“Yes, the battle between Heaven and Man has concluded,” the white-robed cultivator said.
He glanced at the deep underground chamber, and seeing that Fifth Senior Sister hadn’t come up, he quickly pulled the mechanism to slowly close the stone door.
The basement of the Star-Observing Tower had an array personally set up by the Supervisor. With Zhong Senior Sister inside, it could shield against misfortune. But ultimately, tribulations must be faced, unless one wants to spend their entire life underground.
The Heaven and Man battle was over? Yang Qian Huan nodded with some regret. “Chu Yuan Zhen’s combat prowess is extremely formidable. As for Li Miao Zhen, though I haven’t met her, I imagine she’s not weakling either. It’s truly a shame I couldn’t witness their duel.”
He tilted his head back and asked, “Who won?”
As a fourth-rank cultivator and a heavenly prodigy, he was quite interested in the outcome of this battle.
“Neither of them won,” said this ninth-rank junior brother.
“A draw?” Yang Qian Huan was surprised by this result.
“No, the winner was Young Master Xu. He single-handedly fought against the outstanding disciples of the two Heavenly and Earthly sects of Daoism. In front of everyone’s eyes, he defeated both of them, stealing all the limelight,” the white-robed physician explained.
Single-handedly fighting outstanding Daoist disciples and defeating both in public… Yang Qian Huan’s breath caught. Drawing from years of experience in public displays, he could appreciate the profound implications of this feat.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Qian Huan asked in a low, slightly trembling voice, “You… tell me the details of what happened.”
“I only heard it secondhand, as I wasn’t there to witness it personally,” the young physician said. “The location of the Heaven and Man battle was at the Wei River on the outskirts of the capital. It’s said that Young Master Xu arrived on a small boat, accompanied by the clear, resonant sound of a zither…”
The scene formed in his mind… Yang Qian Huan closed his eyes, imagining the crowds surging on both banks, the two protagonists of the Heaven and Man battle tensely facing off, when suddenly, the piercing sound of a zither rang out. Everyone was shocked, pointing at the figure standing proudly at the bow of the boat, saying:
“Ah, it’s Young Master Yang from the Astronomical Bureau.”
“It’s said that Young Master Xu even recited a poem,” the young physician clapped his hands.
Yang Qian Huan’s eyes flashed with excitement, and his breathing became heavy. The back of his head stared intently at him, asking urgently, “What poem? Quick, tell me!”
The young physician struck a pose of recollection and said:
“Wielding a blade, I tread the boat on Wei River,
Not for vengeance or favor.
Claiming victory in countless battles without drawing my blade,
Since birth, my eyes scorn the multitude.
Patiently watching young ones become new nobles,
Angrily I ascend the arena to strike once more.
One slash cleaves open the path of life and death,
Two hands subdue both Heaven and Man.”
Compared to Young Master Xu’s previous poems, the quality of this one was only average… Just as he thought this, he suddenly heard heavy breathing.
The young physician stared at the back of Yang Qian Huan’s head. “Senior Brother Yang?”
“Good poem, good poem indeed. The brilliance of this poem is no less than the half-stanza he recited when he blocked the Meridian Gate that day. It’s among the top three of Xu Ning Yan’s poems,” Yang Qian Huan muttered.
“It’s not that great,” the ninth-rank physician waved his hand. “Everyone outside says this poem is quite ordinary.”
Yang Qian Huan sneered, “What do those rabble know? Poetry can’t be judged solely on the surface; it must be appreciated in the context of the situation.
“Think about it. The entire capital was focused on the Heaven and Man battle, on Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen. Did anyone still care about Xu Qi An, who once made a splash in the magic duel? No, right? So, it was at this moment that he needed to recite: ‘Patiently watching young ones become new nobles, Angrily I ascend the arena to strike once more.'”
The ninth-rank physician thought for a moment and found it quite reasonable, feeling his blood boil.
“Although Xu Ning Yan is only a sixth-rank warrior, far inferior in rank to Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen, it’s precisely because of this that the line ‘One slash cleaves open the path of life and death, Two hands subdue both Heaven and Man’ appears particularly majestic, fully embodying the poet’s fearlessness in the face of strong enemies and his spirit of rising to challenges,” Yang Qian Huan said emphatically.
“Marvelous!” The white-robed cultivator clapped his hands and said, “Senior Brother Yang, your knowledge is vast and profound. This junior brother admires you.”
Yang Qian Huan sighed, “The truly impressive one is Xu Ning Yan. He always manages to make himself the focus of bystanders, gaining fame and prestige. In this aspect, I’m no match for him.”
Why was An born when I, Huan, already existed?
Ever since meeting Xu Qi An, Yang Qian Huan often had such laments.
“Xu Qi An always has such opportunities, while I lack just that – opportunity,” Senior Brother Yang lamented.
“Senior Brother Yang, actually, for this Heaven and Man battle, His Majesty sent someone to invite you. He wanted you to come out of seclusion to stop the two. But the Supervisor used the excuse that you were suppressed underground to refuse His Majesty,” the white-robed physician said.
“?”
Yang Qian Huan was petrified. After a long while, as if struck by a tremendous blow, he could barely stand. Leaning against the wall, he slowly slid down, his knees touching the ground.
“Junior brother, is, is this true?” he asked in a trembling voice.
“Of course it’s true. How could I deceive you, Senior Brother?” The ninth-rank physician said. Then, he saw Yang Qian Huan repeatedly grabbing his head, over and over again.
“Senior Brother Yang? What’s wrong with you?”
“My, my brain feels like it’s shaking…” Yang Qian Huan wailed, enunciating each word, “The, Supervisor has… has misled me again!!”
…
The next day, Xu Qi An returned home from the brothel quarter, picking up Zhong Li on the way. He went straight to his bedroom to meditate, calming the last fatigue of his spirit.
At this time, Zhong Li, with her hair disheveled, walked to the bedside, extended her small hand, shook his shoulder, and said softly, “Senior Brother Yang is here.”
Why would Yang Qian Huan come to see me? Xu Qi An opened his eyes, nodding with confusion, “I understand.”
He then went out and saw Yang Qian Huan standing with his hands behind his back by the stone table in the backyard.
The little bean curiously stared at Yang Qian Huan’s back. Taking advantage of his inattention, she suddenly ran in front of him, but with a flash of light, she returned to her original position.
The little bean didn’t give up, eyeing Yang Qian Huan’s back intently, sometimes circling to the left, to the right, sliding between his legs.
But each time she would be teleported back to her original position. No matter how hard the little bean tried, she couldn’t see Yang Qian Huan’s face.
“Darling, is this your friend?” Aunty approached with small steps, muttering, “Don’t know when he entered the house, just standing there motionless. Such a strange person.”
“This is Senior Brother Yang from the Astronomical Bureau,” Xu Qi An explained, then called out to Yang Qian Huan’s back:
“Senior Brother Yang, what brings you here to see me?”
“Watching you!” Yang Qian Huan calmly responded.
“Watching me?”
“You’ve repeatedly stolen my spotlight and snatched my opportunities. From now on, I’ll be watching you constantly. If any similar opportunities arise, I’ll snatch them back from you,” Yang Qian Huan said sternly:
“One day, I’ll make the Supervisor know that thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don’t underestimate a poor youth.”
Aunty immediately looked at Xu Qi An, pouting, “No wonder you’re friends, hehe.”
Aunty’s goddess-like chuckle.
This unfortunate nephew of hers had said similar things in the past.
“Suit yourself,” Xu Qi An shrugged, then saw Old Zhang from the gatehouse enter the inner courtyard, calling out, “Young Master, you have several good friends visiting.”
Following Old Zhang to the outer hall, he saw Daoist Jin Lian, Number Six Heng Yuan, and Number Four Chu Yuan Zhen sitting in the hall drinking tea.
“Daoist Jin Lian, Brother Chu, Master Heng Yuan.”
Huh, why isn’t Daoist Jin Lian on a cat anymore… Xu Qi An greeted them warmly, instructing Old Zhang to bring fruits and pastries.
“Lord Xu, please call Li Miao Zhen and Li Na out. This poor Daoist has some matters to discuss with you all,” Daoist Jin Lian smiled.
Xu Qi An immediately returned to the inner courtyard and called for Li Miao Zhen and Li Na.
This was Li Na’s first time meeting Chu Yuan Zhen and Heng Yuan. Last time she was severely injured and unconscious, never having woken up.
“Ah, except for Number One, all our Heaven and Earth Society members are here,” the little dark-skinned girl from the Southern Borderlands said happily.
This statement didn’t sound strange to everyone present, as this was the Xu residence, and Number Three Xu Xin Nian was also in the mansion.
“By the way, where’s Number Three?” Chu Yuan Zhen asked.
Li Miao Zhen immediately glanced at Xu Qi An, and Li Na also looked at him, remembering in time their agreement not to reveal identities.
Oh no, I accidentally let it slip earlier, what should I do… Li Na thought anxiously.
Xu Qi An’s expression remained unchanged as he answered, “He went on a date with Miss Wang.”
Chu Yuan Zhen was taken aback. “A date?”
“Romantic affairs.”
“Oh, oh, as expected of a talented romantic,” Chu Yuan Zhen laughed.
Xu Xin Nian was indeed on a date with Miss Wang, though Miss Wang unilaterally considered it a date, while Xu Xin Nian saw it as keeping an appointment.
After everyone was seated, they sipped their tea, except for Li Na who began to munch on fruits and pastries, her mouth never stopping.
At this time, Xu Ling Yin came over, toddling into the gathering on her short legs.
Li Na picked her up and placed her on her lap, and the master and disciple ate melon together.
Daoist Jin Lian cleared his throat and said, “This poor Daoist will be leaving the capital in a few days.”
No one was surprised by this. Daoist Jin Lian had hidden in the capital to escape the pursuit of the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators, which was always a temporary measure. After recuperating in the capital for half a year, it was indeed time to leave.
If it was just to announce this, Daoist Jin Lian wouldn’t need to gather us at the Xu residence… Chu Yuan Zhen took a sip of tea, quietly waiting for what was to come.
The old fox must be plotting something again… Xu Qi An remained silent, watching to see what Daoist Jin Lian wanted to say.
Amitabha, all good things must come to an end… Heng Yuan sighed inwardly, unable to resist putting his palms together.
The stinking Daoist made Xu Ning Yan interrupt my duel, I didn’t want to see him today… Li Miao Zhen still harbored resentment and didn’t look kindly upon Daoist Jin Lian.
Li Na: “This honeydew is so sweet, hahaha.”
Xu Ling Yin: “Yes, yes, hehehe.”
Daoist Jin Lian sighed, “The reason I infiltrated the Earth Sect back then was to steal a treasure called the Nine-Colored Lotus. It can enlighten all things, even giving consciousness to stones.
“The demonic cultivators of the Earth Sect have been searching for my whereabouts, wanting to reclaim the Nine-Colored Lotus. I’ve been hiding in the capital to mislead them, making them think I brought the Nine-Colored Lotus here.
“I secretly moved it to a hidden place long ago. As the Nine-Colored Lotus gradually matures, its aura can no longer be suppressed. At that time, it might attract the covetousness of the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators.
“Therefore, I need to return to guard the lotus.”
What kind of thing is this Nine-Colored Lotus that can even enlighten stones? Damn, Daoist, my silicone wife from my previous life needs your help… Xu Qi An’s heart burned with excitement.
If even stones could be enlightened, Xu Qi An felt he would become the object of envy and hatred for otakus worldwide.
Nine-Colored Lotus, I seem to have read about it in some ancient text… Chu Yuan Zhen frowned in thought.
Nine-Colored Lotus? The Earth Sect’s second greatest treasure, the Nine-Colored Lotus is about to mature. Li Miao Zhen’s eyes brightened slightly.
Li Na: “Hahaha.”
Xu Ling Yin: “Hehehe.”
Daoist Jin Lian was satisfied with everyone’s expressions and said with a smile:
“At that time, the Earth Sect’s demonic cultivators will surely follow the aura to find us. This poor Daoist plans to set a trap for them and hopes that you all can lend a hand.”
The members of the Heaven and Earth Society had different reactions to this request.
Xu Qi An frowned and asked, “Will the Earth Sect’s leader intervene?”
Daoist Jin Lian nodded: “He will, but his condition is extremely poor. He spends most of his time in slumber, forced to sleep. Even if he does act, it will be through an avatar or a wisp of his divided soul, with limited power.”
Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Li Miao Zhen said, “Alright, but I want a lotus seed as payment afterward.”
The others’ eyes lit up.
Daoist Jin Lian nodded: “Of course, one lotus seed for each person, and two for Xu Qi An.”
Hearing this, Li Miao Zhen’s delicate eyebrows raised, and she said defiantly, “Why does he get two?”
Xu Qi An snapped his fingers and said, “Because I defeated you and Brother Chu. This is the reward Daoist Jin Lian promised me.”
Daoist Jin Lian looked at Li Na, frowning, “Number Five, what are your thoughts?”
Li Na, her mouth full of food, tilted her head, thought for a moment, and asked, “Are the lotus seeds tasty?”
…Daoist Jin Lian opened his mouth, looked at her for a while, and said helplessly, “It’s, it’s not a matter of taste. It’s a rare treasure. If you must eat it, it would probably be very fragrant and sweet…”
Upon hearing this, Li Na patted her chest and said, “No problem, Daoist. I’ll help.”
Seeing this, everyone sighed inwardly, thinking what a carefree and happy girl she was.
Daoist Jin Lian said contentedly, “Before the Nine-Colored Lotus matures, I will contact you through the Earth Book fragments.”
He had been plotting for so long, establishing the Heaven and Earth Society, and after many years, it was finally bearing fruit today.
The other two members couldn’t be relied upon for now, but the members gathered here already formed a force not to be underestimated.
Chu Yuan Zhen with fourth-rank combat power; Li Miao Zhen of the fourth rank in Daoism; Heng Yuan, though an eighth-rank warrior monk, with extremely strong actual combat ability; and Li Na, the girl from the Southern Borderlands with immense strength.
Of course, what delighted him most was Xu Qi An, who had joined the Heaven and Earth Society last.
This young man possessed great fortune, succeeded in everything he did, and pushed the Vajra God Technique to the small accomplishment stage. He could both defend and attack, playing an extremely important role in battle.
Daoist Jin Lian even felt that if given a few more years, these children might one day be able to defeat him as a team without much difficulty.
…
Two days later, in the Imperial Study.
Emperor Yuan Jing privately received Chu Xiang Long, the deputy general of the Northern Border King.
“The first batch of provisions and fodder will take a few more days to prepare. General Chu need not hurry,” Emperor Yuan Jing said.
“Your Majesty, this servant’s return to the capital is not only to escort the provisions. The Northern Border King also entrusted this servant with another task,” Chu Xiang Long said, cupping his hands.
“What task?” Emperor Yuan Jing asked.
“To escort the King’s wife to the border,” Chu Xiang Long said in a low voice.
Emperor Yuan Jing’s usually composed face showed a slight change of expression, not of wariness or anger, but of joy.
He concealed his emotions well, glanced at the old eunuch waiting below, and said in a deep voice, “Withdraw.”
The old eunuch and the other eunuchs bowed and silently retreated.
Only then did Emperor Yuan Jing rise from his dragon throne, quickly walking to Chu Xiang Long’s side, and asked excitedly, “He, he’s almost there?”