This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 357 What? You know I'm a Grandmaster of the Profound Realm?
Zhen Dian Prefecture, East.

Wenqu Academy.

With its blue bricks and gray tiles, and ancient pines covering its eaves, a simple and elegant academy is nestled among the verdant cypresses.

On either side of the courtyard gate, a couplet with vigorous and powerful calligraphy is inscribed:

The cultural heritage has been passed down through the ages, and righteousness shines through the ages.

It was already late afternoon, and the students had finished their classes early and gone to join the fun near the post station. So when Xiang Yuan followed Xiao Feng into the academy, it was deserted and he didn't see a single student who had stayed behind to study.

The book has its own house of gold, and the book has its own Yan Ruyu.

The Northern Qi princess comes with her own wealth and beauty. If a student can gain her appreciation for their talent, they can at least be spared thirty-five years of arduous study. Students will certainly do the math.

Don't say that Master Jiang has high standards. What if she's blind? What if she falls in love at first sight?
Xiang Yuan walked into the backyard of the academy and stepped onto the bluestone-paved path. On both sides were century-old plum trees with gnarled branches like dragons. Although the flowering season had passed and the branches were no longer adorned with cold beauty, their proud spirit remained, and their rugged posture had a sense of solitude.

When Xiang Yuan first arrived in Zhen Dian Prefecture, he didn't know much about the renowned Wenqu Academy. He only knew that it was very close to the Prince Zhao's residence. He was itching to go next door to watch Xiao Yan kneel before Cheng Yuling.

He didn't mean anything by it, and he wasn't looking for fun. He wanted to learn and see how his father-in-law would argue.

If Xiang Yuan bets ten taels of silver that Cheng Yuling will definitely be fooled by Xiao Yan, who has been fooling her for over twenty years, then if she doesn't forgive Xiao Yan this time, wouldn't all the forgiveness before have been for nothing?
The key is the process of fooling around. The sea of ​​knowledge is boundless, and Xiang Yuan is too eager to improve.

Xiao Feng led the way, and the two walked along the bluestone path.

At the end of the path, a four-cornered pavilion stands by the pond, with copper bells hanging from the eaves that tinkle softly in the wind, as if welcoming guests.

On the stone table in the pavilion, three cups of clear tea are steaming with white vapor.

An elderly man in a blue robe sat quietly in the pavilion, his figure slender and graceful like the bones of a plum tree, reminding one of the century-old plum tree seen earlier, its ruggedness exuding an indomitable spirit.

At first glance, that's how it seems, but if the other party's surname is Xiao, the situation is different.

Xiao Yin, a master of the Tongyou sect from the Xiao clan of Shendu.

The old friend whom Xiao Feng described as "only" and who was also surnamed Xiao and from the capital city, gave Xiang Yuan a relatively objective subjective impression of him. He knew that judging people by their appearance was a big mistake and that he had overlooked the other man's thin but dignified appearance.

What good could someone surnamed Xiao possibly have? It's all just acting; he's a fraud.

Xiao Yin hails from the capital and has been temporarily residing in Zhen Dian Prefecture for some time. He hides in Wenqu Academy, posing as a teacher, and is responsible for protecting the lineage of Prince Zhao's family.

The Xiao family of Shendu plotted against the three families of Tianzong, with the Prince Zhao's Mansion as the vanguard. In the Ming Dynasty, if they did not send a single Grandmaster to protect them, regardless of how the three families of Tianzong would react, the entire Prince Zhao's Mansion would surely just give up.

Schemes and plots are nothing compared to physical strength. The Zhaowang Mansion doesn't even have a Grandmaster behind it, yet it dares to jump around in front of the three Tianzong families. This is more than just courting death. Any Grandmaster from any of the three families could raze the Zhaowang Mansion to the ground.

Xiao Yan understood this, and Xiao Qian, the person in charge of the Prince Zhao's mansion, understood it even better.

Even the gods wouldn't send a grandmaster to oversee things. Xiao Qian immediately urged his father to stop this nonsense. Making money by exploiting the villagers is the only way to go.

The Xiao family masters in Shendu did not want to come to Zhendian Prefecture. Shendu is such a blessed place, a place worth being reborn as a dog in the next life. What is so attractive about Zhendian Prefecture?
I like her because she has lots of fungi, I like her simple and honest customs, and I like her because she is close to the three families of the Heavenly Sect.
LOL, even a dog wouldn't go.

So, several masters of the Xiao clan gathered together and anonymously voted to discuss suitable candidates.

Ultimately, the vote passed unanimously, bringing back Xiao Yin, who had been in seclusion and had not attended the meeting.

After Xiao Yin left the pass, he arrived in Zhen Dian Prefecture in a daze. Every time he thought about it, he couldn't help but curse.

Because everyone shares the same family genealogy, it's not appropriate to curse one's ancestors for eighteen generations, nor is it appropriate to curse one's mother.

Insults that don't touch the mother's face, and whose output is like scraping the skin—it only makes me angrier!
"Xiao Yin has met... um, elder brother."

Upon seeing Xiang Yuan and Xiao Feng approaching, Xiao Yin stood up and bowed.

Xiao Feng had just greeted him. Xiang Yuan was born in the Year of the Dog, and he believed in the principle of "plucking feathers from a passing goose, leaving the goose behind, and then scalding it with boiling water to remove the feathers." If he didn't want to meet again, he would owe Xiang Yuan a life-saving favor, so he should be more polite when speaking to him.

Xiao Feng didn't mention what kind of life-saving grace it was, but as seasoned veterans, they knew Xiao Yin understood.

Snapped!
Xiao Feng slapped Xiao Yin on the back of the head, grinned, and said enthusiastically to Xiang Yuan, "Brother, this kid is Xiao Yin. Don't be fooled by his scholarly attire. He's only read a few books and his knowledge is limited. He's not even worthy of carrying your shoes."

Xiao Yin opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but was glared at by Xiao Feng, and immediately put on a mercenary face.

The integrity and character of scholars and writers have vanished.

Xiang Yuan was unaware of anything amiss. He had never harbored any illusions about the master of the Xiao family in the capital. Without expectations, he was naturally not disappointed.

After the three of them were seated, Xiang Yuan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, slapped his forehead, and muttered to himself, "Oh no!"

"not good!"

"What's wrong, brother?"

“I smuggled two catties of imperial tea from Ba Shang Lou. I originally planned to give one tael to my father-in-law. The gift box was ready, but I just forgot to give it to him.”

Xiang Yuan frowned and said worriedly, "I've been impolite. Will my father-in-law be angry with me?"

"..."

Xiao Feng was speechless for a moment. Cheng Yuling was hiding in the wardrobe, and Xiao Yan didn't say a word. He even seemed panicked at the thought of being discovered. What was a mere ounce of tea leaves?

Xiao Feng arrived late and missed Xiao Yan's earlier self-disclosure, and was unaware of the deep affection between Xiao Yan and Cheng Yuling, so it's understandable that he had these doubts.

Xiang Yuan was fully aware of this. Even if Cheng Yuling had only hidden the wardrobe, or even if she had hidden the quilt, Xiao Yan's first thought would still be a misunderstanding. He would never suspect that his wife had cheated on him.

I have to say, I'm quite envious.

If one day, while he and Chan'er are in bed, Xiao Lingyue walks in...

No, it's not appropriate to use Chan'er as an example; Xiao Lingyue has already seen her in person once.

If one day, when he and Shang Qingmeng were to sleep together, and Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er walked in, their first thought would be that it was a misunderstanding, how wonderful that would be.

"Sigh, there's just a lack of trust between people. Actually, there are many things that can be excused," Xiang Yuan sighed.

Xiao Feng and Xiao Yin didn't know what he was talking about. The former was sensible and didn't ask, while the latter, having just met him, didn't respond, adhering to the principle that too much talk leads to mistakes.

Xiao Feng gave Xiao Yin a look, and the latter used the prepared words: "Although Prince Zhao, Xiao Yan, is not good at his job, his heir, Xiao Qian, is a talented man with excellent vision and strategic planning. He can be called a potential advisor to a king..."

Xiao Yin held Xiao Qian in extremely high regard, believing that after a few years of honing his skills, he was ready to enter the court and become a prime minister. Not only did Xiao Qian have a keen eye for talent, but he was also adept at recognizing and utilizing people. Under his guidance, Xiao Yan's various adopted sons, some good and some bad, were able to achieve results far exceeding expectations.

"Last year, the Ji family, one of the Seven Families of Tianwu, agreed to a marriage alliance with the Prince Zhao's mansion. The twenty-seventh daughter, Xiao Lingyan, is exceptionally beautiful and talented..."

Xiao Yin glanced at Xiao Feng: "You may not know, but the person from the Ji family who is in charge of the marriage alliance is both far away and right in front of you!"

"What? It's actually my eldest brother."

Xiao Feng gasped, his face filled with shock: "Brother, you've kept this from me for so long! You've hidden it so well!"

Xiang Yuan: (_)
"Spit it out if you have something to say, stop pretending."

"As expected of my elder brother, you saw through me at a glance."

Xiao Feng grinned lewdly, his thick, blackened eyebrows twitching up and down: "Big brother, what is your relationship with Ji Boli? According to what the Prince Zhao's mansion says, you are Ji Boli's distant cousin?"

A frank person doesn't beat around the bush, but speaking frankly can easily get you beaten up. Xiao Feng subtly raised his doubts, hoping that Xiang Yuan could explain them.

All the news coming from Prince Zhao's residence was good news, but Xiao Feng didn't think so. He had checked Xiang Yuan's information and found that he came from a humble background and was definitely an orphan. It was impossible for him to be related to Ji Boli.

The strategic layout of the three families of Tianzong cannot be taken lightly; we must get to the bottom of it.

"The relationship of being cousins ​​is just a cover. My relationship with Ji Boli... can only be described as closer than cousins." Xiang Yuan struggled to find the right words, still finding it difficult to speak. He thought to himself, "What a shameful thing to say!"
Moreover, from Ji Boli's perspective, he could not reveal his identity as a successor of the Benxin Dao to the Xiao family of Shendu. These despicable people, having seized upon Ji Boli's weakness, made inhumane threats.

Only your own junior brother can betray your own senior brother!
Xiang Yuan stated that his stabbing of his senior brother Tongming in the back was just a playful interaction between brothers, and that revealing Tongming's past and allowing him to be controlled by the Xiao family of Shendu was somewhat excessive.

"Brother, could you explain in detail how we became so close?" Xiao Feng asked anxiously.

"It cannot be said, it must not be said."

Xiang Yuan gave Xiao Feng a deep look: "If I were to speak, it would surely cause a great disaster. At that time, even I would have to abandon the Xiao family of Shendu."

"Ji Boli has such a powerful backer?" Xiao Feng instantly grasped the key point.

That's all I have to say; I can't say any more.

Xiang Yuan shook his head and then said, "But don't worry, there's one thing I can promise you: Ji Boli represents the interests of the Ji family, and only secondarily the Seven Lineages of Tianwu. He is burdened by his family and therefore cannot be separated from the Ji family. As long as the Xiao family of Shendu does not take the initiative, he will not take the initiative either."

Xiao Feng was not satisfied with the answer and gave Xiao Yin another look.

Judging from the relationship between the two, it is clear that Xiao Yin's position as the most junior among the Xiao family's grandmasters is unshakeable. "According to what the Prince Zhao's Mansion said, not only is my elder brother related to the Ji family, but he also has some connection with the Heavenly Blade Sect. The current sect leader of the Heavenly Blade Sect, Ji Wuzhou, is your master, elder brother," Xiao Yin said.

"Registered".

Xiang Yuan emphasized one point, but did not completely refute it.

His impression of the rickety sampan master was mainly twofold: an artistic old man and a bit eccentric, who had been slacking off for a long time because he was afraid of his counterpart in other worlds.

But it must be said that the three paintings left to him by his master in the broken sampan were indeed quite good, much more reliable than Frieza, the dim-witted king who let his apprentices run wild and who spent his days playing on drop towers with them.

"Brother, don't you plan to return to the Heavenly Blade Sect to visit your family?" Xiao Feng suggested.

"Not much interest."

Xiang Yuan shook his head. The Heavenly Blade Sect's legacy is contained in the three paintings. What would he do if he returned to the Heavenly Blade Sect to cling to his master, the Broken Boatman, and become the young sect leader?
The idea was good, but unfortunately the master of the dilapidated sampan disliked him and only accepted apprentices by name, so there was no point in going over to curry favor with him.

"Brother, you only tell me half the story, it's hard for me to do anything!" Xiao Feng said helplessly.

To quell external threats, internal stability must come first. The three families of Tianzong are a persistent problem within the territory of Western Chu. If these three families are not brought under control, the Xiao family will be constrained by them, unable to spare any attention, and unable to achieve anything. Faced with the mastermind behind the plot to seize the world and the three kingdoms, they can only watch helplessly.

If they wanted to find a breakthrough, Xiang Yuan was undoubtedly the best candidate. He was close to Ji Boli, had a master-disciple relationship with Ji Wuzhou, and occupied two of the three major sects of Tianzong...

Oh, secretly he's also the head of the Feng family, one of the Five Lineages of Heavenly Sword.

With such favorable conditions, even the Xiao family of Shendu were almost moved to tears of envy.

Xiang Yuan knew what Xiao Feng was talking about, but he couldn't help him. He had senior brothers in the Tianwu Sect and a master in the Tiandao Sect. There were too many interpersonal relationships involved, so it was impossible for him to take action against either of them.

So, let's talk about Tanjian Pavilion instead!
Xiang Yuan steered the conversation toward the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, and both Xiao Feng and Xiao Yin nodded in agreement. Taking action against the Heavenly Sword Pavilion was a well-prepared strategic plan, and there was no doubt about that.

The key question is whether the three families of Tianzong, though seemingly at odds, are actually one family behind closed doors. No one dares to guarantee that Tiandao and Tianwu will step in to help at the last minute.

"Then let's prepare for the worst; these two companies will definitely step up."

Xiang Yuan shrugged: "Putting aside the fact that the three families are of the same blood and share the same roots, just considering the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold,' if Tianjian falls, then Tiandao and Tianwu will be next. They're not stupid. Besides... the reputation of the Xiao family of Shendu is just so-so, they won't believe in the promise of non-aggression."

Xiang Yuan spoke frankly, saying he wouldn't get involved in the matter, telling Xiao Feng and Xiao Yin to forget about it. It was precisely because his identity made him easy to manipulate that he was unwilling to get involved.

But if it's aimed at the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, he wouldn't mind lending a hand behind his back.

After finishing our business, it was time for tea tasting.

Xiao Yin raised an eyebrow: "Brother, at the border between the two countries, Grandmaster Liu fought against three of my Western Chu Grandmasters single-handedly. He has extraordinary talent, and I admire him greatly."

"To be precise, it blocked two..."

Xiang Yuan corrected his mistake. The first round was about calligraphy. Wu Rui was the challenger, but Jiang Yingjun defeated him head-on with the "Song of Righteousness" because of her own strength, without anyone's help.

At this point, he added, "Wu Rui and Chen Suhe are true masters, while the chess player in the middle is just a charlatan. He lost all three games and is a disgrace to Western Chu."

“I think so too,” Xiao Feng nodded in agreement.

When he appeared in disguise, no one knew it was him, so there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Xiao Yin took out a small booklet and placed it in front of Xiang Yuan, speaking with great admiration: "Brother, take a look. This is a collection of poems compiled by a teacher at the academy. Does it look familiar?"

Xiang Yuan took a look and saw that "Sympathy for the Farmers," "Untitled," and "Green Jade Case" were indeed his 'original' masterpieces.

Xiang Yuan's eyes lit up: "Is this schoolteacher surnamed Wang and named Wenxu?"

“I changed my name; it’s not this name anymore,” Xiao Yin replied.

"Too……"

Xiang Yuan nodded. Last June, he killed Ana Heiyan, the wife of the leader of the Five Poisons Sect, in Yundou City in the southern border. Because Xu Jixian confessed everything, the secret stronghold of the Imperial City Division in Fengxian County was disbanded on the spot.

Xu Jixian went to the capital to become a stud, living an unpredictable life, constantly absent-minded and mentally scattered, becoming the kind of person he wanted to be.

Wang Wenxu disbanded Yulin Academy, changed his appearance, and arrived in Zhen Dian Prefecture, intending to resume his old ways once the storm had passed.

Xiao He accepted a mission and then disappeared without a trace; it is unclear whether he died outside.

When Xiang Yuan saw his poetry collection, he thought of Wang Wenxu.

He first put away the poetry collection, preparing to accidentally drop it at Jiang Yingjun's feet, to put on a show and enjoy the emotional feedback from the artistic young woman, before asking, "I once attended classes under Mr. Wang. Without his careful guidance, I would not have been able to compose such excellent verses today. I wonder where Mr. Wang is now? Would you be so kind as to invite him to come and enjoy some tea?"

"That's easy."

Xiao Yin waved his hand, and a paper crane flew out from his sleeve, flapping its wings to go find Wang Wenxu.

Xiang Yuan got up, straightened his clothes, and took out the imperial tea specially supplied by the royal family, preparing to have a good chat with Wang Wenxu.

"Brother, look, you're already here. And since this is Wenqu Academy, why don't you recite a poem?"

Xiao Yin smiled innocently. Despite his scholarly attire, he actually enjoyed indulging in refined pursuits; otherwise, he wouldn't have hidden himself in Wenqu Academy, using his position as a teacher as a cover.

"Suddenly, I was asked to write a poem. Oh well, I just saw the plum tree. I wrote one before, so I'll use it today."

Xiang Yuan took out his poetry collection, borrowed Xiao Yin's brush and ink, and wrote a poem about plum blossoms.

Beside the broken bridge outside the post station, a lonely flower blooms, ownerless and forlorn. Dusk has fallen, and I am filled with sorrow, further burdened by wind and rain.

I have no intention of vying for spring's favor, letting all the other flowers be envious. Though I fall and turn to dust, my fragrance remains unchanged.

There are so many poems about plum blossoms in the nine-year compulsory education system, but this one left the deepest impression. There are also re-creations, but what's the point of creating them for a bunch of old men? It's good enough as it is.

After a cup of tea, Wang Wenxu went to the backyard and was surprised to see Xiang Yuan, which immediately lifted his spirits.

"Towards……"

"What? Sir, you know I'm a Grandmaster of the Profound Realm?"

"..."

The atmosphere instantly brightened, overshadowing the long sigh of reunion after a long separation.

At least Xiang Yuan is quite happy.

Half an hour later, as the sun had just set and a sliver of light still lingered in the distance, Xiang Yuan felt a sense of unease and his face lit up with joy. He chuckled and said, "A few little mice have wandered into the inn. I'll go and meet them."

“Brother, I will go with you,” Xiao Feng said, standing up.

"No need, they're just a few mice. Pour the tea first, I'll be right back."

"Remember to leave them alive."

Xiao Feng hurriedly spoke up, fearing that Xiang Yuan's strength was too great and that he would be reduced to ashes with a single wave of his hand.

"It's natural."

Xiang Yuan's figure faded and disappeared as he teleported away. He sighed, thinking that Jiang Yingjun was truly a treasure. Her status as a princess of Northern Qi held an irresistible allure for ambitious individuals within Western Chu.

With Jiang Yingjun by your side, you'll never lack someone destined to be with you.

I don't know who the visitor is, or which branch of the three Heavenly Sects they belong to.

……

On the other side of the inn, two figures scaled the wall and entered the courtyard.

Qin Zhaorong landed shakily and asked curiously, "Senior Sister, why didn't you just teleport in? Climbing over walls is so simple. Is that how you got your benefits?"

No one will think you're mute if you don't speak!

Zi Ping glanced coldly at Qin Zhaorong: "Grandmasters have incredibly sharp senses. Teleporting will leave traces, and they could very well come after you."

"Thank you so much, Senior Sister, for teaching me this amazing skill of stealing people. I've learned something new," Qin Zhaorong exclaimed.

"..."

Zi Ping kept a straight face, too lazy to argue with Qin Zhaorong. She took a step out of the courtyard, and her expression changed drastically.

Oh no, spatial restrictions! The opponent's Grandmaster cultivation is far superior to hers.

It's a trap!
(End of this chapter)