greeting and said, "Then Anle will pay his respects to Brother Dao."

"I dare not accept such praise. I still vividly remember the elder's calm and composed demeanor during the battle, and I admire him greatly. The Two Elements Sect avoided the limelight, and the elder truly deserves great credit. If you do not mind, I would be so bold as to treat you as my elder brother."

Zhang Huangshi spoke with such warmth that even the usually cautious Duan Anle couldn't detect a trace of flattery in his words. If anyone else had heard this, they might have genuinely believed that the former's words were sincere and heartfelt.

However, Duan Anle did not believe it. He still addressed the Zhang family head as "Brother Dao" and chatted warmly with him for a few more minutes before leading him into the hall.

After entering the hall, the two took their seats as host and guest, and dew naturally appeared in the glass cups on the table, filling their necks and mouths with a rich fragrance.

Zhang Huangshi, who came from a once-wealthy but now-fallen family, was naturally a connoisseur. However, the aroma alone was enough for him to tell that the tea in the cup was a superior spiritual tea from the Fei family, which only added to his unease.

He was momentarily stunned, but then Anle smiled and said:
“Originally, it would have been more appropriate for our teachers to receive Brother Zhang upon his visit. However, I imagine you have heard about and witnessed the changes in Pingrong County. My master and the elders are unable to spare the time, so I, Duan, have brought a few fellow disciples to meet with you.”

If Brother Zhang feels this is inappropriate, then so be it. However, our teachers are busy, and I'm afraid we'll have to wait a few more days at our sect; I don't know if that's acceptable.”

“Of course, of course! What’s wrong with that! I’m already deeply grateful to Brother Duan and several fellow Daoists from Chongming for personally hosting us. As for the word ‘inappropriate,’ I don’t know where to begin.”

Zhang Huangshi's attitude was even more humble than Duan Anle had expected.

Knowing full well that old people are shrewd and trees are strange, the latter, even seeing this scene, did not feel smug. He simply offered tea and said softly:
"That's good. I was worried beforehand that Brother Zhang might feel slighted, but I didn't expect that I was just being petty. I admire Brother Zhang's noble character. Let's wait a little longer until Junior Brother Kang and Qinghan Academy Envoy arrive, then we can discuss it."

"Brother Dao, you flatter me. Huang Shi's trip to Chongming and to see the immortal mountain has been worthwhile. Please feel free to give me any instructions regarding matters."

Zhang Huangshi remained obedient as always, but the clear and fragrant tea tasted mostly bland because of his unease.

Fortunately, after taking a few sips, he soon saw a man and a bird enter the council hall, which saved him from the awkwardness of being alone with Duan Anle again.

"Elder Kang Rongquan of Chongming Sect pays respects to Senior Zhang."

"Qinghan Academy Envoy Fei Wan'er greets Senior Zhang."

"How come this bird is so clever?" Zhang Huangshi looked slightly surprised, but he quickly recovered and suppressed his surprise. He then used the same trick as before, lowered his posture, and after exchanging pleasantries in the hall, he finally got down to business.

"The Zhang family of Yung Valley, renowned for their alchemy for a thousand years, is well-known even in the bustling capital region." Duan Anle glanced briefly at Zhang Huangshi's expression, and seeing no unusual reaction, continued:

"Brother Zhang led his men on the front lines with extraordinary bravery and courage, truly a pillar of the Duke's mansion. My master has witnessed these achievements, and the memorials recommending Zhang family members for service have already been stamped with the Marquis's seal and are eagerly awaiting the Duke's review. Once that is done, the matter will be settled."

"Thank you, Sect Leader Kang, and thank you, elders, for your kind words."

Zhang Huangshi rose and bowed appropriately, which pleased the people and birds in the hall.

Duan Anle was a respectable person, so even though the sweet treat had already been given, he hesitated for a long time before finally saying the words about slapping her.

Finally, however, Kang Rongquan repeatedly signaled to him with his eyes, urging him to act, before he slowly said, "Brother Zhang."

"What can I do for you, fellow Daoist?!"

"Sigh," Duan Anle sighed, but when he actually spoke, there was no trace of embarrassment left:
“Brother Zhang, the Zhang family of Yun Gu had a master alchemist who could refine Foundation Establishment pills as early as sixty years ago. This fact is known even to the elite cultivators of the Fei family in Yingzhou. It cannot be faked.”

To be honest, the reason we invited you to our residence today is to purchase this inheritance from you. We wonder what your opinion is, and whether you would be willing to part with it?

"As expected," Zhang Huangshi was clearly prepared, his expression remaining unchanged, though he inwardly cursed. After all, he had anticipated this ever since he was chosen by Shang Yutang's direct descendant to serve in Shannan.

It was quite unexpected that the Grand Master Chongming Zongkang had waited until now to launch his attack.

As soon as Duan Anle finished speaking, Zhang Huangshi fell silent. Lately, many things had happened, which made Kang Rongquan regain some of his impetuous nature. He was about to launch into a barrage of questions when Wan'er, who was standing in front of him, stopped him with a wave of her wings.

Kang Rongquan immediately calmed down, and Wan'er gracefully fluttered her wings and landed on Zhang Huangshi's shoulder, saying in a crisp voice, "Wan'er dares to vouch for this deal with the identity of Qinghan Academy Envoy, and this deal will definitely not cause the Zhang family of Yun Gu to suffer a loss."

"Oh, that explains why that usually aloof noble lady would send someone close to her to concern herself with such trivial matters."

Zhang Huangshi immediately understood and was satisfied with Kang Dabao's arrangements.

After all, these days, from the Kuang family, the ruler of the world, to ordinary fake alchemy families, the dominant family that takes and takes from the lower classes is the mainstream.

Having cultivated for hundreds of years, Zhang Huangshi had done and endured countless acts of cunning and forceful plunder. Faced with such a dignified arrangement from Headmaster Kang, he felt a growing unease.

However, he was already prepared when he received the Chongming Sect's letter, so he wasn't too surprised at this moment.

Remembering the row of upper-level cultivators and alchemists who had perished under the Jade Palace's purification ritual by Grand Master Kang, Zhang Huangshi, quite magnanimous and straightforward, immediately took out the prepared jade slip, bowed, and said:
“Even if the imperial family has shortcomings, the Zhang family, though small, should still do its best to show filial piety. How could we expect the imperial family to bestow generous gifts and commit such an immoral act?”

His eloquent words, however, struck a nerve with the two men and one bird in the hall.

Kang Rongquan immediately stood up, walked over and helped Zhang Huangshi up, then took the jade slip containing the elixir formula from the latter's hands, and said in a cheerful voice:
"Brother Zhang's generous act this time, I will certainly inform our sect masters and great-aunt so that they may commend him." After saying this, Kang Rongquan, without waiting for Zhang Huangshi to refuse again, quickly presented the pill formula to Duan Anle's jade table. Even a composed person like Duan Anle could not help but show a hint of joy on his face.

Wan'er let out a long sigh of relief. It had recently advanced to the second-tier spirit beast and awakened its spiritual power, and had just received its first assignment from Fei Shuhe. Therefore, being able to complete this task successfully relieved half of the burden on its heart.

It took Duan Anle a few breaths to calm down after getting started, because even though Chongming Sect had broken through Golden Core sects and Headmaster Kang had killed a fake cultivator, the formula for Foundation Establishment Pill was truly not available.

Even though he had come across the alchemy notes of a third-tier peak alchemist like Peng Daoren by chance back then, there was no complete recipe recorded in them.

This is perhaps because someone like Master Peng no longer needs to refine these second-tier pills, and the notes are mostly Master Peng's alchemy experience over the years, with few pill formulas recorded.

As for other places, such as the place where Luan offered sacrifices, they also gained nothing.

This newly promoted senior cultivator, Yan Mo, though seemingly insignificant about the Foundation Establishment Pill, still needed to consult with several elders before making a decision regarding such a crucial item as the Foundation Establishment Pill, as he was a guest elder from outside the Fei family.

Therefore, regardless of whether Luan Gongfeng's words were true or false, Kang Dabao could not invite him again and could only turn his attention to the Yun Gu Zhang family.

If we consider what Master Kang thinks now, the Yun Gu Zhang family might have been a generous gift that the Fei family's ancestors had already offered him long ago.

After all, the Liang family, who can refine Foundation Establishment Pills, are considered to be thin-skinned but rich in substance; they would attract covetous eyes wherever they are.
However, Kang Dabao was too concerned with appearances, and it wasn't until the food he was being fed had gone cold that he remembered to speak.

Fortunately, Zhang Huangshi, the head of the Zhang family, was indeed quite flexible, just as Master Kang had predicted. Even though only three juniors were in charge of the matter, the deal was ultimately completed satisfactorily, which was a good thing.

However, Zhang Huangshi was perhaps much more considerate than the cultivators of Chongming Sect had previously imagined, as he earnestly said:
"The Zhang family currently has a batch of spiritual materials, and my younger brother is also unemployed at home. If any of you fellow Daoists are interested, you may invite the alchemist from the upper sect to return home with Huang Shi. My younger brother will do his best and will not hide anything from me."

Kang Rongquan, who was listening attentively, waited until Zhang Huangshi finished speaking before asking another question:
"I've often heard people say that the spiritual plants used in the Foundation Establishment Pill are extremely complex, and the methods of cultivation are very intricate. I wonder if Brother Zhang has any cultivation methods at home that you could teach me?"

"Yes, there are, but looking at your baby who hasn't even grown all his feathers yet, I'm afraid there's no way to breed him."

Zhang Huangshi dared not utter these unspoken thoughts. After hearing Kang Rongquan's words, he forced a smile and replied:
“My ancestor made preparations back then, so it is not uncommon. However, I did not expect Brother Kang to be interested in it before I left, so I did not bring it with me. I will make a copy and send it to you after I return.”

Seeing that Zhang Huangshi was so cooperative, the cultivators in the hall were naturally quite happy. After all, Kang Dabao was not used to using underhanded methods, so these disciples did not dare to overstep their bounds.

"Brother Zhang's consideration is so thorough, but it makes my Chongming Sect seem a bit petty. However, this matter still needs to be reported to my master before a decision can be made. Please wait for news."

After Duan Anle finished speaking, he took out a book bag from his storage pouch, walked slowly to Zhang Huangshi, and said softly:
"This 'Jade Dew Silver Skill' was bestowed upon my master by the Fei family's ancestor, Tianqin. It contains annotations on many key parts. It is considered a superior work among the lower-grade skills of the Universe Rank. Today, I, Duan, present it to you on behalf of my master, to maintain the friendship between our two families."

Huang Shi was somewhat surprised by this, because although the three southwestern regions had recently suffered heavy casualties among Golden Core cultivators, even in the most prosperous capital region, Golden Core cultivators were still considered valuable.

If a member of the family is capable and can cultivate a cosmic-level technique, then their chances of forming a core will always be slightly higher than others. Not to mention that Duan Anle has a complete commentary on this scripture, which is even more rare.

Despite the fact that the Zhang family of Yun Gu has a long history of alchemy and some heritage, they only have one complete low-grade cosmic-level cultivation technique that has been passed down, and it is far inferior to this "Jade Dew Silver Technique".

Having served as a subordinate of the Fei family for a long time, Zhang Huangshi had heard of the reputation of this cultivation technique.

It is also known that even the most secret techniques of many branches of the Fei family may not be as effective as this method.

Therefore, the moment he held the book bag, which seemed to exude the flowing ink of ink, he was naturally delighted and immediately felt that he had made the right decision. After all, he had no leverage to turn against others, and now he was only doing his duty and being sensible to gain such a benefit, which was not a loss at all.

Even when Headmaster Kang led the charge in battle some time ago, Zhang Huangshi was not moved in the slightest. But now that his family has gained another lineage, he truly understands what generosity means and has finally developed a sense of closeness to the Chongming Sect.

Seeing the pleasant atmosphere between the host and guests, Kang Rongquan was also pleased and spoke up:
“If you have no urgent matters at home, please rest at the guesthouse for a while. When the sect’s elders have time, they may summon you to meet and comfort you.”

"Yes, thank you, fellow Daoist!"

————Master Yunfang

Inside the cloud room, Sect Leader Kang glanced at the tokens that Duan, Kang, and Wan'er had each affixed their seals to. He only glanced at the few lines of text on them and then did not examine them further.

He wasn't surprised by Zhang Huangshi's reaction. As long as the Zhang family head wasn't mentally unstable, he shouldn't have considered refusing.

As for the Foundation Establishment Pill formula, Kang Dabao had no intention of hiding it. The Chongming Sect was now worthy of it and had no need to fear being coveted.

This good reputation will spread, which will also put the minds of the many cultivators from the eight Liang families who migrated south from Yingzhou at ease.

They had only been there a short time, and hadn't gained much benefit, when they suffered a great loss at the hands of the ruthless Liangyi Sect. Since no favors had been bestowed upon them, and their background was unknown, Kang Dabao naturally had to put in some effort to stabilize their hearts.

However, obtaining the formula for the pill does not mean that the Foundation Establishment Pill will be readily available.

It should be noted that although the Foundation Establishment Pill is only a second-tier pill, it is quite difficult to refine. Even many alchemists who have just entered the third tier may not be able to say that they are completely confident in their ability to do so.

Moreover, obtaining the formula is only the first step. If we want to follow Kang Dabao's design and ensure that all the spiritual plants needed for the Foundation Establishment Pill can be produced domestically and that the Foundation Establishment Pill can be produced stably every once in a while, there are still many things to do.

There's no need to rush; we've only made a good start so far.

Since childhood, Master Kang has never been one to seek quick success or instant benefits. Back then, he won over Master He's heart with his braised pork knuckle, which shows that he had no shortage of patience.

He sat down in front of Jiang Qing's couch and began to peruse the numerous regulations that Ye Zhengwen had meticulously memorized with one eye. He then gained a clear understanding of how the relocation was being prepared.

Kang Dabao meticulously annotated the jade slip presented by Ye Zhengwen with a pen and a knife. After all, these matters involved tens of thousands of cultivators and countless common people, so he couldn't afford to be careless.

Fortunately, the disciples of all families had already been well-trained by the head of the Chongming Sect, and the progress was much faster than Headmaster Kang had expected.

The only thing that worries him now is whether his seriously injured disciples can withstand the long journey.

Thinking of this, he turned his gaze to Jiang Qing, who was lying on the couch. Coincidentally, as soon as he looked over, the latter's eyelids twitched, startling Qi Ke and the other two guards, who immediately sprang into action, making Kang Dabao laugh out loud.

"That's good. You'll be able to leave in a few more days."

(End of this chapter)