Listening to the Dao

Ten days later, Phoenix Cry Prefecture

On this day, when Kang Dabao brought Jiang Qing to visit Fei Nanying again, the latter ignored Sect Leader Kang Da Third Master Jiang, scrutinizing him carefully.

It's no wonder that these family leaders so highly value marriage alliances, because even a powerful Kuang Household like the Kuang family, which is nominally wealthy, cannot produce outstanding individuals in every generation.

After all, the children in a family are related by blood; how can they be selected?

However, choosing a son-in-law is different. If one wants a man of great talent, one can go to Great Abyss Capital to find a son-in-law during the imperial examinations in the Jiazi year; if one wants a man of exceptional talent, one can select from among the rising stars in the surrounding area.

Rather than placing all their hopes on these good-for-nothings in their own homes, it is undoubtedly more worthwhile to choose a good son-in-law to marry into the family and cultivate him properly.

The current emperor greatly favored this matter, and during his reign, at least eleven out of ten women from the imperial clan married into poor families. Although this proportion may not seem high, during the reign of the previous emperor, this number was probably less than one-fifth of what it is today.

However, the Great Wei dynasty was mired in deep-seated problems. Even though Emperor of Wei was able to push this matter forward despite the pressure from powerful Aristocratic Clan and clans, it would be difficult to turn the tide.

At least for now, with the current Great Wei nearing the end of his life, nine-tenths of the kingdom is still controlled by the Aristocratic Clan and clans. The Kuang Household family and their relatives still have to feign compliance with them and rarely change their minds.

However, the fact that the Kuang Household family, with its vast wealth and power, could hardly revive itself using this method does not mean that the Ying Prefecture Fei Household would be in the same situation. As for the She Mountain Hall, which had already seen results with Sect Leader Kang Da, it goes without saying that the same applies.

It took Fei Nanying a while to turn his gaze away from Jiang Qing. After nodding in response to the two men's bows, he said, "Several fellow Daoists are going to hold a Daoist gathering today. You two can come with me."

"Yes,"

The two bowed in agreement. Fei Nanying's departure this time was as simple as that of Sect Leader Kang Da. He did not bring any marquis's regalia. The three of them did not make a show of themselves. They traveled in a simple manner like ordinary cultivators and arrived in Meng County Phoenix Prefecture.

As Kang Dabao walked, he noticed that even Foundation Establishment True Cultivator were considered prominent figures in Cloud Horn Prefecture were everywhere in the city. Moreover, cultivators from various lineages were all traveling together, and while they didn't appear to be living in perfect harmony, they were at least peaceful and undisturbed.

This scene was rarely seen elsewhere, which made Sect Leader Kang Da sigh in his heart that Kuang Liuting was now truly like a piece of celestial jade. Even if ordinary people knew they couldn't get close to him, they were still willing to come from afar to absorb his celestial aura.

Before the three even reached the city center, Sect Leader Kang Da could see a rather familiar tall building standing there from a distance.

"When did Myriad Treasures Trading Company move here from Tengwen Prefecture again?"

He whispered a soft "hmm," Fei Nanying, walking ahead alone, without even looking up, responded:

"There's no reason for them to take back the properties they've already acquired. They've simply opened a new one. Besides the Myriad Treasures Trading Company that opened in Phoenix Cry Prefecture, there's another one in Yuan Prefecture in Mountain North Circuit, and it seems they're even planning to open another one in Three Ting Prefectures."

Sect Leader Kang Da nodded in agreement. Yuan Prefecture was where Five Old Mothers Mountain was located, while Three Ting Prefectures was guarded by True Person Crimson Snow and a group of disciples from the Hehuan Sect.

Phoenix Cry Prefecture is connected to these two prefectures, so there was no need to establish such a prefecture. It is likely that this action was taken because of Kuang Liuting.

In this light, while the veracity of the widely circulated rumor that Kuang Liuting has faded into obscurity is unknown, at least forces like Myriad Treasures Trading Company are still willing to remain idle.

When the three arrived at the building, someone was already there to greet them. A voluptuous and pretty butler brought in fragrant air, bowed deeply, and then led the three into the hall.

Fei Nanying was clearly familiar with the place; he used a jade token to break through the barrier and led the two into a quiet cave abode.

Myriad Treasures Trading Company does not only engage in the trade of goods. Providing a safe and quiet place for high-level cultivators, as seen in today's gathering, is one of the businesses that Myriad Treasures Trading Company has been operating for a long time.

After all, most spiritual practitioners are meticulous and wary.

A Daoist gathering like this, which includes people from all walks of life, is indeed suitable to be held in a neutral place like Myriad Treasures Trading Company.

After all, his family had a great reputation within the jurisdiction of Bitter Spirit Mountain, and even True Lord had some credibility in their eyes.

Therefore, for ordinary Golden Core cultivators, coming here is reassuring, as they are not worried about being tricked or killed by the master.

The host of the Daoist gathering was called High Person Three Words, a kind-faced old man with white hair, whose body was so thin that it seemed he could be crushed by a single slap from Sect Leader Kang Da.

However, his cultivation level was not bad. Middle Stage of Golden Core cultivator was considered rare in the former Mountain North Circuit region. It was only after the Office of the Duke of Qin in Kuang Liuting moved to Phoenix Cry Prefecture that it became somewhat less valuable.

He wasn't particularly outstanding among the cultivators of Mountain North Circuit, but his social skills were certainly not bad.

However, few people at this level are willing to reveal their true feelings. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the High Person Three Words had many close friends, but he certainly had fewer enemies than the average person, which is already quite remarkable.

"Thanks to the Marquis of Gucheng for taking time out of his busy schedule to come, the place is bustling with activity."

"Venerable Sir, please do not be modest. It would truly be a strange thing if any venerable cultivator from the Mountain North Circuit did not wish to attend your gathering."

Fei Nanying, unusually, put aside his arrogance and exchanged pleasantries with the High Person Three Words. The latter then naturally turned his gaze to Kang and Jiang.

He showed no airs of seniority whatsoever, simply bowing and smiling, "I have long admired the illustrious name of Marquis of Martial Peace, and I have always longed to see your noble character. It is truly an honor to have the chance to visit your esteemed residence."

Sect Leader Kang Da naturally possessed a charming and easygoing demeanor when interacting with others, and having slept on the same couch with Fei Shuhe for so many years, he had naturally developed a certain air of nobility. Therefore, he simply returned the greeting with:

"This humble student, with unpolished ambition, has come to your door today. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and shame at your unexpected kindness!"

After the two exchanged pleasantries, it was Jiang Qing's turn to step forward and pay his respects.

Compared to his senior brother, the sect leader, Third Master Jiang of Chongming was indeed less hypocritical. He simply High Person Three Words Double Brightness Jiang Third with "Greetings, senior," and then disappeared behind Sect Leader Kang Da without uttering a word.

However, since High Person Three Words himself had no intention of finding a son-in-law, he didn't put too much thought into Jiang Qing. Out of respect for Fei and Kang, he returned their greetings with a bow, but without exchanging any pleasantries, he considered it a farewell.

The old man led the three into an elegant room, which was simply furnished with only Zhang Su low tables and a Mirage Qi Screen hanging in the room. However, the Kang and Jiang brothers were used to simplicity, and Fei Nanying showed no particular expression, calmly taking his seat.

The High Person Three Words bowed and apologized, saying, "I have been slow to entertain the two lords and young friend Jiang."

"Not at all," Fei Nanying said, waving his hand. "As the master, you are busy with your affairs. We should take care of ourselves and not neglect our fellow Daoists outside."

High Person Three Words Fei Nanying spoke again, reminding him, "Don't underestimate this old man just because he's unknown; he has the lives of millions of ordinary people in his hands."

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Kang Dabao's eyes. When they first met, he had genuinely thought this old man was a kind old man, but he hadn't expected him to be a living devil.

"What are you glaring at me for? He's a Rogue Cultivator; if he didn't act like this, where would he get the resources to Core Formation?"

Fei Nanying added, "He's been getting quite close to Zhu Tong lately, and he might be working for the government in the future. You should rein in your temper; even if you don't become friends with him, you mustn't offend him, lest you cause trouble in the future."

"Understood," Kang Dabao replied in a low voice, and then sat down next to Jiang Qing.

The speaker at today's Daoist gathering is Guhongzi, who was invited by High Person Three Words price. The latter can be considered the number one Rogue Cultivator in the Mountain North Circuit, and has already reached the Late-Stage Golden Core realm.

He had known the High Person Three Words for many years, but they weren't exactly close confidants. However, they were quite compatible in their business dealings.

One person is the main speaker, and the other organizes the event. Over the years, they have worked together seamlessly, and there has been no sign of any discord between them due to conflicts of interest.

To the Rogue Cultivator in the Daoist sect, this could be considered a delightful story.

Most of those who came to listen to the lectures were Pill Master and True Cultivator with low cultivation levels. Even if they gave up all their possessions, they still didn't get the privilege of entering the meditation room.

He could only sit quietly in the hall, waiting for Guhongzi to make his appearance.

While waiting, Sect Leader Kang Da was somewhat curious. After all, according to Fei Nanying, the principles spoken by that rogue Rogue Cultivator Guhongzi were quite enlightening for even an elder of the Jushi Sect.

It even lured him to come here twice to listen to the Dharma, until he was moved to the idea of recruiting Guhongzi into the Fei Household as a retainer.

It is extremely rare for such a figure to emerge from among the Rogue Cultivator, and even Kang Dabao is beginning to look forward to this Daoist assembly and its lectures.

Having received a large sum of money, he couldn't keep the seekers of the Dao waiting long, so Guhongzi didn't put on airs and quickly made his appearance. Unlike the High Person Three Words, Guhongzi had an elegant name, but he was a burly man with a face full of scars.

Even without a closer look, Sect Leader Kang Da could tell that Gu Hongzi's wrist alone was probably thicker than the waist of the High Person Three Words. However, despite his rough and unrefined appearance, Guhongzi wore a brightly colored feathered robe when he went on stage, which looked truly strange.

Even with his attire, the seekers below the stage were not willing to be distracted in the slightest. They continued to watch intently as Guhongzi sat down cross-legged and began to preach in a calm voice.

At first, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't take it seriously, but as Guhongzi's explanation became more and more profound and insightful, he gradually became solemn and no longer dared to underestimate him in the slightest.

"This Daoist priest must possess a lineage of inheritance; he is far superior to those foolish, unruly cultivators who only acquired their cultivation through luck."

Kang Dabao was astonished; Guhongzi's sermon was at a crucial point, yet it abruptly ended.

This caused not only the Sect Leader Kang Da was in the elegant room, to be greatly dissatisfied, but even the usually docile seekers below the stage began to suppress their fear of the high-ranking cultivators and gradually started to clamor.

However, how could they possibly offend the might of the superior cultivator? Guhongzi didn't even need to speak; he simply swept his gaze across the cultivators below the stage, and all he saw were those with bowed heads, not a single arrogant man.

At this moment, the kind and amiable High Person Three Words stepped onto the stage and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'the Dharma should not be lightly transmitted.' If you fellow Daoists still wish to hear more, you will have to show your 'sincerity' once again."

Kang Dabao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, inwardly marveling, "This guy's got a sharp mind! How come I never thought he could do business like this?!"

Jiang Qing frowned slightly, seemingly looking down on the two cultivators outside. Like many other Pill Master and True Cultivator, he was also anxious because Guhongzi had struck a vital point, so why would he give them a friendly look?

Only Fei Nanying, who shared a room with him, seemed unfazed by the scene before him, and even defended the two on stage. "Although their methods are somewhat underhanded, at least they are teaching real things, which is a hundred times better than those who deliberately mislead students."

As soon as Fei Nanying finished speaking, Sect Leader Kang Da saw those cultivators who were short of money begin to leave one after another.

Once all the reluctant cultivators had left the arena, the once packed audience was reduced to almost only a handful. After all, the "sincerity" demanded by the High Person Three Words was several times greater than what they had received upon entering; how could ordinary people possibly afford to pay such a price?

Fortunately, just as Fei Nanying had said, after the two received a large sum of money, they were not stingy in passing on their true teachings.

Another hour or so passed before Sect Leader Kang Da Guhongzi finally saw that many of the Pill Master and True Cultivator below the stage were already weeping uncontrollably, and no longer showed any sign of heartache or resentment.

Guhongzi ignored the crowd's bowing and left without High Person Three Words thought, feeling that the money and goods were settled. San Yan Shangren, however, dealt with the endless stream of thanking cultivators before saying, "There will be a barter event in the back courtyard this evening. If any of you fellow cultivators are interested, you may also go and attend."

Seeing this scene through the Mirage Qi Screen, Kang Dabao knew that this was the main event Fei Nanying had mentioned was about to begin. Before he could speak, he heard the latter speak:

"This Daoist's teachings are truly excellent, insightful and penetrating. To be honest, when it comes to teaching, apart from the two patriarchs Ye Shui and Tianqin, even the two elders Dongwen and Donggu in the Fei Lineage are far inferior to him. Young man, what do you think if I were to hire him as a lecturer for the Fei Household?"

Sect Leader Kang Da had no objection to this, simply remarking in agreement, "That is indeed a blessing for this Daoist priest."

Fei Nanying had already made up his mind, so he didn't need Kang Dabao to advise him. Hearing the latter's words, he smiled and said, "His body-refining method is quite interesting. Even Ancestor Tianqin praised it after seeing it last time. Perhaps you could give him some resources and learn from him in the future."

Without waiting for Sect Leader Kang Da to speak, he added, "Let's go, let's go see that damned barter association, and I'll also introduce you two to the other fellow practitioners."

After the three arrived at the courtyard mentioned by the High Person Three Words, they saw the other Golden Core cultivators from the other elegant rooms also emerging one after another.

Fei Nanying had encountered a bottleneck in his cultivation over the years, so he shifted his focus to socializing, and Sect Leader Kang Da naturally got to know the upper-level cultivators in the arena as well.

"Xu Lingzhi, a direct descendant of the Dai County Xu Household, is skilled in the Five Elements Technique Method and serves as a military advisor in the government office."

"Gui Baifu, the eldest son of the Liaoyuan Gui Household, once practiced asceticism under the Prince of the South sixty years ago, and is currently the Imperial Guard of the Duke's Palace."

"Sha Shan, the current Daoist of Buried Spring Mound, a descendant of Sha Xuansong, the sect leader of Buried Spring Mound, only joined the staff a month ago and currently has no official duties."

Sect Leader Kang Da had previously heard that the Office of the Duke of Qin's mansion was full of talented people, but now he saw it for himself and was deeply impressed. As soon as he and Fei Nanying finished speaking, many of the remaining Pill Master and True Cultivator cultivators who were listening to the Dharma condescended to set up booths.

In their own little corner of the land, they were all quite respectable, and selling goods on the ground was a job that many people had never done before, so they naturally felt it was somewhat beneath their dignity.

However, there was nothing they could do. Those who remained had some wealth, and they had just spent most of their possessions listening to the Dharma. If they could take advantage of the arrival of many cultivators to sell their valuables for a good price, it would be a good thing.

However, after picking up several Storage Bag, Kang Dabao's eye for quality had indeed improved considerably. There were very few things on these people's stalls that could make him stop and look at them.

As for the Golden Core Formation Pill he so desperately wanted, he would only have a chance to see it later when all the Golden Core cultivators were exchanging items. How could he possibly find it here?

But just as he shifted his gaze from one stall to a curvaceous young woman, a piece of old silk next to her delicate hand caught the attention of Sect Leader Kang Da.