Chapter 376: A Gentleman's Armament
The Golden Core cultivator suddenly smiled and said, "Young master, you are a disciple of the Legalist school. No wonder."
Chen Ping'an had no idea why the other party had made such a mistake.
This earth immortal, who should be very familiar with the customs and affairs of Qingluan Kingdom, said with a grin, "Then it's time for a spar."
The mountain hollow instantly became tense and hostile.
The wilderness cultivators were used to scenes where people turned against each other. Men die for wealth, birds die for food. Who wouldn't want to earn an extra fifty 'Minor Heat' coins? Clean money was, of course, worth earning, but when had they ever earned less dirty money? Those wandering cultivators recruited by the imperial court or those seeking a 'supporter' title from a pedigree immortal family—their 'stepping stone' to secure a protective talisman was often a shady deed first, such as assassinating enemy generals or officials for the court, or handling grudges and feuds that the pedigree immortal masters found inconvenient to deal with personally.
The Golden Core earth immortal leisurely looked around, as if surveying a battlefield.
Chen Ping'an asked, "Do you know that once the Earth Ox flips over, stirring the earth veins, it will affect tens of thousands of common people?"
The earth immortal hesitated for a moment, then nodded and admitted frankly, "At my level, of course, I know this."
The group of wilderness cultivators was not particularly surprised by this.
Only the formation master Lü Yangzhen frowned slightly, but he concealed it very well.
Chen Ping'an asked again, "And can you control the earthquake?"
The earth immortal did not give a direct answer but instead smiled and said, "That's not easy. Either you do as your friend suggested—burn money to set up a large-scale formation to stabilize the earth veins and reduce the earthquake's impact—or a Qi refiner needs a innate spiritual treasure like a Li Pearl, refined as a natal object, to 'settle the mountain and subdue the veins.'"
Seeing that Chen Ping'an had no further questions, the earth immortal scrutinized him once more. "Until we meet again."
The Golden Core cultivator seemed to abandon the idea of a 'spar.' He looked toward the backbone figures of the several scattered cultivator strongholds—for example, the black-robed old man whose mount was a five-tailed black fox, Formation Master Lü Yangzhen—and communicated with each via heart-to-heart speech about 'the location for dividing the spoils' and paying the remaining reward beyond the deposit. Then he rode the wind and departed.
All the scattered cultivators followed the earth immortal as they left, but their directions differed slightly. Presumably, the Golden Core cultivator would pay the four groups of people at different times and different locations to avoid the resentment of uneven distribution among the wilderness cultivators.
Zhang Shanfeng lightly punched Chen Ping'an and teased, "Not bad, throwing Minor Heat coins around like Snowflake coins."
Xu Yuanxia had already stood up and sheathed his saber. He combed his blood-caked beard with his fingers from top to bottom. "We're safe for now, but I'm worried that this Golden Core earth immortal is a local snake with ill intentions. If it comes to that, we might as well not wait for the Buddhist-Daoist debate in Qingluan Kingdom's capital and leave early."
Zhang Shanfeng hesitated. "The True Martial Sword I borrowed from Chen Ping'an, and your short blade—should we just leave them in the Grand Governor's mansion?"
Chen Ping'an corrected, "Not borrowed."
Although Xu Yuanxia felt a pang of reluctance, his expression remained resolute. "That Grand Governor's mansion won't sprout legs and run away. There will be a chance to retrieve them later. But if the mansion masterminded this encirclement, walking into it would be walking into a trap. The Tang Emperor of Qingluan Kingdom has always been unruly and proud, and the Grand Governor is his trusted confidant. We would easily become public enemies, and we wouldn't be able to argue our case. They could slander us however they liked, and we wouldn't be able to dodge it."
Zhang Shanfeng used to be the type who wouldn't turn back until he hit a wall—why else would he have abandoned Confucianism to study Daoism and become a mountain priest? On this long journey south from Northern Jambudvipa to Bottle Gourd Continent, he had seen and heard much, faced both setbacks and gains, and matured a great deal. After hearing Xu Yuanxia's reasoning, he no longer insisted on his own view.
Chen Ping'an thought for a long time before coming up with a plausible explanation that wouldn't drag Zhang Shanfeng and Xu Yuanxia into his own murky affairs, yet would still reassure them about going to the Grand Governor's mansion. "I had an opportunity at an academy on Tongye Continent and obtained a jade token. It can be used to save my life in a critical moment. Although Qingluan Kingdom is now a mix of fish and dragons, and we cannot afford to be careless, with that token—equivalent to the personal presence of an academy's gentleman—ordinary Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't dare to kill me outright. So retrieving the True Martial Sword and that short blade shouldn't be a big problem."
When handling matters, it was indeed important to be sincere with others. But if that sincerity dragged people into danger, causing a catastrophe like the one Chen Ping'an faced with Du Mao, then it wasn't sincerity anymore—it was heartless and ignorant of the world.
Pei Qian and the four from the painting had already approached.
They were all very curious about the identities of the young Daoist and the bearded rogue. They didn't seem to be Chen Ping'an's fellow townsmen, but rather friends he had met on his earlier travels.
Wei Xian and the other three could all tell that the young Daoist was just a run-of-the-mill Qi refiner, and the bearded saber-wielder was a fifth-tier martial artist with decent foundations. Was that all?
Pei Qian had been secretly observing the two. She now held her mountain-walking staff and wore the bamboo sword and bamboo saber Chen Ping'an had made for her, crossed at her waist. Standing beside Chen Ping'an, she smiled and said, "Hello, Daoist brother! Hello, saber-wielding uncle! I'm Pei Qian, the first disciple of my master!"
Xu Yuanxia laughed heartily, having gained a generation advantage.
Although Zhang Shanfeng's shoulder had been pierced by a sword cultivator's natal flying sword, and his face was still pale after applying wound medicine, seeing this skinny little girl who called herself Chen Ping'an's first disciple, the young Daoist curled his lips and greeted her with a smile. "Hello, Pei Qian. How old are you?"
Pei Qian grinned. "I'm only seven, that's why I'm so short."
Chen Ping'an gave her a light rap on the head.
Pei Qian, who would die for face only to suffer, immediately pulled a long face. "Actually, I'm eleven years old, counting in the traditional way."
Chen Ping'an turned around and crouched down, then looked at Xu Yuanxia. "You're so badly injured—what should we do?"
Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng both crouched down. The bearded man stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Setting aside that sneaky Golden Core earth immortal, even that group of wilderness cultivators riding the black fox are ill-intentioned. If we just leave the Earth Ox alone, we'll die sooner or later. You said it yourself—nobody's money falls from the sky or is blown in by the wind. Since we've come this far, let's see it through. For now, let it stay with us in its true form. Once its injuries improve, we can find a hidden earth vein and separate then. But that means the burden on your shoulders, Chen Ping'an, will be heavier."
Chen Ping'an smiled. "It's only been a short while since we last met, and you're already treating me like an outsider?"
Xu Yuanxia laughed loudly. "Saying polite words doesn't cost me anything."
Pei Qian nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice, thinking that polite and flattering words really didn't cost anything. This bearded uncle must be a kindred spirit.
Compared to Pei Qian, the four from the painting saw more and thought further.
Wei Xian, Sui Youbian, and the other two had never seen Chen Ping'an ask for others' opinions and naturally take them in, with everything falling into place seamlessly. It was worth noting that throughout their journey, there had been plenty of fighting and killing. Sui Youbian had died countless times. In every one of his actions, Chen Ping'an had shown an extremely tough, resilient, and decisive side, but at the same time, he gave the four of them enough respect. Even Wei Xian had to admit that his flattery about Chen Ping'an having 'kingly potential' wasn't all that exaggerated. If they had been in the chaotic world of Lotus Flower Blessed Land, Chen Ping'an might have been an opponent to face on the battlefield.
Chen Ping'an looked at the yellow Earth Ox. "Can you take a human form? If I remember correctly, reaching the Observation Realm or Dragon Gate Realm should allow you to transform into a human shape. I have a bottle of healing pills. If you take them in human form, the effect will be better."
Before leaving Old Dragon City, Lady Gui had someone bring him a treasure box made of osmanthus wood, containing twelve bottles of pills. It wasn't a lavish gift worth a fortune; each bottle was suitable for earth immortals, but the most cost-effective ones for each step of the Middle Five Realms.
After hearing Chen Ping'an's question, the Dragon Gate Realm demonic beast, whose Dao foundation had been damaged, shook its head.
Zhang Shanfeng explained, "Compared to ordinary mountain spirits and water monsters, it is special. Just like a water-attribute dragon, the purer the five-element attribute, the harder it is to transform. It would need to reach the Golden Core Realm."
Chen Ping'an understood and nodded. "It's fine. This time, heading to the Grand Governor's mansion, we'll try to avoid the large commandery cities and take the mountain and water paths."
Zhang Shanfeng smiled. "We know those routes well. We've traveled quite a bit around Qingluan and Qingshan Kingdoms in the past two years."
After Chen Ping'an took out a bottle of pills suitable for a Dragon Gate Realm Qi refiner, the yellow Earth Ox took them, and after an incense stick's time, it managed to struggle to its feet. Although its body was still covered with crisscrossing wounds, it could walk without hindrance. After all, earth-attribute demonic beasts in the world were known for their tough physique and astonishing endurance. Moreover, this Dragon Gate Realm demon beast admitted that it had refined a celadon landscape vase as one of its natal objects, which could store and accumulate heavenly earthly spiritual energy. Chen Ping'an, understanding the hint, directly gave the entire bottle of spirit pills to the yellow Earth Ox, letting it store them in its celadon vase and slowly absorb the medicinal properties and spiritual energy to heal.
Once the yellow Earth Ox stood on all four hooves, its eyes were actually shimmering with tears. It stared at the young man in the snow-white robe. "Immortal Master, your noble character—how can I repay you?"
It said guiltily and uneasily, "I have been cultivating here for over two hundred years, and I only took a fancy to the dragon vein here. I previously obtained two spiritual tools and one dharma artifact by chance, and I have already refined them as my natal objects. I have not seized any other heavenly treasures or earthly jewels. Immortal Master, you have not only saved my life but also extended my Dao path..."
Pei Qian sighed inwardly.
Blame me.
How did I end up being a loss again as soon as we left Old Dragon City? At Bee Tail Ferry, I nearly lost two Snowflake coins, and here in this mountain hollow, I've lost even more.
Chen Ping'an smiled. "It's fine. If you truly have the intention, when your injuries heal and you form your Golden Core, allowing you to travel far in human form, you can visit my hometown. The mountains there are clear, the waters beautiful, and the spiritual energy abundant. You are welcome to be a guest..."
When Chen Ping'an said this, Xu Yuanxia interjected with a meaningful tone, "Why wait until you form the Golden Core to go? Once your injuries heal, just go directly to his hometown. You might even form the Golden Core there. With a saint overseeing the luck, you won't have to worry about Earth Ox flipping over by accident."
The yellow Earth Ox looked confused, as if it didn't understand.
Chen Ping'an was considering whether this was feasible when Xu Yuanxia smiled and said, "No rush. We still have a long journey ahead. Let's see if our temperaments match before making a decision. If our dispositions clash, it's better to leave a good impression and meet again when fate allows, rather than spending day and night together and breeding discord, wasting a good karmic connection."
Zhang Shanfeng echoed, "That's feasible."
Chen Ping'an naturally had no objection.
The group moved slowly, leaving the mountain hollow and heading toward the Grand Governor's mansion that was famous throughout Qingluan Kingdom.
Chen Ping'an chatted with Zhang Shanfeng and Xu Yuanxia about the parts of his travels that he could share.
The two also told Chen Ping'an about their own wanderings after parting ways at the Green Cicada Workshop.
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The Tang imperial clan of Qingluan Kingdom had a tradition of enfeoffing kings but not allowing them to go to their fiefs. Both princes and commandery princes remained in the capital with their own mansions. However, these mansions were only for residency, not ownership. Once their titles were revoked, the mansions would be taken back by the Imperial Clan Court.
Qingluan Kingdom had five Grand Governor's mansions. Besides the four on the borders, there was one in the central region with enormous authority, responsible for water transport, salt and iron, and many other lifelines of the nation. Ordinary monarchs would fear 'the harm of powerful ministers wielding power and the worry of separatist warlords,' but in Qingluan Kingdom's centuries-long history, there had been favorable weather, national peace and security, and harmony between generals and ministers. Outsiders racked their brains to understand: Had none of these high-ranking officials stationed far from the capital ever harbored ambition? Every single one of them fulfilled their duties with utmost dedication and loyalty, giving their all for the Tang Emperor until death.
Regardless, Qingluan Kingdom, located in the southeastern part of Bottle Gourd Continent, was like a paradise, a pure land. Especially after the central war intensified, triggering waves of scholars fleeing south and abandoning the north, Qingluan, Qingshan, and Yunxiao Kingdoms absorbed tens of thousands of children from wealthy and powerful clans migrating south. Among them, Qingluan Kingdom accepted the most.
The current five Grand Governors of Qingluan Kingdom—the four near the borders—had either obtained their positions through military merit or through being related to the imperial family by marriage. Only the central Grand Governor's mansion had always been in the hands of the Wei family. The current master inherited the position through ancestral merit, and it passed down from generation to generation. For nearly three hundred years, the family's incense had been kept burning by a single heir, which seemed precarious but never fell. They had been the 'iron-clad crop' of Grand Governors for over three centuries.
This current Grand Governor Wei—the same Qingluan Kingdom dignitary who had taken the True Martial Sword and the short blade from Zhang Shanfeng and Xu Yuanxia—after inheriting the title, had stopped traveling for pleasure and secluded himself at home. However, based on various stories and legends from his early years, he had gained considerable fame across the three kingdoms of Qingluan. He excelled in writing green lyrics, cursive calligraphy, annotating Buddhist sutras, and painting Buddha images. The latter was said to be 'unparalleled for a time.' In both court and society, one painting of his was hard to come by. This Grand Governor Wei, still in his prime, was highly praised in the literati and literary circles as 'elegant and outstanding, clear and noble, solemn like the wind beneath a pine tree.' Among the noble ladies and maidens in the capital, he was even more popular. It was rumored that when this Grand Governor traveled with his book bag during his studies, he once went into the mountains to visit immortals with several close friends. A woodcutter mistook him for a banished immortal, knelt and bowed, exclaiming, 'A god!'
This time, Qingluan Kingdom's capital was hosting a grand Buddhist-Daoist debate. Grand Governor Wei would go to the capital to ensure its safety, and he was permitted to lead six thousand elite soldiers north to be stationed in the capital's vicinity!
The extent to which the Tang Emperor relied on and trusted this man was evident.
Vague rumors in the martial world even suggested that the lord and his subject had a 'passion of the severed sleeve.' It was said that during this Buddhist-Daoist debate, the monarchs of Yunxiao Kingdom (Yan family) and Qingshan Kingdom (He family) would both come to Qingluan Kingdom's capital. The fact that Grand Governor Wei's northward march with troops was taken as a matter of course by these two foreign monarchs, without any reneging, was another strange thing.
That day, a burly young man came to the Grand Governor's mansion to pay a visit, without alarming outsiders.
Grand Governor Wei Liang received the guest in his study. Wei Liang, now in his thirties, was exceptionally handsome and graceful.
Though Wei Liang held a high position, he was quite casual with this young man—neither politely distant nor deliberately warm. The burly young man was clearly an old acquaintance of the Grand Governor. Instead of sitting opposite Wei Liang, he stood by the bookshelf, browsing through volumes.
Wei Liang smiled. "Jiang Yun, it seems your family holds you in high regard, entrusting this matter to you. That saves me a lot of effort. I'll handle things in the open, and you'll work in the shadows. I believe this late-spring Buddhist-Daoist debate won't cause too much trouble."
The burly young man was the one who had lived at the end of the alley in Bee Tail Ferry. He had probably left the immortal ferry near his hometown and used a disguise technique on the iron chain 'belt' he had refined as a natal object to avoid drawing attention in towns and cities.
The young man named Jiang Yun casually flipped through a book. The margins were filled with extensive annotations, dense and mixed with black and red ink. Clearly, Grand Governor Wei Liang had read this book more than once.
Jiang Yun turned his head and said, "Old Wei, don't let your guard down. Your emperor has stirred up a huge hornet's nest. The situation is very complicated now. Besides me, there might be other members of my family lurking in the shadows, and their cultivation levels will definitely not be low."
Wei Liang smiled without speaking.
Jiang Yun sighed helplessly. "A tiny little Qingluan Kingdom dares to host a Buddhist-Daoist debate, and you deliberately make such a big show. Does the Tang Emperor not understand the danger of disputes between the three teachings? Old Wei, you should know. Our Yunlin Jiang family—how did we end up migrating to Bottle Gourd Continent? On this trip from Bee Tail Ferry, I deliberately chose some bustling places. I'm not exaggerating—now the streets are full of Qi refiners. If it's like this in the provinces, what must your capital be like? Aren't you afraid?"
Wei Liang placed a wooden box on the table and opened it. A chill filled the room. He pulled out a 'literary knife' from the box and smiled. "You sympathize with wilderness cultivators because of your master's background. I do not. Before late spring, as long as there are wandering cultivators with a criminal record—whether they committed their crimes in Qingluan Kingdom or elsewhere—I will cast the net several times. They live or die according to the rules. One rotten rat can spoil the whole pot, let alone nests of rats entering the country."
On a famous scholar's desk, a literary knife was a small thing, but it was considered a 'gentleman's armament.'
Inside the wooden box on the desk in front of Wei Liang were neatly arranged nearly ten 'heirloom literary knives,' roughly divided into two types: ancient book knives and paper-cutting knives for trimming Xuan paper.
The former, also called paring knives, dated back to ancient times when characters were recorded on bamboo and wood slips. The small knife used to trim the slips was called a book knife. Originally made of bronze, later iron, the various precious materials used now were often for play and collection, having lost their original function.
At this moment, Wei Liang held two knives in his hands, both paper-cutting knives.
One was a paper-cutting knife with a bamboo-yellow handle, the scabbard engraved with 'Made by Zhensong Hall.'
The other was a white jade dragon-patterned gilt knife, inscribed 'Gongguan Hundred Refinements.'
Jiang Yun put the book back and sighed with a complex expression. "So you set up a trap and killed all those wilderness cultivators at once?"
"The wicked will bring destruction upon themselves. Dealing with those pedigree immortal masters is quite troublesome. Letting these wilderness cultivators simply die is already a stroke of luck for them. Of course, in making such a big fuss, I also had some selfish motives. But quite a few of those fence-sitters have become my informants and will play significant roles later. You see, when the world acts according to the plumb line, everything is simple and clear."
As he spoke, Wei Liang never looked up. He stared at the exquisitely patterned 'Gongguan' knife, then lightly tapped it with the bamboo-carving knife. The sound was crisp. He closed his eyes to listen, clearly enjoying it.
Although Jiang Yun had a good private relationship with Wei Liang, he was still somewhat annoyed. "Don't you care whether the laws you enforce are just laws or unjust laws?"
"An unjust law is still a law."
Opening his eyes, Wei Liang's expression was calm. He changed the subject and smiled. "Let's not talk about these matters that are like talking to a wall. On this trip, I met a fellow disciple of mine from the Legalist school. Very interesting. His friends left two items at my mansion. If you're interested, you can stay a few more days."
Set a small goal, like 1 second to remember: