Three Against One

Tian Fen knew Zhang Xuezhou, and Li Shaojun also knew Zhang Xuezhou.

After a few simple words, Zhang Xuezhou also became a guest of honor at Tian Fen's banquet.

This prompted Li Shaojun, who was sitting upright in the main hall of the Daoist temple, to step out.

If Li Shaojun wasn't mistaken, Zhang Xuezhou had most likely seen the good stuff that Divine Lord Zhenyuan had acquired and wanted to profit from it as well.

With fewer people, it's easier to divide the profits; with more people, the profits will undoubtedly be limited.

One portion needed to be given to Divine Lord Zhenyuan, a powerful figure whom Li Shaojun was well aware of, and Li Shaojun dared not covet his share.

A document needed to be given to Zhang Xuezhou, who had made perfect arrangements even while the other was unconscious, and had even sent Divine Lord Zhenyuan, a great cultivator who could investigate the Empress Dowager, to him. Li Shaojun couldn't afford to offend Zhang Xuezhou.

A document needs to be given to Cai Ma, a cultivator who can predict lifespans and also truly kill him. To avoid getting involved in the Empress Dowager incident and prevent further trouble, Cai Ma's cooperation is required.

A number of trivial matters needed to be handled by Rong Tianding, so that Li Shaojun could participate in the banquet normally, could not have been accomplished without Rong Tianding's help.

After calculating, Li Shaojun felt that he was the only one who wasn't included. After all, no matter how generous the host of the banquet was, it was impossible for him to arrange five thank-you gifts. In fact, he would have to attend several banquets to properly arrange the remuneration. If there was a lack of remuneration, he could only give away his share.

But one good thing was that, through the conversation, Li Shaojun confirmed that the Empress Dowager was not nearby.

"Master Li, Tian Fen greets you!"

Upon seeing Li Shaojun emerge from the Daoist hall, Tian Fen bowed respectfully.

Li Shaojun was Daoist School master, and there was nothing special about such a school of thought, since the imperial court had suppressed at least thirty or fifty schools of thought. However, Li Shaojun received the respect due to the Empress Dowager of Anle Palace, and even had a Daoist temple built for him, which was a different matter altogether.

Some speculate that this was partly due to the respect and courtesy shown to the Daoist School school by Anle Palace.

Some insiders also knew that the Empress Dowager needed something from Li Shaojun.

Some speculate that Li Shaojun might be a pawn used by Anle Palace to test who still respects Anle Palace and who does not. The new emperor even invited Li Shaojun to a banquet for this purpose.

Tian Fen undoubtedly falls into the third category.

He had previously been overthrown by Anle Palace, which forced him to step down from his position as Grand Commandant.

Tian Fen felt that someone like him was definitely a key target for Anle Palace to guard against and test. If he disdained Li Shaojun or clashed with him, Tian Fen had no doubt that the Empress Dowager would take him with her in the future.

Inviting Li Shaojun to a dinner party to show sincerity became a necessity, and this rumor even circulated among high-ranking officials, with many officials repeatedly trying to extend an invitation.

Tian Fen felt that things had gone incredibly smoothly today.

Many people came to Yunyi Daoist Temple, but not many people were able to successfully visit and invite others like he did. Only Xu Chang, Zhuang Qingdi, and others successfully visited and accepted the invitation to the banquet.

"I have already sent the servants back to the Marquis's residence to prepare. The banquet will begin in an hour," Tian Fen said happily.

"Marquis of Wu'an, you're too kind!"

Li Shaojun stroked his beard and nodded.

He glanced at Zhang Xuezhou, gesturing for the other to look at their surroundings.

The reason why people at Yunyi Daoist Temple were instructed to behave politely and not trespass was not because everyone there was exceptionally well-mannered, but because guards dispatched by Anle Palace were stationed and patrolling outside the temple.

Li Shaojun's stay at the Yunyi Daoist Temple was euphemistically described as self-cultivation, but in reality, it was a form of house arrest that restricted his freedom. He was constantly being followed and monitored wherever he went, making it difficult for him to break the rules.

While he might still possess the ability to evade the imperial guards, Li Shaojun was utterly helpless against the Empress Dowager's Yangpo Tour.

These days were extremely agonizing. Li Shaojun had originally intended to make some money and leave, but now he couldn't leave even if he wanted to, and he hadn't made any money either.

His life only became a little more comfortable after recently attending some banquets.

"I don't know who this is?"

Tian Fen invited Li Shaojun, and also invited Zhang Xuezhou who was there to show his support. When he glanced back, he saw a Daoist priest with a strange appearance in the temple.

Tian Fen was not good-looking, and when he suddenly saw Divine Lord Zhenyuan, who had an equally strange appearance, he couldn't help but be a little surprised.

The other person stood very naturally in the Yunyi Daoist Temple, as if he were a regular customer. He was not asked to leave by Li Shaojun, which clearly indicated that he had some status.

After the invitation to the banquet was announced, everyone fell silent for a moment. Tian Fen quickly chimed in to try and ease the awkwardness between them.

"This is Zhenyuan from the West. He heard that Master Li received such high honors in Chang'an City, so he came to take a look," Zhang Xuezhou introduced.

"Zhenyuan is a man of great learning," Li Shaojun said, stroking his beard. "I regret not having met Zhenyuan sooner. I only wish to attend the banquet hosted by Marquis of Wu'an as soon as possible, so that I may have a long talk with Zhenyuan by candlelight!"

"What?"

Tian Fen was startled.

Li Shaojun seemed to have given him face, but not much.

Tian Fen didn't care about personal face, but he did care about what Anle Palace thought of him.

If Li Shaojun leaves the banquet early, it will be seen as a lack of hospitality by Anle Palace. If this is blown out of proportion, they will surely find fault with him and accuse him of disrespecting Anle Palace.

As a member of the Empress Dowager's faction, Tian Fen was well aware of the trouble involved.

The new emperor was young and gentle, but Emperor Jing and the Empress Dowager were notorious for their ruthlessness. They would rather make mistakes than leave any future troubles. Anyone else who wanted to rise in the ranks had to be careful and avoid giving anyone any leverage over them.

"Master Li, I have prepared quite a few ancient artifacts from a hundred years ago. The inscriptions on these artifacts are very complex, and I'm afraid they will be difficult to decipher in a short time," Tian Fen said, forcing himself to speak.

"This..." Li Shaojun hesitated.

"Why don't Marquis of Wu'an invite Zhenyuan to the banquet together? Then Daoist Li won't be in such a hurry to return to his temple," Zhang Xuezhou suggested, trying to smooth things over.

"This method is wonderful; I hope Zhenyuan will do me the honor!"

Tian Fen bowed and invited him, showing no trace of the arrogance or haughtiness of a king or nobleman.

This inevitably piqued Divine Lord Zhenyuan's curiosity. He felt that although the other party was not good-looking and short, his character was obviously quite good.

"I have witnessed Your Excellency's ability to fly outside the temple. If Your Excellency does not mind, I may also say a few words," Divine Lord Zhenyuan said politely, cupping his hands.

Divine Lord Zhenyuan doesn't have much wealth right now, so he's essentially making a living by performing.

When he encounters someone like Tian Fen who can offer guidance, he doesn't mind currying favor. If the other party is sensible and offers a reward, Divine Lord Zhenyuan will provide the guidance he needs. If the other party doesn't appreciate his skills, he won't feel like he's losing out by simply offering a few words.

"That's wonderful!"

Tian Fen looked delighted.

As a representative of those skilled in leaping and bounding in Chang'an City of the Great Han Dynasty, at least that's what Tian Fen thought; almost no one could criticize his leaping and bounding skills.

When he suddenly encountered someone who volunteered to offer guidance, Tian Fen felt somewhat indignant, but he was also willing to politely ask for advice, wanting to see what kind of ability the other person had to offer such a thing.

"I also have some knowledge of the art of flying. If Your Excellency has any needs, we can discuss it then," Li Shaojun said in return.

"Zhenyuan explained that the method of ascension differs from the cultivation practices of the Great Han Dynasty. I have studied some methods of East-West exchange with Prefect Wen Weng and others, which I can use to convey these to Your Excellency!"

Then Zhang Xuezhou chimed in, joining in the fun.

The treasure appraisal was arranged by Tian Fen, and whether or not one received a reward depended entirely on luck; what kind of reward it was was also up to Tian Fen to decide.

But flying was their forte.

At this moment, Divine Lord Zhenyuan spoke up, and Tian Fen echoed him. Not only did Li Shaojun realize that there was room for maneuver, but Zhang Xuezhou also realized that he might have the opportunity to make long-term demands after befriending him.