An Invitation from a Golden Core

"An elder from the Two Instruments Sect is here to offer congratulations? Does my Chongming Sect, a destitute sect, even deserve it?" Sect Leader Kang Da scoffed inwardly, knowing that this was bound to involve a power struggle between the state court and the Two Instruments Sect.

Such a momentous matter was not something a nobody like him could utter a single word about. He could only hope that the turmoil wouldn't be too severe, lest it destroy the Chongming Sect.

Sect Leader Kang Da first glanced at the Daoist Black Shoes sitting upright in the hall, and then looked at Fei Nanying, who served as both his father-in-law and Sima.

Seeing that neither of them had changed their expressions and remained completely calm, Kang Dabao felt much more at ease.

If the sky were to fall, someone taller would hold it up. If Yue Lan were to really make a move, there were so many high-ranking officials from the state court in the hall; it wouldn't be his place as a mere Qi Refinement Sect Leader Kang Da to take the first action.

Yue Lan, carrying the congratulatory gift, had an icy expression, unlike someone who had come to offer congratulations. He was even more solemn than an ordinary person attending a funeral.

Yue Lan stepped into the archway on his own. Kang Rongquan and Ye Pingshui, who were announcing names at the entrance, dared not stop him. Seeing the look in Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes, they retreated to a corner.

After entering, Yue Lan scanned the Foundation Establishment sitting in the room, lingering only on Yue Feng and Tie Liuyun for a little longer before finally settling his gaze on Fei Nanying.

"Sima Fei, it's been a long time." Yue Lan's expression remained unchanged, but his tone was icy.

Seeing his behavior, many of the guests present showed their dissatisfaction.

Whether it was the battle where Fei Little Wu Mountain quelled the rebellion at Fei Nanying and destroyed Auspicious Brocade Gate, or the battle where Gun Shilu quelled the rebellions in various counties, many of the various factions close to the state court suffered casualties.

Seeing that the Two Instruments Sect, the mastermind behind everything, still dared to send people here, everyone present became somewhat angry.

If Sima Fei were to give an order now, everyone would probably swarm forward and beat the Two Instruments Sect's Battle Hall elders to death on the spot.

The atmosphere suddenly became eerie, but then a cultivator with a pointed mouth, shrunken cheeks, and vines growing from his ears appeared under the archway, breaking the tense atmosphere.

This cultivator, without waiting for others to announce his name, strode lightly into the Chongming Sect in his Chongming Sect. Though his body was hunched, his voice was full of vigor. "May I ask, Master, that I, Yin, have come empty-handed to offer my congratulations, is it possible for me to hear your teachings?!"

"Lord Shan?"

"Is it Lord Shan? Even those True Cultivators who received Lord Shan's guidance and achieved Foundation Establishment back then have never been able to invite Lord Shan to offer their congratulations. Jiang Qing is truly blessed!"

"Has Lord Shan completely aligned himself with the Immortal Dynasty?"

"Shut up, you blockhead! Don't you ever think about what kind of background Lord Shan came from? Back in his day, he was..."

The murmurs that rose from the crowd shattered the silence.

Upon seeing Lord Yin Shan appear, almost none of the Qi Refinement cultivators from Cloud Horn Prefecture dared to remain seated.

One after another, they turned around, and it was unclear who led them, but they saw all the cultivators bowing their heads and saying in unison, "Greetings, Lord Shan."

Before the Lord Shan could return the greeting, the three Foundation Establishment leaders of the New Cloud Alliance also took the lead in paying their respects as juniors, and the local Foundation Establishment followed suit. The Daoist Black Shoes, who had been sitting upright, naturally moved as well, and quickly went out to greet them along with Qin Sufu.

Yue Lan frowned slightly upon seeing this scene. The tense atmosphere had been broken, and his previous plan had failed. He could only sigh at how impressive Lord Yin Shan's reputation had been cultivated over the past two hundred years.

Yue Lan understood clearly that if the roles were reversed, neither the Han City Yue Household nor the Two Instruments Sect would have been able to gain the genuine love and respect of so many local cultivators in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

Fortunately, the Han City Yue Household and the Two Instruments Sect never needed the genuine affection of these worthless scoundrels.

They only need to focus on being servants, supplies, provisions, and sustenance; the wealthy and powerful families don't need to bother with them.

Qin Sufu and the Daoist Black Shoes passed by Yue Lan, who was nearby, and first welcomed Lord Yin Shan, who was in the distance, into the front row.

Sima Fei had heard of the deeds of this cultivator surnamed Yin before, but seeing is believing. Only today did he truly realize how terrifying Lord Yin Shan's prestige was in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

"That Tie Liuyun has made a good move!" Sima Fei glanced at Commander Tie, who was smiling and exchanging pleasantries with Lord Yin Shan, and sneered inwardly.

No wonder the Earl valued him so highly, always saying he was capable. And it's no wonder that the Han City Yue Household chose Tie Liuyun to establish a reputation for him in the state court after Huo Bing's death.

"Kang Dabao, why don't you invite our distinguished guest to take a seat?" Sima Fei showed no sign of anger, nor did he speak to Yue Lan, nor did he even turn his body. He simply turned his head and spoke softly to Kang Dabao.

After secretly observing that the Daoist Black Shoes had not reacted, Kang Dabao quietly agreed and led Yue Lan to sit in the front row.

Now not only are all the guests present, but a distinguished guest has also arrived, along with an unpleasant guest.

The Sect Leader Kang Da felt a pang of regret and suddenly felt uneasy about the grand Foundation Establishment Ceremony he had organized.

After letting out another low sigh, Kang Dabao summoned He Yuanbing to invite his master, Jiang Qing, out.

The audience below saw a handsome young man dressed in black emerge from a white cloud, stepping on a crimson flying sword, and land gracefully, like a true immortal.

At this moment, Jiang Qing was still enveloped in a light mist. Even though Jiang Qing right sleeve was partially empty, many people below were still captivated by his imposing and dignified demeanor as he stood on the high platform built of dragon bone wood.

Even with hundreds of eyes fixed on his severed limbs and wounds, this Jade-Faced Gentleman showed no shame or embarrassment whatsoever, remaining as poised and composed as ever.

Even though Jiang Qing has a physical disability, his graceful demeanor as a pair of cranes and swans is undeniable simply by standing on the stage, which makes many people in the audience feel ashamed of themselves.

After taking the stage, Jiang Qing first greeted the Lord Shan before sitting down on the prayer mat and concentrating on preaching the Dharma.

"What grace and skill!" Acting Sima Gun exclaimed softly from below the stage, and even Sima Fei beside him showed a rare expression of appreciation.

"If Shuhe's husband is..." Sima Fei quickly dismissed the thought, glancing thoughtfully at Yue Lan to his side.

"What is the purpose of the people from the Two Instruments Sect? And why did the Two Instruments Sect send members of the Yue Household?" The voice preaching slowly entered Sima Fei's ears, but he remained unmoved.

Even though Jiang Qing was considered a rising star among his peers, his lecture was not without substance, and in Sima Fei's eyes, it could be considered somewhat commendable.

However, when Sima Fei was in his clan's territory in Ying Prefecture, he had even heard Golden Core preach several times, so he could hardly absorb much nourishment from Jiang Qing's somewhat immature preaching.

According to Sima Fei's own initial idea, this trip to the Chongming Sect was merely a formality, to show the Earl of Nan'an some favor.

However, the Two Instruments Sect also made a move, which was beyond Sima Fei's expectations and made him somewhat nervous.

Jiang Qing's sermon lasted for almost two hours. He had done his homework beforehand, and although the principles he spoke of were not profound, but rather basic cultivation principles, he explained them incisively and thoroughly.

The Qi Refinement cultivators present were completely mesmerized, secretly thinking to themselves that they had struck gold.

Many Rogue Cultivator and those from humble backgrounds were moved to tears as they listened.

The five words "The Dharma should not be lightly transmitted" are an ironclad rule in the spiritual practice world. Because of this rule, countless minor practitioners, lacking the necessary resources and lineage, have gone astray and practiced the wrong path, yet remain oblivious, burying themselves in their practice.

Some lucky ones might finally realize their mistake when they're old, but by then it's too late!

Upon seeing this, both Lord Shan and the accompanying Sect Leader Kang Da showed a hint of relief on their faces.

The former is nearing the end of his life, and to be able to see such an outstanding junior in his lifetime is a joy from the bottom of his heart;

At this moment, the latter had no time to think about Yue Lan's purpose in coming here. He only felt that his long-awaited expectations of many years had finally come to fruition. Overwhelmed with joy, he became teary-eyed.

In short, it has taken Sect Leader Kang Da a full twenty-five years to raise a mere child into Foundation Establishment True Cultivator and to bring the Chongming Sect from its previous precarious state to its current imminent revival.

The hardships involved are beyond the comprehension of outsiders, but the joy of the harvest is something that others can hardly understand.

After the three tolls of the bronze bell, Jiang Qing finished his sermon and exchanged courtesies with the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator. After the True Cultivator took their seats, the bell rang six more times, and the Qi Refinement cultivators in the room all stood up and bowed to express their gratitude for the senior's preaching.

Although Jiang Qing's sermon was small in scale and far less grand than the Foundation Establishment Ceremony at Tie Xishui, the cultivators present were far more grateful to the former than to the latter.

Jiang Qing put a lot of effort into his sermon this time, which not only demonstrated his noble character in mentoring younger generations, but also improved the reputation of the Chongming Sect, which had gradually deteriorated since he started working for the state court.

Sima Fei had no time to care about the thoughts of these ordinary people. To his surprise, Yue Lan did not make any move during Jiang Qing's lecture, as if he had really come to congratulate and listen to the teachings.

Under normal circumstances, Sima Fei probably wouldn't have stayed long before making his way to Green Lotus Courtyard to see Fei Shuhe. But since Yue Lan showed no sign of leaving, he couldn't very well leave now.

After descending from the platform, Jiang Qing had no time to rest. He was led by Sect Leader Kang Da to greet each of the Foundation Establishment.

When the two arrived beside Commander Tie, they heard him say with a smile:

"Talented people emerge in every generation, and Fellow Daoist Jiang is truly remarkable! Since the Tanggu Ming Household is related to your family, I will give Fellow Daoist Jiang this face. Kang Dabao, just have the Ming Household prepare these things. After that, their family will be free from ties with the remnants of the Huo Household."

"Thank you, fellow Daoist!"

"Thank you for your Commander Tie." Sect Leader Kang Da was still quite unaccustomed to the fact that his junior brother had suddenly become a generation above him.

Fortunately, Commander Tie only laughed for a while and did not seem angry or resentful. At the end of his speech, he vaguely nodded to Sect Leader Kang Da.

After bidding farewell to Commander Tie with Jiang Qing, Kang Dabao felt a pang of emotion, thinking to himself that this was the advantage of being born into a family with a fine background.

In the past, when Kang Dabao shamelessly went to Commander Tie's door to beg for leniency, Commander Tie ignored him and simply told the Ming Household to close their eyes and wait for death.

After Jiang Qing completed his Foundation Establishment, without even the Sect Leader Kang Da asking any further questions, Commander Tie had already voluntarily spared the Ming Household.

The difference in the Commander Tie's attitude before and after this can only be described as drastic.

With one worry gone, the two brothers felt much lighter. After hearing Acting Sima Gun's words of praise, they temporarily thanked Jade Moon Shan Household for their proposal of marriage between the two families.

The two then went before Lord Yin Shan to receive his teachings.

"Ha, I never imagined that after only a few sporadic lessons with that kid back then, he would return the favor with an Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment." The Lord Shan's satisfaction was genuine. He paused halfway through his sentence, glancing at Qin Sufu beside him. "Haha, and there's also Green Leaf, not bad either."

Hearing this, the group's mood brightened considerably. After laughing, they heard the Lord Shan continue, "Young Jiang, now that your cultivation has increased and your lifespan has lengthened, remember not to be complacent or arrogant. Protecting our homeland and protecting the mortal world—these are things I may not be able to do for much longer. Do as much as you can."

"Young Master Kang," Lord Shan turned to Sect Leader Kang Da and murmured, the latter bowing in response. Only then did Lord Shan slowly say:

"If that boy saw the fortune you've built up today, he'd be overjoyed. But even the best swimmers drown, and the best riders fall. You've gotten used to the power of the state, and you'll have to pay the price sooner or later."

You are not like that child, Fel, who now has no blood relatives left and can risk his life to make a future. Since you still have many lives to manage, you need to be much more careful.

These past few years' actions are just the beginning. This Earl from the capital region is quite ambitious; there are still many more deaths to come in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

After Sect Leader Kang Da and Jiang Qing agreed, Lord Shan, having finished speaking, insisted on leaving. Qin Sufu then spoke to Commander Tie before helping Lord Shan depart.

Seeing that a few people were leaving, Yue Lan, who had been silent all along, could no longer sit still. But as soon as he stood up, the Daoist Black Shoes and Sima Fei came to greet him.

"What do you two mean by this?" Yue Lan's tone did not soften.

"I don't mean anything by it, but I urge you, fellow Daoist, not to do anything that would damage our harmony today," the Daoist Black Shoes said first, his voice cold.

"Elder Yue is the backup plan left by the Han City Yue Household in the Two Instruments Sect. You should know that you cannot easily throw yourself into danger. Don't make a mistake. Today, no matter what you want to do, you will not succeed. Just leave quickly." Sima Fei's tone was unpleasant, and his words made no attempt to hide his hostility towards the Han City Yue Household.

If the state hadn't just acquired a large territory and was in the crucial stage of digesting and absorbing it, thus avoiding giving the Two Instruments Sect an excuse to start another war, Yue Lan might not have been able to return today.

"What makes you say that, Sima Fei? Yue Lan's branch has severed ties with our main branch in Han City and is now completely unrelated. Even Lord Bo knows about this, so you—" Yue Feng's words were cut short by the arriving Acting Sima Gun, who mocked him, "You're just playing both sides, betting on both ends. Such tricks are utterly despicable!"

Seeing Yue Feng's face turn red from being scolded, Tie Liuyun, who was standing by, was Buse and Tie Xishui to Acting Sima Gun.

The Han City Yue Household is now the biggest support for Tie Liuyun in leading the local forces to fight against the people from the capital in the state court. How could he allow Acting Sima Gun to make such a mocking remark?

Sima Fei's face was extremely gloomy. He had never imagined that these people could actually fight in front of the people from the Two Instruments Sect.

"These local tribesmen are really too ignorant of the bigger picture!" Sima Fei was about to reach out to stop Acting Sima Gun when he saw Yue Lan had already pulled himself out of the crowd.

The elder of the Two Instruments Sect stepped out of the chaos and shouted towards Jiang Qing and Kang Dabao, "Jiang Qing, listen up! I'm here today on behalf of our sect leader Li Yun, to ask, 'Will you become Golden Core disciple?!'"

Thank you, Brother Qingshan Xiaohanlang, for the 100 coins.

Thank you to Brother Xingyao Sifang for the five Extended Net Moon.

Thank you to reader 20220504100626646 for the Extended Net Moon.

Thanks to Brother Fenglyue for the Extended Net Moon.

Thanks to Heiyunke, Alpaca Qidian, and book lovers.

The following are the monthly votes from several readers: 20221213120013198, Book Friend 16126132541291, Five Fragrances and Five Colors, Book Friend 20220513205620865, Book Friend 20180707223646093, Xiu Xiuxiu, Xiaoyun Sifeng, Book Friend 20211229170440034, Book Friend 20220828222339294, Book Friend 830883, and Haitanghua Xiele.

Thank you all for reading, subscribing, voting, and commenting! (Sorry, I've been quite busy this month, and updates will likely be very late except on Sundays. Please understand!)