Chapter 109: The Abyssal Map Scroll

Two days later.

Daojun Fu Yu Anchorage, Jiyi Island.

In a private room of a teahouse, although Luo Zhang held a cup of clear tea in his hand and sat settled on a plain rattan chair, the expression on his face was extremely uneasy; at times he lowered his head to mutter to himself, and at other times he could not stop sighing softly, his brows tightly locked and his countenance filled with sorrow.

Even that already dark complexion of his appeared much older, with many new wrinkles and fine lines appearing between his skin and flesh.

After no more than a few dozen breaths' time, Luo Zhang finally could not endure it any longer.

He suddenly rose from the rattan chair, poked his head out from behind the screen, craned his neck to gaze into the distance for a while, then disappointedly shrank his neck back in and continued sighing heavily.

His movements of pacing back and forth and his long sighs and short groans had been observed by the other person in this private room for quite some time, until finally, he could not help but speak up to advise him.

"Chen Chen Shidi Luo, Chen Chen Shidi Luo, do not be impatient; what time is it now? It is noon, it has only just reached noon!"

Hao Hao Qingyan, still wearing his purple robe, slowly stirred his teacup, took a sip, looked at Luo Zhang, and only then spoke helplessly:

"Since Chen Xiao Shixiong has already promised you, consider his status; how could he break his appointment with you for no reason! If you are this impetuous and unable to settle your spirit, won't Chen Xiao Shixiong look down on you when he sees you?"

"Furthermore, this also causes you to lose your usual dignity..."

"A calamity has fallen from the sky; how can one's heart be at peace regarding such a matter?"

"Hong Hong Guanshi Hao, you are currently outside the turmoil, so you can be leisurely and carefree with empty sleeves, but I, your junior brother, am truly in the midst of fire and water; one slight carelessness, and I will be burned to ash."

Hearing this, Luo Zhang gave a bitter smile, forced himself to calm down, shook his head, and said:

"If it were not for Chen Xiao Shixiong speaking up righteously on my behalf, let alone my accumulated wealth over the years, even this life of mine would have been casually taken by the various lords of the Flower Spirit Manor. Chen Xiao Shixiong's kindness to me is akin to being reborn; if I cannot see this parent of my rebirth, Luo, and pay my respects to him, how can I possibly set my heart at ease?"

These words were exceedingly flattering, exhausting all means of flattery and fawning.

Even though Hao Hao Qingyan had struggled and climbed in the business world for many years and prided himself on being extremely slick, with neither joy nor anger showing on his face, the corner of his mouth still twitched slightly, revealing a sneer.

He hurriedly raised the white porcelain teacup to block his face, brought it to his lips, and let his two large sleeves hang low, concealing that smiling expression.

"The main character is not even here; what use is this acting humble and submissive? Is it not like casting a coquettish glance at a blind man?"

Hao Hao Qingyan thought secretly to himself.

He took another sip of clear tea; spiritual energy rolled down his throat into his internal organs, then immediately dispersed throughout his four limbs and hundred bones, making his heart instantly feel a wave of peace and comfort.

"Furthermore..."

Luo Zhang, standing nearby, sighed heavily again and said with listless interest:

"Now that Cave Master Master Huaiwu has been executed, the fellow disciples who were corrupted by demons were immediately killed by that Jin Dan True Person of the Yu Yuchen Sect; as for the rest, people of inferior talent like myself, how can we possibly support such a vast family enterprise?"

"The Master Huaiwu lineage is now hated by everyone; I fear that in just a few more days..."

A trace of sorrow inevitably floated up in Luo Zhang's eyes; he heavily raised his sleeve to cover his face and said:

"... we will scatter like clouds in the wind..."

"Chen Chen Shidi Luo, why be like this! You barely managed to survive; you should only think of rising again and revitalizing yourself; how can you let your spirit become so depressed?"

This sigh of sorrow from Luo Zhang moved Hao Hao Qingyan involuntarily.

He hurriedly set down his teacup and advised him in a gentle voice, his own heart also filled with myriad emotions.

Nowadays.

The Master Huaiwu lineage could truly be considered finished...

Since Tangting Sima Tangting Sima Lingzhen summoned all the Dongxuan Refiners two days ago to openly rebuke them, insisting that they must eradicate any remaining traces of the Heavenly Demon.

The first to suffer disaster were the surviving disciples of Cave Master Master Huaiwu.

Under the management and direction of the Flower Spirit Manor and the Wuguang Sect, every single one of these people was imprisoned without exception; even those who were not in the Daojun Fu Yu Anchorage area when the incident occurred but were out traveling could not escape this calamity.

According to what Hao Hao Qingyan had heard, the true Heavenly Demons had actually all been killed on the spot by that Tangting Sima Tangting Sima Lingzhen.

The current conduct.

Firstly, it is strictly following the orders of that Jin Dan True Person to remove any possible fish that slipped through the net.

Secondly, it is merely that the various sects are using this as a pretext to eliminate the members of the Master Huaiwu lineage, legitimately dividing up all their wealth and this patch of territory known as Daojun Fu Yu Anchorage.

As for those Master Huaiwu disciples who were imprisoned, first their family wealth was completely confiscated, and then they were subjected to soul-searching and torture by people from the various sects.

Only when they were truly found to know nothing of the actual situation would they be released to see the sky again.

However, even after undergoing the step of soul-searching and spirit-examination, and even if they were deemed innocent and released.

Their entire family wealth had long been completely lost, and even their lives had been largely taken away.

With their divine souls injured, if they are not healed in time, wishing for any achievement in cultivation in the future would be nothing short of a fool's dream.

But pills and materials capable of repairing the primordial spirit and soul have always been extremely expensive items; only a Zi Fu Gao Gong could possess such wealth, while ordinary Foundation Establishment or Qi Refining cultivators are helpless.

Although Luo Zhang's talent was unremarkable and he was not highly valued within the Master Huaiwu lineage.

Ultimately, he had once listened to lectures seated below Cave Master Master Huaiwu and was a disciple of this Dongxuan Refiner.

He originally thought he could not escape this calamity either, and just as he was living in constant fear day and night, unexpectedly no one came to arrest him.

Gathering his courage to inquire, he learned that Chen Heng had mentioned his name before Xie Tan of the Flower Spirit Manor, thus luckily obtaining a pardon.

And upon investigating, he learned that Chen Heng had visited the Baoju Studio a few times and was at least somewhat familiar with Hao Hao Qingyan, the steward of Baoju Studio, knowing his name and face at the very least.

Today, Luo Zhang had invited Hao Hao Qingyan to accompany him, specifically coming to this teahouse private room to invite Chen Heng and express his gratitude in person.

After Hao Hao Qingyan's kind words of comfort, Luo Zhang finally managed to restrain the sorrow on his face, bowed with clasped hands, and sat back down on the rattan chair.

"Chen Chen Shidi Luo really bled heavily this time; the tea is actually the rare White Hair Tea, and just this one pot costs a full ten talisman coins! How generous!"

Hao Hao Qingyan took another sip.

Feeling the spiritual energy within rushing toward his various acupoints and cavities, causing a slight stinging sensation as if pierced by needles, he felt a surge of joy in his heart and hurriedly silently circulated his Xue Xuan Gong, beginning to refine and assimilate it.

As soon as one cup was emptied, Hao Hao Qingyan hurriedly filled it up again.

Just as he was becoming absorbed, nearly forgetting himself entirely, suddenly a hand reached out and pressed down on the silver-painted teapot.

Hao Hao Qingyan looked up, puzzled.

He saw that Luo Zhang was no longer sighing heavily but was only gazing at him, giving an embarrassed smile.

"Hong Hong Guanshi Hao, you've drunk so much of this tea that your spiritual sense is bloated; I fear your stomach will soon feel uncomfortably distended. Why not pause for a moment or two and taste something else?"

Having said this,

he summoned several tea-brewing specialists inside and had the pot of tea replaced with a fresh one.

"This brat! How stingy can he be? How big is my old Hao's stomach, and how much of yours could I possibly consume?!"

Although the newly served tea also possessed a distinct, subtle fragrance, the spiritual energy within it was clearly far more diluted and turbid.

Hao Hao Qingyan harbored resentment in his heart and cursed silently, yet his hands did not stop moving; though a mosquito is small, it is still flesh, after all.

He merely nodded with a smile, raised his sleeve, drained the cup in one gulp, and could not help but smack his lips twice.

Just as the two sat chatting idly, the sound of footsteps approached, and from behind the folding screen emerged a tall, handsome Daoist whose complexion resembled fine jade, exuding an exceptionally outstanding and extraordinary aura.

His eyes shone with divine light, seemingly holding two sharp swords; a mere glance caused pain in the observer's eyes, yet amidst his flowing wide sleeves and fluttering robe sash, he displayed the bearing of a celestial immortal, distant and detached from the mundane world.

"Chen Xiao Shixiong."

Hao Hao Qingyan and Luo Zhang, who had been chatting idly, hurriedly rose to welcome him upon seeing him enter, their demeanor extremely respectful.

"I have kept you waiting long; greetings to both Daoist friends."

Chen Heng also clasped his hands in salute, smiling faintly as he spoke.

Under his invitation, the three took their seats as host and guests.

Soon, the teahouse attendants brought up trays of melons, fruits, and tea cups, along with two jars of fine wine; under the deliberate flattery of Hao Hao Qingyan and Luo Zhang, the atmosphere immediately became lively.

When the banquet was half over, Luo Zhang, already slightly intoxicated, raised his cup toward Chen Heng and spoke sincerely:

"Had Chen Xiao Shixiong not spoken up for me before Refiner Xie Tan of the Flower Deity Palace, this junior would never have survived; this cup is my tribute to you—I shall drink first as a sign of respect!"

Amidst Hao Hao Qingyan's noisy encouragement, Luo Zhang raised his hand and drained the full cup of jade liquid; once he revealed the bottom of the cup, another round of cheers erupted.

"I wonder what kind of relationship Chen Xiao Shixiong actually has with that Refiner of the Flower Deity Palace, and how you managed to gain his favor; it truly inspires envy."

After hastily draining the dregs of his own wine, Hao Hao Qingyan impatiently refilled his cup and did not forget to fill Chen Heng's as well.

With a face full of ingratiating smiles, he probed askance:

"Could it be that Xiao Xiao Shixiong intends to join the Flower Deity Palace to cultivate the Dao? If so, that would be a tremendous fortune! Should Xiao Xiao Shixiong rise to prominence in the future, do not forget your humble friendship with old Hao from these early days.

Come! Come! Let Hao drink another cup; I too shall drink first as a sign of respect!"

It was no wonder that he and Luo Zhang behaved in such a manner.

Nowadays, the business of the Floating Jade Dock Market, after the death of Cave Master Master Huaiwu, had been carved up between the two colossal powers, the Wuguang Sect and the Flower Deity Palace; other sects could only follow behind and pick up some scraps.

If one could attach oneself to either of these two families, even if one did not soar to the heavens in a single flight, one's future business dealings would undoubtedly become much smoother.

However, contrary to Hao Hao Qingyan's assumptions, although Chen Heng had received the folding fan gifted by Xie Tan, there was not yet any actual master-disciple relationship between them.

This Refiner was unwilling to violate Ai Xiao Jian's dignity; all such matters would have to wait until Chen Heng could emerge alive from the Earth Abyss before they could be discussed.

As for the matter of casually saving Luo Zhang, it was due to the Ten-Thousand-Li Illumination Talisman; Xie Tan had specifically summoned him over the past two days to inquire about it.

Only after the matter concluded did Chen Heng casually mention it.

Seeing that Chen Heng merely smiled without speaking and did not clarify his connection with Xie Tan,

although Hao Hao Qingyan had encountered a soft rebuff, he did not become discouraged.

He merely continued urging drinks incessantly, gulping cup after cup down like an ox drinking water, causing Luo Zhang's eye corners to twitch and his heart to bleed.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes,

a while later, seeing that Luo Zhang's face already showed signs of being half-drunk, Chen Heng finally set down his tea cup, slightly clasped his hands with a smile, and said:

"Daoist Brother Luo, I wonder if you would allow me to view that scroll map you mentioned earlier?"

Luo Zhang first froze in surprise; only after being subtly pushed by Hao Hao Qingyan did he wake as if from a dream, rising in great embarrassment.

"My apologies, my apologies! This junior truly cannot hold his liquor; I have made a fool of myself!"

Having spoken, he drew a yellowed scroll map from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Heng:

"Chen Xiao Shixiong, this is precisely the map drawn by my ancestor after he entered the Earth Abyss and returned safely; it is meant for Xiao Xiao Shixiong's honored eyes to evaluate!"

Chen Heng reached out, took it, unfolded it, and swept his gaze across it, his heart stirring slightly.

As time passed, seeing that Chen Heng's expression remained consistently indifferent, Luo Zhang standing nearby immediately became restless, almost unable to resist reaching out to wipe away sweat.

He relied entirely on that single sentence Chen Heng had spoken before Xie Tan to barely survive; thus, upon learning this news, he repeatedly asked Hao Hao Qingyan to invite Chen Heng, only to be politely declined each time, unable to meet.

It was only when Hao Hao Qingyan, during a conversation, inadvertently revealed that Luo Zhang's ancestors had once been wealthy, and that his Fuchan Fuchan Laozu had even entered the Earth Abyss once, leaving behind blueprints as a family heirloom, that Chen Heng was moved, leading to today's banquet.

However, as the saying goes, one knows one's own affairs best...

This blueprint merely depicted some geographical features, interspersed with some marginal annotations left by Luo Zhang's Fuchan Fuchan Laozu, suitable only for casual appreciation.

It contained no records of heavenly treasures or earthly materials, nor did it hide any unusual layers within.

It was simply an ordinary geographical map, absolutely no valuable treasure.

Therefore, seeing Chen Heng's expression remain so plain, Luo Zhang was actually in extreme panic, fearing that under great disappointment, Chen Heng would become displeased, take out his anger on him, and bring about a calamity that would cost him his life.

Just as he was growing anxious and uneasy,

Chen Heng suddenly tucked the scroll map into his sleeve, then performed a bow with hands clasped, smiling as he said:

"Many thanks to Daoist Brother Luo for this scroll map; I shall enter the Earth Abyss in a few days, and having this object in my possession adds a bit of confidence to my heart. Taking this item left by your honored ancestor is my breach of etiquette; if I am fortunate enough to emerge from the Earth Abyss in the future, I will certainly return it with both hands."

"No need! No need!"

Luo Zhang, both startled and delighted, stepped back several paces, waving his hands repeatedly:

"This scroll map is merely an ordinary object, not any sort of treasure; in the past, many Ta Yin copies were made and sold; Xiao Xiao Shixiong should simply accept it gracefully, no need to—"

At this point, Hao Hao Qingyan raised his eyes and glared fiercely at Luo Zhang.

Luo Zhang now realized he had misspoken, but since the words were already out, he could only respond with an awkward smile.

"Then I shall accept it without further ceremony; as for the words spoken before Refiner Xie Tan, I merely mentioned them casually, considering it repayment for the kindness Xiao Xiao Shixiong showed me that day by providing shelter; there is no need to dwell on it too much."

Chen Heng said:

"The banquet has reached its joyful conclusion; I have lingered at Daojun Fu Yu's mooring for quite some time, and it is now time to return."

Having spoken, he exchanged a few more polite words with the two men, then cupped his hands in farewell.

Hao Hao Qingyan had originally intended to draw closer to him and earnestly pressed him to stay for a while longer.

However, with the day of entering the Earth Abyss drawing near, Chen Heng had long since made up his mind to leave, intending to use these remaining days to return to Mount Yang for secluded cultivation, hoping to advance his merit and practice further.

Had it not been for Xie Tan's summons and this scroll of the Earth Abyss map held by Luo Zhang, he would have already departed on driving clouds; why would he waste any more time lingering here?

"It seems this Chen Xiao Shixiong keeps his lips tightly sealed; surprisingly, we failed to ascertain his exact relationship with that Refiner from Ce Shen Fu. What a pity, what a pity..."

Below the teahouse.

Watching as a pure white trail of escaping light vanished into the void, instantly soaring into the high heavens until no trace remained.

Hao Hao Qingyan, who had come to see him off, sighed, clapped his hands, and turned back toward the teahouse.

"Hong Hong Guanshi Hao, the banquet is over; what are you going back for?"

Luo Zhang grabbed hold of him.

"There are still some spirit wines and fruits inside that haven't been consumed; how can we be so extravagant? I shall go and pack them away."

Hao Hao Qingyan stroked his beard and smiled:

"Keeping them for evening snacks would also be good!"

Luo Zhang stared wide-eyed, speechless for a moment.

And not far away,

beneath a weeping willow tree.

A young Daoist priest likewise withdrew his gaze from the cloudy skies, looked at the branch of Jiansu Flower in his hand, and shook his head slightly, his demeanor listless.

"How was it? You have observed this youth for several days now; did he meet your approval?"

At that moment, a playful laughing voice suddenly rang out beside the young Daoist priest's ear.

"He was passable."

Gazing at the Jiansu Flower in his hand, the young Daoist priest spoke to himself:

"It is just a pity that he shares no master-disciple affinity with this Venerable One."