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

Chapter 543 Now that I have seen you, how can I not be happy?
In the endless mountains and the pitch-black night, Chu Qiushan transformed into a streak of black light and landed on the summit of Lonely Mountain.

As soon as he landed, Li Yunjing lifted the curtain and came out, then asked, "Sect Leader Chu, what did your sect's ancestor say?"

Chu Qiushan said, "Sect Leader Li, let's go inside and talk!"

The two entered the house and sat down. Chu Qiushan took a sip of water and said, "The old ancestor did not agree to postpone the wedding date by five days."

"Ah!?" Li Yunjing's expression changed, and he clasped his hands and said in a deep voice, "A marriage alliance between two sects is no small matter! Sect Master Chu, I have been presumptuous. Could you please go and persuade our ancestor again and plead for us?"

Chu Qiushan said, "I can plead for him. If Sect Leader Li can guarantee that you can find Li Ruozhou after a five-day delay, I will definitely persuade the Ancestor to accept Sect Leader Li's offer of a postponement."

"This..." Li Yunjing's expression immediately turned solemn. Let alone five days, even ten days, he couldn't guarantee that he could find that kid Li Ruozhou.

The Nine Provinces Continent is so vast, and that kid is now like a clay ox sinking into the sea. Where can he look for him?
Li Yunjing sighed deeply. He felt quite remorseful at this moment, realizing that he had spoiled and indulged Li Ruozhou too much, which had led to today's disaster.

If the marriage alliance fails, upon returning to the sect, the patriarch will surely punish him severely! It's not impossible that he will be completely disqualified from the line of succession!

Chu Qiushan said, “Brother Li, our Taiyi Sect has no choice in this matter. Brother Li, think about it, the wedding invitation has already spread throughout the sect. The incident that Li Ruozhou caused in the maid's quarters last night, coupled with his escape, has probably caused rumors to spread throughout the sect! If we postpone it for another five days, it will only fuel the spread of rumors, and the longer it goes on, the more rumors will ferment. If we really postpone it for five days, and Li Ruozhou is still not found by then, the wedding will still be stillborn. Brother Li, how will our Taiyi Sect deal with that then!”

“Brother Chu is right.” Li Yunjing shook his head with a bitter expression and sighed, “In the end, this matter is due to my failure to educate my son, which has implicated two major issues.”

Chu Qiushan said, "The Ancestor just gave me another instruction!"

Li Yunjing raised his head, his eyes darkening as he looked at Chu Qiushan. He knew that the instructions given by the Taiyi Sect patriarch would certainly not be in his favor.

As expected, Chu Qiushan said, "Our ancestor said that if the engagement ceremony in two days cannot be held as scheduled, then the Tianyan Sect will have failed our Taiyi Sect. Therefore, we request that your sect make some concessions in the alliance agreement!"

Li Yunjing's facial muscles twitched. He felt that the Taiyi Sect was taking advantage of the chaos to plunder. Suppressing his anger, he said in a deep voice, "Isn't your sect going a bit too far?!"

Chu Qiushan snorted coldly, his tone angry, "If Sect Leader Li thinks that way, you may leave. As for the alliance, we can discuss it later!"

Li Yunjing felt a sharp pain in his temple; Chu Qiushan was putting him in a difficult position!
The marriage alliance has already failed. If the alliance is not finalized, he will no longer be able to serve as the sect leader!
“Brother Chu, please don’t be angry! We can discuss the concessions in the Elders’ Council later.” Li Yunjing said, standing up. “Things came suddenly, and I was a little impatient. Please forgive me, Brother Chu!”

Chu Qiushan sat there with a cold face, without saying a word.

Li Yunjing gave a slight bow and said, "I apologize for the late hour and for disturbing you. I will take my leave now!"

After finishing speaking, Li Yunjing strode away with a bitter expression on his face.

He left Chu Qiushan's thatched hut and transformed into a streak of black light, returning to the manor.

As soon as Li Yunjing returned to his room, he sat down at the table. His face was as dark as a storm cloud.

The matter was more complicated than he had imagined, but in any case, he had to report it to the ancestor. Such a major matter could lead to endless trouble if he delayed reporting it.

Li Yunjing kept refining his wording, revising the draft three times before finally finishing. He stood up wearily and immediately ordered his trusted aides to send a message back to the sect via a flying eagle!

The man took the letter and left.

Li Yunjing felt his throat was dry, and his cheeks were stiff. He then realized that he had been clenching his teeth for most of the night. "That good-for-nothing son who caused all this trouble!?"

At this moment, Li Yunjing was filled with grief and indignation. He took a couple of sips of ginseng tea and lay down on the bed.

Although he was very tired, he couldn't fall asleep no matter what. He tossed and turned in bed, and before long, it was already bright daylight!
Li Yunjing had no choice but to struggle to get up. His eyes were bloodshot, his brows were furrowed, and his once graying temples had turned completely white overnight!
That night, he seemed to have aged more than ten years.

He felt a heavy weight pressing on his heart, and his mind was constantly tense, without any rest. Yet, he still had to go to the Elders' Council to participate in the negotiations for the alliance. He had already decided last night that he could only make some superficial concessions regarding the alliance; he absolutely could not concede on matters of substantial benefit. Otherwise, he would have no way to explain himself when he returned.

Regarding these matters, he had to use both soft and hard tactics to wear down Chu Qiushan and Zhu He.

The news of Li Ruozhou's escape spread like wildfire from the manor to the entire sect.

The incident that Li Ruozhou caused in the maid's quarters, as well as the posters of the ten major crimes of debauchery that covered the mountains and fields, were originally kept under wraps, and no one dared to openly proclaim them.

The news of Li Ruozhou's escape was like a spark igniting a fire, causing a sudden and intense explosion.

Some say that Li Ruozhou hid in the maids' quarters intending to rape them, but was discovered by the venerable elder guarding the Dongming Realm on Cuiwei Peak, who then knocked him unconscious. The story is told with great detail and conviction.

The maids, upon hearing the rumors, were terrified, their faces turning deathly pale.

Quite a few nosy servants came to ask them about what happened that night… Most of the maids kept quiet, but some couldn't help but say a few things… These words, passed around by the servants, became completely distorted…

News of Li Ruozhou's escape, along with the rumors, naturally reached the Dragon Fish Hall.

In the past few days, the most hardworking people in the sect have been the supervisors and servants in the Dragon Fish Hall. They have hardly slept at all, and their eyes are bloodshot and red.

After working so hard for the past few days, with the wedding date just two days away, Li Ruozhou suddenly ran away. All their hard work and effort was for nothing.
Several servants were wiping the ornaments in the chests and placing them in various places when an old historian walked in. One of the servants immediately asked, "Chief Qin, the young sect leader of Tianyan Sect has already run away. Why are we still tidying up these things?"

The historian surnamed Qin said sternly, "I have already consulted with the Chief Clerk about this matter, and he said to proceed according to the original plan. All of you, be alert! These are not your concerns; just focus on your respective tasks!"

"Yes, yes..." The workers echoed each other in agreement, then got back to work with their reddened eyes.

Yunfu Peak, in the pavilion of the Inner History Office.

Ximen Kankan sat with his legs crossed in a small, private room.

He picked up a bright red, juicy berry, bit into it, and then sipped a few mouthfuls of tea.

This is a new way of eating it that he invented. The freshness of the berries and the mellow aroma of the tea blend together, and the fruity and tea fragrances mingle in the mouth...

Ximen Kankan closed his eyes, swallowed slowly, and looked completely satisfied.

For a nominal inner disciple like him, who had just graduated from the Tower Forest, to have a private room in the Inner History Department was actually quite an achievement. Ordinary people wouldn't have this privilege.

Those old historians in charge all knew that Ximen Kankan was Duan Rong's man.

Duan Rong is now not only very influential on Yunfu Peak, but also a close associate of the sect's patriarch. They can't find an opportunity to curry favor with him, so they naturally treat Ximen Kankan with great respect and have taken good care of him.

Ximen Kankan was drinking his fruit tea when suddenly there was a knocking sound at the door.

He swallowed what was in his mouth with a gulp, tilted his head back and said, "Come in!"

The door opened, and a rather clever-looking young servant slipped in. He closed the door and walked up to Ximen Kankan.

Ximen Kankan glanced at him and asked, "What? Any news?"

The servant nodded and said, "Yes. Li Ruozhou escaped last night!"

"They escaped!?" Ximen Kankan jumped up in fright.

Duan Rong had told him that day to plant a few spies to keep an eye on Li Ruozhou and to inform him immediately of any changes. He had been wondering why Duan Rong was suddenly concerned about Li Ruozhou; it seemed something was truly wrong!
Ximen Kankan's eyes flickered as he looked at the servant and asked, "Is the information correct? Or is it just a rumor?"

The servant replied, "I've checked with acquaintances and verified the information with the guards in the manor. It's true!"

"That's good!" Ximen Kankan said, "Well done, you'll get your share of the rewards later! Keep your mouth shut!"

The servant exclaimed happily, "Don't worry, sir! If a single word gets out, you can cut my tongue out!"

Ximen Kankan nodded and said, "Go!"

The servant closed the door and left.

Ximen Kankan picked up a fruit, popped it into his mouth and bit into it, then sipped a couple of mouthfuls of tea before leaving. Duan Rong and Xiao Yu sat in the lakeside pavilion playing chess.

Duan Rong seemed somewhat distracted, glancing occasionally at the golden scales in the lake.

Xiao Yu held the chess piece, her eyes gentle as she looked at Duan Rong, and softly asked, "Husband, are you tired?"

Duan Rong chuckled and said, "I'm just tired, but beating you is still a piece of cake."

"Is that so?" Xiao Yu said, lowering her head to place the chess piece in her hand. Then she looked up, a faint smile in her eyes, and said, "Husband, it seems you've lost!"

Duan Rong looked down and saw that the outcome was already decided. He shook his head bitterly and said, "One careless move and you won another round!"

Xiao Yu laughed and said, "My husband's mind is not on the chessboard. Two out of three moves he makes are random."

Duan Rong simply smiled upon hearing this and remained silent.

As Xiao Yu tidied up the chess pieces, she said, "Although my husband's mind is not on the chessboard, I am already very satisfied that he is willing to sit with me like this."

Upon hearing this, Duan Rong turned his head. Just then, a gentle breeze swept by, and Xiao Yu lowered her eyes and her temples swayed slightly, exuding boundless tenderness. Duan Rong's heart trembled slightly.

In the years since their marriage, Xiao Yu has gradually developed the charm of a mature wife, becoming dignified, modest, and courteous.

Just then, there was a loud banging on the courtyard gate, and Ximen Kankan shouted, "Open the door! Open the door!"

Upon hearing Ximen Kankan's voice, Duan Rong suddenly turned around. At that moment, Shen Mizhi had already opened the courtyard gate and scolded, "What are you shouting for?!"

Ximen Kankan rushed in and immediately spotted Duan Rong in the pavilion, shouting, "There's news!"

Duan Rong moved with lightning speed, leaping out of the pavilion and stopping beside Ximen Kankan in the blink of an eye. He asked with some tension in his eyes, "What news?"

Ximen Kankan lowered his voice and said, "Li Ruozhou escaped!"

Duan Rong asked, "Is the news accurate?"

“Indeed! Would I tell you something that isn’t true?” Simon Kankan said.

Duan Rong smiled faintly and said, "You certainly know how to flatter yourself." Ximen Kankan's words made him sound like he was very reliable.

Ximen Kankan said, "That's right! Even if you were a true Buddha, you would still need to be gilded before anyone would worship you."

Duan Rong said, "Go back to Yunfu Peak first. Keep an eye on the situation and let me know as soon as you have any news."

"Alright!" Ximen Kankan looked up at the courtyard and shouted, "Xiao Yu, Shen Mizhi, Xiao Qi, I'm leaving!"

Xiao Yu stood in the pavilion, turned around and laughed, "Let's go! I didn't see you!"

Ximen Kankan glared and said, "Fine, Xiao Yu, you wait." After saying that, he hurriedly grabbed his knife and left. At this moment, he really didn't have time to argue with Xiao Yu.

Duan Rong stood there, his heart filled with joy.

Li Ruozhou escaped! All the planning has finally yielded results!

Duan Rong turned and walked into the pavilion, looked at Xiao Yu, and said, "Prepare some wine and dishes for lunch. I want to bring two people back for lunch."

Xiao Yu was slightly taken aback, then curtsied and said, "Yes."

Duan Rong asked, "Is there any wine left at home?"

Xiao Yu said, "There are two more jars."

Duan Rong said, "Two jars are not enough. Have Shen Mizhi go to Yunfu Peak and ask Ximen Kankan to bring back a few more jars of wine."

Xiao Yu's eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but ask, "May I ask who my husband is inviting to dinner?"

Duan Rong said, "They are the two people who sat with me in the pavilion that day."

Xiao Yu's eyes widened in surprise. She vividly remembered the scene from that afternoon. Duan Rong had invited Lü Qingzhu and Li Ruojian!
After giving his instructions, Duan Rong turned and left the courtyard, riding the wind towards the deep valley.

He walked into the deep valley and went straight into Lü Qingzhu's cave. Lü Qingzhu was sitting cross-legged on a futon. When she heard Duan Rong's footsteps, she became a little nervous. She knew that Duan Rong's arrival must mean that there was news.

Duan Rong walked deeper into the cave, looked at Lü Qingzhu, and said, "It's settled!"

Lü Qingzhu smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Duan Rong.

Duan Rong paused slightly, then said, "I'll go call Li Ruojian. Shall we go to my courtyard and have a drink?"

Lü Qingzhu said, "Okay."

Duan Rong smiled and walked out of the cave. Lü Qingzhu followed Duan Rong out, her gaze fixed on Duan Rong's back.

Duan Rong called out from the entrance of Li Ruojian's cave, "Li Ruojian, come out!"

Li Ruojian walked out slowly, looking at Duan Rong warily.

Duan Rong patted him on the back and said, "Alright! That day's matter is over! You've been here for so long, how about we grab a drink?"

Upon hearing about drinking, Li Ruojian's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Where are we going to eat?"

Duan Rong smiled and said, "It's that courtyard from last time."

The three of them then left the deep valley, rode the wind, and flew towards the mountain where Shang Xiangyu was.

High in the misty sky, Duan Rong said, "Brother Li, you really know your brother well! I've been on my mind these past few days!"

Li Ruojian laughed and said, "My elder brother has been spoiled since childhood. When he acts recklessly, he doesn't care about the alliance between the two sects! But Brother Duan, the success of this matter is due to your intricate deductions and your ability to mobilize all parties to form a united force, which forced him to leave!"

That afternoon, Duan Rong and Li Ruojian had quite a debate about this part, but in the end, Duan Rong's plan convinced them.

Duan Rong laughed and said, "The three of us all contributed to this. This is what they mean by 'three cobblers are equal to one Zhuge Liang'!"

Lü Qingzhu asked with a smile, "Zhuge Liang!? Who is Zhuge Liang?"

Duan Rong said, "Zhuge Liang? He was a wise man from my hometown."

Lü Qingzhu said, "Anyone you call a wise man must be extraordinary. If there's a chance, could you take me to visit this Mr. Zhuge?"

Duan Rong wanted to say that Mr. Zhuge had passed away many years ago, but looking at the expectant look in Lü Qingzhu's clear eyes, he couldn't bear to go against her wishes, so he readily agreed, "Okay!"

He thought to himself that if they really did end up working together, he would explain to Lü Qingzhu then.

Lü Qingzhu smiled gently, looking very happy.

In the two years since Amo's death, she hadn't felt this joy in a long time.

Now that I have seen you, how could I not be happy?
In this immense storm, the only person who stood firmly by her side was Duan Rong!

(End of this chapter)