Discussing Affairs at Azure Rosy Cloud Mountain and Taking Leave of Martial Uncle

It's hard for others to know exactly what abilities the current Sect Leader Kang Da Chongming Sect possesses. All that is known is that about thirty or forty years ago, he and Earl of Fengen Kuai En, led troops to quell the Three Administrations under the jurisdiction of the Star-Picking Pavilion.

The Grand Elder of the Two Instruments Sect Pu Honggu, possessed unparalleled Daoist skills at the Golden Core, and was always considered the foremost in the Shannan Circuit. However, after a battle, he was still defeated by Kang Dabao's halberd and ultimately lost his life.

The Two Instruments Sect, the Xianyu Household, and the Cloud Water Sect were all remarkable lineages, yet they too perished under this prevailing trend.

On the contrary, those unremarkable families living near the Star-Picking Pavilion used to be able to beg for favors by bowing and scraping their necks.

This shows how lenient the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty is towards Nascent Soul True Person. They only ask that you show some respect, and no matter how heinous your sins are, they will help you wash them away.

However, for those who cultivate to the Golden Core stage, especially those who lack loyalty Golden Core righteousness, the Kuang Household members are willing to cut them down if they are determined to do so.

Therefore, regardless of whether there are any grudges in the hearts of each family over the years, at least on the surface they are all quite obedient.

Therefore, as soon as Sect Leader Kang Da, one of the most trusted henchmen of the Office of the Duke of Qin, entered the hall, the protagonist of this birthday banquet immediately changed.

Even though the various cultivators had their own thoughts, they all showed respect when they approached Kang Dabao to talk.

However, Kang Dabao merely nodded casually in response to this enthusiasm. The hem of his black brocade robe swept across the jade steps, and the wind he stirred up seemed to be wrapped in concentrated spiritual energy, causing the spiritual mist that had been floating in the hall to quietly retreat to both sides.

"This is hardly like an ordinary Golden Core!!"

The cultivators who were able to enter this hall to offer their congratulations were all quite discerning; how could they not see that Sect Leader Kang Da, who had been in seclusion for thirty years, had made further progress?

You must know that when he killed Pu Honggu, he was only at the Middle Stage of Golden Core realm. Now he has advanced even further. How many people below the True Person can compare to him?!

Seeing this scene, Lian Xuepu was reluctant to look away. His heart was surging with emotion, which could not be summed up by the words "greatly pleased" alone! However, just as he felt a little moist in his eyes, he saw that Kang Dabao was already close to him.

Seeing this, the Spring Wind Envoy and the Peach-Burning Envoy, who had come to offer their congratulations and were seated on the honored seats, looked at each other for a while, but they all saw some hesitation on each other's faces.

You should know that even though the hall was so lively before, these self-important people didn't bother to even look up.

But among the powerful sects like the Hehuan Sect, and among these fellow Spring Wind Envoy serving the True Person Immortals, where Peach-Burning Envoy one possibly find a fool?

At this point, even someone like Kang Dabao had come to the banquet, so regardless of the relationship between everyone and Lian Xuepu, it was difficult for them to ignore this younger generation.

Under Lian Xuepu's slightly smug gaze, the cultivators found Kang Dabao and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Marquis of Martial Peace."

As a cultivator from Nascent Soul Grand Sect, he certainly had face. At this moment, Sect Leader Kang Da did not engage in perfunctory greetings. After confirming each person's name, he returned their greetings one by one, which was considered a proper greeting.

As soon as these formalities were completed, the members of the Hehuan Sect returned to their seats, each with their own thoughts.

Seeing that Lian Xuepu, who was already very favored by True Person Crimson Snow, had gained even more, they were naturally not in a good mood.

It should be known that being a male concubine is not an easy job.

Good skills, ample resources, and handsome looks—these are all things outsiders know, but they are merely stepping stones to advancement. If one wants to maintain the True Person's favor, then one must work hard in other areas.

The Chongming Sect is nominally the head of the Huangpi Circuit, making it a crucial gateway among the Three Southwest Circuits. Based on this relationship, the Hehuan Sect and the Chongming Sect can complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Chongming Sect had frequently sent prisoners of war to the Hehuan Sect on the battlefield, which had earned Lian Xuepu a lot of face. Not to mention, Chongming Sect could provide assistance to Lian Xuepu in many other matters.

Therefore, Lian Xuepu can receive more preferential treatment in front of the True Person, but others will not have such convenience if they do not have external assistance.

However, at this time, regardless of any personal grudges these colleagues might have against Lian Xuepu, they all had to put on an act of sincerely wishing him a happy birthday.

With everyone in such high spirits, the birthday banquet lasted for a full ten days before the guests finally dispersed.

For most of the cultivators who came to offer their congratulations, Lian Xuepu insignificant figures like Bo and Nong, after just ten days of feasting, felt that they had undergone a complete transformation and were on the verge of reaching the Foundation Establishment.

Not to mention the connections he made during this period, which are invaluable outside, plus the benefits he's already gained, he might just soar to great heights soon after leaving the mountain.

However, while the guests outside had all left, all the younger generation from the Chongming Sect who had come to offer their birthday wishes to Lian Xuepu stayed behind.

"The True Person summoned me before to ask when you would emerge from seclusion, so that he could send Exalted Cultivator Lanxin over to discuss some official business with you." Lian Xuepu spoke with great enthusiasm, clearly pleased with himself.

"Last time, as soon as that female Daoist arrived, her eyes were practically glued to Senior Brother. It would be best if Senior Brother Ye went to make the trip again to explain things, lest the sisters-in-law start complaining at home again."

There were no outsiders present, Yuan Jin spoke without regard for etiquette, which made Sect Leader Kang Da look somewhat embarrassed, a rare occurrence indeed.

Ye Zhengwen laughed upon hearing this, but then he noticed Kang Changxi huddled in a corner. He immediately became serious, patted Yuan Jin beside him, and whispered a warning, "Be careful your sister-in-law finds out, or you won't even be able to step into your senior brother's courtyard."

"My nephew isn't the type to snitch," Yuan Jin said casually, patting Kang Changxi on the shoulder even though Kang Changxi had already formed his Golden Core, making Kang Changxi look extremely tired and beg for mercy repeatedly.

"Silence! Silent talk! How dare you speak such rude and unruly words in front of your martial uncle!" Kang Dabao immediately straightened his face, sighing inwardly.

In recent years, after the region was somewhat pacified, he, the Sect Leader Kang Da, had some interactions with many cultivators of the Hehuan Sect.

Indeed, as Yuan Jin said, the female Daoists of this sect, regardless of age, all seemed to have strange appearances. Upon seeing her, they all seemed to have some improper thoughts about her.

It was a shameful thing to talk about, and in the end, it was only through Lian Xuepu's investigation that he learned that his spiritual power was extremely pure, yet he had not given these women who were fond of yin-yang sexual relations a good tonic, which made him a target of covetousness.

At that moment, Sect Leader Kang Da felt a chill in his heart. It wasn't that he was afraid of Exalted Cultivator Lanxin of the same level, pressuring him, but rather that he was afraid that if True Person Crimson Snow wanted to change things up, he would be in trouble.

Fortunately, Lian Xuepu immediately helped him resolve his inner conflict, stating that the "Jiangrui Ningyuan Shuangcan Jue" Cultivation Method practiced by True Person Crimson Snow was based on the Yang Xue spiritual essence within True Person Crimson Snow's body, and required the selection of a man with "excellent appearance, clear Spirit Root, and pure Yang Qi and Blood" as the ginseng cauldron.

Fortunately, during dual cultivation, she achieved spiritual resonance, transforming the "pure yang energy" within the man's body into her own yang snow true essence. This not only boosted her cultivation but also nourished her appearance and slowed down the aging of her Dao Foundation.

Simply put, it is true that Sect Leader Kang Da possesses pure spiritual energy, making him suitable for absorbing nourishment, but he does not fit the description of "superior appearance and clear Spirit Root," meaning that his Cultivation Method does not match that of True Person Crimson Snow. Therefore, there is no need to worry.

When Kang Dabao heard this, he didn't know whether to be happy or worried. So, after settling the affairs of the sect, he went into seclusion in peace.

The True Person Tiger Spring in nurturing Sect Leader Kang Da goes without saying, and the essence of his Nascent Soul was far purer than any other elixir the latter had ever obtained.

With the help of the three jade pendants, many of his obstacles were overcome without him even trying, as if he were slowly simmering soup, thus merging the essence of his Nascent Soul with his own spiritual power.

This allowed the Star Pattern Golden Core to gradually grow stronger over two or three decades, eventually breaking through the mid-stage bottleneck and firmly establishing itself in the Late-Stage Golden Core realm.

However, Kang Dabao could no longer appreciate the true feelings and kindness of True Person Tiger Spring, which was a regrettable matter.

However, after he emerges from seclusion this time, just as Yuan Jin said, many female Hehuan Sect will likely have designs on him, which will be another troublesome matter of them coming to his door.

He put these worries aside for the time being. Now that he had advanced to the late stage of cultivation, even the Fei Household's Old Ancestor Tianqin might not be able to easily defeat him. He didn't have to worry about being forced into a relationship.

After he left the pass, he asked Duan Anle was temporarily in charge of the clan affairs, many questions.

This disciple has been diligently cultivating for decades since the great war, and has now reached the Foundation Establishment Peak stage.

At Duan Anle's age of 170, such progress is not considered fast. After all, he is not only inferior to his master, but also to many Golden Core bloodlines.

However, just considering his Four Spirit Roots and his solid foundation, he has become one of the most likely successors of the Sect Leader Kang Da to form Golden Core, along with Kang Rongquan and Kang Changyi.

The three of them have already Core Formation some progress in their Core Thesis. Kang Changyi has even failed to form his golden core once and is preparing to make a comeback. It seems that as long as they find the right opportunity and a suitable spiritual object, they can complete the formation of their Golden Core in just one or two decades.

Aside from the three mentioned above, if we calculate carefully, there are at least ten more disciples of the Chongming Sect who are expected to Core Formation. This does not include those who plot to create False Core, which shows how prosperous the sect is.

The fact that Chongming Sect has risen from a precarious Qi Refinement sect that barely survived for over a century to its current state is undoubtedly due to the scavenging skills of its Sect Leader Kang Da.

In addition, the Chongming Sect has a small number of members, and the number of disciples it can cultivate is far fewer than other sects. However, the resources controlled by the Chongming Sect are in a class of their own among the Golden Core sects in the vicinity.

Even though Kang, Yuan, Jiang Third have all Yixin to cultivation and become hands-off managers in recent years, it is not surprising that the prosperity is due to the hard work of their disciples, such as Duan Anle and Kang Rongquan.

Ye Zhengwen roughly guessed that Kang Dabao, so he didn't elaborate further and simply asked about a troubling matter:

"Does Senior Brother know about the Fei Household?"

He had only spoken halfway when Lian Xuepu, who had been listening with a faint smile, suddenly changed color and hurriedly said:

"You scoundrel, are you trying to betray your master and ancestors? How could I possibly hear such news?! Go back to Yangming Mountain and tell them yourself. If I hear it, wouldn't that be putting me in danger?!"

Having been scolded by his master, Ye Zhengwen dared not show the slightest anger. He merely chuckled awkwardly for a while, then spoke slowly:

"Master, you're being overly cautious. There are countless eyes watching Ying Prefecture right now. If there's truly a conclusion about Nascent Soul Formation Ye Shui's Nascent Soul formation, how could such important figures as True Person Crimson Snow be aware of it later than us?"

After hearing this, Lian Xuepu's expression softened slightly, but he didn't change his tune. "Regardless, this matter is not to be discussed on my Azure Rosy Cloud Mountain."

"Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I know what's important."

Kang Dabao glared at Ye Zhengwen. This old fellow, now over two hundred years old, seemed to have lost much of his composure compared to his younger days.

As Lian Xuepu said, this confidential matter should not be mentioned outside. Even young children who attend private schools know the principle that "serving a ruler is like serving a tiger."

Not to mention that Lian Xuepu was serving True Person Crimson Snow, a notoriously unpredictable Outer Dao Nascent Soul from another path, so one can only imagine how much fear he must have felt.

The Sect Leader Kang Da, knew that his martial uncle probably had many hardships that he could not tell outsiders, and was certainly not as calm and collected as he appeared on the surface.

After hearing what Sect Leader Kang Da said, Lian Xuepu was finally relieved. He then took out a spirit ring and said softly:

"These are the various grades of pills that you have exchanged for the resources you have given me over the past ten years. The methods of alchemy used by the Hehuan Sect may have some strange aspects, but compared with ordinary Outer Dao, they are still a righteous method."

However, it's difficult to trust everything completely. I know you all have a good relationship with that Alchemist surnamed Luan from the Fei Household. Perhaps you could ask him to appraise it, lest the Alchemist from the Hehuan Sect tamper with it and you get harmed without even knowing it."

Before Sect Leader Kang Da could speak, Yuan Jin interrupted, saying, "Those valuables are all gifts to our Martial Uncle, why bother?"

Lian Xuepu waved his hand to interrupt him, then softly recited, "I was originally all alone. After leaving the sect, my family was still able to receive your care, all thanks to Da Bao, which allowed me to have disciples to inherit my mantle."

He paused here, his gaze falling on Ye Zhengwen, before continuing:

"What use is all this wealth to Dao Path has been severed? I'd rather take advantage of the connections I still have within the Hehuan Sect and do as many favors as possible for you. That way, I can atone for my sins when I face the Ancestor and Senior Brother Sect Leader in the future."

Even though it was Mingming's birthday, Lian Xuepu's words were extremely serious, prompting even the usually taciturn Jiang Qing to step in and offer words of comfort, "Uncle-Master, you're too kind. Back then, you were just..."

Lian Xuepu shook his head for a while, dispelling all the comforting words in his ears, before turning to Kang Dabao and speaking earnestly:

"I will not touch these items presented by various families this time; I will exchange them for some treasures within the Hehuan Sect. Also, do not complain that the Golden Hehuan Sect of the Golden Core Sect you associate with have a worldly air about them."

Currently, the cultivators of Five Old Mothers Mountain have ceased their activities in the Mountain North Circuit. In other words, apart from Phoenix Cry Prefecture, the Mountain North is now dominated by the Hehuan Sect, which is unchallenged.

"If you can become familiar with them, it will be of great benefit to the future development and growth of my Chongming Sect."

"Thank you for the reminder, Martial Uncle," Sect Leader Kang Da replied solemnly, but Lian Xuepu shook his head repeatedly. "Your vision and skills far surpass mine; you don't need an old and useless person like me to remind you."

Lian Xuepu stopped abruptly here, and after a long silence, as if he had made a great decision, he finally spoke, "But you should not treat the Hehuan Sect as an ordinary sect. Based on the bits and pieces of information I heard from the True Person..."

The Hehuan Sect of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, like the Myriad Treasures Trading Company, is perhaps just a branch that has fallen into the hands of a behemoth. Therefore, even if we cannot befriend them, we absolutely cannot afford to offend them!

"A branch?!" This news was quite shocking, even making the Sect Leader Kang Da change color. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke up in a questioning voice, "Uncle-Master, are you saying that the main sect of the Hehuan Sect is also a force on par with the Bitter Spirit Mountain?!"

Lian Xuepu's expression was not very firm, and he said in a calm voice, "I will just say it for now, and you can just listen for now. I may not be entirely sure about this matter, but you should generally understand and be cautious, that's enough."

Upon hearing this, everyone realized the gravity of the situation if Lian Xuepu's words were true, and no one in the hall could still maintain a mocking expression.

Lian Xuepu, however, was unaccustomed to this serious scene. He laughed first and pointed at Yuan Jin, saying:

"There is a pill in this spiritual ring called 'Cloud Essence,' which means the rich and moist substance condensed from the clouds of immortals. Ancient books say, 'Cloud Essence floats in a cup, and drinking it refreshes the mind.'"

I won this during a game of chess with Exalted Cultivator Lanxin. It's a mid-grade Third-Tier Middle-Grade, and it's especially effective at calming the mind. Once you get back, have Brother Bao or Brother Qing help you refine it; it might help you overcome your inner demons and achieve the goal of Core Formation."

"It's such a small matter, why should I trouble you, Uncle-Master!" Yuan Jin's face immediately showed gratitude, Lian Xuepu sighed again:

"Why thank me? If it weren't for the supplies and people you brothers have provided me over the years, how could I possibly have any face in front of someone like Exalted Cultivator Lanxin?!"

This is indeed true. Over the years, Lian Xuepu and Chongming Sect have complemented each other, and neither side has consistently gained an advantage.

Kang Dabao and his fellow disciples thanked them, Lian Xuepu did not respond, only focusing his gaze on Ye Zhengwen:

"Your aptitude is poor; it's only by chance that you've even formed Dao Foundation. Even now, with our Chongming Sect's resources so abundant, we might still have a chance of achieving False Core. You still have forty years of lifespan left. Don't focus on worldly affairs anymore; instead, concentrate on your cultivation. It's not like you have no hope at all."

Ye Zhengwen was clearly hearing these earnest words before, but his expression didn't change much. He simply nodded in agreement, and the other cultivators were filled with mixed feelings.

"Enough. We've had our fill of fun. You're all important figures now, and you shouldn't linger here and delay important matters. Go, go."

Hearing Lian Xuepu's words so sincere, Kang Dabao and the others did not linger. After paying their respects to the handsome middle-aged man once more, they boarded a spirit boat and headed back to Yangming Mountain.

When they arrived, Fei Shuhe, who had already achieved the False Core, was waiting for them at the door with a group of maids and concubines.

After thirty years of seclusion, Sect Leader Kang Da did not inquire about his family at all. He only chatted with his disciple Duan Anle for a while before going alone to Azure Rosy Cloud Mountain to offer birthday greetings, which actually angered his wife Fei Shuhe.

Seeing his wife's expression, Kang Dabao immediately sensed something was wrong and quickly pushed the silent Kang Changxi to the front.

Ignoring his son's panic, he immediately spoke up in front of Fei Shuhe: "This kid is arrogant. After I came out of the pass, I heard Anle tell me that he was dissatisfied with the marriage arranged with Yukun Han Household."

Just as the Ice Man was about to arrive, he secretly went to Azure Rosy Cloud Mountain with several of his senior uncles to offer birthday greetings—truly a betrayal of the Heavenly Gang!

Kang Changxi was shocked to find himself so easily betrayed by his own father, and seeing his mother's furrowed brows, he inwardly groaned.

Fortunately, Fei Shuhe was already familiar with the strategy of sacrificing pawns to save the Sect Leader Kang Da often used. Although Kang Changxi was glared at fiercely, he still managed to escape unscathed.

Fortunately, the head wife still gave Kang Dabao some face in front of her fellow disciples. After the latter forced a serious expression and gave a speech, Fei Shuhe dragged him to the inner quarters.

As for how to atone for one's sins, the only way is to sleep together under the same quilt.

Three hearts yearning for love, accumulated over thirty years—how much true strength would it take to suppress them?

Despite abandoning the Buddha Mother Wisdom Consort Dao, Yuan Xiyue's figure became even more graceful. Her beautiful face, like that of a celestial being, presented a compassionate expression, yet her mouth uttered nothing but vulgar and obscene words. This contrast was incredibly alluring, enough to delight Sect Leader Kang Da.

Zhang Qingran's former dignified demeanor is gone. Once a young woman is willing to give you her heart, she is willing to do any lowly thing in the world for you.

He thought to himself that even the True Person Crimson Snow might be tempted by him. Fei Shuhe, who was most favored by her two sisters, felt a sense of pride rising in her heart.

This made her face even more beautiful and her eyes even more captivating. Even Kang Dabao was so charmed by her lovely expression that he momentarily forgot his business.

The room was scorching hot, like a furnace, and the sweet voices only wore down the iron-willed man. Sect Leader Kang Da, who hadn't tasted meat in a long time, was also reluctant to part with this tenderness, and a lazy thought arose in his mind, "All important matters can wait until tomorrow morning."