The Funeral Rites in Han City and a Reward Bestowed; a Demon Appears in Tanggu County

Several months later, Shannan Circuit Cloud Horn Prefecture, and Han City.

Today, the Rogue Cultivator who came to Han City to make a living immediately felt a sense of desolation as soon as they entered the city gate.

Those uninformed Rogue Cultivator found it strange that the Cloud Horn Prefecture militia, under the command of You Wenrui, had just wiped out a group of beasts that had fled from another prefecture.

Besides the large number of fresh demon materials being sold in the city, these wealthy and well-off village soldiers are also temporarily residing there. Now should be the time for business to flourish, not this scene.

Seeing that the usually jovial and joking Guan Cheng, surnamed Yuan, looked grim and unfriendly, Guan Cheng guessed that something must have happened.

Fortunately, he was quite familiar with the faces of the Rogue Cultivator who frequented the city. After whispering with an old acquaintance for a while, he was shocked and his eyes widened in astonishment.

Which of the Rogue Cultivator who can make a living in the market isn't clever? He immediately gave up the idea of chatting, and after paying the city entrance tax, he hunched over and passed through the city gate.

Suddenly, the thick clouds in the sky were smashed open by a giant object, and a large amount of cloud spread out, revealing a ferocious flying boat covered with spirit cannons on all four sides.

The False Core standing at the bow of the ship had a scarred face and a serious expression, clearly not someone to be trifled with. His menacing appearance caused all the Rogue Cultivator below the city to avoid his gaze, only daring to murmur amongst themselves for a while:

"Which faction in the area is this? Why does this flying boat look so menacing?"

"How come you don't recognize that flag? That's the Hundred-Eyed Flying Boat from Ingenious Craftsman Fort in Ming Prefecture. If a few Foundation Establishment lead one or two hundred Qi Refinement and control it properly, they can even kill ordinary False Core cultivators."

"Good heavens, didn't they come all the way from Huangpi Circuit? That far? It must have burned through a whole temple of Spirit Stone. Does the Yuan Household have that much influence?"

"Where is it far? About one-fifth of the mechanical puppets sold in this city each year probably come from Ming Prefecture's Ingenious Craftsman Fort. You're making a fuss over nothing; flying boats certainly don't come cheap!"

"That"

"Silence! Even the Yuan Household's Guan Yu has gone to greet them. Something must have happened in the city. Hurry, hurry, don't look any further!"

The menacing flying boat, riddled with massive cannons, crashed outside Han City, sending dust and sand flying as it landed, its roar startling the crows that once roamed the city walls.

The official surnamed Yuan immediately composed himself, his face softening with gratitude. He bowed deeply to the Pill Master standing at the bow of the ship, saying, "This junior, Yuan Zemu of the Xuanlin Yuan Household, greets Elder Lan."

"Young friend, you're too kind," the scarred Elder Lan returned the greeting halfway, but instead of disembarking from the spirit boat first, he yielded his seat.

A Foundation Establishment True Cultivator stepped out. He True Cultivator in moon-white silk with light blue trim, his half-draped black hair tied up with a jade hairpin, and the silver bells on his sleeves did not ring at all. He only lightly brushed away the dust on his clothes with his fingertips. His eyebrows and eyes were clear and bright like autumn water, and his eyes were clear and moist like morning dew.

A passerby glanced at it and felt that it seemed to diminish the fierce aura of the flying boat beneath their feet.

Having been entrusted with important responsibilities by the Xuanlin Yuan Household for many years, Yuan Zemu naturally possessed considerable insight. Therefore, upon seeing the appearance of this True Cultivator, he immediately recognized him as Xiu An of Ingenious Craftsman Fort.

This is because, within the Ingenious Craftsman Fort, only this fortress lord, who could speak with several of the elders of the Chongming Sect, had been nurtured to possess this refined and elegant air that was no less than that of the direct descendants of prominent families.

The arrogant Elder Lan was incredibly respectful in front of Xiu An, a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator, bowing his head and slowly following the latter off the flying boat.

"Greetings, Lord Xiubao,"

"Fellow Daoist Yuan. Please lead the way."

The Ingenious Craftsman Fort did not have a commander stationed in the fortress, and the flying boat remained outside the city as per regulations.

Yuan Zemu respectfully led Xiu An and his entourage into the city. When Xiu An arrived at the mourning hall, he presented the funeral gifts to a Pill Master from the Yuan Household and entered the hall. Only then did Xiu An see the many people present at Yuan Buwen's funeral.

Almost all the heads of the families originally belonging to the Double Brightness Alliance were present. Kang Xiangyi and Zhang Huangshi, who were working in Xuanwei City, also came to Han City. Only Yang Xun and You Xiaobao were left to guard their gates and pay close attention to the situation.

Besides the aforementioned key figures closely associated with the Chongming Sect, several renowned cultivators and Pill Master from the surrounding area of Han City also came to offer their condolences.

To be honest, Yuan Buwen was quite unscrupulous in his actions during the first half of his life; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to raise someone like Yuan Feng. However, while his actions made the Yuan Household much more prosperous, they also created many enemies.

However, this time, only guests and friends came to pay their respects, and no enemies came to visit. This was precisely the way out that Yuan Buwen had found for the Xuanlin Yuan Household.

Since the death of that fake alchemist, the Zheng family of Yunwei has been in decline. However, Hancheng is adjacent to several states in Shannan Road. Although the Hanshan Sect has two alchemists, Xu Liuxian and Ji Yunsheng, in charge, it still feels that it is difficult to support the family alone.

In his twilight years, Yuan Buwen volunteered to bring his family to this place to guard it. Together with the Cold Mountain Sect, he organized the local troops and rectified the village militia, which is how Han City was able to maintain peace.

To be honest, this old cultivator could be considered to have exhausted his last bit of energy for the Chongming Sect before dying, and he deserves to be honored.

Yuan Ze'en, Yuan Buwen to succeed as the head of the family, was Yuan Xiyue's cousin by seniority. After Xiu An hall, Yuan Ze'en hurriedly came forward to greet him.

"Many thanks to Lord Xiu for taking the time to see my ancestor off,"

"Senior, you flatter me. Upon hearing the news of Senior Buwen's ascension to immortality, I am deeply saddened. Senior Buwen was a man of profound virtue and wisdom, always respected by his fellow practitioners. His passing is truly a regrettable event."

"Please," Yuan Ze'en then offered Xiu An the seat of honor. In terms of wealth, the latter's Ingenious Craftsman Fort was no less than that of most Golden Core sects. Xiu An, as a young master, was able to maintain the prosperity of his sect by standing above a group of Pill Master, which was naturally due to the efforts of the few noble ancestors of the Chongming Sect.

Even though Yuan Ze'en's skills and abilities were only average in Yuan Buwen's eyes, he still knew which forces to befriend and would not treat Xiu An, this junior, with any disrespect.

Who among those gathered in the hall at this moment wasn't a figure of some importance? If Yuan Ze'en could think of something, how many families wouldn't know? Even though all families made a living under the banner of the Chongming Sect, in the eyes of those important figures, there were still distinctions based on distance and kinship.

The former Xiu Ming of Ingenious Craftsman Fort, Xiu Ming, was a close nephew of the Sect Leader Kang Da, and he died on the battlefield because of the Chongming Sect. So, what kind of future does Ingenious Craftsman Fort have?

Ming Prefecture was once the location of the Thousand Buddha Grove Forest Sect, and even today, there are still two or three Golden Core sects occupying it.

Chongming Sect placed Ingenious Craftsman Fort in Ming Prefecture, allocating it with Zongtian Forest and Mine and assigning it to the Spirit Vein and immortal mountains, which shows how much he valued it. Of course, Xiu An, though young, also had some skill.

Not only did it win over all the elders within the sect, but it also aggressively recruited Puppet Master, thus erasing the stagnant and closed-off nature of the Ingenious Craftsman Fort.

Over the years, the entire Ingenious Craftsman Fort has continuously innovated and improved the puppets and magical artifacts they sell, truly making the business a resounding success.

Afterwards, he asked Yuan Jin to act as matchmaker and married the daughter of Anshan Gun Household. Because of the help of his wife's family, he became one of the few local forces who could do business with the families in the capital region who had moved south and were not easy to get close to.

Therefore, as soon as Xiu An entered the hall, even Shan Shijie, the son-in-law of the Chongming Sect, quickly came up to chat with him.

Of course, even though the mourning hall is now filled with advanced Pill Master, the guest that Yuan Ze'en is most looking forward to has not yet arrived.

Having just settled Xiu An and his party, they stood outside the mourning hall gazing into the distance.

Everyone knew that the Xuanlin Yuan Household held some weight in the eyes of Sect Leader Kang Da, which is why more distinguished guests arrived one after another. Yuan Ze'en welcomed them into the hall and settled them in before he could turn around and hear the news from the disciples he had sent out earlier.

"Changxi arrived together with Young Masters Changzhao and Changyan, and Lord He, the steward of rites from the Imperial Clan, also accompanied them."

Yuan Ze'en was overjoyed and hurriedly led his men out to greet them.

From a distance, Kang Changxi's rough and unrefined manner was no different from that of the Sect Leader Kang Da, making him quite conspicuous. His arrival immediately enlivened the mourning hall.

The Yuan Household had only hoped that the brothers Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan would come to pay their respects because of their Yuan Household bloodline. They were pleasantly surprised that Kang Changxi, the direct descendant of the sect leader and a newly promoted cultivator, would also come in person.

It must be understood that while their ancestor may have died, whether or not he died a glorious death made a world of difference to these descendants of the Yuan Household.

Kang Changxi led his two half-brothers and He Chang into the hall. His face showed sorrow, but no arrogance. He simply bowed and said:

"Upon hearing of the passing of an elder in the Yuan Household, my father was prepared to attend in person. However, he was preoccupied with important matters and could not make it. I hope Fellow Daoist Yuan will not take offense."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ze'en quickly bowed and waved his hand, his tone full of fear and gratitude. "Young Master, you flatter me! Sect Leader Kang extremely busy, and it is already a great honor for the Yuan Household family that he could send the three young masters in person. How could we dare to trouble the Headmaster?"

After saying that, he led the three of them deeper into the mourning hall. As they passed the guests' seats, everyone who had been talking in hushed tones stood up to pay their respects.

Logically, Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan should have been the center of attention since they had finally returned to the Xuanlin Yuan Household. However, seeing that the limelight had been stolen by their elder brother Kang Changxi, the two of them did not seem to feel resentful and were clearly content to play a supporting role.

Kang Changxi and the other cultivators raised their hands in return, their movements neither hurried nor slow, displaying neither the disrespect of the Aristocratic Clan's scion nor the arrogance expected of Golden Core cultivator. "Fellow Daoists, you are all very kind. My father, Senior Changxi, has rendered meritorious service to the sect, and it is only my duty to offer sacrifices on his behalf today."

After saying this, Kang Changxi glanced at the memorial tablet in the center of the mourning hall. He read the brief biography of Yuan Buwen on it and paused slightly when he read, "He lived to the age of 326. His grandson Ze'en and his Yuan Household members respectfully erected this tablet."

He then gave a wink to Changzhao and Changyan behind him, and the two brothers immediately presented the prepared funeral gifts.

The two brothers each carried a sandalwood brocade tray with a silver border inlaid with cloud patterns.

On the left plate is a palm-sized crimson iron token, its jade-like texture as clear as solidified fat, with the six-leaf blue lotus Dao seal of the Chongming Sect adorning its Chongming Sect; on the right plate is a plain silk scroll, its cover stamped with the vermilion private seal of the Sect Leader Kang Da, clearly a sacrificial text personally issued by the Upper Sect.

He Chang stepped forward, took the silk booklet from the tray, and swept the floor with the hem of his blue robe without leaving a speck of dust. He had seen many such occasions in recent years and was always in charge, so he was quite adept at it.

Her elegant demeanor made even Kang Changxi, a young master from a prominent family who had been personally instructed in etiquette by Fei Shuhe, feel somewhat ashamed of himself.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan," He Chang's voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard throughout the mourning hall. "In the 581st year of Qianfeng, the year was Xuanxiao, and the season was frost and cold."

On behalf of the head of the Chongming clan, Kang Gong, and his three sons, Changxi, Changzhao, and Changyan, I offer this libation of wine and simple food before the spirit of the late Yuan Buwen, the alchemist of the Jingnanxuan Lin clan, saying:

"Born into a prominent family in Jingnan, he received early education at home. He displayed extraordinary talent from a young age, glimpsing the path of Foundation Establishment; through trials and tribulations, he reached the realm of the False Core.' In the past, when Kang Gong was still a Yuan Clan, he possessed exceptional insight, discerning his soaring spirit, and thus deciphered the secrets of the halberd technique."

They taught each other the secrets of martial arts in the courtyard, and practiced battle formations side by side in the countryside. It was not just about imparting skills, but about entrusting each other with their hearts and souls.

He was over three hundred years old when he volunteered to guard Han City. He led his clan and the Cold Mountain Sect to organize the local army and eliminate demonic threats. For five years, he protected the eastern border with peace. The realm of False Core was even more promising than the realm of Golden Core. Now that he has passed away, his achievements in passing on the Dharma, protecting the clan, and guarding the land will live on forever.

Duke Kang expressed his deepest condolences, and his three sons personally offered sacrifices. The descendants of the Yuan Household should carry on his legacy, and the clan should remember his contributions. The wind sobs and the clouds gather; ashes mingle with tears. Alas, may he rest in peace!

"I hereby bestow upon the Xuanlin Yuan Household a Double Brightness Token, granting them exemption Yuan Household taxes for the next sixty years at Yangming Mountain, granting them the Crimson Zhang Guard, and bestowing upon them a Foundation Establishment Pill every hundred years."

When He Chang finished speaking, there was a moment of deathly silence in the mourning hall, and even the crackling sound of burning incense and candles seemed exceptionally clear.

Yuan Ze'en stood frozen in place, his hands still half-raised, his eyes first filled with confusion, then with ecstasy and shock.

It should be understood that just sixty years of tax abstinence was enough for Yuan Household's descendants to recover the wealth that Yuan Buwen had squandered by pawning his possessions.

Not to mention the hereditary titles of the Crimson Zhang Guard Generals and the Foundation Establishment Pill costs a hundred years! These things alone are enough to make those False Core sects within the Chongming Sect green with envy.

By the time Yuan Ze'en reacted, his knees had already buckled involuntarily. He reached above his head to catch the crimson iron token, and roared in a hoarse voice, "The Xuanlin Yuan Household thanks Sect Leader Kang for his grace! Thank you for the sect's compassion!"

His voice trembled uncontrollably, and even the veins on his forehead bulged.

Upon seeing this, the Yuan Household family members behind him also knelt down in unison, and the sound of orderly kowtows immediately filled the mourning hall, causing the candlelight on the offering table to flicker.

He Chang stepped forward and steadily handed the Double Brightness Token to Yuan Ze'en. The latter felt that the iron token was slightly heavy in his hand. In addition to the six-leaf green lotus Dao seal on the front, there were also fine inscriptions on the back.

The inscription reads, "In the 581st year of Qianfeng's reign, the Yuan Clan of Xuanlin was granted the title of General of the Crimson Zhang Guard, which shall be inherited by their descendants. The Foundation Establishment Pill shall be drawn from the ancestral Alchemy Hall every hundred years." Every word is profound.

The inscription at the end bears the signatures of Sect Leader Kang Da and three seventh-generation elders, signifying that the Xuan Shui will not fade and the Zhen Huo will not dissipate.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, please rise," He Chang said calmly. "This is a special gift from my sect leader, who remembers the kindness of Senior Buwen in imparting his skills to us in the past and appreciates his merit in guarding Han City."

Yuan Ze'en thanked him loudly again, but this favor seemed excessive, prompting Xu Liuxian, who was observing the ceremony, to remark to his sworn brother Ji Yunsheng, "Is Madam Yuan really so favored?!"

The latter dared not answer, and hurriedly tugged at his sleeve, which made Xu Liuxian realize that he had misspoke and he did not speak again.

But the whispers among these respectable figures in the hall weren't limited to just the two leaders of the Cold Mountain Sect.

It's no wonder that Sect Leader Kang Da, who's used to buying horse bones, knows better than most superiors how to do so. And who among the other officials in this hall wouldn't envy the great favors the Yuan Household has received?

Contrary to what most people outside thought, Kang Dabao did not gradually look down on those who had obtained False Core Golden Core Foundation Establishment sect because he believed it would be useful.

He knew how many wolves and wolves were lurking in the twelve prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Chongming Sect. Even though he was now somewhat docile because of his halberd, if something unexpected happened, the scene might not be so pleasant.

Just as Five Old Mothers Mountain suppressed the Mountain North Circuit for one or two thousand years, the various families within the territory still maintain their own practices.

Human desires are insatiable; even True Person True Lord find them hard to fathom, let alone Sect Leader Kang Da.

The descendants of the Yuan Household were overjoyed, and any resentment they had harbored towards their ancestor during his lifetime had vanished.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that if the Chongming Sect continues to prosper, and if any of the descendants of the Xuanlin Yuan Household are even slightly outstanding, their fortunes will rise accordingly.

However, it must be said that Yuan Buwen, that old monk, had a tough life. Even after he had devoted himself to the cause and was laid to rest, he was still used by Kang Dabao to win people's hearts.

Kang Changyan and Kang Changzhao were finally able to speak with the Yuan Household, but their conversation didn't last long.

Just as the funeral was ending at noon, Kang Changxi, who had led the congratulatory group, disregarded the possibility of usurping the host's position and brought the assembled cultivators to the Han City garrison headquarters for a meeting.

"Recently, the commanders of the local militias in various prefectures have successively reported that the number of evil spirits in the territory has increased dramatically and is causing havoc in all directions. It is expected that soon the mountain gate will issue a proclamation, ordering every household to send people to pacify the area."

However, since I have the privilege of meeting with the heads of various families Changxi, I will preface this by saying that I urge you all not to take this matter lightly. If you encounter any troublesome demons or evil spirits, please report them to Yangming Mountain as soon as possible and do not let them go unchecked. Otherwise, I fear I may be questioned by your elders again."

Suppressing evil spirits within the territory was a task that Chongming Sect often urged all families to undertake. That's why Kang Changxi was giving such earnest instructions again, showing a bit of seriousness.

However, since the Sect Leader Kang Da Chongming Sect was used to making a big deal out of these trivial matters, it is not surprising that his son resembled his father.

The people sitting down didn't think much of it and simply faced Kang Changxi and respectfully responded.

After explaining everything, Kang Changxi did not leave in a hurry.

He first delivered a letter personally written by Master Third Master Jiang to Xu Liuxian, Ji Yunsheng and Double Brightness Chongming, then conveyed the sect leader's greetings to Zhang Huangshi, Kang Xiangyi, and then told Yuan Ze'en that he could select an outstanding disciple in a year to go to Yangming Mountain to cultivate under Yuan Jin.

Having completed all the aforementioned tasks, Kang Changxi and his companions then excused themselves from the numerous banquets and returned via the same route.

The golden-haired old donkey that Sect Leader Kang Da assigned to He Chang as his envoy is now proficient in transformation. With a little effort, it can transform into the size of a rhinoceros, so the four of them riding back together do not feel crowded.

The four spoke privately, He Chang, as the elder brother, didn't stand on ceremony. "Brother Xi, even the Fearless Tower and our masters can't find out the whereabouts of the Mystic Mist Hidden Scale Beast, so I'm afraid the other sects have little hope either."

Kang Changxi knew that He Chang said was true, but he explained, "Even if these small families can't find the whereabouts of that Demon Officer Yongli, they still have to deal with some of the affairs in Qingping. It can't hurt."

Furthermore, I have followed the instructions of my teachers and elders and have not informed any of the dangers posed by this beast. I believe that few families will be timid or passively comply.

Even if they think I Double Brightness eyes and ears, it's better than nothing. At least it increases the probability of Double Brightness my disciples to search for the Mystic Mist Hidden Scale Beast.

He Chang thought it made sense, so he didn't ask any more questions. Kang Changzhao and Kang Changyan always followed their elder brother's lead, so they didn't say much.

On the contrary, Kang Changxi spoke up again, "This time, my third and fourth brothers should have stayed a little longer, but before leaving, Mother gave me some instructions. She used her own money to invite the highly respected Guhongzi to study at Green Lotus Courtyard. The time should be approaching."

Third brother, fourth brother, you two haven't yet heard this Fang Household's discourse. Perhaps you'll have a sudden enlightenment, so you shouldn't miss it. Please forgive me."

The two had no objections to begin with, let alone Kang Changxi's explanation, so they wouldn't blame him.

The four had only been traveling for a few days, and had not even reached the halfway point of their return journey, when they heard urgent news from the Wind Stone Fang Household behind them:

"When the officials were searching the stone forest within Tanggu territory, they suddenly encountered a black mist, which they determined was the work of a powerful demon at the Golden Core stage. The mist, six zhang in circumference, concealed ten thousand demons, which then attacked the city."

The ferocious monster has emerged from the Stone Forest and destroyed the Fang Lineage's territory, causing heavy casualties among the Fang Household family cultivators; ordinary people have been devoured, and their homes have been reduced to ashes. The armies of Xuan and Han cities have been dispatched, and all families have received urgent requests for aid. We urge our superior sect to send reinforcements!

The four men remained silent after reading it, but Kang Changyan was the first to speak, "Second brother, is your luck really that good?! You just sent him on a mission, and this beast ran into the Wind Stone Fang Household?!"

Kang Changxi didn't know if he was just lucky, but the Wind Stone Fang Household was definitely unlucky.

After reading the urgent message, he also looked quite surprised. However, he did not hesitate for too long, since if the Wind Stone Fang Household really encountered this beast, it would be a good thing.

The message from the Fang Household requesting help must have reached more than just him; there must have been a message sent to Yangming Mountain as well. Therefore, Kang Changxi wasn't in a hurry to forward it. Instead, he hurriedly told his three brothers, "I'll go check it out first."

Before the other three could react, Kang Changxi had already taken his leave.

As Golden Core, he possessed numerous treasures and inherited excellent skills, making his escape speed unmatched by the other three True Cultivators.

Even if He Chang no longer showed any mercy to the old golden-haired donkey and urged him on relentlessly, it was only a few breaths before the three of them could no longer see Kang Changxi's figure.

In the end He Chang and the other two could only let him go to Tanggu County alone to see if the black mist demon that had shaken the prefecture and county was indeed the Mani Treasure Leaf that Sect Leader Kang Da had been longing for.