At the Mourning Hall, a Distinguished Visitor; on the Perilous Road to Nascent Soul, a Warning Against Worldly Ties

----A few days later

The mournful winds of Ying Prefecture soon reached both the Mountain North and Mountain South sides of the mountain, and the Fei Household, from Fei Tianqin onwards, were all as if they had lost their parents.

Upon hearing of Fei Ye Shui's passing, Sect Leader Kang Da himself felt a deep sense of regret.

After all, in his mind, if this Fei Household patriarch could become Nascent Soul, then even if the Chongming Sect was far away in the southwest, its actions would be much less constrained.

However, apart from the aforementioned individuals, most of the officials and subordinates of the Office of the Duke of Qin were quite excited.

The Wen Mountain Cult, the Luochuan Baili Household, and the Yuelu Su Household have all been entrenched in the vicinity of the capital for many years, but none of them are considered particularly obedient to the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty.

Even the veteran officials of the Demon Correction Office have discovered that these three families had been in frequent contact with Supreme Unity Temple since the start of the war in the southwest.

However, Emperor of Wei was still mindful of the feelings of each family member and did not act rashly.

But after Fei Ye Shui set up the scheme on his deathbed, and the two prime ministers reached a tacit agreement, the more than ten fertile states under the jurisdiction of these three families were devoured by the Great Wei and the Han and Gui families, which was a matter of course.

The Kuang Household was not unaware that this would provoke a sense of shared fate among the various Nascent Soul sects, and the Nascent Soul sects that were close to the Immortal Dynasty were also aware that continuing to befriend them was like seeking a tiger's skin.

However, the royal family of Great Wei, who had gained advantages in various parts of the Immortal Dynasty, were already quite confident. Now was not the time for just a few people to take risks and make the Emperor of Wei and the two princes very angry.

For Emperor of Wei, acquiring a few Nascent Soul portals is not a particularly complicated matter.

If all the families in the Immortal Dynasty could work together with one heart and one mind, and form alliances to counterbalance the Kuang Household's authority, it would certainly be a good thing.

Just by looking at Supreme Unity Temple has been busy for so many years, yet its progress has been extremely slow, one can imagine how arduous it must be to accomplish this task.

All we can say is that in the past, everyone only knew that Great Wei Immortal Dynasty was clinging to life and it wasn't time for him to give up yet.

People all hope that as the resentment between various families accumulates further, an extraordinary figure will emerge to lead the True Person of each family to accomplish this upside-down act.

However, the sudden emergence of Kuang Liuting's Upper-Grade Golden Core Elixir and the great victory in the Southwest Campaign seem to have given the Kuang Household clan a life-saving boost.

If Emperor of Wei's successor can master this appeasement strategy and make good use of this masterful political maneuvering, perhaps there will be signs of a revival?

The Sect Leader Kang Da, who was still just a pawn, couldn't care less about these things. He simply comforted his wife, whose eyes were red, and instructed the Elder of the Archives and the Steward of Ceremonies to prepare the funeral offerings.

Then, he led Jiang Qing and his family to the mourning hall that the Fei Household had set up for Fei Ye Shui in Phoenix Cry Prefecture.

It's unclear why Fei Nanying didn't show up for such an important event; only Fei Tianqin and a group of Fei Household elders were there to greet and see off the guests.

It was here that Kang Dabao saw for the first time how dim Fei Tianqin's eyes were, as if even the sharpness covering his golden feathers had been somewhat worn down by the news of Fei Ye Shui's death.

"I heard your family has produced another Golden Core cultivator. I was going to have Nanying bring people over to congratulate you, but..."

With Fei Ye Shui's death, Fei Tianqin's eccentric and sharp-tongued aura actually faded considerably. This time, the old bird spoke in a warm tone, truly like a kind elder.

A look of sorrow appeared on Sect Leader Kang Da, but he no longer spoke with his usual wit. Instead, with a solemn expression, he offered incense at the altar, then bowed and paid his Fei Tianqin.

"I hope you will take heart in your grief, ancestor."

"It's nothing. I, your ancestor, have lived for over three thousand years and have witnessed more life and death than two True Person combined. There's nothing to comfort me about."

Although Fei Tianqin spoke these words, the sorrow in his tone was unmistakable.

Kang Dabao, being naturally astute, didn't expose him. After exchanging a few more words with the old man, he stepped aside and called on his children to all go to the incense altar to offer incense.

Seeing this, Fei Tianqin's expression softened slightly, and he even had the mind to joke with Kang Dabao:

"You're quite lucky, kid. You've only had less than ten children, yet five of them possess Spirit Root. You're truly the envy of everyone. You're also fortunate to have been born during a time of imperial decline."

If the founding emperor were still alive, upon hearing of your situation, it would have been commonplace for him to lock you up in some underground palace and assign you to some Aristocratic Clan' daughters to focus on breeding.

The Sect Leader Kang Da, estimated that the benefits of his descendants frequently developing Spirit Root must be due to consuming spiritual dew.

However, upon hearing the old bird's words, he was still so shocked that his face twitched, and his tone revealed a hint of disbelief. "Was the Great Ancestor really so domineering?!"

"Ha, so what if you're domineering? You, the current emperor and the king of the North and South, don't you like domineering ways?!"

Fei Tianqin's tone turned desolate, and he shook his head again, whispering to Kang Dabao, "My brother risked his life to secure Ying, and my Fei Household has gained fame throughout the world."

Within the next sixty or fourty years, unless there is a deep-seated blood feud, even a Nascent Soul cultivator would have to think twice before threatening the Fei Household. Therefore, the title of "the most powerful family in the world" can probably be preserved for a few more years.

But this "most powerful family under heaven" is still just a "powerful family." In this Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, without reaching the Nascent Soul stage, one ultimately has no Nascent Soul and deserves to be preyed upon.

It paused abruptly at this point, its tone carrying a hint of warning or caution:

"Ancestor, I observe that your cultivation has progressed quite rapidly, and there is not a trace of superficiality about you. This is truly rare."

However, even reaching the Late-Stage Golden Core at two hundred years old is extremely rare. If one becomes complacent because of this, loses the sense of vigilance in times of peace, and abandons the ambition to reach the pinnacle, then one has fallen into Lower Vehicle.

The process of Nascent Soul Formation stage is extremely difficult and cannot tolerate the slightest negligence.

"This novice will remember the teachings of the Ancestor." Sect Leader Kang Da immediately bowed respectfully.

"We've had quite a few visitors lately, and you're now considered a respectable person. If it's convenient, perhaps you could stay a few more days to enhance the prestige of the Fei Household."

"This humble servant will obey the ancestor's orders."

"Good." Even though Fei Tianqin knew that Kang Dabao valued relationships highly, a hint of joy still appeared in his sharp eyes after seeing this scene.

The white banners in the mourning hall fluttered in the breeze, and the smoke from burning paper money drifted out through the carved window frames, mingling with the dark clouds over Phoenix Cry Prefecture, making people feel suffocated.

Kang Dabao and Third Master Jiang stayed in the mourning hall as instructed, while Fei Shuhe and her children stayed near the incense altar to greet the arriving guests.

These guests were mostly heads of the Aristocratic Clan and local officials from surrounding counties, as well as elders from clans with a long history with the Fei Household. Although their faces were etched with sorrow, their eyes concealed their own calculations.

In the following days, various Nascent Soul families, such as the Yukun Han Household and the Yu family, which had connections with the Fei Household, sent envoys to offer their condolences.

The Sect Leader Kang Da overheard everything clearly. Although these people spoke kindly, the distance in their tone was undeniable. The saying "the world is cold and indifferent" was quite apt here, leaving one no choice but to sigh.

To be honest, Kang Dabao has received a lot of support and guidance from the elders of the Fei Household over the years. Therefore, he feels that with his personality, if the Fei Household encounters any problems in the future, he will not implicate his own sect and will do his best to help.

Given Fei Ye Shui's fondness for making friends, some of these Nascent Soul cultivators might have received similar opportunities as Sect Leader Kang Da.

However, based on what he observed, very few were willing to reciprocate the favors shown to them after the Fei Household's downfall.

Kang Dabao was, after all, a guest. Apart from when these important figures visited, he spent most of his time cultivating at the Fei Household.

Fei Tianqin, the old fox, was as generous as ever. Except for a few essential parts, the Fei Household's library was open to Sect Leader Kang Da and the Jiang Qing brothers for borrowing and referring to.

After several days of searching, the two found many authentic teachings that were hard to find elsewhere, and thus gained a great deal. Although they were reluctant to leave behind the treasures that filled the room, they also felt it was time to take their leave.

Just as the two were preparing to bid farewell to the elders of the Fei Household, Fei Enwen came from outside to invite them:

"Sect Leader Kang, Senior Jiang, the arrival of the Silver Saber Prince Consort True Person Shen Lingfeng has just been made. Ancestor Tianqin requests that you two come to pay your respects."

"Shen Lingfeng?!"

The Sect Leader Kang Da felt a slight chill; this name was certainly not unfamiliar to him.

To be honest, it was because of the incident involving the Silver Saber Prince Consort that Patriarch Zhang left his ancestral home in Fenli Prefecture and migrated to Cloud Horn Prefecture to settle down.

The Chongming Sect that Kang Dabao inherited was, in essence, a consequence of the fortunes of this Silver Saber Prince Consort.

Kang Dabao had long harbored curiosity about this legendary figure who came from a poor background but was exceptionally promoted by Emperor of Wei and eventually reached the Nascent Soul realm. Now, upon hearing that the True Person had personally arrived, he felt a surge of emotions.

He immediately replied, "Please lead the way, brother -Junior Brother Jiang. My junior brother Jiang and I will go to pay our respects to the True Person."

The side hall where the Fei Household received Nascent Soul True Person was even more solemn and dignified than the mourning hall.

The interior furnishings were simple and elegant, devoid of any extravagance, with only the heavy scent of sandalwood and an invisible pressure permeating the space. Fei Tianqin's enormous golden-feathered figure stood in the hall, even restraining his usual sharpness and revealing a touch of solemnity.

The Silver Saber Prince Consort Shen Lingfeng appeared to be in his thirties or forties, with a calm demeanor that suggested he had long held a high position. However, upon closer inspection, the corners of his eyes and brows bore the marks of hardship and adversity. In particular, his eyes were deep and unfathomable, calm yet seemingly able to see through people's hearts.

Kang Dabao and Jiang Qing dared not be negligent. They stepped forward, followed the proper etiquette, and bowed deeply to the person at the head of the table. "Junior Kang Dabao/ Jiang Qing of the Chongming Sect Kang Dabao their respects to the Imperial Son-in-Law and His Majesty."

Shen Lingfeng's gaze swept over the two of them, lingering particularly on Kang Dabao.

The gaze was not scrutinizing, but it carried a heavy weight, making Kang Dabao feel instantly as if he had been seen through from the inside out. The pride he had felt from his previous fight with the Nascent Soul cultivator, which had ended unscathed, vanished without a trace.

He remained respectful and showed no sign of slackening.

"No need for formalities." Shen Lingfeng's voice was not loud, but it entered the two people's ears with exceptional clarity, carrying a peculiar sense of stability, as if it could soothe the lingering sorrow brought by the mourning hall.

"The Grand General and I were both teacher and friend. Hearing this tragic news, my heart is truly heavy. It is kind of you two to be able to pay your respects and express your grief before the Grand General's spirit." His tone was calm, revealing little joy or sorrow, but the respect he showed for Fei Ye Shui was very genuine.

"Senior, you flatter us. Our ancestor Ye Shui has shown great kindness and mentorship to my brother and me; this is simply our duty," Kang Dabao quickly replied, bowing his head in humility.

Shen Lingfeng nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Fei Tianqin: "Senior Tianqin, please accept my condolences. Your noble spirit and selflessness, your decisive action, have bought the Fei Household a chance to breathe and cast a heavy weight on this chaotic situation. Such courage and magnanimity are truly admirable."

He didn't offer empty words of comfort, but directly pointed out the essence and value of Fei Ye Shui's plan that led to his death, revealing his understanding and respect for his predecessor's choice.

A flicker of emotion crossed Fei Tianqin's dim, sharp eyes, and his voice deepened. "My brother... he certainly made a good move. But the price... well, never mind. The Silver Saber Prince Consort personally offered his condolences; the Fei Household is deeply grateful."

It paused, its golden beak slightly open, and steered the conversation back to Kang and Jiang, "This Kang Dabao is the current head of the lineage that Patriarch Zhang passed down in Cloud Horn Prefecture. Speaking of which, he does have some connection with the True Person."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lingfeng's gaze fell on Kang Dabao again, this time with a hint of inquiry in his deep eyes.

"Oh? Cloud Horn Prefecture... Patriarch Zhang?" He hesitated for a moment, as if searching for a distant fragment in his memory, before slowly saying, "Is it that Fellow Daoist Zhang Hong, who is skilled in using talisman arrays?"

"A talisman array? My ancestor's surname is Zhang, given name Yuandao, originally from Capital Circuit, Fenli Prefecture."

"Zhang Yuandao? From Capital Circuit, Fenli Prefecture?" Shen Lingfeng pondered for a moment. "He seems to be a junior officer in the army. Thinking about it more carefully, I have a vague impression of him; he's quite brave."

Shen Lingfeng looked at Kang Dabao, and in the depths of his calm and unwavering eyes, a faint, indescribable trace of reminiscence and complexity seemed to flash by, so quickly that it was almost an illusion.

"The turmoil of that year seems like a distant memory. Your ancestor was truly blessed to have a descendant like you." His tone was quite casual, yet it also carried a hint of warmth.

"The path of cultivation has its end. You have inherited his mantle and carried forward the Daoist tradition in Xian Prefecture. You have achieved such a remarkable feat in such a short time, which is quite worthy of what Fellow Daoist Zhang has taught you. Very good."

"True Person flatter me, Master. I am humbled. This is only due to the concerted efforts of the entire sect, plus a bit of luck." Kang Dabao dared not take credit.

"Hmm." Shen Lingfeng responded noncommittally, her gaze lingering on Kang Dabao's face for a moment, her calm eyes seemingly able to see through all his thoughts and schemes.

"Huangpi may seem remote, but protecting it is protecting the peace of the region. Since the Duke of Qin values you, I hope you will act accordingly."

Kang Dabao quickly bowed. "This junior will remember Your Highness's teachings! I will certainly be selfless and devoted to public service, protecting the land and ensuring the safety of the people!"

Shen Lingfeng said no more, turning his gaze to Fei Tianqin: "Senior Tianqin, the incense has been offered before your spirit tablet, and my condolences have been expressed. The legacy of the Pillar of State must be carried on by us. The Duke of Qin is still in seclusion, and there are many affairs to attend to in his residence, so it is inconvenient for me to stay any longer. I shall take my leave now."

"Please proceed with caution, Your Highness." Fei Tianqin did not try to stop him, and with a slight flap of his golden wings, he gestured for Fei Enwen to see him off.

Shen Lingfeng stood up, dressed in black robes and a plain cloak, her steps steady. When she reached Kang Dabao's side, she paused almost imperceptibly.

Kang Dabao felt an invisible, overwhelming aura sweep past him. Although it was not malicious, it caused his Qi and Blood and spiritual energy to stagnate.

Shen Lingfeng didn't look at him, but left behind a low voice, barely audible to Kang and Jiang:

"The path to Nascent Soul is paved with countless bones. Talent and caution alone are far from enough. One must have the determination to burn one's boats and sever all ties with the past. Even the Grand Pillar of State, back then, perhaps lacked this one step. In my opinion, clinging to worldly ties is not a good thing. You should think it over carefully!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared like a breeze outside the side hall door.

Only the faint scent of sandalwood and its heavy aftertaste remained, weighing on the hearts of Kang and Jiang.

Kang Dabao and Jiang Qing exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity and shock in each other's eyes.

"Break the boats and burn the boats, sever ties with the past, and stop clinging to worldly ties," Kang Dabao murmured to himself, his eyes gradually sharpening.

Fei Tianqin's advice and Shen Lingfeng's warnings were like two whetstones, completely grinding away the slight complacency in his heart, leaving only a more steadfast and focused heart on the path.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and bowed deeply to Fei Tianqin once again:

"Ancestor, the Imperial Son-in-Law's carriage has departed. Junior Brother Jiang and I have troubled you at your residence for many days, and it is time for us to take our leave and return to Yangming Mountain. There are many matters to attend to in the sect, so we dare not linger."

The gloom in Fei Tianqin's sharp eyes seemed to have been dispelled somewhat by Shen Lingfeng's arrival, and a glimmer of light returned.

It looked at Kang Dabao, its golden beak opening and closing, its voice deep yet powerful:

"Go. Remember my words, and cultivate yourself well. Don't worry, even though my brother is gone, with me here, the Fei Household will remain as stable as Mount Tai! I don't need to worry about implicating your family in anything."

"You flatter me, Ancestor. This humble one takes his leave!" Sect Leader Kang Da, along with his family, bowed. On the way back, however, he didn't notice Jiang Qing seemingly muttering to himself, "Being bound by worldly ties is not a good thing."