In Xuanwei City, a Farewell and a Meeting with Guhongzi; from a Cold Courtyard, an Urgent Summons for a Son to Return
What can we exchange it for?
These four words lingered in the mind of Sect Leader Kang Da for a long time, but he still couldn't give that old man with the flat hair a satisfactory reply.
According to Attendant Luan, the Fei Household possesses a precious root in Ying Prefecture called the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine. This precious root is of the highest grade, the Third-Tier Upper-Grade, and was discovered in a secret realm by the Fei Household patriarch and a Golden Core cultivator from the Yukun Han Household.
The spiritual fruit produced by this precious root is indeed of great use in assisting cultivators in Core Formation, increasing the success rate by about 10%. It can also be compatible with and harmonize the conflicting medicinal properties of any two types of Core Formation spiritual objects, allowing them to be taken at the same time without harming the foundation of True Cultivator, thus greatly increasing the probability of Core Formation.
However, there are some minor drawbacks. Since it is a shortcut, the quality of the Golden Core Elixir is naturally slightly weaker than that of other elixirs of the same level, which can be considered an inherent disadvantage.
The mere step of solidifying one's inner essence requires several times the effort compared to others of the same level. As for the Dao Path ahead, it will naturally be much more difficult.
However, this presents a great opportunity for many noble families with unstable foundations.
After all, not everyone has lofty ambitions. For most cultivators, achieving the Golden Core stage and living to the age of ninety years is enough to satisfy them and leave them with no desires.
Of course, even if the spiritual fruit formed by the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine has such miraculous properties, the three hurdles of transforming spiritual power into mercury, perfecting Core Thesis, and enlightening the Dao Lotus are ultimately difficult to skip.
This is also why Fei Tianqin 'Core Thesis failed to reach a Fei Shuhe, and Fei Shuhe, who achieved the same result, could at most only form False Core.
Furthermore, it should be known that the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine bears fruit once every 360 years, and each harvest yields approximately five spiritual fruits. However, the prestigious Ying Prefecture Fei Household and the Yukun Han Household are not comparable to it.
Even though the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine was transplanted into the Spirit Nurturing Garden of the Yukun Han Household from the very beginning, all the necessary resources should still be provided by the Fei Household.
From then on, the Han Household, after all, cared about saving face, and an unwritten rule was established between the two families: every two rounds, the Han Household would give up half of the spiritual fruits to the Fei Household for distribution.
The Fei Household, from top to bottom, harbored no resentment whatsoever. In public and in private, they spoke highly of Yukun Han Household's dignified demeanor and expressed their deep admiration.
Such a magical object, the Fei Household has waited for more than seven hundred years, and may only be able to obtain two. Even without the Han Household's instruction, they should be sensible enough to give one to Han Ningyue for her use.
As for the other one, it belongs to the Esteemed Jade Hall, from which Ancestor Ye Shui originated. Even the Golden Core cultivators there would fight tooth and nail for it, regardless of their dignity. How could any other family or hall possibly even dream of it?
While Kang Dabao and his wife are indeed of considerable importance, Chongming Sect has been working diligently lately, it is wishful thinking to expect these senior cultivators to show consideration for their juniors and relinquish their positions because of this.
Kang Dabao remained silent for a long time, but the other cultivators in the hall did not make things difficult for him, after all, the Sect Leader Kang Da was going to great lengths for the Fei Household's daughter.
Even if it's a bit naive, it's not so bad as to make people dislike it.
In the end, it was Fei Donggu, the kind and generous elder, who stepped in to smooth things over. "Don't worry, Master Kang. Since Nanying has already written to Ancestor Ye Shui, the clan leaders will take it into consideration."
Even if this attempt fails, the so-called False Core is still rare and uncommon. However, my Fei Household has some reputation in the Immortal Dynasty, and Shuhe is my eldest daughter. I will not allow her to suffer any injustice."
Fei Nanying felt that he had no right to speak up for Sect Leader Kang Da at this time. Even his previous letter to Ying Prefecture was merely a gesture of goodwill.
After all, if Fei Shuhe had a chance to Core Formation, he could use Kang Dabao's identity as a pretext to say a few more words in favor of the latter.
However, as the next head of the Fei Household, he must be mindful of the importance of the matter. With Fei Ye Shui's lifespan nearing its end, he cannot afford to miss any opportunity to enhance the Fei Household's strength.
Otherwise, when this towering white jade pillar collapses, even with Fei Tianqin's assistance, Fei Nanying would likely struggle to cope.
Even if one were to concede that they were close to the Han Household, they might not necessarily receive any more spirit fruits. Even Fei Nanying, the Han Household's son-in-law, would still have to be mindful of their feelings.
"But..." Fei Nanying hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he held back his thoughts and remained silent.
Kang Dabao knew that this matter was difficult and understood the reasons behind it, so he said nothing more.
He then composed himself and, together with Jiang Qing, inquired about several key aspects of cultivation. The elders in the hall, of course, wouldn't let the atmosphere become awkward, and answered all his questions.
Only then did both sides part ways gracefully, having enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
Fei Nanying's gaze remained fixed on Kang and Jiang until they stepped out of the Repose Hall's protective barrier.
After turning around, he opened his mouth slightly, the words seeming to catch in his throat, but ultimately remained silent. Fei Tianqin, sitting at the head of the table, glanced at him indifferently, and without mincing words, said directly, "Nanying, you still want to plead for that girl Shuhe He, don't you?!"
Upon hearing this, Fei Nanying, whose thoughts had been exposed, felt somewhat relieved:
Nanying did not harbor any selfish motives; he simply thought that Kang Dabao was a talented individual, and to put it bluntly, this was a good opportunity to win him over. This young man was loyal and righteous, but lacked talent, and should not have such a promising future.
But now that it has been cultivated into Golden Core by my family, Shuhe constantly by its side will be nothing but harm to the Ying Prefecture Fei Household in the future."
As soon as Fei Nanying speaking, Fei Donggu, who was standing next to Fei Tianqin, gradually changed his expression.
The old bird carefully scanned Fei Nanying to toe for a while, then remained silent, making the latter slightly uneasy, before finally chuckling:
"Ha, Nanying, these are the words that the next head of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household should speak,"
At this point, its gaze shifted to Fei Donggu, its implication clear. "Yet he sees things more clearly than some people."
The Golden Core elder was startled by the sound and was about to muster his courage to argue when a sharp shout exploded in his head, "After three or four hundred years of cultivation, how come your brain is still like a new one?!"
"Fool!!"
Such a rebuke was quite severe and enough to offend the younger generation. Although Fei Tianqin was used to being harsh in his words, it was rare for him to be so harsh when dealing with a junior Golden Core cultivator.
Remembering that Fei Donggu was an elder of the clan and his own senior, Fei Nanying subconsciously wanted to turn to the side, but then heard Fei Tianqin, that old bird, say in a deep voice, "Stand!"
Fei Nanying's movements came to an abrupt halt, and Fei Donggu and years of cultivation, trembled slightly.
Fei Tianqin's rebuke arrived as expected. "Does the Fei Household lack Golden Core?!"
The two men who made the move felt a chill in their hearts. The Ying Prefecture Fei Household was the most powerful family in the world, with eighteen top cultivators on their side, making them no less prestigious than many other renowned families.
However, if they lose the only person who can barely maintain a certain status and who can negotiate with the various families in the capital, the glamorous facade of the Ye Shui Ying Prefecture Fei Household will crumble, and the troubles of overheating will inevitably emerge, enough to give even the arrogant Fei Tianqin a headache.
This situation is unlikely to be reversed simply by the emergence of one or two new cultivators in the near future.
Fei Donggu was silenced by the drinking, and a hint of shame appeared on his face.
Even with Fei Donggu's expression, the old bird at the head of the table seemed unwilling to give up, and after a few breaths, he questioned again:
"Your son wants to Core Formation, but why don't you know how to rely on your own abilities? How many lifetimes of ancestral blessings will it take to be truly satisfied?!"
Whether out of shame or anger, Fei Donggu hung his head, stunned by the question. Seeing this, Fei Tianqin temporarily let the former off the hook and turned to Fei Nanying to ask:
"And tell me again, what are your thoughts?"
"Reporting to the Ancestor, in Nanying's opinion, if Kang Dabao weren't of such low birth and humble lineage, his mere possession of Middle-Grade Golden Core would be enough to earn him the serious cultivation of Exoteric Buddhism and great families. However, my Ying Prefecture Fei Household can make up for his lack of a distinguished background."
At this point, Fei Nanying saw Fei Tianqin's gaze soften, and he boldly continued:
"In the past, my Fei Household was often constrained by the prejudices of social class. Even though we were given some leeway because of Kang Dabao's status as the eldest son-in-law, there was still a layer of separation between us."
In my Nanying opinion, going forward, we should take a bigger step. Apart from the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine, we can also grant Kang Dabao any other items he needs.
Fei Donggu felt that Fei Nanying's words were rather subtle. After all, even if the cultivators of the Double Brightness Alliance had a relationship with Kang Dabao, they were still vassals.
While the number of times the Double Brightness Alliance had to support Ying Mountain Army in taking the blows was much smaller than other alliances, Fei Donggu could still list several without much thought.
Fei Donggu never felt there was anything wrong with this matter, but he also didn't think that Fei Nanying's so-called "layer of separation" could fully summarize the bloodshed involved.
Fei Tianqin, who sat at the head of the table, didn't care about such trivial matters. He simply rolled his dark eyes once more before speaking again, asking, "Oh, aren't you afraid that after this brat has eaten and drunk his fill, he'll discard the Fei Household like trash?!"
Fei Nanying naturally understood the test-oriented tone in these words, and had already prepared his response:
"Your Excellency, it is only natural to associate with those who value profit and to befriend those who value righteousness. While there are indeed risks involved, I, Nanying, dare to presume to suggest that, in my Nanying, this matter, though risky, is far more secure than Your Excellency Ye Shui's gamble on the Duke of Qin."
"How dare you! You..."
What's the rush?!
With his eyes bloodshot, Fei Donggu was nowhere near the image of a kind and gentle elder. Before he could utter any words of reproach, he was choked back by a soft question from his own ancestor, the Flat-haired Ancestor.
After ignoring the disgruntled juniors standing to the side, the old bird looked at Fei Nanying again, and a rare hint of appreciation appeared in his eyes.
It doesn't dwell on whether Fei Donggu's words are right or wrong; after all, the fact that those words came from the latter's mouth is already a pleasant surprise.
Fei Tianqin nodded in praise, "That's right. My brother isn't some celestial patriarch or a living Buddha. How can he be omniscient and infallible? Nanying, after this, you've truly become the head of the family."
Although the old bird withdrew his gaze, he showed no reprimand towards the thoughtful Fei Donggu, and simply said in a gentle voice:
"From the Esteemed Jade Hall to the She Mountain Hall, from my younger brother to Wanqing, of the eighteen direct descendants of the Fei Household, apart from Nanying, there is almost no hope of Nascent Soul Formation reaching the Nascent Soul stage."
We finally managed to win someone over in this humble place without spending much money, and now we're just going to give up? All that talk is a waste of effort. You really can't understand what use it would be if my Fei Household produced another Golden Core cultivator?
Without the Moon Jasper Rosy Cloud Network Vine, are you descendants truly incapable of Core Formation?! What does it matter whether the Golden Core is formed or not?!
Even though the language was crude, it was already quite remarkable that Fei Tianqin could offer an explanation.
This old bird, after all, held a superior position. Fei Donggu, though feeling wronged after being scolded so harshly, harbored no resentment. After thinking for a while, he finally calmed down and suppressed his anger.
"To be honest, regarding the spiritual fruit from the Han Household, I already wrote to my younger brother before, requesting that Ningyue and Shuhe each receive one."
Fei Donggu had just regained his composure, suddenly widened his eyes and hesitated, as if he wanted to speak but then stopped. Fei Nanying also looked surprised, but he did not say anything either.
"After all, it's about doing someone a favor, so it has to be done with some difficulty to make the favor more meaningful," Fei Tianqin frankly admitted his own little scheme.
After a pause, the old bird spoke again, "'The principle of associating with those who value profit based on profit, and with those who value righteousness based on righteousness' is indeed correct."
Fei Tianqin looked down at Fei Nanying again and said softly, "Winning people over with sentiment is much more reliable. Besides, I don't really trust the Duke of Duke of Qin."
The voice was so soft it barely reached their ears, yet it sent a jolt through their hearts. The same words spoken by different people carried a completely different weight.
With the two people and the bird each having their own thoughts, the hall fell silent.
When Kang and Jiang returned to Xuanwei City, they unexpectedly encountered an old monk with white hair there.
Kang Dabao pulled Jiang Qing forward to greet them, concealing his dejected mood from the fruitless trip to the Fei Household mansion. Although he looked slightly surprised, the smile he wore when speaking to the newcomer was extremely warm and friendly.
"What brings you here, senior?"
Guhongzi, who came to visit, had just recovered from serious injuries. Although he had been known as the number one Rogue Cultivator in Mountain North Circuit for decades, he had only seen the skills of the Sect Leader Kang Da on the battlefield, not to mention the many connections the latter had.
Therefore, he did not put on airs as a senior, but bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Sect Leader Kang."
Kang Dabao returned the greeting with a hearty laugh, "Haha, senior, you are too kind. I am truly flattered. May I ask what brings you to our humble sect?"
"That scoundrel Pu Honggu was ruthless before, and I was only saved by the intervention of your esteemed sect's Fellow Daoist Yuan. My injuries have improved somewhat, but I need to stabilize and recuperate before suspending my cultivation. Hearing that your sect has moved here, I came here specifically to express my gratitude!"
Guhongzi's sincere tone surprised Sect Leader Kang Da. After all, while repaying kindness is a matter of course, it is rare to find a cultivator who truly puts it into practice.
In Kang Dabao's eyes, most of the Rogue Cultivator in the world were people who valued profit over righteousness. This was not something he usually did by generalizing from a few cases; it was just that he had seen too many such cases since he began cultivating, so that this prejudice had become deeply ingrained in him without him even realizing it.
When distinguished guests arrive, it is essential to provide them with proper hospitality.
Although Guhongzi had heard Sect Leader Kang Da's explanation, he already knew that Yuan Jin and his group had already gone to Yangming Mountain to manage things and Yixin to leave.
However, they couldn't resist Kang Dabao's great enthusiasm and his insistence on hosting a banquet, so they stayed in Xuanwei City for three days.
That morning, just after Guhongzi was sent away, Kang Dabao felt relieved and entered the house. He then saw a familiar middle-aged maidservant, completely lacking decorum, staggering out of a courtyard, her voice trembling with tears:
"My lord, my lord, something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"
Sect Leader Kang Da stared intently for a few moments before recognizing who the maid was serving. His heart tightened immediately, and without waiting for the latter's reply, he hurriedly rushed into a deserted courtyard.
Upon receiving the news, Fei Shuhe hurried inside and only emerged after a long while.
Although a hint of sorrow lingered in her beautiful eyes, the mistress of the house remained composed. She summoned her attendant and earnestly instructed, "Quickly go to the Mountain North Circuit and fetch the eldest son back. There is no time to lose!"