Trouble Arose

In the quiet room, a ray of morning light shone through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone slabs.

The air inside was filled with a faint scent of pine, and wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner beside him. Jiang Qing, unusually, had removed his black outfit and was now dressed in a plain white robe, with a long sword at his waist and a brocade eyebrow band on his head. His eyes were closed, and he was focused and calm.

The fighting in White Sand County had subsided, and Yuan Buwen, along with his family members and close associates, remained secluded at home. Even when the leader of the Two Instruments Sect personally sent a letter, the Jingnan Yuan Household did not respond in the slightest.

Despite his injuries, Zheng Household False Core led his clansmen to repair the dilapidated formation of Old Ox Mountain. Under these circumstances, Jiang Qing and Yuan Jin were relieved of their duties of searching for bandits.

Jiang Qing didn't understand why Yuan Buwen, that old fox, was so disregardful of the six Golden Core Two Instruments Sect. He didn't even think about it, and simply returned to the sect with Yuan Jin to True Cultivator.

As a soft sigh fell in the quiet room, Jiang Qing slowly opened his eyes, stood with his sword in hand, drew the longsword, a sudden gust of wind arose, and a flash of cold light passed by.

The sword's edge sliced through the void, its clear, resonant sound like the grand tolling of a great bell or the gentle murmur of a chime. Gradually, the sound of the Sword Qi cutting through the air echoed throughout the room, never ceasing.

Even as sweat began to seep onto Jiang Qing's forehead and brows, his expression remained completely unchanged.

He focused solely on the Crimson Heart Scorching Sun Sword in his hand, the blade flashing with sharp Sword-Ray as he wielded it, illuminating every corner of the quiet room.

About fifteen minutes later, Jiang Qing's movements became increasingly swift, and the Sword-Ray became increasingly sharp, as if it could cut through the air in the quiet room. Each time the Sword-Ray touched the ground, it caused the ground to tremble slightly.

Suddenly, a crisp sound came from inside the room. The bluestone slab, which was engraved with restrictions, finally could not withstand the pressure and left a series of thin sword marks on it.

Seeing this, Jiang Qing closed his eyes and shut his senses, reciting the "Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic" several times in his mind. The sword manual given to him by Second Master Ming back then was indeed extraordinary, just as he had said.

Although this senior Qingfuzi remained at the Foundation Establishment stage throughout his life, his skill in swordsmanship was remarkable.

Not only does Jiang Qing often review what he has learned and gain new insights, but even a self-important person like the Daoist Black Shoes would occasionally pick it up and study it, only lamenting that he was born at the wrong time and could not have a long talk with this kindred spirit.

In addition, Jiang Qing had memorized the "Three Yang Sword Instruction" perfectly since childhood.

After mastering the Chongming Sect's original top-secret Cultivation Method to perfection, Jiang Qing had reached a height that no one in the Chongming Sect had ever climbed in over a hundred years. Even so, Jiang Qing did not stop there.

This is thanks to the excellent family tradition fostered by the teachings and example of the Sect Leader Kang Da Chongming Sect, and the unity and harmony among all members of the family.

The Chongming Sect's Scripture Pavilion contains sword techniques ranging from the Hong Grade Supreme Grade to the Desolate-Tier Lower-Grade. Jiang Qing only needs to spend a small amount of Merit Points that is insignificant to him to read them all.

He had a deep affection for the "Three Yang Sword Instruction" and understood its true meaning, so he thought of making some improvements on it to add another commendable swordsmanship lineage to the Chongming Sect.

However, the sword manuals collected in the library come from diverse sources, and their quality is inevitably uneven. Jiang Qing had to expend a great deal of effort to study them.

However, this situation should improve somewhat afterward.

This is because, in the years since Elder Ye Zhengwen of the Foreign Affairs Department Foundation Establishment, in addition to consolidating his realm, he has been leading his disciples in compiling and revising the Cultivation Method in the Scripture Pavilion.

Thanks to the concerted efforts of the Chongming Sect disciples, the scale of the Sutra Repository is now far greater than it was in the past.

Therefore, for such an important matter, Ye Zhengwen's skills, which were extremely close to those of Second Tier Spirit Appraiser, were somewhat inadequate.

Therefore, Ye Zhengwen can only lead the younger generation to start sorting out the Desolate Tier classics for now. Only when they are more proficient and have a better understanding will they be able to proceed with the next step of classifying and arranging the Hong Grade classics.

Organizing the library is clearly a task that cannot be accomplished in a short period of time; it may take decades to see initial results.

Before that, Jiang Qing still needed to study and research on her own, discarding the dross and retaining the essence.

However, he was, after all, a sword genius who only appeared once every hundred years in the Chongming Sect, and his talent was considered Higher Vehicle even in the eyes of high-ranking officials like Fei Nanying and Zhu Tong. It was only a matter of time before the "Three Yang Sword Instruction" would be revitalized and further improved in his hands.

In the words of the Daoist Black Shoes, "Once we find some powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators to hone our swordsmanship and some mediocre Pill Master to forge our sharpness, Brother Qing's Swordsmanship will be comparable to mine."

Knowing that the Daoist Black Shoes rarely used words of encouragement, Jiang Qing took these words to heart.

For decades, the sect leader had been supporting the sect, but he was only a paperhanger. The task of protecting the sect was initially handled by the second senior brother, Yuan Jin, but later, as Jiang Qing grew older, he took over from Yuan Jin.

Later, Jiang Qing and Kang Dabao successively Foundation Establishment, leaving Yuan Jin far behind. Even though Jiang Qing had only been in the Foundation Establishment for twenty or thirty years, he had already experienced killing someone of the same level in battle, which was rare among False Core True Disciple and Golden Core disciples. However, he still could not keep up with the Sect Leader Kang Da, who had accumulated a lot of experience.

Jiang Qing claimed that she didn't feel any envy or jealousy, but she did feel a sense of loss.

From a young age, he was determined to become the sharpest sword in his senior brother's hand. No matter what demons, monsters, or evil spirits lurked in the path to the sect's restoration, he would sweep them away with a single sword stroke, clearing the way for his senior brother, even unto death!

But if he continues to fall behind his senior brother, he will have to live under his protection like the younger generation in the future, which is something Jiang Qing absolutely cannot accept.

It's unclear how much time passed, but a fierce aura rose from the Sword-Sharpening Stone on Jiang Qing's chest, as if to unseal his dull weapon and temper it into a divine sword.

As the morning light inside softened, accompanied by the rising smoke from the incense burner, a transcendent atmosphere was created.

Jiang Qing stopped chanting, gently pushed open the door of the quiet room, and stepped out, leaving behind only the scent of pine resin and the intent of swordsmanship.

After stepping out of the quiet room, there was no one to serve him. Jiang Qing never used pretty maids, servants, or personal sword attendants. Also, because Pei Yi failed to Foundation Establishment and shortened his lifespan, Pei Que temporarily relinquished his duties with the Double Brightness Caravan. This business was then managed by Ming Zhe, Jiang Qing's only disciple.

With Ming Zhe shouldering this great responsibility, he naturally had no opportunity to serve his master properly.

Fortunately, Jiang Qing never cared about such things. He summoned the junior who had taken on the role of guest master and read through all the letters written during his seclusion.

The first letter came from the capital. Jiang Qing only had one acquaintance there, so it goes without saying who sent it. However, he had no interest in even glancing at it, and simply put it into his Storage Bag without paying any more attention to it.

The second letter was from Ji Yunsheng, one of the Four Friends of Cold Mountain. His fourth brother, Lu Xingbei, had lost three pairs of his six ice crystal spears on Old Ox Mountain, and his Second, Zhou Zhaoyi, had been seriously injured by Yuan Buwen, a cousin of Yuan Lang. He was writing to ask for help.

The former wanted to invite a weapon craftsman from the Fei Household to refine weapons, while the latter needed a pill Alchemist Fei Household to cure his illness. Both were important matters, which is why they came to seek help.

Despite the fact that the Four Friends of Cold Mountain had swallowed up most of Lang Yi's inheritance and seemed to have a great business empire in Hong County, they still had no way to entrust the Fei Household's retainers with any favors.

Jiang Qing was on very good terms with the Four Friends of Cold Mountain, was the junior brother of Fei Household's son-in-law. How could he not use such a relationship?

The four brothers were loyal and upright, and they felt that it didn't matter that they owed Chongming Sect a lot of favors.

After all, who knows how many more battles will take place in Cloud Horn Prefecture and Shannan Circuit in the future? There will be many more times when Sect Leader Kang Da will need his brothers. At worst, he can just pay off some lives.

Jiang Qing was a man of honor, and even though the Four Friends of Cold Mountain had fallen into a predicament because they had helped Chongming Sect, he said it was none of his business and he would help them anyway. He immediately made a note of the matter, thinking that if he met his sister-in-law later, he could ask her for help.

There's a saying that "an older sister-in-law is like a mother, and a younger brother-in-law is like a son." While this is somewhat of an exaggeration, ever since Fei Shuhe entrusted her heart to Sect Leader Kang Da, Jiang Qing has also come to regard this noblewoman from a wealthy family as his sister-in-law.

Given this relationship, he would never treat Fei Shuhe with the slightest distance. After all, if Fei Shuhe were to fall into trouble in the future, Jiang Qing's sword would certainly not remain sheathed.

The remaining letters were all written by renowned True Cultivator, including direct descendants of the Yue Household, key figures in the state government, direct disciples of False Core cultivators, and heads of their respective schools.

The tone of the letters was quite friendly, without a trace of arrogance.

After all, Chongming Sect has been at the height of its power in the past year or two. As an elder of the Chongming Sect Ice Leaf Foundation Establishment with a wide circle of friends, Jiang Qing True Cultivator attracted the attention of some senior cultivators who wanted to befriend him.

Jiang Qing read through the letters one by one, but showed no interest whatsoever. After all, he was currently Yixin on cultivation and had no time to go out.

However, it's not easy to ignore this letter. Reading it without replying would be an offense. Eccentric people often emerge among spiritual practitioners, and no one can guarantee that they won't be resented for such a trivial matter.

Jiang Qing might not be afraid of offending others, but he was afraid of the Sect Leader Kang Da's nagging afterward, so he could only reply sincerely with a letter and send it out by a spirit bird from the sect.

After finishing these tasks, Jiang Qing summoned Han Xundao, who was on duty that day, and asked softly, "Have Senior Brother and Sister-in-law returned yet?"

After all, Jiang Qing's sister-in-law was no small figure, so the latter needed to think for a moment before answering, "Reporting to the elder, the sect leader and his wife have not yet returned."

"When my senior brother left, he said he would return after the ceremony, but three months have passed and he's still at the Fei Household." Jiang Qing was puzzled. When she went to the Sutra Repository to look through the classics, she learned the news from Ye Zhengwen, who was organizing the Daoist Canon with Ye Yaoling and Zhang Le:

"Last time, my senior brother, the sect leader, sent someone to spread the news that he had gained the favor of the Fei Household elder and was to accompany his Boyue to the Ying Prefecture clan territory to pay respects to the Fei Household's patriarch Ye Shui. My sister-in-law is also going along, and they may have already set off."

"Tsk, this is getting a bit tricky."

Seeing the troubled look on Jiang Qing's face, Ye Zhengwen paused and asked in a questioning voice, "What's troubling you Brother Qing?"

There was nothing to hide about this matter, so Jiang Qing explained the letter from Ji Yunsheng. After listening, Ye Zhengwen thought for a moment and then said:

"My sister-in-law has returned to Ying Prefecture, but I heard that Nanny Sun did not go with her this time. She should have returned much earlier, but she saw her son, who had joined that damned 'Ying Mountain Army,' in Xuanwei City, and stayed a few more days under the pretext of visiting her family."

She should be back in a day or two. Then Brother Qing can go and ask her. She's been with the Fei Household for many years and must have some familiar retainers. If Junior Brother invites her, we'll owe her a favor anyway."

After thinking about it for a while, Jiang Qing thought Ye Zhengwen's idea was not bad. He then remembered that although there were many Fei Household members in the Hundred Arts Pavilion, there was not a single Second Tier figure among them.

Such a person would be considered a valuable asset to the wealthy and powerful She Mountain Hall, and they couldn't easily be taken away as part of their daughter's dowry.

"Given my family's current situation, who knows, after a while, the Fei Household might also be willing to send some Second Tier figures over? Sigh, how pathetic! Why can't my Chongming Sect recruit them ourselves? Relying on the Fei Household for everything, won't outsiders laugh at my senior brother for becoming the Fei Household's son-in-law?!"

Jiang Qing was indeed quite different from his good-for-nothing senior brother. The moment that poor, stingy thought flashed through his mind, a surge of ambition rose in his heart.

After bidding farewell to Ye Zhengwen, Jiang Qing went to Green Lotus Courtyard to find Nanny Sun. When the gatekeeper saw his son-in-law's junior brother arrive, he completely suppressed his usual arrogant demeanor.

After listening attentively to Jiang Qing's purpose, he regretfully informed her that Nanny Sun had not yet returned.

Jiang Qing was preoccupied with something and felt a little irritable, but on her way back to her clan, she encountered Pei Yi, who was hunched over and returning from gathering herbs. Besides Pei Que, a young girl was standing by his side.

This girl was none other than Pei Zhu'er, the only daughter of Pei Yi and the Lady Kuai. Now in her teens, she had grown into a graceful young woman, but she was a mere mortal without any good fortune.

According to the rules set by Sect Leader Kang Da, Pei Zhu'er was sent to Chongming City at a young age and raised by members of the Pei Household.

Despite their extreme wealth and status, the separation of family members is a human tragedy. Kang Dabao wanted to grant Pei Yi a special favor, but the latter, who always set an example, sternly refused.

It wasn't until Pei Yi failed to Foundation Establishment that Sect Leader Kang Da, disregarding his objections, forcibly summoned Pei Zhu'er to the mountain gate to serve him.

However, this girl, whom the elders considered unlucky, was a true noblewoman in Chongming City. Having grown up without ever lifting a finger, how could she possibly do the work of serving others? This made Pei Yi, who was delighted to see her like this, also feel worried.

When Jiang Qing met his senior brother, who was known among his peers for his "handsome appearance and handsome appearance," he saw that he had lost all his former charm and looked like an extremely old, purple-skinned sweet potato. Jiang Qingfu felt so sorry for him that he almost shed tears.

"Senior Brother Pei, what... what's going on?"

Pei Yi smiled calmly and said softly, "Ahem, Junior Brother Jiang, don't worry. I'm much better now. I've recovered from my injuries in a while, and I'm confident I'll be able to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in a few years."

Pei Que, with red eyes and a somewhat bewildered Pei Zhu'er, came forward to greet them. Pei and Jiang, however, tacitly left them behind and spoke in hushed tones.

Jiang Qing naturally took the medicine basket from Pei Yi's back and carried it on his back. The next moment, he heard Pei Yi say, "Junior Brother Jiang, I know my own injuries. I won't die. I just need to take good care of myself."

But Pei Que is a good-for-nothing. He doesn't know how to contribute to the sect outside. Instead, he just stays at home wasting Spirit Stone on me. He's not very promising. Even the sect leader spoils him. I've tried beating him and scolding him, but I can't get rid of him.

Junior brother, you are the most renowned among the younger generation. Please speak on my behalf when you have time. A true man should have ambitions beyond his hometown. I have my own daughter to raise. I don't need this cousin to put on a show of filial piety in front of me to try and seize my wealth and property. Wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of the Pei Household?!

After Pei Yi finished speaking, it was unclear whether he genuinely believed he could deceive Jiang Qing or himself. Jiang Qing didn't say much, but listened silently and responded indifferently. Pei Yi, however, was satisfied, and simply grinned and thanked him with a cupped hand.

The two remained silent, and the four of them, accompanied by Pei Yi's deathly aura, returned to the Chongming Sect's archway.

Today, Zhou Yixiu happened to be returning from Hong County to report to Yuan Jin, so the four of them called Ye Zhengwen to temporarily stop what they were doing and went into Zhou Yixiu's small courtyard to talk.

Zhou Yixiu's courtyard remained unchanged, without a chessboard, still perpetually spring-like, and adorned with blooming flowers. The new Lady Shan, was still more beautiful than the flowers and had a voluptuous figure.

However, everyone felt that something was missing here, and their gazes toward Pei Yi were tinged with worry.

Pei Yi noticed this, but laughed nonchalantly, "Brothers, there's no need to worry. Although I've shortened my lifespan, I haven't lost any hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment. I just need to recuperate for two years, and then I can try again."

Since he had already said so much, no one dared to say anything more. Yuan Jin lightly tapped his knuckles, took a cup of refreshing spiritual tea from Lady Shan's hand, forced a smile, and said in a calm voice:

"That's right. If all the brothers True Cultivator over the past two years, we can earn a Foundation Establishment Pill for Senior Brother Pei as soon as possible. If another war breaks out, that would be good too; perhaps we can even earn one for Junior Brother Zhou as well."

"Haha, absolutely right!" Yuan Jin's words immediately made everyone laugh. Whether the laughter was genuine or not, it greatly improved the atmosphere in the courtyard.

A slight smile appeared on Lady Shan's face, but Zhou Yixiu gestured for Lady Shan to leave. What was about to be said were sect secrets, and it was not appropriate for outsiders to hear them.

Just as Zhou Yixiu was about to speak, an alarm bell rang within the sect.

Everyone frowned at first, but then felt much relieved. The alarm bell had stopped ringing three times, meaning that it was only True Disciple outside the sect who was in danger, not a major enemy attacking.

But this matter is no small thing. After all, any True Disciple of the Chongming Sect is now a precious treasure, and his status is not much lower than that of everyone present.

A few breaths later, Yuan Jin received the message talisman. He frowned, his features forming a worried expression.

At this point, unable to remain in suspense any longer, Yuan Jin spoke in a deep voice, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present. "Rongquan is in trouble!"

(During the Spring Festival, I can only guarantee stable updates for now, please forgive me! Those who haven't joined the group yet can join now, there's a monthly ticket bonus.)