A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Chapter 476: Never Let Each Other Down
The Stargazing Pavilion is located in the Shenyun Prefecture. It is not a separate government office, but is located in a remote corner in the southeast corner of the main government office. Usually, there are few people visiting this place.

What's more, it was already night time and the entire Observatory was shrouded in darkness.

At this time, in the dark night, a black light flashed out from the Observatory, passed by, and shot into the flower hall in the backyard of the mansion owner's office.

There was a candle lit in the flower hall, the door was closed, and there was someone guarding the door.

The palace owner, Wang Maochun, dressed in casual clothes, and another middle-aged man in a green shirt had already been standing respectfully in the flower hall.

The red crane suddenly appeared like a ghost and stopped in front of the two of them.

The two men saw a flash before their eyes, and then they saw Zhu He, wearing a Taoist robe, had landed in the flower hall. They knelt down immediately.

Zhu He said: "Don't bother with this useless red tape, just get straight to the point."

As Zhu He spoke, he sat down on a throne not far away, picked up the ginseng tea on the table, and took two sips.

The two men stood up immediately after hearing this.

Wang Maochun bent his waist and said, "I just received a document from the sect's elders' council, ordering my subordinates to pack the materials on the officials and gentry in the Taihe Building into boxes and carts, and to dispatch the Privy Council's cavalry to escort them to the sect."

Zhu He nodded and said, "Well, just do as I say."

Wang Maochun hesitated for a moment and said, "It's just..."

"Speak!" Zhu He frowned slightly. He was most annoying when he was hesitant.

"Yes!" Wang Maochun said, "After I took over the defense of Taihe Tower, I checked the materials there and found that the records of officials above the third rank were missing."

Zhu He's eyes moved. "Are there any more than three rank ones missing?"

"Yes!" Wang Maochun said, "I think that the records of officials above the third rank should have been collected by Lord Duan."

Zhu He nodded. Duan Rong didn't know that Wang Maochun was their man. Before handing over the defense, he first sorted out the records of officials above the third rank. This was a wise move.

Zhu He said: "Since Duan Rong has dealt with it, he will handle it himself. You don't have to worry about it."

"Yes!" Wang Maochun clasped his fists and took a step back.

Zhu He turned his head to look at the person beside Wang Maochun and said, "You say!"

The man's eyes moved and he stepped forward.

This person was none other than the servant of the Internal Affairs Department who entered the Shenyun Mansion with Duan Rong.

It was not the first time that Zhu He met them. Both of them knew Zhu He's temper. When talking to him, he was always decisive and only spoke to the point.

Not long after, the two had finished their report. Zhu He got up and left without even saying hello. Before the two could even say farewell to him, Zhu He was no longer in the hall.

In the sky above the Shenyun Mansion, Zhu He once again turned into a black light and flashed by. The black light drew a steep curve and landed on a roof somewhere.

The roof was not high, it was just an elegant house. On the large bluestone in the yard, a man was sitting there drinking.

This is Zhu Zhengfu’s villa, where Duan Rong lives.

The Red Crane had not landed yet, but its spiritual sense had already swept through the house. Duan Rong had not returned yet.

The journey of more than 30 miles was just a blink of an eye for Zhu He and Gu Daoling, but it was not that fast for Duan Rong. Although he had achieved the Yuan Qi realm, he still needed to use the landing point to move his body.

Since Duan Rong had not returned yet, Zhu He stood on the roof and waited for a while. Not long after, a figure walked into the gate of the villa in the night.

Duan Rong walked into the gate of the villa and saw Qiu Luan sitting on a large bluestone drinking alone.

Duan Rong walked in slowly. Qiu Luan didn't say anything, but just poured wine into his throat.

At this moment, a cough suddenly came from the roof of the courtyard.

Duan Rong and Qiu Luan's hearts skipped a beat. Almost at the same time, they looked up at the rooftop and saw an old man in a loose Taoist robe standing in the wind under the starry light. The night breeze gently lifted his hair and the edge of his robe, making him look like an immortal.

Qiu Luan jumped up and shouted, "Who is it?!"

Qiu Luan was the guard of this villa, but he didn't know how long that person had been standing on the roof, and he didn't even notice it. If that person hadn't coughed lightly, he wouldn't have even noticed it at this time. How could he not be shocked? !
Qiu Luan was frightened when he heard Duan Rong beside him shouting, "Master!"

Zhu He floated down from the roof and landed on the open space in front of the house. He glanced at Qiu Luan unkindly, then looked at Duan Rong and said, "What's wrong? I have been waiting for you on the roof for a long time, but you didn't invite me to come in and sit down."

Duan Rong said, "I didn't know Master would come, so I came back late. Master, please come in!"

Duan Rong let Zhu He into the house, lit the candle with a tinder, and said, "The maid is not here, and no one has prepared tea. Master, please wait a moment, I will go and make some tea."

Zhu He said: "No need, just pour me a cup of water from the pot."

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong took a porcelain pot and poured a glass of clear water, and respectfully placed it in front of Zhu He. Zhu He took a sip, looked at Duan Rong, and said, "Sit there. I have something to say to you."

Duan Rong then sat on a chair below.

Zhu He said: "This chess game to defeat Ge Rushong was actually played by our master and disciple together."

Duan Rong said: "I dare not. I am trapped in it and only have a half-understanding of it."

Zhu He smiled and said, "Don't be too modest. Although this chess game was deduced by the master, the whole process was carried out on your shoulders. If you fail in any step, the whole chess game will fail!"

Duan Rong's eyes froze when he heard this. Zhu He was right. Although this chess game was ingenious, it would be nothing but a dead game if there was no key chess piece that could affect the entire situation. And he was that key chess piece.

Zhu He's eyes suddenly dimmed as he spoke, "However, even the wisest man can make mistakes. I did not expect Ge Rusong to have such a treasure as the Mani Pearl. Therefore, I put you in danger tonight."

When Zhu He said this, he looked at Duan Rong deeply.

Duan Rong's heart moved slightly. If he had any grudge against Zhu He, it was precisely because of this point that he almost died tonight.

Duan Rong said: "At least there was no danger. Master, don't worry. Everything always has risks."

Zhu He said: "However, even if the Mani Pearl really isolates you, Ge Rusong cannot kill you. I have already told Gu Daoling who is hiding in the dense forest about this matter. If you are in danger, he will take action."

In fact, Zhu He was lying about this. He had never asked Gu Daoling to rescue Duan Rong, because he and Chu Qiushan were not far from Duan Rong. He didn't know that Ge Rushong had the Mani Pearl, so he thought Duan Rong was very safe.

He ambushed Gu Daoling to prevent Ge Rushong from escaping. He was worried that Chu Qiushan would be angry and unwilling to take action. In a one-on-one situation, he might not be able to stop Ge Rushong.

Duan Rong's eyes flickered, and he said in a deep voice: "Master first gave me the Dew Drinking Cicada for self-defense, and then asked Uncle Master to protect me. How can I be so worthy of this?!"

Duan Rong knew that Zhu He's words were half true and half false. Gu Daoling's original words to Chu Qiushan were to act according to the situation. As for whether he was in danger or not, it depended on Gu Daoling's judgment at that time.

However, Zhu He was willing to tell him all this, at least out of consideration for the relationship between master and disciple, and fearing that he would feel upset, so he enlightened him. Duan Rong was still touched.

Zhu He's eyes suddenly flashed with a strange light, and he looked at Duan Rong and said, "Duan Rong! Although Fan Hongjiao and Wu Shidao have their own merits, none of them can inherit my legacy. I said this because I don't want you to belittle yourself. The burden on your shoulders is not as light as you think!"

Duan Rong's heart skipped a beat, wondering why Zhu He suddenly said this.

Zhu He asked, "Do you still remember the servant from the Internal Affairs Department who came with you when you entered the Shenyun Mansion this time?"

Duan Rong's eyes moved, and he said, "Disciple, remember!"

Zhu He said: "Over the years, I have built a huge intelligence network in this secular world. If not, I would not have been able to get ahead of Ge Rushong at every step."

Duan Rong echoed, "Master, you are thoughtful and far-sighted, and that's right!" Zhu He said, "Do you know who the servant from the Internal Affairs Department who entered Shenyun Mansion with you was?"

Duan Rong was startled and looked at Zhu He. Zhu He kept mentioning that servant, so it was obvious that this person was very important. Originally, Duan Rong thought that the person just came with a mission, but now it seems that he may have underestimated this person.

Zhu He said: "He is the head of the intelligence network that my master has in the secular world."

Duan Rong exclaimed, a look of surprise flashing across his face.

Zhu He said: "This person's identity is secret. Neither Fan Hongjiao nor Wu Shidao have ever seen him. It was a deliberate arrangement for the master to let him enter Shenyun Mansion with you. Because you will meet sooner or later."

"We will meet sooner or later?!" Duan Rong repeated Zhu He's words, savoring the deep meaning in them.

"That's right!" Zhu He said, "I am determined to become the next sect leader. After I become the sect leader, you will be the only one who can assist me! This huge intelligence network will be handed over to you by then."

"Leave it to me?" Duan Rong's heart trembled. This huge intelligence network was undoubtedly one of Zhu He's biggest trump cards, and he was actually willing to hand it over to him.

Duan Rong stared at Zhu He in a daze. It was still that familiar face, but this time he felt that he couldn't understand Zhu He anymore.

Zhu He sighed and said, "If it weren't for the incident with the Mani Pearl tonight, which threatened your life and death, I would not have told you about this matter now. When you see that servant again in the future, you will naturally know my intentions."

Duan Rong immediately knelt on the ground, clasped his fists and said, "Master, the matter of the Mani Pearl is a thing of the past. I have no more concerns in my heart!"

Duan Rong's words were sincere. Zhu He told him so much because he was afraid that he would have some grudges. How could he not know? Behind Zhu He's words, there was a sincere heart. People are not plants, how can they be heartless? How could Duan Rong not feel anything?

"Okay!" Zhu He stood up, looked at Duan Rong with clear eyes, and helped Duan Rong up.

At this moment, the master and the disciple looked into each other's eyes, their minds were connected, and there was no more grudge between them.

Zhu He pinched Duan Rong's shoulder and said, "You have done a great job on this mission to Shenyun Mansion. From now on, you must not only do your work, but also step up your cultivation! Your master will spur you on and support you!"

"Thank you, Master!" Duan Rong clasped his fists.

"There's no need to thank each other between us, master and disciple!" Zhu He said with a smile, "Master, I have something else to do, so I'll leave now!"

"Disciple sends Master off!"

"No need to be so fussy!" Zhu He said as he walked out the door.

He stood at the door, his eyes moved, looking at Qiu Luan who was sitting cross-legged on the big bluestone, pouring wine into his throat, and shouted: "Drink less! Did I ask you to be a guard or to drink? You kept drinking while I was standing on the roof. Are you still drinking now?!"

After Zhu He finished speaking, he glared at Qiu Luan, then suddenly turned into a ray of black light and shot towards the dark night sky.

Duan Rong stood there, clasped his fists and looked up at the night sky, his eyes flashing.

Qiu Luan was drinking and was almost choked by Zhu He's sudden shouting. He grinned and said, "This old man is really nosy!? Lord Duan didn't say anything, but he started shouting!"

Duan Rong stared at the night sky for a long time without moving.

A scholar dies for a confidant!

What he talked about tonight made him see something in Zhu He, something called leadership qualities.

A person who has a calm face and a thunderbolt in his chest can be promoted to general. A calm face does not mean that he has a blank expression when meeting everyone, but that he can live a normal life with a warm smile, laughter, anger and scolding, just like Zhu He yelled at Qiu Luan just now.

This conversation was very important to Duan Rong. He knew that Zhu He was a man of high attainments and profound thoughts, and his words might contain some half-true and half-false information.

The reason why these words tonight were important to him was because he was certain of one thing, that Zhu He was a person worth following. This was completely different from his previous idea of clinging to someone powerful. For some reason, a feeling of infatuation had spread in Duan Rong's chest...

After living two lives, he still had such feelings, even Duan Rong himself was shocked.

It seems that his blood has not yet run cold... They, the master and the disciple, have fallen in love with each other because of a game of chess and a conversation.

The Red Crane high in the sky was also in a good mood.

At this moment, Zhu He's eyes also flashed with a strange light, and he murmured: "Duan Rong, I hope that we can live up to each other as master and disciple!"

Although Wang Maochun had said in the flower hall in the backyard of the mansion's yamen that Duan Rong had collected the records of officials above the third rank, Zhu He did not mention a word about this matter when he met Duan Rong.

Since he had handed it over to Duan Rong, he would not ask any more questions. He believed that Duan Rong would handle it naturally.

The red crane turned into a black light and fell into the Observatory.

He walked slowly into the room lit with tiny sparks, and Gu Daoling said, "The tea has been brewed for quite some time, why are you here just now?"

"I was delayed by something." Zhu He walked to the chair not far from Gu Daoling and sat down.

Gu Daoling picked up the kettle and poured him a cup of tea, saying, "Try it."

Zhu He picked up the teacup, took two sips casually, and put it down. He didn't come to drink tea with Gu Daoling in the first place.

Zhu He said: "Junior brother, you have also advanced to the late stage of the Cave Nether Realm. As Master Chu said, it is time to go back to the mountain to see the ancestor."

Gu Daoling sipped his tea calmly and said, "Maybe after a while!"

Zhu He glanced at Gu Daoling. He felt that this junior fellow was trying to evade him again, so he asked, "How long is a while?"

Gu Daoling said: "I haven't seen the ancestor for decades. It's my first visit, so I have to prepare some gifts."

Zhu He was startled. Hearing from the boy's tone, he knew that he really wanted to go, so he said, "If you really want to go, I'll leave the gift to you, Senior Brother!"

Gu Daoling smiled slightly and said, "Then I won't be polite!"

Zhu He laughed and said, "As if you have ever been polite before?"

Gu Daoling also knew that Zhu He had many connections, unlike him who was clean-handed. "This is how it should be between brothers!"

Zhu He said: "When you use me, it's just as it should be. When I use you, it's just a bunch of nonsense."

"Brother, you are really holding a grudge against me, aren't you?!"

"Okay, I'm leaving now. I don't have time to talk nonsense with you. I'll send someone to notify you when the gift is ready."

Zhu He said as he was about to stand up.

Gu Daoling suddenly said, "Wait a minute, Senior Brother, you said on the mountain outside the city that Duan Rong had already comprehended the artistic conception! Is that true?"

Gu Daoling was upset about this matter because he had realized the artistic conception when he had just reached the Great Perfection of Yuanqi Realm, which had caused a sensation. You know, the embryo of artistic conception, that is, the seed, cannot condense the sword light. Only when it is in its embryonic form can it begin to condense the sword light.

As the artistic conception becomes more comprehensive and profound, the sword light will become more and more solid.

This point is also the main axis of the practice in the cyclone realm.

Gu Daoling knew very well what he had experienced personally, how he had accidentally condensed the sword light, and he reviewed it himself and thought it was impossible to replicate. Even if he went back in time, he would not be able to condense the sword light again. So when he heard Zhu He say that Duan Rong had realized the artistic conception and condensed the sword light at the fourth level of Yuanqi Realm, he was naturally shocked and could not let it go.

Zhu He was slightly stunned, looked at Gu Daoling, and said: "Do you know the realm of emptiness and clarity?"

"The realm of emptiness and clarity?!" Gu Daoling was surprised.

(End of this chapter)