Chapter 196: The Vessel and Wine Dharma Assembly

Chen Heng smiled but said nothing, simply taking a seat on one of the chairs arranged to the left of the screen.

Like all the cave dwellings prepared by the Changying Courtyard for its disciples to facilitate meditation and lodging, they differed little from one another.

Chen Heng, for his part, could not be bothered to add excessive decorations.

But here in Jiang Jiang Daolian's residence,

the arrangement was magnificent and spacious, brilliantly ornate.

Looking out from the window, sparse bamboo encircled the front, while to the right, pine branches intertwined to form a pavilion; tree shadows and flowering branches displayed a dripping emerald green, exceedingly elegant and refined.

And within this cottage,

the decorations were exquisite and clever, devoid of any vulgar charm...

Six fish-and-goose palace lanterns hanging on the walls cast a soft, bright light, enveloping the room's screens, tea tables, ink paintings, jar-zithers, mirror cases, and gossamer-like curtains in a faintly yellowish halo, misty and illusory.

After presenting the tea, the colorful-clad female attendant retreated with slow steps, disappearing behind the curtains, no longer visible.

Outwardly, Chen Heng merely gazed blankly at the lamp flames ahead, motionless.

Yet his mind was gathered inward; practicing internal vision upon his own body, he shifted his attention to the two great apertures of Shangxuan and Taiyuan.

Purple Mansion, First Stage—Ten Thousand Wonders Return to the Root.

This realm could only be attempted after perfecting the third stage of Foundation Establishment, causing the Shangxuan acupoint to form the image of a tortoise and the Taiyuan acupoint to condense the image of a snake.

Although the embracing of the tortoise and snake was not difficult,

if one wished to make them carry yin and embrace yang, condensing them into a single strand of purest void-truth resembling a jade key,

so as to open the gates of the heavenly pass in the obscure depths, unlocking that mansion within and without the body to excavate the hidden treasures of the spirit and life,

it was truly not easy.

It was not something achievable through merely a few months of Ku Gong...

Even with Chen Heng possessing the True Yizhen Yizhen Fa Jie, it was by no means an easy task.

As the saying goes:

"The Purple Mansion originally lies in neutrality of thought; the intent of thought must reside in having an end and stillness. Knowing that purity and brightness are always clear is the pivotal realm of the Purple Mansion."

Do not cling, do not attach; do not engage, do not merge. Gaze upon the formless, listen to the soundless.

Just as when cultivating embryonic breathing in the past,

this matter of finding the Purple Mansion constituted another "obstacle of knowledge and view."

However, breaking through the obstruction of this layer of illusion was far more difficult than embryonic breathing by a factor of a hundred or even a thousand.

Furthermore, there were no longer any clever side doors such as "fear of life and death, where the divine spirit naturally arrives."

Everything could only be done by following the clues to find the horse, proceeding slowly and deliberately.

During these recent days, apart from going out to listen to lectures, Chen Heng had devoted his energy to that technique, the "Four Mountains Duel Art."

Indeed, this superior Daoist art was extraordinary, offering immense benefits for stabilizing spiritual intent and nurturing and refining consciousness; no wonder so many inner disciples, provided they had sufficient merit, would all practice this method.

In the course of this cultivation,

Chen Heng could already barely rotate and differentiate the two images of the tortoise and snake, transforming them into a jade key.

But merely possessing the jade key

was useless if one could not locate the position of that heavenly gate in the obscure depths.

Still, a period of Yi Fan Ku Gong was required before the Dao Di Gong could finally be achieved...

Just as he was pondering this, suddenly, Chen Heng seemed to sense something; turning his head slightly, he looked out the window.

Amidst the dense tree shadows and flowering branches, the sound of fine, fragmented footsteps arose first, followed by two figures appearing and disappearing among the flower trees.

Their skirts were graceful, their hair buns towering—

"Sister Jiang Daolian, you are so kind; next time I come to Jin Tingshan, I will come find you again!"

Chen Heng heard Master Qiao Rui's excited voice.

The floral crown on her head swayed back and forth; the interlacing, shifting light and shadow passed through the wooden window, reflecting upon those cloud-soft curtains, flickering repeatedly.

"If Junior Sister wishes to come, I will naturally sweep the couch to welcome you; I am glad you like it."

Jiang Jiang Daolian chuckled lightly and replied.

The two chatted for a while longer, mostly with Master Qiao Rui asking questions and Jiang Jiang Daolian listening.

Finally, until Master Qiao Rui reluctantly bid farewell, that chattering noise, like a little sparrow, gradually faded away.

Jiang Jiang Daolian smiled as she watched the girl skip away into the distance, standing where she was without leaving, motionless.

Only when that graceful figure vanished from sight

did she slowly lower her head, withdrawing that slight smile from her lips, her expression becoming blank.

"Carefree and worry-free, how wonderful..."

She thought this in her heart.

After a long moment of silence,

the wind brushed against the flower trees on both sides, and those fine-stemmed leaves, half a finger wide, rustled softly, like a dense spring rain.

Jiang Jiang Daolian gathered her tangled thoughts and looked toward the sound, unable to help but startle slightly.

Immediately, she laughed at herself, bent her body backward, and walked toward the cottage.

When she pushed open the small bamboo door amidst the female attendant's greeting,

in the middle of the hall,

at the tea table beneath the screen, a tall and straight figure sat with proper posture, focusing his mind on the leaping flames of the fish-and-goose palace lantern on the wall.

The lines of his profile were clear and stern, his sideburns black and neat, as if cut by a knife.

He seemed slightly distracted, his gaze hidden beneath thick, long eyelashes, equally deep, quiet, and solemn.

Upon pushing the door open and witnessing this scene, Jiang Jiang Daolian raised her eyebrows slightly.

Her lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, nothing came out; she merely moved to sit opposite Chen Heng across the tea table.

"You have come."

Chen Heng withdrew his gaze, looked at Jiang Jiang Daolian, bowed slightly with clasped hands, and said.

"I have kept you waiting; due to the Xie Huizhai and Xie Tang's Husang Dharma Assembly, many members of aristocratic families have arrived from the other three courtyards to attend this assembly... I also did not expect that after Tu Shan Ge departed, Master Qiao Rui would suddenly come to visit me."

After finishing this sentence, Jiang Jiang Daolian could not help but shake her head with a smile and said softly:

"That little girl is truly easy to coax; with just a few small pastries, she clearly began to seek closeness with me; indeed, she possesses no scheming or depth.

Seeing such a demeanor, I—"

Her voice stopped abruptly; she fell silent, staring fixedly at the sparse tea smoke rising from the table, lost in a Xiao Daze.

For a long while.

When Jiang Jiang Daolian raised her head, her gaze collided directly with Chen Heng's line of sight.

The two stared at each other for a moment.

He spoke a single sentence:

"It is rare to see you lost in thought; that is quite unusual; what matter could disturb your state of mind?"

"And you?"

Jiang Jiang Daolian lowered her eyes, but instead of answering, she asked a question in return:

"It is also rare for me to see you lost in thought; what were you just thinking about?"

"Naturally, it was regarding Purple Palace cultivation."

"Purple Palace?"

"The Great Dao is difficult to perceive, and for me, the Purple Palace is not something that can be easily achieved in a few days... If, before departing for the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian, I still fail to cultivate the Purple Palace, my chances of survival will be diminished once again."

Chen Heng lowered his eyes and said in a faint voice.

Now, another three months have passed.

The time until the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian descends back to Xudu Heaven should be less than three months of effort...

Although he holds the Yi Zhen Fa Zhi Jie in hand, under the rule where 'one day in the present world equals ten days in the Yizhen Yizhen Fa Jie,' the apparent three months actually contain slightly more than two years for Chen Heng.

But condensing the turtle and snake into a jade spoon, discerning the location of the Heavenly Gate's entrance, and opening that residence within and without the body—

All these actions constitute an arduous task of slow, grinding effort.

For an ordinary cultivator at the third level of Foundation Establishment who wishes to make the leap from fish to dragon and cultivate the Purple Palace, at least six or seven years of effort are required.

And this still depends on whether one can encounter a fortuitous opportunity and grasp that faint thread of inspiration hidden in the void...

Yet, to penetrate the Purple Palace volume of the 'Tianwangshen Sect Jade Scripture' and cultivate the Purple Palace within merely two years inside the Yi Zhen Fa Zhi Jie, thereby becoming a true Xian Dao Gao Gong—

This matter,

For Chen Heng, is truly not easy, and he does not possess absolute certainty.

Hearing these words, Jiang Jiang Daolian lightly furrowed her brows, turned her gaze, and said:

"That is true; however, if you fail to cultivate the Purple Palace before going to the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian, it will not only reduce your chances of survival by several folds, but it will also inevitably cause disappointment in some people's hearts; it is entirely possible they will cease to invest or place their bets on you."

"Some people... do you mean the various True Elders of the Yuchenshang Sect?"

Chen Heng pondered for a moment and said slowly.

"Correct; do you really think that the title of 'Crown of the Four Courtyards' is something I could bestow upon you merely through my own efforts and some behind-the-scenes hype? It is hardly that easy!"

Jiang Jiang Daolian suddenly let out a cold laugh:

"In the final analysis, it is because your battle achievements on Bai Shi Peak were truly astonishing, causing some High Trues of Xiaoming Great Marsh to take notice, tacitly permitting my actions to build your fame and momentum.

And perhaps it was not merely tacit permission; it is highly probable they also gave a push from behind, going with the flow!"

"Is it because, although I share a bloodline connection with Chen Chen Yushu, I am ultimately not a member of an aristocratic family? Some Yu Yuchen High Trues who are hostile toward aristocratic families should be pleased to see such actions; after all, among the so-called 'Crown of the Four Courtyards,' those of aristocratic birth alone include Tangting Sima Tangting Sima Quantong and Xie Su, occupying two of the seats..."

Chen Heng said slowly, appearing thoughtful.

Jiang Jiang Daolian nodded slightly and fell silent for a moment.

"Just now, did you not wish to ask what I was thinking?"

After a long while,

she suddenly spoke with a hoarse voice.

"I have no fondness for prying into others' thoughts; I merely mentioned it casually."

Chen Heng slightly averted his gaze, not looking at her, and said indifferently:

"If you do not wish to speak, I need not listen."

"It is because of Master Qiao Rui... this woman greatly resembles the former me; with parents alive and relatives harmonious, she can be said to have received endless doting and meticulous care.

And at that time, I did not need to resort to any underhanded schemes; whatever I desired or sought, I only needed to act spoiled toward my father or play the innocent, and nothing was ever denied.

Of course, no one dared to force me to marry someone I disliked.

Because my father was a Chen Yuanshu Chen Yuanshu Zhenjun; even the clan leader could not easily pressure him; if he were still alive and became enraged, he would surely kill all those old things with ulterior motives..."

Jiang Jiang Daolian's voice was very soft, like a midnight whisper, as she spoke to herself:

"Today, seeing Master Qiao Rui felt like seeing my past self; before my father entered the Fan Fan Dongtian for cultivation, there was a time when I was utterly innocent and ignorant of worldly affairs..."

Chen Heng made no sound, merely listening quietly.

The curtains were gently lifted by the scented breeze drifting from among the flowering trees, ethereal like the mist flowing between the green rocks of Shenshan.

The lamp flame flickered, shimmering for a moment.

"I could not control my emotions; I fear I have made a fool of myself before Junior Brother Chen."

After a long period of facing each other in silence,

Jiang Jiang Daolian said apologetically.

Chen Heng let his gaze fall back onto her face, but changed the subject, asking:

"I still do not know why Senior Sister Jiang suddenly summoned me here; what exactly is the matter?"

"You are the one asking first?"

Jiang Jiang Daolian first froze, looked deeply at him for a moment, then found it somewhat amusing; she took out that letter from Chen Heng, slammed it heavily onto the table, and cried clearly:

"Do you even understand what you wrote in there? Do you take me for the clan head of the Jiang family?"

Chen Heng looked at the page covered with dense writing, smiled at Jiang Jiang Daolian, and said dismissively:

"I can name a price, and you can naturally make a counteroffer; is not this how business is conducted?"

"Business?"

Interrupted by this.

That faint thread of hidden sorrow in Jiang Jiang Daolian's heart was scattered away.

Feeling both angry and amused, she snorted coldly, plucked a sachet from her sleeve, and handed it to Chen Heng:

"There is no counteroffer; there are only these things. Take them or leave them!"

Chen Heng raised his hand to wipe away the true qi on the treasure pouch, lifted the flap, and took a look.

Brilliant light immediately surged forth, dazzling and bright, seeming as if it would shoot straight up into the clouds, startling the female attendants waiting outside the hut.

"As for the Three Primal Qi, that item is precious; in a few days, I will personally deliver it. In any case, I will not miss your deadline.

With this object's assistance within the Liuhuo Liuhuo Honghua Fan Fan Dongtian after returning to Xudu Heaven, it will be sufficient for you to refine the Yin-Eroding Red Water to the Medium Completion Realm."

Jiang Jiang Daolian glanced at Chen Heng and said expressionlessly:

"Remember, you owe me much; if when the time comes for you to exert effort you deliberately hedge and delay, then you truly deserve to die!

Even to the ends of the earth, I swear I will kill you!"

"Even if Senior Sister Jiang does not trust my character, with a Dharma Contract binding us, should you not at least trust your own Dharma Contract?"

Chen Heng rose, bowed with fists clasped, and said solemnly:

"Heng is not a person who betrays righteousness; for today's great kindness, there will surely be repayment in the future!"

During these few months of interaction, this was the first time Jiang Jiang Daolian had seen such a grave expression on his face; she was dazed for a moment, then turned her face away.

"Remember the words you spoke today; do not forget them!"

She said.

Chen Heng smiled slightly and shook his head.

And just before taking his leave.

Jiang Jiang Daolian suddenly called out to stop him again.

"Oh, right. Since you were hailed as the 'Crown of the Four Academies,' I have heard that in these past days, many people have invited you to travel abroad together to earn merit?"

"Rest assured, Senior Sister Jiang; I will not lightly depart from Jin Tingshan."

Chen Heng understood the meaning behind her words and answered in a slow voice.

"I have placed a heavy bet on you; if you die, would not all my painstaking efforts be wasted in vain?"

Jiang Jiang Daolian replied in a light voice:

"If you lack anything, you may simply tell me; after all, sooner or later, you will have to repay everything in full!"

Chen Heng raised his eyebrows slightly, cupped his hands briefly, and behind him a ray of brilliant light rose up, enveloping him; in an instant, he vanished from the spot, his whereabouts gone.

Jiang Jiang Daolian watched him depart into the distance, then slowly rose to her feet and exited the hut.

"Young Lady."

The female attendant guarding outside the door, seeing this, hurriedly followed behind her; after hesitating for a few breaths, she still said with embarrassment:

"Young Lady, I found that Chen Chen Langjun's temperament seems very gentle and humble; he displays no arrogance or commanding manner; he..."

"Gentle and humble? Do you mistake him for a white-faced scholar from a storybook?"

Jiang Jiang Daolian halted her steps, glanced faintly at the female attendant, and said: "Cai Niang, if you truly think so, then you have misjudged him."

"Eh?"

The female attendant was bewildered.

"When he struck me with that sword, he showed not a shred of mercy."

Jiang Jiang Daolian slowly raised her hand to touch her jade-like neck; after a moment of silence, she suddenly broke into a smile:

"However.

Never mind..."

Five days later.

Jin Tingshan, Stone Drum Peak.

The sound of stringed instruments spread far and wide, melodious and lingering, while colorful flowers fell in a chaotic dance.

Looking out, countless fleeing lights and talismanic artifacts crisscrossed the sky, like a meteor stream illuminating the void, majestic and grand, as if trying to pack the cloudy heavens completely full.

A long-faced Daoist standing at the foot of Stone Drum Peak, seeing this scene, sighed faintly in his heart and said to the companion beside him:

"Is this the Wine Vessel Dharma Assembly of Senior Brother Xie Xie Huizhai? Merely because he is a Gao Gong of the Purple Palace Realm and comes from an aristocratic family, so many people come to support his spectacle?

Tell me, is this situation strange or not?"

My feelings are complicated; the Eastern Jin historical novel I have been chasing has not updated for several days, and the author has given no definite news; could it really be abandoned?...

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(End of Chapter)