A Fellow Daoist with Young Master He
Henggao City has three major immortal families: the Xiao family, the Ye Family, and the He family.
Having been able to occupy the foot of the sacred mountain for hundreds or even thousands of years, the three great immortal families have become behemoths in Henggao City and even the entire Central Yuan Continent.
It wasn't that they lacked the ability to find a place to live on the sacred mountain; it was simply that when the sacred mountain was first established, the Immortal Ancestor had a rule:
Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain for all people on the five continents.
Therefore, such Lineage- based organizations naturally cannot establish themselves on the sacred mountain.
But those who have lived at the foot of the sacred mountain for a long time have a more profound foundation than many immortal sects within the sacred mountain.
You Su walked alone on the streets of Henggao City, having already inquired about the location of the He family's residence.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his Mistress must be from the He family, as both her surname and status matched the description in the Mistress.
Only one of the top three prestigious families in this continent could cultivate that indescribable air of nobility in my Mistress...
Soon, You Su arrived at the city center where the He family mansion was located.
The towering vermilion gate is carved with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, and on each side of the gate stands a pair of majestic stone lions, dutifully guarding this ancient Lineage.
Looking into the distance, one can still see the magnificent roof of the main hall behind the gate, covered entirely with glazed green tiles, gleaming in the sunlight, like a green gem embedded in this grand city.
"What brings you here, young master?"
The guards of the He family were much friendlier than those elsewhere. When they noticed an unfamiliar face approaching, they quickly and enthusiastically went up to ask him questions.
You Su thought to himself, "Big Lineage are different after all. Finally, I'm not one of those typical arrogant doormen."
I've come here to find someone.
"Looking for someone? Please speak freely, young master."
"The person I'm looking for He Shutong. I wonder if she's a member of your He Manor?"
"He Shutong?"
The guard frowned, as if pondering, and after a long while he shook his head and said:
"I don't recall anyone with this name in the main branch or the three collateral branches of the He family. Although they all share the surname He, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place, young master. Please leave."
You Su also frowned, unwilling to give up so easily.
It is estimated that the Mistress left home more than a hundred years ago. Could it be that she was forgotten by this young guard, or perhaps she was removed from the family genealogy because she ran away from home many years ago?
"Please, brother, return to your residence and inquire about this matter carefully for me. This person is extremely important to me."
You Su said earnestly.
Seeing that You Su had a dignified appearance and an extraordinary demeanor, the guard knew that he was no ordinary person. Seeing that You Su had a good attitude, the guard dared not be negligent and could only say "Please wait a moment" before returning to the mansion to ask the steward.
You Su paced anxiously outside the door.
The guard returned shortly afterward and apologized:
"I've already asked my steward, and even he doesn't know anyone by that name. Young master, you should look for another family."
You Su clenched his fists and had no choice but to give up and find another way.
Just as he turned around, a clear voice rang out:
"Young Master Ye? You really are from Henggao City?!"
His tone was filled with delight.
You Su pondered the somewhat familiar voice for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise:
"Young Master Xiao?!"
The newcomer had a handsome face and a tall, slender figure. He wore a long black and white robe that exuded a scholarly air, and he had the demeanor of a gentleman.
It was none other than Young Master Xiao had once You Su to wine and women at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion in Moxie City.
Only the guard looked somewhat uneasy upon hearing this.
"Young Master Ye, are you here at the He family's residence on business?"
Although the two met by chance, Young Master Xiao acted as if they were very familiar with each other.
It seemed to him that having visited a brothel together already constituted a close relationship.
"Yes, I've come here to find someone."
You Su thought that the other party was also a noble young master from Henggao City, and might know his Mistress's name, so he didn't hide anything from him.
"Looking for someone? It seems you haven't found them?" Young Master Xiao glanced at the guard. "May I ask who Young Master Ye is looking for?"
"His name He Shutong."
You Su answered truthfully, but as soon as he finished speaking, he felt the atmosphere around him become much heavier, as if he were carrying a heavy burden.
Young Master Xiao remained silent for a long time, which suggests that he truly knew something about this name.
"There is no such person in my He family."
Young Master Xiao spoke slowly and deliberately, leaving no room for argument.
What family do I belong to?
You Su looked closely and realized that the other party's identity Young Master Xiao was indeed fake.
He knew the Xiao family and the Ye Family; he tacitly approved of You Su's claim to be from the Ye Family, and also claimed to be from the Xiao family and frequented brothels.
Who else could he be besides a member of the He family?
"Even Young Master Xiao says so, it seems I have no choice but to look elsewhere."
You Su sighed and was about to leave.
If You Su wasn't certain before that his Mistress was from the He family of Henggao City, now, given the performance of this young master He, he was absolutely certain.
"Is this person very important to Young Master Ye?"
Young Master Xiao subtly shifted to the side, subtly blocking You Su's path.
You Su pondered for a moment, then solemnly said:
"She has shown me immense kindness, and I am seeking her out solely to repay that debt."
A look of realization dawned on Young Master Xiao's handsome face, and he then smiled:
"Within a radius of six hundred li of Henggao City, there is only one family with the surname He. If Young Master Ye wishes to find that person, he will inevitably have to travel a great deal. My He family is the head of all He families in the Five Continents and has connections with He families of all sizes in various places. Why don't you come back to my residence with me for a chat, Young Master Ye? Perhaps I can help you."
Upon hearing this, You Su's face lit up with delight. "If that could be done, I would be eternally grateful!"
Young Master Xiao smiled nonchalantly, as gentle as a breeze and the bright moon.
"Let me introduce myself again. My surname is Xiao when I'm away from home, but He when I'm at home. My given name is He Kongyue."
You Su's eyes widened in surprise. He had been investigating all along and had some understanding of the He family. This He Kongyue was the only son of the head of the main branch of the He family.
You Su never expected that the playboy she met by chance in a brothel a thousand miles away would actually be the sole heir of the He family, one of the three great immortal families.
Fate, perhaps, really is that wondrous.
"My surname is Ye when I'm away from home, but You when I'm at home. My given name You Su. I've long admired Mr. He's name. It's a pleasure to meet you."
You Su cupped his hands and imitated him, saying...
The courtyard is deep and secluded, with layers of eaves shimmering with golden light in the sunlight. The eaves and brackets of each pavilion are exquisitely carved, and in the middle of the courtyard stands a huge stone fountain, its flowing water seemingly whispering the glorious history of the He Lineage.
Inside the study, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the stove crackled and hummed.
The walls are covered with calligraphy, paintings, and plaques, each a work of a renowned artist, showcasing the Lineage's cultural heritage.
But He Kongyue, who sat upright in the host's seat, had an air of elegance that didn't quite match the scholarly atmosphere. He casually lay on his side, swirling the freshly warmed tea.
"Brother You, your move is brilliant! By using the Ye Family's name to abduct Cai Ling, you've enraged the owner of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, who's now searching everywhere for that young master Ye to demand an explanation. You wouldn't believe it, but when Old Madam Ye Family heard that someone from her family had abducted a courtesan and wasn't paying her, she was so angry that several strands of her hair turned white."
He Kongyue laughed heartily, drinking tea with the flair of wine.
You Su couldn't very well say that Cai Ling was actually Evil Cultivator in disguise, so he could only explain:
"Brother He, you misunderstand. Cai Ling's disappearance has nothing to do with me. Perhaps she was forced into prostitution and escaped when she got the chance."
He Kongyue then revealed a knowing, knowing look, "I've been in the entertainment industry for so many years, yet my skill in getting something for nothing isn't as proficient as that newbie, Brother You."
You Su felt slightly embarrassed and didn't want to argue with him any further about the matter of Cai Ling.
It's just unexpected that He Kongyue, as one of the biggest playboys in the Central Yuan Continent, would need to seek pleasure in brothels.
You Su did not see his appearance, but he must have been exceptionally handsome. Coupled with his illustrious background, how many women in this world wouldn't have his way with them?
What's he trying to achieve?
"You Su, the second disciple newly accepted by the Thirteenth Elder of the Xuanxiao Sect, severely defeated the beloved disciple of the Fifth Elder, who possessed Innate Sword Body, during the sect's initiation ceremony, instantly gaining fame. Not only that, at only eighteen years old, he wrote 'Four Lines on the Love of Lotus' and passed the study examination of Book Immortal Peak. He can be called a model of the new generation with both literary and martial talents and good looks, and is also the first male cultivator with the cultivation of the Spirit Platform Realm to be reported by the Divine Mountain to be included in the list of geniuses. What is even more astonishing is that such a powerful figure is actually blind. And I, however, encountered such a genius at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, thousands of miles away."
He Kongyue slowly and deliberately introduced his understanding of the name 'You Su'. Although he was teasing You Su, the respect in his tone was very sincere.
You Su had no idea that her name had become so well-known; having her experiences recounted to her face was quite embarrassing.
"Brother He, please don't tease me. He Kongyue's name is far more well-known than mine, You Su's."
"I'm not joking."
He Kongyue sat up straight and personally poured You Su a full cup of tea:
"I just didn't expect that such a young talent would be a kindred spirit like me."
"My visit to the Xiaoxiang Pavilion that day was purely accidental, and nothing happened between me and Miss Cailing."
You Su felt it was best to distance himself from the relationship; otherwise, if his Mistress reconciled with her family in He Kongyue future, wouldn't He Mistress be misunderstood as a frivolous man who frequented brothels?
"An unexpected surprise? Sigh, I thought Brother You was a close friend. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have invited Brother You in."
He Kongyue shook her head slightly, her voice turning indifferent.
You Su frowned slightly, understanding the unspoken meaning in He Kongyue's words.
The reason the other person was familiar with him and willing to help him was because he had caught him going to a brothel to buy sex.
He acted under the guise of the Xiao surname, so it was impossible that he was doing it specifically to smear the Xiao family. The other party assumed that he was on the same side as him, which was why they were being friendly with him, precisely because they were worried that You Su would reveal his true identity.
However, You Su's efforts to distance herself from the situation left the other party feeling disheartened.
"Brother He, why would you appear at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, a thousand miles away?"
"Are we just going to hang out in Henggao City or the surrounding area? What if we get exposed? My dad will kick me out of our ancestral home! I know the owner of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. He said a stunning new courtesan has arrived and invited me to come and admire her, but little did I expect Brother You to steal her heart."
A deep resentment lingered in He Kongyue's clear eyes.
This handsome face could easily captivate countless young women just beginning to experience love, yet he has unfortunately developed a penchant for womanizing.
"Although I am not one of Brother He's kindred spirits, I respect your interests. Please rest assured, I have only met Young Master Xiao You Su Moxie City; today is my first meeting with Young Master He."
"Oh, Brother You, what Young Master Xiao Young Master Ye? I don't know them at all."
He Kongyue instantly became much more familiar with You Su, and even wanted to pat him on the shoulder a couple of times.
"Speaking of He Shutong... what exactly is your relationship with her? Why are you in such a hurry to find her? Could it be...?"
He Kongyue narrowed her bright eyes, her smile ambiguous, seemingly connecting the name with that courtesan.
You Su suddenly tapped the bowl and said in a serious voice:
"Young Master He! Be careful what you say!"
He Kongyue immediately fell silent, sighing, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It seems that He Shutong is really important to Brother You."
You Su remained noncommittal. Others could joke about him, but they could never speak recklessly to those they cherished.
However, You Su also felt strange. He Kongyue clearly knew the name He Shutong, so why would she make such an offensive and impolite joke?
Is it really true that the He family dislikes the Mistress so much?
"Brother You, you're looking for her just to repay a debt of gratitude? Haven't you considered that perhaps she doesn't even ask for anything in return? Or perhaps what you see as a favor is just an unintentional act in her eyes?"
"I'm repaying this kindness to put my mind at ease," You Su said firmly.
He Kongyue nodded approvingly, then said:
"I wonder what Brother You's opinion is on evil spirits?"
You Su raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the wide range of questions posed by Young Master He.
"Those who wreak havoc on the world should be eliminated as soon as possible."
"Well said!"
He Kongyue slammed her hand on the table and stood up, staring intently at You Su, then said:
"It seems that Young Master You is also a patriot with the ambition to save the world! I, a fellow traveler, was absolutely right!"
You Su could sense that the other person's excitement was genuine, and she was surprised that this womanizer also had a heart set on saving the world.
"Cultivators receive their abilities from Heaven and Earth, and should therefore take it upon themselves to protect Heaven and Earth."
"Unfortunately, too many cultivators take the gifts of heaven and earth for granted, and thus choose to protect themselves and hide away greedily."
He Kongyue sighed and shook her head, then suddenly her eyes lit up and she said:
"Brother You, have you ever considered joining the Evil Warding Department?"
Knowing that he could not reveal the matter of the divine child, You Su nodded in agreement, without telling the other party that he was already the Heavenly Envoy of the Evil Warding Department Bureau.
He Kongyue had no doubts and sighed, "It's a pity that the minimum requirement for the Evil Warding Department is the Condensing Water Realm, and there are many rules and regulations that have stopped countless ambitious young people."
The implication is clear: he too was excluded, his ambitions thwarted.
"Brother You, wouldn't you say I did you a huge favor by helping you find He Shutong?"
"It's an incredibly big favor."
"Since I've helped you so much, shouldn't you do me a small favor in return?"
He Kongyue finally revealed his true intentions.
"Brother He, the way you say that makes it sound like you're certain I'll find the person I'm looking for."
You Su smiled calmly, saying that he certainly wouldn't agree so quickly.
Upon hearing He Kongyue, He Kongyue locked eyes with You Su:
"If I'm sure I can find it, does that mean you'll help me with this small favor?"
You Su understood the other party's intention to make a deal, and then said:
"I wonder what kind of favor it is? If it's something I really can't do, You Su 'm afraid I'll have to apologize and accept your request."
"Actually, it's not much of a favor at all. This matter is also beneficial to Brother You himself. The Evil Warding Department is too arrogant and can't see the dilapidated state of the human world."
We are determined to eradicate evil, but we are kept out by those rules and regulations. Therefore, we, the people of goodwill, have established a new sect to exorcise evil, called the Purification Sect! It is currently at its peak of power. If you, Brother You, recommend me to join the sect in my name, I will do everything in my power to find He Shutong's whereabouts!"
The original text was posted in the Full Subscription Group yesterday.