Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

Chapter 90 New Fengsheng Festival

"The New Year is in three days, and the monk should be arriving soon—"

"Let him come to the New Harvest Festival too."

Xie Cangrong sneered: "I'll give him a chance to 'redeem' himself."

"And those from Taihua, let's call them over too."

Xu Jun bowed his head and replied, "Yes!"

After saying all this, Xie Cangrong walked to the door. Perhaps because of his cold words, the snow outside seemed to be falling even more heavily.

"Taihua probably won't let anyone else in."

He sighed softly, then regained his composure, as if remembering something: "Zhaowen is still in Donghai. Go and send a message later to tell him to return to the capital. Just say that Lord Cui misses him."

"The old man likes him."

"After all, they didn't go to sea. It's almost Chinese New Year, so they should come back if they can. As for the soldiers and laborers who stayed behind—tell them to take good care of them."

"yes!"

Xu Jun accepted the order and ventured into the snowstorm.

Xie Cangrong gazed silently at the setting sun amidst the snow: "Tomorrow will be a good day—"

The New Year has arrived, and the winter sky is unusually clear, with the warm sun shining brightly.

"Hey, Brother Liu, long time no see!"

"Brother Li, Happy New Year! Happy New Year!"

"Mommy, I want to eat a candied fruit!"

"Haha, come here, kid, Grandpa's giving you one~"

"Thank you, Grandpa. Happy New Year, Grandpa!"

"Okay, okay~"

-

The city of Lieyang was bustling with activity. Every household was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. The people wore new clothes and had smiling faces. They greeted everyone they met on the street, creating a joyous and festive scene.

The empire, which emerged from chaos, has now enjoyed three years of stability.

In this prosperous and peaceful era, with families enjoying good health and safety, there is nothing better than this.

No one knew that the compassionate and merciful Venerable Cihui, who pitied the suffering of the world, had entered the capital.

"drive!"

"drive!"

In the bustling meadow, grass stalks sway in the wind, and meltwater drips from the blades of grass. Fiery horses neigh and gallop freely.

Warriors and young men rode horses, wielding polo mallets, and competed for the ball on the grass.

Camps were set up along the edge of the grassland, where elders sat eating fruit, drinking and chatting.

The literary poets recited poems, discussed history, and debated profound philosophical principles.

-

People can't always be on edge; they need to relax. Life isn't just about national affairs; there's also leisure and entertainment. Xie Cangrong is holding a celebration open to officials, dignitaries, and their families, including poetry, calligraphy, and painting performances.

Poetry and music, martial arts include horse racing, polo, and martial arts competitions.

Ordinary people have their own ways of entertainment, and the powerful and wealthy have theirs too.

Xie Cangrong actually wanted to make the celebration even bigger and share the joy with the people, but the practical conditions did not allow it.

Class divisions always emerge unintentionally.

The families and elders of officials in the Great Xia Dynasty would also hold small private gatherings.

Firstly, it's to help everyone get to know each other and build relationships.

Secondly, it's to help the younger generation become familiar with each other. If they are well-matched, it can give the elders something to talk about, such as arranging a marriage to deepen their relationship.

These interpersonal connections may, in the distant future, become poison to the empire, and the dragon slayer may gradually become the dragon himself.

Unfortunately, as long as people have emotions, desires, and social classes exist, such things are inevitable in any era.

There aren't that many selfless people in the world. Those who serve as ministers always have to climb the ranks step by step, and always have to pass on the wealth and power they have accumulated, to glorify their families, and to ensure that their lineage lasts for generations. This is an instinct etched into their genes.

Even monarchs cannot change this; they can only use their wisdom to continuously implement policies to deal with and resist it.

However, the emergence of the Immortal Path may also be an opportunity for change and breakthrough.

"Quick! Hit the ball! Hit the ball!"

"Goal! Red Flag wins!"

Haha~

The sounds of shouts and cheers drifted into my ears from the horse racing track.

"Senior brother, look at this!"

"Our dynasty didn't have these kinds of activities~"

The girl's eyes were bright as she watched the horses galloping across the grassland with great interest, repeatedly exclaiming in amazement.

Ordinary horses, the sport of ordinary people, yet they firmly captured her gaze.

She was a very special cultivator, possessing great power, yet she had a deep passion for everything in this world, and was completely devoid of any arrogance or superiority.

She seemed to have no concept of class.

"Junior sister, be quiet!"

Lu Junfeng and several Taihua disciples standing to the side also sighed helplessly.

It's been almost half a year since this girl came to Great Xia, why does she still act like she's never seen the world before? Is Great Xia really that great?

Contrary to Lu Junfeng's expectations, his stay in Daxia was not as difficult as he had imagined. Xie Cangrong seemed to have lost interest in him and never summoned him again, let alone plotted against him.

During this period, nothing unusual happened, and the two sides remained at peace.

It was all too peaceful. He was so bored that he wanted to do something for the Great Xia in exchange for a reward. The Great Xia didn't value him, which made him feel inexplicably lost.

That person is just despicable.

I heard that another cultivator has arrived. If they are not from a sect, then they are most likely Zen practitioners from the Wuxiang Zen sect.

It's unclear what their purpose is in coming here, or whether they have any connection with the sect.

Amidst a whirlwind of thoughts, he exclaimed, "Oh, Envoy Lu, you've arrived too!"

A slightly overweight official came over to greet him and start a conversation.

Lu Junfeng returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Yes, Lord Zheng, we dare not fail to attend the grand event hosted by His Majesty."

We must carry out the tasks assigned by the sect properly.

During this time, he had integrated into the Great Xia court, got along well with many officials, and also learned some legendary information about Xie Cangrong.

However, those legends were somewhat outrageous, even in the eyes of a cultivator like him, they were a bit excessive. He didn't know what to believe and what not to believe.

To find out the real story, we might have to start with the people around Xie Cangrong.

The official chuckled and said, "Hehe~ Envoy Lu, don't be nervous! Today's grand event is just for leisure and entertainment. Our Emperor is quite easy to get along with in private~"

Lu Junfeng twitched the corner of his mouth: "Uh—"

Are they really easy to get along with?

It was a grand social gathering, and officials would come up to greet Lu Junfeng from time to time.

The social conversations between bureaucrats made Chu Xiangyun feel drowsy.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "His Majesty has arrived!"

"His Majesty has arrived!"

"Here it comes~"

"Good friend~"

Chu Xiangyun's eyes lit up as she looked in the direction everyone was looking at.

The handsome young man, dressed in a black brocade robe with a snow-white fur cloak over it, walked with ease, as if even the sunlight seemed to favor him more.

To protect oneself.

The gentleman is like jade, gentle and refined yet with hidden sharpness.

Even without that majestic dragon robe, he was still the focus of everyone's attention.

"Is that His Majesty?

"He's so handsome!"

"Mother, does His Majesty really not want to choose any concubines?"

The officials also brought their families to this grand event, and there were also many unmarried young women. When they saw the king's appearance and demeanor from afar, they couldn't help but twirl the silk cloth with their fingertips, their eyes glistening with tears, dreaming of things that were out of reach.

Appearance, status, power, fame, talent—Xie Cangrong possessed everything that girls longed for.

"May Your Majesty be well!"

Amidst the worship, Xie Cangrong casually waved his hand: "My lords, you may rise. Today is a grand occasion, and I wish to share the joy with my people. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

Xie Cangrong's arrival subtly changed the atmosphere of the grand event.

After all, he was the emperor, and with such a high-ranking leader present, few could remain at ease and be themselves.

Xie Cangrong was used to this. After saying a few words, he told everyone to have free time and not to worry about them too much.

Others who spend their time focusing on him are wasting their own time, not his.

"It's been quite a while since I've ridden a horse!"

A guard led in a magnificent, jet-black horse. He patted the horse's body and looked into its eyes: "Mo Xing, do you remember me?"

The horse seemed to have a spirit, raising its head and neighing.

After the nation's fortune was bestowed upon him, it also brought about changes in Xie Cangrong himself. His senses became more acute, and even without borrowing the power of the nation's fortune, he could feel the will of the beings before him.

Loyalty, submission.

Humans strive to add intelligence during the process of evolution, while horses and dogs, like humans, have gone all in on the ape god.

They are swift as the wind, loyal, brave, and fearless, making them the most suitable mounts. Even after the Great Xia developed firearms, the cavalry could still combine with them to dominate the battlefield.

Before the advent of the internal combustion engine, the role of horses was irreplaceable.

I wonder how the demonic beasts are doing on the cultivators' side?

Perhaps, powerful and intelligent monsters could also be a direction for development.

Xie Cangrong's mind raced. He waved away the servant and mounted his horse in one swift motion.

Suddenly, he felt a sense of clarity and his will became one with that of the steed beneath him. He could gallop freely, the horse's hooves flailing as it ran wildly, the cold wind whistling past his ears. In the midst of the gallop, he cast aside all his complicated thoughts.

Let's enjoy the present moment for now.

Having emerged from the chaos of war, Xie Cangrong's horsemanship was decent, but as a leader, he didn't always need to fight on the battlefield, so he couldn't compare to those generals who fought on horseback.

Now that he is in perfect harmony with his horse, his riding skills have greatly improved.

It seems we won't have to play official polo for a while!

"My friend—uh, Your Majesty?"

Just then, a figure flashed by.

The bold girl approached Xie Cangrong and greeted him with a smile.

They do know the rules, and at this time they address him as "Your Majesty".

Xie Cangrong didn't put on airs at all, but instead greeted her with a smile, "Xiangyun~ What's up? Is my new feast interesting?"

"Hehe~ Interesting, interesting!"

Without exchanging pleasantries or formalities, the girl pointed to the people playing polo on the field and asked, "May I join in?"

"Of course you can, but you can't use magic!"

"No problem~"

Xie Cangrong smiled at her and said to the waiter beside him, "Chen Hui, bring her a horse!"

The girl's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Can I be on your team?"

However, Xie Cangrong shook his head this time: "That won't do~ I've already made plans with someone."

"What is that?!"

"This...this is a Trojan horse?"

"That's Lord Gong!"

"I've long heard that Lord Gong has awakened his immortal powers; he truly is extraordinary!"

At the same time, exclamations came from another direction.

Amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, a strange horse slowly walked into the meadow. Its body was entirely crafted from wood, intricately joined together. A beautiful woman sat steadily on its back, her disabled legs securely fastened to the wooden horse.

Unaware of how it worked or how it was powered, she simply patted the horse's back, and the wooden horse miraculously moved like a live horse, spreading its hooves and running on the road.

Under everyone's gaze, Gong Qiao walked over calmly on her wooden horse. She looked down at Chu Xiangyun and then said to Xie Cangrong, "Your Majesty, I am late."

-

Chu Xiangyun didn't seem to care about Gong Qiao's subtle hostility. She just glanced at her rocking horse a few more times before smiling and saying, "Oh~ so you guys are teaming up! I'll go find my senior brother then~"

He then ran off.

Xie Cangrong glanced at the wooden horse under Gong Qiao and was speechless for a moment.

Don't you mind riding a rocking horse?

"What's going on?"

Gong Qiao merely glanced away, looking elsewhere: "I do not wish to lose."

She disliked holding others back, especially Xie Cangrong.

Even if she has a tumor.

Xie Cangrong was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Still as competitive as ever."

"....

Gong Qiao remained silent and did not answer.

The two walked along the edge of the field, and after this round of polo ended, they went onto the field.

"Haha~ Does Your Majesty also want to have a match?"

"Then I'll do it too!"

Count me in!

"Haha, it's been a long time since I rode a horse with His Majesty."

Seeing that Xie Cangrong was coming, several military officers also gathered around, wanting to join the battle.

Some of the younger generation had tactfully stepped aside from the grassland, and now it belonged to Old Deng in terms of social interactions and interpersonal relationships.

"We're here too~ We're here too~"

Chu Xiangyun led a Taihua disciple onto the stage. Lu Junfeng was unwilling to ride a horse, so she dragged another junior brother along.

"Your Majesty, our competition needs a prize! Don't you agree?"

Ning Boxing grinned widely and said to Xie Cangrong, "If anyone wins, shouldn't you reward them with something?"

Xie Cangrong glared at him and said irritably, "I've already gone on stage myself, and you still want me to pay a prize? What will I get if I win?"

"The entire world belongs to Your Majesty, what more could Your Majesty possibly need? How about this, Your Majesty, if you win, I will perform a feat of breaking a boulder on my chest!"

Xie Cangrong: ————

He waved his hand gently, and a waiter brought two items and placed them at the edge of the horse paddock.

A bracelet, a gold hairpin.

"I am poor too, I don't have anything good."

Xie Cangrong pointed to the two items the waiter brought over: "Whoever wins, these belong to them!"

A burly military general complained incessantly, "Your Majesty, why are they all for women?"

Ning Boxing retorted, "What, don't you have a wife at home? What are men fighting for out there for? Perfect! I'll win this and take it back to my wife!"

"Hey, Brother Ning, you're being way too arrogant!"

Amidst the laughter and banter of the military officers, Gong Qiao unconsciously glanced at her wrist, then touched her hair and earlobes—

She never dressed up, and naturally didn't wear any jewelry.

"Haha, let's begin!"

Someone shouted, and the polo match involving the emperor began.

"drive!"

"drive!"

"Pass the ball quickly, pass the ball quickly!"

The grassland came alive as the generals, skilled in horsemanship, entered, making it far more exciting than the earlier playful antics of the younger generation, not to mention the presence of His Majesty.

It instantly became the center of the entire event, attracting everyone's attention.

Horses galloped freely across the grassland, while people watched intently at the ball in the field.

"His Majesty!"

To everyone's surprise, the unique wooden horse raced across the grassland at a speed far exceeding that of others.

With her long hair flowing in the wind, the pretty girl had a serious and aloof expression, her eyes only focused on victory. Holding her golf club, she suddenly passed the ball to Xie Cangrong on the side.

Hey~

Xie Cangrong chuckled and suddenly swung his golf club.

"Bang!"

The polo ball arced through the air and was precisely slotted into the goal.

"His Majesty has entered!"

"His Majesty has entered!"

"The Red Flag is one step ahead!"

As the crowd cheered from the sidelines, Gong Qiao gently brushed a stray hair from her temple and smiled faintly.

As a researcher with mobility issues, she rarely has the opportunity to exercise.

At this moment, her heart was pounding, and her blood was surging through her rational nerves, which was a very strange feeling for her.

Having been immersed in research for a long time, her mind had always been locked in those complicated academic subjects. However, now running around here, she could forget everything, and her whole spirit seemed to be clear.

Xie Cangrong always tells her to relax and let her have some fun, and perhaps there's a reason for that.

"We won!"

The beauty's fair face flushed slightly from exercise, glistening with a thin layer of sweat, and her casual smile made her look exceptionally pretty.

"Your Majesty, we—"

She unconsciously looked at Xie Cangrong, and coincidentally, he was also looking at her.

"Cough cough————"

When their eyes met, she instantly suppressed her smile and unconsciously glanced away.

"You'd better hurry up and figure out the photographic technology for me!"

Gong Qiao: ————

Daxia's polo matches adopt a multi-team round-robin format.

As soon as one team left the field, Chu Xiangyun eagerly pulled her junior brother onto the field, shouting, "It's my turn! It's my turn!"

Haha~ Your Majesty, I've arrived!

Suddenly, as if sensing something, she unconsciously turned her head to look in another direction.

"Amitabha!"

A compassionate Buddhist chant rang out, and an invisible power rippled outwards, seemingly bringing a sense of solemnity to everyone's hearts.