Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 639 At the Hancheng Funeral Hall, a reward was given; demonic traces appeared in Tanggu County.

— Several months later, in Sannam Province, Ungakju, and Hanseong

Today, the wandering cultivators who came to Hancheng to make a living immediately felt a sense of desolation as soon as they entered the city gate.

Those uninformed rogue cultivators found it strange that the Yunjiao Prefecture militia, under the command of You Wenrui, had just wiped out a group of beasts that had fled from another prefecture.

Besides the abundance of fresh demon materials for sale in the city, a group of wealthy and well-off village soldiers have also temporarily settled there. This should be the peak season for trade, not a time of such disarray.

Seeing that the usually jovial and joking Guan Cheng, surnamed Yuan, looked frosty and unfriendly, Guan Cheng guessed that something must have happened.

Fortunately, he was quite familiar with the faces of the wandering cultivators who often came and went in the city. After whispering with an old acquaintance for a while, he was shocked and his eyes widened.

Which of the rogue cultivators who can make a living in the market isn't clever? He immediately gave up the idea of ​​chatting, and after paying the city entrance tax, he hunched over and passed through the city gate.

Suddenly, the thick clouds in the sky were shattered by a giant object, and a large amount of cloud spread out, revealing a ferocious flying boat covered with spirit cannons on all four sides.

The fake cultivator standing at the bow of the ship had a scarred face and a serious expression, clearly not someone to be trifled with. His menacing appearance caused all the rogue cultivators below the city to avoid his gaze, only daring to murmur amongst themselves for a while:
"Which faction in the area is this? Why does this flying boat look so menacing?"

"How come you don't recognize that flag? That's the Hundred-Eyed Flying Boat from Qiaogong Fortress in Mingzhou. If a few Foundation Establishment cultivators lead one or two hundred Qi Refining cultivators and control it properly, they can even kill ordinary fake Core Formation cultivators."

"Good heavens, didn't they come all the way from Huangpi Road? So far? It must have burned through a whole temple of spirit stones. Does the Yuan family have that much influence?"

"Where is it far? About one-fifth of the mechanical puppets sold in this city each year probably come from Mingzhou's Craftsmanship Fortress. You're making a fuss over nothing; flying boats certainly don't come from far and wide!"

"That"

"Silence! Even the Yuan family's Guan Yu has gone to greet them. Something must have happened in the city. Hurry up and leave! Don't look any further!"

The menacing flying boat, riddled with massive cannons, crashed outside Hancheng City, sending dust and sand flying as it landed, its roar startling the crows that once roamed the city walls.

The official surnamed Yuan immediately composed himself, his face softening with gratitude. He bowed deeply to the alchemist standing at the bow of the ship, saying, "This junior, Yuan Zemu of the Xuanlin Yuan family, greets Elder Lan."

"Young friend, you're too kind," Elder Lan, whose face was covered in scars, returned the greeting halfway, but instead of getting off the spirit boat first, he offered his seat to the elder.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator stepped out. He was dressed in moon-white silk with light blue trim, his half-draped black hair tied up with a jade hairpin, and the silver bells on his sleeves did not ring at all. He only lightly brushed away the dust on his clothes with his fingertips. His eyebrows and eyes were clear and bright like autumn water, and his eyes were clear and moist like morning dew.

A passerby glanced at it and felt that it seemed to make the fierce aura of the flying boat beneath their feet seem less menacing.

Having been entrusted with important responsibilities by the Yuan family of Xuanlin for many years, Yuan Zemu naturally possessed considerable insight. Therefore, upon seeing the appearance of this true cultivator, he immediately recognized him as An Qin, the chief cultivator of Qiaogong Fortress.

This is because, within the Qiaogong Fortress, only this fortress lord, who could speak with several of the elders of the Chongming Sect, had been nurtured to possess this refined and elegant air that was no less than that of the direct descendants of the great families.

The arrogant Elder Lan was incredibly respectful in front of Xiu An, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, bowing his head and slowly following the latter off the flying boat.

"Greetings, Lord Xiubao,"

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yuan. Please lead the way, Fellow Daoist Yuan."

The fortress was not guarded by a high-ranking official, and the flying boat remained outside the city as per regulations.

Yuan Zemu respectfully led Xiu An and his entourage into the city. When Xiu An arrived at the mourning hall, he presented the funeral gifts to a Dan Master from the Yuan family and entered the hall. Only then did Xiu An see the many people present at Yuan Buwen's funeral.

Almost all the heads of the families that originally belonged to the Chongming Alliance were present. Kang Xiangyi and Zhang Huangshi, who were working in Xuanwei City, also came to Hancheng. Only Yang Xun and You Xiaobao were left to guard their gates and pay close attention to the situation.

Besides the aforementioned key figures closely associated with Chongming Sect, several renowned cultivators and alchemists from the surrounding area of ​​Hancheng also came to offer their condolences.

To be honest, Yuan Buwen was quite unscrupulous in his actions during the first half of his life; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to raise a scoundrel like Yuan Feng. However, while his actions brought great prosperity to the Yuan family, they also created many enemies.

However, this time, only guests and friends came to pay their respects, and no enemies came to visit. This was precisely the way out that Yuan Buwen had found for the Yuan family of Xuanlin.

Since the death of that fake alchemist, the Zheng family of Yunwei has been in decline. However, Hancheng is adjacent to several states in Shannan Road. Although the Hanshan Sect has two alchemists, Xu Liuxian and Ji Yunsheng, in charge, it still feels that it is difficult to support the family alone.

In his twilight years, Yuan Buwen volunteered to bring his family here to guard the city. Together with the Hanshan faction, he trained local troops and reorganized the village militia, thus ensuring the peace of Hancheng.

To be honest, this old cultivator could be considered to have exhausted his last bit of energy for Chongmingzong before dying, and he deserves to be honored.

Yuan Ze'en, chosen by Yuan Buwen to succeed as the head of the family, was Yuan Xiyue's cousin by seniority. After Xiu An offered incense at the mourning hall, Yuan Ze'en hurriedly came forward to greet him.
"Many thanks to Lord Xiu for taking the time to see my ancestor off,"

"Senior, you flatter me. Upon hearing the news of Senior Buwen's ascension to immortality, I am deeply saddened. Senior Buwen was a man of profound virtue and wisdom, and was always respected by his fellow practitioners. It is truly a pity that he has now departed this world."

"Please," Yuan Ze'en said, gesturing for Xiu An to take the seat of honor. The latter's Qiaogong Fortress was no less prosperous than most Golden Core sects. Xiu An, as a young master, was able to maintain the sect's prosperity despite the presence of many other Golden Core masters, thanks to the efforts of the incredibly noble ancestors of the Chongming Sect.

Even though Yuan Ze'en's skills and abilities were only average in Yuan Buwen's eyes, he still knew which forces to befriend and would not treat Xiu An, this junior, with any disrespect.

Who among those gathered in the hall at this moment wasn't a figure of some importance? If Yuan Ze'en could think of something, how many families wouldn't know? Even though all families made their living under the banner of the Chongming Sect, in the eyes of those powerful figures, there were still distinctions based on distance and kinship.

The former lord of Qiaogong Fortress, Xiu Ming, was a close nephew of the Grand Master Kang, and he died on the battlefield because of Chongming Sect. So how could the future of Qiaogong Fortress be promising?

Mingzhou was once the location of the Thousand Buddha Forest Sect, and even today, there are still two or three Golden Core sects occupying it.

Chongmingzong deliberately placed Qiaogongbao in Mingzhou, allocating it with Zongtian Forest and Mine and assigning it to the spiritual veins and immortal mountains, which shows how much he valued it. Of course, Xiu'an, though young, also had some skill.

Not only did it win over all the elders in the sect, but it also recruited a large number of puppeteers to join the ranks, thus washing away the self-imposed isolation of the Craftsman's Fortress.

Over the years, the entire Qiaogongbao team has continuously innovated and improved the puppets and magical artifacts they sell, truly making the business a resounding success.

Afterwards, he asked Yuan Jin to act as matchmaker and married the daughter of Anshan Gun. Because of the help of his wife's family, he became one of the few local forces who could do business with the families in the capital region who had moved south and were not easy to get close to.

Therefore, as soon as Xiu Anfu entered the hall, even Shan Shijie, the son-in-law of Chongmingzong, quickly came up to chat with him.

Of course, even though the mourning hall is now filled with advanced alchemists, the guest that Yuan Ze'en is most looking forward to has not yet arrived.

After settling Xiu'an and his party in, they stood outside the mourning hall and gazed into the distance.

Everyone knew that the Yuan family of Xuanlin held some weight in the eyes of Master Kang, which was why more distinguished guests kept arriving. Yuan Ze'en welcomed them into the hall and settled them in before he could turn around and hear news from the disciples he had sent out earlier.

"Young Master Changxi arrived together with Young Masters Changzhao and Changyan, and Lord He, the steward of the Imperial Clan, also came along."

Yuan Ze'en was overjoyed and hurriedly led his men out to greet them.

From a distance, Kang Changxi's rough and unrefined manner was no different from that of the Grand Master Kang, making him quite conspicuous. His arrival immediately enlivened the mourning hall.

The Yuan family had only hoped that the brothers Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan would come to pay their respects because of their Yuan family bloodline. They were pleasantly surprised that Kang Changxi, the direct descendant of the sect leader and a newly promoted cultivator, would also come in person.

It should be understood that while it is true that their ancestor died, whether or not he died in a glorious manner makes a world of difference to these descendants of the Yuan family.

Kang Changxi led his two half-brothers and He Chang into the hall. His face showed sorrow, but no arrogance. He simply bowed and said:

"Upon hearing of the passing of an elder in the Yuan family, my father was also prepared to come in person. However, he was preoccupied with important matters and could not attend. Please forgive him, Fellow Daoist Yuan."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ze'en quickly bowed and waved his hand, his tone full of fear and gratitude: "Young Master, you flatter me! Headmaster Kang is busy with countless affairs of state. It is already a great honor for the Yuan family that he could send the three young masters in person. How could we dare to trouble the Headmaster?"

After saying that, he led the three of them deeper into the mourning hall. When they passed the guest seating area, everyone who had been talking in hushed tones stood up to pay their respects.

Logically, Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan should have been the center of attention since they had finally returned to the Yuan family in Xuanlin. However, seeing that the limelight had been stolen by their elder brother Kang Changxi, the two of them showed no resentment and were clearly content to play a supporting role.

Kang Changxi and the other cultivators raised their hands in return, their movements unhurried and unhurried, showing neither the disrespect of a scion of a noble family nor the arrogance expected of a Golden Core cultivator: "Fellow Daoists, you are too kind. My father, Senior Yan Buwen, has made great contributions to the sect. Today, Changxi is offering sacrifices on his behalf, which is only my duty."

After saying this, Kang Changxi glanced at the memorial tablet in the center of the mourning hall. He read the brief biography of Yuan Buwen on it and paused slightly when he read, "He lived to the age of 326. Respectfully erected by his grandson Ze'en and the other members of the Yuan family."

He then gave a wink to Changzhao and Changyan behind him, and the two brothers immediately presented the prepared funeral gifts.

The two brothers each carried a sandalwood brocade tray inlaid with silver cloud patterns. On the left tray was a palm-sized crimson iron token, its jade-like texture as clear as solidified fat, with the six-leaf blue lotus Dao seal of the Chongming Sect on the front; on the right tray was a plain silk scroll, the cover of which was stamped with the vermilion private seal of the Grand Master Kang, clearly a sacrificial text personally issued by the Upper Sect.

He Chang stepped forward, took the silk booklet from the tray, and swept the floor with the hem of his blue robe without leaving a speck of dust. He had seen many such occasions in recent years and was always the one in charge, so he was quite adept at it.

Her elegant demeanor made even Kang Changxi, a young master from a prominent family who had been personally instructed in etiquette by Fei Shuhe, feel somewhat ashamed of himself.

“Fellow Daoist Yuan,” He Chang’s voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard throughout the mourning hall: “In the 581st year of Qianfeng, the year was Xuanxiao, and the season was frost and cold.”

On behalf of the head of the Chongming clan, Kang Gong, and his three sons, Changxi, Changzhao, and Changyan, I offer this libation of wine and simple delicacies before the spirit of the late Yuan Buwen, the alchemist of the Jingnanxuan Lin clan, saying:
"Born into a prominent family in Jingnan, he received a classical education from a young age. He displayed extraordinary talent from childhood, glimpsing the path of foundational learning; through trials and tribulations, he reached the realm of 'false elixir.' In the past, when Kang Gong was still a hidden dragon, residing with the Yuan family, he possessed exceptional insight, discerning his soaring spirit, and thus unlocked the secrets of halberd techniques:"

Hand in hand, they demonstrated the secrets of martial arts in the courtyard; shoulder to shoulder, they practiced battle formations in the countryside. It wasn't merely the transmission of skills, but a true exchange of hearts and souls.

He was over three hundred years old when he volunteered to guard Hancheng. Leading his clan and the Hanshan School, he organized a local army to quell the demonic scourge, protecting the eastern border for five years. The realm of the False Elixir was even more prosperous than the Golden Elixir realm. Now that he has passed away, his achievements in transmitting the Dharma, protecting the clan, and guarding the land will live on forever.

Duke Kang expresses his deepest condolences, and his three sons personally offer sacrifices. The descendants of the Yuan family should carry on his legacy, and the clan should remember his contributions. The wind sobs, the clouds gather, and ashes mingle with tears. Alas, may he rest in peace!

"I hereby bestow upon the Yuan family of Xuanlin a Chongming Decree, granting them exemption from taxes for the next sixty years at Yangmingshan, granting them the hereditary title of Chizhang Guard General, and granting them a Foundation Building Pill every hundred years."

When He Chang finished speaking, there was a moment of deathly silence in the mourning hall, and even the crackling sound of burning incense and candles seemed exceptionally clear.

Yuan Ze'en stood frozen in place, his hands still half-raised, his eyes first blank, then filled with ecstasy and shock.

It should be understood that just sixty years of tax exemption was enough for Yuan's descendants to recover the wealth that Yuan Buwen had squandered by pawning his possessions.

Not to mention the hereditary titles of the Crimson Guardian Generals and the Foundation Establishment Pill that costs a hundred years! These things alone are enough to make those fake pill sects within the Chongming Sect green with envy.

By the time Yuan Ze'en reacted, his knees had already buckled involuntarily. He reached above his head with both hands to catch the crimson iron token and roared in a hoarse voice, "Xuanlin Yuan Family. Thank you for the grace of Sect Leader Kang! Thank you for the sect's consideration!"

His voice trembled uncontrollably, and even the veins on his forehead bulged.

Upon seeing this, the Yuan family members behind him also knelt down in unison, and the sound of orderly kowtows immediately filled the mourning hall, causing the candlelight on the offering table to flicker.

He Chang stepped forward and steadily handed the Chongming Order to Yuan Ze'en. The latter felt that the iron order was slightly heavy in his hand. In addition to the six-leaf green lotus Dao seal on the front, there were also fine inscriptions on the back.

The inscription reads: "In the 581st year of Qianfeng's reign, the Yuan family of Xuanlin was granted the position of Chizhang Guard General, which shall be inherited by their clan members. The Foundation Pill shall be drawn from the ancestral alchemy hall every hundred years." Every word is profound.

The inscription at the end bears the signatures of Headmaster Kang and three seventh-generation elders, signifying that the Xuan Shui will not fade and the Zhen Huo will not dissipate.

“Fellow Daoist Yuan, please rise,” He Chang said calmly. “This is a special gift from my sect leader, who remembers the kindness of Senior Buwen in teaching him skills in the past and appreciates his merit in guarding Hancheng.”

Yuan Ze'en thanked him loudly again, but this favor was rather excessive, so much so that Xu Liuxian, who was watching the ceremony from the side, couldn't help but mutter to his sworn brother Ji Yunsheng, "Madam Yuan is so favored?!"

The latter dared not answer, and hurriedly tugged at his sleeve, which made Xu Liuxian realize that he had misspoke and he did not speak again.

The whispers among these respectable figures in the hall were not limited to just the two leaders of the Hanshan Sect.
Why is it that Kang, who is used to buying horse bones, knows better than ordinary superiors how to buy horse bones? And which of the people in charge of the various families in this hall could not be envious of the great favors the Yuan family has received?

Contrary to what most people outside thought, Kang Dabao did not gradually look down on those who had obtained the Golden Core sect because he believed it would be useful.

He knew how many wolves and wolves were lurking in the twelve prefectures under the jurisdiction of Chongming Sect. Even though he was now somewhat docile because of his halberd, if something unexpected happened, the scene might not be so pleasant.

Just like the suppression of the northern mountain road by Wumu Mountain for one or two thousand years, the various families within the territory still maintain their own practices.

Human desires are insatiable, even true masters and sages find them hard to fathom, let alone Master Kang.

The descendants of the Yuan family were overjoyed, and the resentment they had harbored towards their ancestor during his lifetime had vanished.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that if the Chongming Clan continues to prosper, and if any of the descendants of the Xuanlin Yuan family are even slightly outstanding, their fortunes will rise accordingly.

However, it must be said that Yuan Buwen, this old monk, had a hard life. Even after he had devoted himself to the cause and was laid to rest, he was still used by Kang Dabao to win people's hearts.

Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao were finally able to speak with the Yuan family, but their conversation did not last long.

Just as the funeral was ending at noon, Kang Changxi, who had led the congratulatory group, disregarded the possibility of usurping the host's position and brought the assembled cultivators to the Hancheng garrison headquarters for a meeting.

"Recently, the commanders of the local militias in various prefectures have been reporting that evil spirits have increased dramatically in the territory and are causing havoc in all directions. It is likely that soon the mountain gate will issue a proclamation, ordering every household to send people to pacify the area."

However, since Changxi has the privilege of meeting with the heads of various families today, he will preface this by saying that he urges everyone not to take this matter lightly. If you encounter any troublesome evil spirits, please report them to Yangmingshan as soon as possible and do not let them linger. Otherwise, you may face questioning from your elders again.”

Suppressing evil spirits within the territory was a task that Chongmingzong often urged his various families to undertake. Therefore, it was only because Kang Changxi was giving such a serious and detailed instruction that it seemed somewhat solemn.

However, since the Grand Master Chongming Zongkang was used to making a big deal out of these trivial matters, it is not surprising that his son resembled his father.

The people sitting there didn't think much of it and simply faced Kang Changxi and respectfully responded.

After explaining everything, Kang Changxi did not leave in a hurry.

He first delivered a letter personally written by Master Jiang to Xu Liuxian, Ji Yunsheng and other old friends of Chongming, then conveyed the sect leader's greetings to Zhang Huangshi, Kang Xiangyi and others, and then told Yuan Ze'en that he could select an outstanding disciple in a year to go to Yangmingshan to cultivate under Yuan Jin's tutelage.

After completing all the aforementioned tasks, Kang Changxi and his companions bid farewell to the numerous banquets and returned via the same route.

The golden-haired old donkey that Master Kang assigned to He Chang as his envoy is now proficient in transformation. With a little effort, it can transform into the size of a rhinoceros, so the four of them riding back together do not feel crowded.

The four spoke privately, and He Chang, as the elder brother, didn't stand on ceremony at all: "Brother Xi, even the Fearless Tower and our teachers can't find out the whereabouts of the Mysterious Mist Hidden Scale Beast, so I'm afraid the other sects below have no hope either."

Kang Changxi Xian also knew that what He Chang said was true, but he explained: "Even if these small families can't find the whereabouts of that demon school Yongli, they still have to deal with some of the affairs of Qingping, which can't hurt."

Moreover, I have followed the instructions of my teachers and elders and have not informed any of the dangers of this beast. I believe that no family will be cowardly or passively comply.

Even if they think I'm Chongming's eyes and ears, it's better than nothing. It still increases the probability of them sending my Chongming disciples to search for the Mysterious Mist Hidden Scale Beast.

He Chang thought it made sense, so he didn't ask any more questions. Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan always followed their elder brother's lead, so they didn't say much.

On the contrary, Kang Changxi spoke up again: "This time, my third and fourth brothers should have stayed a little longer, but before leaving, Mother gave me some instructions. She used her own money to invite the highly respected Gu Hongzi to study at Qinghan Academy. The time should be approaching."

Third and fourth brothers, you two haven't yet heard this master's discourse. Perhaps you'll have a sudden enlightenment, so you shouldn't miss it. Please don't be offended.”

The two had no objections to begin with, let alone Kang Changxi's explanation, so they wouldn't blame him.

The four had only been traveling for a few days, and had not even reached the halfway point of their return journey, when they heard urgent news from the Fengshi Fang family behind them:

"When the officials were searching the stone forest within Tanggu territory, they suddenly encountered a black mist, which they determined was the work of a powerful demon at the Golden Core stage. The mist, six zhang in circumference, concealed ten thousand demons, which then attacked the city."

The ferocious monster has emerged from the Stone Forest and destroyed the Fang family's territory, causing heavy casualties among the Fang family cultivators; mortals have been devoured, and their homes have been reduced to ashes. The armies of Xuan and Han cities have been dispatched, and all families have received urgent requests for aid. We urge our superior sect to send reinforcements!

The four men remained silent after reading it, but Kang Changyan was the first to speak: "Second brother, is your luck really that good?! The moment you sent him on his mission, this beast ran into the Fengshi Fang family?!"

Kang Changxi didn't know if he was just lucky, but the Fengshi Fang family was definitely unlucky.

After reading the urgent message, he also looked quite surprised. However, he did not hesitate for too long, since if the Fengshi Fang family really encountered this beast, it would be a good thing.

The message from the Fang family requesting help must have reached more than just him; there must have been a message sent to Yangmingshan as well. Therefore, Kang Changxi wasn't in a hurry to forward it. Instead, he said urgently to his three brothers, "I'll go check it out first."

Before the other three could react, Kang Changxi had already taken his leave.

As a Golden Core cultivator, he possessed numerous treasures and inherited excellent skills, making his escape speed unmatched by the other three true cultivators.

Even if He Chang no longer showed any mercy to the old golden-haired donkey and urged him on relentlessly, it was only a few breaths before the three of them could no longer see Kang Changxi's figure.

In the end, He Chang and the other two could only let him go to Tanggu County alone to see if the black mist demon that had shaken the prefecture and county was indeed the Mani Treasure Leaf that Headmaster Kang had been longing for.

(End of this chapter)