Chapter 64: 62 A Cup of Tea Among the Plum Blossoms

62 A Cup of Tea Among the Plum Blossoms

In a mountain hollow sat a small Daoist temple, consisting of three green-tiled rooms, five or six large trees, and a gray, dusty earthen wall.

The temple was ordinary, but in the depths of the mountains where human footprints were rare, it was no longer ordinary.

Nowadays, the wilderness is far from peaceful. Ordinary villages no longer scatter naturally; instead, several villages merge together, with thousands of people living in company, digging trenches and setting traps outside the village to protect themselves. Smaller market towns have also gradually disappeared; if a town cannot sustain ten thousand people, it cannot stand. In the past, wealthy families often built private manors in the suburbs, but now they have all moved into the city. Those who could not move built high walls and fortresses, and even had to hire capable guards to keep watch. Any scattered small clusters of buildings seen in the suburbs are either extraordinary martial arts factions or the remaining Buddhist temples and Daoist shrines.

In recent years, the Imperial Court has revered Dongjun and extensively renovated the Moon-Watching Platforms, labeling ordinary small forest temples as illicit cults and abolishing most of them. However, they still cannot shake the foundations of the Buddhist and Daoist sects. In particular, the Buddhist and Daoist forces are themselves indispensable branches of the martial arts world, and they have received additional compensation under the government's policy of supporting folk Great Heroes. It is just that, officially, they are no longer as revered by the nobility as they once were.

Therefore, many unsavory forces use Buddhism and Daoism as a front to establish dens, mostly built in the deep mountains where even legitimate temples dare not stay for long. Experienced veterans of the world will never approach such places when they see them.

Yet, tonight, this small temple has received several groups of guests.

Knock, knock—

The sound of knocking rang out, and the door opened a crack. A small Daoist Child revealed half a face and said, "Is it... Ah, please come in."

Two people stood at the entrance, one old and one young. Their attire was simple, yet neat and clean; not a single strand of hair was out of place. One could tell at a glance that they were people who took excellent care of themselves.

The old man said nothing and entered first. The young one, no more than seventeen or eighteen, had a dignified expression with a hint of arrogance hidden within, and said, "You recognize us?"

The small Daoist Child bowed and said, "This humble one does not, but for distinguished guests with such outstanding bearing and extraordinary spirit as you two, this small temple is always welcoming. Please come in and have a cup of clear tea."

The young man smiled slightly and said, "You speak well, here is a drink for you." With that, he tossed over a piece of silver.

The small Daoist Child caught it, smiled, and said, "Many thanks, Layman." He led the two to a refined room, quietly withdrew, and closed the door from the outside.

Inside the refined room, there were already six or seven people. Sitting at the head was a white-haired old man wearing a crane-feather cloak, looking like an old immortal. The rest included middle-aged men and young people, all dressed in ordinary clothes but possessing extraordinary temperaments.

Only in the corner was there a dignified and beautiful Daoist nun brewing tea; white steam curled, adding a wisp of tea fragrance to the room.

The old man who entered first bowed to the old man at the head and said, "Father-in-law."

The young man he brought followed suit and called out, "Grandfather!"

The crowd offered greetings one after another, some calling him "Uncle-in-law," some "Brother Wang," and some "Brother Nian." It seemed that everyone in the room was either a relative or an old acquaintance.

The Wang Family father and son sat down, and the female Daoist stood up to pour a cup of clear tea for each of them.

That Brother Wang said, "I tasted Yun Xiangu's tea three years ago, and the aftertaste still lingers on my tongue to this day." After saying this, he took a sip and smiled, "It haunts my dreams; this is exactly that flavor."

A middle-aged man in the seat curled his lip, as if to sneer, but made no sound.

The crane-cloaked old man said, "Feize has arrived too. Now that everyone is here, let's talk business. Lifeng, you speak."

That Lifeng was a middle-aged man sitting right next to the crane-cloaked old man. He had a square face and large ears, looking quite dignified, and said, "Everyone, we are all friends and family. In this secret room, let us speak plainly."

"The time for the Demon Cave to open has already been calculated. It is...?" He looked at everyone one by one as he spoke.

The crowd looked at each other in dismay. Wang Feize said, "Father-in-law, it is not that we are unwilling to set off, but the wind is truly blowing hard. Even just my father and I entering Heiyang County felt like we were being watched..."

The crowd was in an uproar. The middle-aged man who had just sneered changed his expression and shouted, "Wang Feize, you sensed something was wrong and still dared to come here? What if you led people here? Are you here to be a lackey for the Land Inspection Department?"

Wang Feize said indignantly, "I am not a child; would I not know how to adapt to circumstances if I sensed something was wrong? We circled the mountains twice; even if there were people, I would have shaken them off long ago. I am only worried about you, Father-in-law. The wind is blowing hard in Heiyang County; we have heard in the neighboring county that for the past month, big and small events have been constant. The Land Inspection Department is truly throwing its weight around. Is our plan in jeopardy?"

The crane-cloaked old man smiled slightly and said, "Everyone, do not worry. This Tingfeng Temple is safe. Miaoyun has managed this place for many years, making it as secure as an iron bucket; not even a fly could fly in. You can all rest assured."

Yun Xiangu put down the tea set and nodded and smiled at everyone. Although her expression was dignified, her eyes were brimming with an irrepressible charm.

The old man said, "As for the wind blowing hard in the county, that is exactly as it should be. The Land Inspection Department is clearing the ground, and my Pei Family is fanning the flames, finding a few scapegoats to divert the Land Inspection Department's attention toward Taohua Tower and the Five Poisons Society. They still think that Sword Guest is hiding in Taohua Tower and are pursuing him with all their might, little knowing that he is already a guest at my humble home, presiding over the overall situation, while we are poised and ready, waiting only for a thunderous strike."

Wang Feize suddenly understood and praised, "Old Father-in-law's divine strategy is as sharp as it was in the past." The crowd echoed him with a roar.

Seeing that a few words had stabilized the morale, the old man signaled for Pei Lifeng to continue. Pei Lifeng said, "As the Host, my Pei Family will not shirk our duty. Two Loose Practitioners, seven Knights-Errant, and one Sword Envoy will all be deployed. The remaining disciples who are 'Strongmen' will all run about on the periphery to contribute their share."

The crowd showed surprise. The person who had questioned him earlier asked in astonishment, "What? The Sword Envoy? Is Pei Laozu going to the battlefield himself at such an advanced age?"

Wang Feize shook his head and smiled, "Pang Ke, you are too ill-informed. Why would the Pei Clan need the old man to take the field? The Sword Envoy has already been replaced by a new person. It is..." He looked at Pei Lifeng and said, "Can I say it?"

Pei Lifeng said, "It is fine; everyone will see in a few days anyway. My family has indeed replaced the new Sword Envoy; it is my youngest daughter."

Pang Ke exclaimed, "Niece Shoujing?"

Brother Wang frowned and said, "You are too rude. Is a niece's maiden name something to be shouted about so casually?"

This time, the Pei Family ancestor spoke up, "It does not matter. My granddaughter has astonishing talent. She is the Sword Envoy now, and in the future, she will be a Sword Guest. Her name is not some maiden name, but a Knight-Errant name, a Sword title; it should be like the wind rising and the thunder shaking, spreading ten thousand miles."

After saying this, he smiled and shook his head, "I am old, I am old. I have to admit it. I cannot hold a sword anymore, and I cannot fight anymore. I thought my descendants were unworthy and that I would have to hold on for another two years, but who knew I would have such a granddaughter in my later years? Her character and appearance are outstanding, and she is filial and sensible. With such talent, she is no worse than me when she picks up a sword. Why should I not admit I am old? Each generation of talent emerges to replace the old; we old coffins should step down when it is time, and yield when it is time, just waiting to enjoy a few years of peace."

He praised his granddaughter at great length, leaving the crowd stunned. Even Wang Feize recalled carefully: Was that niece really that outstanding? Could it be that he hadn't noticed?

Wang Feize continued the topic, "Indeed. The younger generation should also take on the heavy burden. My family is sending out three Loose Practitioners and five Knights-Errant this time. Half of them are young people. This son of mine..."

He pointed to the young man who came with him and said, "His talent was not apparent when he was young. I thought he would just be a steady Knight-Errant, but unexpectedly, after practicing the Mysterious Technique for a year, he actually stimulated his Inspiration and achieved the potential of a Sword Guest."

The crowd made an "Oh" sound, their tone filled with mixed feelings.

One must know that this kind of Inspiration talent is very rare. Some children are born with extremely keen Inspiration and show all kinds of magical manifestations when they are young; they are definitely Sword Guest material and are called Innate Talent. But there are also some people whose Inspiration is hidden within, not having reached a critical point to be revealed. Later, either by practicing the Mysterious Technique to naturally increase their Mental Power, or by being stimulated, their Inspiration can be triggered, and their talent can also be revealed.

This is Acquired Talent. Many children in Yinhuo Township are the latter, having gained Inspiration after being invaded by Yin energy, while the Wang Family young master is naturally the former. Acquired talent is not as good as Innate, but it is still rare to see.

Moreover, Wang Feize explicitly said "potential of a Sword Guest." Not all Inspiration talent can be called "Sword Guest talent"; it must be high enough to be sensed by a sword.

The Wang Family has such a son, and his future is very promising. Among the families present, there are also children with Inspiration, but firstly, most are distant relatives and cannot compare to their own father and son, and secondly, most of their Inspiration does not meet the standard; being a Heavy Swordsman is enough, but they cannot become a Sword Guest.

Pang Ke snorted and said, "Since that is the case, your son must be going into the Demon Cave, right? The Sword Envoy daughter of others is going to the battlefield, so your Sword Guest son cannot be left behind."

The young Wang Family youth glared at Pang Ke.

His father said unhurriedly, "Of course, this was agreed upon long ago. And I am letting Cheng'er bring our family's foundation. It may not compare to the Sword Envoy, but it will not be worse than others."

Pei Lifeng praised, "Brother-in-law is indeed righteous. Everyone, if we do not bring out our foundation now, when will we? This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity! The foundation was left by our ancestors; no matter how abundant it is, if the descendants are unfilial, they can only sit and eat until the supply is exhausted. If we seize the opportunity to find a Sword Seed and become a true Sword Guest, we will have as much foundation as we want. Who would still care about being a wealthy clan?"

Pang Ke grunted, "You say it as if there is definitely a Sword Seed in the Demon Cave..."

Pei Lifeng said, "There definitely is! The Sword Guest said..."

Having said this, he suddenly felt something was amiss. Seeing all eyes staring at his face, he felt awkward for a moment and said, "The Land Inspection Department said there is."

Pei Laozu followed up, "That is correct. We have internal news from the Land Inspection Department. Miaoyun has something for everyone to see."

Yun Xiangu stood up, took out a sandalwood box, and placed it squarely in front of Pei Laozu. She then took a key from her sleeve, carefully unlocked it, and opened the box.

Seeing her so solemn, everyone was curious, but out of their own upbringing, it was inconvenient to stretch their necks or tilt their eyes to peek.

Pei Laozu said, "Everyone, come closer. There is only one of this."

The crowd indeed gathered around, and at just one glance, they all exclaimed, "This is..."

Pei Laozu said, "This was obtained by Miaoyun; it is Internal Data from the Land Inspection Department."

Outside the room, a Daoist Child was boiling water under the veranda. The flames in the small red clay stove were blue and red, warming a large white porcelain teapot.

While boiling the water, he was also holding a scroll of a book, reading it carefully by the light of a lamp on the veranda.

"Add some water for me."

A voice came from above his head.

The Daoist Child turned his head abruptly and saw a beautiful young girl standing under the veranda, wearing a fur-lined sable jacket, with a light onion-green satin skirt showing underneath; the wind-blown fur at her neck puffed up, blocking half of her fair, delicate face, and her temperament was dignified and calm, her expression faint, as if she were a serene lady in a painting.

The Daoist Child looked at her attire and felt a bit hot, unconsciously smoothing his cuffs, then seeing the small official-kiln bowl she held in her hands, he stood up and said, "Please wait a moment, the water hasn't boiled yet."

The girl gave an "en" sound and stood quietly on the veranda, not moving, like a statue; the candlelight shone on her face, reflecting a rosy glow on her cheeks, making her peerlessly charming and finally adding some youthful vitality.

The Daoist Child brought over his own Cattail Mat and said, "You sit."

The girl shook her head slightly and said, "I will not sit."

The two were silent for a moment; soon the water boiled, and he lifted the kettle and said, "Put the bowl over here, and I will add the water. Put it on the ground, stay further away, it's easy to burn yourself."

The girl shook her head and said, "The ground is dirty."

The Daoist Child said, "Then put it on the edge of the tea stove."

The girl did not speak, but her brows furrowed, clearly finding the edge of the tea stove dirty as well.

The Daoist Child looked her over again, always feeling she was a bit dull, so he lifted the kettle and walked closer, only to see a small amount of clear water in the porcelain bowl, and in the center of the water sat a small pastel cup containing Luse tea liquid.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Is it to be added to the clear water on the outside? Does the tea inside need to be added to?"

The girl's gaze fixed on his face for a moment, then lowered, and she said, "Add it to the outside, I am warming the tea. Do not add to the inside, I do not drink the water from the outside."

The Daoist Child said, "You are truly fastidious. But if you hold it like this, it will burn your hands."

The girl frowned and said, "Will it?"

The Daoist Child felt even more that the girl's reactions were slow, and said, "Of course, didn't it burn your hands before?"

The girl said, "Before, others always held it. Today Lengxiang did not come."

The Daoist Child suddenly understood; today's gathering was secret, and the noble guests who came did not bring servants; this girl was used to being served and actually understood nothing, so he said, "It will burn your hands. Since you always think other places are not clean, just put it here."

He stepped off the veranda, came into the courtyard, and pointed to a flower tree with buds about to bloom, saying, "This is a plum tree. The plum blossoms haven't opened yet, so you put the water bowl between the branches, and I will refill the water for you."

The girl asked in surprise, "Plum blossoms?"

The Daoist Child said, "The person beside you is named Lengxiang, so naturally she also likes plum blossoms, knowing that plum blossoms are noble and pure, not mixing with the dust of peaches and plums; you wouldn't find the plum tree dirty, would you?"

The girl pondered slightly and said, "Fine." She placed the white porcelain in her hand steadily between the branches, and when she withdrew her hand, she gently rubbed her fingers.

The Daoist Child saw her appearance and guessed that she had been holding the water bowl the whole way, and her fingers were sore, so he secretly found it funny and filled the water.

The two stood quietly under the plum tree; although the cold plum blossoms had not opened and no flower fragrance could be smelled, as the steam rose, they gradually smelled a faint tea fragrance.

The girl pressed the branch with one hand, her gaze only looking at the flower buds, and said softly, "What... is your name?"

The Daoist Child opened his mouth, paused for a moment, and then said, "I... my Daoist name is Zhaoyang. I do not know, Miss... forgive my rudeness."

The girl said, "My name is Pei Shoujing."