Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 432 Red Beans of Longing

As night fell, the moonlight was dim, and in a brightly lit room filled with colorful flowers and wine, several men and women gathered, drinking and chatting merrily.

Seated at the head of the table was a handsome young man, Lam Sing-yu, son of George Lam.

Beside him was another person, slender and refined-looking, about the same age as him, who was Jiang Zichen's son, Jiang Yuan.

"It is truly an honor for my humble abode that Junior Brother Lin and Junior Brother Jiang have graced my place with their presence today. Especially Junior Brother Jiang, this is your first time visiting, so please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality. I would like to offer another toast to Junior Brother Jiang, and ask for your continued support in the future." A fat, big-eared man below raised his wine cup with a fawning expression.

“Brother Fengjian, there’s no need to be so polite. Brother Yu and I are not only family friends, but we’ve also known each other since childhood. Since he invited me, how could I not come?”

Feng Jian immediately chimed in, "That's right. Elder Lin and Uncle Jiang are brothers who have shared life and death, and have gone through thick and thin together. Junior Brother Jiang and Junior Brother Lin are naturally like brothers as well. We were able to invite Junior Brother Jiang today because of Junior Brother Lin's influence. Within the sect, apart from Junior Brother Lin, I'm afraid no one else could invite Junior Brother Jiang to the banquet."

Hearing him still rambling on aimlessly, Lin Xingyu waved his hand impatiently: "Senior Brother Feng, you don't need to say any more polite words. Junior Brother Jiang is my brother. Just say what you need."

Feng Jian put on a smile, got up and came to Jiang Yuan, pouring him a cup: "Hasn't there been a big change in the Foreign Affairs Hall recently? I've been in the sect for many years, and even if I don't have made any great contributions, I've at least been conscientious. But I haven't been able to get the position of deputy director. I heard that there is a vacancy for deputy director of the Resource Peak of the Foreign Affairs Hall, so I'd like to make some efforts."

Jiang Yuan frowned slightly: "Senior Brother Feng should know that the transfer of the heads of the various peaks in the sect requires the recommendation of the head of the main hall. What use is it for you to come to me?"

"Of course I know the sect rules. Isn't the position of Director of the External Affairs Hall vacant? It's widely rumored throughout the sect that Senior Sister Mu Hong will take over this position. Everyone knows the relationship between Senior Sister Mu and Uncle Jiang. If Junior Brother Jiang can just mention me to Senior Sister Mu, the mere position of Deputy Director of the Resource Peak will be a piece of cake."

Lin Xingyu looked at Jiang Yuan: "Junior Brother Jiang, Senior Brother Feng has been cultivating in the sect since childhood. He is one of our own. Father has also praised him. He is absolutely reliable. If it is convenient for you, please say a word for him to Senior Sister Mu Hong."

“Brother Yu, it’s not that I’m making excuses. As you know, the sect hasn’t decided who will take over as the head of the External Affairs Hall yet. It’s still uncertain whether Senior Sister Mu Hong will be promoted to this position. Besides, Father has always forbidden me from getting involved in sect affairs. If he finds out about this, he will definitely reprimand me.”

“I understand everything you’re saying. Here’s the thing: if it really is Senior Sister Mu Hong who takes this position, could you mention it to her? Consider this a favor to me. If Uncle Jiang blames you for this, just push all the blame onto me.”

Seeing his response, Jiang Yuan couldn't refuse outright: "Brother Yu, I've never done this before. Give me some time to think about it!"

“There’s a first time for everything. Back then, Father and Uncle Jiang both forbade me from getting involved in sect affairs, but now they’ve turned a blind eye. In their eyes, they always think we’re still children who don’t understand anything. But won’t we have to get involved sooner or later? Besides, when Uncle Jiang was in charge of selling the sect’s Jade Fragrance Pills, he wasn’t even as old as you and me! I believe that even if Uncle Jiang knew, he wouldn’t blame you.”

After Lin Xingyu finished speaking, he glanced at Feng Jian.

He immediately understood, flipped his hand and took out a golden bag, which he presented to Jiang Cheng with both hands: "Junior Brother Jiang, this is just a small gift to express my feelings, please don't find it offensive."

"No, no." Jiang Yuan waved his hands repeatedly in refusal: "This won't do. I can't accept a reward without merit. Senior Brother Feng, please take it back."

"Junior Brother Jiang, rest assured, this is nothing valuable, nor is it a gift of thanks. It's just a small token of my appreciation, mainly because I want to make friends with you. Regardless of whether things work out or not, I will thank you. If I can truly secure the position of Deputy Director of Zicai Peak, I will repay you handsomely. If you ever need anything from me in the future, I will certainly repay you."

Lin Xingyu, standing nearby, also advised, "Junior Brother Jiang, please don't refuse. Senior Brother Feng is an honest and righteous person; what's a little token of his appreciation? If you refuse even this small token, you'll be embarrassing me."

Jiang Yuan frowned, unsure of what to do, when Lin Xingyu took the golden bag and put it in his sleeve.

Feng Jian then changed the subject and started talking about other things.

The banquet lasted until midnight. Lin Xingyu personally saw Jiang Cheng off and watched him ride away on his magical artifact before returning to his residence.

"Junior Brother Lin, thank you so much this time, I don't know what to say." Feng Jian thanked him repeatedly with a fawning expression.

Lin Xingyu smiled slightly, looking completely at ease: "Senior Brother Feng, there's no need to be so polite. If you get promoted to this position and need your help in the future, just don't forget about me."

"Look at what you're saying. Regardless of whether this matter can be accomplished or not, as long as Junior Brother Lin takes a liking to me, I, Feng, will go through fire and water without hesitation."

As the two were talking, a charming woman with a radiant smile came over. Feng Jian smiled knowingly and said, "Junior Brother Lin, you go about your business. I won't bother you any longer."

After saying that, he turned and walked away quickly.

"How about it? This time your wish has been fulfilled, and you've certainly gained some prestige!" Lin Xingyu reached out and pulled the charming woman who had approached him into his arms.

"Thank you very much." The woman leaned into his arms and gently tapped him with her finger.

"You can't thank me just by saying it." Lin Xingyu reached directly into the woman's clothes and grabbed her hard.

The woman let out a coquettish moan, her voice as clear as a wind chime: "You're so annoying."

.........

Under a clear, cloudless sky, a beam of light shot into the spacious and bright hall, revealing Song Xian's figure. As soon as he stepped into the inner room, he was greeted by a disciple who came out to pay his respects.

"Sect Leader, you're back."

"I hope nothing major has happened in the sect recently!"

"Nothing major happened, but..."

"What's wrong?" Song Xian stopped and looked at him.

"Senior Sister Feng Yan failed to establish her foundation and died on the spot."

Upon hearing this, Song Xian was slightly taken aback. He couldn't help but recall the scene of their first encounter, remembering how she was bullied by Peng Yu of the Jade Abyss Sect, beaten and lying in bed covered in injuries, yet still pretending to be strong.

Since joining the sect, Feng Yan had always worked hard without complaint. The success of the Jade Fragrance Pill was inseparable from her hard work and dedication. Her contributions were no less than anyone else in the sect. I never expected that she would pass away like this.

Song Xian was filled with mixed emotions. Another old friend had passed away, and on the path of cultivation, the further one goes, the fewer old friends one will have.

After a moment of silence, he nodded, his voice low and deep: "Go and fetch Junior Brother Zichen."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left.

Before long, Jiang Zichen arrived at the waiting room and bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities, please have a seat!"

Jiang Zichen took his seat as instructed, his voice slightly heavy: "The sect leader knows now! Senior Sister Feng Yan died while attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"I just heard about this. When did this happen?"

"Two months ago." "He's probably already buried!"

"Yes, her remains have already been buried at Guzi Peak." Jiang Zichen said, then glanced at him and said, "Sect Leader, Senior Sister Feng has a keepsake to give you."

"What relics?"

Jiang Zichen flipped his hand and took out a set of exquisite red and green robes, which were covered with flowers and embroidered with mandarin ducks.

This is?

Song Xian took the robe, initially puzzled, but after a few closer looks, he realized what it was.

This was the robe he bought for Feng Yan when he took her to Wen Yiren's birthday banquet. At the time, he pretended to be his wife so that Feng Yan could sneak into the banquet.

Since Yuxiangdan was just starting out at the time, in order to promote the elixir to the noble ladies at the birthday banquet, Song Xian specially bought this robe for her so that she would not be out of place and be looked down upon.

Even after all these years, this robe remains as good as new, which shows how much its owner cherishes it.

As Song Xian gazed at the robe, the scene from that time flashed through his mind, and a ripple of emotion stirred within him.

"This was something Senior Sister Feng instructed Junior Sister Mu Hong to do before she reached Foundation Establishment. If something happened to her during her Foundation Establishment, Junior Sister Mu was to find a dark red box in the main cabinet of her residence and give the contents to the Sect Leader. Junior Sister Mu did as she was told, found this robe, and gave it to me, asking me to give it to you after the Sect Leader returns," Jiang Zichen said in a low voice.

Song Xian nodded, his expression unreadable: "Does Junior Sister Feng have anything else to say?"

"Nothing."

Silence fell again in the hall. Jiang Zichen stared at the ground, while Song Xianxu looked outside, lost in thought.

After a long pause, he finally spoke: "What are your thoughts on the selection of the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall?"

"All affairs of the External Affairs Hall are currently being managed by Junior Sister Mu Hong."

Song Xian glanced at him: "Do you think Mu Hong is suitable to be the head of the Foreign Affairs Hall?"

"Well... Junior Sister Mu has been working in the External Affairs Hall for a long time, so she is naturally very familiar with the affairs. As for whether she is suitable to serve as the head of the External Affairs Hall, that is up to the sect leader to decide."

"Let's put this aside for now! Is there anything else?"

Jiang Zichen then reported some trivial matters of the sect to him, and the two talked for a while before he took his leave.

As soon as he left the hall, his attendant came to report that Xiao Ling was requesting an audience.

Soon, Xiao Ling entered from outside and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader."

“Junior Sister Xiao, no need for formalities, please sit down.” Song Xian invited her to sit down: “Have you found Hu An?”

He had previously sent Xiao Ling to Anfeng County to find this person to refine the Yin Soul Pearl, but for some reason, there was still no news after several months. Just then, Huang Ye reported that Wan Huaming was going to be transferred back to the mountain gate, so he left the mountain gate.

"Thanks to the sect leader's good fortune, I searched all over Anfeng County and finally found out his whereabouts. After I mentioned that the sect leader wanted to invite him to serve as a guest elder, he refused outright. I then asked him to come to the mountain gate to help refine the Soul-Recalling Pearl. He said he could help refine it, but he was unwilling to come all the way to Bianxi City. I need to bring the materials to find him."

Song Xian frowned slightly: "Didn't you say that when Tao Jinyuan asked him to refine the Soul-Bearing Beads back then, you invited him here? Why is he unwilling to come this time when I asked him to refine them?"

Xiao Ling quickly explained, "Back then, it was because the sect leader of Luoyun Sect found someone who had been kind to him to invite him, that he was willing to make the long journey. I was just a stranger to him, so he was unwilling to go."

Did you mention to him that you need to refine the Yin Soul Pearl?

"Because he refused to come, I was afraid that I would make a wasted trip in the future, so I asked him indirectly. Of course, not in the name of the sect leader, but because I needed it personally. I asked him if he could refine the Yin Soul Pearl for me. He said that it was no problem, as long as he had the materials."

"You did the right thing." Song Xian nodded, affirming her approach. This person was so difficult to invite; if he didn't even know whether she could refine Yin Soul Pearls, he wouldn't bother wasting any more time on her.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, I also learned something when I went to Anfeng County to look for him. Hu An has already had a son. If the Sect Leader wants to invite him to serve as a guest elder of the sect, perhaps this is the place to start."

"You mean, let his child join our sect to win him over?"

Xiao Ling shook her head: "With Hu An's cultivation and weapon-refining skills, many sects would be willing to recruit his children to join their sects in order to win him over, but so far, his child Hu Yue has not joined any sect."

"Clearly, this is Juan's intention. He doesn't want Hu Yue to join the sect, take orders from others, and work for the sect."

“As I mentioned last time, Hu An has a close relationship with Hua Xuanzong in Anfeng County. This time, I went to Anfeng County and learned that he was originally a guest elder of Hua Xuanzong. Although his son Hu Yue did not join Hua Xuanzong, Hu Yue was able to obtain a private cultivation room in Hua Xuanzong because of his status.”

"I spoke with Juan for a long time this time, and in my opinion, even if the sect leader personally invited him, he would not choose to become a guest elder of this sect."

"This person has an eccentric personality, prefers to be alone, and is unwilling to be controlled by others. This is why he did not allow Hu Yue to join the Huaxuan Sect. There are two reasons why he served as a guest elder of the Huaxuan Sect. First, the sect leader once saved his life, and he wanted to repay the debt. Second, it was for his cultivation and weapon forging needs."

“It would be difficult to sway someone like him even if the sect leader offered a high price. But we can use his son, Hu Yue, to make a deal with him.”

"Anyway, the sect leader only sought him out to refine the Yin Soul Pearl, not to ask him to contribute to the sect. In that case, we can establish a long-term cooperation with him."

“I suggest that we appoint his son, Hu Yue, as a guest elder of the sect. In this way, we will be able to bind Hu An to us.”

"Juan won't let his child join the sect and take orders from others, but if his child is offered a high-ranking position as a guest elder, he should be willing to do so."

"Now that Hu Yue has become a guest elder of this sect, why worry that Hu An won't contribute to refining the Yin Soul Pearl? Besides, it can also prevent Hu An from leaking this matter to outsiders. For the sake of his child's safety, he also has to keep the secret."

The idea of ​​hiring a Qi Refining cultivator as a guest elder in the sect gradually brightened Song Xian's eyes. He had to admit, this was a really good idea. It was amazing that Xiao Ling could come up with it.

Juan is difficult to deal with, but dealing with his son is much easier. Hiring Hu Yue is actually the same as hiring Juan; the purpose is simply to get Juan to willingly refine the Yin Soul Pearl for him.

Since Hu Yue is a guest elder of the sect and receives a salary for nothing, how can Hu An not do something?

“Alright, we’ll do as you say.” Without much hesitation, Song Xian agreed: “But I’ll need to trouble you to go to Anfeng County again and invite Hu An and his son here.”

"Since the sect leader is respectful and willing to appoint Hu Yue as a guest elder, I believe Hu An will agree to the terms."

(End of this chapter)