Questions and Answers

---- Office of the Duke of Qin in Phoenix Cry Prefecture

Today was the day that Duke Kuang Liuting of Duke of Qin summoned Kang Dabao for an audience, so Fei Nanying, who had been diligently cultivating, also managed to free himself up and led the Sect Leader Kang Da to the gate of the Duke's mansion to give him a proper explanation:

"Times have changed. When meeting the Duke, you must temper your temper."

This instruction was given because news had already spread within the Duke's mansion that the Ding Prefecture Kuang Liuting temple that Kang Dabao desired had been promised to the Haiyue Kuang Household by Kuang Liuting.

This wealthy family has not been established for long and has no outstanding members; they only moved here from Huangpi Circuit a few years ago.

His family's Golden Core combat skills are far inferior to those of others of the same level, and even the spiritual land where he is currently residing is rented from another family, so there is really nothing to praise about it.

However, two hundred years ago, a concubine's daughter in the Kuang Household was chosen by the Original Response Temple Michiko to be the Mingfei (a concubine of the Kuang family). In the eyes of many outsiders, this was the opportunity for the Kuang Household to change their fate.

The fact that the current Daozi Gada of Original Response Temple is practicing in Phoenix Cry Prefecture is a secret known to few.

Some people say that this is because the Zen masters of Original Response Temple are outwardly acting tough, but inwardly they are already making peace with the Kuang Household clan, and that Gada is the hostage sent to the Kuang Household.

The matter spread like wildfire, and even after pondering it for a while, Sect Leader Kang Da couldn't find anything amiss. However, when he tentatively asked Fei Nanying, the latter also seemed clueless, which piqued Kang Dabao's curiosity.

After all, even though there are indeed many more high-level cultivators working for the Office of the Duke of Qin now, Fei Nanying, as the next head of the Fei Household and Middle-Grade Golden Core cultivator, is still far from being considered lowly.

But the fact that even Fei Nanying doesn't know the purpose of this Gada's visit is quite a rare thing.

However, after hearing this, Sect Leader Kang Da sighed. He remarked that the longer Fei Nanying Core Formation, the more disciplined his personality became.

After all, the latter had served Boyue for so many years and was naturally familiar with the true nature of the Sect Leader Kang Da.

In the past, Fei Nanying would not have been afraid that Kang Dabao would become arrogant due to his recent smooth sailing, and that he would offend Kuang Liuting, whom he could hardly see clearly, because of some resentment.

"Don't worry, Boyue, I will act with caution."

After bowing and paying his respects, Kang Dabao bid farewell to Fei Nanying and walked alone toward the gate of the Duke's mansion.

Even when the Marquis himself arrived, the cultivator on duty at the side gate showed no sign of flattery. He coldly demanded the waist token and written order from Sect Leader Kang Da before opening the gate and letting the latter step inside.

After entering, a white-faced, beardless official in a green robe was already waiting at the door.

His tone was soft and his words gentle; his delicate hands, adorned with orchid-like fingers, seemed even whiter and more tender than those of an ordinary woman, and he truly possessed no trace of masculine spirit.

However, Kang Dabao, who had read the classics, knew that this feminine appearance was a sign that the Secret Method of the palace had not been mastered.

When this eunuch cultivates to the level of Grand Eunuch Wei, he will become a proud and upright man again, only still bearing the slight drawback of being unable to have marital relations.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da did not treat this eunuch with disrespect. After exchanging greetings, the latter led Kang Dabao into the reception area of Kuang Liuting.

Kuang Liuting had already been promoted to Duke, was no longer as carefree as he had been in Cloud Horn Prefecture. When Sect Leader Kang Da arrived, there were still guests inside.

He noticed a barely perceptible hint of surprise in the eyes of the eunuch who had led the way. He quickly stepped forward and inquired with a guard at the gate. After the guard nodded repeatedly in agreement, he picked up the fragrant tea prepared by the tea server in front of the gate, turned back, and apologized to Kang Dabao, saying:

"Among them is an envoy from the Hehuan Sect, Spring Wind Envoy, who came from Three Ting Prefectures. For some reason, the Duke is still leaving a message, so please wait a moment, Marquis."

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Kang Da raised an eyebrow slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. He took the tea tray from the eunuch and said with a smile:

"I have long known that Your Excellency has been extremely busy lately, and I am already deeply honored that you have taken the time to summon me. There is no need for you to explain, Your Excellency is being too polite."

Low-ranking eunuchs did not hold a high position in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, as the Secret Method within the palace were indeed difficult to cultivate.

After all, before the emergence of Grand Eunuch Wei, it had been nearly a thousand years since anyone had achieved True Person through this method. Therefore, it is understandable that ordinary people often look down on these self-degrading eunuchs.

In fact, not only did the civil and military officials look down on them, but even the high-ranking eunuchs would beat and scold them without any mercy.

The eunuch was perhaps unworthy of such courteous treatment, and was thus somewhat flattered. Two blushes immediately appeared on his pale face as he repeatedly declined.

"Ahem, no, no, Su Chen is terrified. Su Chen is of lowly status and cannot bear such a title as Marquis. It is too much of an honor!"

"Not at all, not at all. I've heard that Eunuch Su is a man who just came from the Forbidden City before the New Year, and he carries the aura of the Emperor. How could he possibly be described as 'lowly'? You're being far too modest!"

Seeing the utter disgust in Kang Dabao's eyes as he spoke, Su Chen hadn't even reacted when he saw the former raising his glass to invite him to drink, and his heart warmed instantly.

He carefully moved forward, only cautiously landing on his bottom, before accepting the teacup with both hands and respectfully saying, "Thank you, Lord Marquis."

"No need for thanks," Kang Dabao said, taking a big gulp of the tea and savoring its flavor. Seeing Su Chen sipping it carefully as if it were a precious treasure, he asked curiously, "Does Grandpa know about tea?"

"Ahem, I learned a little while serving the elders in prison." The latter looked at the mouthful of tea he had choked on with some pity, then quickly regained his composure and answered carefully:

"It's all thanks to the Marquis. Su Chen has smelled the aroma of tea in prison for nearly sixty years, but it's only today that he's finally tasted it for the first time."

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Kang Da and laughed heartily, "Ha, that's good! If I hadn't met you today, Eunuch, this tea would have been a waste of my time!"

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. Su Chen"

Just as Su Chen, who was sitting opposite Sect Leader Kang Da, was about to speak, he saw the former's expression suddenly become much more serious, and then the sound of farewell came from behind.

"Fellow Daoist Chu, this way please."

"You're too kind, sir."

"It's a pity I don't have time to learn the art of tea from Eunuch Su today. Let's talk again next time." Sect Leader Kang Da said and left, but as he stood up, he seemed to intentionally or unintentionally drop a Second Tier jade pendant next to the spout of the teapot.

Su Chen, a high-ranking official, was indeed not one to easily succumb to bribery in the past, which made him pause for a moment. After he realized what was happening, he hurriedly picked up the item and wanted to find Sect Leader Kang Dabao to refuse.

But as soon as he turned around, he saw that the latter had already stepped close to the two important figures who had just come out of the council hall, so he had no choice but to stop.

Then, for some reason, even though the jade pendant was as cool and refreshing as ice, Su Chen felt that holding it in his hand was even warmer than the scalding hot tea he had just drunk.

Kang Dabao had no idea that a high-ranking official was behind him, expressing his gratitude to him. When he passed by Chu Han, the Spring Wind Envoy, and Zhu Tong, the Chief Clerk of the Duke's Mansion, who had just come out, he saw the former's provocative expression but did not stop or make a fuss. Instead, he simply bowed slightly to the latter, which was enough to acknowledge their greeting.

This reaction surprised Chu Han somewhat. He hadn't seen Marquis of Martial Peace many times. Recently, he had only heard that Kang Dabao had repeatedly taken the heads of his peers outside. He had assumed that even if Marquis Wu Ning was a hot-tempered person, what he saw this time was far beyond his expectations.

"He's cunning and shrewd, but difficult to deal with; just like his shameless martial uncle."

Chu Han cursed under his breath a few times, but when he heard Zhu Tong call him from beside him, he replied, "Rest assured, Chief Clerk, I will report everything the Duke said today to True Person without missing Huiyi. There will be no mistake."

When Kang Dabao entered, Kuang Liuting was engraving with a knife and pen in hand.

Compared to when they first met, the latter had clearly become less dazzling. However, Sect Leader Kang Da did not feel that the gap between him and the latter had narrowed considerably since they both reached the Golden Core.

Today, Kuang Liuting may seem to have concealed its sharpness, but in reality, it is like a sharp blade returning to its sheath. Even those with discerning eyes, who cannot bear to see the slightest glint of its blade, can still feel its chilling gleam.

Even when it came to Fei Tianqin, Sect Leader Kang Da had never noticed such a feeling.

Now Kang Dabao truly knows that his pill quality is in no way inferior to Kuang Liuting's, but the gap between the two still exists, so he can only speculate in his mind:

"Just how much wealth did the Great Wei clan provide to support such a person?"

The rustling sounds inside continued for quite some time, but the Sect Leader Kang Da's bowing gesture remained unwavering. After an unknown amount of time, the slender Duke of Qin finally stopped what he was doing and said calmly:

"The Hehuan Sect 'True Person Crimson Snow said that she seemed to have discovered the Demon Lieutenant's whereabouts within the barrier. This matter is of great importance, so she temporarily summoned his subordinate, the Spring Wind Envoy, for questioning."

Seeing that Kang Dabao did not make a move after hearing the sound, Kuang Liuting said again, "Marquis of Martial Peace, please excuse the formalities and find a place to sit. The seat closest to me has a cake of Golden Bud Spring View tea, which is the most favorite tribute tea of your old ancestor, the Flat-haired One. You may take it back as a gift."

"On behalf of my ancestor Tianqin, I thank you, Your Excellency."

After responding, Sect Leader Kang Da made no attempt to be reserved and simply sat down next to Kuang Liuting as he spoke. However, the moment he sat down, Kuang Liuting spoke again, which startled him so much that he trembled.

"Marquis of Martial Peace, could you teach me?"

The Duke of Qin of Qin spoke with utmost sincerity, which made Sect Leader Kang Da feel uneasy and uneasy.

It took the latter a while to calm State of Mind down, but when he spoke, he said, "Your Excellency is a learned man of extraordinary Celestial Person and noble lineage, while I am but a lowly, ignorant man from the borderlands, living a muddled life. How dare I presume to teach you?!"

Upon hearing this, Kuang Liuting did not respond to Kang Dabao's humble words, but instead asked:

"Nearly a century has passed since I first went to Mountain South. The landscape has changed, the vegetation has withered and flourished, and countless lives have been lost in those spiritual lands. Yet, sects still hold sway and powerful families still cling to each other."

Evil Cultivator and bandit cultivators are just like the weeds growing alongside Spirit Plant; kill one batch and another will emerge, seemingly endless. I am surrounded by talented individuals, extraordinary people, and wise ministers who can govern the country well.

But they all just kept advising me that this is how the world has always been, so why get upset?

This means that once the current Nascent Soul, Yuan Ying, has achieved great success, all the difficulties in the world will be readily resolved. It seems that in the blink of an eye, there will be a court full of righteous officials and a peaceful and prosperous world.

At this point, Kuang Liuting paused, looked at Sect Leader Kang Da seriously, and then sighed, "But I feel that this is not the case. If I cannot understand it, my mind will not be clear, and my cultivation will be difficult to proceed smoothly."

Therefore, I would like to ask Marquis of Martial Peace for advice. In terms of weapons, your household is certainly more powerful; in terms of supplies, your household is also more abundant. But how is it that your family's people are not subject to exploitation and oppression? And how is it that the counties of Cloud Horn Prefecture are gradually turning into paradises?

The hall fell silent for a moment, because even the usually perceptive Sect Leader Kang Da had not expected that Kuang Liuting would ask him such trivial matters, which most high-ranking cultivators would consider unimportant.

Recalling how Kuang Liuting's initial determination, brought from the capital, was shattered one by one by the even more bleak reality when he first arrived in Cloud Horn Prefecture, one could understand the bitterness in the Duke of Qin's heart.

After all, this Core Thesis were no secret for a long time. To say that he was as callous and indifferent as the royal family members of the previous Great Wei Immortal Dynasty would be a bit harsh.

The silence lasted for a few breaths before Kang Dabao broke it with his voice. "Your Excellency, in my humble opinion, what the gentlemen of the Duke's mansion have said is indeed invaluable advice."

"Oh? Tell me."

Kang Dabao didn't tell the truth. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "The sage said, 'A gentleman labors with his mind, while a petty person labors with his body.' My jurisdiction only includes one prefecture and thirteen counties. In order to achieve complete success, I can slowly scrape the bone to remove the poison."

However, I, Great Wei, possess the whole world and govern countless lives. As the saying goes, "a single hair can move the whole body," and to prevent widespread suffering, I must not act rashly. What you gentlemen have said is indeed the right medicine for the ailment, only the preparation time is rather long. But good medicine is good medicine; it avoids the pain of scraping the bone, which is truly in accordance with medical principles."

Kuang Liuting listened attentively, seemingly pondering whether what Sect Leader Kang Da said was right or wrong.

He pondered for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, and, unsure whether he truly agreed, let out a long sigh and spoke again, "Very well, ultimately, I must figure out this myself. After all, it's never easy to get a word of truth from you."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Kang Dabao again, and he felt emotional in his heart.

In the past, what Kuang Liuting valued most about the Sect Leader Kang Da was his talent for governing the world. But upon seeing him again, he felt that the young sect leader's talent for remaining true to himself was even more remarkable.

Even though Kang Dabao was already a high-ranking official, he still showed little arrogance or courtesy towards a lowly eunuch. This was something Kuang Liuting had not anticipated when he had made the special arrangements.

After all, which person in a high position doesn't know the principle of "walking on thin ice with trepidation"? It's just that those who can stick to their principles and avoid being misled are truly rare.

He initially only wanted to test whether the recently successful Sect Leader Kang Da would still be obedient, but he never expected that the eunuch would receive such courtesy.

After that, when Chu Han, this nemesis, was contacted by Zhu Tong, the chief clerk, even the Sect Leader Kang Da, who was next to the junior official, did not get angry. Instead, he rushed to the council hall to listen to the reprimand.

After he entered, Kuang Liuting deliberately left him exposed, intending to dampen his spirits in the design. Unexpectedly, Kang Dabao accepted it calmly, just as he had during his Foundation Establishment, without even a superfluous expression.

The same principle applies: even though the Duke of Qin's cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds, he still values loyalty the most; even feigned loyalty, as long as you have some skill in pretending, the Duke of Qin will still like you.

"His Majesty often says that the affairs of the state are difficult. You and I were both chosen by His Majesty, so we must not fail His Majesty's expectations. We must always remember to be loyal to the country."

"Yes!"

"Ding Prefecture was given to the Kuang Household, do they resent me?"

"No."

"Ha, trying to fool me!" Kuang Liuting scoffed lightly, but wasn't truly angry. He pointed at Sect Leader Kang Da and laughed, "Don't think I don't know about your private grudges, and that I also know your family is short of spiritual land and finds it difficult to expand."

The latter immediately replied solemnly, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Excellency!"

But Kuang Liuting waved his hand to stop him, then changed the subject. "Whether you are considerate or not, you know for yourself. My decision is also for the good of Marquis of Martial Peace."

Kang Dabao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and looked in the direction of the voice. He then heard Kuang Liuting speak again, saying calmly, "I simply feel that it might be a waste of talent for Marquis of Martial Peace to govern only one or two prefectures."

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

Kuang Liuting did not respond immediately, but simply pointed with his halberd to a place on the map inside the hall that belonged to Huangpi Circuit.

"Xian Prefecture??"