The clan elder's summons, the county commandant's inspection

"Is that a big shot sent from Ying Prefecture?"

"Which elder of the Fei Household is that Golden Core cultivator standing atop the Third Tier spirit bird? To be able to control such a magnificent spirit bird, one must be exceptionally skilled even among Golden Core cultivators."

"You ignorant fool! That man with the upper and lower head is the elder of the Fei Household! Fei Household Juntian Bird, has never been mentioned to you by your elders? He was a great figure who killed a Golden Core cultivator from the Blood Sword Sect sixty years ago."

"Juntian Bird? Isn't that the Fei Household's guardian spirit bird? Fei Ye Shui actually sent it to Cloud Horn Prefecture too?!"

In an instant, everyone present, whether powerful figures from the border regions or nobles from the capital, whether knowledgeable or ignorant, was astonished by the wondrous bird in the sky and began to murmur amongst themselves.

Fei Nanying, accompanied by Kang Dabao, came out to greet them. Upon seeing this, he frowned and softly called out, "Silence, all cultivators! Come and offer your congratulations to our guest, and pay respects to the elder of the Fei Household!"

The cultivators in the Fei family residence, regardless of whether they were inside or outside, were all not at the True Core. Paying respects to the Fei Household elder was certainly not a loss, so they immediately followed Fei Nanying, bowing their heads in greeting. "Greetings, Elder!"

Having been in the Fei Household for so many years, the Juntian Bird had long been accustomed to being worshipped by generations of younger generations. It showed no reaction to the actions below, simply remaining suspended in the sky above Xuanwei City, its tone discontented. "Is this place, with its murky Spiritual Qi, fit for human habitation?"

"Elder, this has always been the case in these border states," Nanxi cautiously interjected from the side. Before she could say anything more, a tall, imposing cultivator came rushing over, his feet treading on spiritual light.

A tall, imposing man with a broad face and a deep, dignified air followed closely behind. He had a somewhat cheerful and easygoing demeanor, but his face was unfamiliar, and it was unclear who he was. Judging by his age Dao Foundation, he was likely a rare and outstanding young man.

"Nanying had not expected that it would be Elder Juntian Bird Tianqin himself coming, and had not been able to greet him from afar. He hopes the Elder will accept this."

Fei Nanying's polite words were interrupted by Juntian Bird's voice before he could finish. Jun Tianqin said in a deep voice, "Nanying, stop with the platitudes. If you want to hear that, I've heard it all over your Fei Lineage territory."

If there's nothing new to say, then it'd better arrange accommodations as soon as possible so I can finally get rid of this burden of being a descendant."

Even though the clan's guardian spirit bird wasn't particularly enthusiastic, Fei Nanying's joy was still evident. He bowed even more respectfully, saying, "Ha, Elder, you are truly extraordinary. Please rest at your residence first, Nanying. I will bring my wife and children to pay you a visit later."

Juntian Bird already had a good impression of Fei Nanying, and seeing the latter's respectful attitude, he said, "Well, I'll stay here for a few days and then leave. You're such a simple boy. Does She Mountain Hall really not have the resources to upgrade this Spirit Vein to the next level? You can tolerate it, but I can't."

Later I'll go to that damned Cold Crow Mountain Range for a bit of fun, kill a couple of stupid Third Tier beasts, and occupy two decent Third Tier Spirit Vein. That way, your She Mountain Hall will have a few more places to stay."

"Thank you for your concern, Elder Zong." Fei Nanying was about to bow again, but Juntian Bird refused to accept it.

The palaces and buildings on its back opened their doors, and Fei Wanqing and a battalion of the Ying Mountain Army emerged one after another. The father and daughter had been reunited for a long time and were about to say hello when the Vast Heaven Spirit Bird shrank its body, ready to flee.

But as he was leaving, he glanced at the somewhat unremarkable, imposing man behind Fei Nanying and said, "This burly man looks ordinary, but his Essence Blood is incredibly refined and tempting. Nanying, what is his background? If I were to devour him, regardless of the Golden Core, would any other True Person come looking for me?!"

Kang Dabao, who had been standing obediently in the middle of the field, immediately felt his hair stand on end upon hearing the words of this "thieving bird." He felt that the yellow spots in the giant bird's eyes were quite terrifying, and in just a moment, they had completely scanned him.

Fei Nanxi, who was standing nearby, saw this and felt a desire to watch the show.

"If the people Fei Nanying brought are really swallowed up by Elder Zong like snacks, it will be interesting how they get along in the future."

Unexpectedly, the look of astonishment in Fei Nanying's eyes was only fleeting. He put aside his only daughter for the moment and respectfully replied to Juntian Bird, "Reporting to Elder, this Kang Dabao is Nanying's nephew-in-law Shuhe's husband. This junior comes from a small sect and is foolish and slow-witted. I am intimidated by Elder's divine power and dare not step forward to pay my respects. I hope Elder will forgive me."

"Kang Dabao, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and pay your respects to Elder Juntian Bird Qin! This is the pillar of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, the golden beam that holds the sea together, the elder whom I, Fei Nanying, respect the most."

However, even in front of three Golden Core cultivators, Sect Leader Kang Da remained fearless and composed, which only served to highlight his brilliant and refined aura.

He bowed deeply and spoke respectfully, "This junior Chongming Sect Kang Dabao, is fortunate to have received the support of Boyue and the kindness of the Fei Household, and to have the honor of meeting Elder Zong in person. It is an honor I have been fortunate to have for three lifetimes."

Upon seeing Juntian Bird felt somewhat embarrassed by the respectful behavior of the father-in-law and son-in-law.

Since he considered himself an elder of the Fei Household, and this Qi and Blood young man was the Fei Household's son-in-law, he couldn't just treat him like a snack to be chewed up at will. Moreover, his previous words had indeed been quite insulting. For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.

Fei Nanxi's surprise lingered for a long time, clearly taken aback by Kang Dabao's composed demeanor.

He naturally knew that his own Juntian Bird Clan Elder was not comparable to an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. Even a cultivator with slightly lower cultivation would feel extremely uncomfortable being stared at by the former's burning gaze.

Kang Dabao, a mere Foundation Establishment from the borderlands, had probably never even seen Golden Core cultivator before. Yet, under such immense pressure, he still maintained such composure and demeanor.

That sheer audacity puts her to shame, surpassing 99% of the Fei Household cultivators.

He was unaware that Kang Dabao had been saved by the Azure Smoke of Creation, and simply thought that the person in front of him was an exceptional individual, one in a million.

He had cultivated himself for nearly two hundred years, met many princes and nobles, and had connections with high-ranking officials, so his judgment was certainly not poor.

But upon suddenly seeing Kang Dabao today, he realized that the latter's future achievements would be considerable, and he felt even more strongly that the small branch of the Qiu River Hall that had previously sent to Cloud Horn Prefecture was full of blind and deaf people.

Fei Nanxi cursed inwardly, "Such a beautiful and talented man, and they wouldn't even marry off a concubine's daughter, letting that Fei Nanying get the better deal?!"

Fei Nanxi aside Fenanxi's resentment, Juntian Bird grinned in a remarkably human-like manner and said to Kang Dabao, "You're not bad, kid. Later, when I go to the Cold Crow Mountain Range to kill a few ignorant beasts, I'll share the spoils with you, kid Nanying."

After saying this, it didn't wait for anyone to react. It simply flapped its wings and took over the cultivation spot with the most abundant Spiritual Qi.

Only then did Fei Nanying have time to step forward and greet Fei Nanxi, whose expression was complicated. "Brother Nanxi, it has indeed been a long time since we last met."

"Congratulations, cousin," Fei Nanxi said, clearly not in high spirits. After a polite greeting, he didn't say anything more to Fei Nanying. Instead, he pointed to a battalion of the Ying Mountain Army behind him and said, "These are the elite troops that the Ancestor specially assigned for you. They are among the top troops in the Ying Mountain Army. Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement their qi. Ordinary Golden Core cultivators can't do anything to them. Make good use of them. I'll give you some more time to settle in. Then, come with me back Gui Household to pay your respects to the Ancestor."

"Brother, you've worked hard." After Fei Nanying, Fei Nanxi showed no interest in socializing with others and went straight to his lodgings to rest.

"Wanqing greets Father and Brother-in-law." Fei Wanqing waited until the elders finished speaking before stepping forward and giving a graceful bow.

Fei Nanying first sent his close nephews and nieces to settle a battalion of the Ying Mountain Army before turning to speak with Fei Wanqing.

He was clearly a strict father; even though he was warm-hearted, his expression showed no affection. "Not bad, you haven't wasted your time in the clan's territory."

The Sect Leader Kang Da felt that the woman in front of him was just as beautiful as his own wife, each with her own unique charm, like plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums.

Just as he was about to speak, he felt a gaze fixed on him, so he stopped looking and simply bowed halfway as a greeting to Fei Wanqing.

"Fellow Bian Hu still has something to discuss with me, and I don't want to keep my guest waiting, so I'll take my leave now." Sect Leader Kang Da assumed that the father and daughter hadn't seen each other for a long time and had a lot to talk about, so after making an excuse, he slipped back into his residence, leaving Fei Nanying and his daughter to talk alone.

"Father, this brother-in-law doesn't quite resemble the legend." Fei Wanqing had received many letters from the Fei Household sisters beforehand.

Bianzhou was in distress, and these wealthy young ladies inevitably expressed their sorrow in their letters. They also frequently mentioned Kang Dabao, an unconventional figure among the Fei Household's sons-in-law. However, according to the Fei Household ladies' perspective, their evaluation of Sect Leader Kang Da was not high, which was quite different from what Fei Shuhe had said in her letters in recent years.

Fei Wanqing was also quite surprised, because her cousin was actually a very self-respecting person. However, in just a few years, Fei Shuhe's evaluation of her fat husband in her letters went from not mentioning him at all to several pages of letters, and the emotions between the lines could hardly be concealed, all revealing the four words "Ruyi".

This change made Fei Wanqing quite curious about her brother-in-law, who came from a small, remote faction. However, her gaze lingered on Kang Dabao's back for only a moment before she heard Fei Nanying cough lightly beside her. "This kid has some connections, but he's not exactly a good person. In the future, when you go to see your sister He, remember to avoid getting involved with him."

"Your daughter understands." Seeing that Fei Wanqing was very obedient, Fei Nanying spoke again, "The Shannan Circuit is turbulent now, so you shouldn't stay any longer. After you've met your mother and sisters, rest for a few days, and then come back to Ying Prefecture with me."

"Daughter has come here to..." Fei Wanqing was interrupted by Fei Nanying with a gesture before she could finish speaking, "After the Lord Core Formation, regardless of the quality of the pill, you can come then. Just wait, it won't be long."

---- Tanggu County, Dantong Cliff

Kang Rongquan instructed several newly hired agricultural experts from the Kuai Household to plant one mu of Plain Snow Stamen a type of shrub).

This Spirit Plant is not of high grade, but because it was cultivated independently by Zhou Yixiu, it is still quite rare on the market.

In recent years, Pei Yi has conducted research on more than ten kinds of single-herb formulas and selected them as substitutes for several First Tier medium-to-high-quality spirit medicine. In addition, Zhang Le's years of taming spirit bees and brewing spirit honey have further expanded the market for Plain Snow Stamen.

Kuai En had been working tirelessly for the several acres of spirit fields he had cultivated for the Kuai Household, but after deducting the costs of seeds, spirit fertilizer, and hiring farming masters, he hadn't earned much Spirit Stone. That's why he had turned to Pei Yi for help again.

After receiving permission from Sect Leader Kang Da, the latter instructed Zhou Yixiu to bestow the spiritual seed and cultivation method. Out of respect for his master's wife, Kang Rongquan reluctantly accepted this lucrative task from the Merit Points Hall.

"I'm troubling you again, fellow Daoist. The entire Kuai Household will forever remember your kindness." Kuai En had grown increasingly old lately, and his words had become more and more exaggerated. He would often utter phrases like "forever remember" and "repay kindness with gratitude." Kang Rongquan had heard these kinds of words so many times during his stay at the Kuai Household that he was tired of them and didn't care much for them.

He responded irritably and waved his hand, signaling Kuai En to calm down for a while. Pei Yi had become much more subdued after failing to Foundation Establishment, and his injuries also weighed him down, making even daily qi cultivation extremely painful.

As Pei Yi's eldest disciple, Kang Rongquan was naturally in a bad mood. After spending so much time dealing with mundane affairs in the spirit field, his heart was filled with even more frustration.

He didn't want to speak, but seeing the fervent look in Kuai En's eyes, he had no choice but to continue, "Brother Xiu Ming from Ingenious Craftsman Fort will be coming over in a few days to select any qualified young disciples from your family who can cultivate there. This is an opportunity that my master went to great lengths to secure from Sect Leader Mo Ingenious Craftsman Fort Ingenious Craftsman Fort, and it took a huge favor. You must make sure your young men prepare well and don't miss this opportunity."

"Uncle-in-law... actually... I, Kuai En, will remember this forever." Upon hearing Kang Rongquan's words, Kuai En's face was filled with gratitude. Although he used the same words as before, it was not difficult for others to perceive that the sentiment was different.

Kang Rongquan had no interest in speaking further to this diligent yet somewhat shameless young Lineage leader, and instead focused his attention on the several cultivators in the spirit field, each with their own unique techniques and mixed spiritual energy.

Although Zhou Yixiu imparted all his knowledge and Kang Rongquan personally guided them, it remained uncertain whether these unskilled farmers could enable the Kuai Household to make a name for themselves.

"I only hope the Kuai Household recovers soon, so that Kuai En won't have to complain about being poor to his master's wife and bother his master again." Kang Rongquan sighed inwardly, but then he heard a commotion coming from the official road outside.

The visitors were very impressive, with eighteen wild geese carrying cassia branches, six pairs of auspicious beasts leading the way, and four spirited steeds clearing the path.

Fairy boys scatter flowers, jade maidens sprinkle dew, strongmen hold up flags, and imperial guards beat gongs.

"Who is that?" Kang Rongquan's gaze was drawn to it, Kuai En didn't even need to look; he knew who it was just from the sound.

So he casually replied, "That's the newly appointed county magistrate of Tanggu County, named Gui Xiang. I heard he's the son-in-law of the Yue Household, a very distinguished person."

Kang Rongquan's pupils dilated, his eyes revealing undisguised disgust. He recited Duan Anle's instructions, muttered a few words, and seemed to have instantly come up with an idea.