A Grand Gesture

Half a month later, Zither Leaf Forest and Jade Toad cave abode.

"Unexpectedly, the old man Lord Shan was so badly injured this time. It took my uncle to beg three Second Tier Alchemist to save him, and more than ten rare pills were used in the process."

After Kang Dabao finished speaking, he sighed deeply, and both he and Qin Sufu, who had come to deliver the news, looked worried.

"According to the physician sent to the Earl by the Imperial Clan Court, if Senior Black Shoes had arrived even half a moment later, even Third Tier Alchemist would have been unable to save him." Qin Sufu spoke of this matter with lingering fear.

"Lord Shan is blessed by the heavens and protected by the Dao Ancestor, and has finally turned danger into safety. He will surely recover in time." Kang Dabao knew that Qin Sufu had only told half of what he wanted to say. Lord Shan's lifespan was already short, and even though he was able to be pulled back from the brink of death, his lifespan must have been shortened.

Qin Sufu kept quiet about this, mostly to avoid worrying one less person.

"But, I wonder if you know anything about Uncle Black Shoes?" Having put aside one concern for the moment, Kang Dabao and Qin Sufu didn't need any pleasantries or formalities; Kang Dabao went straight to the next matter.

"Don't worry, brother. Lord Bo is very magnanimous and not the kind of person you think he is, who would take advantage of a favor." Qin Sufu had been taught by Lord Shan for many years. Although he was not as worldly-wise as Sect Leader Kang Da, he was not stupid and knew what Kang Dabao was thinking.

"Senior Black Shoes begged Lord Bo to treat Lord Shan's injuries, saying that if his master's life could be saved, he would serve him faithfully for the next hundred years." Qin Sufu paused here, then asked Kang Dabao, "Brother, do you know how Lord Bo answered?"

Although Sect Leader Kang Da had already guessed most of it, he still cooperated by saying, "I, your foolish brother, cannot guess."

"What you say is true, Lord: 'I am saving my own loyalties to the Immortal Dynasty, what business is it of yours? And why should you set such a high price here?!'"

After Qin Sufu finished speaking, perhaps without even realizing it himself, his eyes were filled with admiration that was hard to conceal.

Even the Sect Leader Kang Da, who had always disliked those who ate meat, changed his impression of Kuang Liuting considerably after hearing Qin Sufu's account.

At the same time, a sense of tension rose within him, and he asked Qin Sufu again, "What about Uncle-Master in Black Shoes?"

"Senior Black Shoes is not yet free. Two Sima from the state court, the Vice Prefect, various clerks and assistants, as well as several prominent clans and sect leaders from the state, are all lining up to invite him to drink."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao immediately gave a wry smile, for this was exactly what he had feared, and sure enough, it had come true.

The Old Sect Leader He had told Kang Dabao about the Daoist Black Shoes's temperament before his death, and the latter knew from that time that the Daoist Black Shoes was a stubborn mule.

If Kuang Liuting had directly used the matter of treating Lord Shan to coerce the Daoist Black Shoes into obeying his orders, the latter would certainly have agreed, but he would never have become as close to these powerful forces in the state court as he is now.

He will definitely ignore all these invitations at that time.

Since Kuang Liuting was so righteous, he could indeed earn the Daoist Black Shoes's high regard. This shows that the ability to speak well is also very important for those in positions of power.

The same thing happened: after Kuang Liuting got hold of the Daoist Black Shoes's pulse, he showered him with high-sounding words, which made the Daoist Black Shoes acknowledge a huge favor to the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court.

While this may not seem as worthwhile as driving the past century, a Daoist Black Shoes gradually comes to genuinely accept the state court is far more worthwhile than a lazy, indolent Foundation Establishment henchman.

"The members of the royal family are extraordinary. Not only are their talents and cultivation unmatched, but their methods of winning people's hearts are also so powerful." Sect Leader Kang Da sighed inwardly, but there was nothing he could do.

Kuang Liuting was truly extraordinary. After only a few interactions with the Daoist Black Shoes, he had already figured out that the latter was a stubborn mule who would only respond to gentle persuasion.

Before long, the Daoist Black Shoes might actually have to serve the state court.

This is certainly a good thing for the Chongming Sect, but it may not be so for Daoist Black Shoes personally. Thinking of this, Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"We've been here so long, where's Younger Brother Jiang?"

Qin Sufu's words brought Sect Leader Kang Da back to reality. He immediately clasped his hands in apology and said, "My Third has returned to Tanggu County to guard the Spirit Stone mine, which is why he was unable to come and see you, fellow Daoist. When I have time, I will definitely bring him to pay you a visit."

Qin Sufu waved his hand and said bluntly, "We're brothers, why bother with such formalities?"

Upon hearing Kang Dabao's words, Qin Sufu suddenly asked, "But, did that scoundrel Tie Liuyun really hand over the Tanggu County Spirit Stone mine back to your families so readily?"

After thinking for a moment, Sect Leader Kang Da said:

"It didn't take long. The Third wrote that they arrived ten days ago, and then Commander Tie's Xiezhi Guard all withdrew. The amount of Spirit Stone in the warehouse has also been counted, and there is nothing missing. The mine also remains in its original state, without any signs of disturbance."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sufu's eyes lit up. He clicked his tongue and tapped his knuckles rhythmically on the small table in front of him.

After a long while, Qin Sufu finally spoke softly, "Just how many Spirit Stone has this fellow amassed both inside and outside the state over the years? He's managed to feed his personal guards so well that he wouldn't even stoop to such petty squandering."

"This..." Sect Leader Kang Da was cautious and did not answer.

"Brother, you don't know, do you? It's all over the state that he's already exchanged a Core Formation spiritual item from the state treasury." Qin Sufu spoke with a mysterious expression.

Kang Dabao was amazed after hearing this; he had never imagined that Tie Liuyun would have such courage.

Golden Core Formation Pill Sect Leader Kang Da is something even someone like Acting Sima Gun, who came from the capital region, wasn't confident about. It was quite unexpected that Tie Liuyun, a native of this state, dared to even dream of it.

Qin Sufu then seized the opportunity to say, "My lord, you have a bright future ahead of you. As long as I work diligently and conscientiously, I will not be short of benefits."

Seeing that Kang Dabao nodded calmly without speaking, Qin Sufu stopped there and said, "Speaking of which, it's been quite a long time since I've paid my respects to our benefactor. I'd be so kind as to take me to see him again, brother."

A glint appeared in the eyes of the Sect Leader Kang Da, and the two remained silent the entire way.

Qin Sufu was very familiar with Little Ring Mountain. Even after a large-scale construction project, he could still identify the location of Old Sect Leader He's tomb.

They said that Sect Leader Kang Da would lead the way, but Qin Sufu quickened his pace after only halfway there, and in just a few steps, he caught up with Kang Dabao.

The tombstone of Old Sect Leader He was made of black jade, which would be considered extravagant for ordinary people, but for a cultivator, it was an extremely simple expression.

"It's enough to be filial while the child is alive; don't wait until the coffin is nailed shut to remember you're a dutiful son." These were the words that Old Sect Leader He and Sect Leader Kang Da said to each other before Elder He's death.

Ultimately, Kang Dabao learned his pragmatic and down-to-earth nature from his master.

Qin Sufu arranged the sacrificial offerings, fine wine, ingots, and white candles. Finally, he took out a stick of incense of exceptional quality and lit it. As the smoke curled upwards, Qin Sufu stared blankly at the tombstone for a long while before finally speaking:

"This incense was obtained from Acting Sima Gun. You may not know, but Acting Sima Gun has a maid who has been his caregiver since childhood. She is currently a female official in charge of the Palace of Imperial Repose in the capital. Even Empress Dowager Cixi has used the incense she makes."

This incense was made from the powdered Imperial Dragon Incense used by the current emperor at the grand sea-viewing ceremony ten years ago. Even among the highest-ranking officials, not everyone could obtain a stick to take home for ancestral worship.

When Kang Dabao heard Qin Sufu mention Gun Yuyao, he remembered that his wife had once said that after the Third son rescued her, he had kept her on his bed for quite some time.

He almost succumbed to his tendency to boast among his brothers, nearly bringing up the matter to show off to Qin Sufu. However, the rows of new graves erected next to Old Sect Leader He's tomb dampened Sect Leader Kang Da's enthusiasm.

Qin Sufu also noticed them, and watched them quietly for a long while before sighing, "There are still more deaths to come."

Kang Dabao frowned. Ever since Sima Fei came to Cloud Horn Prefecture, this disheartening remark seemed to have become popular in this barren and remote border prefecture.

"Hey, that big elm tree is back?" A hint of surprise suddenly appeared in Qin Sufu's eyes, along with a touch of reminiscence.

"Yes, it's back. Junior Brother Zhou used the Spirit Borrowing Technique to not only restore the elm tree's vitality but also spent some effort raising it to the First-Tier Lower-Grade."

Looking at the brown buds on the tips of the elm trees, Kang Dabao thought, "After another spring rain and a few gentle breezes, they will turn into round, soft, yellowish-green coins."

Inspired by the scenery, Sect Leader Kang Da's mood improved somewhat.

"Good thing, another source of income." Qin Sufu was clearly quite happy, clapping his hands together so hard that the force of his palms almost knocked over the burning incense stick nearby.

"We're not short of Spirit Stone now, so we won't sell them." Kang Dabao shook his head with a slight smile. Speaking of this, he finally managed to pull himself out of his heavy mood. "When the elm seeds ripen, we'll make dumplings with all the disciples."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sufu paused for a moment, then smiled and continued clapping, saying, "Good, good, good! You must invite me next time so I can try your cooking too."

"It's a deal!" Although Sect Leader Kang Da was uneasy about having Fei Shuhe cook, the atmosphere was right, and his expression remained unchanged.

After the two laughed for a while, a mountain breeze blew by, and their relaxed expressions didn't last long before gradually fading away.

Qin Sufu remained silent for a long time, opening his mouth several times only to swallow back what he was about to say. He rubbed his fingers together in his sleeve for a while before finally speaking:

"You've worked hard, brother."

Kang Dabao was somewhat surprised, smiled faintly and shook his head. Just as he was about to say a few words of modesty, he heard Qin Sufu sigh sadly, "In the past, the elders all said that He Dezong and I had a bright future, but none of them praised you, little brother. Now it seems that the two of us are far inferior to you."

Qin Sufu spoke with genuine feeling, and without waiting for the Sect Leader Kang Da to respond modestly, continued, "If the two of us had not achieved the Ice Leaf Dao Foundation, we could not have built such a large fortune. Our benefactor's decisive decision back then, Yixin that you become the head of Double Brightness Sect, was truly insightful."

Kang Dabao's expression remained calm, barely concealing his inner smugness. However, his eyes darted furtively to Old Sect Leader He's grave, a mixture of secret delight and thought, "Buried so thickly, I wonder if the old man heard anything from his coffin? Should I loosen some soil?"

"A towering building rises from the ground; the difficult years are over. My brother's restoration efforts, barring any unforeseen circumstances, should allow the Chongming Sect to prosper for at least another two hundred years. Such ability is rare even in the entire Cloud Horn Prefecture."

Qin Sufu's tone shifted abruptly, his gentle demeanor softening considerably as he said in a solemn voice, "But Cloud Horn Prefecture is treacherous, harboring some treacherous and ambitious individuals. You must be extra careful, brother."

Kang Dabao immediately understood and sighed inwardly.

Even though the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty was already in such a precarious state, from the highest officials to the lowest ministers, they still had no choice but to fight and contend.

To be honest, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't want to get involved in this matter, but Qin Sufu had already said so much, so he couldn't refuse. He asked softly, "What do you mean, brother?"

Qin Sufu looked at Kang Dabao with piercing eyes.

"The Han City Yue Household has been loyal and virtuous for generations. Elder Yue Lin is of exceptional moral character and unparalleled loyalty and righteousness; we are worthy of his acquaintance."

Kang Dabao immediately understood. No wonder Qin Sufu's performance today couldn't be entirely described as a show, but it was indeed a bit too emotional.

"It seems Prefectural Governor Zhu offered too low a price. A mere concubine's daughter lacks the allure of a legitimate daughter from the Han City Yue Household, and has failed to sway my sworn brother."

Although he had figured it out, Sect Leader Kang Da was not swayed by Qin Sufu's Three Words.

But then I recalled what Yue Feng had said to me before I returned to my sect. Most of it was polite praise; the real substance was just a few sentences:

"The Earl of Nan'an once said that he would request a title for Yue Lin after he Core Formation. The fief would be in Ding Prefecture, at which point the Yue Household would likely have to relocate as a whole, leaving Han City without anyone to guard it."

At the time, he only felt that the pie was too big to eat. However, Sect Leader Kang Da also knew that the pie was just a drawing for him, so that he could show it to the Daoist Black Shoes.

First, Yue Feng made empty promises, then Qin Sufu acted as a persuader; how could Kang Dabao not understand?

"The Yue Household seems quite eager to win over their martial uncle."

After thinking it over, Kang Dabao suddenly realized that all the things he had said to Qin Sufu earlier were pointless. When he spoke again, he tried to hide his lack of enthusiasm as much as possible, and then said, "Brother, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."

Qin Sufu's identity as a lobbyist was exposed, but he did not change his expression. Instead, his tone became more frank. "The powerful families in the capital region are indeed of noble blood, but in reality, they can't afford to wait for me."

At this point, Qin Sufu gave Kang Dabao a deep look and said, "You should understand this very well, brother."

Even when suddenly called upon, Kang Dabao remained calm and composed.

Qin Sufu said in a deep voice, "The Yue Household intends to form a marriage alliance with Senior Black Shoes."

"No wonder Yue Feng was so hesitant when he spoke last time. It's natural to have an outsider speak when the woman proposes marriage. But how many legitimate daughters of the Yue Household are still unmarried? Are there any of them of suitable seniority? If not, wouldn't Uncle Black Shoes be becoming brothers-in-law with Brother Qin?"

Putting that thought aside for now, Kang Dabao found Qin Sufu's words quite amusing and said bluntly, "This should be said to Lord Shan, or at the very least, to Uncle Black Shoes himself. Why are you telling me, brother?"

Qin Sufu was very serious and said solemnly, "I'm afraid I can't persuade Lord Shan, nor can I persuade Senior Black Shoes, so I have no choice but to ask you, my brother, to help me persuade him."

"If Senior Black Shoes agrees to this marriage, the Yue Household is willing to offer the entire Han City as dowry. Regardless of when the Earl Core Formation, the day of the wedding will be the day Han City changes hands!"

Kang Dabao's expression finally changed. The Yue Household had really gone all out this time!

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