After Core Formation (3)

The Emperor of Wei's voice lingered for a long time, but Kang Dabao showed no sign of smugness; instead, a sense of unease arose in his heart.

After accompanying Fei Nanxi into the Fei Household's treasury, the former followed Fei Ye Shui's advice and was extremely generous, even taking out several pills that the Fei Household had treasured for a long time and which were said to be of some help to those in the Nascent Soul stage.

As Fei Tianqin just said, in terms of generosity, it is far inferior to Fei Ye Shui.

Although it has no blood relation with the Fei Household's cultivators, it might not be willing to entrust all these precious spiritual items to a son-in-law like Sect Leader Kang Da, who is not related by blood, so that he can freely pick them.

However, Kang Dabao was well aware of the risks. He knew that once such a spiritual object was taken out and used for his own purposes, regardless of what the two patriarchs of the Fei Household would think, the other cultivators would definitely make him the target of their attacks. This was completely contrary to his way of Sect Leader Kang Da.

Therefore, he only obtained the complete book of the Green Goat Palace's sect-protecting Cultivation Method, "The Profound Clear Withering and Flourishing Secret Manual," from the Fei Household's collection. From then on, after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, he never lacked Cultivation Method.

This is also a major advantage that high-ranking cultivators have over those rogue Golden Core Rogue Cultivator.

While the Cultivation Method is available, resources are still needed. The Three Treasures Wondrous Gathering Pill is a superior cultivation pill that cultivators in this world covet. Its Pill Formula are only found within the Dragon and Tiger Sect, a sacred site of Dao of Alchemy, and it is rarely seen outside the realm. Even if one does see it, it will bring disaster.

If even one bottle were to leak out under normal circumstances, it could cause a bloodbath in some remote and desolate prefectures. Even among the Fei Household's treasured collection, only twenty bottles remain, which shows how precious they are.

Sect Leader Kang Da, boldly took the three bottles, but one could see that Fei Nanxi, who was accompanying him, was enduring the pain.

It wouldn't be appropriate to return it at this point. After realizing this, Kang Dabao chose only one mid-grade defensive magic Law Treasure, the River Network Mystic Armor, whose brilliance had dimmed slightly, and left the glittering Fei Household treasury with Fei Nanxi.

This is something that can't be helped. It's true that Ancestor Ye Shui's will is above all the cultivators of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, but as an outsider, one must know when to advance and retreat in order to leave enough room for oneself and avoid falling into a situation where one is resented.

This is also the experience that Sect Leader Kang Da believes he has gained from humble beginnings to eventually cultivate True-Grade Golden Core. As the saying goes, "It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature," so regardless of whether this experience is right or wrong, he is still reluctant to give it up for the time being.

What the Fei Household obtained was this much, which might only be a few times the amount of a newly promoted cultivator in the Fei Household, but it was still enough for an ordinary Golden Core Senior Cultivator Wufeng to obtain even after a hundred years of hard work.

For Kang Dabao, this is quite a generous sum.

Therefore, Emperor of Wei's sudden question took Kang Sect Leader Kang Da somewhat by surprise. Not knowing the emperor's temperament, he dared not speak rashly, so he could only respectfully reply, "What Your Majesty bestows is an honor, and this humble subject dares not refuse."

Fei Ye Shui raised an eyebrow. What his son-in-law said was indeed very much in line with Emperor of Wei's wishes, and it was worth the earnest teachings he and Fei Tianqin had given him beforehand.

As expected, upon hearing what Sect Leader Kang Da said, Emperor of Wei's brows furrowed with even greater delight, but then a hint of displeasure appeared:

"Marquis of Martial Peace, now a noble of the Immortal Dynasty, needs to display some boldness and not act so timidly, lest you bring disdain from other families upon my Great Wei."

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by this humble subject!" Kang Dabao had subconsciously raised himself up, but then suddenly realized what he was doing and lowered his head even further.

Emperor of Wei, who had just offered his admonition, did not seem displeased. He merely added a slight rebuke, "Look at you, Marquis of Martial Peace, how stubborn you are!"

"The Lone Dragon Hall is indeed different. After I leave the palace today, I will certainly not lose my dignity as a subject."

Fei Tianqin's eyes flashed with a strange light. He sighed and said that his Fei Nanying's judgment was indeed not bad. This young man Kang's ability to be an official was even more amazing than his pupil technique.

Geniuses are naturally proud. Even someone as gifted as Shen Lingfeng, who came from humble origins and gained the favor of the current emperor to become a Nascent Soul and achieve the Nascent Soul stage, was not so submissive when he first met Emperor of Wei.

"Ah, if that's the case, then so be it." The hint of reproach on Emperor of Wei's face visibly disappeared. He stroked his long beard and continued, "Since Marquis of Martial Peace cannot express it, then the rewards will be as I wish."

He raised his hand slightly, and Grand Eunuch Wei beside him, had already prepared a brand-new bright yellow silk book, waiting for him to put pen to paper.

"Marquis of Martial Peace is particularly skilled in military affairs. The Grand Commandant's Office is hereby ordered to request one Third Tier Enlisted Army Talisman, one hundred Second Tier Enlisted Army Talisman, and three thousand First Tier Enlisted Army Talisman, and deliver them to Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence."

"Marquis Wu Ning has just completed his Golden Core, but his inner essence has not yet condensed. He will use the Moon Marrow Golden Elixir Pool for one month to help him cultivate diligently. Once his cultivation level is stable, he can return to his hometown."

"Marquis of Martial Peace has suddenly attained the highest level of cultivation, and still needs the protection of the Daoist arts. Therefore, I bestow upon him a copy of the superior-grade 'Sharpened Spirit Thorn' (剉神刺) of the Zhou Grade Upper-Grade, so that he may diligently cultivate it."

"The principal wife of Marquis of Martial Peace, Lady Fei, is virtuous, kind, gentle, and gentle. She is granted the title of Lady of Pingrong County, and awarded a seven-jeweled gold crown and a seven-chapter pheasant robe. The pheasant robe is specially embroidered with gold sun and moon patterns."

"Regarding all matters concerning the inheritance and protection of Marquis of Martial Peace's sons, the relevant officials shall discuss this matter and submit a report to me within the month."

As soon as Emperor of Wei opened his mouth, he rattled off more than ten generous rewards. The Grand Eunuch Wei, perfectly in sync with him, stopped writing as soon as the former finished speaking, and then respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I have noted them all down."

"Very well, then proceed accordingly. Supervisor Lao, instruct your men well: Marquis of Martial Peace from the ranks, and is known for his integrity and public service; do not act according to conventional practices."

The Enlisted Army Talisman is considered a vital national treasure, something that only meritorious officials and nobles like the Fei Household, who are closely allied with the Immortal Dynasty, could obtain. And now it seems that even the still unfinished Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence, owned by Sect Leader Kang Da, is among them.

The Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool is generally a top- Third-Tier Supreme-Grade spiritual land that is only opened by members of the close branch of the imperial clan after they have cultivated to the Golden Core. Even members of distant branches of the Imperial Clan Court.

A month in the pool is enough to save Sect Leader Kang Da from more than ten years of wasted time, allowing him to solidify his dantian, transform his dantian essence, and become a true Golden Core cultivator. This is an experience that even Fei Nanying, a fellow Middle-Grade Golden Core Fei Nanying and an ordinary genius, has not achieved.

"The Sharpened Spirit Thorn" is also considered an exceptionally outstanding technique of Divine Sense attack, though it is extremely difficult to master. However, it is very suitable for the use of Sect Leader Kang Da, whose Divine Sense far surpasses that of his peers. The fact that Emperor of Wei, who is busy with countless affairs of state, could still think of this point shows that his dedication to Kang Dabao is genuine, regardless of whether someone close to him could have reminded him.

As for the subsequent bestowal of titles and privileges upon his wife and children, it was rather ordinary, just like any other matter.

Leaving aside the reaction of Sect Leader Kang Da, Fei Ye Shui and Fei Tianqin did not show much surprise upon hearing the generous reward. After all, when Shen Lingfeng Core Formation, he received a much richer reward than Sect Leader Kang Da because of his position as the Silver Whip Prince Consort.

The current emperor is indeed willing to promote those from humble backgrounds, but after so many years of this, apart from cultivating Shen Lingfeng, a Nascent Soul from another family, the results of his other bets have not been significant.

However, he still enjoyed it immensely, Fei Household, both man and bird, understood his intentions and were no longer surprised.

Emperor of Wei wanted to keep them here to discuss things further, and Grand Eunuch Wei had no time to spare. He only summoned a eunuch in a red robe and led Sect Leader Kang Da to the Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool.

After thanking the eunuch who had led the way, Sect Leader Kang Da stepped into the spiritual land alone and saw several spiritual pools scattered in various corners.

The spiritual spring in the pool is like jade and ice silk, and the rising spiritual mist is so thick that it almost solidifies. Just a slight sniff is enough to make one feel refreshed and happy.

Before he could examine it closely, he heard a sound as the gate to the sacred site opened again.

A man stepped in, holding a token identical to the one in the red-robed official's hand. Upon seeing the Sect Leader Kang Da in the sacred ground, he was first taken aback, then overjoyed.

Kang Dabao didn't need to look closely to see if a smile appeared on his face. He thought to himself, "I never expected to see an acquaintance even at a time like this."

---- Office of the Duke of Qin

Kuang Liuting's face remained as cold as ice. He didn't say another word and went back to his secluded cultivation.

Only a group of government officials remained in the hall. When Zhu Tong got up, his expression was unchanged. He simply summoned all his colleagues to his side and arranged a few matters, both big and small.

Only when one or two close friends remained by her side did Zhu Tong finally adopt a relieved expression, and a few beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

"Lord Zhu, how do you know that this matter was authorized by True Person?" A green-robed official who had moved from Capital Circuit to Shannan Circuit with Zhu Tong asked suspiciously, which made Zhu Tong frown.

The latter made no attempt to conceal his dissatisfaction, and a curse almost escaped his throat, but then he suddenly remembered the official's identity and background, and changed his tone to a more tactful one, explaining carefully, "Regardless of whether or not there is an authorization from the True Person, when the Duke becomes aware of this, it must be an authorization from the True Person."

Zhu Tong had already made her point so clearly; if the official in the green robe still didn't understand, he would be incredibly foolish.

The current emperor clearly intends for the Duke of Qin to achieve great deeds in both the Mountain South and Mountain North, both to pave the way for the latter to succeed to the throne and to put on a good show for the powerful families of the world.

The Kuang Household's prestige had long since declined, and it was only thanks to two major events that hadn't happened in many years—"Kuang Liuting suddenly becoming Upper-Grade Golden Core cultivator and the two kings from the North and South fully utilizing their resources to wipe out most of the Blood Sword Sect"—that they regained some of their deterrent power.

Under such circumstances, it is already rare that the True Person Moon Hidden Five Old Mothers Mountain was willing to devote himself to the sect and serve as a protector for the Duke of Qin because of his affairs after death. Not to mention that a great sect like the Hehuan Sect, which is in its prime, was willing to send True Person with a group of elites to help.

If we were to abandon this excellent situation and incite discontent in the two True Person, then who would stand up to the insatiable Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion of the Star-Picking Pavilion?!

At this moment, Zhu Tong put herself in Kuang Liuting's shoes and felt a sense of helplessness for him.

He didn't know if the latter had given up the grand ambitions he had set out in his youthful spirit; nor did he know if, after returning from the overseas seas, the Duke of Qin had lost his ambition to that Dragon Spawn.

Perhaps only Kuang Liuting, having returned from the Billowing Dream Palace with its million-strong army and millet reserves spanning a thousand years, and having suffered a shock and defeat, could truly understand how laughable his own ambitions were.

The concepts of legitimate and illegitimate children, and close and distant relatives, are nothing compared to the power of personal cultivation.

Emperor of Wei Taiyuan, as the legitimate ruler, has decrees from the Mystic Firmament Palace that rarely extend beyond the capital region; the Dragon Spawn, stained with lowly blood, can shake the southeast with a single word.

Looking at the two, it's clear which is superior.

Kuang Liuting spent a considerable amount of time at sea, and it's perfectly normal for his ambition to be somewhat worn down by the magnificent scenery. After all, people's hearts are rarely unchanging.

However, when Zhu Tong thought of the Fei Household's situation, he felt a sense of shared sorrow. He had risen from humble beginnings and only gained his fortune by serving under the Left Gui Nianzhi, which was very different from the renowned Ying Prefecture Fei Household.

Compared to those noble sons, they are insignificant. Although Kuang Liuting's actions today were understood and guided by him, it was clear that the "cold-bloodedness" inherited from the Kuang Household clan was indeed genuine.

It's true that I'm being valued now, but it wouldn't be surprising if I were to be discarded like trash in the future. I must be very careful about what I do next and think it through carefully.

After Zhu Tong wanted to approve it, she couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart. She simply concealed her annoyance and whispered to those around her:

"Keep a close eye on the movements of the Hehuan Sect and the Fei Household. I don't care about the Chongming Sect and the Three Immortals Cave, but those two families must not cause any trouble. If Fei Nanying is ignorant of the bigger picture and rashly resorts to violence, then report to me immediately. Shannan Circuit can do without the Fei Household, but it cannot afford to be disliked by the Hehuan Sect."

"Your subordinate obeys."

----Inside Chu Han Hall

"Since it's Huiyi, I will send someone to explain things to the Three Immortals Cave. As for the disciples from the Chongming Sect that we invited earlier, I'll trouble Fellow Daoists Fei and Chu to bring them back as well."

Chu Han's apologetic gesture, with its seemingly genuine expression, would earn praise from anyone who saw it, highlighting the outstanding demeanor of this handsome middle-aged man.

If we follow Fei Nanying intention, letting this matter drop would be exactly what he wanted.

After all, there was still no news from the two patriarchs in the family, and he was not prepared. It was really not a good time to have a difficult time with Chu Han, a great sect leader.

Furthermore, the sudden appearance of this unknown cultivator surnamed Lian was unexpected. He hadn't figured out why Lian would offer assistance to the Chongming Sect, but in any case, it couldn't have been just a simple act of speaking out for justice.

Even after this incident, there is still no time to relax, as many things still need to be connected and planned. Chu Han's mind may not stop because of this incident, and the Ying Prefecture Fei Household is far from being able to rest easy.

Being able to go back and settle down, to get some breathing room, would be the best thing ever.

As for Chu Yanran, she was practically worthless within the Hehuan Sect as a Rogue Cultivator, and had no intention of offering any advice.

She merely glanced at the now filthy Ming Zhe, as if trying to discern which member of the Chongming Sect this unrecognizable young True Cultivator belonged to.

Unexpectedly, after Chu Han made his decision, the three cultivators present all shared the same opinion. However, the False Core surnamed Lian, who was standing in front of the hall, had something to say:

"What Senior Brother says is inappropriate. How can this matter be left unresolved? Chongming Sect has disobeyed Senior Brother's important matter of selecting immortal seedlings. Therefore, all the leaders of his sect should go to the Three Immortals Cave to apologize to the cave masters."

Although the valiant cultivator spoke in a gentle tone, without a trace of sarcasm, Chu Han's smile faltered slightly. How could he not hear the unspoken meaning behind the man's words?

His indignation was almost uncontrollable. "You spoiled brat! Your Dao Path is completely blocked, yet you still dare to haggle with me?! Once the True Person has had his fill of you, see how I, the Spring Wind Envoy, will humiliate you, the Peach-Burning Envoy!!"

After the False Core spoke, the three men had different expressions, but Fei Nanying's furrowed brows were particularly noticeable. However, he was in the enemy camp after all and was cautious. Now, he only hoped that the Chongming Sect could overcome this calamity. As for whether Jiang Qing and the other younger generation should suffer this humiliation, he was indifferent.

Upon hearing what the cultivator surnamed Lian said, Chu Han immediately suppressed his anger and forced a smile, replying, "The Three Immortals Cave does indeed have several Pill Masters of similar stature to my junior brother presiding over it, so the threshold is not low. Those young friends from the Chongming Sect might not be able to enter."

The Pill Master spoke in his usual gentle tone, "If Senior Brother agrees, then it's fine. Why should we interfere in the affairs of the juniors?! Let them handle it themselves."

Upon hearing this, Chu Han showed a hint of surprise in her eyes, but ultimately did not object, silently agreeing.

The two had already reached their point; if they were to delve any deeper, it might lead to an unpleasant situation. Chu Han pretended to serve tea and see the guests off, and Lian, Fei, and Chu naturally understood, bowed, and took their leave.

As soon as six feet stepped over the threshold, the black wooden door behind them slammed shut. The surging air wave made Ming Zhe, who was being held by the False Core with the surname Lian, frown heavily and cough lightly.

The three of them showed no surprise at this. Chu Han had clearly suffered a loss when he clashed with the Pill Master surnamed Lian, so his somewhat undignified actions were nothing to worry about.

Fei Nanying suppressed his surprise and, together with Chu Yanran, followed the False Core through layers of formations and over the towering, magnificent archway of the Hehuan Sect.

"May I ask your esteemed name, fellow traveler, and where you reside in this immortal realm?!"

Fei Nanying took the unconscious Ming Zhe from the Lian-surname False Core, bowed, and asked.

For someone as proud as him to humble himself and befriend a Pill Master like this is truly rare. Of course, this is also related to the fact that Fei Nanying had roughly guessed that the False Core surnamed Lian was the important figure who was often seen by the side of the True Person Crimson Snow in the rumors.

"Brother, you're too kind. My humble name is Xuepu, and I'm originally from the Shannan Circuit sect." A genuine smile appeared on the face of the Pill Master surnamed Lian, but he didn't elaborate further with the two before him. Instead, he pointed to Ming Zhe and said:

"This child suffered from excessive tonification, resulting in a severe depletion of vital energy. So I used Golden Six Yang Autumn Brightness Pill. However, even with this kind of rescue, whether it is good or bad is still uncertain and depends on the child's fate."

Lian Xuepu said this, even Chu Yanran, was surprised. You must know that even with the resources she currently has, it would be difficult to gather the Third Tier items that the former mentioned. Even if she could gather them, she would not be willing to give them to a dying Foundation Establishment junior, which would be a real waste.

"This man is no ordinary gigolo; he also has a close relationship with Kang's son, Chongming Sect."

Chu Yanran and Fei Nanying were thinking the same thing at that moment. Lian Xuepu seemed to sense the strangeness in their hearts, but he didn't explain. Instead, after carefully observing Chu Yanran's expression, he kindly offered some advice:

"Fellow Daoist, if it's not necessary, please refrain from coming to my Hehuan Sect in the future."

Lian Xuepu seemed to know a little about Chu Yanran's background. Seeing the latter's lingering fear, he said no more, but instead bowed and took his leave.

"When you two escort this child back to Little Ring Mountain, there's no need for many words. Just tell them that Lian Xuepu will be visiting soon. As for the rest of the Chongming Sect's personnel, I will send someone back to them in a while. They need not worry."

"This must be an old acquaintance of some elder from the Chongming Sect. That kid Kang's master is just a Qi Refinement Refining cultivator; where would he get such connections?!"

Fei Nanying suspicious, but a sincere look appeared on his face. He then replied earnestly, "I will certainly not fail your trust, fellow Daoist!"

After Fei and Chu had seen Lian Xuepu turn back and enter the Hehuan Sect's formation, and after their Divine Sense had completely detected that he was nowhere to be found, they boarded the flying boat again and, with Ming Zhe and Qi Buxiu, one young and one old, Swift Movement off towards Little Ring Mountain.

---- Little Ring Mountain, Chongming Sect

The arrival of Fei Nanying and his party caused Chongming Sect stir among the Chongming Emperor's officials. Even Zhou Yixiu, who was already bedridden due to worry, came to see them, leaning on his hoe.

Ming Zhe still needed someone to take care of him, so Yuan Changsheng led several First Tier Alchemist to take him down and settle him in a quiet room.

Lian Xuepu was right. After being imprisoned and tortured, Ming Zhe was almost completely drained of his essence, leaving only an empty shell. His vital energy and spirit were all gone, and he should have died long ago. He was only kept alive by the kindness of this Pill Master. It was unknown when he would wake up so that he could refine a group of spiritual objects to nourish his body.

Although Jiang Qing and the other sect elders were very worried, they still had to stay and properly entertain the three elders.

However, Fei Nanying was in no mood to deal with the fine wine and tea that the Chongming Sect had just brought out with the full strength of the Chongming Sect. He didn't stand on ceremony and finally asked the question that had been weighing on his mind:

Do you all know Lian Xuepu?!

Lian Xuepu,

Upon hearing this question, most of the people in the hall were unfamiliar with the speaker, except for Jiang Qing, Yuan Jin, and Ye Zhengwen, whose expressions differed.

However, the former only felt that the name sounded familiar, while Yuan Jin stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Does Your Excellency recognize my Martial Uncle Lian? He has been away from the sect for many years, and now he has actually made a move?"

Ye Zhengwen's expression also became much more serious. Although he had never met this cheap master, the lineage had already been recorded in the sect's jade register and could not be faked. Hearing Fei Nanying mention this name, he was naturally concerned.

"Your martial uncle?" Fei Nanying murmured, his doubts instantly dispelled, and the tension in his heart eased considerably. Then, a smile appeared on his face, and he nodded repeatedly. "I see. Your family was able to escape danger this time entirely thanks to your martial uncle!"

"It's Martial Uncle Lian?!" All the cultivators in the hall were astonished. However, Fei Nanying, remembering what Lian Xuepu had said beforehand, didn't explain further to the younger generation in the hall, but simply said in a low voice:

"Your Martial Uncle Lian said he will be visiting soon, so please keep someone at home these days to avoid missing the opportunity."

Since Fei Nanying was unwilling to answer, Yuan Jin wisely refrained from pressing the matter, and simply replied respectfully, "We will certainly remember your teachings, Lord Marquis."

"Very well," Fei Nanying waved his cloak and prepared to bid farewell to Chu Yanran and return to Xuanwei City. He hadn't been to the Office of the Duke of Qin for too long due to his cultivation, which was probably one of the reasons why Kuang Liuting was so cold towards him.

The faction in the court, led by Zhu Tong, was entirely loyal to Prime Minister Chancellor Gui, and also had disagreements with meritorious officials like the Fei Household. While they might be able to unite in the face of a formidable enemy, it would be perfectly normal for them to slander each other and use some underhanded tactics in order to stabilize the situation and reveal their interests.

In this light, it seems it's time for Fei Nanying to return and have a proper duel with Zhu Tong. Perhaps when the two patriarchs have some free time, they can assign other cultivators to handle these trivial matters, allowing Fei Nanying to focus on his cultivation.

Fei Nanying, having already received the salutations of the cultivators, was about to turn back when he suddenly seemed to remember something. He turned around and whispered instructions to the leaders of the Chongming Sect:

"Before I came, I saw that your family had already begun to prepare their defenses. Don't stop now. Just now, when your martial uncle was talking to someone, it seemed that he was planning to cause trouble for the Three Immortals Cave. You'd better prepare."

After giving these instructions, before the cultivators of the Chongming Sect could react, Fei Nanying greeted Chu Yanran and left gracefully. The beautiful woman pondered for a moment, but had no intention of staying any longer. She simply asked Master Qi, her instructor, to give Yuan Jin a proper explanation.

In his view, the Chongming Sect nowadays is not something that needs to be carefully protected just because of the Daoist Black Shoes's favor.

This little-known family, which only began to flourish after the emergence of Kang Dabao, was already enough to warrant her attention. Kang Changyi, whom she had taken as her personal disciple, was a link, as was Yuan Jin, who had a master-disciple relationship with Qi Buxiu. Both of them needed to be well protected.

After the couple had eaten and drunk their meal, they returned to Xuanwei City.

Ten days after Master Qi and his wife left, on a rainy evening, a handsome cultivator dressed in a lacquered gauze canopy, holding a paper umbrella, looked at the brand-new Chongming Sect archway with a complex expression, and murmured with a touch of melancholy, "They've finally returned."