Guxuan's New Dignitary Pays a Visit; the Clear Stream Trees Speak of Cause and Effect
(Thank you so much, Guo Qiuqiu, for the 10,000 coins!)
Several months later, Yangming Mountain
According to outside sources, Yang Wuwei has not been able to speak with Sect Leader Kang Da for some time due to the many affairs at the Office of the Duke of Qin.
However, to be honest, for Yang Wuwei, the reason for this long delay was that talking to Kang Dabao was becoming increasingly boring.
The latter has neither a fondness for fine clothes and beautiful women, nor a taste for rare delicacies and fragrant teas. At most, coming to Yangming Mountain would allow him to have a meal of wine and meat, and he might even be forced to play a game of chess by this chess-challenged idiot with no sportsmanship, which would be quite unpleasant.
In other words, sometimes, if one is fortunate enough to have a Zen discussion with him, it can be very beneficial. However, now the two of them understand vastly different principles, and if one does too many things that allow him to take advantage of others, he will inevitably incur too much debt of gratitude.
Therefore, unless he had some excellent spiritual items or made other gains in his cultivation, Yang Wuwei didn't want to bother him too often.
However, now that he has received the official document to take up his post at the Ancient Mysterious Circuit, he naturally wants to find this old friend to reminisce and ask for some favors.
Sect Leader Kang Da was quite shrewd when it came to interpersonal relationships. As soon as he saw that Yang Wuwei wanted something, he took out the chessboard that had been sealed away for a long time.
Yang Wuwei's brow twitched, but he still sighed again, complaining, "If Brother Dao's chess skills could improve as rapidly as his Dao cultivation, it would be a good thing for all of us."
"Haha, my master once said," Kang Dabao ran his fingertips along the wood grain of the chessboard, a hint of amusement in his eyes, "The way of chess emphasizes 'constraint,' requiring adherence to rules and patterns, and the consideration of the overall gains and losses after each move."
But my nature is rather 'free-spirited'. As the saying goes, "When I see a mountain, it's not a mountain; when I see a piece, it's not a piece." I only care about the immediate gratification of making a move, and I'm unwilling to be bound by this small chessboard.
He casually picked up a black piece and placed it in the center of the chessboard, scattering some wood chips. "My master also said that my heart is too 'flexible,' capable of holding the clouds on the mountain, the wine at the foot of the mountain, the warmth of human relationships, and the dangers of worldly changes, but unable to hold the 'fixed rules' on the chessboard."
To improve one's chess skills, one must be willing to delve deeply into the art of 'calculation'. But I always think that winning a game is not as enjoyable as drinking a pot of wine, and that giving up a move in exchange for a friendly gesture is more satisfying. How can one delve deeply into the art of chess with such a State of Mind?
Finally, he slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, "But my master also said that life is like a grand game of chess. My 'lack of chess skills' nature allows me to be less fixated and more flexible. Compared to a fool trapped in the chessboard, I actually live a more enlightened life!"
Yang Wuwei was somewhat taken aback, after all, in his opinion, the Sect Leader Kang Da was not as temperamental as his master had described.
Kang Changxi, who was standing to the side, seemed to agree and nodded quietly.
However, although Yang Wuwei was puzzled, he did not show it. After playing a few more rounds with Kang Dabao, he stopped looking at the chessboard and got straight to the point when speaking:
"In the latter part of the month, I, Yang, will be going alone to the Ancient Mysterious Circuit General Administration to take up my post. I have heard that Joyful Sight Mountain of Ancient Mysterious Circuit has a long-standing friendship with you, Brother Dao. I have come here today hoping to ask you for a letter."
Sect Leader Kang Da grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze fixed intently on the chessboard. After pondering for a long time and making his move, he pulled a silk scroll from his sleeve, handed it to Yang Wuwei, and then said calmly:
"The Ancient Mysterious Circuit has been quite turbulent lately. In the first ten days of the month, one or two cultivators who had achieved the false False Core were hiding from Joyful Sight Mountain and fled to the territory of the Jade Billows Sect. However, their ability to conceal their aura was not yet up to par, and before they could hide properly, Huiyi the Jade Billows Sect and sent to me."
After questioning the person, his disciples learned that it was because he had harmed a Foundation Establishment disciple from Joyful Sight Mountain in the Ancient Mysterious Circuit, intending to search the soul and seize some of the inheritance.
Yang Wuwei showed gratitude when he received the letter, but after hearing Kang Dabao's words, he frowned again.
"How dare these rogue cultivators be so audacious as to harm even disciples of Nascent Soul sect?! As False Core, someone who should be on the verge of death, how can they still have such audacity?"
"Those who dare to defy reason are as numerous as carp crossing a river, nothing unusual. And those who have no future are often the most reckless and arrogant." Kang Dabao, while keeping a close eye on the chessboard, urged Yang Wuwei to make his move quickly, then sighed again:
"But the fact that these two blood cultivators were able to travel all the way from the heart of Joyful Sight Mountain to the territory of Huangpi Circuit is something that needs careful consideration."
Yang Wuwei casually placed another piece, and seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da was frowning again, he pondered the latter's words for a while.
In just a moment or two, Yang Wuwei realized. "Joyful Sight Mountain's situation has become so dire?!"
Kang Dabao didn't answer him at first, his brows still furrowed, but instead asked about something else, "When you came, did you see that Yangming Mountain had more things?"
Yang Wuwei pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Who around here doesn't know the abilities of your Chongming Sect 'Sect Leader Kang Da? Every time I've visited, your sect has brought out some treasures."
Sect Leader Kang Da was taken aback, but felt that Yang Wuwei's words made some sense. After laughing, he was forced to lower his face again by the ugly chess game. "Those two Third-Tier Middle-Grade Clear Stream Tree that were newly planted at the entrance were given to us by the You Longzi last month."
"The Clear Stream Tree?" Yang Wuwei so surprised that he took a step back, a sight that even Kang Changxi found unbelievable. Then he remembered the two Spirit Plant that he had marveled at when he entered the room.
In my memory, the trunks of the two Clear Stream Tree were crystal clear, with pale blue spiritual energy flowing inside, and dew-like water droplets condensing on their branches and leaves, forming a continuous stream.
It's as if the streams converge on the branches and leaves, continuously flowing through the veins and seeping into the sacred soil of Yangming Mountain.
"Phew, in another sixty or two years, when the Clear Stream Tree fall, the branches wither, the trunk breaks, and the roots die, and they completely merge into the spiritual soil beneath your feet, the Spirit Vein of Yangming Mountain may then transform into Third-Tier Upper-Grade."
How did Joyful Sight Mountain suddenly become so generous?! A few years ago, when I went to the capital to listen to the Dao under my master, I heard that Joyful Sight Mountain had the 'Eleven Mysterious Peaks' lineage, all of which were of the finest quality.
However, after its decline and inability to Dao Contention with Supreme Unity Temple for the top position in Daoism, and after thousands of years of changes, only four of the 'Eleven Mysterious Peaks' have been passed down.
If Yang remembers correctly, this Clear Stream Tree is one of them. In the past, during the reign of Emperor Taizu, it was repeatedly included in the list of tribute items of the Ancient Mysterious Circuit. Because there were no future troubles, the princes and dukes of the imperial clan also liked to use it to enhance the Spirit Vein.
Unexpectedly, the current head of Joyful Sight Mountain, You Longzi, also has such a relationship with you, fellow Daoist.
Kang Dabao shook his head for a while, then sighed, "It's not about having a relationship; it's just that they hope I won't cause them any trouble."
He didn't even see Yang Wuwei make a wrong move. After hesitating for a long time, he made another move, which left the eldest son behind him speechless with astonishment.
Yang Wuwei about the outcome of the game; he simply understood what Sect Leader Kang Da had said. Then, remembering the rumors circulating outside that several Golden Core cultivators from the Ancient Mysterious Circuit in the north had been frequently sending generous gifts to Yangming Mountain, he immediately understood much more.
"It seems that Joyful Sight Mountain, this local tyrant, is even more seriously ill than I previously suspected. The families under its jurisdiction are either restless or not, and it is surrounded by wolves."
The Nascent Soul sects were reluctant to part with this valuable asset, yet they were also wary of angering the Office of the Duke of Qin and incurring trouble. They might also try to instigate the Golden Core sects within the Ancient Mysterious Circuit realm to take action.
The Daoist brother before me possesses composure, but the other forces that have been bewitched may not.
To be honest, Lord Lian's Mansion might be Joyful Sight Mountain. It seems that the Office of the Duke of Qin sending a garrison to the Ancient Mysterious Circuit might not be entirely a bad thing for the cultivators of Joyful Sight Mountain.
Yang Wuwei laughed along with Sect Leader Kang Da for a while, but then he felt the weight of the silk scroll in his hand grow heavier. Most of his worries had subsided, leaving only one last thing he needed to discuss with Sect Leader Kang Da:
"There is one more thing I need to make clear to you, fellow Daoist. Although I will be under the control of Xu Lingzhi after I go to the Ancient Mysterious Circuit Xu Lingzhi, I will not be able to do anything that would harm the Chongming Sect."
If, in the future, you encounter any wicked people who instigate you, please remember what I, Yang, have said today.
He spoke these words with utmost seriousness, and even Kang Dabao, upon hearing them, reluctantly put down the chessboard, bowed, and said:
"Brother, please rest assured. We are close friends and relatives by marriage. How could we let someone sow discord and ruin our friendship?! Don't worry, don't worry!!"
Upon hearing this, Yang Wuwei was overjoyed. Although he now had a powerful backer as a disciple of Zuo Zongzheng, he had never looked down on this old acquaintance.
During his time in the capital, Yang Wuwei had met many renowned geniuses, some of whom were exceptionally intelligent, some with extraordinary talent, and some with astonishing brilliance.
If you were to include the current Sect Leader Kang Da among them, he might not be considered exceptionally outstanding. However, Yang Wuwei vaguely felt that he was different from those people from wealthy backgrounds, which made him admire him greatly, yet it was also strange.
Therefore, in his view, if anyone could truly lead the "earth-based" cultivators of the Office of the Duke of Qin to stand on equal footing with those from the capital, it would only be Kang Dabao.
As for him and the likes of Qin Sufu, all they have the ability to do is cheer from behind.
The two chatted happily, and after playing chess for half a day, Yang Wuwei, sweat beading on his forehead, finally placed his last piece, winning another hard-fought game.
Finally witnessing this scene, Kang Changxi, who was standing behind the two, couldn't help but let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief. After realizing what had happened, he quickly and cautiously glanced at his father. Seeing that the Sect Leader Kang Da was not angry, he was finally relieved.
Although Sect Leader Kang Da did not hold Kang Changxi's impolite behavior against him, he still sighed with regret, "What a pity."
Before Yang Wuwei could break out in a cold sweat again, Kang Dabao bowed and said:
"Brother Yang's victory is an auspicious sign. When you travel, you could help our sect by escorting those two Pill Masters who are being pursued by Joyful Sight Mountain, saving me the trouble of sending my disciples on the same trip."
Yang Wuwei immediately recognized that this was a gift that Sect Leader Kang Da had prepared for him in advance. He bowed again before accepting the talisman from the latter and going to the prison to fetch the person.
After Yang Wuwei left, Kang Changxi sighed, "The Ancient Mysterious Circuit is currently considered the most dangerous place among all the paths under the government. I wonder if Senior Yang's decision to wade into these troubled waters was a good thing or a bad thing?!"
"The fortunes and misfortunes of cultivators are determined by Heaven, why worry about these things?!" Sect Leader Kang Da seemed indifferent. It was true that he and Yang Wuwei were old friends, but he felt that he did not have the right to worry about his fellow cultivators who were also cultivating towards the Golden Core stage.
He then asked his eldest son in a low voice, "Has Rongquan entered Seclusion Chamber yet?"
"Yes, yes, we entered a while ago. Third Uncle is guarding outside, and I heard Uncle Ye is also waiting outside. The other day, Joyful Sight Mountain sent Master Jia to check if there was anything unusual about the spirit tree, and Brother Chang was the one who received them."
Kang Changxi's tone seemed to carry a hint of joy; in his view, Kang Rongquan's Core Formation was truly a natural progression.
The latter is not only the only disciple of Double Brightness who can inherit the Cultivation Method "Profound Clear Withering and Flourishing Secret Manual and Decline" from the Sect Leader Kang Da, but also, although he is not old, he has experienced the world, seen the wickedness of people's hearts, and endured the hardships of poverty. His State of Mind is far beyond that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.
He has likely experienced far more trials and tribulations in his life than those of nobles and pampered sons. Now, having received a spiritual treasure for Core Formation from his own father, there is no reason why he should fail.
Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao unconsciously traced the wood grain on the edge of the chessboard with his fingertips. His gaze then drifted beyond the hall and landed on the two Clear Stream Tree. The pale blue spiritual energy flowing slowly through their transparent trunks resembled the silent passage of time.
"He made a grave mistake in his early years and went through several periods of decline, so perhaps his character is now more refined. However, the hurdle of Core Formation is never something that can be overcome simply by having a good State of Mind." His voice lowered, carrying a concern that only a teacher could understand.
"The Profound Clear Withering and Flourishing Secret Manual emphasizes 'living with the times and growing against the times.' He has had too many good years and lacks the courage to go all in."
Fortunately, Joyful Sight Mountain sent the Clear Stream Tree, which nourishes the Spirit Vein of Yangming Mountain. This is a good thing and may further assist him in Core Formation.
Kang Changxi was stunned for a moment, seemingly understanding but not quite, and wondered why his father, also Golden Core, seemed increasingly unfathomable. After pondering for a while, he finally spoke:
"Father, I heard that Rongquan hasn't yet finished his seclusion. Why don't you call him out and give him some further guidance?"
"No need." Sect Leader Kang Da waved his hand, picked up another white chess piece, but instead of placing it on the board, he twirled it between his fingers.
"Cultivation is like drinking water; only the person drinking knows whether it's hot or cold. He was already extremely determined; calling him out now might only disrupt his State of Mind. Moreover, if he can't even overcome this hurdle, he's not worthy of Core Formation. If he fails because of this, it might not be such a bad thing."
Hearing his father's words, Kang Changxi's brows remained furrowed. "But Rongquan, he..."
Before he could finish speaking, Kang Dabao raised his hand to interrupt him, pointing his finger out of the hall.
In the twilight, the water essence on the transparent branches of the Clear Stream Tree slowly rolled along the veins of the leaves, and the faint light splashed up when it fell into the spiritual soil subtly echoed the Spiritual Qi leaking from the direction of the Seclusion Chamber.
"Look at this tree," Kang Dabao said softly, "It knows its own cycles of flourishing and withering, and it's never in a hurry to exhaust its spiritual essence. If Rongquan can't even withstand this much waiting and tempering, even if he forms his core, he won't go far in the future."
Kang Changxi followed his father's gaze and saw a faint glow reflected in the spiritual chamber of the Seclusion Chamber. The mountain wind rose again, the copper bell rang once more, and the branches and leaves of the Clear Stream Tree swayed gently, as if responding to the distant sounds.
As the last rays of the setting sun swept across the chessboard, they cast long, long shadows of the black and white pieces, like foreshadowings hidden in the passage of time.
Kang Dabao suddenly smiled again and patted his eldest son on the shoulder:
"After you've cleaned this place up, go help your Senior Brother Duan with some things. I, however, can't resist the common practice and would like to wait outside the lock room for a while."