Seeking a Tiger's Hide, the River God Sets His Pieces

"Oh?"

Young Master Kongxu's expression softened, but his eyes remained fixed on the River God statue. "How does Lord River God wish to cooperate with me?"

When a Foundation Establishment cultivator's flying sword could be casually knocked aside by an ordinary mortal like himself, Master Huang knew that half his plan had succeeded.

"Lord River God hopes that, at the critical moment, Young Master will turn his spear around and strike." Master Huang said with a smile.

Turn his spear around and strike?

Young Master Kongxu smiled without smiling. "You are asking this young master to switch sides."

"Do you know that neither Wenren Jie nor Qiao Xuan is easy to deal with?"

"Not to mention that there is also a Moon-Embracing Sect disciple."

"That Xu Xiao is the personal disciple of Elder Konglan of the Moon-Embracing Sect. If she alarms that Purple Mansion Realm cultivator, neither your Lord River God nor this young master will be in a good position."

Yet Master Huang smiled. "Rest assured, Young Master. My Lord River God is not someone a mere Purple Mansion Realm elder of the Moon-Embracing Sect can handle."

As soon as those words fell, a glint flashed through Young Master Kongxu's eyes. He had caught something in Master Huang's words: a mere Purple Mansion Realm.

Would a River God at the Purple Mansion Realm say such a thing?

Could it be that this River God was not at the Purple Mansion Realm?

Thinking of the annual River God Grand Sacrifice held throughout all thirteen counties of Dongjun, Young Master Kongxu felt that he had discovered something.

Young Master Kongxu was clever—very clever. Otherwise, he would not have discovered the hidden cave abode of a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator and obtained its inheritance and resources. If he were not clever, he would not have reached Foundation Establishment.

Thus, with only a single sentence from Master Huang, Young Master Kongxu understood that the waters of Qingshan County ran far deeper than they appeared.

But what did any of that have to do with him?

He was merely a Rogue Cultivator. No matter how renowned he was in Qing Province, he was still only a minor Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator.

In an ordinary county town, small clans might regard him highly.

But before the distinguished clans of commandery cities, the great families of provincial capitals, and the Golden Core Realm sects that dominated an entire province, what did a Foundation Establishment cultivator like him amount to?

Precisely because he clearly understood his own circumstances, Young Master Kongxu desperately wanted to reach the Purple Mansion Realm.

He knew himself well. He was a Rogue Cultivator, a hyena willing to risk his life for resources—and hyenas never had a side.

Since the River God had such confidence and could offer so many resources, Young Master Kongxu was willing to work with him.

Once he reached the Purple Mansion Realm, so what if the River God flooded Qingshan County?

Could a dignified Purple Mansion Realm cultivator be worth less than the lives of several hundred thousand mortals?

At this thought, Young Master Kongxu finally smiled. "This young master can cooperate with Lord River God. Moreover, this young master can tell Lord River God a piece of news."

Master Huang also revealed a pleased expression. "Please speak, Young Master."

Young Master Kongxu thought of Jiang Sheng, with his indifferent expression, always appearing neither sorrowful nor joyful, looking down on everything from high above.

Thinking of Jiang Sheng's origins, his current daoist temple, and Jiang Sheng's immense reputation, the smile on Young Master Kongxu's lips deepened. "Does Lord River God know that there is now a Penglai daoist on Qingping Mountain?"

"He is a formidable figure, with strength comparable to the Purple Mansion Realm."

The next day, Young Master Kongxu left the Huang residence with a gentle smile on his face. His manners were elegant and courteous, and he drifted away like a refined young gentleman wandering idly through the mortal world.

Within the Huang residence's secret chamber, however, Master Huang wore a solemn expression as he reported to the River God the information he had obtained from Young Master Kongxu.

"The Eight Wolves of Dongjun? I have heard of their reputation. They were merely eight Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the strongest among them was only at mid-stage Foundation Establishment. They became arrogant after gaining a little fame. Now it seems they truly were a pack of trash."

"A daoist from Penglai defeating eight Rogue Cultivators of the same rank is perfectly normal. He is also a sword cultivator, so there is nothing surprising about it. But what capability could a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator possess to kill someone of the Purple Mansion Realm?"

"The Eight Wolves of Dongjun claimed they could withstand a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator head-on, and people believed them? What a joke! A group of ants who had never opened a Purple Mansion—how could they know the difference between Purple Mansion and Foundation Establishment?"

"Besides, how could this god's avatar be as simple as an ordinary Purple Mansion Realm cultivator? If he wishes to challenge this god's avatar across realms with Foundation Establishment cultivation, his sword is not fast enough!"

Hearing the River God speak thus, Master Huang naturally showered him with praise. At the same time, he carefully reminded him, "My lord, that mere Foundation Establishment cultivator is naturally no match for you."

"But lately, there have been rumors that Jiang Sheng possesses remarkable fire arts. It is said that the combined artifacts of the Eight Wolves of Dongjun rivaled a half-step Purple Mansion Realm cultivator, yet Jiang Sheng summoned a fire dragon to destroy their artifacts and kill the Eight Wolves of Dongjun."

"If his fire arts are truly that formidable, then if he injured your divine body in a desperate counterattack, would that not be most undesirable?"

The River God fell silent for a moment before saying, "That is not without reason."

"This god belongs to water, while he excels in fire arts. They naturally restrain one another. If his fire arts truly are powerful, this god must indeed make preparations."

"Send people to investigate. See whether that daoist named Jiang Sheng truly excels in fire arts."

Master Huang naturally agreed at once. He dispatched quite a few people to Qingping Town to gather information, and even made a great show of declaring that he would personally visit Qingxuan Temple to pay his respects to Daoist Jiang Sheng.

As a prominent gentryman of Qingshan County, Master Huang's actions naturally drew countless eyes toward Qingping Mountain. Only then did people remember that Qingping Mountain still had that formidable Daoist Jiang.

These past days, Jiang Sheng had remained secluded on Qingping Mountain. The people of Qingshan County had been overwhelmed by all manner of rumors and disturbances, by petitions from gentrymen and petitions from common folk alike, and had forgotten that Qingshan County possessed such a formidable personage.

Now that Master Huang intended to burn incense on Qingping Mountain, everyone naturally wanted to see what he was planning. Did he intend to invite Daoist Jiang down from the mountain to stop the county magistrate?

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Master Huang truly did lead a group of servants up the mountain, carrying several large chests of gifts.

In the bitter winter months, climbing Qingping Mountain was certainly no pleasant task.

But for Lord River God's grand plan, Master Huang naturally overcame such difficulties.

Supported by his servants, he struggled all the way to the mountainside of Qingping Mountain. When he saw that daoist temple of black bricks and gray tiles, and the wisps of smoke drifting from within, Master Huang let out a long breath. At last, he had arrived at Qingxuan Temple.

The mountains were already sparsely populated, and it was the depths of winter, so Qingxuan Temple showed little sign of life and appeared exceedingly lonely.

Only a youth in a simple daoist robe was sweeping away the accumulated snow before Qingxuan Temple's gates.

Master Huang stepped forward with a smile. "Little Daoist, Huang Shiren greets you."

Tian Ming'an hurriedly returned the salute, looking somewhat reserved. "This humble daoist returns your greeting. May I ask why Layman Huang has come?"

Huang Shiren put on a reverent expression. "I heard that Daoist Jiang possesses extraordinary methods and slew those notorious villains, the Eight Wolves of Dongjun. Huang greatly admires him! I entered the mountains this time to pay a visit to Daoist Jiang, to convey a small token of appreciation on behalf of the gentry of Qingshan County, and to request a talisman while I am here."

The first part of those words praised Jiang Sheng's formidable strength; then he flattered Jiang Sheng as the savior of Qingshan County's gentry; finally, he revealed a small personal intention of his own. It all sounded exceptionally reasonable.

Huang Shiren's schemes and calculations truly ran deep.

Hearing this, Tian Ming'an clearly relaxed his guard against Huang Shiren. Somewhat embarrassed, he said, "Layman Huang may not know this, but my master has been meditating in seclusion and nurturing his sword these past days. It is inconvenient for him to receive visitors."

Huang Shiren visibly appeared disappointed, but he still forced a smile. "Then, may Huang leave these gifts here and enter to offer incense?"

After hesitating for a while, Tian Ming'an nodded. "You may, but you may only offer incense in the front hall."

"Of course. I shall follow Little Daoist's arrangements." Huang Shiren appeared exceedingly amiable.

"Please come in, Layman Huang." Tian Ming'an invited Huang Shiren into the daoist temple.

Once Huang Shiren followed Tian Ming'an into the temple, he immediately felt that it was indeed extraordinary.

Its layout subtly corresponded to the celestial signs and harmonized with the contours of the mountains and waters, yet it did not seem imposing or oppressive. Instead, it carried the air of a hidden dragon lying in the abyss.

Moreover, standing within it made one feel comfortable in both body and mind—fresh and natural, as though connected to heaven and earth. His entire being felt clear and refreshed.

As Huang Shiren examined the temple, he praised it repeatedly. "Daoist Jiang's daoist temple is truly extraordinary. Standing within it, one deeply senses the mysteries of creation. It truly is a land of immortals!"

Tian Ming'an was quite pleased by Huang Shiren's flattery, though he maintained some modest restraint on his face. "It is only an ordinary daoist temple. Layman Huang overpraises it. We have arrived. Please, Layman Huang."

Upon reaching the front hall, Huang Shiren looked up and saw the portrait.

The Penglai Patriarch in the portrait wore ritual robes, with a clear halo behind his head. His left hand formed a seal while his right held a ruyi scepter. Immortal cranes and auspicious clouds surrounded him, making him appear solemn and noble.

When Huang Shiren looked at the portrait, it was as though his gaze met that of the Penglai Patriarch within. In that instant, Huang Shiren felt as if every filthy thought in his heart had been seen through completely. It was like being stripped naked and thrown into an icy river amid snow and frozen earth, and Huang Shiren shuddered violently.

He instinctively avoided the portrait. After steadying himself, he hastily offered three sticks of pure incense and then left the front hall.

Only then did Huang Shiren feel able to breathe again. Suppressing the terror in his heart, he casually asked, "Little Daoist, why does this front hall look as though it has been renovated?"

Tian Ming'an clearly became somewhat angry at the question. "Was it not because of those Eight Wolves of Dongjun?"

"They attempted to ambush my master in the dead of night, but they were no match for him at all. In the end, driven to desperation, they summoned a massive serpent dozens of zhang long in an attempt to fight to the death, only to find that my master's daoist arts were a level higher!"

As he spoke, Tian Ming'an's expression carried a faint trace of pride. "My master directly summoned a heavenly dragon and brought down heavenly fire to destroy them!"

"It is only a pity that the front hall and front courtyard were too badly damaged in the battle of daoist arts and had to be rebuilt."

A flash of delight passed through Huang Shiren's eyes upon hearing this, though his face showed regret. "What a pity that Huang did not get to witness such an immortal scene!"

Last night, Lin Yuan met a good brother while getting a massage. Perhaps because he found Lin Yuan handsome and dashing, he not only treated Lin Yuan to drinks but also invited Lin Yuan to get a massage with him. Lin Yuan got along with him very well; they could be called kindred spirits. They talked about many things together. Before leaving, the man said to Lin Yuan somewhat regretfully that it was a pity there was no opportunity today, otherwise he would definitely let Lin Yuan know what it meant to have an ancient heart full of warmth. Lin Yuan had not understood at the time, but after thinking it over now, the more he considered it, the more something felt wrong. Wonderful, he had run into a gay man!