Signs of Flourishing

--Late at night, in the bamboo forest outside the Jade Toad cave abode

"The information you had the building staff inquire about last time has been clarified. Someone did indeed sell Lin Binghui's golden gourd magic Law Artifact, the ninth son of the Lin Household, in Anshui Market, Ding Prefecture, for 396 Spirit Stone."

I had several hidden cultivators from the Lin Household examine the evidence, and they confirmed that the person the Lin Household sent to assassinate your disciple was indeed Lin Binghui. Hemp Robe from Kui County, Ding Prefecture, also confirmed it for you, and the person who sold the item was undoubtedly Gui Xiang.

He didn't just offer the golden gourd Law Artifact; he also brought several other miscellaneous items. The origins of most of these items could be traced within the building, and many were standard magic Law Artifact produced by the Lin Household and used by their cultivators.

Moreover, after receiving a sum of Spirit Stone, Gui Xiang also bought a considerable number of spiritual items to aid in Foundation Establishment. However, although he purchased a lot of items, none of them were high-grade, far inferior even to low-grade Foundation Establishment items like the Reed Flower Pill. It's unclear whether Gui Xiang was simply very lucky, or whether he used other spiritual items to assist in Foundation Establishment during his seclusion.

At this moment, Yan Qingwei was still dressed in Hemp Robe and wearing a veil, but her tone and demeanor were completely different from when she first met Sect Leader Kang Da. It wasn't that this beautiful female cultivator was arrogant at first and then obsequious, but rather that an early-stage cultivator who could defeat an elder of the Hong Yimeng Battle Hall was entitled to this respect.

The Fearless Tower's influence extends across all twenty-six prefectures of Shannan Circuit. If you were to thoroughly investigate all its Hemp Robe disciples, you probably wouldn't be able to name a single one. When this news spread, not only was Jiang Hongdao shocked, but even Yan Qingwei's False Core mother inquired about it after hearing the news.

Kang Dabao, oblivious to this subtle change, his eyes remaining blank, simply nodded. "It really was him."

Yan Qingwei ignored Kang Dabao's indifferent demeanor and made no attempt at pleasantries, then stated directly, "Sect Leader Kang, you owe our branch a thousand Merit Points again."

After speaking gently, Sect Leader Kang Da's expression remained unchanged as he said in a deep voice, "I will definitely report back to the steward as soon as possible. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Yan has any information you would like me to inquire about?!" Yan Qingwei shook her head slightly and then said, "I do have some, but considering your disciple's recent death and the many matters at home, the Lou family will not assign it to you."

"Thank you for your consideration, fellow Daoist and steward." Kang Dabao bowed in thanks. Yan Qingwei had nothing more to say, but before leaving, she turned back to remind Sect Leader Kang Da:

"That Assistant Magistrate surnamed Tie under the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court is quite capable. Last time, even Old Jiang was caught by his scent and almost met his end."

You must be more careful from now on. He doesn't get along with our Fearless Tower. Remember, you mustn't even tell your own father, son, wife, or concubines about your identity as a disciple in Hemp Robes.

If someone with ulterior motives discovers your identity, you'll likely face a lot of trouble. While our Fearless Tower isn't exactly universally hated in Shannan Circuit, we certainly have quite a few eyes watching us.

However, there's no need to worry. Tie Liuyun's actions were a bit excessive, and even the host has inquired about it. The host is already devising a countermeasure. If you later obtain any information about the White Sand Tie Household or the Demon Correction Office, you can exchange it for Merit Points in the tower; the price isn't low."

"And another thing," Yan Qingwei seemed unable to stop talking, her beautiful eyes turning as she softly recited, "This time at Mountain-Viewing Cave, the Yuan Household also received a token. Yuan Buwen may not make a move, but Yuan Xiyue is definitely going."

Moreover, I've heard that the sixteenth young master of the Jingnan Yuan Household, Yuan Household's Golden Core seed will also be there. The news of your brother-in-law with the Clear Spirit Physique can't be kept secret at all; it's probably already leaked out. The Yuan Household family will definitely come looking for you then.

"Yuan Xiyue, you may not be afraid, but that sixteenth young master once cultivated for half a century under a Rogue Cultivator the Golden Core Tengwen Prefecture in the Mountain South capital. Although he is only at the Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment, his skills are probably not much worse than those of the Daoist Black Shoes. Consider this information a gift from me; you should make preparations as soon as possible."

Sect Leader Kang Da's gaze sharpened, and he replied in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist, please take care!"

Yan Qingwei wrinkled her nose, then muttered again, "Next time you want to meet me, you'll have to find another place. Your beast master, Golden-Feathered Owl, isn't very skilled, but he's too conscientious—such a hassle."

Kang Dabao didn't answer, watching Yan Qingwei leave. After she passed by, the palms of the Double Brightness Sect Leader's clenched fists were covered with white marks.

After a long while, a muffled shout suddenly rang out from the silent bamboo forest, "I will use my Yundao essence and blood to become your resources for attaining the Dao, Gui Xiang! Gui Xiang! If I cannot tear you apart, skin you alive, and refine your soul, how can I face my poor, unfortunate disciple!"

Wearing a veil, Yan Qingwei stealthily returned to the wealthy manor where Jiang Hongdao was hiding. The old stableman Orthodox God from the manor owner's private quarters, about to return to the stables to sleep, when he saw Yan Qingwei staring at him with a cold expression.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on the old groom's face. Avoiding Yan Qingwei's gaze, he approached the skinny horse, picked up a boar bristle brush, and groomed its mane, muttering, "I didn't force it. It was consensual. Why are you glaring at me?"

Yan Qingwei had no time to concern herself with Jiang Hongdao's hobbies; she simply asked, "Now you can tell me, why did you make me tell Kang Dabao about the Yuan Household?"

The old man chuckled and said softly, "Since you're going anyway, I might as well tell you. What's the big deal?"

Yan Qingwei frowned and asked doubtfully, "Is that all?"

Jiang Hongdao picked out the debris from the haystack and casually replied, "Of course. Now that Kang Dabao has obtained Kuang Liuting's Thunder Swallow Dao Seal, it's even more valuable."

Your mother sent word ten days ago, and it was even the Lord himself who inquired about him. Such a person, our Cloud Horn Prefecture branch cannot let him die so easily in the Mountain-Viewing cave abode; he might be of great use to us in the future."

Yan Qingwei's doubts remained. She walked up to Jiang Hongdao, disregarding the dirt on his clothes, and softly asked, fiddling with her sleeve, "What? Do my mother and the Lord of the Tower intend to absorb him into the Jinzhen Tower?"

He's the head of a sect, the legitimate son-in-law of the Fei Ying Prefecture Fei Household. How could this possibly happen? Even if it did, aren't you and the others afraid that Kang Dabao will sell us out?"

Jiang Hongdao shook off Yan Qingwei, his tone tinged with impatience. "I, Old Jiang, have no idea. How could a mere white-robed steward of a small branch know? If you want to know, go find your mother. She's closer to the branch master and knows far more than I do."

The nun in Hemp Robe raised her eyebrows in anger and scolded, "You Old Jiang, fine, if you won't tell me, I'll go ask my mother myself! After ten years, let's see if I'm still staying in this stable of yours."

After saying her piece, Yan Qingwei snorted coldly and left the wealthy family's manor.

A gust of cold wind blew by, Jiang Hongdao, seemingly like an ordinary old man, felt a chill. He huddled in the haystack, squinted his eyes, pondered for a moment, and softly recited:

"Ordinary methods are unlikely to win them over, but using you, the eldest granddaughter of the sect leader, as bait might be a different story. Although the Fei Household bloodline is noble, the She Mountain Hall from which Fei Shuhe comes has declined and has not produced True-Grade Golden Core for a long time."

If it weren't for the emergence of the Fei brothers, Fei Nanying, in this generation, who not only possess exceptional talent but also each married a daughter of a prominent family, the She Mountain Hall might have already become a distant branch of the Fei Household. Although our Fearless Tower is small, it shouldn't be so small as to be unable to compete with the She Mountain Hall, which is reluctant to invest.

Moreover, the Lord is unwilling to miss a single word about Kuang Liuting. Even the Lord's own fortuitous opportunity to Nascent Soul might depend on it. Compared to that, what is your mediocre granddaughter?"

The cold wind had passed, but the old groom seemed to still feel the chill. He mumbled incoherently, "Tsk, this Shannan Circuit is truly becoming more and more interesting. But I, Old Jiang, can't watch it for much longer. What a pity, what a pity!"

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

This wasn't the first time a member of the Chongming Sect had died on the battlefield. The word "habit" is truly terrifying; it can make the disciples of the Chongming Sect quickly recover from their grief.

When Jiang Qing met He Degong again, the two, teacher and father, faced He Yuanbing's coffin, and the grudge from years ago naturally vanished. He Degong was unable to take He Yuanbing's coffin back to the ancestral graves in Hong County; Chongming Sect had taken his son away.

After that, Jiang Qing, who was already somewhat taciturn, became even more withdrawn. He did not stay at the sect for long and returned to the Spirit Stone mine in Tanggu County early. During this time, the Daoist Black Shoes visited him several times and returned only to say that Double Brightness Sword Immortal's Swordsmanship had become increasingly refined, as if he had already mastered most of the "Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic" obtained from the Ming Household.

Even the Daoist Black Shoes couldn't achieve this. It's not that Jiang Qing's swordsmanship talent surpassed the former, but rather that this sword manual suited Jiang Qing better. However, even though he was far inferior to the Daoist Black Shoes, Jiang Qing's swordsmanship was still top-notch among his peers.

This can be seen from the routine correspondence between Tang Guming's newly promoted Foundation Establishment Minghui, who co-cultivated the "Ten Treatises on the Qingfuzi Sword Classic" with Jiang Qing, and the head of the Kang family. This new generation of Ming family leader has nothing but praise and admiration for Jiang Qing.

In fact, Jiang Qing has only been at the Foundation Establishment for a few years now, and he has a lot of potential for the future.

After spending several months with his wife and only son, Yuan Jin devoted himself to studying the Foundation Establishment process. Before he went into seclusion, Sect Leader Kang Da gave him Upper-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill that he had obtained from Kuang Liuting. The latter did not hesitate to refuse; the two brothers who had grown up together and depended on each other did not need such treatment.

After another long talk with Kang Dabao, Ye Zhengwen went into seclusion. The latter obtained the Foundation Establishment Pill from Jiang Qing for him, but whether it would work or not was up to fate.

Pei Yi obtained the Yi Wood Green Willow Heart from Kang Dabao. However, his status as First-Tier Middle-Grade Alchemist was no longer sufficient for the position of the Chongming Sect Transmission of Skills in the Chongming Sect. Yet, the latter keenly sensed the urgency in Pei Yi's heart, which was clearly not solely due to this matter. Just thinking of Pei Yi's enemy, Sect Leader Kang Da...

The Foundation Establishment of the three mentioned above was not urgent, but Ye Zhengwen's will was very firm and unshakable, and Kang Dabao could not persuade him to go into seclusion. However, Pei Yi and Yuan Jin's rapid progress in cultivation over the years was due to the nourishment of many elixirs.

Under these circumstances, it's impossible for them to attempt Foundation Establishment so soon after reaching the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, like Sect Leader Kang Da and Jiang Qing. They would need more time to perfect their foundations before they could establish a true Dao Foundation.

Kang Dabao was naturally pleased with this, as the next appearance of spiritual dew was only a few years away. Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't openly discuss the preciousness of this substance with the two brothers, only telling them not to be impatient and to first solidify their foundation.

After a period of arduous cultivation, He Wanying finally broke through her original realm. However, her request to see Feng Wan was refused by Kang Dabao, who went back on his word. Despite being thoroughly exasperated by her, the Sect Leader Kang Da ultimately couldn't resist his junior sister's whims and acted as a "wicked queen mother," allowing the Cowherd and Weaver Girl to meet for a brief day after years of separation, thus alleviating their longing.

In the past six months, under the careful guidance of the Dragon Beast Master, Duan Anle has become the third second-generation disciple of the Chongming Sect, after Kang and Jin, to break through to the First-Tier Middle-Grade all arts.

The Grass Deer and Fire Boar they raise have reached a considerable scale, allowing them to supply Chongming Small Pavilion with goods in an orderly and quantitative manner. They can even barely control the Golden-Feathered Owl colony, which has always been under the command of a single Dragon Beast Master, further enhancing the foundation of the Chongming Sect.

Not only that, several masters have gone into seclusion or gone out to cultivate, and the majority of the burdens of the Chongming Sect have been shouldered by this second disciple of the sect leader;

Pei Que and Ming Zhe led a caravan on another trip. Now, business was much easier for the Chongming Sect. In the entire Cloud Horn Prefecture, there were hardly any families who dared to disobey the rules.

Even if the heroes of the surrounding mountains and rivers are fond of Spirit Stone and resources, they still have to think carefully: can they withstand the Double Brightness Leader Chongming, or can they withstand the flying sword of the Jade-Faced Sword Immortal?

After many years of hard work, the Sect Leader Kang Da the Chongming Sect no longer have to suffer the hardships that a certain fat peddler once endured, and can instead engage in honest and peaceful business.

Jin Shilun did not immediately return to the Chongming Small Pavilion to work, but stayed in the sect, taking over He Yuanbing's duties Chongming City commander, and devoted himself to cultivation. Mo'er did not object, and together with Zhou Xinran, they hired a new rank-up chef in Double Brightness Trade Market.

With the Fei Household chef from Green Lotus Courtyard also visiting Chongming Small Pavilion for several days each month to provide guidance, and with the added support of the patrol team from the Thief-Catching Office, which has a deeper connection with the Chongming Sect, it's no wonder that the two women's business is thriving.

Kang Rongquan and Zhou Yixiu were engrossed in studying the Buddhist plant manual that Sect Leader Kang Da had obtained from Chu Yanran, but the method was truly profound, and they made no progress for the time being. Even when the Daoist Black Shoes was about to meet with Chu Yanran, the latter had explained the true meaning of what she said to them several times, but they still couldn't succeed. It seems that they probably need some more time to refine their skills.

Fortunately, after experiencing many things, Zhou Yixiu returned to his single-minded and dedicated old farmer demeanor. This remained unchanged even after Jade Moon Shan Household married off another legitimate daughter to him as his second wife.

Zhou Yixiu's only disciple, Zhang Le, was unable to fulfill his duties as a supervisor of his beginner disciples due to his lack of cultivation ability, and thus resigned from the position within the year.

Because Zhou Yixiu, along with Kang and Mo, had successfully cultivated Plain Snow Stamen into a grade-one Spirit Plant a few years ago, Chongming Sect already possessed the basic conditions for raising spiritual bees.

Among the talents Fei Shuhe brought back, very few were proficient in the art of Mushishi. Zhang Le, besides receiving instruction from Sect Leader Kang Da, also spent several months seeking guidance from Lu Yunniang at the Caishi Lu Household, carrying the latter's letter.

After that, Zhang Le bought a nest of spirit bees at Double Brightness Trade Market. However, in the eyes of Sect Leader Kang Da and Lu Yunniang, the probability of Zhang Le successfully becoming a Rank Insect Master was only a matter of chance.

However, Kang Dabao still supported this, because if Zhang Le really succeeded through perseverance, he would not only find a way out for himself, but Chongming Sect would also have another source of income.

The position of supervising the beginner disciples, which Zhang Le was succeeded by, was Chongming Sect Ye Yaoling, another female disciple of Chongming Sect. This woman was quite talented in Technique Method and had some remarkable insights into some basic scriptures. Therefore, she was much more suitable for this position than Zhang Le.

Her mastery of water magic was already quite profound. Kang Dabao had even considered whether to give Ye Yaoling the Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade Cultivation Method, "Water Moon Light-Splitting Art," which she had obtained from the tomb.

However, this matter is still some time away. Even if Ye Yaoling is truly a perfect match, Sect Leader Kang Da will at least have to wait until she has completed her Foundation Establishment before handing over this sect's most precious treasure to her for practice.

With his master Yuan Jin in seclusion, Ye Pingshui moved in with his unfortunate brother Yuan Changsheng. Compared to the latter, who was just beginning his Alchemist career and whose cultivation had stagnated, Ye Pingshui's cultivation was much smoother. Not only had he reached the threshold of First-Tier Middle-Grade master, but his cultivation had also broken through to the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining.

However, the "Savage Ox Scripture" he practiced was only at the Desolate-Tier Lower-Grade. Although he was faster than his fellow disciples, it had no outstanding features, and his future Dao Path was still uncertain.

Over the years, the progress of not only these disciples who entered the school very early can be described as rapid and remarkable.

As the power of the Chongming Sect grew stronger, the annual Immortal Ascension Ceremony held at Little Ring Mountain also became increasingly influential. Talented individuals were readily available, and the number and strength of the new graduates emerging from the Gu Su "Old Academy" were also increasing.

Correspondingly, the instructors borrowed from the Fei Household became increasingly busy in the Hundred Arts Pavilion; the annual allowances distributed to the disciples increased; the Chongming Sect held onto Ping and Jin counties even more tightly; and the voices of the Sect Leader Kang Da were being listened to more and more by cultivators in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

This newly revived Foundation Establishment sect seems to be constantly generating fresh blood. For her, the title of "Number One Sect in Pingrong" seems to have become somewhat bland.

She might rise to an unprecedented height under the current leader, a height that would make all the local forces in Cloud Horn Prefecture tremble at her mere mention of her name.

That day may be far off, or it may come sooner than expected. But in any case, the Chongming Sect is gradually moving closer to this goal.

Against this backdrop, the Chongming Sect's new year's Immortal Ascension Assembly is about to begin.

(It's almost the end of the month, and you've all given me so many monthly votes! Let Lao Bai organize them and write a separate chapter to express my gratitude.)

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on the three fellow disciples who are about to Foundation Establishment? Since this isn't a very satisfying story, it's unrealistic for them all to Foundation Establishment. I have two possible endings for each of Lao Bai in mind, so I'd like to hear everyone's opinions. Please leave a comment if you have any ideas, thank you!

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