Strike First

"Such a clumsy excuse, and he actually agreed?" Sima Fei continued calculating, not even looking up when Gun Shilu entered.

"If we do as Sima says, how can we not listen?" Even though Gun Shilu had obtained the False Core and been granted a title, he remained respectful to Sima Fei and showed no arrogance whatsoever.

"Alright," Sima Fei put down his abacus and continued, "The first cut of a dull knife is always the hardest. A Mountain-Viewing Cave token is nothing. If he's willing to accept it, even if it's something better, I'm willing to give it to him. Once a fish has taken the bait, it won't run away."

After thinking for a moment, the Acting Sima Gun said, "Judging from his appearance, if you wish to get the Daoist Black Shoes into your household, it will probably take quite a bit of effort."

Sima Fei's lips curled slightly. "Even if he doesn't want to enter the state court, it doesn't matter, after all..."

Sima Fei stopped mid-sentence, the smug look on his face vanishing.

Acting Sima Gun understood perfectly, but remained silent.

It was clear that Sima Fei was truly happy today. Gun Shilu had served as Sima Fei's assistant for nearly half a century, yet he had rarely seen the latter lose his composure like this.

The two were so in sync that even if Fei Nanying didn't say it aloud, Acting Sima Gun could still fill in the next sentence:

"After all, the Kuang Household is used to using empty promises to quench their thirst. How can they compare to us, the powerful families of the capital, who are willing to invest our own money? If Black Shoes won't serve the Kuang Household, then he can still be used by my Fei Household."

After all, Fei Nanying was not only the Green-Clad Sima of Cloud Horn Prefecture Court, but also one of the most outstanding scions of the Fei Household in the present era;

After all, the Ying Prefecture Fei Household was a prominent and influential family, unlike the impoverished Anshan Gun Household, whose reputation was in jeopardy, and who would devote all their attention to the Kuang Household.

After all, among the high-ranking officials seated at the head of the court today, how many truly harbor the intention to advance and retreat alongside the royal family of Great Wei?

After all, the Liaoyuan Gui Household, the Dahuang Jiang Household, and other pillars of the Immortal Dynasty who claim to share the fate of the nation, upon closer examination, how different are they from the likes of the Star-Picking Pavilion, who occupy local areas and are arrogant and unruly?

Therefore, even Gun Shilu sometimes felt sorry for Kuang Liuting.

Even if the latter possesses unparalleled talent, it would be extremely difficult for him to bring order to the current Kuang Household's empire and bring peace to the world.

He Gun Shilu was willing to help, but his abilities were insufficient; Fei Nanying could accompany Kuang Liuting for a longer period, but he might not necessarily stay with Kuang Liuting all the way.

These thoughts were quite numerous, but Gun Shilu quickly shook them off. He looked up and saw Sima Fei smiling slightly as he looked over.

The two had a tacit understanding and remained silent.

Sima Fei suddenly took out his abacus again and started using it, his movements light and quick, not at all noisy. The crisp sound of the abacus beads rang out in the room along with Sima Fei's words:

"When my fifth son came last time, he said that two capable clerks from the Revenue Department of the Prefectural Governor's Office had just taken leave to return to the capital, leaving a huge mess to be left unattended. Finding manpower is difficult these days, so you should put in some extra effort."

"How dare this humble official disobey?" The Acting Sima Gun's expression remained unchanged.

"By the way, find an opportunity to pass on the news that Changning Sect is going to war against the New Cloud Alliance to Qin Sufu." Seeing that Acting Sima Gun looked doubtful, Sima Fei then said, "Let Lord Yin Shan know as well, he will definitely go, and Black Shoes might even fight harder then."

"I will go do it immediately." Gun Shilu looked enlightened, bowed, and took his leave.

The door closed, Sima Fei's fingers suddenly stopped. Looking outside, he murmured, "You despise me for not being a loyal minister, but haven't you also become a foolish minister? How could you, a small clan, know how cruel and ungrateful the Kuang Household is? How could you possibly give them your all?"

"What do you think?" The Daoist Black Shoes looked at Kang Dabao, whose eyes were filled with worry. Although the latter frowned, his words carried a hint of boldness. "According to the information that my uncle got from Acting Sima Gun, since we can't avoid it, then let's fight! The sooner we fight, the sooner we'll have peace."

"This timid and hesitant habit has finally improved somewhat." The Daoist Black Shoes first praised with a smile, then said with a serious expression, "Now that I think about it, I did take a wrong step with the New Cloud Alliance."

"Tie Liuyun's Spirit Stone are a hot potato. Those two in the State Court Sima Office also don't like this so-called New Cloud Alliance. It's gotten to you all a bit."

"Ha, you can earn six thousand Spirit Stone a year just by lying down. In the future, it would be better if you, Uncle, took on more of these burdens."

Seeing Kang Dabao start acting innocent again, the Daoist Black Shoes chuckled and said softly, "So, what are you going to do next?"

"This battle might drag on until the protective formation of Little Ring Mountain is fully activated, but these bottles and jars I've collected haven't come easily, and this battlefield isn't suitable for our Chongming Sect. I urge you, Uncle-Master, to take the lead and let's fight our way through!"

As Sect Leader Kang Da spoke, a sharp glint suddenly flashed in his eyes, so bright that even the Daoist Black Shoes almost dazzled his eyes.

"After reaching the Foundation Establishment, things are indeed different." A satisfied look appeared on the Daoist Black Shoes's face as he laughed loudly, "Excellent! I used to think you only learned the superficial aspects of your elder brother's teachings, but today I realize that you truly deserve to be my elder brother's personal disciple!"

After calming down, he continued, "Young man, how long do you think this matter will take to prepare?"

"It can't be too long, and if we're too close, we can't keep it a secret for too long. I think we should set the timeframe for about two months," said Sect Leader Kang Da.

"I urge my senior uncle to personally intervene and speak clearly with each of the various sects: this is not the time to be bound by sectarian biases. This battle is crucial to the future survival of each sect's lineage, so please ensure they take it seriously."

"Yes, don't worry, I'll definitely persuade them." The Daoist Black Shoes was full of confidence, flicking his flying sword with his fingers and saying with a faint smile.

Sect Leader Kang Da seemed to be spurred on by his confidence, and his expression relaxed considerably. "Junior Nephew, I need to go out and beg for alms again."

The Daoist Black Shoes asked suspiciously, "The Fei Household?"

Kang Dabao nodded, then added, "Besides the Fei Household, we should also talk to the Yue Household to see if they are truly willing to put up some resources to compete with the Yuan Cong from the capital. If our New Cloud Alliance performs well in this battle, they will surely gain some glory, won't they?"

"That makes sense. Yue Feng works as a worshipper in Double Brightness Trade Market. He's a influential figure in the Yue Household family. Go find him and ask him carefully."

"Yes."

After leaving the meditation room, Sect Leader Kang Da summoned his fellow disciples to discuss preparations for war.

This wasn't the first time Chongming Sect had done something like this; it was their usual practice, so there's no need to elaborate. The most important thing now is to instruct several junior brothers not to leak the news.

Kang Dabao noticed that although his fellow disciples showed no fear, they were not in a good mood either.

That's understandable, since apart from Jiang Qing, who is guarding the Spirit Stone mine in Tanggu County, none of the others at home can feel happy about such a major battle.

"Junior Brother Pei, put your cultivation aside for now and prepare more suitable pills for the disciples. Go to the storeroom later and allocate some Spirit Stone. If you can refine the necessary pills, do so; otherwise, buy them." Kang Dabao thought for a moment and added, "My Changsheng. Can we be of any help?"

"If Changsheng refines it for another two or three years, perhaps he can try to refine some high-grade spiritual pills," Pei Yi said after thinking for a moment.

Kang Dabao sighed inwardly, "It'll still be two or three years?"

A year or two ago, Pei Yi said that Yuan Changsheng would soon be able to refine pills on his own, and Sect Leader Kang Da actually believed it. You have to know that Yuan Changsheng has been Pei Yi's disciple for quite some years, but even now, he still can't become a first-grade Alchemist.

This talent, even among ordinary alchemy students in a regular Alchemy Chamber, would at most be considered passable, but far from good.

Sect Leader Kang Da turned to look at Yuan Jin, who also showed a hint of worry between his brows.

The Dao Path the Five Spirit Roots is arduous, and given the limited Yuan Changsheng talent Alchemist Changsheng has shown so far, it is unlikely to make his cultivation journey smooth.

If nothing major changes occur afterward, it may be quite difficult for Yuan Changsheng to even achieve what Yuan Jin has achieved so far.

"Children and grandchildren have their own Sun Fu," Kang Dabao sighed, but didn't think much of it. He then instructed Yuan Jin to stop the weapon-refining orders that Chongming Small Pavilion had received and to have Ye Pingshui repair the Law Artifact of the disciples in the sect as appropriate.

Ye Pingshui is now able to help Yuan Jin a lot. His talent for refining weapons is a notch higher than Yuan Changsheng's talent for refining pills. He can now refine some crude low-grade magic Law Artifact.

Although it doesn't look good and its power is only so-so, as long as you're willing to sell it cheaply and place it in the corner of the Chongming Small Pavilion, you won't have to worry about it being sold.

There are always more poor people in this world.

After discussing with his fellow disciples, Kang Dabao did not rush to leave. Instead, he spent the morning at the Puppet Tower, teaching his students to hone their skills.

In the afternoon, I went to the Hundred Arts Hall and had a chat with the two newly hired instructors. Neither of them were particularly skilled; one was a low- First-Tier Lower-Grade geomancer and the other a First-Tier Middle-Grade talisman master. However, they were honest and reliable, and were good enough to be hired as apprentices for disciples' enlightenment.

The geomancer instructor in front was alright, but it was hard to say how long the talisman master behind him would stay. Who knows, after Kang Dabao and his junior sister calmed down, he might have to find another way to make a living in order to save on hiring fees.

In the evening, he personally went to the scripture hall to teach a lesson. This terrified the little children who had rarely seen the sect leader, and they almost couldn't even recognize the characters anymore.

After a busy day yesterday, the next day, even after getting up from Madam Huo, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't stop. He pulled Zhou Yixiu to the middle of the spiritual fields of Fangshi Mountain.

The other Spirit Plant were insignificant, but Kang Dabao was quite concerned about this Glazed Treasure Tree. The Sect Leader Kang Da had overheard the Daoist Black Shoes and Ye Zhengwen discussing the origin of the Glazed Treasure Tree.

This item did not exist in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty; it was obtained by monks of the Snow Mountain Circuit from the Snow Esoteric Holy Land, Compassionate Treasure Mountain, which is far from the Immortal Dynasty.

Legend has it that this was the place where the ascended Buddha attained enlightenment in his early years. Monks sought to plant the Spirit Root there, patiently awaiting the results, so as to lay the foundation for nurturing future generations.

Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't verify the story's veracity, but he had heard the Daoist Black Shoes mention that the Glazed Treasure Tree given by Buse was of a high grade, very close to the Second Tier.

The fruits that will ripen at that time will benefit all Qi Refinement disciples in the sect by strengthening their foundation and cultivating their vital energy, greatly aiding their Dao Path.

Unfortunately, the protective array of the Chongming Sect was not yet completed, so it could not protect such a long distance.

If the Changning Sect were to actually attack within the next year or two, not only would the Glazed Treasure Tree be destroyed, but also the spirit fields and newly planted Spirit Plant scattered throughout the Chongming Sect would likely be completely wiped out.

Sui Kang Dabao wanted Zhou Yixiu to come and take another look, to see if the Glazed Treasure Tree could be moved into the sect and properly cared for.

Upon hearing Sect Leader Kang Da's request, Master Jia frowned deeply for a long time without easing his expression. "Senior Brother Master, I'm afraid this matter cannot be accomplished. My skills are too shallow; I truly have little chance of success."

"Phew, it's nothing. It was just that I, an amateur, was being too demanding. Junior brother, please don't take it to heart." Since it was impossible, Kang Dabao wouldn't force it. If Zhou Yixiu said it couldn't be moved, then it would be fine if it didn't.

However, the array outside the spirit field needs to be repaired, and this task naturally falls to Wei Gu, the top array master of the Chongming Sect.

In the past year or two, Wei Gu has worked quite hard, diligently serving the Second Tier array master that Kang Dabao invited from the Fei Household, and has learned some basic skills.

The secrets of the art are not to be passed on lightly. The Second Tier array master was only helping out because the Fei Household had paid a lot of Spirit Stone. He had no intention of taking on a First-Tier Lower-Grade array master who was over forty years old and whose aptitude was not particularly outstanding as a disciple.

However, considering Wei Gu's diligence, sincerity, and honesty, this Second Tier array master would sometimes offer a few pointers when he was in a good mood.

Not only did he accumulate knowledge, but every day after returning home, Wei Gu would continue to study diligently, burning the midnight oil, with the array master's manual that the Sect Leader Kang Da had brought back. It was through such hard work that he finally crossed the threshold of First-Tier Middle-Grade array master.

The Sect Leader Kang Da, had discussed this matter with the Second Tier array master. After hearing about it, the latter expressed his appreciation, but he was not optimistic about Wei Gu's future path in the art of array formation.

Some things, in the end, cannot be achieved simply by trying.

Although Wei Gu's skill in array formations wasn't particularly high, he was decisive and efficient in his actions. After listening to Sect Leader Kang Da's plan, he went to the sect's treasury to apply for the materials without the slightest delay.

Seeing this, Kang Dabao felt a pang of emotion. Zhou Yixiu, Wei Gu, and even Mo Ku, who was over thirty and still hadn't achieved the rank of Master of Agriculture, were almost all hopeless in their attempt to Foundation Establishment, yet they were an indispensable part of the Chongming Sect.

Only with disciples like them, who are so passionate about the sect, can the sect have flesh and blood and remain untouched by the cold.

Since everyone is working so hard, I, as the sect leader, should do my best not to let them down.

After sorting out all the matters in the sect, Sect Leader Kang Da felt relieved. Then, filled with pride, he went out to beg for food from Sima Fei.

--Ten days later, in Green Lotus Courtyard

The charcoal was a vibrant red, and the smoke was neither pungent nor irritating; instead, it emitted a pleasant fruity and woody aroma.

A delicate hand reached out and lifted a shallow, open jade plate. Snow-white fingers picked up the petals of various spirit flowers inside and placed them one by one into the warm-colored small pot on top of the spirit charcoal.

The tea in the pot had already boiled, and the steam soon seeped into the petals, adding a touch of color to them.

Despite the beautiful flowers and fragrant tea before them, they couldn't take their eyes off Sect Leader Kang Da.

The owner of the delicate hand sat opposite Kang Dabao, and, feeling the heat of his gaze, let out a soft, coquettish cry, "What are you looking at?!"

"Oh, look at you." Sect Leader Kang Da snapped out of his daze, quickly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and concealed the shame on his face.

"Fool!" Fei Shuhe covered her face and laughed, then picked up the small pot and filled Kang Dabao's empty cup, asking with a smile, "Did you really not even get to see my uncle this time?"

Kang Dabao's face showed further embarrassment. "Boyue asked his family to tell me that he's busy and has no time to chat with me; also, don't even think about trying to freeload off the Fei Household anymore. The Spirit Stone for the array masters are still being paid for by Green Lotus Courtyard on credit; we'll talk about it again in a year or two after that."

"What Uncle said isn't wrong; it will indeed take a year or two to pay it off." Fei Shuhe deliberately feigned annoyance, and Sect Leader Kang Da seized the opportunity to sit down beside her, skillfully massaging her shoulders, and repeatedly thanked her, "Thank you so much, Madam."

Yu'er, who was watching intently, covered Ping'er's eyes. The sparrow, always quick to speak auspicious words, fluttered its short wings and flew over again. "Congratulations, son-in-law! Congratulations, young lady! May you have a long and happy marriage and many children! May you have a long and happy marriage and many children!"

Their relationship has improved dramatically since then and can now be described as very close.

All that's missing is going to Fei Shuhe's soft couch, undressing, and spending a night together; then they'd be true Changsheng dao companion.

Fei Shuhe had become somewhat tolerant of Kang Dabao's intimacy, and even with two pretty maids beside her, she showed no embarrassment.

Sect Leader Kang Da's cooking skills were quite good, making Fei Household so comfortable that her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. Her phoenix eyes were filled with affection as she whispered comforting words to Kang Dabao:

"Uncle may not be willing to help you, but there's no need to be too hasty. In my Green Lotus Courtyard alone, there is Nanny Sun who has Foundation Establishment for many years, as well as twenty or thirty guards who have reached the later stages of their cultivation, and a dozen or twenty sweepers Qi Refinement cultivation. All things considered, we are not much different from those ordinary small sects in your Cloud Horn Prefecture."

"If you wait another three or five years, until I have also reached the Dao Foundation, even the Book and Sword Gate will be no match for us, won't it?"

At this point, Fei Shuhe turned to the side and whispered to Sect Leader Kang Da, "I know you're reluctant to part with your disciples, but I've asked Nanny Sun to make a list for you. Many people in the courtyard have signed lifelong contracts. You don't need to worry about using them."

"If Granny is gone, you're safe." Kang Dabao didn't show any joy upon hearing this news; instead, he looked worried.

"Stop pretending. I'll just stay at home for a few days. Do you think that damned Changning Sect can even reach the Fei Household? You smooth-talking man, how could you not have thought of that? You're still trying to fool me." The beauty pouted and glanced sideways, full of charm.

"I know you have something on your mind, so I won't keep you any longer. You've lost out with the Fei Household, so go and have a good talk with Yue Feng. If he dares to be arrogant, then just tell him that I and the Earl of Nan'an are from the same maternal family."

Seeing the shock in Kang Dabao's eyes, Fei Shuhe's beautiful eyes revealed a hint of mischief. "If the Yue Household also dares to be so stingy, then I'll write a letter back, calling their eldest daughter a harlot and let's see if she can still be a countess."

The Sect Leader Kang Da deepened with astonishment, thinking to himself, "To marry a virtuous wife, possessing both beauty and virtue, wouldn't one incur the envy of the heavens?"

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