Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 474 The Gradually Unfolding Cause and Effect

When Lu Xingzhou returned home, red silk ribbons were already being hung everywhere in the Lu mansion, clearly indicating that a happy event was imminent.

Shen Tang was directing the servants to arrange things in the courtyard, her demeanor as a first wife overflowing with authority.

Half of the servants now come from the Pei family, and the guards are mostly Sheng Yuanyao's people. They all look at this "first wife" with some unease, fearing that she might make things difficult for them.

In people's general perception, titles such as "eldest princess" and "King of Xia" are still quite intimidating.

Shen Tang made everyone smile with just one move—she gave everyone a red envelope as a greeting gift.

Within half an hour, the backyard was under his complete control, and at least on the surface, no one was outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant.

Looking at the bustling scene at home, Lu Xingzhou felt a warmth in his heart. He went inside and handed the calligraphy copybook to Shen Tang: "Here, your father's last gift."

Shen Tang stared at the completely disjointed text, utterly bewildered: "What is this?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "Copying calligraphy models is meaningless in terms of the characters themselves. The main thing is the power of the Great Qian Qi contained within them, which you, unless you cultivate this path, cannot perceive. Keep it for now."

Shen Tang was quite surprised: "He... gave this to me?"

"Well, it says it's a wish for your peace and happiness in the future. You can use this if you want, or just discard it if you don't."

Shen Tang pursed her lips and remained silent.

“He does have feelings for you, but he was too obsessed with it. Now that he knows it's hopeless, his obsession has dissipated, and he sees things more clearly. Besides, he knows he can't keep this thing, and Gu Yiheng will definitely kill him, so the so-called energy will naturally dissipate or be plundered. He might as well leave it to you as a benevolent father.”

Shen Tang hummed in agreement.

That's certainly the meaning he left her with, but to be able to say, "If you don't want to use it anymore, then it's fine to just let it go," truly shows a father's love that wants the best for his daughter.

Lu Xingzhou knew what she was thinking, and rubbed Shen Tang's head: "I don't think there's any touching family affection in his relationship. He hurts when he needs it and comes too late when he doesn't. He's cheaper than grass... You don't need to feel too sentimental."

Shen Tang said in a low voice, "I know... but I can't help feeling a little complicated."

Lu Xingzhou understood; after all, he was his father.

Actually, Pei Chuyun has been feeling just as complicated these past two days.

A biological father and a biological mother, a perfect pair.

Pei Chuyun had never experienced any maternal love from Xuan Nu since childhood, but at least she was well-fed and pampered, and trained to become a fourth-rank cultivator at a young age. At least she wasn't held back, and there was some bond between master and disciple. But that was all for the sake of possessing another body... Her feelings were truly indescribable.

Shen Tang had truly experienced fatherly love since childhood. When she was born, Gu Zhanting was overjoyed and immediately bestowed upon her the title of Princess Chaohuang, and he cherished her dearly. But later, he became obsessed with one thing and turned into this mess, his heart filled with the same complex emotions.

Shen Tang finally managed to gain some remorse from Gu Zhanting, but Pei Chuyun hasn't yet. She's been hiding at home these past two days. Besides not wanting to come to Shen Tang's door to confront her, the main reason is that she's in a bad mood because of Xuan Nu's matter and has no interest in anything.

Seeing Pei Qingyan and Feng Ziliu sitting opposite each other, drinking and talking in silence, made him feel even more confused.

That's why family of origin is so important. The carefree and cheerful Sheng Yuanyao is because of her harmonious family. Today, she is at home with her mother to celebrate the New Year, which makes Shen Tang and Pei Chuyun extremely jealous.

Shen Tang buried her head in Lu Xingzhou's arms and remained silent for a while before suddenly shoving the calligraphy back at him: "I don't understand the way of Qi and meridians, so this thing is of no use to me. Those of you who know this way can use it to provide some protection on a daily basis, making it difficult for evil spirits to invade. You might as well keep it. If you want me to use it in the future, then you can help me then."

Lu Xingzhou didn't stand on ceremony with her: "Okay."

Shen Tang asked, "What does he think of the new emperor?"

Lu Xingzhou recounted the conversation in general terms, and Shen Tang frowned in thought.

Lu Xingzhou said, "If we consider it as possession, then the new emperor's so-called fourth-grade cultivation is definitely not real. Even if it was in the past, he must have cultivated to a level we don't understand now. In addition, the guidance he gave to Gu Zhanting was not something an individual could do. There was someone around Gu Zhanting who was constantly stirring things up and guiding him."

Shen Tang asked, "Is it Hai Ruyuan or Zhao En?"

“I’m afraid both are true. Hai Ruyuan was Gu Zhanting’s trusted eunuch, yet he didn’t participate in the battle at the altar and wasn’t purged afterwards. He was still employed by Gu Yiheng, which is suspicious. And this thing called ‘sacrificing mountains and rivers’ could only have been instigated by Zhao En…” Lu Xingzhou said, “In that case, can we assume that Zhao En was actually under Gu Yiheng’s orders?”

Shen Tang grew increasingly alarmed as she thought about it: "If that's the case, then the body-snatcher is even stronger than Zhao En. Could it be Qian Yuan?"

Lu Xingzhou said in a low voice, "I have a slight suspicion... that it is Maha."

As the Danxia Secret Realm that the two explored together, Shen Tang knew very well what was going on with Maha.

If it is truly Maha, then it can be said that only now have we truly grasped the core cause and effect.

Furthermore, if it is the Mahayana, then Danxia Mountain may become an important battleground in the future, with all sorts of open and covert battles taking place around Huixia Prefecture.

"Is the Imperial Preceptor interrogating Zhao En now?" Shen Tang asked, somewhat puzzled. "Since you suspect it's Maha, why don't you go and check on Zhao En?"

Lu Xingzhou was a little embarrassed.

These past few days, Yuan Muyu has also been at the National Forum because of Zhao En's matter, and subconsciously she still wants to avoid her.

Shen Tang understood, and smiled as she straightened his collar: "She's put in a lot of effort this time, she deserves some thanks, she can't just not even get a kind look. Or are you trying to use that 'cheaper than grass' theory you just mentioned on her?" "Yes and no." Lu Xingzhou said helplessly: "She told me not to get married, I couldn't respond to that, it would just lead to an argument. I don't want to argue with her, I'd rather avoid her."

Shen Tang blinked: "What if she's willing to join?"

“That’s impossible.” Lu Xingzhou said decisively, “I still don’t think she has any feelings for him. She’s just unwilling to accept it. Besides, she’s so proud. Even if she did have some feelings, she wouldn’t be willing to share a husband with someone else.”

"Pah! Am I not proud?" Shen Tang retorted angrily, "But I still agreed, didn't I?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled ingratiatingly: "Your Majesty, please calm down. Shall I give you a shoulder massage?"

"Come on, you should just stay and be your Dragon Queen!" Lu Xingzhou didn't expect his words to suddenly touch Shen Tang's G-spot. He suddenly lost his temper, jumped up and dragged A Nuo, who was watching the melon, away: "A Nuo, come on, let's decorate the new house together. Let's ignore scumbags, they'll learn bad habits from us."

Ultimately, it was the Little Dragon Man who could break Shen Tang's defenses...

Actually, Ah Nuo was quite upset when she found out about this. Now that her master wasn't following her anymore, she decisively ran away with Shen Tang.

There used to be a little white-haired kid who always loved to take the wheelchair, but now it seems like a little one will be taking the cuddling. Love can disappear, right?
A single sentence led to Lu Xingzhou being "abandoned by everyone," and he helplessly went to the National Forum with his hands clasped in his pockets.

But they forgot that this was the time of the new emperor's spring festival, and as the imperial advisor, Ye Tinglan was also required to symbolically attend the new emperor's first enthronement ceremony. However, Ye Tinglan was nowhere to be found at the Imperial Palace, and even Xiao Baimao was nowhere to be seen.

As soon as Su Yuan led Zhao En into his cell, he saw only Yuan Muyu sitting there alone, searching Zhao En's soul with a stern face.

Upon seeing Lu Xingzhou enter, Yuan Muyu immediately abandoned her soul-searching technique and stood up with a delighted expression: "Xingzhou~"

Lu Xingzhou was somewhat dazed.

How many years have it been since I last heard that delicate, graceful boat sailing, that delicate, graceful melody at the end?

On the surface, there was no particular response, only an impeccable smile: "Sister, did you find anything from searching the soul's blessing?"

Yuan Muyu didn't think much of it. In fact, even saying "sailing~" was just an instinct; she didn't think about anything else at all.

Seeing Lu Xingzhou ask a question, he said, "For extremely core and secret information, there is often a self-destructive way to resist soul searching. This is common practice even among cultivators in the Tianyao Holy Land. It is the same here in Zhao En. However, there will always be some clues. We searched the soul repeatedly and found the information 'Master,' which proves that he came to this world to cause trouble on orders, and it was not his personal action."

Master... Zhao En is a Buddhist practitioner.

The idea that it might be Maha was becoming more and more concrete, and Lu Xingzhou nodded: "Anything else?"

"The rest is a further step on the information we obtained earlier. If we compare this world and the ancient world to the same building, then this world is a normal-sized building, while the ancient world, although located on a high floor, is only a half-story attic on the top floor, and its environment is very harsh. To be more specific, it's like the ancient plane ruins we often explore. The so-called ancient world is just the largest and most complete one among these ruins. To put it bluntly, it's a super-large secret realm."

"So the prison or place of exile is just their own metaphor, and there isn't actually a jailer? Then what about the pursuers?"

"In reality, there is a Heavenly Law that restricts ascension to the mortal realm, rather than a specific ruler. And when it comes to Heavenly Laws, some people agree with them, while others resist them. Zhao En and Jiang Duxu are among those who resist, while others agree with and uphold them, spontaneously forming this alliance to hunt down those who descend to the mortal realm."

Lu Xingzhou frowned and pondered: "Spontaneous..."

Yuan Muyu also said, "I also think it's a bit strange that it's spontaneous, but Zhao En's information is indeed like that."

Lu Xingzhou said, "It's more than just a little strange. If the tribulation of the ascendants was interfered with by humans, then there must be top immortals in the ancient world who did such a thing. Don't tell me it was spontaneous."

Yuan Muyu's eyes sparkled: "What are Xingzhou's thoughts?"

"We need more information. Based on current intelligence, it's inextricably linked to the new emperor. After his spring festival ends, I'll find an excuse to meet with the new emperor and observe him directly."

“An excuse…” Yuan Muyu pursed her lips: “To discuss the wedding?”

Lu Xingzhou: “…”

"I'm wondering how you manage to marry three women at the same time. You'll probably have to use the palace as their shared 'family home' so that you can save face and avoid any distinction in who married whom."

"...What's the point of being smart at a time like this?"

"Because I don't want you to get married, that's all I can think about these past few days!" Yuan Muyu said, then suddenly hugged him. "Xingzhou, I've done everything I can, and now I don't know what to do... How can you get me back to the past, just the two of us, and Anuo..."

Su Yuan, who had brought Lu Xingzhou in, was so frightened that he ran away in a flash. Zhao En, who was in a daze after being searched, was sweating profusely.

How did the tone of your conversation suddenly change and become so messed up when you were talking about such a serious and proper thing?

Lu Xingzhou was also covered in sweat, but tragically, he couldn't break free from Yuan Muyu's strength and was held tightly.

"The way you walk in and discuss serious matters with me reminds me of those days, of you still being here... Xingzhou, I don't believe you don't feel the same way..."

Lu Xingzhou finally sighed: "No, because I was sitting there back then."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: I haven't been sleeping well lately, so updates have been inconsistent. Please forgive me.

(End of this chapter)