My Great Jin's National Fortune Prospers

Divine Land, Great Jin Dynasty, the nineteenth day of the first month of the first year of Taixi.

The Heluo region was swept by a cold wind, with snow three feet deep covering the land.

However, within a wealthy estate outside the imperial capital, streams of light flickered and brooks flowed.

Peach blossoms bloomed, willow branches swayed, pavilions and trees intertwined, and butterflies danced among the flowers, creating a scene of birds singing in the deep woods and fish leaping in lotus ponds.

The cold wind and heavy snow outside the estate did not seem to affect the garden in the slightest!

Looking up, one could see a clear sky and even a gentle warm breeze, as if it were the third month of spring.

"Elder Shi, your Golden Valley Garden is truly magnificent!"

"I always thought that 'Golden Valley Spring Clarity' was praised as one of the Eight Sceneries of Luoyang and widely known, only to be seen during the warm and sunny days of early spring. I never imagined I'd see it at this time of year!"

The speaker was a noble young master with a seemingly irreverent demeanor. His face was as fair as congealed fat, dusted with gold powder, his eyebrows painted purple, and he wore a jade sachet, exuding a intoxicating fragrance.

He wore thin clothing with an open collar, revealing his chest. He leaned against a table, admiring the snow, holding a golden goblet and drinking heartily, appearing slightly tipsy.

Opposite him, a white-haired old man with a fierce expression and a beard, clad in brocade, was playing with a four-foot-tall coral tree with his hands adorned with rings of gold and jade.

The old man's surname was Shi and his given name was Chong. He was the son of Shi Bao, a founding hero of the Great Jin Dynasty. He held the official post of Nine Ministers Commandant, inherited the title of Marquis of Xiuwu County, and received a fief of ten thousand households. He had served as the Governor of Jingzhou, where he plundered merchants and amassed a fortune. He was also adept at maneuvering, and by this day, his wealth rivaled that of the nation.

His Golden Valley Garden was merely one of his many estates, but it was the most extravagant!

Within a radius of dozens of miles, mansions, pavilions, and towers were scattered at various heights, built according to the terrain and water flow of the Heluo region. Lakes and ponds were dug, and canals were opened, allowing clear streams to meander through the garden with their babbling sounds.

Silk screens were used for enclosure, walls were painted with pepper, and trees were adorned with gold and jade!

He had also traveled to the Western Regions and Nanyang to exchange for pearls, agate, amber, rhinoceros horns, and ivory, decorating the buildings within the garden so brilliantly that they surpassed even the imperial palaces.

The trend of extravagance was prevalent in the Great Jin Dynasty, and Shi Chong was its foremost proponent.

"My humble garden is merely a worldly possession. I only used ten thousand catties of Red Stone Fat and sought the help of Immortal Zhang from Zhongnan Mountains to design this Golden Valley Spring Clarity formation for me."

"This formation is laid out with one hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred grains of Golden Valley, secretly corresponding to the Qianyuan Star Array, thus ensuring the garden remains spring-like all year round!"

Shi Chong spoke humbly, but his eyes held a look of self-satisfaction.

He habitually boasted and flaunted his wealth, as if ten thousand catties of Red Stone Fat and one hundred twenty thousand grains of Golden Valley were nothing. But he suddenly realized that the person before him was a high-ranking immortal, True Person Gongyu from Purple Cover Mountain in Jingzhou, a member of the prominent Wang Clan of Langya.

His own wealth, which surpassed that of any other in the land, might have been something to show off before Young Master Yu attained his Dao.

However, the mortal world was different. The latter possessed an 'Upper-Upper Grade' Immortal Bone, was a disciple of the Penglai Immortal Sect of the East Sea, and later, by chance, obtained a natural, ownerless small grotto-heaven. With thirty years of Dao cultivation, he had entered the 'Dao Attainment Realm,' able to absorb wind and drink dew, and resist water and fire, making him a rare genius in the world.

He probably traveled to famous mountains and sailed across the seas, obtaining rare treasures of heaven and earth with ease, unlike himself, who had to spend a fortune and search everywhere to acquire them.

Thinking that the other party was his junior, Shi Chong felt a pang of envy. He immediately added, "Alas, these are mere trifles, what are they worth compared to the marvel of the True Person's 'Purple Profound Grotto-Heaven'?"

"If the True Person enjoys this scenery, you are welcome to reside in the garden. I have over ten thousand servants who can attend to your every need."

Young Master Yu burst into laughter, "Does that Zhang Jilian have a grudge against you, Elder Shi? Or have you offended him somewhere?"

Shi Chong looked bewildered. "Immortal Zhang and my Shi Family of Henei are old acquaintances. I have a grand-nephew who became a disciple of Immortal Zhang, and I have not offended him... Hmm, please tell me, True Person, are there any flaws in this formation?"

Young Master Yu smiled, finished his drink, and a wave of heat emanated from his chest.

Immediately, a beautiful maidservant with a fragrant aura stepped forward, holding a golden pot to refill his cup. The fine wine poured into the cup with a light and pleasant sound.

Suddenly, a green light flashed in Young Master Yu's eyes, shooting towards the sky.

In an instant, Golden Valley grains erupted from the ground, totaling one hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred. They all emitted a golden light and floated in the air.

"Ah!"

Young Master Yu suddenly performed a ritual to reveal the formation diagram. The maidservant pouring wine was startled, her hand trembled, and the fine wine spilled, wetting Young Master Yu's delicate hand.

The maidservant's pretty face turned pale instantly, and her whole body trembled, her teeth chattering.

Young Master Yu paid no mind, not even glancing at her. He casually flicked away the wine, placed the golden goblet back on the table, and stopped drinking.

The wine on his hand also dissipated into heat and vanished inadvertently.

Young Master Yu said playfully, "Elder Shi, that Zhang Jilian is an expert in formations. How could he make such a mistake? It must have been intentional..."

Shi Chong glanced at the guards not far away and then replied, "Oh? What mistake? Please enlighten me, True Person."

Although no explicit order was given, the guards understood. They stepped forward gently and dragged away the maidservant, whose legs had gone weak.

The maidservant only dared to beg for mercy from the guards after being dragged out of the room, her tears flowing like pear blossoms, her pitiable appearance evoking sympathy.

But the guards said nothing. They drew their daggers and plunged them into the maidservant's heart, then twisted them and pulled them out. They then skillfully wiped away the bloodstains with a white silk cloth.

They summoned two servants to drag away the body, then looked as usual at the dozens of beautiful maids waiting outside the door.

Whenever Shi Chong hosted guests, he would have many beautiful women take turns pouring wine, so that every guest who drank a cup could see a different kind of charm.

"Next."

Hearing the guard's cold voice, the dozens of beautiful maids trembled. The leading woman stammered, "The Immortal and the Master are discussing important matters and are no longer drinking..."

The guard still said, "The Master did not say to stop."

The woman had no choice. With a pained expression, she picked up the wine pot.

Seeing the guard suddenly pull out a dagger, the woman quickly reacted, composed her expression, put on a smile, and stepped out gracefully.

However, Young Master Yu indeed stopped drinking. He propped his chin with his right hand and pointed his left finger to the sky, saying, "I don't understand formations, but I know this one doesn't need to be so complicated! It even imitates the entire Qianyuan Star Array? Even the grand formation of his grotto-heaven is not as elaborate as this!"

"To have spring all year round, one would only need the constellation Canglong Su, or even just the omen of 'a dragon appearing in the fields.' Three hundred and twenty-four Golden Grains would be enough to set up the formation."

"Of course, with Elder Shi's wealth, he certainly wouldn't care about a little expense."

Shi Chong chuckled, "So that's how it is, no problem!"

"What difference is there between one hundred and twenty thousand and three hundred?"

Shi Chong's fortune was as vast as the ocean, his magnificent residences stretched like mountains, his fertile fields numbered in the tens of thousands of qing, and his thousand-plus concubines in the inner chambers were all clad in exquisitely embroidered brocades, adorned with dazzling pearls, jade, and gemstones.

All the finest music in the world entered his ears, and all the rare birds and exotic beasts from land and sea entered his kitchen. His life of extravagance was so ingrained that he hardly cared whether a formation could be set up with just three hundred Golden Grains.

If Immortal Zhang had explained it to him back then, given his personality, he would have rejected the simpler method and deliberately chosen a grander formation diagram with the same purpose.

Young Master Yu continued, "But the problem is, the core of the formation isn't here... The most important thing about a formation is its adaptability! The formation master must be able to control it freely, operate the formation, and change it in myriad ways. Otherwise, what's the difference between it and a barrier that confines you to a single spot?"

"Huh?" Shi Chong's heart jolted. He indeed couldn't control the formation; he couldn't even shut it down.

Ever since this formation was set up, it hadn't required anyone's control. Every year on the Dragon Boat Festival, Immortal Zhang would send a young attendant to replenish the formation's magic power, thereby maintaining the perpetual spring. As for anything else, he had never mentioned it to him.

"So, only something that can be operated and changed is called a formation? The core isn't here? Then this Golden Valley Spring Clarity Formation's master isn't me, but that Immortal Zhang?" Shi Chong finally felt he had been deceived.

He had spent ten thousand jin of Red Stone Fat to have Immortal Zhang set up the formation and had also incurred immense expenses to gather the materials needed.

In the end, the formation was still in someone else's hands? He had even treated that attendant well every year, feasting him and rewarding him with lingzhi, mica, pearls, and white jade. It turned out they were just maintaining his own formation?

Shi Chong didn't care about the expenses, but Immortal Zhang hadn't told him anything, treating him purely like a fool.

Furthermore, he had only needed the omen of 'a dragon appearing in the fields,' yet the entire Qianyuan Star Array had been constructed. Was there another purpose? A hidden secret?

Shi Chong thought a lot in a moment, but Young Master Yu didn't explain further. When Shi Chong asked what kind of formation it was, Young Master Yu simply said, "I don't understand formations."

"That Zhang Jilian is so shameless! If he had said so earlier, I would have gladly given him some wealth! Hmph! The Zhang Clan of Runan is nothing special." Shi Chong was annoyed, and his respect for that Immortal Zhang vanished.

Although that Immortal Zhang had deep Dao cultivation, in terms of lineage, he was only of 'Middle-Upper' grade, far inferior to him!

Thinking of this, Shi Chong felt extremely disheartened. As the saying goes, there are no commoners among mystic practitioners, and no poor families among immortals. How could he, a talented scion of an Upper Grade family, not possess an Immortal Bone?

Young Master Yu smiled faintly, "Zhang Jilian is merely of Middle-Upper grade, petty-minded. Elder Shi needn't be angry. I have traveled to famous mountains and visited countless grotto-heavens. One day, I will go to the Xuande Grotto-Heaven in the Zhongnan Mountains and discuss the Dao with the three True Persons of Mount Taibai. At that time, I will retrieve the formation core for Elder Shi."

"Ah, that would be wonderful! That Zhang Jilian was just bullying me because I don't understand magic and have no mystic practitioners around! Now that there's a True Person, who would dare look down on me!" Shi Chong quickly stood up, took the wine pot from the beauty's hand, and personally poured wine for Young Master Yu.

This made the newly arrived beauty, tears welling in her eyes, breathe a sigh of relief.

While the two were talking, the guards had already killed two women. She was the third one to enter!

Now that Shi Chong was personally pouring wine, she was safe and could withdraw.

Young Master Yu glanced at the cup of wine but did not drink it.

He merely said, "Although Elder Shi doesn't understand magic, his wealth is unparalleled in the world, envied even by the mystic sects. The expenses for Absorption Cultivation and pill refinement are enormous. That Zhang Jilian couldn't afford it, and with his lifespan nearing its end without entering the Dao Attainment Realm, he must have been anxious... That's why he deceived Elder Shi."

"And with Elder Shi's wealth, if you were to cultivate yourself, it wouldn't be impossible to enter the Dao Attainment Realm within your lifetime."

Shi Chong's heart skipped a beat. Why was Young Master Yu bringing up such a sensitive topic? If he could cultivate immortality, would he still be here?

But then he thought again, everyone knew he, Shi Chong, lacked an Immortal Bone! Young Master Yu couldn't possibly not know. Why would he mention it now... Could one cultivate without an Immortal Bone?

At this thought, Shi Chong's desire for longevity became even more intense. He had schemed his entire life, his wealth rivaling the nation, only to return to dust in the end?

His Shi Family of Henei was a powerful clan of the era. In terms of wealth, even the royal family couldn't compare! Unfortunately, they only rose to prominence from the previous generation, being new nobles of the founding dynasty. This generation lacked an Immortal Bone.

There were some among the younger generation, but they were all disappointing, only bringing shame upon themselves when discussing mystic arts. Although the Shi family was an Upper Grade clan, they had never produced a true cultivator.

Now that he had finally found someone straightforward to talk to, he had to seize the opportunity no matter what.

"Please, True Person, enlighten me. I lack an Immortal Bone, how can I cultivate?" Shi Chong offered the wine cup.

Young Master Yu, appearing somewhat drunk, chuckled, "Although Elder Shi comes from a prestigious family, Heaven's will is not with him, just like my father. He was born without an Immortal Bone. However, there are always peculiar things in the world that allow one to find another path! And I happen to..."

He trailed off, letting out a hiccup.

Shi Chong's heart pounded, but Young Master Yu didn't continue.

Realizing that the other party was waiting for a reward, Shi Chong quickly said with a fawning smile, "That Zhang Jilian received so many treasures from me, yet he never offered any guidance. Unlike you, True Person, who has benefited me greatly in just half a day, truly a cultivator of the Dao."

"If I had met you earlier, True Person, would the lingzhi, mica, realgar, jade, gold, silver, pearls, herbs, cinnabar, pine resin... that I stockpiled have gone to him?"

He was implying that he had all the resources for cultivation and was asking Young Master Yu for in-depth guidance.

However, Young Master Yu remained unmoved, stretching lazily. "The path to immortality is nothing more than Absorption Cultivation and Qi Refining. Other miscellaneous external paths are not worth mentioning. Although Zhang Jilian and I are both practitioners of Absorption Cultivation and pill refinement, he emphasizes 'refinement,' while I emphasize 'absorption'..."

Shi Chong was not entirely ignorant of mystic arts and immediately understood that Young Master Yu was skilled in the Yin-Yang Cultivation Technique. His eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands, laughing, "That's easy!"

He immediately gave orders to summon the concubines from the Golden Valley Garden. Not only that, but he also sent people to transport more from his other estates.

Before long, over three hundred beauties, all adorned in silk and jewels, had gathered in the courtyard. Outside the courtyard stood countless maids.

"I have over a thousand concubines and maids, True Person, please don't hold back!"

Young Master Yu surveyed them but said unhurriedly, "This junior has already attained the Dao. Such common beauties offer little benefit to my cultivation."

Shi Chong was taken aback. He clearly saw that Young Master Yu desired them, yet he refused?

Then, he saw Young Master Yu, with a slightly tipsy expression, say, "My cultivation of the absorption technique has reached perfection. Those of humble origins are no longer useful to me; I need cultivators as cauldrons to make breakthroughs. As a second-best option, those with Immortal Bones will suffice."

Shi Chong was horrified. Which cultivator didn't come from a prestigious family? Only nobles from established clans had the potential to be 'born under a lucky star' and possess 'Jade Bones,' qualifying them for cultivation. This was called an Immortal Bone.

The imperial court classified scholars and clans into nine grades based on family background: Upper-Upper, Upper-Middle, Upper-Lower, Middle-Upper, Middle-Middle, Middle-Lower, Lower-Upper, Lower-Middle, and Lower-Lower. When promoting officials or selecting new ones, these nine grades were strictly followed.

There are no poor families among the upper grade, nor prominent clans among the lower grade.

The same applies to the aptitude for cultivation. At the very least, one must be from a scholar-official family, and it takes three generations of inheritance to possibly cultivate an Immortal Bone. This is what is called "roots"!

His Shi Family of Henei is a "Middle-Upper Grade" influential clan. Although no renowned cultivators have emerged from it in recent years, there have been quite a few individuals with Immortal Bones!

"My clan's noble ladies..." Shi Chong murmured in a low voice.

The noble daughters of their Shi family were not to be married to just anyone. In the future, they were destined to marry into families of first-rate standing. Even marrying into a family of "Upper-Lower Grade" was considered a downward match.

Young Master Yu hailed from the Wang Clan of Langya, the foremost prominent clan of the era, and was a highly accomplished cultivator. Marrying him would be a step up, and even becoming a concubine would be acceptable. However, to be a cauldron...

Shi Chong waved his hand, dismissing the servants. Soon, only he and Young Master Yu remained in the courtyard.

He got straight to the point: "May I ask, True Person, how many do you require?"

Shi Chong had truly made a difficult decision. Individuals with Immortal Bones were treasures to every family. Where else could he find them? He could only rely on his authority as clan leader to select people from within his own family.

If the number were small, it would be manageable; he could simply choose a few from the collateral branches of the clan.

Unexpectedly, the number Young Master Yu stated almost made him explode with anger.

"For the first batch, let's start with fifteen people."

Shi Chong's head was buzzing. That was all the people with Immortal Bones the Shi family had!

Young Master Yu, able to state such a precise number, had clearly come prepared! No wonder he had invited so many cultivators, yet only Young Master Yu had readily agreed.

"You jest, True Person. My clan has only six noble ladies with Immortal Bones..." Shi Chong said, then suddenly froze. Could it be...?

As expected, Young Master Yu said, "I didn't say I don't want men."

"Ha!" Shi Chong was almost ready to slam his hand on the table!

He felt that Young Master Yu was going too far. Zhang Jilian had only asked for some of his wealth, and he was rich enough to rival a nation, so he didn't care. He hadn't expected this True Person Gongyu to be here to demand people!

Did he really think he was Lord Mengchang reborn, willing to give away anything? And regardless of gender? And that was just the first batch?

He was deeply favored by the Emperor. Even if the clan leader of the Wang Clan of Langya, Wang Kai, were here, he wouldn't dare to be so disrespectful to him. How could a junior dare to be so presumptuous!

If this matter were to spread, he would surely be scorned by the scholar-official class. So what if they were cultivators? Had they no shame?

Seeing Shi Chong's fury, Young Master Yu remained very calm: "No matter how many cultivators your clan produces, it's not as satisfying as achieving longevity for oneself..."

Shi Chong's heart pounded, and he suppressed his anger.

He wanted to befriend cultivators, not expecting to cultivate himself, but merely hoping to purchase elixirs for extending life and longevity.

However, he also knew that such elixirs were extremely difficult to refine and were usually consumed internally by the major families.

Furthermore, for non-cultivators, the effect was extremely poor, with most of the medicinal power wasted. There were even cases of mortals dying after consuming them. There were simply no elixirs that allowed mortals to achieve longevity. This was also the reason why emperors, from the Emperors Qin and Han onwards, had all sought longevity in vain.

To achieve eternal life and longevity comparable to that of heaven, one could only enter the Dao oneself!

But without an Immortal Bone, one could certainly not cultivate immortality. Now, Young Master Yu actually claimed to have a way. Shi Chong vaguely felt that this might be the only opportunity in his life!

He had already enjoyed all the worldly wealth and status! As long as he could cultivate the Dao and achieve longevity, was his family truly that important?

Besides, it wasn't necessary to use people from his own family; others would do. Some third-rate families, or even poor scholar-official families, were not without individuals possessing Immortal Bones... If he racked his brains and used all sorts of methods, it wouldn't be impossible to gather these cauldrons!

"May I ask, True Person, what exactly is this 'alternative path'..." Shi Chong asked patiently.

Young Master Yu smiled brilliantly and finally said, "I have gained a principle from the Dao, a method from the principle, and a technique from the method, which can create an Acquired Immortal Bone. It is called 'Borrowed Fortune'."

Shi Chong was overjoyed. Acquired Immortal Bone? Such a thing existed? He had never heard of it!

"Borrowed Fortune? Borrowing the fortune of others to enhance one's own? If you can help me enter the Dao, True Person, I will... definitely offer fifteen cauldrons with Immortal Bones!" Shi Chong agreed decisively.

Young Master Yu half-opened his eyes: "This technique defies the heavens, and the price is immense. Moreover, borrowing fortune is not borrowing the fortune of others..."

Shi Chong was stunned: "Not the fortune of others? Then what is being borrowed?"

Young Master Yu uttered two words: "National Fortune!"

Shi Chong was dumbfounded. Good heavens, he was directly targeting the national fortune?

Weren't cultivators supposed to fear imperial energy and unseen things like Mortal World Fire? How could they actually seize national fortune? This wasn't metaphysics!

Shi Chong felt something was amiss and suddenly thought of something, asking, "Your uncle, Wang Kai, also has no Immortal Bone. Why don't you use this fortune-seizing technique to help him enter the Dao?"

Young Master Yu explained: "This technique is limited by imperial energy for juniors, and I require Elder Shi's assistance."

Shi Chong thought about his position as a relative of the Emperor and a trusted official. Did this mean... this technique required tampering within the palace? The Luoyang Palace was protected by the imperial energy of three dynasties, so cultivators would naturally not dare to act rashly.

"Elder Shi need not worry. While others might find this difficult, it will be easy for you! Elder Shi, you are a master of chess and are favored by His Majesty... You only need to bring my chessboard into the palace and play a game with His Majesty. If you win, you will obtain the Great Jin's National Fortune. The greater your winning margin, the more fortune you will gain. Once Elder Shi returns with the fortune, I will have a way to help Elder Shi enter the Dao!" Young Master Yu's words left Shi Chong bewildered.

So, it wasn't about tampering in the palace, but playing chess with the Emperor?

What kind of sorcery was this? Seizing national fortune with a single game of chess?

Although he didn't understand Daoist magic, he often discussed profound matters due to his admiration for cultivation. This marvelous technique seemed too... un-metaphysical!

Or perhaps... too metaphysical?

After all, he only had a superficial understanding of metaphysics. It was likely that the technique of borrowing and seizing national fortune was too profound for him to comprehend.

Shi Chong steadied himself and asked, "What will happen if the Great Jin's National Fortune is seized?"

The current court shared power with the aristocratic clans, so he naturally didn't want the Great Jin to be in turmoil. The current princes were not impressive; they were either too young or mentally deficient... He hoped it wouldn't lead to the fall of the dynasty within two generations...

Young Master Yu laughed heartily, "Elder Shi, do not panic! It is borrowing, not seizing!"

"The Great Jin Dynasty has been established for over twenty years! It has unified the world in less than ten years! The current founding Emperor is still alive, and the nation's fortune is at its peak."

"If we borrow a little, it will not cause any harm. It will merely make the coming prosperous era slightly less brilliant."

Shi Chong thought about it and agreed. The chaotic times had just ended, and the current court had the Nine Ranks system, governing the world through aristocratic families and famous clans. It could be said that all officials were upright, and the future was bound to prosper greatly!

With such a prosperous national fortune, what was wrong with borrowing a little?

Anyway, the extent of it was in his hands. When playing chess, he would win by a small margin, borrowing less national fortune! Only he could do this, as the Emperor only loved playing chess with him, and only he could ensure the Emperor won just enough... Then, he could win a little himself.

So what if the Emperor was unhappy when he lost? He was cultivating immortality, why would he care about that?

The more Shi Chong thought about it, the more excited he became, his mood greatly improved. He said enthusiastically, "True Person, rest assured, this matter is on my shoulders. Please stay in the garden, and there will be no shortage of cauldrons. Give me some time, and I will surely gather them!"

"Hmm... For these mediocre women, please make do with them for now, True Person. These are my beloved concubines, not ordinary ones."

Young Master Yu asked curiously, "Oh? Which ones?"

Shi Chong pointed to a large group in the courtyard, "These three hundred are all of them!"

Young Master Yu was amused, all of them his beloved concubines?

"These three hundred beautiful ladies were gathered by me from all corners of the land. They are beauties carefully selected, including some Hu women from beyond the frontier and the Western Regions..."

"They are all dressed in brocade, dazzlingly beautiful, and constantly perfumed day and night. I also hired famous teachers to guide them. They are proficient in music, their singing and dancing are graceful, and they are skilled in reciting poetry..."

"They are kept in the back courtyard, adorned with jade dragons and golden phoenix hairpins, wearing robes of a hundred birds. I ordered them to sing and dance day and night by my bedside, their voices and bodies intertwined, taking turns, dancing ceaselessly throughout the four seasons! This is called 'Eternal Dance'!"

"Whenever I summon one, I do not call her by name, but listen to the sound of her ornaments and look at the color of her hairpin. Those with lighter ornaments go first, those with brighter hairpins go behind, entering in sequence."

"After the act of pleasure, I sprinkle agarwood powder on the ivory bed and let my favored concubines step on it. Those who leave no footprints are rewarded with a hundred pearls. If they leave footprints, they are made to moderate their diet, so that their bones become slender and their bodies light..."

Shi Chong spoke eloquently, as if recounting his treasures.

At this point, even Young Master Yu, who came from a noble background, could not help but be moved. He slapped the table and praised, "What a magnificent Eternal Dance! Elder Shi has such refined taste!"

"In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor possessed sacred virtue. The nine stars shone brightly, so he rode a dragon with three thousand women. Shaohao possessed sacred virtue, and a hundred birds came to pay homage, so the phoenix sang and the luan danced..."

"In the present world, although we do not see luan and phoenixes, Elder Shi uses beauties as birds, listens to the sound of jade and stone as phoenix cries, and appreciates the spinning of the women as luan dances... The imagery echoes the rites and music of the ancient sages, with a broad and unrestrained sentiment!"

Shi Chong laughed proudly, "You truly understand me!"

"This Eternal Dance continues day and night, and over time, I have become accustomed to it. If there is no Eternal Dance, I can hardly sleep! But it doesn't matter! If you like it, True Person, you can enjoy it freely."

Young Master Yu, however, smiled faintly, "However, Elder Shi's artistic conception is profound, yet he knows nothing of the rites and music of immortals!"

Shi Chong quickly poured wine, "I wish to hear the details!"

Young Master Yu drank another pot of wine, appearing drunk, letting the wine spill over himself, behaving wildly. "Dancing ceaselessly throughout the four seasons is too monotonous!"

"Fuxi used pairs of deerskins as gifts and made zithers for music, named Liji, which should be the dance of spring!"

"The Yellow Emperor ordered Ling Lun to cut bamboo at Kunxi, and carved it into flutes. When blown, they produced phoenix cries, named Xianchi, which should be the dance of summer!"

"Yan Emperor then ordered Xing Tian to compose music for plowing, creating the chant of Fengnian, which should be the dance of autumn!"

"When the heavens unite, the proper winds will blow, their sounds like gentle breezes, chilling and clanging. Emperor Zhuanxu favored this sound, so he ordered Flying Dragon to compose music, imitating the sounds of the eight winds, naming it Chengyun, which should be the dance of winter!"

Young Master Yu's voice boomed like a great bell, his aura majestic.

Shi Chong initially felt fear upon hearing this, then his mind gradually relaxed as he listened further. Later, he became confused and bewildered, and finally, his expression became dazed and unconscious, utterly lost.

When he came to his senses, he saw pure white energy swirling in the air like a great wind and snow.

Following Young Master Yu's words, they arranged themselves into eight large characters, and in an instant, they shone with golden light, precisely Liji, Xianchi, Fengnian, Chengyun!

In the depths of his being, he seemed to have heard the divine music of ancient times!

Shi Chong was filled with emotion, "I enjoy the worldly riches, but I know nothing of the music of immortals."

"These divine melodies were all composed by ancient sage rulers and have long been lost. I implore you, True Person, to pass them down!"

Young Master Yu heard this and nodded faintly. With a wave of his hand, he produced four precious jade pieces, and the eight characters immediately vanished into them.

He said, "Very well. The Great Jin Dynasty's national fortune is prosperous, and it has been established for twenty years, at the peak of its prosperity... A prosperous era should be celebrated with song. I shall stay at the Golden Valley Garden and impart the ancient rites and music to three thousand jade maidens, to fulfill Elder Shi's Eternal Dance and create a story of elegance!"

Shi Chong's heart trembled slightly: What? Three thousand? And jade maidens? Oh well, what difference was there between three hundred and three thousand!

He smiled gladly, "True Person, please reside here with peace of mind. Within two days, I will gather three thousand jade maidens and have them learn the divine immortal rites and music from you! We shall emulate the virtuous conduct of the ancient sages!"

"Excellent!" Young Master Yu laughed heartily, took out two pills, as cool and lustrous as jade from his embrace, and swallowed them.

Instantly, heat waves surged from his body, his aura steamed like rising vapor. He swayed unsteadily, wisps of smoke curling from his head, making him appear like an immortal.

Afterward, for ten consecutive days, singing and dancing filled the garden without cease, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of zithers and lutes, with feasting and toasting, and revelry day and night. Every day, the cries of phoenixes could be heard. Outsiders said that an immortal resided in the Golden Valley Garden, and scholars who heard of it flocked to visit.

In that year, heavy snow fell continuously in the northern regions, causing countless deaths from hunger and cold. The people of Qingzhou resorted to cannibalism.

p.s: Sorry. I didn't expect there to be another review, so please wait. The second chapter will be released at noon. Please collect and leave chapter reviews.