Chapter 532: The Cheng Family

Everyone has their own way of handling things.

If it were Li Yan, even if someone helped him out of a bind, he certainly wouldn't give them a good face, because he'd know they had no good intentions.

But Sha Lifei was completely different.

"Oh, so it's you… hahaha."

Upon hearing the man's identity, Sha Lifei burst into laughter and immediately rose to his feet. "Please, sit, please, sit—I've long admired your name."

As he spoke empty pleasantries, he poured tea and fetched water.

He grinned like he'd met an old friend.

"No trouble at all."

"Wu Xiang Young Master" was equally skilled at climbing the ladder—he sat down without hesitation and smiled. "It's freezing out there. You must've had a hard journey. I've long wished to meet you all, but only now do I have the fortune…"

The two exchanged hollow pleasantries, appearing quite familiar.

Sha Lifei was sharp—he spoke of Guanxian's scenery, the weather on the road, anything and everything, yet never mentioned what had just happened.

Sometimes, in verbal sparring, it's a test of who cracks first.

Sha Lifei wasn't in the least anxious.

After all, the man had come to them voluntarily—he must have something to ask.

Sure enough, "Wu Xiang Young Master" waved his fan and smiled. "We're all fellow travelers of the Jianghu; no need to hide things."

"You all know why the yamen has been harassing you?"

Sha Lifei raised an eyebrow. "Please enlighten us."

"Wu Xiang Young Master" took a sip of tea and said calmly, "It's simple. Someone from Shu Wangfu came to Guanxian and happened to see you. Afraid you'd ruin their plans, they had the yamen cause trouble."

"If you don't resist, you'll be dragged into the yamen and executed on a false charge of escaping prison."

"If you resist, you'll have to flee Guanxian."

"So that's it…"

After hearing this, Sha Lifei's doubts instantly cleared.

Shu Wangfu must know their capabilities. Even with a few yamen runners and soldiers outside, they couldn't capture them—so why go to such lengths?

It was simply to drive them away.

Clearly, something was happening in Guanxian…

Sha Lifei's eyes flickered, and he took a calm sip of tea before asking, "Then what brings you here?"

"Naturally, cooperation!"

"Wu Xiang Young Master" waved his fan with righteous grandeur. "Shu Wang is acting against the Dao—this thing must not fall into his hands. Why not join forces?"

"Oh?"

Sha Lifei's expression didn't change. "Fine, but let's be clear—how do we split the spoils?"

He had no idea—he was bluffing.

Yet "Wu Xiang Young Master" paused, then shook his head and laughed bitterly. "So you don't know."

"Forget it—you'd better stay out of this…"

With that, he rose, bowed slightly, and turned to leave.

"Wait—don't go!"

Sha Lifei panicked and rushed to block him.

But "Wu Xiang Young Master"'s cultivation was truly astonishing—he moved as if strolling, yet Sha Lifei couldn't even grasp his sleeve.

The moment he stepped outside, he vanished.

Inside the room, everyone stared at each other in silence.

"Gentlemen, your food and wine is here."

The waiter arrived with a helper, carrying dishes and wine.

No one spoke. After the waiter left, Sha Lifei shut the door and frowned at Wang Tianzuo. "Brother Wang, something big must be happening in Guanxian—have you heard anything?"

Wang Tianzuo shook his head. "No."

"I travel everywhere. I've got some face here in Guanxian, but I haven't heard of any major events lately."

"If there is something, it must be extremely secret."

He hesitated, then urged, "'Wu Xiang Young Master' is the leader of Chengdu's underworld. For him to care so much, to come personally, and to draw Shu Wangfu's attention—it's no small matter."

"Gentlemen, better not get involved."

He'd expected the Twelve Yuan Chen's fame would make them dismiss him—but to his surprise, Sha Lifei nodded in agreement. "Brother Wang is right. We have other matters to attend to—we've no interest in their affairs."

Wang Tianzuo exhaled in relief and added, "By the way, what brings you all to Guanxian?"

"If you're comfortable, say the word—I might be able to help."

Sha Lifei's eyes lit up. He grinned. "Actually, we do need your help—we're looking for someone."

"Looking for someone?"

Wang Tianzuo secretly relaxed. "Who exactly are you looking for?"

"A big man, with a full beard, many aliases, unknown name, loves fine silk robes, and adores mutton…"

Sha Lifei recounted the traits Li Yan had given him.

"Good!"

Wang Tianzuo nodded. "I'll ask my contacts to look. What's the grudge between you and him?"

"No grudge at all."

Sha Lifei laughed it off, making up lies. "He just owes us some money…"

…………

Deep into the night, the temple was pitch black.

Li Yan lay on his bed, eyes open, unable to sleep.

The news he'd received was astonishing.

That blind old Daoist,

was none other than Cheng Jianxian!

It nearly knocked him off his feet.

Legend said he was one of the Ten Grand Masters, suppressing Shu for decades—a celestial being descended from heaven…

Had he failed in his ascension?

But why hide his identity and take on an outsider as a disciple?

That Gou Sheng—his identity must be significant…

Doubts swirled in Li Yan's mind.

This journey through Shu was like its weather—clouds veiled everything; much remained unseen.

He carefully recalled Ming Shanzi's words.

After failing his ascension, Cheng Jianxian did nothing else—he locked himself in his room and pored over historical texts.

Had this Cheng Jianxian also discovered something…?

He slept not at all.

Dong dong dong!

Before dawn, the temple bell rang.

Soon, the sound of Daoists performing morning rituals echoed.

"Iron-armored general crosses the pass at night, court ministers wait for dawn in the cold. Mountain temple's sun rises, monks still asleep—better to be idle than chase fame."

This poem was partly true, partly false.

The world sees emperors and generals enjoying glory, but those who chase fame and fortune never rest—few ever sleep peacefully.

Yet cultivators aren't any easier.

Like these mountain Daoists—they perform morning and evening rituals, sit in meditation, train in martial arts, study Daoist scriptures, and handle daily chores and rituals…

True hermits, free as clouds and cranes, are exceedingly rare.

Shua shua shua!

The sound of Daoists sweeping snow also rose outside the courtyard.

Under these conditions, how could Li Yan sleep? He rose immediately and joined Wang Daoxuan, who was just stepping out, heading to the dining hall for breakfast. "Two guests, please wait."

Just as they were about to return to their rooms, a young Daoist hurried over, bowed, and said, "Master Ming Shanzi asks you not to leave yet—he'll finish morning rituals and has something to discuss with you both."

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

They'd already confirmed the location of Shuimoyan and planned to visit it before heading to Mount Qingcheng.

They'd already spoken of the Cheng family's matter last night.

Today, it must concern Mount Qingcheng.

Not long after, Ming Shanzi finished his rituals and hurried to the room, bowing upon entering. "Apologies for keeping you waiting."

He wasted no time. After sitting, he said directly, "Yesterday, I heard news of our Ancestor, and my spirit was unsettled. There's one thing I forgot to mention."

"I'm sure you know my Cheng family has operated in Shu for generations—we have deep roots and complex connections."

"I've heard of your conflict with Shu Wangfu. Do you intend to ease it?"

In one look/p>

"Oh…"

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, Elder?"

He hadn't expected Ming Shanzi to be referring to this matter.

If possible, he certainly didn't want to make an enemy of the Shu Prince's mansion, but it had come to this—the Ruyi Treasure Pearl could not be handed over.

This matter wasn't just about saving face.

If his guess was right, the Shu Prince and Zhao Changsheng and others had already made contact; in time, it might come to a fight to the death.

The Ruyi Treasure Pearl might also be the key to their scheme.

At a time like this, how could relations possibly be eased?

Ming Shanzi naturally knew nothing of this; he shook his head slightly and said, "To be frank, though the Xuan Gate doesn't wish to meddle in the Shu Prince's affairs, my Cheng family has a daughter married to the Fifth Commandery Prince."

"The current situation within the Shu Prince's mansion is complicated. Over the years, the Shu Prince's temper has grown increasingly erratic; he is old, frequently bedridden, yet still delays naming an heir."

He lowered his voice: "The Fifth Commandery Prince is gentle by nature and long renowned for his virtue. Because of his ties to my Cheng family, he has long been ostracized by the other commandery princes."

"Rumors from within the Shu Prince's mansion say that, after the death of the Third Commandery Prince, the Shu Prince flew into a rage, unleashed a fit of fury, then returned home and fell ill again—whether he can survive the year is uncertain."

"At this point, even if you don't want to fight, you must fight."

"The Fifth Commandery Prince's teacher is the great scholar of Shu, Yang Duo, who has established contact with the imperial court. According to news from the capital, once the Shu Prince passes, the Zongrenfu will grant the heirship to the Fifth Commandery Prince."

"The condition is that, henceforth, the Shu Prince shall be titled Prince of Chengdu…"

At this, Li Yan suddenly understood.

These commandery princes were indeed no easy men.

Take this Fifth Commandery Prince—he outwardly avoided contention, yet secretly advanced through hidden paths, effectively allying himself with the court.

He saw things clearly enough.

Once the Shu Prince dies, his line's connection to the emperor will immediately weaken; demotion from princely rank is certain.

If he does something reckless, the entire Shu Prince's line will suffer—better to negotiate terms now.

Put bluntly, he has already betrayed the Shu Prince's mansion.

"Elder, if you have something to say, say it plainly."

Thinking this, Li Yan spoke directly.

Ming Shanzi nodded: "The infighting within the Shu Prince's mansion is fierce. The Fifth Commandery Prince remains secluded, waiting for the right moment—but I fear the other commandery princes will resort to desperation and send assassins to engineer accidents."

"My Cheng family cannot intervene directly; to do so would violate taboos, provoking backlash from the Shu Prince's mansion and suspicion from the court."

"Therefore, we ask the Twelve Zodiacs to protect him in secret—until the Shu Prince passes and the matter is settled, after which you will have no further trouble."

"At that time, the Fifth Commandery Prince will offer generous rewards, and my Cheng family will provide something to satisfy you all."

Li Yan asked casually: "What sort of thing?"

In truth, he already intended to refuse.

Matters involving imperial succession were always the most troublesome.

He merely needed an excuse to decline.

Ming Shanzi, a shrewd old fox, could see right through him; he stroked his beard and smiled, turning to Wang Daoxuan: "Master Wang, you're from the Western Xuan lineage, aren't you?"

Li Yan and the others weren't surprised.

Their fame had risen rapidly; certain details must have already leaked.

Ming Shanzi, seeing their expressions, continued: "The Western Xuan lineage, in truth, has deep roots—no less formidable than any orthodox Xuan Gate sect."

"Do you know why it has declined so far?"

Wang Daoxuan's expression turned grave; after a pause, he said: "My lineage's Chen Tianjun studied under Pei Xuanren of the Western Han. Tracing further back, he was one of the Eight Immortals of Tang Yao—Chi Jiangziyu."

"Later… later something went wrong. Someone deliberately erased Chen Tianjun's records—possibly linked to the Shangqing Sect."

Ming Shanzi, upon hearing this, showed clear surprise and nodded: "I didn't expect you'd uncovered this as well."

Li Yan said gravely: "Elder, do you know what actually happened?"

Ming Shanzi shook his head slightly: "This matter is extremely secret and ancient; few know of it. Even the Shangqing and Maoshan Sects likely don't know."

"My Cheng family's texts mention it only vaguely: it was said he violated the Heavenly Code, and thus the Western Xuan lineage lost its destiny."

"Violated the Heavenly Code?"

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan exchanged glances.

They would never have guessed it was this reason.

Wang Daoxuan frowned deeply: "That doesn't make sense. I set up altars to venerate Chen Tianjun; though he has never responded, I can still channel his power to perform arts—if he violated the Heavenly Code, how could this be?"

Ming Shanzi chuckled softly: "That's a matter of heaven. What do we mortals know?"

"Though I don't know what exactly occurred, my Cheng family possesses something you certainly won't pass up."

"Among the Eight Immortals of Tang Yao, the origin of our Qingcheng methods is Ning Fengzi. Perhaps there is some connection—our family secretly preserved a copy of Chi Jiangziyu's Five Heads Divine Scripture."

"This technique is an ancient Qi-refining method—the very foundation of the Western Xuan lineage. It's useless to my Cheng family. If you accept this task, we will give it to you, Master—perhaps it will aid you."

"Deal!"

Without hesitation, Li Yan agreed.

As a wandering immortal team, their primary mission was to seek out lost lineages for their companions; yet along this journey, the only lead they'd found was tied to Maoshan's Shangqing Sect.

The age was too distant; even today's Maoshan likely knew nothing.

To be honest, they had already given up.

To suddenly find hope again—how could they let it slip?

"Hahaha, good!"

Ming Shanzi pulled from his robe a token of yellow copper, exquisitely forged, encircled by cloud patterns, its reverse engraved with a Taiji and a sword, its front embossed with the character "Cheng."

"This is my Cheng family's command token."

Ming Shanzi's tone turned solemn: "Take this token to Chengdu. Go to the Wu family's gold and silver shop in the eastern quarter—someone will be waiting to arrange everything!"

…………

"This matter… carries considerable risk."

Several miles from Jianfu Palace, Wang Daoxuan finally spoke gravely.

He sounded concerned: "The Cheng family is a prominent Xuan Gate clan of Shu. If they've already abandoned the Qingcheng abbacy, why involve themselves in imperial affairs? There must be something amiss."

"I know a bit."

Li Yan glanced toward Jianfu Palace and sneered: "Likely because they, like us, realize the human realm's transformation has arrived—they can't afford to remain distant from the court."

"We chose the Qiankun Academy; they, however, intend to leverage the future Prince of Chengdu."

"Regardless, we must obtain the Five Heads Divine Scripture. And to complete the Dragon Maiden's task, we'll likely need the Fifth Commandery Prince's aid."

Wang Daoxuan sighed: "I still don't know what this 'human realm transformation' truly is."

Li Yan gazed into the distance, where mountains stretched vast and mist-wreathed; his mind unexpectedly recalled the steam engine prototype they'd found in the Mo family's mechanical tomb at Liangzi Lake.

"Perhaps… it's a new era…"

(End of Chapter)