Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

It was rare for Zuo Qiuchi to appear in Gu Jungui's room.

She was invited by Gu Jungui to give guidance on cultivation matters. Originally, she consulted Fei Huang more on cultivation matters, but she happened to run into Zuo Qiuchi when she went out, so she invited her into the room.

Strictly speaking, Zuo Qiuchi is not the type of person who is good at teaching, but Gu Jungui's cultivation level is not high, so there is not much pressure in giving him guidance.

From verbal guidance to assisting in circulating energy and sensing the spiritual energy entering the body, he continuously expanded those unopened spiritual meridians, and soon he had given almost all the guidance.

Gu Jungui said gratefully, "It's truly a great help to Miss Zuo for her guidance, and I haven't even had a gift to offer..."

Zuo Qiuchi and Chu Mingkong were not polite to each other, but they wouldn't hold it against his elders. He waved his hand and smiled:

"These are all minor matters, nothing profound. Even if Aunt Gu were to ask the Princess or her second sister-in-law for advice, it would be the same thing. They would teach the same things, so there's no need for thanks."

"No need to be so polite, it's just a little food and drink to thank you, nothing expensive."

If it were food or drinks, then accepting them would be fine, but Zuo Qiuchi felt that what he had taught was too ordinary, so he decided to give something as a souvenir instead.

As for weapons, Gu Jun Gui has no use for them. As for those elixirs and medicines, she can't use them at this stage, and she can't absorb their medicinal power even if she eats them.

After much deliberation, Zuo Qiuchi finally took out the Dustless Talisman that Chu Mingkong said was very useful.

"Then let's give this to Aunt Gu as well. Please accept it without worry. It's not particularly valuable, but it's a lucky charm that can protect you from danger. Mingkong said it's very useful and has saved him from danger many times."

"It just so happens that things haven't been peaceful in Tianya City lately. Aunt Gu can keep these for herself, and she doesn't need to worry about giving them to that kid Mingkong; he has a stack of Dust-Free Talismans."

It makes no sense to accept gifts when asking someone for guidance, but the last sentence truly moved Gu Jun Gui: it would be good to have a talisman for protection.

"Then I'll accept it without hesitation!"

Gu Jungui took out a jar of wine that had been leaked from a secluded sect and was now available on the market. This kind of product, produced by a cultivation sect, could make cultivators feel slightly tipsy after drinking it.

As long as you don't deliberately try to stay awake, you can barely experience the feeling of being drunk.

Zuo Qiuchi was treated to a lavish meal and drinks by Gu Jungui, feeling completely satisfied. After finishing a jar of wine, her face was flushed with intoxication. Gu Jungui, unsure if she could easily regain her senses, fearing she might faint on the way home, quickly helped her to his couch to rest until the effects of the alcohol wore off.

This slightly tipsy feeling was what Zuo Qiuchi liked. It was most pleasant to fall into a deep sleep at this time. She wanted to explain to Gu Jungui that she didn't need to worry about her, but thinking that Gu Jungui had meant well, and that she was too lazy to explain, she decided to just use Gu Jungui's fragrant couch to lie down comfortably for the time being.

"Is the wine produced by this sect really that amazing? Even Miss Zuo was drunk on it. I can't touch these anymore, or I'll probably get drunk as soon as I do."

Gu Jungui muttered to himself as he took out the Dustless Talisman and examined it.

How do you use this talisman? Shouldn't you just carry it with you at all times?

Thinking of this, Gu Jungui untied his sachet, carefully folded the dust-free talisman, and placed it inside.

She thought to herself, "Go tell Mingkong to estimate the time and bring his master, Miss Zuo, back."

It had been a long time since Gu Jun Gui had visited Qingxin Mansion. In addition, the plants and flowers had been trimmed, making it quite different from what Gu Jun Gui remembered. However, after staying for two days, he had managed to recall most of the paths in the mansion.

Gu Jun Gui quickly arrived at Chu Ming Kong's villa. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she heard a woman's wanton moans. The voice was so seductive that even a woman like Gu Jun Gui felt her face flush and her heart race, and she had romantic thoughts.

"The voice of the Wind Maiden? Is Mingkong making love to her?"

She realized she had arrived at the wrong time and hurriedly left.

house.

Chu Mingkong was busy fetching water to quench his thirst when he sensed Aunt Gu's presence, which made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

They were still planning to arrest a bunch of masters, but Aunt Gu has turned around and started doing the opposite.

"Fengying, you did this on purpose, didn't you? You knew Aunt Gu was coming, yet you still called her 'Aunt Gu'..."

Feng Ying didn't let out that alluring and sweet moan because she realized Aunt Gu was there; she was just enjoying herself and didn't restrain herself when she noticed Aunt Gu's arrival.

"Then I'll stay silent from now on. Just pretend you're serving a doll~"

"Fengying, I was wrong."

Chu Mingkong reluctantly but decisively admitted defeat. Although they were just joking around, some concessions were necessary, otherwise Feng Ying would have even more ways to cause trouble for him.

Feng Ying's beautiful legs, clad in black stockings, draped over his shoulders. She sat up, patted the spot beside her, and gestured for Chu Mingkong to lie down: "You've gotten so much water from me, I'll have to ask you for some thicker water. It'll be a good opportunity to test how well you've worked on your weak points."

Chu Mingkong said angrily, "If you're so capable, then don't talk back."

Seeing his reaction, Fengying chuckled and said, "Then I'll get physical with you?"

Chu Mingkong readily accepted the challenge. He placed his hand on Feng Ying's black-stockinged thigh, using the support to keep his mind focused. He intended to concentrate on endurance, but his attention was completely drawn to the wonderful touch in his palm.

The ultra-thin black stockings he had just put on were incredibly smooth and comfortable against his skin. As he applied pressure with his hands, the elasticity of her beautiful legs was reflected in his mind. Every inch of them was sexy and alluring, and the comfort was indescribable.

This time, however, Fengying probably felt a little reluctant to part ways and subjected him to some kind of torture. He couldn't bear it anymore and didn't want to waste the precious night before parting on something outside the righteous path.

“Mingkong, you are using your strange and evil cultivation technique.”

"That's evil magic, what about my cultivation method..." Chu Mingkong said jokingly, and did as she asked, immediately starting to circulate the Joyful Union True Scripture.

Feng Ying rubbed against him a few times, then grinned mischievously, "I had a sudden enlightenment about the protection of the White Tiger totem earlier, so I'm giving it to you this time. Watch closely, the White Tiger is about to eat human flesh!"

Silent all night.

As dawn broke, Chu Mingkong accompanied Feng Ying to the border pass where they had first met.

This place is the closest point between Xiling and the Crescent Moon Kingdom, although it is still a bit far from the territory of the Moonlit Royal Family.

"Are you sure you don't need me to prepare horses or anything for you?" Chu Mingkong asked.

Fengying shook his head: "No need. If you really want to prepare, then you can ride it. Riding a strong stallion is much more comfortable."

Although it might seem like an unnecessary worry, Fengying likes to keep his whereabouts hidden in the New Moon Kingdom because the forces there are too diverse.

If you ride a horse from Xiling into the Crescent Kingdom, you might be watched from the very beginning. It would be better to get into the Crescent Kingdom and then use the local camel carts to get close to the Moonlit Royal Family.

Chu Mingkong smiled helplessly: "Riding me isn't impossible. I'll come find you in a few days, and then I'll let the man-eating white tiger bite me a few more times."

He held Fengying's delicate body for a while before letting go, watching her put on her cloak and hood, and her figure disappear into the sandstorm.

Chapter 200 Dragon Vein Backlash? (26/38)

After staying in Tianya City for another two or three days, the maids in Qingxin Mansion were busy packing things, following the orders of the Princess Consort of Chu to prepare for the prince's departure.

However, Chu Mingkong didn't feel there was anything to worry about. He had no worries about food and drink, and he didn't need any protective treasures. Chu Mingkong was more than capable of protecting others himself, and with Zuo Qiuchi around, there was no need to worry about not having any means of survival.

But since they were all the mothers' kind gesture, Chu Mingkong couldn't refuse.

The City Lord's Pavilion is crowded today.

Besides Chu Mingkong, who has been showing filial piety to his mother here these days, there are also several other young ladies, including Yun Nongyu and Zuo Qiuchi, gathered here.

What they were doing was nothing more than a follow-up to the announcement a few days ago that Xiling had broken away from the Tianji Empire.

Chu Mingkong frowned deeply, showing no sign of relief, and said:

"Now that the people of Xiling should accept that they are citizens of Xiling, the will of the people that would have been absorbed into the Heavenly Dragon Vein should no longer flow to the Emperor, but remain within Xiling. Mother Consort, are you feeling unwell?"

As can be seen from previous experiences, although the dragon vein can bring power, it is not entirely beneficial to those who control it, such as the emperor.

The deterrent effect of the dragon vein's backlash lies here, but now the will of the people is concentrated in Xiling, which means the dragon vein of these several states in Xiling has remained in Xiling. So, will the actual supreme ruler, the Princess Consort of Chu......

Chu Mingkong was worried about this very thing!

It must be admitted that his entire focus was previously on how to weaken the emperor, and he completely forgot whether weakening the emperor would have a similar effect on the Princess Consort of Chu.

If Chu Mingkong had thought of this earlier, he would have preferred the emperor to be even more powerful rather than do this.

The small dragon vein of Xiling is not as powerful as the great dragon of the Tianji Empire, so the backlash might be less severe, but it will definitely still occur.

Xiao Zhi and Wan Hua should have anticipated this possibility when he mentioned matters concerning the dragon veins, but they didn't tell him...

Princess Chu shook her head, a relaxed smile on her lips, hoping to ease her son's mood.

“I’m fine, Mingkong, you don’t need to worry so much. I haven’t felt any of the backlash you mentioned.”

Chu Mingkong was skeptical, suspecting she was concealing a backlash, but he still turned his gaze to Wan Hua's mother:

"Is Consort Wanhua feeling unwell? I don't want to see you feeling even slightly unwell. This was indeed a great oversight on my part."

Wan Hua also shook his head and gently comforted him:

"Mingkong, nothing like what you said happened. We're perfectly fine. Why are you so concerned and acting like we're unwell? Are you trying to make us worry with you?"

These words, a mix of reproach and comfort, made Chu Mingkong smile helplessly. He didn't want to worry so much either, but if the backlash from the dragon vein really happened, how could he solve it?

The only way the Heavenly Empire could find after so many generations was to let the Empress suffer the backlash in his place. He couldn't possibly let the two Golden Crow Phoenix Bodies, who had just left the family, suffer for him, could he?

Chu Mingkong looked at Yun Nongyu, who should be considered an expert in this field.

"Master Yun, have you noticed anything amiss?"

Yun Nongyu also shook her head. Chu Mingkong didn't know if she meant she couldn't see it or was certain there was no backlash. After she thought for a while, he finally got her answer:

"Indeed, no. Although I am not well-versed in the study of the dragon veins of secular emperors, I cannot sense any dragon vein aura similar to that day in the imperial palace in the capital. Your Highness, please rest assured that what your mothers said is true and they have not hidden anything from you."

"That's good, but why didn't the concubines suffer any backlash?"

Chu Mingkong looked at Zuo Qiuchi, hoping that his master, who had traveled extensively, could provide some answers or insights.

Zuo Qiuchi didn't want Chu Mingkong to pin his hopes and dreams on her; he'd picked the wrong person.

"Don't look at me. How would I know about such things? I'm going to find people to fight and hone my skills, not to discuss knowledge or reason with them."

Shangguan Rong closed her eyes and pondered. This second young lady from the Shangguan family in the capital had always been used by Chu Mingkong as his brain.

During her time in Tianya City, Chu Mingkong asked her about her wishes and then had her learn about the situation inside Tianya Tower and Xiling, so that she could help Xiao Zhi and Wan Hua with their affairs.

Her intelligence and skillful methods earned her high praise from Xiao Zhi.

Shangguan Rong had heard all the details about the emperor that Chu Mingkong knew, and she suddenly spoke up, speculating:

"The key issue is probably the use of the dragon vein. The dragon vein of Xiling remains in Xiling, but the Princess of Chu has not taken it for herself, so she does not bear the backlash."

While Master Yun's explanation of cause and effect can be used to interpret this, perhaps it can be understood through the method of invoking the gods used by Miss Wei's family. The power of the people's wishes can be seen as a 'pledge,' and if those who receive the power of the wishes fail to 'fulfill their vows,' they will suffer backlash and punishment.

Yun Nongyu nodded, indicating that she also agreed with this statement.

While there's no way to verify its authenticity right now, one thing is certain: don't misuse the will of the people like an emperor did, and it's best not to touch it at all.

“I’ve never used this dragon vein power before, and I certainly won’t touch it in the future. The common people are just praying to the heavens. How could I be so arrogant as to think of myself as the heavens and accept these wishes?” After Xiao Zhi finished speaking, he also praised Shangguan Rong, “It’s really a feat for Mingkong, such a reckless child, to be able to bring back such a smart girl as Rong’er.”

Shangguan Rong said softly, "He took advantage of me while I was unconscious and forced himself on me."

This must be referring to the time when she was impatient and fainted while cultivating the Extreme Yang technique, and how he gave her his "medicinal guide" back then.