Going Their Separate Ways

---- Cloud Horn Prefecture, Xuanwei City

On the seventh day of the tenth month of the 522nd year of the Qianfeng Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, the deity in charge was the White Tiger, and the year was Renxu.

It was another birthday celebration, and compared to other places, the Office of the Duke of Qin's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers much more elaborately. This was also true of the Marquis of Martial Peace's Residence, which was holding a series of funerals.

Huo Ying had only been gone for three days, perhaps due to the lingering sorrow, He Wanying, the only junior sister of the Sect Leader Kang Da, also passed away. She had lived to the age of 127, without illness or disaster, a truly fulfilling life.

These successive changes may have left Kang Dabao somewhat exhausted, so he did not preside over the event, leaving He Chang to handle everything alone. In terms of lineage, He Wanying is a disciple of Martial Uncle Li.

Now, the most prestigious member of the Chongming Sect is Chongming Sect Kang Rongquan, a junior. Even though his injuries have not yet healed, he still cannot bear to be idle and is busy with his junior brother He Chang, taking care of all sorts of things.

The funeral arrangements are now complete.

Double Brightness cultivators of Chongming should put aside their grief and prepare to take on their respective duties and manage affairs in all directions.

First, Kang Lingyi, along with her two half-brothers Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan, had already received their departure date. They were to follow Fei Nanying's wife Han Ningyue, and travel with the Fei Household's entourage to Ying Prefecture to become disciples of Fei Wanqing and cultivate themselves.

Both Sect Leader Kang Da and his wife had exchanged letters with Fei Wanqing about this matter, and they were quite at ease with their cousin.

Kang Changyi did not stay long, as the battle in Ding Prefecture was still fierce. The fact that he was able to return from the front lines was already a great favor from his teacher Chu Yanran.

He hadn't expected that returning would require wearing the headdress twice, and seeing that he was about to miss his deadline, he hurriedly bid farewell to his parents and rode his Azure Thunder Crimson Ox back to the battlefield.

Those Higher Vehicle talismans are not easy to find; at least, even the Storage Bag that Sect Leader Kang Da retrieved this time did not contain one. Fei Shuhe inquired for many days but found nothing. Therefore, her worries were much greater than before.

With all his fellow disciples now returned, Kang Dabao also sorted out all the matters concerning those left behind in Xuanwei City.

Now that Little Ring Mountain and Pingrong County are completely destroyed, and more than 400 families in Cold Crow Mountain have become vagrants, Xuanwei City has become a very important source of revenue for the Chongming Sect, almost the foundation of the sect, so it cannot be taken lightly.

Besides Xuanwei City, there is also Han City, which was also guarded by an eighth-generation disciple appointed by Sect Leader Kang Da.

Jin Shilun's first disciple Tang Jiu, and eldest son, Jin Tanglü, served as his chief and assistant, respectively.

Compared to Xuanwei City, which flourished due to the long stay of Kuang Liuting, Han City, which was once comparable to it, has fallen into disrepair.

Therefore, Kang Dabao did not choose many forces to assist him. Apart from the Cold Mountain Sect, which had always been close to the Chongming Sect, the only other option was the Yunwei Zheng Household, whose False Core Zheng Taibai injuries. They could go there to recuperate for a while.

After everything was settled, the council hall fell silent again, except for occasional light coughs from Jiang Qing due to his chest injury, after which there was no further sound.

At this juncture, Yuan Jin spoke up again. He glanced at the somewhat numb expression on the Sect Leader Kang Da, stood up, and said:

"Senior brother, Senior Guhongzi came looking for me the other day."

"Oh, right. That senior came to Xuanwei City last time, telling me he came specifically to find you, to repay the favor he received before. I pointed him to Yangming Mountain, but then the matter of the Wanying came up, making him make a wasted trip."

Kang Dabao sighed softly, then said, "It is impolite of us to have such distinguished guests at our door while we are holding a funeral. Second, please apologize to our elders so as not to offend them."

"Junior brother understands," Yuan Jin nodded for a moment, then continued:

"Senior Guhongzi said that he was injured in the battle and lost most of his possessions. Now he is penniless and doesn't know how to repay this life-saving grace. So he thought of holding three Daoist gatherings for my Double Brightness disciples in Xuanwei City as a small way to make amends."

"Oh?" Sect Leader Kang Da's eyes lit up. Back then, when he went to Mountain North Circuit to listen to Guhongzi preach, even as Golden Core cultivator, he still had to use his Fei Household's favors and a sum of money.

However, after listening to it, one could only feel that this old cultivator was indeed capable. His insights were penetrating and to the point, and he had some unique perspectives on cultivation.

At that time, not only did the practitioners in the arena fully grasp the true meaning, but even those in the audience, whether they were practicing False Core or True Cultivator, were completely captivated.

You should know that this is a valuable skill. High-ranking families have no shortage of Golden Core cultivators, but those who know how to cultivate and those who know how to teach are two different things.

Guhongzi was indeed capable; even Fei Nanying, after hearing Guhongzi preach, was tempted to learn from him. This led even a prominent family like the Ying Prefecture Fei Household to set their sights on him, spending a large sum of money to hire him as their tutor.

The fact that a rogue Rogue Cultivator could be so highly regarded by a wealthy family demonstrates the high level of Guhongzi's attainments in this field.

Moreover, compared to Kang Dabao's Spring and Autumn Brush Edge, which, though strange, could only benefit his close disciples, Guhongzi's sermons were a good opportunity for the Chongming Sect's disciples.

Therefore, if Guhongzi can demonstrate 80% of the skill he used in his lecture at Myriad Treasures Trading Company last time, then Sect Leader Kang Da will be quite Ruyi.

"This is excellent. Second, please convey my gratitude to Senior Guhongzi. After consulting with him, take advantage of the presence of all the disciples and quickly set a convenient date."

"Yes, junior brother understands."

Three days later, the Daoist assembly will begin.

Logically speaking, the Temple of Heaven, where Kuang Liuting was granted his title in the city, should have been a Higher Vehicle place for preaching. However, there was imperial essence left there, and it would be disrespectful to use it. Sect Leader Kang Da did not have the courage to take this risk of overstepping his bounds, so he had to use other resources.

But one could see the Nine-Turn Spirit Gathering Formation hovering and circulating in the air in the training ground of Xuanwei City, with eighty-one high-grade spirit jades guiding the six Spirit Vein in the city to circulate, condensing into a sky full of shimmering white spiritual mist;

A hundred jade tables with cloud patterns are arranged like a star array, and the lotus lamps burning with incense that calms the mind have smoke swirling into the shape of a blue phoenix.

Now, in the midst of a great war, Chongming Sect has only recently found temporary peace. The area under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Duke of Qin remains desolate and scarred, with all kinds of supplies in short supply.

While these superficial gestures certainly cost a lot of Spirit Stone, Sect Leader Kang Da was still willing to spend them, clearly not intending to settle the matter with Guhongzi outright, but rather hoping to forge some goodwill with this well-behaved Rogue Cultivator at the Golden Core stage.

The disciples of Double Brightness and the invited members of the Fei Household sat in order of rank. Although the various families of the Double Brightness Alliance could not compare with the powerful eight families in the capital, they were still ranked higher.

The eight families of the capital region, led by the Cloud Valley Zhang Household, did not show any resentment. After all, it was a rare opportunity for Golden Core cultivator to preach, so they all held their breath and waited calmly for Guhongzi to take the stage.

Suddenly, a clear breeze arose from the southeast, and Guhongzi came riding on the clouds.

The old Daoist priest, his blue robe fragrant with snow plum blossoms, held a jade slip imbued with spiritual Jade Slip with moonlight. With a light touch of his toes on the high platform, spiritual mist dissipated three feet away.

Although Guhongzi was Rogue Cultivator, he made a living by preaching, and his appearance was no less impressive than that of an ordinary elder.

The cultivators below, seeing only his otherworldly demeanor, felt even more admiration for him. But after Guhongzi ascended the altar, his gaze swept over Yuan Jin, who was seated in a row, and he bowed respectfully without concealment, his voice filled with spiritual energy, like a clear spring gurgling over stones:

"In the past, when the Mountain North Circuit suffered a calamity, we were fortunate to have Fellow Daoist Yuan protect us with his life." Now, we offer these three volumes of Daoist teachings as a token of our gratitude, hoping they may help you all overcome the obstacles in your spiritual practice.

After he finished speaking, and as the cultivators below the altar returned their greetings and expressed their gratitude, the Jade Slip in Guhongzi's hand immediately floated into the air, its spiritual light suddenly intensifying, illuminating the entire area.

Guhongzi's fingertips traced a line, and the first ray of spiritual light transformed into seal script. "Those who Foundation Establishment are like those who construct a magnificent palace, requiring spiritual power as the foundation and their mind and character as the beams. Do not be greedy for speed and damage the root, nor be afraid of slowness and abandon the work. Observe the spiritual breath of heaven and earth, and integrate it with your own sea of qi, only then can you achieve stability as solid as a mountain."

As soon as he finished speaking, a spiritual light entered the brows of all the disciples. Some closed their eyes and concentrated, while others looked enlightened. They all felt the spiritual energy flowing more smoothly in their Dantian.

With another flick of the fingertip, a second ray of spiritual light condensed into a phantom image: the phantom cultivator, impatient for quick results, forcefully pushed his spiritual power, causing his meridians to rupture and his spiritual sea to churn. "This is a taboo in the circulation of spiritual power,"

Guhongzi's voice was deep and resonant, "Know that spiritual energy is like flowing water; if blocked, it will overflow; if unblocked, it will flow smoothly. It must follow the pathways of the meridians and be guided by your breath. If you encounter stagnation, you can draw in spiritual mist to moisten it; do not use brute force to force it out."

As the illusory image dissipated, the disciples below the stage secretly examined themselves and corrected their Movement Method.

Finally, the Jade Slip into a third ray of spiritual light, scattering into countless points of light across the sky. "The Dao has no fixed method; only the fittest can attain it. You may tame beasts, cultivate swords, or refine talismans; though your paths differ, your desire to seek the Dao is the same. When you encounter confusion, ask questions; when you face difficulties, ponder them. Only then can you ascend step by step and approach the realm of immortality."

Where the light fell, a disciple stood up and asked about the method to Foundation Establishment; Guhongzi answered with spiritual energy.

Another disciple asked about the origins of beast taming and cultivation. Guhongzi explained it by quoting "All things have spirits, and they help and support each other," which was concise and to the point.

After about ten questions and answers, the old cultivator then explained sixteen general tips for circulating qi and thirty-two ingenious methods for breaking through barriers.

However, these methods, which Guhongzi considered worthless, had a threshold; only those with wisdom could fully comprehend them. But as long as one listened attentively, one could benefit to some extent.

The sermon concluded as the sun began to rise.

The Jade Slip in his hand lost its spiritual light, and Guhongzi descended on a cloud. The disciples all rose and bowed, their faces filled with gratitude, and they all cried out, "Thank you, Senior, for imparting your teachings!"

Kang Dabao and Yuan Jin stepped forward, cupping their hands in greeting, and said, "What you said, senior, Chongming Sect; the entire Chongming Emperor has benefited greatly from it."

Although the lecture was intended for the lower-level disciples, even Sect Leader Kang Da felt he benefited somewhat. As for the disciples listening below the altar, it was an incredible blessing.

To be honest, inviting renowned teachers to give lectures has always been a common practice among high-ranking and wealthy families. It's just that the Chongming Sect's revival was too short-lived, which is why it lacked a certain grandeur.

Moreover, Guhongzi never touched upon controversial points when expounding the Dharma, only speaking of straightforward principles. Fang Household might find it slightly lacking in subtlety and individuality, but for disciples from small, unrefined families in the Three Southwest Circuits, it was just right.

Sect Leader Kang Da thought to himself that he would need to do more of these kinds of things in the future, even if it cost some resources, it would be worth it.

Guhongzi smiled and replied, "Fellow Daoist Yuan's previous assistance deserves a generous repayment. However, this old man has no special skills, so I can only offer a small token of my gratitude today." The old cultivator's words were sincere and not merely polite. When his gaze turned to Kang Dabao, he praised him again.

"This city was once the residence of the Duke, Dao Rhyme flows endlessly; it will surely become a thriving place for cultivation in the future. Sect Leader Kang, having received this letter, surely has a bright future ahead of him."

"This junior is Chongming Sect's current success is entirely due to the Duke's patronage."

In front of outsiders, Sect Leader Kang Da would never utter a single bad word about the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. Guhongzi also had no intention of being overly polite with the former, simply stating:

"Today's lecture was quite fruitful. Fellow Daoist Yuan told me that there are still many disciples of your sect at Yangming Mountain in Xian Prefecture. In that case, I shouldn't linger any longer. Once Fellow Daoist Yuan has finished his business here, I will return to Xian Prefecture with him."

Kang Dabao naturally advised, "How can we let you, senior, go through such a long journey? Please rest for a while."

"I am deeply grateful for Sect Leader Kang's kindness, but I have debts etched on my back, and my heart is filled with unease; this has been the case for hundreds of years."

Upon hearing Guhongzi's words, Kang Dabao stopped trying to persuade him and simply instructed Yuan Jin, who was standing to the side, to take good care of the former.

At the same time, he was also thinking about whether to let the Second stay a little longer, so that disciples like Duan Anle could ask Guhongzi for some teachings alone.

The idea had barely formed in his mind before he acted on it. Guhongzi hadn't expected Yuan Jin to stay in Xuanwei City for half a year, but he couldn't go back on his word. Fortunately, while he was recuperating in the city, Chongming Sect not only provided him with Spirit Vein but also gifted him elixirs.

With such generous treatment, prominent figures in the sect, such as Duan Anle and Kang Rongquan, came to respectfully seek guidance at the Sect Leader Kang Da, and Guhongzi was not stingy in offering them some pointers.

As the sect leader, Kang Dabao naturally wouldn't entrust all matters of teaching and training disciples to outsiders.

For the past few months, he has continued to keep the Spring and Autumn Brush Edge with him at all times. Whenever a disciple has received instruction from Guhongzi, he will summon him to his side and use the treasure of teachings to point out the way forward, so that all disciples can corroborate each other's words and avoid being misled by one party's words.

Three months passed in this way, and the disciples made remarkable progress.

Kang Dabao then prepared generous gifts for Guhongzi, who, being quite magnanimous, accepted them without hesitation.

This reassured Sect Leader Kang Da, as he was a pragmatic and down-to-earth person. The latter's so-called "repayment of life-saving grace" was not reliable. If it came down to a settlement of money and goods, Spirit Stone and spirit treasures would be more practical.

Not long after Guhongzi and Yuan Jin left, the capable disciples of the sect also went their separate ways, and Jiang Qing's injuries also improved considerably.

That day, Third Master Jiang was in Xuanwei City listening to Kang Dabao and Ye Zhengwen discussing future plans, which included many trivial matters such as demarcating settlements and developing industries.

Shortly after hearing this, Jiang Qing's brows furrowed slightly. Sect Leader Kang Da, always meticulous, noticed this and gestured for Ye Zhengwen to stop the discussion, then spoke up:

"Third, I have something to tell you."

Jiang Qing then regained his composure and said directly, "Whatever Senior Brother instructs."

"Hmm," Kang Dabao nodded, then said softly, "You're not far from the Core Formation stage. In that case, you don't need to concern yourself with these trivial matters within the sect."

But then, Third Master Jiang's brows immediately relaxed, and he was about to agree when he heard Sect Leader Kang Da speak again:

"I will now speak with the elders of the Fei Household and request that you stay at Fei Household residence to cultivate in peace. Ancestor Tianqin favors you greatly and is also very generous. He requests that you sincerely seek his guidance, and perhaps he will even lead you to perfect your Core Thesis."

Seeing the hesitation in Jiang Qing's eyes, Kang Dabao comforted him, "I already owe the Fei Household countless favors, so you don't need to worry about it."

Jiang Qing was still hesitant, then spoke up, "The matter within the sect..."

Upon hearing this, even Ye Zhengwen, who was standing between the two, laughed and said, "You, sword immortal, don't have your mind on this at all. With the sect leader and I managing things within the sect, Brother Qing, you can rest assured."

Kang Dabao chimed in, "That's right. Besides, there's nothing more crucial than our Chongming Sect producing another Golden Core cultivator right now. There's no need to worry about these things!"

Jiang Qing was relieved and bowed to his two senior brothers in gratitude.

After the three finished their discussion, Sect Leader Kang Da pushed open the door and heard the Fei Household's envoy coming in to discuss some travel matters.

Without a second thought, Kang Dabao was about to send someone to fetch Kang Lingyi and her two siblings when the disciple who came to report said, "Sect Leader, the person who has arrived is Madam Yan; it seems she also wishes to come along."

"Um?"

The previously calm Sect Leader Kang Da was suddenly taken aback, but he quickly understood the reason. However, he didn't know whether to be surprised or happy.