Shuhe Emerges from Seclusion, an Outsider Obtains a Treasure

---- Chongming Sect, Green Lotus Courtyard

Not long after Pei Yi finished his seclusion to establish his Foundation Establishment, Fei Shuhe finally emerged from seclusion. This time, she True Cultivator for a rare period of time, and when she came out, she had already reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Although it could not be described as earth-shattering, it was not slow either.

Upon hearing the news, Kang Changxi came to greet his mother. Fei Shuhe was shocked to learn that her son had twice encountered someone like Daoist Peng of the Two Instruments Sect. Her eyes showed lingering fear. She quickly looked Kang Changxi up and down before speaking:

"It was terrifying! Everyone said you were less than half a foot away from that old thief. I'm so glad I only found out about your audacity after I went into seclusion! If it had been before, I probably would have died in there, living in constant fear!"

In stark contrast to Fei Shuhe's concern, Kang Changxi spoke of this experience with great enthusiasm:

"Mother, there's no need to worry so much. That old thief is truly skilled; he almost fooled Uncle. If it weren't for the Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes I learned from Father, he would have almost escaped!"

Seeing Kang Changxi's reaction, Fei Shuhe stopped asking about it to avoid giving the latter any reason to feel smug. Instead, she changed the subject, asking, "Have you neglected your cultivation these past few days?"

"With Uncle around, how can we relax?!" Kang Changxi complained, but he knew what was good and bad, and a hint of joy appeared on his face when he mentioned Fei Enhua.

But this joy didn't last long before it faded. Kang Changxi sighed, "My uncle said he'll be returning to Xuanwei City soon and won't be able to teach me anymore."

Fei Shuhe laughed upon hearing this. She reached out to stroke Kang Changxi's head, but then realized that her son, who was only thirteen years old, was already half a head taller than her after leaving seclusion. So she pretended nothing was wrong and withdrew her hand, hiding it in her sleeve.

"Your Uncle Enhua is one of the few Ice Leaf Dao Foundation in my generation. She Mountain Hall still hopes he can form Golden Core and serve as a figurehead. The fact that he has taken the time to personally teach you these past few years is already a great favor from the Ancestor. How can we continue to waste time by your side? If we are slow in one step, we will be slow in every step."

Thirteen is an age when people in ordinary families are already of marriageable age. Kang Changxi is already quite sensible, and even if Fei Shuhe didn't tell him, he would know all about it. "I understand. Uncle is leaving the day after tomorrow, so I will ask Senior Brother Jin to personally cook a feast to see him off."

Fei Shuhe glanced at her son with annoyance before saying, "Don't try to learn everything from your father. There are so many restaurants in Double Brightness Trade Market, although they lack refinement, you can still find a few with decent skills. Why do you have to go after your Senior Brother Jin?"

"You know he's been busy all these years working on Foundation Establishment with spiritual objects, so busy he hasn't even had time to take care of his wife and children at home. When he does come back, it's to solidify his foundation. Does he really have time to do you favors?"

"With Senior Brother Jin helping me out, I can still earn money, and I won't have to go out and travel."

Kang Changxi did not change his mind because his mother's tone was unpleasant. After laughing, he said, "Even if my senior brother doesn't accept my Spirit Stone, I, as his uncle, will just transfer the provisions to Jin Tanglü."

Fei Shuhe shook her head, not saying anything more, but instead instructed Nanny Sun: "In my dressing case, there is a colorful jade and gold hairpin, a gift from the matriarch of the Yunwei Zheng Household during my wedding. It's useless to keep it, so please take it to Mo'er when you have time."

"The servant understands and will go to carry it out immediately."

So many years have passed, Nanny Sun looks much older than before, her body also much more hunched. Now she is over sixty years old, and in terms of fighting skills, she is probably no longer as good as Fei Shuhe. Strictly speaking, she can no longer be considered a protector, and can only do some chores like a dowry maid.

Kang Changxi treated the old nanny, who had come from her maternal grandmother's room, with great respect. She picked up a jujube from the small table and began to chew it, not forgetting to invite her, "Changxi will host the event, and you can come too, Nanny."

Nanny Sun was naturally pleased to hear this, but after only a short while and before she could speak, Fei Shuhe glanced at her own son with a slight headache and said helplessly, "You're quite the host, just like your father."

Kang Changxi chuckled for a while, crunching loudly as he ate a handful of Fire Spirit Dates, juice splashing everywhere. His boorish manner was completely at odds with the image of a noble son that outsiders had of him.

Upon seeing this scene, Fei Shuhe's expression of helplessness deepened.

Of her two eldest sons, Kang Changyi, the eldest son raised by his mother since childhood, possesses a noble air and a dazzling elegance. In contrast, Kang Changxi, a genuine descendant of the Golden Core lineage, is rather rough and uncultured, causing Fei Shuhe considerable headaches.

She watched quietly as Kang Changxi devoured a whole bowl of Fire Spirit Dates—enough to cover the expenses of a small Lineage for a year—finding it quite amusing. She also took out a handkerchief to wipe the corners of his mouth.

Kang Changxi had clearly enjoyed such heartwarming moments many times, and showed no sign of being flattered or surprised, appearing quite content.

Fei Shuhe worked, she said to Kang Changxi, "You must strive to improve yourself and master your skills as soon as possible. I just asked your great-grandmother for help last time, and she said that when the time is right, she can send you to the Yukun Han Household to cultivate."

That's a truly prestigious family. Let alone your father's humble background, even our Ying Prefecture Fei Household is far inferior. Once you go there, just focus on your cultivation; nothing else matters. With diligent effort, Core Formation stage is entirely within your reach."

"I was thinking that if I went to the Han Household, it wouldn't be as fun as home," Kang Changxi said, and his mother glared at him with some displeasure as soon as he said this.

The child gave his mother an embarrassed smile for a while before explaining, "My grandparents passed away too early, and my father, who lost his father at a young age, was still able to achieve great things. I have been taught by renowned teachers and loved by my mother since childhood, so there's no reason why I can't do what my father was able to do."

Fei Shuhe shook her head and sighed, saying calmly, "Stop talking nonsense. If your father had been able to study under a renowned master earlier, he might already be Golden Core cultivator by now. How could he possibly be here?"

These words were rather blunt and disrespectful to the Sect Leader He. Fei Shuhe halfway through her sentence and gave Kang Changxi another instruction:

"There have been many things going on lately. When you have nothing to do, just stay in the mountains and cultivate in peace. Don't run into any more ruthless old bastards who kill without blinking an eye, or you'll scare your old mother so much her heart will jump out of her chest."

"Uncle Qin's second son recently asked me to come and play in Cold Crow Mountain." Kang Changxi had only spoken halfway when he saw Fei Shuhe's face darken. He quickly explained, "It's something I promised beforehand, and it's not good to break my promise. A man's word is his bond, Mother."

"A real man? I can't be bothered with you. Go ahead then." Fei Shuhe said unhappily, turning her back and walking a few steps before turning back again. "Before you leave, tell her that you want Granny to go out with you."

Kang Changxi was unwilling to do so and quickly declined, saying, "I have Brother Little Qi to protect me. It's better for you to stay with Mother and take good care of her."

"Then forget it. I'll go write to Lady Yue and ask her to remind her second son that he's been busy lately and shouldn't go out."

Upon hearing this, Kang Changxi's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly ran up to Fei Shuhe, who was turning to leave, and said with an embarrassed smile, "Hehe, what are you doing now, Mother? Mother is working so hard in seclusion, how could I bear to let you send me a letter? I'll do whatever you say."

Fei Shuhe glanced at her son, feeling that his words and actions were all familiar. She was stunned for a few moments before realizing what he meant. After seeing her son off, she smiled calmly and said, "They really are exactly the same."

---- Great Ling River

The river surface was shimmering with tiny specks of moonlight, the silvery light shimmering and being woven into countless strands by the undercurrent.

Old willows on both banks droop their withered branches, gently tapping the water's surface in the night breeze, startling a few fireflies that hover low along the ripples. A half-buried bamboo raft drifts upstream, its stern entangled by duckweed, carrying a few faded remnants of red paper lanterns, spinning in the eddies.

Suddenly, silver scales leaped from the water's surface, the splash shattering the reflection of the full moon. When the ripples subsided, only the afterimage of half a fish's tail stirring remained. Suddenly, several clumps of long reeds in the river rustled, and the long beak of a slender night heron pierced the inky water, snatching up a silver chain of water droplets.

Before the hunter could enjoy his meal, a golden arrow pierced the air. Before the First-Tier Superior-Grade Demon Beast could even feel the pain, the white feathers on its chest were stained crimson. For some reason, it didn't react. Despite its severe injury, it still desperately clung to the spirit fish that had already entered its mouth, only to fall into a thick arm adorned with snake-patterned bracelets.

The owner of this arm landed on a Thunderfire Ship in the middle of the river. This ship was newly purchased by the Double Brightness Alliance from the Myriad Treasures Trading Company. It was said to have been made by a branch of Nascent Soul Lu Craftsman Sect, a major sect of the Nascent Soul stage, and was considered a pretty good Second Tier spiritual tool.

The ship is equipped with thirty-six Tier First Tier fighter puppets, six First Tier crossbows, three First Tier Star-Shooting Crossbow, and two Tier 2 thunderstorm formations (one main and one Second Tier). When activated, they are difficult for ordinary Foundation Establishment to withstand.

If there were one or two True Cultivators on board, they would probably not be afraid of more than 90% of the Foundation Establishment forces in the surrounding states.

Yang Xun was one of the True Cultivator stationed on the ship. He tossed the unknown spirit fish from the night heron's beak to his feet, carefully plucked all the white feathers from the night heron's body, and then casually handed it to his attendant beside him, whispering, "Give it to Chef Gu to cook carefully, and bring it to the He Household's main cabin at the right time."

The attendant respectfully acknowledged the request, while Yang Xun quickly walked to the main cabin and gently knocked on the door. "Has He Household settled down for the night?"

The words had barely left his mouth when the magic seal on the door flickered and opened by itself. Yang Xun saw He Degong smiling at him in the doorway and immediately apologized, "I've come to bother He Household again."

"Yang Bai, please take a seat."

He Degong stepped aside, Yang Xun, without putting on any airs of seniority, bowed slightly before following him into the cabin.

At first glance, the cabin was simply furnished. The bed, table, and futon were all Law Artifact, but they were just ordinary items, which was somewhat inconsistent with He Degong's status as the head of the He Household family.

The only thing that caught the eye in the cabin was a commercial map floating in mid-air. The brocade, about two zhang long and wide, was covered with annotations, so dense that there was hardly any space.

Yang Xun didn't know who He Degong had learned such frugality from, and thinking of his concubines and male concubines in his cabin, he felt a pang of shame. He glanced curiously at the map in mid-air for a couple of seconds, then heard He Degong cough lightly:

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Lao Yangbai. I just have a few more orders to make."

The former didn't mind at all. "It was my rudeness to come today, how can I blame the head of the He Household?"

Upon hearing this, He Degong merely chuckled and then focused all his attention on the map before him. Although the Hong County He Household had been dedicated to business for generations, they were still novices when it came to trading on the Great Ling Jiang, which connected several nearby prefectures.

The reason for this is simply that some people here consider themselves the masters of the river and have always refused to allow merchant ships to travel without their permission.

However, since He Degong volunteered to open up trade routes and set up the Double Brightness Alliance, it has been a year or two, and he has never encountered any river bandits or thieves that his fellow travelers hate so much, which is the envy of many.

However, upon closer reflection, it makes sense. After all, before embarking on the trade journey, Alliance Leader Kang Da had invited Vice Alliance Leader Bian Hu to lead a battalion of Azure Jue Guard on a leisurely trip along the waterways.

As a result, among the many businesses on this river that operate without any initial investment, only those who are desperate and at their wits' end would dare not provoke them.

He Degong knew why the He Household had gone from nearly falling apart after He Dezong's sudden death to being so prosperous and thriving today.

Therefore, he was very dedicated to the water trade route that the Sect Leader Kang Da cared about. In addition, he knew that with his aptitude, it would be difficult for him to Foundation Establishment, so he simply put aside his cultivation and did this for the He Household.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, He Degong put down his pen. The chef specially hired by the ship then brought over a bowl of hot soup. Yang Xun came forward and explained, "I heard that He Household enjoys eating feathered animals. Just now, while sightseeing on the stern, I was fortunate enough to find a night heron, so I brought it here for Master He Household to taste."

"General, how can this be!" He Degong declined, but he also tasted the hot soup in the cup and felt refreshed. He praised it.

Yang Xun opened two more jars of wine and poured out his enthusiastic words as if they were free. Before long, He Degong was slightly drunk, and the two became much more intimate. They stopped calling each other "Master" and "General" and kept calling each other "Brother Daoist".

It was late at night when Yang Xun finally emerged from He Degong's cabin. The moment he saw the full moon overhead, his eyes cleared instantly. The smell of alcohol on his body dissipated into smoke, and he felt much more refreshed.

As Yang Xun walked towards his cabin, the resentment in his heart grew stronger with each step. The thought that he, a True Cultivator Foundation Establishment, had to come here to curry favor with a mere Qi Refinement for the sake of his Lineage was something that would make him a laughingstock if word got out.

However He Degong, a Qi Refinement cultivator, is considered an important figure within the Double Brightness Alliance. If Yang Xun wants the Rainbow Mountain Yang Household to be included among them, he must curry favor with such a person.

He Degong was a businessman, and while he was much more tactful in his speech and actions than Zhou Yixiu, a peasant, he still didn't loosen his grip. But before Yang Xun went there, he didn't think that a mere demon bird could bribe He Degong; it was just a good start as expected.

He shook his head and sighed. The world is full of hardships. The Rainbow Mountain Yang Household only has two or three people Foundation Establishment, and they urgently need to find a reliable circle.

Yang Xun had just reached the ship's railing to smell the river breeze when he saw that the spirit fish he had casually tossed onto the deck was still there. His mood soured even more. He used his Divine Sense to lift the fish and put it back into the river, but at that moment, he sensed something amiss.

A ray of light sliced open the fish's belly, revealing a small black cloth pouch stained with crimson, which appeared in Yang Xun's eyes.

"Whose Storage Bag did this fish swallow?!"

No one answered his innermost thoughts in the middle of the night. The salty river wind brushed against his face, soaking Yang Xun's clothes and urging him to carefully hide the Storage Bag in his bosom.

Immediately afterwards, the night wind picked up and grew stronger, blowing the Thunderfire Ship further and further away. Before long, a thick fog shrouded the bright moon overhead, making it look like a star that had fallen into an inkwell, floating uncertainly in the boundless night.

(Sorry everyone, I'll try to be earlier tomorrow)