People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 400, The Hundred Schools of Thought Feel Strange
With only two days left until the appointed time for the ceremony, attendees from various schools and countries arrived one after another.

At the gate of Mount Taiyi, Qing Xiaozi and his disciples were still playing the role of welcoming guests. Compared to the previous arrival of only Fei Yan and Yue Shen alone, the gate was now bustling with guests and carriages.

"The Six-Fingered Black Knight, the Grand Master of the Mohist School, has come with his disciples to attend the ceremony!"

"Crown Prince Ji Dan of Yan has come to attend the ceremony on behalf of the Yan Kingdom!"

"The South Korean Prime Minister Jang Kai-di has come to attend the ceremony on behalf of South Korea!"

"Tian Guang, the leader of the Farmer's School of Chivalry, arrives with his six disciples."

"I have met the Mohist Master, the Farmer's Hero, Prince Yan, Prime Minister Zhang, and all the friends who have come to witness this ceremony. I thank you all for traveling thousands of miles to witness this year's Heavenly Alliance between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect. I, Qing Xiaozi, would like to express my gratitude."

Qing Xiaozi greeted the people in front of him politely.

"Master Qingxiaozi, there's no need for such formalities. It is our honor that the Heavenly Sect has invited us to attend this ceremony," said the Six-Fingered Black Knight, the Grand Master of the Mo Family, to Qingxiaozi.

"Six-Fingered Master is right. It is our honor that the Heavenly Sect has invited us to such a grand event," said Tian Guangye, the leader of the Farmer's School of Chivalry, with a smile.

"Since the Taoist Heavenly Sect has invited my Yan Kingdom to attend the ceremony, my Yan Kingdom will naturally come."

Ji Dan, with a dignified appearance and a serious expression, stepped out from behind the Six-Fingered Black Knight and bowed to Qing Xiaozi.

When Qing Xiaozi, Tian Guang, Zhang Kaidi, and the others saw Ji Dan walk out of the Mo family's group, they all showed surprise in their eyes, but they quickly returned to normal.

They had long heard that Prince Ji Dan of Yan favored the Mohist school, and that many of his followers and advisors were Mohist disciples. Now that Ji Dan had come to Mount Taiyi with Six-Fingered Black Knight and others, everyone present knew what this meant.

Han Shen glanced at Ji Dan, his expression shifting slightly, his gaze darkening a little.

He had previously wondered why Ji Dan had ignored the rest of the Yan Kingdom's retinue and instead focused solely on the Mohist group. Now it seemed that Ji Dan had planned this all along, intending to showcase his relationship with the Mohists in front of the envoys of the Hundred Schools and Seven Kingdoms.

This gives others the illusion that the Mohists have chosen to support Ji Dan and the Yan state.

Ji Dan naturally noticed Han Shen's gaze, and her heart sank slightly, but she maintained a normal expression on her face.

The Six-Fingered Black Knight remained calm, merely glancing at Ji Dan before saying nothing more, as if tacitly agreeing that the Mo family would support Ji Dan and the Yan Kingdom.

“Our country, South Korea, was among the first to receive an invitation to the ceremony. We are late, so please forgive us, Master Qing Xiaozi,” Zhang Kaidi said, stepping forward.

As soon as Zhang Kai finished speaking, the somewhat awkward atmosphere returned to normal.

"Haha, your presence is an honor to my humble abode, Mount Taiyi. Now that guests are arriving one after another, please come up the mountain to rest. I apologize for any shortcomings in my hospitality." Qing Xiaozi stepped aside and gestured for everyone to enter.

"How could that be? How could that be?"

Everyone laughed and walked towards the mountain gate.

"By the way, Master Qingxiaozi, does your esteemed Qin State's Grand Master Xu Qing, the Imperial Physician Xu, have time now?" Six-Fingered Black Knight suddenly stopped and asked Qingxiaozi.

However, as soon as Xu Qing's name was uttered, everyone's eyes turned to Six-Fingered Black Knight, and the Tianzong disciples' eyes sharpened, as if they were ready to make a move at any moment.

Tian Guang, Zhang Kaidi, Ji Dan, and Zi Nu and Nong Yu, who were mixed in with the Korean team, looked at the Tianzong disciples with unfriendly eyes, their expressions changed slightly, and they couldn't help but feel nervous.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Six-Fingered Black Knight continued to explain.
"I have no other intention. I was just grateful to Physician Xu for saving my life in Xinzheng. It has been a long time since we last met, so I am asking about you. I have no other intention."

"So that's how it is. My junior brother has been in seclusion preparing for the Heavenly Alliance recently, so he hasn't had time to receive guests." Qing Xiaozi flicked his whisk and said with a light laugh.

The disciples of the Heavenly Sect withdrew their gazes, and the tense atmosphere eased once again.

“In that case, I will not disturb the Imperial Physician. I will come to express my gratitude after the Heavenly Pact is over,” said Six-Fingered Black Knight.

Although Qing Xiaozi explained, no one present was a fool. Judging from the reaction of the Tianzong disciples just now, everyone realized that things were definitely not that simple and that something must have happened to Xu Qing.

"elder sister."

Nongyu looked at Zinu with some nervousness, her bright yellow eyes filled with worry.

"Don't say anything more, he should be fine."

Zi Nu grasped Nong Yu's hand. Although she maintained her composure on her pretty face, she became uneasy inside.

Although she believed in Xu Qing's strength and wisdom, there are many things in this world that cannot be solved by these two things alone. Moreover, the serious demeanor of Tianzong and Qing Xiaozi earlier inevitably caused panic in people's hearts.

"The Grand Master and Junior Brother will make an appointment then. You all should head up the mountain first," Qing Xiaozi said with a smile.

Four disciples of the Heavenly Sect stepped out from the queue, gestured to Six-Fingered Black Knight, Tian Guang, and the others to invite them, and then led the group toward Mount Taiyi.

No sooner had the group left than a new group arrived in less than half an hour.

Qing Xiaozi smiled as he watched the approaching group and stepped forward to speak.

"The Confucian scholars have arrived. Thank you all for attending the ceremony! Master Gongyang and Brother Wuming, thank you for your hard work."

The newcomers were a group of Confucian scholars, led by a calm-looking man in white robes named Wuming and Gongyang Di, a member of the Gongyang School of Confucianism. Behind them were a dozen or so Confucian scholars and disciples of the Gongyang School of Confucianism.

"It's been so many years. Qing Xiaozi, the youngest of the Eight Talents of Tianzong who once roamed the martial world, is now all white-haired. Time really waits for no one."

Gongyang looked at Qingxiaozi with a sigh and said.

"Forty years ago, when I first met Master Gongyang, it was at the Jixia Academy in the State of Qi. Forty years have passed, and I am now very old, but Master Gongyang is still as healthy as ever," Qing Xiaozi said, bowing slightly to Gongyang.

"I'm getting old, not as good as I used to be. This time I'm just accompanying you to watch the fun. This is Fu Nian, the youngest Grand Master in the history of my Confucian Little Sage Village." Gongyang Di stepped aside, revealing Fu Nian behind him.

"Fu Nian greets Master Qing Xiaozi," Fu Nian said, bowing respectfully.

Compared to the simple attire of other Confucian disciples, Fu Nian's clothing was more luxurious. Beneath his noble, handsome, and resolute face, he exuded a sense of composure, respect, righteousness, and severity.

Qing Xiaozi glanced at Fu Nian and immediately understood why Wuming and Gongyangdi had come, and why the Confucian school had sent Fu Nian as well.

This was intended to take advantage of the gathering of the Hundred Schools and the Seven Kingdoms to formally promote Fu Nian, the next leader of the Confucian school, as the representative of Confucianism, thereby dispelling unnecessary thoughts among some people within the Confucian school, and at the same time establishing Fu Nian's authority and reputation.

"I've long heard that the Confucian school has produced an extraordinary young scholar, and now that I've seen him, he truly is remarkable. The Confucian school is blessed with such a talent; it's truly enviable," Qing Xiaozi said. Fu Nian is among the best of the younger generation in terms of appearance, knowledge, and strength. In particular, the fact that he has become a recognized scholar at such a young age is no exaggeration. Calling him a talent is entirely justified.

"You flatter me, Master," Fu Nian said modestly.

"You've all come from afar, let's go up the mountain and rest first," Qing Xiaozi said.

“Senior Brother Qing Xiaozi, does Junior Brother Xu Qing have any free time lately? Senior Brother Xun asked me to deliver a letter to him,” Wuming suddenly said.

However, the moment Xu Qing was mentioned, the disciples of Tianzong seemed to react, and as before, they all looked at Wuming.

The originally harmonious atmosphere instantly became delicate, and the Confucian scholars couldn't help but feel tense.

Looking at the Tianzong disciples with their sharp eyes and indifferent expressions, Gongyang Di couldn't help but feel a little guilty despite his originally calm demeanor.

Using the assassination attempt on Ji Wuye to bind Xu Qing and Gongyang Ru together was ultimately Gongyang Ru's underhanded act. However, he didn't know at the time that Xu Qing was a disciple of the Heavenly Sect and someone who could represent the Heavenly Sect in the Heavenly Man Covenant.

He had made many preparations before coming to Taiyi Mountain to attend the ceremony, but the reaction of the Tianzong disciples made him feel that the Tianzong was quite dissatisfied with this matter. Were they preparing to take action against the Confucian school?
Although he wasn't worried about the Heavenly Sect taking action against him, whether in terms of strength or seniority, they were ultimately in the wrong. If they were to attack again, the long-standing good relationship between the Confucian and Taoist schools would likely end because of him.

At that time, he and Gongyang Ru were considered sinners.

"Everyone, there's no need to be nervous. My junior brother is currently preparing for the Celestial Pact."

Qing Xiaozi smiled and explained to Wuming, Gongyangdi, and the others. After learning the whole story, Gongyangdi felt a little relieved.

The Confucian scholars didn't think much of it and followed the Tianzong disciples up the mountain.

As the sun began to set, the remaining scholars, including those from the Hundred Schools of Thought, the Miscellaneous School, the Agricultural School, the Novelists, and the Medical School, arrived one after another. The remaining states of Qin, Wei, Chu, Qi, and Zhao also arrived in succession.

Nian Duan and Xiong Qi, representing the Qin state, naturally inquired about Xu Qing's situation, which naturally drew the attention of the Tianzong disciples. After some explanation, everyone finally understood and went up the mountain.

However, the reaction of the Tianzong disciples naturally aroused a lot of speculation among the crowd. Everyone was curious about what had happened to Xu Qing that made Tianzong so sensitive.

Within a day, as the Hundred Schools and the Seven Kingdoms arrived one after another, the tense atmosphere on Mount Taiyi eased considerably. However, discerning people could see that beneath this lively facade, the Heavenly Sect was on high alert.

Naturally, the various schools of thought and countries connected the situation of the Heavenly Sect with Xu Qing, and soon many rumors began to circulate within Mount Taiyi.

In the town at the foot of Mount Taiyi.

After Zi Nu and Nong Yu revealed their identities to the disciples of the Heavenly Sect, they were taken to find Madam Hu, Li Kai, and Hu Meiren.

In Madam Hu's residence,
In the living room, Nongyu threw herself into Madam Hu's arms and began to cry, while Li Kai stood by helplessly trying to comfort her.

Standing outside the door, Zi Nu glanced at the situation inside the room, then looked at Hu Meiren beside her. Her purple eyes held a complex expression, and a hint of helplessness flashed across her pretty face.

Zi Nu was not like Nong Yu; with her quick wit, she naturally already knew about the unspeakable relationship between Xu Qing and Hu Meiren. However, now that both of them had left Korea, and Hu Meiren was "dead," she could only accept Hu Meiren's existence.

"My beauty, do you know anything about Xu... Xu Lang's situation?"

Zi Nu's rosy lips twitched slightly as she asked with some concern.

Upon hearing Zi Nu's words, Hu Meiren's charming eyes flashed with a hint of light, and her tense heart calmed down a little. Although she was older than Zi Nu and was an elder, her previous inappropriate relationship with Xu Qing still made her feel somewhat guilty and nervous in front of Zi Nu, who had a clear relationship with Xu Qing as a close confidante.

“I don’t know either. Since Xu Lang’s whereabouts and news suddenly disappeared five days ago, and martial law has been imposed on the mountain, Tianzong is on high alert.”

"I wanted to go and find out more information, but there was no news from Tianzong. It seemed that everyone was keeping Xu Lang a secret and refused to reveal any information."

Hu Meiren clenched her sleeves tightly, her charming face showing worry, which made her look somewhat pitiful against her soft voice.

Seeing that even Hu Meiren was unaware of the situation, Zi Nu became even more anxious. She reached out and took Hu Meiren's hand, gently comforting her.
"Xu Lang should be fine. Perhaps he has reached a critical juncture in his seclusion, which is why the Heavenly Sect is so serious. The Heavenly Man Agreement is about to take place, and Xu Lang will have to show up sooner or later."

Feeling the strength from Zi Nu's hand, Hu Meiren's uneasy heart calmed down a little, and she nodded slightly while holding Zi Nu's hand.

Zi Nu looked up at the direction of Mount Taiyi, her eyes revealing worry.

"Xu Lang~"

Not only were Zi Nu and the others at the foot of the mountain worried about Xu Qing, but Yan Ling Ji, who had just emerged from seclusion on the mountain, was also completely bewildered.

Inside Xu Qing's house, Yan Lingji looked at Wang Ben with a serious expression, and said in a somewhat heavy voice...
"You mean five days ago, Xu Qing met with those two women from the Yin-Yang School, didn't come back to rest that night, and then disappeared without a trace!?"

"This isn't a meeting, it's a debate," Wang Ben said, bowing with his hands clasped.

"Whether it's a debate or a face-to-face meeting, tell me where he is now!?"

Yan Lingji looked anxious and asked urgently.

Who in the family would understand? She only went into seclusion for a few days, and when she came out, she found that her husband had disappeared. And before he disappeared, he had met with two women?

"Family members, do you think I can get my husband back?" Yan Lingji was heartbroken.

“We don’t know. We’ve inquired about the whereabouts of the Grand Master, but Master Chishongzi said that the Grand Master is in seclusion and we don’t need to worry about him.”

"Please punish us, Madam, for we have failed in our duty."

Wang Ben lowered his head even further, a look of shame in his eyes.

As Xu Qing's guards, they now don't even know his whereabouts, whether he's alive or dead. It's truly their dereliction of duty.

Upon hearing Wang Ben's words, Yan Lingji pursed her lips, and her previously anxious heart calmed down. Since Chi Songzi had said so, she could only believe it.

"Send people out first and search secretly. If the Heavenly Sect discovers us, then forget it," Yan Lingji said.

Although Tianzong is Xu Qing's sect, and she should trust Tianzong, Yan Lingji also knows that the least trustworthy thing in this world is the human heart, so she still needs to do her searching and investigation.

"Yes," Wang Ben replied.

(End of this chapter)