Enemies Face to Face

"It has truly been a long time. Today, when I see Lord Kang again, I am truly impressed by the vastness and limitlessness of your Dao Path." Yue Feng's reunion with Sect Leader Kang Da today was much warmer than before.

Yue Feng looked at Kang Dabao, who was smiling and returning the greeting, and sighed. The last time the two met was at Jiang Qing's Foundation Establishment Ceremony.

At that time, this person was just a penniless Qi Refinement Refining cultivator. However, in just a few years, when Yue Feng met the Sect Leader Kang Da again, the latter had become a genuine Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

If Yue Feng's relationship with Sect Leader Kang Da could be described as one of "humbly befriending" back then, now there is no longer any chasm between them.

After all, Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment is extremely rare. Even among the living members of the Han City Yue Household, there are only two: the False Core Yue Lin and Yue Lan, who has been studying at the Two Instruments Sect since childhood.

Yue Feng's Spirit Root was not bad, and he formed his Dao Foundation without taking Foundation Establishment Pill, but compared to others, he was still a step behind.

"He is, after all, the legitimate son-in-law of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household. I wonder how much money the Fei Household has poured into him." Yue Feng felt a pang of jealousy, thinking to himself:

"Our ancestor was too timid. If he had joined the state government earlier, not only would his cousin have had a chance to marry into the Earl of Nan'an's Residence, but at least he would have had a chance to marry into a prominent family like the Ying Prefecture Fei Household. What a waste of a fine piece of spirit mutton, ending up in a dog's mouth."

Aristocratic Clan masters from prominent families are naturally shrewd and calculating. Yue Feng felt disdain in his heart, but his smile remained friendly.

Even Kang Dabao, a seasoned veteran of the world, couldn't detect a trace of envy or disdain in his eyes; instead, he felt a sense of warmth and comfort.

As the two were talking, an old man from the Yue Household trotted in, looking anxious.

Yue Feng gave the old cultivator an apologetic look and said softly, "After all these years, how come you still lack composure? I've already told you, don't panic, speak slowly."

Old Xiu, his heart pounding with anger calmed by Yue Feng's words, finally realized he had embarrassed a clan elder in front of a guest. He immediately bowed to Kang Dabao and apologized, saying, "This junior has been rude and offended you, senior."

"No problem, it's alright." Sect Leader Kang Da was taken aback, his face showing surprise.

He recognized the old man in front of him as the same Yue Household patriarch he had met when he went to Han City to ask for a business license!

However, the latter did not react. Seeing that his senior Kang Dabao did not seem to blame him, he breathed a sigh of relief and then turned to Yue Feng again, whispering something to him.

Kang Dabao was initially startled by Yue Feng's expression, but after a short while, his brows slowly relaxed.

After Lao Xiu finished explaining, Yue Feng's face lit up with joy. He feigned annoyance at Lao Xiu, saying, "It's a joyous occasion, so why hide it from Magistrate Kang?"

"Yes, yes, it was all my fault for not thinking things through properly." Old Xiu was quite obedient, not uttering a single word of rebuttal. Instead, he bowed again to Sect Leader Kang Da, "Please forgive me, Senior!"

Kang Dabao wouldn't blame him, and with a simple gesture, he gently helped Lao Xiu up.

"This senior looks somewhat familiar." Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da was a friendly person, the old cultivator boldly took another look. Then, seeing that Yue Feng did not speak again, he tactfully withdrew.

"Fellow Daoist, do you recognize my nephew?" Yue Feng, an outsider, had sharp eyes and noticed the change in Kang Dabao's expression.

"Oh, many years ago when Han City to seek a business deal from the Yue Household, I did have a brief encounter with this fellow Daoist," Sect Leader Kang Da said frankly, without hiding anything.

Yue Feng was slightly surprised, but after thinking for a moment, he smiled and said:

"Yes, my seventh brother used to be in charge of trade. He went into seclusion to cultivate his magic for a period of almost ten years and didn't leave to manage anything. During that time, my nephew was in charge of the distribution of trade permits. I never expected that he would have such good fortune to have this connection with you, fellow Daoist."

However, Yue Feng then recalled that his nephew's reputation outside the business seemed to be not very good when he was in charge of distributing the goods, so the smile on his face gradually faded, and he said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist Kang, has my nephew offended you in the past?"

"Not at all, they've actually been quite considerate." Kang Dabao truly harbored no resentment whatsoever.

After all, he had to pay tribute to two close relatives of his father -Yue Household, namely his "servant" and "illegitimate son," before he could obtain a business license and open the Chongming Market.

But this old man did indeed deduct a large amount of Spirit Stone from my account, so I didn't really suffer any loss.

Otherwise, when Chongming Market was destroyed by the Three Incense Cult, he, the Sect Leader Kang Da, would probably have suffered even greater losses.

"Phew, that's good. To be honest, my seventh brother died at the hands of cultivators from the Two Instruments Sect a few years ago. He's always been honest, and I was afraid he'd be bullied if he stayed in the clan, so I brought him here to work for me and keep an eye on him."

Yue Feng spoke earnestly, and when he mentioned his nephew who had just left, he acted like a kind and affectionate elder.

It seemed that in Han City, where he enjoyed boundless glory, the Yue Household patriarch, who was distributing merchant permits, was truly just a dutiful and obedient child in the eyes of his elders.

Sect Leader Kang Da would not think that way. He still vividly remembered the long line of people delivering Spirit Stone in front of Master Yue Household's door, the fierce doorman, and the loud slap.

It turns out that the Yue Household patriarch, who was once so sought after that people would hold Spirit Stone and even get slapped in the face, was just an ordinary junior Qi Refinement cultivator.

When the former Sect Leader Kang Da arrived in Han City, he had to be obsequious to the servants and maids of his Yue Household's family.

Today, he simply sat there silently, while the patriarch of the Yue Household, who hadn't even given him a second glance back then, now had to come and politely apologize...

This change is the best comfort to those who diligently practice in their humble abodes, under the dim light of a lamp.

Kang Dabao suppressed his sigh and turned to Yue Feng, changing the subject by asking, "Fellow Daoist Yue mentioned earlier that there was some good news. What is it?"

"To be honest, fellow Daoist, it is indeed a joyous occasion. I have a retainer in my household who has been with me for many years. Because of his meticulous work, he was chosen to come and serve me in the market. Just now, a junior came to report that he has Dao Foundation." Yue Feng laughed heartily when Kang Dabao asked about it.

"This is truly a joyous occasion!" Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't hide his envy. He knew that even a poor family like the Yue Han City Yue Household wouldn't be willing to offer their disciples top-quality Foundation Establishment spiritual items.

This retainer is quite fortunate, and the Yue Household is also very lucky. Since this retainer has been with the Yue Household for several years, the Yue Household knows him very well. If they are willing to spend some money, it wouldn't be difficult to keep him.

Even gaining the power of Foundation Establishment for no reason would be a significant benefit for a family like the Yue Household.

"Fellow Daoist is busy with family matters, so I will finish speaking quickly and not bother you any longer." After offering his congratulations, Kang Dabao finally spoke to Yue Feng about the purpose of his trip.

After hearing Sect Leader Kang Da had said, Yue Feng showed no change in expression and said calmly, "What Fellow Daoist Kang has said is quite troublesome. Please forgive me for not being able to give a direct answer. I will send a letter home and have it discussed by the elders of my clan before making a decision."

"Fellow Daoist, why flatter me?" Sect Leader Kang Da shook his head. "I'm not asking the Yue Household family to help. Your family has dominated Cloud Horn for hundreds of years. Even a small amount of your resources would be enough for our humble family to enjoy for a long time. How could Fellow Daoist Yue not be able to make such a decision?"

"Kang County is the son-in-law of the Fei Household, why come to my Yue Household's humble rural home to complain about poverty?" Yue Feng had something to say, and asked instead.

"Ha, I am the son-in-law of the Fei Household, but not the son-in-law of the Fei Household. How can I rely on my wife's family for everything?" The Sect Leader Kang Da had just finished speaking when he added, "However, my wife did mention to me that the old lady of the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an happens to be from the same family as me, Tai Shui."

Yue Feng was startled at first, then paused, "Didn't this fellow just say that he can't rely on his wife's family for everything?"

It was inappropriate to ask this directly, so Yue Feng changed his tone and said, "Ahem, please give me some more time so that I can think things through before making a decision?"

Kang Dabao heard this, but he was not embarrassed. He simply bowed and said goodbye, "Then I will stay in the market for a few more days. It just so happens that Lieutenant Deng has been looking for me several times, but I have declined because I am busy with family matters."

"I've come all this way, and yet I've come to see Attendant Yue first; it's rather unkind of me. These days, besides my shop, I've been staying at his place. Attendant Yue, just call me when you've decided..."

The servants standing in the hall offered to see him off, but Sect Leader Kang Da waved them away and left Yue Feng's residence using his escape technique.

"Fellow Daoist Yue, Attendant Yue," Yue Feng muttered these six words repeatedly to himself. "Hmph, no wonder you could become the Fei Household's son-in-law."

After parting ways with Yue Feng, Kang Dabao rode his old donkey to the Municipal Military Officer Temple, but failed to see Deng Baichuan immediately.

The clerk on duty said that the latter had been in seclusion for some time. Although it was not a complete retreat, he had instructed his subordinates not to disturb him unless it was something urgent.

For a moment, Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't say whether his arrival was of any importance to Deng Baichuan.

However, thinking that Yue Feng wouldn't be able to get any news for a while, he exchanged a few words with Feng En, the chief accountant who had just arrived. He decided that if Deng Baichuan didn't come out of seclusion before he left, he would have someone inform him again.

With Deng Baichuan gone, Kang Dabao naturally wouldn't stay at the Municipal Military Officer's Temple anymore. He rode his old donkey straight to the Chongming Small Pavilion.

On the way, they passed by the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, run by the Illusory Sword Alliance. The Deacon Zhang thought it was a rare Foundation Establishment senior who had come to see them. He was about to invite him in with great enthusiasm, but after seeing what the Sect Leader Kang Da looked like, he was so frightened that his face turned ashen.

The bastard was so terrified that his legs trembled like a leaf, and he almost collapsed.

When the Sect Leader Kang Da was escorted to the state court for trial, he was directly involved in the coercion of Huo Ying, even though he was not the instigator. He cannot escape any responsibility for it.

Deacon Zhang has no choice but to be afraid now. After all, given Kang Dabao's current status in Pingrong County, even if he were to behead him in the street in this market, the person in charge of the Illusory Sword Alliance probably wouldn't utter a sound.

Ever since this scoundrel heard that Jiang Qing Foundation Establishment, he has been begging to change the location several times, but the sect leaders and elders of the Illusory Sword Alliance have repeatedly refused.

Even after Sect Leader Kang Da successfully Foundation Establishment, this transfer order still hadn't come through. Who knows if these people were deliberately keeping him here just to let Sect Leader Kang Da vent his anger?

After all, the Supreme Elder of the Illusory Sword Alliance, who had been in the Foundation Establishment for many years without making any progress, might not be willing to be resented by the Fei Household's son-in-law, the Double Brightness Sect Leader, Pingrong County for so long.

Kang Dabao just sat on the donkey's back, looking at him without saying a word. But Deacon Zhang was so frightened by the cold gaze that he could hardly stand. After trembling for a while, he knelt down with a "thud" and managed to utter a sentence with difficulty.

"This... this junior deserves to die!!"

At this moment, Deacon Zhang, who was banging his head on the ground and weeping uncontrollably, had lost all semblance of dignity.

His disheveled hair, his snow-white collar stained with saliva, and the two strands of hair clinging to his cheeks, wet with tears, revealed his fear and regret.

Kang Dabao saw it clearly, but he didn't feel sorry for him at all. Huo Ying, who had just given birth to his eldest son, was in a much more pitiful situation than this scoundrel.

He withdrew his gaze from Deacon Zhang and said coldly, "Go back and pass on a message to those in your Illusory Sword Alliance who have the authority to speak up: there are some things between our two families that need to be discussed openly."

Kang Dabao didn't actually know whether the people below were coercing Huo Ying or whether the Supreme Elder of the Illusory Sword Alliance knew about it. But Chongming Sect had two Foundation Establishment, this matter couldn't be brushed aside with a simple "I don't know".

Kang Dabao is no ordinary Foundation Establishment; he is the leader of the Double Brightness Sect. This matter concerns the face of the Double Brightness Sect leader and the prestige of the Chongming Sect. The Illusory Sword Alliance should give an explanation, both morally and logically.

After the incident, the higher-ups of the Illusory Sword Alliance have been turning a blind eye. Now they think they can just pretend to be stupid and get away with it by sacrificing the life of a Qi Refinement Deacon? They've certainly got a clever plan.

If it weren't for the fact that Sect Leader Kang Da still had some reservations, Jiang Qing would have already gathered his friends and stormed the Illusory Sword Alliance.

Kang Dabao ignored Deacon Zhang. If the Illusory Sword Alliance had any sense of propriety, the latter wouldn't have lived much longer.

With a pat on his brand-new official boots, the old donkey gave Deacon Zhang a disdainful look before lifting its hooves and carrying him away.

Master Fu and Master Guo, who were resting at a nearby tavern, hurried over and quickly showed their faces and greeted Sect Leader Kang Da. How could they not be grateful to Master Kang, who had been so kind to them?

The two brothers were overjoyed to receive a "thank you for your hard work" from Sect Leader Kang Da. They split the two words into two pieces and shared them for a while before returning to Deacon Zhang.

"Cowards and weaklings, what are they?" The two men curled their lip, a hint of anger rising in their hearts, and strode into the shop with their heads held high and knives slung over their shoulders.

"Master Kang might not bother with you, but we brothers will teach your shop a lesson and see if it can still stay open."

Kang Dabao was unaware that two indignant patrolmen were standing up for him after they arrived at the Chongming Small Pavilion.

Since Chongming Sect became a major sect in the Foundation Establishment stage, even though the items sold in the Chongming Small Pavilion haven't changed much, business has improved considerably.

However, Pei Yi and Yuan Jin have often gone into seclusion over the years, resulting in a considerable pile of orders for custom-made elixirs and Law Artifacts.

As a wealthy disciple in charge of the Chongming Small Pavilion, Zhou Xinran extremely anxious upon seeing this situation.

Sect Leader Kang Da was equally anxious, but it was always a good thing for his junior brothers to cultivate diligently. Chongming Sect was truly rich in resources, and Spirit Stone were not too scarce. If another Foundation Establishment could emerge from among his fellow disciples as soon as possible, that would be far more important than the Spirit Stone earned from alchemy and weapon forging.

But it would be a waste not to make money from these Spirit Stones, so Zhou Xinran came up with another idea: she thought of hiring some people to refine them, with the Chongming Sect providing the spiritual materials and venue, and paying them per piece after deducting losses. In this way, the profits might not be less.

After all, Chongming Sect could not possibly offer the same generous terms to Alchemist and weapon makers outside the sect as Pei Yi and Yuan Jin.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da has been busy with important matters, Zhou Xinran Zhou Yixiu, who is nominally in charge of this area, has not wanted to go to him these days, which is why the matter has been delayed.

Upon seeing that the sect leader had personally arrived, Zhou Xinran brought up the matter of hiring Alchemist and weapon makers again.

Although Kang Dabao thought the idea was good and told Zhou Xinran find the person immediately, he still gave her a few more words of advice.

After all, a daughter can certainly vent her anger on her father; but a disciple cannot let personal matters interfere with public duties and delay the sect's important affairs.

Zhou Xinran proper in her work within the sect and was well-liked by the elders. This time, she was reprimanded for the first time, and the usually spirited young woman showed a hint of grievance on her face. "Master Uncle doesn't know about my stepmother."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao fell silent.

Zhou Yixiu, this junior brother, is good in every way, but he's completely overshadowed by that newly arrived young widow. Now, it's not just Zhou Xinran who has complaints; even Zhang Le, Zhou Yixiu's only disciple, rarely goes to visit him anymore.

This caused even Sect Leader Kang Da to feel some regret about the marriage. "If I had known it would turn out this way, even if I were to discuss marriage with the Jade Moon Shan Household, I should have at least asked for a suitable match for Junior Brother Zhou who was not yet married."

However, even Mahayana Immortal couldn't obtain a medicine for regret, and Kang Dabao knew that remorse was useless at this moment. So he first avoided Zhou Xinran's pitiful gaze and plunged into the kitchen of the Chongming Small Pavilion.

Jin Shilun and his wife hadn't returned from their leave yet, and since there was no one in the kitchen to prepare a proper meal, Kang Dabao took a few braised pork knuckles, found a side room, and began to devour them.

More than ten days passed in this way. During this time, Sect Leader Kang Da did not just eat pork knuckles. Instead, he also selected a reliable weapon craftsman to be hired into the Chongming Small Pavilion.

This artifact craftsman's skills weren't particularly good; he was only capable of crafting mid-grade magic Law Artifact, and his skill level was even lower than Yuan Jin's.

It's not that there aren't people stronger than him, but Sect Leader Kang Da always uses the same principle when hiring: ability aside, honesty and integrity are the most important qualities.

On the very day that the craftsman was about to begin his career, the Yue Household patriarch, who had once sold goods to Kang Dabao, hurriedly sought out Chongming Small Pavilion.

He must have now learned from Yue Feng about his past relationship with Kang Dabao, and a hint of shame crossed his face. "This junior was blind and ignorant back then, offending a senior like me. I truly deserve to die!"

"What's the use of just saying you deserve to die? You'd better return the Spirit Stone I bribed your bastard son with!" Sect Leader Kang Da, not wanting to directly express his true thoughts, feigned magnanimity:

"What offense have you mentioned? If it weren't for your leniency, fellow Daoist, how could I have received such a benefit back then?"

Upon hearing what Sect Leader Kang Da said, the Yue Household patriarch felt a great weight lifted from his heart. After all, even as a member of the Yue Household, he didn't want to be resented by a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.

Back in his heyday, countless people would come to visit him every day, so it wasn't surprising that he didn't remember Kang Dabao.

Having seen so many people and received so many bribes, how could anyone have imagined that one of them could achieve Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment or become the leader of a major sect?

Yue Household sighed inwardly, but his hands moved swiftly. He bent forward and respectfully held up a piece of spiritual silk and a Storage Bag above his head. "This was brought by my uncle. Please examine it, senior."

Sect Leader Kang Da carefully scanned the spiritual silk, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. He jokingly said, "Fellow Daoist Yue, you're quite at ease. You dared to send so many precious items all by yourself. Is the security in this market really that good?"

"To be honest, senior, I came with a servant from my family."

"Oh?" Kang Dabao looked in the direction he was pointing. In the distance, at the crowded street corner, stood a middle-aged cultivator with graying temples and carrying two swords on his back.

"Gui Xiang?!"

Thanks to Brother Xiao Yulou for the 1500 coins, and thanks to Brother Findmys3lf for the 550 coins (sorry I forgot to mention them these past two days).

Thanks to JulienD for the Extended Net Moon.

Thanks to the book friends whose last number is 7300 and the two brothers of One Dao Dao A Day for their two monthly passes.

Thank you to the book friends whose tail number is 3601, the book friend's tail number 95cb, the book friend's tail number 0188, Gotanda, the book friend's tail number 4080, and the hamburgers that are not full for the brothers' monthly votes.

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