After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Muxian and Su Rong welcomed Yi Chongyue and Chen Shuangbai into the Su Household.
This mansion occupies a large area, with pavilions, terraces, waterside pavilions, and winding corridors. Although it is not as grand as the Jade Spring Sect, it is exquisite and elegant, full of Spiritual Qi, and it is clear that it has a rich cultural heritage.
The dishes laid out on the table were all local delicacies of the Wu Country, which were also considered sacred dishes. It was quite an eye-opener for me.
Li Chenguang couldn't sit still for long.
As if thorns had sprouted on his seat, he began to look around suspiciously. But when Su Rong glanced at him briefly, he dared not move and could only sit obediently.
Li Muxian pretended not to see it.
His son was mischievous and fearless, but only his wife could keep him in check.
Therefore, whenever Su Rong wanted to teach the children, he never spoke or stopped her; he simply watched quietly.
And since my father sent him back this time, he must be fed up with him, so he'll have to tidy things up properly soon... I suppose that piece of newly made bamboo weaving in the house will come in handy.
After several rounds of drinks, the dishes were prepared with various flavors.
When Li Muxian inquired about the purpose of their visit, Yi Chongyue waved his hand and said, "It's nothing major, just here to celebrate my elder's birthday, so we won't disturb you any longer."
"Happy Birthday..."
Li Muxian thought for a moment and knew what it was about. She asked, "Is it the [ Crane Elder ] of Spring-Returning Mountain, Senior Gongye Chun?"
"Exactly."
[ Crane Elder ], Gongye Chun.
An elder of Spring-Returning Mountain, a Golden Alchemist in the Early Golden Core Stage, and a third-level alchemist. He was on good terms with Yi Chongyue's master and had frequent interactions with Chen Shuangbai's grandmaster when he was still alive. After his passing, however, their interactions decreased.
However, they still corresponded. Yi Chongyue made a special trip here to fulfill his duties as a junior.
Like the Jing Kingdom, the Wu Country had a vast territory and many beautiful mountains and rivers.
Huichun Mountain is the site of the Wu Kingdom's leading alchemy sect. It is rich in spiritual energy, abundant in rare flowers and herbs, and is renowned for its alchemy and cultivation of spiritual medicines.
Its predecessor was a loose organization established by several Dao of Alchemy with considerable skill in Alchemist for convenience. Later, more and more Alchemist joined, and it gradually formed the Spring-Returning Mountain we know today.
Gongye Chun is Golden Core True Person, a third-level Alchemist, and the Supreme Elder of Spring-Returning Mountain.
On his 500th birthday, many Alchemist from surrounding countries will come to offer their congratulations, Yi Chongyue will naturally be among them.
Although the Yuliu Su Clan had some strength, their main focus was on commerce, so they were not invited.
Although Li Muxian is now in charge of the Su Clan, she still ultimately favors her own sect, the Jade Spring Sect, so she won't do much. She just asked a few questions and then said nothing more.
Su Rong, a woman, took charge of the Su Clan; such a person is extremely intelligent.
My husband's ability to stay is already a blessing from heaven; how could I ask for more?
The banquet concluded in a pleasant atmosphere, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Nothing more was said that night.
The following morning.
Yi Chongyue and Chen Shuangbai boarded the dragon chariot again, soared into the air, and, watched by the Su Household members, transformed into two streaks of light, speeding towards Spring-Returning Mountain.
Chen Shuangbai looked at the scenery outside, which was somewhat different from that of the Jing Kingdom, and asked curiously, "Master, what happened to Spring-Returning Mountain... that made you personally come here?"
Yi Chongyue, who was in meditation, slowly opened his eyes upon hearing this, let out a soft "Eh?", and said, "Why do you ask such a question?"
The curtains were drawn.
Chen Shuangbai chuckled and said, "Master has always disliked these tedious social engagements. He would never personally leave the sect to travel to another country unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, you are a great Dao of Alchemy within the sect. If there are any important alchemical matters in the sect, most people will rely on you, so we certainly won't let you go out so easily."
"Now that our sect has a falling out with the Transformation Sect, a major Nascent Soul demonic sect, we will not allow you to go out alone. Even if Elder Crane Elder has a close relationship with our lineage, you can simply ask me, your only disciple, to prepare a generous gift. That would be enough to demonstrate the Jade Spring Sect's courtesy and respect for Elder Crane Elder."
Chen Shuangbai spoke clearly and logically, looking at her master with bright eyes, "This disciple dares to guess that besides celebrating a birthday, Master probably has other important business to attend to. And this matter is most likely related to some problem that Spring-Returning Mountain has encountered, which is why they have come to you for help... Am I right?"
Appreciation was evident in Yi Chongyue's eyes.
"Not bad, you have a very meticulous mind."
"Just as you guessed, I came here for two reasons. First, to offer my birthday wishes, and second... to help this teacher."
" Spring-Returning Mountain... has the lineage changed?"
For any power whose succession is at stake, any change would be a fatal blow.
Unless absolutely necessary, we will not easily allow outsiders to get involved.
Yi Chongyue nodded slightly and said, " Spring-Returning Mountain was originally a loose alliance established by several great Dao of Alchemy to exchange ideas on Dao of Alchemy. Your grandmaster was one of them back then."
"But later, when the loose alliance was about to become a sect, your grandmaster withdrew, leaving the others to build it, which is now known as Spring-Returning Mountain."
"A few years ago, a secret letter arrived, vague in its wording, but revealing a hint of worry between the lines... I then sent someone to investigate further, and learned that there is now a subtle sense of division within Spring-Returning Mountain."
" Crane Elder must be in a very difficult position. Although he is Golden Core True Person, he is old and frail, and his time is near. He cannot fight with his disciples, so he invited our lineage, hoping to use the kindness of our master to lend him a hand."
Chen Shuangbai nodded, indicating that she understood.
Even brothers want to divide the family property?
If the various branches of a sect have been at odds for years, then splitting up is inevitable, which is not hard to understand.
Yi Chongyue added, "This trip will likely be fraught with difficulties. When the time comes, act according to the circumstances and don't worry too much. Preserving yourself is the most important thing... If things become unbearable, withdraw immediately."
"Good."
While the master and apprentice discussed Spring-Returning Mountain, the speed of the dragon chariot was not slow at all.
The mountains and rivers below gradually turned a deep green, and the Spiritual Qi became more abundant. In the distance, a majestic mountain peak, resembling a giant Pill Cauldron, could be faintly seen in the clouds and mist.
We're almost at Spring-Returning Mountain.
As they approached, disciples from the mountains came forward to greet them and inquired where they had come from. Upon learning that it was the Foundation Establishment from the Jade Spring Sect, a major righteous sect of the Jing Kingdom, they dared not delay and respectfully went to welcome them.
As the birthday banquet draws closer, many guests have already arrived to offer their congratulations.
Some rode in ethereal light, some rode on strange beasts, and some sat in carriages; all were guests of various kinds who had come to offer their birthday greetings, and they gathered in twos and threes to exchange pleasantries.
The Jade Spring Sect's dragon-shaped chariot was extremely intimidating.
The appearance of the dragon chariot immediately attracted a lot of attention.
Upon seeing the Law Power patterns on the dragon-shaped chariot, many of the more knowledgeable people recognized them.
A cultivator dressed in the robes of a Spring-Returning Mountain disciple stepped forward, cupped his hands, and announced loudly, " Liu Wenyan, a disciple of Spring-Returning Mountain, respectfully welcomes the distinguished guest from the Jade Spring Sect! I am unaware of which senior has graced us with his presence; please forgive my lack of hospitality!"
The carriage curtain stirred slightly, and Yi Chongyue voice came through. "Yi Chongyue of the Jade Spring Sect, along with his disciple Chen Shuangbai, have come to offer our birthday wishes to Senior Gongye."
[PS: This is the third update today! Please give me gifts! Please leave a 5-star review to improve the rating!]