Fellow Daoist of Phoenix Cry Prefecture Speaks of Lofty Ambitions; With All Matters Settled, an Old Acquaintance Appears on the Road Home

---- Phoenix Cry Prefecture

Since Pei Yi's death, Kang Dabao and Qin Sufu have rarely seen each other.

Seeing Qin Sufu standing in front of him suddenly made Sect Leader Kang Da feel somewhat dazed.

After many years, Qin Sufu appeared even more handsome than Kang Dabao remembered. He wore a dark blue brocade robe with subtle patterns, which accentuated his tall and straight figure. A jade belt with emerald inlay around his waist made his broad shoulders and back appear less bulky.

Her face was like fine porcelain with glaze, yet without a trace of effeminacy. Her brow bones were slanted as if carved from jade, and the faint lines at the corners of her eyes added a touch of gentle charm to her bright phoenix eyes, making her appear more mature and refined.

What's most striking is his short, dark mustache, trimmed so neatly that each hair exudes refinement. When he speaks, the tip of his mustache trembles slightly, conveying both the composure of middle age and the undeniable handsomeness within him.

Compared to the Qin Daoist of the Sect Leader Kang Da back then, he possessed an even greater spiritual aura of accomplished cultivation. It was as if time had not aged him, but instead made him even more dazzling.

Even with the full support of Han City Yue Household, no matter how powerful Yue Lin was, he was still just a Pill Master, and it is said that he is now in his twilight years.

The fact that Qin Sufu was able to advance to the Middle Stage of Golden Core realm in such a short period of cultivation demonstrates just how highly regarded this talented individual is within the government.

"He truly deserves to be chosen by Lord Shan as his successor."

Kang Dabao sighed inwardly, then saw Qin Sufu bow in return and speak in a pleasant voice:

"I heard you had left the pass before, and now the city gatekeeper said you had arrived in Phoenix Cry Prefecture. So I rashly came to the Fei Household to try my luck, and I never expected to actually run into you."

After bowing and paying his respects, Sect Leader Kang Da, accepted Qin Sufu's invitation to visit the military academy under the jurisdiction of the Duke's mansion.

Upon entering the inner hall, Lady Yue, who had previously disapproved of her husband's association with Kang Dabao, now came out to greet them with a smile.

Sect Leader Kang Da noble character and never wastes time talking to beautiful women, much less being petty or calculative.

He simply drank the hot wine offered by Lady Yue and thanked her in a low voice.

Lady Yue was quite sensible; knowing that the two had important matters to discuss, she found an excuse to personally cook a spiritual meal and retreated behind the screen.

Now that only the two of them were left, Qin Sufu lost his composure and didn't know how to speak. He simply refilled the cup for Sect Leader Kang Da, then poured himself a large toast before speaking in a low voice:

"It's been many years since I've seen you, my little brother, and you've accomplished so much."

"I haven't done anything particularly significant," Kang Dabao shook his head modestly for a moment, "It's just some small-scale work within my own territory, nothing compared to the monumental achievements of the dukes and nobles of the Duke's mansion."

"A deed for posterity? Ha," Qin Sufu scoffed. "Even without the Duke's presence here, you, my brother, are already a prominent figure in the Duke's mansion, holding the title of Marquis of Wuning Prefecture and possessing illustrious military achievements. Do you really need to be so cautious in front of your foolish brother?"

"What you say is very true, fellow Daoist," Sect Leader Kang Da said with a faint smile, offering no further comment.

Seeing his reaction, Qin Sufu stopped trying to persuade him and raised her glass in a toast again:

"Last time, I went to inspect the local militia in twelve prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Chongming Sect on official business. Before I even saw the troops, I was first amazed by the peacefulness of the area."

He observed that Sect Leader Kang Da remained calm and composed, yet he did not urge him on. Instead, he spoke, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes:

"The immortals are flourishing in every county and township, and the land is abundant and the people are prosperous. The local militia regularly patrol the four directions to eliminate evil spirits; all six departments in the county are working hard and there is no delay."

Advanced medical practitioners can enter the homes of poor families; cultivators with mechanical puppets can help ordinary people cultivate their fields. Farming masters are willing to teach ordinary farmers good seeds, identify the soil and choose the right time to personally visit the fields; immortal masters select seedlings without leaving barren mountains and remote villages, visiting homes day and night.

All of this reminds me of the prosperous era described in the books. The Office of the Duke of Qin governs over a hundred military prefectures and counties across four circuits; excluding those under the Chongming Sect's rule, there is no sign of...

Kang Dabao, however, was puzzled as to why Qin Sufu had suddenly brought up these matters. He simply chuckled, raised his cup, and said with a smile, "These are nothing but insignificant skills, you flatter me, brother."

"This is no trivial skill," Qin Sufu said, waving his hand. "Brother, do you know the current situation of the other prefectures in Shannan Circuit?"

"I have heard of that," Sect Leader Kang Da said solemnly, then recited a nursery rhyme he had recently come across. "The grass grows lush on the Shannan Circuit, a child cries of hunger around the house. Evil mist shrouds the village, the crops are all dead, where can Father find chaff and bran?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Kang Dabao realized he had spoken out of turn, and quickly added, "The Earl of Fengen has only recently arrived in Mountain South to oversee various matters, and things may not be fully settled yet. However, since he has been chosen as a capable official by Your Excellency, he will surely achieve something."

"Do you believe that?" Qin Sufu sneered, then continued, "According to the secret investigations conducted by the soldiers of the Demon Correction Office, the population of various prefectures and counties in Shannan Circuit has increased by more than double in recent years compared to when Star-Picking Pavilion was in charge."

As for how those Evil Cultivators and demonic Demon Beast wreak havoc, and how brutal the sects and Aristocratic Clan are, you, as the governor of Huangpi Circuit, are also responsible for investigating the affairs of Shannan Circuit. Do you really not know?!

"Of course I know that," Sect Leader Kang Da replied helplessly, "But..."

"But despite your numerous talismans, the Duke's mansion has remained silent, as if a stone has sunk into the sea." Qin Sufu suddenly raised his voice, clearly furious.

"The prices of people in the Mountain South prefectures have skyrocketed, yet the annual taxes paid to the government have increased year by year, far exceeding those of the other three prefectures. It would be strange if the officials of the government wanted to interfere."

Kang Dabao's helpless expression was genuine; he had been reprimanded countless times by the officials under his jurisdiction for this matter of handing over the grain tax.

It was only because he had a lot of Golden Core lives at hand, the favors bestowed upon him by Emperor of Wei and Duke of Qin were substantial, and Huangpi Circuit was indeed quite poor, that he was able to cope.

But while Kuang Liuting was focused on Nascent Soul Formation, no one in the Duke of Office of the Duke of Qin really took his assignment to "investigate affairs of Shannan Circuit" seriously.

Times have changed. Chongming Sect can now take small steps to reform corrupt practices in this remote and humble place of Huangpi Circuit.

After all, Zhaixing Star-Picking Pavilion and Joyful Sight Mountain, which once established their presence here, have now moved and suffered defeats respectively, and for the time being, they have no spare strength to confront Chongming Sect.

However, neither the Duke of Office of the Duke of Qin nor Kuang Liuting himself could afford to interfere with the affairs managed by Kang Dabao.

The royal family of Great Wei had finally won back some hearts and minds by winning a brilliant battle in the southwest, and they could not push these Nascent Soul cultivators out again because of Kuang Liuting's own ambition.

After all, if Kuang Liuting truly wanted to ascend to the throne, he would naturally want the support of powerful sects and aristocratic Aristocratic Clan. How could he possibly gain the recommendation of these Aristocratic Clan? In that case, he could only become a benevolent ruler.

As for what constitutes a benevolent ruler?

The virtues of valuing the wise and cherishing one's relatives are called benevolence; the ability to yield the country to others is called benevolence; and practicing benevolence and serving others with virtue are called benevolence.

Who is the "virtuous" in "valuing the virtuous and cherishing one's relatives"? If one can yield the country, to whom else can one yield? And what is the meaning of the "virtue" in "practicing benevolence and serving virtue"?

Anyone with a modicum of insight in this world can see clearly that the Kuang Household would never even dream of such a thing as eradicating evils unless they produced True Lord.

Even if Kuang Liuting, who has only reached the Golden Core stage and whose position as heir apparent is not yet secure, is eager, the affairs of this world will not be altered by his personal will.

Since he couldn't control them, the monks working within the government office naturally had their own emotions and desires. Driven by self-interest, these people colluded, forming alliances and factions through marriage. What story like this was anything unusual?

The stale stench emanating from the Mystic Firmament Palace was like a leech clinging to a bone. The moment it reached the Office of the Duke of Qin, it was destined that Kuang Liuting would be hampered and lose his edge by the various cultivators he had summoned to do his bidding.

Earl of Fengen Kuai En is one such example. He has now become a high-ranking official under the Ninth Prince, and is also a disciple of the Prince of the Prince of the South and a prince consort of the imperial clan. He is no longer the subservient and obedient relative by marriage who used to fawn over the Sect Leader Kang Da.

When Kang Dabao first sent his letters, Kuai En could still find some excuses and write back personally after reading them;

If another letter is sent afterward, it will only be a standard official document as a pretext;

After that, it became extremely difficult to even utter a single word.

Therefore, no matter how resentful the Sect Leader Kang Da was, he could only guard his own territory for the time being, and it was difficult for him to make any further progress.

Qin Sufu clearly saw through Kang Dabao's inner turmoil. The wine pot in his hand seemed to be half-filled with spring water. Even though he tilted his head back and drank for a long time, the amount of wine in the pot did not decrease much.

He raised his hand to brush away the wine stains from his short mustache, then snatched the empty cup from Kang Dabao's table, filled it with wine, and said loudly, "It is difficult to do things in this world. You have done an impeccable job, and it is only natural that you feel that you are not up to the task."

However, I am deeply grateful to the Duke for his appreciation and promotion from humble beginnings. I cannot stand idly by and watch Kuai En continue to levy exorbitant taxes and oppress the people in Shannan Circuit.

"It's not good to hide it from you, my brother. I've already petitioned Prince Consort Shen to resign from my post as the military commander of the Duke's mansion and instead take up a deputy position in the Mountain South General's Office."

Kang Dabao gently pushed the cup in his hand onto the table, his expression becoming solemn. "The Earl of Fengen now has considerable power; Brother Dao, you should think carefully before you go."

"Don't worry, brother," Qin Sufu finished another cup, a glimmer of light burning in his eyes, "I'm not foolish enough to confront him head-on. I will preserve my life and proceed slowly."

However, if anything unforeseen happens in the future, I urge you, my brother, to truthfully recount my words and actions today before Lord Shan.

"Brother Dao, you flatter me. Why go to such lengths?" Kang Dabao frowned slightly, his tone tinged with concern. "Even if Kuai En is arrogant, we had some past acquaintance. Besides, you were personally promoted by the Duke. Even if he has the greatest audacity, he should still restrain himself."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sufu smiled faintly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, "I wish it so."

As they finished speaking, the evening breeze outside carried the soft tinkling of the copper bells on the eaves into the hall, causing the candlelight on the table to flicker and cast their shadows on the wall, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

Kang Dabao raised his hand, picked up a full cup of wine, and handed it to Qin Sufu: "Now that you have made your decision, I wish you, brother, that you will be able to protect the peace of the Mountain South region."

Qin Sufu reached out and took the cups, the two clinking together with a light, crisp sound, "I also wish you, my brother, to guard these twelve prefectures of Double Brightness well, and not let this pure land be tainted by the filth of the outside world."

The two drank together, the wine entering their throats, its spiciness tinged with a touch of melancholy. The flickering candlelight and wisps of smoke seemed to carry away the slight estrangement between them.

With Chu Yanran and her husband traveling with Kang Changyi, Kuang Liuting not yet leaving seclusion, and Chan Master Huiming returning to Central Prefecture, and with the unapproachable Nascent Soul True Person Shen Lingfeng, the Silver Saber Prince Consort, Sect Leader Kang Da naturally had little opportunity to get close to him.

Having met the Buddhist disciple Gada, paid respects to the Fei Household patriarch, and reunited with his old friend Qin Sufu, Kang Dabao no longer felt that there was anyone else in Phoenix Cry Prefecture worthy of his personal visit.

Of course, since it was a rare occasion for Sect Leader Kang Da to come all the way from Yangming Mountain, he would naturally send his spirit puppets to deliver the gifts to the nobles of the mansion.

Moreover, even some corrupt officials and sycophants in key positions, despite their lowly rank, cannot forget this. After all, the saying "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings" applies not only in the netherworld.

He sent another letter to Fa Prefecture, saying that while Fearless Tower had indeed come to the fore, its strength was not particularly outstanding among Golden Core sects, so he resumed his old business of buying and selling information.

Of course, the Office of the Duke of Qin's Mansion now wields far more power than the likes of the Two Instruments Sect, so She Fu Yi a female Daoist, is naturally much more cautious and knows what she can and cannot explore.

However, She Fu Yi had no reason to be afraid of Third Tier Demon Beast like the Mystic Mist Hidden Scale Beast, which were without roots or roots.

According to Sect Leader Kang Da's thinking, since this beast is wandering around without a fixed place to live, it wouldn't hurt to inquire about the Fearless Tower first.

After Kang Dabao had settled the above matters, he went to Myriad Treasures Trading Company and chatted for a few words with Su Mei, the rather beautiful manager.

He carefully confirmed with the beautiful woman that there were no auctions being held recently before using his private funds to purchase two Core Formation spiritual items from Myriad Treasures Trading Company and bring them back to his sect.

It must be said that while the items displayed at Myriad Treasures Trading Company were quite expensive, the goods inside were also quite complete.

In Kang Dabao's eyes, the Third-Tier Middle-Grade "Cloud Golden Core Formation Pill Cloud Dew Jade Ganoderma" was a top-tier Core Formation object that was compatible with the "Profound Clear Withering and Flourishing Secret Manual," a Zhou Grade Upper-Grade Cultivation Method. It was just right for Kang Rongquan at the moment.

Although Duan Anle's Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade "Crimson Pearl Thoroughly Illuminating True Chapter" was a grade lower, it was still usable, so Kang Dabao prepared a copy for him as well.

Then there's the eldest son, Kang Changyi, who is also about to Core Formation. When he went into seclusion to Core Formation last time, he used the "Vermilion Flame Flower" prepared for him by his master Chu Yanran, to help him break through.

Everything had gone smoothly until the very last step, when all their efforts were in vain.

Even if Kang Changyi was a direct disciple, Chu Yanran's provision of a Core Formation Core Formation item slightly weaker than Golden Core Formation Pill was already a great effort.

Sect Leader Kang Da, however, was unsure whether this senior would prepare anything else for him. Seeing that there was a "Flame Stamen Melting Heart Grass" in the Myriad Treasures Trading Company's counter, which might be somewhat compatible with Kang Changyi's "Wind and Flame Nine Tribulations Instruction," he bought it to keep on hand.

Originally, Chongming Sect had done a lot of things like destroying mountains and temples over the years, so Golden Core and spiritual items were already quite rare. However, because Chongming Sect was well-disciplined, it still had nearly ten sets in its treasury.

However, when it came to his eldest son born out of wedlock, his own sons and disciples, and his capable grandsons, Sect Leader Kang Da was not immune to such temptations.

Even though he had important matters to attend to when he was traveling far away, he still remembered to purchase higher-grade and more suitable Core Formation materials for his close juniors.

These three rare herbs are quite expensive. As the Alchemist of this dynasty often say, "No medicine has a specific purpose."

For example, Spirit Plant like Cloud Dew Jade Ganoderma and Flame Stamen Melting Heart Grass are not only used to aid cultivators in Core Formation. They are also included in some popular Third Tier Pill Formulas, and even Golden Core cultivators find them coveted, making them extremely sought after.

If it weren't for the fact that the Sect Leader Kang Da hadn't yet used up the windfall he'd received, he probably would have had to exchange some Law Treasure and elixirs at Myriad Treasures Trading Company before he could acquire these three spiritual herbs.

Because of Kang Dabao's lavish gesture, Su Mei looked at him with even higher regard.

Having been in this industry for a long time, she had a general idea of what kind of status and wealth someone should have. Su Mei was used to seeing how the so-called leaders and elders of those small sects appeared glamorous on the surface but were actually struggling financially.

The Myriad Treasures Trading Company and similar forces are not short of Spirit Stone. Su Mei originally wanted to do this Marquis of Martial Peace another favor, but unexpectedly the latter was indeed quite wealthy.

In his eyes, although this Sect Leader Kang Da had haggled for a long time and looked pained when he took out the Spirit Stone, he could still produce a sum of Spirit Stone that would make even a Grandmaster Golden Core hesitate.

She had no idea where Kang Dabao had made his fortune, and having heard about the current situation in Huangpi Circuit and Cloud Horn Prefecture, she knew that Chongming Sect had not engaged in any exploitative practices.

This made the beautiful woman exclaim inwardly, "People outside always say that Marquis of Martial Peace is skilled in management and has a knack for development. Things that were never considered before are only now beginning to show some promise."

As he turned to leave, Sect Leader Kang Da had no idea that he had surprised even the handsome manager of Myriad Treasures Trading Company. He simply took the spiritual treasures he had acquired and greeted Guan Cheng, who came from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, at the city gate before hurrying back to the sect.

The longer Ye Shui Ying Prefecture Fei Household, lives, the more stable Kang Dabao and his Chongming Sect will be in the face of future storms. Although he still doesn't know what the Mystic Mist Hidden Scale Beast is for, he still needs to complete this task as soon as possible.

Sect Leader Kang Da concealed his spiritual power and rode away on a cloud.

Since Kang Dabao achieved the Great Perfection of the Golden Core, whenever he came to this great city to make purchases, he would habitually lower his cultivation level and reveal his precious light outside the immortal city and market, so as to do business by pretending to be weak while actually being strong.

If you're lucky, you won't waste a single moment on the journey and might even encounter a few notorious bandits. You can do some good for the peace of the area, and after returning home, you can take stock of the Storage Bag you've collected and perhaps even save up half a Foundation Establishment Pill.

However, Sect Leader Kang Da had something on his mind this time, so he did not deliberately reveal the light emanating from his body. The spiritual power of this Late-Stage Golden Core cultivator was also extremely dazzling, and no bandit dared to come and offend him in the slightest.

However, perhaps he hadn't yet shaken off the smell of a peddler, and by sheer coincidence, he was in the clouds within the territory of Shannan Circuit, where he stumbled upon a clichéd case of murder and robbery.

Seeing that neither side had a beautiful woman among them, Kang Dabao didn't bother to look at her any longer. But just as he was about to look away, he realized that the person being attacked was someone he knew.

The one who led the ambush was a hunchbacked Golden Core cultivator. In the eyes of Sect Leader Kang Da, he had just advanced in his cultivation, and it seemed that even his core essence had not been fully transformed. Yet he was out doing this life-or-death business; it must be tough for him.

Along with the hunchbacked Golden Core Elixir, there were also two False Core cultivators, both of whom possessed Law Treasure and were quite wealthy.

Kang Dabao had excellent eyesight. After observing for only a few moments, he realized that the three of them shared the same lineage and came from the same school. As for the one who was surrounded, although his cultivation was slightly more profound, his situation was still precarious.

After thinking for a moment, Sect Leader Kang Da still didn't ignore it, and stopped to speak, "Senior Wufeng?!"

Upon hearing this soft cry, the battered Senior Cultivator Wufeng felt no different from Xian Le. After recognizing Kang Dabao in the distance, he disregarded their past relationship and, as if seeing a lifeline, cried out:

"Please, Sect Leader Kang, save my life!!!"

"Sect Leader Kang?!"

Among the various sects nearby, there are a few sect leaders surnamed Kang, but only the one nicknamed "Good at Deceiving Women" is capable of forming Golden Core.

After the three, led by the hunchbacked Golden Core cultivator, realized what was happening, they immediately began to tremble involuntarily.

Fortunately, Sect Leader Kang Da was very considerate. He compared the three people's faces with their Cultivation Method and Law Treasure one by one. Without the three people even knowing their names, they recognized that this was a group of Bandit Cultivator who had been rampant in Shannan Circuit for one or two hundred years, called one of the Tiger Mountain Thirty-Six Sha.

The local customs in the Mountain South have really deteriorated. In the past, these people, who were hated by everyone in the Golden Core sects, would never have dared to plunder so brazenly on the bustling main road without any cover.

These Bandit Cultivator, lacking any real foundation and each wielding their own Law Treasure, appeared to Kang Dabao as thin-skinned but rich in substance, posing no threat whatsoever.

He didn't care whether the Tiger Mountain Thirty-Six Sha had dwindled to only three members after a hundred or two hundred years, or whether they had grown into something unbearable under Kuai En's laissez-faire attitude.

With a mere flick of his sleeve and a flash of his halberd, before Senior Cultivator Wufeng could even hear a cry of pain, he saw three corpses fall to the ground, never to rise again.

"It's been many years since we last met, Senior Wufeng, your demeanor is even more impressive than before."

Seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da was leisurely picking up the Storage Bag one by one, Senior Cultivator Wufeng, who was still secretly pleased with himself for surviving the ordeal, finally remembered:

"Damn it, it seems like this kid still has a grudge against me."