Lord Shan's Request

A light drizzle fell gently, washing the elegant white cherry blossoms in the courtyard clean. On the path beneath the cherry trees, the raindrops dripped and formed small puddles, allowing the white cherry blossoms to reflect their graceful and charming appearance.

The light rain seeped into the thick, fertile soil, nourishing the clumps and making them appear even more vibrant and lush.

The scent of white cherry blossoms was very faint, but Sima Fei found it to be just right. He sat in the simple courtyard, took a deep breath, and a rare look of contentment appeared on his face.

At this moment, Sima Fei was not wearing his ceremonial robes, but only a blue shirt. He let the drizzle wet his shirt and hair, but he still looked completely at ease and ignored it.

Those familiar with Sima Fei know that he loves cherry blossoms and rain. This small courtyard was a replica of his old home in Ying Prefecture, commissioned by Fei's wife, Lady Han, and the furnishings and layout are exactly the same.

The light rain washing away the cherry blossoms put Sima Fei in a great mood. For once today, he didn't use his abacus and just squinted at Nanny Sun talking in the courtyard.

The latter stood in the courtyard, leaning on his cane, and spoke with a slight forward lean, showing great respect.

After Nanny Sun finished speaking concisely and methodically, Fei Nanying's lips curled slightly as he looked thoughtfully at the amber-colored tea in his cup. "Heh, did that boy really say that?"

Nanny Sun replied respectfully, "Reporting to my lord, that's exactly what the young master said; I relayed it word for word."

Sima Fei nodded with satisfaction, then said, "After some bloodshed, they've finally become more astute. In that case, it was worth it. Fortunately, they're not completely stupid, unlike that Qin-surname killer who couldn't see the situation clearly."

Since it concerned her advancement, Nanny Sun found it difficult to respond to these words and could only remain silent.

Sima Fei muttered to himself, "In that case, we'll have a better chance of defeating the Daoist Black Shoes than the Yue Household."

After muttering to himself, Sima Fei then turned to Nanny Sun and instructed her:

"When you get back, tell Kang that they can no longer touch those lands and people in White Sand County. Because of Yue Lin's slander to the Earl, White Sand County has been handed over to the Yunwei Zheng Household, who moved from Fenli Prefecture Capital Circuit. Their clan's land is the Old Ox Mountain that they conquered earlier."

Within ten days, the first batch of cultivators from the Zheng Household will move in, and within the next month, the entire Zheng Household will complete their relocation. The entire White Sand County will then be jointly managed by the Zheng Household and the newly established White Sand County Government.

Someone had underestimated the Yue Household, which is why they ended up shooting themselves in the foot and falling victim to that old scoundrel Yue Lin's schemes.

However, the arrival of the Yunwei Zheng Household in White Sand County was actually a good thing for Kang Xiaozhi's family. With the Zheng Household in front of them, their Chongming Sect would no longer have to directly confront the Two Instruments Sect rebels from the Jingnan Prefecture.

This probably suits his unambitious nature perfectly; he can now peacefully teach his disciples and recuperate.

However, Kang should also remember that the Zheng Household was once a prominent family in the capital region, and their status was not low. Although only one False Core cultivator is still alive now, their foundation remains, and they are not to be trifled with. Kang must also treat them with respect.

From now on, the two families must continue to support and help each other. If the Two Instruments Sect intends to cause trouble in White Sand County, the New Cloud Alliance will still need to do its utmost.

"I remember," Nanny Sun nodded slightly. Sima Fei continued, "However, since he has this ambition, I, as his Boyue, must support him. He is the Pingrong County, but he is hindered by the rules and regulations of the Immortal Dynasty, which makes it difficult for him to exert his power."

Recently, I went to speak with Prefectural Governor Zhu and said that the Assistant Magistrate of Pingrong County should be returned to the prefectural government immediately, and that other positions should be filled. I suggested that he select and appoint the personnel and submit the list as soon as possible, and that Prefect Prefectural Governor Zhu could then affix his seal.

After this matter is settled, I will then go to the Earl to request the authority to act expediently for young Kang. In this way, it should provide him with considerable convenience.

Sima Fei spoke lightly, but Nanny Sun was alarmed, thinking to herself, "This is far more than just providing many conveniences; how is it any different from giving the entire Pingrong County to the son-in-law as his fiefdom?"

Sima Fei thought for a moment, still feeling it wasn't enough, and added, "The Jin County Xu Yingshi, is slow and inefficient in his governance, not very suitable for the local area. Young Master Kang can send someone over to take over the administration of Jin County as well. However, Xu Yingshi has already established his Foundation Establishment and has achieved some military merits; he should be promoted to the position of deputy general in the state's military command."

Jin County is the poorest county in Cloud Horn Prefecture. Not only does it lack a single Foundation Establishment, but even Late Qi Refinement cultivators are rare. With Sima Fei's previous words as a prelude, Nanny Sun's reaction to these words was not as strong.

However, Sima Fei Sect Leader Kang Da's position in his heart; the former had now truly secured his position as Fei Household's son-in-law.

Having thought things through, Nanny Sun's tone became more serious as she bowed her head and replied, "This servant will certainly relay every word back to the young master."

But Nanny Sun didn't expect that she had spoken too quickly. Sima Fei waved his hand to stop her from speaking further, "Ping and Jin counties are dilapidated and poor. Even if we were to take over both counties, it would still be far less than the small White Sand County that young Kang requested."

Someone who had read Shen Lingfeng's notes from when he was the governor of Shannan Circuit wrote that the Spirit Vein of Pingrong County still existed, but it would take time and effort, as well as sending people to contact and restore them.

These days, several more Foundation Establishment forces have arrived from the capital region. I will select some suitable ones and send them to Pingrong County, to be under Kang's command. How they are settled is not his concern, but whether he can manage them well depends on his own abilities.

If he can consolidate all the factions sooner, what is that Book and Sword Gate anyway? Once the Spirit Stone mine expires, he might as well not join the so-called New Cloud Alliance and sever all ties with that bastard Tie Liuyun as soon as possible.

To avoid being accused of being a traitor by Fei Household Prefectural Governor Zhu's side, I'm too lazy to explain myself.

Having said all this, Sima Fei felt he had made himself clear. He no longer observed Nanny Sun's reaction, nor did he intend to say anything more to her. He waved her away, only uttering a final, understated remark:

"Your son is doing well; he's already joined the elite Valor Battalion of the Ying Mountain Army. As long as he's willing to work hard, I guarantee him a Foundation Establishment Pill within ten years."

Upon hearing this, Nanny Sun, who had shown self-control and patience from the beginning, could no longer restrain herself and bowed deeply, saying, "This servant thanks my master for his kindness and guidance on behalf of my son."

Nanny Sun wept uncontrollably, but Sima Fei remained indifferent. What was there to see in an old woman who kept kowtowing?

Sima Fei turned his gaze to the amber-colored tea and said softly, "Go down and focus on serving your young lady. Your son has a bright future ahead of him."

In a Gu Su and quiet room, a small cauldron, no bigger than the palm of your hand, stands on an obsidian table. As white steam gradually rises, the boiling medicinal soup inside slowly condenses into a paste.

A pretty and obedient maid carefully made a hand seal, extinguishing the blue flames beneath the cauldron. She then picked up a jade tablet and meticulously scraped off all the medicinal ointment from inside the cauldron.

A maidservant carrying a jade bowl filled with scalding hot ointment scurried out of the pharmacy and into a magnificent bedroom.

In the bedroom stood a middle-aged Daoist priest, guarding a large brocade bed. Upon seeing the maid enter, he said nothing, merely nodded slightly, took the ointment from her hand, and then dismissed her.

Lord Shan lay on the couch, letting the middle-aged Daoist priest apply the ointment to several major acupoints, including the root of his nose, Laogong point, Yongquan point, and Yintang point. He endured the intense pain from the violent medicinal power washing over his meridians, but he kept his eyes tightly closed, his teeth clenched, and remained silent.

Two hours later, the Lord Shan, who was sweating profusely from the pain, finally let out a long breath, opened his eyes, and sighed softly to the middle-aged Daoist priest, "Young man, you've had a hard time."

The Daoist Black Shoes Black Shoes shook his head and replied, "I know I am dull-witted and cannot be a disciple of Lord Shan, but you are being too polite."

Lord Shan simply chuckled and said nothing more.

The Daoist Black Shoes cast Water Spirit Incantation, washing away all the filth from the Lord Shan's body, before continuing, "Young Qin must have arrived at the Chongming Sect by now."

"He's probably going to call Kang to persuade you as well," Lord Shan said softly, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "The country is in dire straits, yet you're still engaging in factionalism and infighting. Why bother?"

Seeing that the Daoist Black Shoes had no reaction after hearing this, the Lord Shan's eyes dimmed, and he sighed again, "I know that you younger generations laugh at me for being stubborn, but that I am still concerned about the survival of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. But you must know that what I am concerned about is not the survival of the Immortal Dynasty, but the lives of all people under heaven."

The Daoist Black Shoes trembled from the shock and lowered his head.

Lord Shan continued, "Even if the Immortal Dynasty is incompetent, at least during the last barbaric chaos, it did not collect the Blood Qi of billions of people in Cloud Horn Prefecture to refine weapons and pills like the Two Instruments Sect did!"

Shen Lingfeng, despite his strategic planning, ultimately abandoned the various families of Cloud Horn Prefecture due to the imperial decree. Without his leadership in quelling the rebellion, how many survivors would be left in Cloud Horn Prefecture?!

The Daoist Black Shoes was speechless for a long time after being choked by the question. After a while, he finally spoke softly under the expectant gaze of the Lord Shan: "In this life, I have only sought to save myself; it is difficult for me to save others."

Unexpectedly, the Lord Shan's expression remained unchanged after hearing this. "I know, cultivators should be like you."

"So, are you going to agree to the marriage proposal from your Yue Household?" Lord Shan asked, turning to him. The Daoist Black Shoes didn't hesitate for a moment, shaking his head and saying, "I have no such intention."

Upon hearing this, the Lord Shan showed no surprise.

"As I expected, you are indeed a man of high aspirations. Han and Xuan are the two pillars of Cloud Horn Prefecture. If the news that the Yue Household is willing to use Han City as dowry is true, even powerful families in border prefectures with less resources will find it difficult to resist, let alone keep you."

The Daoist Black Shoes raised his head and replied calmly:

"These external things are not hard to see. In this life, I seek only the Dao and freedom, nothing else. Being alone is the most liberating. Even though I come from humble origins, I know how to be self-respecting and virtuous. I don't need anyone to give me a thousand fortuitous opportunity or bestow upon me ten thousand resources; I know how to use the light sword in my hand to fight for and obtain them."

Old Lord Shan's eyes lit up. He scrutinized the Daoist Black Shoes for a long time, then softly praised, "Even now, I still can't understand how such a humble place as Cloud Horn Prefecture could have produced such a fine talent as you."

Before the Daoist Black Shoes could offer any more humble words, the Lord Shan asked again, "Did Gun Shilu give you the Bright Moon Token?!"

"I gave it to him on the way back." The Daoist Black Shoes took out a pure white round moon token and handed it to the Lord Shan, who solemnly accepted it and examined it carefully.

"This is the token that Exalted Cultivator Guanyu used to open the Mountain-Viewing cave abode back then?!"

Even with his extensive experience, this was the first time Lord Shan had ever seen this legendary object, and he couldn't help but marvel at it.

"It is indeed the opening token for the Exalted Cultivator Guanyu Mountain-Viewing Cave, which is the residence of Guan Yu Shangxiu," the Daoist Black Shoes added. "Legend has it that Golden Core Formation Pill and Evergreen Vine once appeared here, so I thought I'd go in and search for them."

Lord Shan shook his head and handed the jade token back to the Daoist Black Shoes: "Legend has it that this villa only opens once every twenty years, and it has been nearly two hundred years since the Exalted Cultivator Guanyu passed away. After so many raids, even if there were truly any good things, how could they possibly have been left for you?"

The Daoist Black Shoes agreed with the Lord Shan's statement, saying directly, "That's indeed the case. Otherwise, this token wouldn't be so worthless, and it could be exchanged for the head of a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator from Gun Shilu."

"One token allows entry for two people. Whom do you want to bring in with you?" the Lord Shan asked again.

Although the Daoist Black Shoes was surprised by the Lord Shan's question, he still answered without concealment, "Brother Qing's Swordsmanship has already reached a certain level, with a solid foundation and sharp skills. I was thinking of taking him in; if we can obtain the Evergreen Vine, it will be useful for the Lord Shan's alchemy."

After nodding, the Lord Shan shook his head again. "In my opinion, take Kang the boy with you. He won't disappoint you."

The Daoist Black Shoes was taken aback. Before he could ask a question, he heard the Lord Shan casually recite, "We know our own business. The next time the Mountain-Viewing Cave opens will probably be seven or eight years from now. Even if you can find the Evergreen Vine by then, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on until then."

Lord Shan paused here, looking at the Daoist Black Shoes with a furrowed brow, and instead offered words of comfort, "With my Qi Refinement body, I have already been blessed by Heaven and Earth with a lifespan of two hundred years. I should be overjoyed, so what is there to be upset about?"

After saying this, the Lord Shan's expression suddenly changed, and he closed his eyes.

The Daoist Black Shoes knew that the injury, which had been suppressed by the ointment, had relapsed. He was so anxious that he wanted to step forward to examine it, but the Lord Shan stopped him with his words:

"It's alright, no need to rush. You should go back too, kid. I know myself, and in a few more months, this injury will heal. You're right, a cultivator should be Yixin in seeking the Dao."

You need not worry about the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an. As he said, I am a useless old soldier who retired from the Imperial Guard, a skeleton in a tomb that has burned its flesh and blood for the people of the Immortal Dynasty. It is right for him to take care of me.

The Immortal Dynasty provided me with the path to enlightenment, and I, in turn, cut off the Dao Path to enlightenment for the Immortal Dynasty. You need not feel guilty; you owe nothing to the Kuang Household, nor do I. Do not let him use sentimentality to bind you.

After these injuries heal, I believe I can live for a few more years. Besides teaching the younger generation, I will also travel around Cloud Horn Prefecture again.

I know you can't linger long in this shallow pool of Shannan Circuit, but I still want to say something to you: On your journey, please keep in mind the plight of the common people.

Just as the Daoist Black Shoes was about to respond, the Lord Shan continued, "Your elder brother must have said something similar to you, right?"

The spacious room instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. A look of reminiscence appeared in the Daoist Black Shoes's eyes as he murmured to himself, "Elder brother."

Without delay, the Daoist Black Shoes bid farewell to the Lord Shan and then gave a thorough explanation and instructions to the people left behind by Qin Sufu.

On the way back, the Lord Shan's instructions came to mind again, and I thought to myself, "This is something I should do. I'll go back now and give that lazy brat a good workout. He'll definitely do a good job!"

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