Chapter 207

Huanghe Daoist originally had other ideas, but after Zhang Jian announced his family name, he immediately restrained himself considerably, though he still said.

"I never expected Mr. Zhang to actually be a senior disciple of Zhanmo Zhenjun, with his son Langjun also entering the Tongshan Dao Tong sect—quite natural!"

"However, I heard Mr. Zhang's younger son has not yet found a placement, and instead wishes to pursue a mundane official career?"

Upon hearing Huanghe Daoist's words, Zhang Jian's gaze became clear.

Huanghe Daoist's appearance this time was actually for Zhang Zhao.

Dongshen Guan still had not abandoned its intentions toward Zhang Zhao.

It actually attracted a Yuanshen Zhenren.

Zhang Jian's gaze fluctuated, and he nodded slightly.

"Keeping him by my side is best; if in the future he has his own affinity and takes up the path of cultivation, that too would be his fortune, and as his father I will respect his choice and not deliberately obstruct him!"

Zhang Jian smiled; Huanghe Daoist's eyes flickered, yet he sensed the subtext.

It seemed this Zhang Xiuzhi before him had still not completely refused Dongshen Guan, which pleased him.

He then enthusiastically introduced.

"Mr. Zhang's two sons have already reached the age of enlightenment; Dongshen Guan's lower courtyard has established many enlightenment academies, not lacking elite offspring. Given Mr. Zhang's relationship with my Dongshen Guan, those several enlightenment academies of Dongshen Guan welcome the two young Langjuns to enroll at any time!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

He readily agreed.

Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao are nearly three years old and can begin enlightenment, similar to many prodigies throughout history, including himself, who could read at three.

Some more exceptional ones could ride and shoot at six, compose fu at nine, and write eloquently.

Especially Zhang Yi, who carries dragon blood, possesses a nature unlike ordinary people, already able to read and practice martial arts, though Zhang Jian deliberately tempers his disposition.

Zhang Zhao also inherits Zhang Jian's bloodline; from childhood he has been exceptionally perceptive and can also enter school early.

Having gained Zhang Jian's approval, Huanghe Daoist became interested and then discussed various classics, history, astronomy, and geography with him on the spot.

But the more they talked, the more Huanghe Daoist was startled.

Zhang Jian seemed to have dabbled in various subjects, astronomy, geography, medical texts, and deeply so—nearly to the level of Dao.

However, when later discussing some knowledge of the cultivation world, Zhang Jian's performance remained within normal range, yet when it came to attainments in runic studies, he far surpassed his peers.

Huanghe Daoist at this time wanted to ask Zhang Jian about his cultivation realm, but upon reaching his lips, Huanghe Daoist still restrained himself.

Since Zhang Jian used a secret method to conceal his cultivation, he likely did not wish others to see it, so naturally it would be improper to rashly inquire.

However, Huanghe Daoist could imagine that this Zhuangyuan Lang before him was certainly no ordinary cultivator.

……

And when Huanghe Daoist departed, he saw Chaomu leading a group of little eunuchs carrying many gifts also appearing beneath the Guan Tian Tai, Chaomu's eyes flickering as he glanced at the towering Guan Tai Tai dozens of zhang high.

His gaze seemed to catch a silent yellow streak of light departing, vanishing without trace.

"When did this one-legged crane become so attentive to Zhang Xiuzhi?"

Chaomu's pupils showed slight surprise, his eyes flickering, yet he did not dwell on it!

He then brought the many gifts into Guan Tai Tai, this journey being to request a piece of ink treasure from Zhang Jian to help the Jingwu Tianzi regulate his mind and spirit.

Haoran Zhengqi is especially effective in suppressing distracting thoughts and regulating emotions.

……

After Zhang Jian dealt with Chaomu, he then gave himself a day off, returning to the Zhuangyuan mansion to prepare for Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao's enlightenment studies.

The couple had originally been selecting private tutors and academies for their two sons, even discussing whether to return to Fengyang Commandery to enter the Zhang clan academy for enlightenment; since they could enter Dongshen Guan's enlightenment academy, that would also save the trouble of travel and spare them the longing for Qi Yuhua.

Zhang Jian also discovered that Qi Yuhua's fate greatly benefits him and his two children.

It seems that by Qi Yuhua's side, his official career proceeds smoothly.

Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao are free from illness and disaster, often encountering minor opportunities, always gaining the favor of exalted persons.

Their own growth is also smoother.

The Fengming fate, in prospering the family, indeed has some advantages.

That night, Qi Yuhua began preparing for Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao's enlightenment studies, specially sending people to purchase brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, while also preparing the tuition fee.

Although Dongshen Guan's academy stated it could waive the tuition fee for Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao, Zhang Jian refused it, for the Zhang family lacks no such small sum and is unwilling to take this small advantage.

Besides this, they also prepared student uniforms; most students in the Daqian Guo Chao have "uniforms," with many varieties, mostly centered around the qingjin garment, varying slightly without major change.

Besides this, they could also wear headscarves.

"Husband, letting them two enter Dongshen Guan's enlightenment academy like this, I truly feel uneasy!"

In private, Qi Yuhua felt some sorrow.

It seemed the fledgling eagle she raised was finally about to leave her side to spread its wings and fly high.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian found it somewhat amusing.

Qi Yuhua has a female servant maid helping her, so she is reluctant to part; in her previous life, a divine beast would soon be locked in school, yet many parents would desperately seek it.

"Wife need not worry; the children will ultimately learn to grow; if you cannot bear to part, we can have two more!"

Zhang Jian softly whispered beside Qi Yuhua's crystal earlobe; her crystal-clear, fair jade-like face visibly flushed, her beautiful eyes glanced at him, though those beautiful eyes held a hint of charm and grace; Zhang Jian's gaze moved, he laughed heartily and immediately leaned in.

……

The next day, the couple personally brought Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao into the Xihua Academy established by Dongshen Guan at Xihua Men, from afar seeing the academy's head receive the news and come to greet them.

Zhang Jian gave a few instructions, then let Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao enter the academy.

Beside them, Zhang Jian saw many luxurious carriages arriving to send their children to school, one after another young lads jumping down, stepping into the ancient, fragrant academy gate in the morning light.

Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua had learned that this enlightenment academy was established by Dongshen Guan and has existed for a hundred years.

Its influence is considerable!

Around, nobles and aristocrats, when their young grandsons and granddaughters reach the proper age, all send them to the academy for enlightenment.

Not only are the instructors in the academy renowned, but they also use this opportunity to connect with Dongshen Guan, possibly later forming ties with cultivation.

Just as he was returning from beside the Xihua Academy, Zhang Jian inside the sedan suddenly lifted the curtain and saw an acquaintance.

Zhang Jian whispered a sentence to Qi Yuhua, then stepped down from the small sedan.

"Brother Zhan!"

He was the first to greet that figure.

That figure was none other than the examinee from Jixian Prefecture who had entered the capital together with Zhang Jian and Shi Lun three years ago to take the imperial examinations.

After three years, Zhan Xiong had clearly made preparations again and had now arrived in the capital early for the exams.

"Brother Zhang Shi!"

Seeing Zhang Jian's figure, Zhan Xiong immediately recognized him, his eyes lighting up with delight as he stepped forward.

After glancing up and down at Zhang Jian, he could not help but sigh:

"It has been three years, Brother Zhang Shi, your bearing has become ever more splendid!"

Zhang Jian gave a slight smile, looking at Zhan Xiong and saying with a smile: "Brother Zhan, your complexion is good—it seems you are certain to pass this time!"

Zhan Xiong waved his hand.

"Brother, do not mock me—the Ministry of Rites' provincial examination is solemn and strict; I can only do my utmost, how dare I speak of passing with high honors?"

Zhan Xiong's words were flawless, and this caution made Zhang Jian silently nod in approval.

It was rare to meet an old classmate and close friend, so Zhang Jian chatted a few more words, but then Zhan Xiong began to inquire of Zhang Jian about the He family's affairs, clearly still thinking of that young lady from the He family these past three years.

Zhan Xiong might still not know the news that He Yansha has already married.

Zhang Jian thought for a moment, but did not tell Zhan Xiong the truth.

In this world, parting from life and death is painful, but failing to obtain what one seeks is even more painful.

As a friend, Zhang Jian hopes that even if Zhan Xiong learns the truth, he should wait until after the Ministry of Rites' examination so as not to affect the spring examinations.

But Zhan Xiong clearly does not wish to give up; after bidding farewell to Zhang Jian, he still had people inquire nearby.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian silently shook his head.

And at this moment, after Zhang Jian returned to the Guan Tian Tai, not long afterward he received another imperial edict.

He had been promoted.

Chao Mu, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department, personally came to proclaim the edict.

After three years, he had finally been promoted from Senior Sixth Rank Lecturer to Junior Fifth Rank Reader, concurrently serving as Deputy Director of the Literary and Martial Institute, a position now equal to that of Huang Liangzhong, the current second-in-command of the Literary and Martial Institute.

Promoting one rank in three years is actually not that fast.

But the officials of the Literary and Martial Institute are valued for their purity and nobility; with his current seniority, if he were sent out to govern a region, he would be more than sufficient.

Sending court officials to local posts often results in exceeding by two ranks, which is not exaggerated; fourth-rank and third-rank local officials are essentially regional princes.

Moreover, this is not yet his limit.

According to the normal process, newly admitted scholars of the Literary and Martial Institute who remain in the capital after each examination typically, after several years, gain opportunities to observe various ministries or serve as deputy directors in them, with several years of study available.

Of course, with his current rank, entering the ministries certainly would not be a matter handled by a mere deputy director.

……

At this moment, outside the imperial city, in a luxurious manor, several figures had gathered, taking turns performing secret arts to survey the dragon veins of Haojing.

"The frequency of divine patrols within Haojing City is too frequent; at several special earth qi nodes, near the dragon vein points there are either Daoist temples of the Dongshen Observatory or shrines of the gods stationed, making it impossible for us to approach, and in a short time we cannot possibly probe the mysteries within the dragon veins!"

One of them, a wealthy landholder holding a compass, had a look of helplessness on his face.

The other two, dressed as landholders in feng shui attire, also turned their gazes toward the leading figure in blue robes.

They also felt the danger!

"Must we approach those several places?"

The figure in blue robes dressed as a prince or noble, his body naturally exuding a special martial quality, his qi and blood vigorous, his eyes sharp like a hawk's and watchful like a wolf's.

The plump feng shui master spoke in a deep voice: "Dong Weng, this is only the initial survey; if we wish to confirm whether the rumors are true, it would be best to approach the Eastern Mausoleum and conduct an on-site investigation of the dragon vein feng shui!"

He is Tie Bi Dao Ren, a feng shui master renowned in the borderlands, famed for his divine eyes that can see through all manner of strange apertures in heaven and earth, and skilled in tracing dragons and dividing gold.

He carries a strange book called the 'Gui Yuan Ce,' and his spiritual power is also formidable!

The other two, dressed as landholders in feng shui attire, are cultivators proficient in feng shui within the cultivation world; they were all summoned here by a particular powerful figure using various means and sent to this place.

And the blue-robed figure before them is their superior, simultaneously disguising himself as a master and servant to avoid the Black-Clothed Guards and the gaze of the gods of Haojing.

"Approaching to inspect is not feasible, for deep within the Eastern Mausoleum another True Person of the Primordial Spirit lies hidden; if we draw near, there is an eight or nine in ten chance we will be detected!"

The blue-robed figure shook his head.

"Is there no other way?"

The other two feng shui masters shook their heads, while Tie Bi Dao Ren furrowed his brows.

Seeing his expression, the blue-robed figure's eyes moved, and he said: "Speak plainly!"

Tie Bi Dao Ren spoke in a deep voice: "Perhaps we can turn passivity into initiative—actively devise a way to stir the earth qi within Haojing's dragon veins, thereby shaking the dragon veins; if the dragon veins truly have a problem, the dragon qi within, upon sudden stimulation, will certainly be unable to maintain balance, and some change must occur within—then we shall surely be able to glimpse its mysteries!"

"This approach has another benefit: if the dragon veins of the Great Qian dynasty can truly only rely on special rituals to sustain their vitality, then by stirring the dragon veins we might even affect the entire ritual, causing it to reveal a flaw!"

Upon hearing this, the blue-robed figure's eyes brightened.

"If there is such a good method, what are we waiting for?"

Tie Bi Dao Ren still had a hint of hesitation in his eyes at this moment.

"What difficulty is there? Speak directly!"

The blue-robed figure waved his hand.

"First, we need several rare feng shui lethal objects; second, this act harms the harmony of heaven, the mistaken harm would be too vast, those who perform the ritual will surely not die well, and the disaster would extend for generations..."

Tie Bi Dao Ren's eyes remained calm.

Upon hearing this, the blue-robed figure glanced at Tie Bi Dao Ren and sneered:

"You have no descendants, after all? Speak—what do you want? If you succeed, the sovereign will surely satisfy your request!"

Iron Wall Daoist nodded slightly, a ripple passing through his eyes.

"What I want, the master will surely give!"

"Just a soul-seizing wondrous method!"

Iron Wall Daoist's amiable face showed a faint smile.

At this time, he had no taboo about the other two feng shui masters, directly stating his own request.

"Soul-seizing wondrous method!"

Upon hearing this, the blue-clad figure glanced at Iron Wall Daoist with surprise, and simultaneously understood—originally, the other party was aiming for this idea.

Soul-seizing is a special forbidden art; some cultivators, upon reaching a certain level of cultivation, feel their aptitude is bottlenecked and cannot advance further, so they turn their intention toward other cultivators, attempting to seize their spiritual roots and aptitude for their own use.

Or they seize the body of a strange beast, re-cultivate in the beast's form, seeking the illusory great path of longevity.

This is a very yin and vicious method; though the difficulty of cultivation is not great, the success rate is not high.

There is also the danger of backlash.

But for cultivators like Iron Wall Daoist, who have already abandoned everything and only seek longevity, when they go mad, they indeed will not care about that minuscule success rate.

In their view, it is rather a thread of life.

The blue-clad figure's gaze was calm. "It seems you have already prepared the cauldron in advance!"

This plump one, resembling a wealthy landowner in appearance, had a smile flickering in the eyes of the feng shui master.

"A few days ago, I saw two little fellows, both of outstanding talent and innate spiritual roots; one might even possess a special constitution—if I could seize it, even with some loss, I could continue my path to longevity!"

He also made no effort to conceal anything, after all, if this matter had the help of the blue-clad person before him, the success rate would greatly increase.

Upon hearing this, the blue-clad figure nodded slightly and said.

"Good, this matter I will mention to the master; if circumstances permit, the sect will also lend you a hand."