Chapter 197: Overwhelming a Thousand Stalks of Bamboo

Misty clouds scattered their colors; the sun and moon shimmered with light.

A thousand ancient cypresses, ten thousand sections of slender bamboo—

As the ninth peak of Jin Tingshan, Stone Drum Peak was already densely populated by members of aristocratic families, gathered like birds and fish scales, its scenery always magnificent and brilliantly displaying an overwhelming air of wealth.

Recently, to welcome the arrival of this Pot and Cup Dharma Assembly, these aristocrats had added even more decorations, making the landscape picturesque and extravagantly luxurious.

Looking out across the scene.

It was precisely a view of gates adorned with gold and jade, ground lined with brocade, the spiritual peak clear and elegant, and heavenly fragrance drifting ethereally.

At this moment.

One could hear that in the long-faced Daoist's voice, beyond mere sighs of emotion, there also lurked a trace of barely perceptible indignation and envy.

His companion beside him turned his eyes to glance at him, then could not help but tease:

"The aristocratic families possess wealth and luxury, but what does that have to do with you, Bao Cong, that you display such an attitude? Could it be that you are weary of life in the mountains, disdain the hardships of cultivation, and wish to descend the mountain to enter the mortal world and become a wealthy king or marquis?

If that is truly the case.

At least wait until you receive this month's stipend from the Wei Wei Yuanzhong, give that stipend completely to me, and then go down the mountain. Allow your humble brother to take advantage of you, Xiao Xiao Shixiong, one last time; ultimately, it will not be a loss!"

"Rascal, you rascal! When has your father He Ceng ever had such thoughts? Do not speak recklessly or fabricate nonsense!"

Upon hearing this, the long-faced Daoist Bao Cong first stared in astonishment.

Immediately after, he raised his sleeve, pointed at his companion's face, and could not help but laugh and scold a few times...

Because the main gate of the Yu Yuchen Sect, the Xiaoming Great Marsh, lay within the Eastern Region.

Among the mortal people of this Eastern Region, there had always prevailed a prevailing trend of revering the Dao and valuing the mysterious.

Not only were Daoists who had achieved success in cultivation treated with the utmost courtesy.

This was due to fear of divine powers and arts, or admiration for the carefree pursuit of immortality; such things were not strange.

Even wandering Daoists who knew only a few shallow techniques.

If they did not deliberately stir up trouble or play tricks, they could live very comfortably in the mortal world of the Eastern Region, lacking neither wealth nor honor.

Furthermore, under the accumulation of years, the secular authority of the Eastern Region had become inseparable from the Yu Yuchen Sect.

For instance, not far beyond a hundred li from Jin Tingshan, one would reach the Jiang Zhi Jie of a small kingdom, whose national title was Zheng.

The ruler of that State of Zheng was the biological son of an elder from the Yuchenshang Sect; in his youth, he had also entered the four major lower academies to cultivate, but due to inadequate ability, he failed to compete for the position of one of the ten great disciples to enter the Yuchenshang Sect, and being weary of the hardships of cultivation, he was unwilling to continue climbing the path of immortality.

Later, through his father's efforts, he went to the mortal world to become the ruler of a small kingdom, where he fully enjoyed the wealth and honor of the human realm, living freely and happily.

As for the mortal lands of the Eastern Region.

There existed in total twenty-four great kingdoms and three hundred small kingdoms.

Those who held the reins of courtly power within them were all related by blood or marriage to the Yu Yuchen Sect, maintaining connections without a single exception.

The long-faced Daoist Bao Xin was an inner disciple of the Changying Courtyard; regarding origin and status, he naturally ranked above disciples of the various major Dao lineages and separate residences, and could be said to belong to the orthodox disciples of the Yu Yuchen Sect!

If he truly grew weary of immortal cultivation and wished to go to the mortal world for pleasure and enjoyment.

Within the Eastern Region, whether among the twenty-four great kingdoms or those three hundred small kingdoms, all would welcome him with open arms...

After a round of teasing and laughter, Bao Xin and his companion ascended the mountain path of Stone Drum Peak.

They had not traveled for long.

What came into view was a large vermilion gate archway, hung with beaded ribbons and decorated with precious items like crystal and coral; measuring about three zhang square, it shone dazzlingly in the sunlight, extremely magnificent.

Beside the gate archway stood a small table, where an old man dressed as a scholar, with spirited eyes and a faint layer of mysterious energy circulating on his face, sat holding paper and brush, seemingly recording something.

"Even an old servant of an aristocratic family possesses such cultivation? It seems this Xiao Xiao Shixiong Xie Xie Huizhai holds a remarkable status within the aristocratic family?"

Seeing this, Bao Cong felt a slight surprise in his heart and exchanged a glance with his companion.

Behind the old servant stood two Wusheng Wusheng Tongzi with red lips and white teeth; seeing people approaching on the mountain path, they hurriedly signaled to the old servant who was bent over the table writing swiftly.

"Forgive us, forgive us!"

The old servant quickly put down his paper and brush, looked up to see Bao Cong and his companion, rushed forward, stopped a few steps away, bowed with clasped hands, his expression extremely respectful:

"May I dare to ask the names of you two true cultivators? I wonder if you two cultivate in the Changying Courtyard or in one of the other three courtyards?"

"We are both disciples of the Changying Courtyard, fellow disciples with Xiao Xiao Shixiong Xie Xie Huizhai, and have come specifically to attend this Dharma Assembly."

Bao Cong slightly cupped his hands and said:

"My name is Bao Cong."

"My name is Pei Jing."

Bao Cong's companion smiled and spoke.

"Bao Cong, Pei Jing... these two surnames?"

The old servant pondered in his mind for several moments.

Recalling the twelve aristocratic families, there existed no Bao surname nor Pei surname among them.

Moreover, seeing that they were climbing the steps on foot, had not ridden any Dharma carriage or similar vehicle when departing, and had no female attendants or servants following beside them.

Judging by this, these two should be of humble lineage or individuals with no background at all...

However, even though he suspected that Bao Cong and Pei Jing came from lowly families.

The old servant's face showed no hint of disdain or arrogance; he remained respectfully polite, leaving no room for others to find fault.

Not to mention that any inner disciple of the Changying Courtyard held a status far above his own, figures that a mere household slave like him could absolutely not afford to offend.

Furthermore, he was an old servant of the Changyou Xie clan; for generations upon generations, his family had been born into servitude to the Xie clan.

Over many years.

He had naturally come to know certain insider information...

The old servant had vaguely heard that although today's Pot and Cup Dharma Assembly was originally initiated by two younger generations of the clan, Xie Xie Huizhai and Xie Tang, once the news spread, it received approval from many clan elders of the Xie family, who even actively helped build momentum for it, reaching the ears of even the Xie clan master.

The true reason behind this.

It was nothing more than the growing tension between Xiang Yu Yuchen and the Great Families in recent years, with covert struggles intensifying and even showing signs of turning bloody.

At this critical juncture.

The actions of Xie Huizhai and Xie Tang had, inadvertently, provided the Great Families with a way to save face.

After some deliberation, the people of the Great Families, since major matters were at hand and it was far from the time to tear off the mask, were pleased to see this and even took the initiative to amplify the momentum.

This was also a gesture of weakness toward the Yu Yuchen Sect, actively displaying goodwill for reconciliation.

……

"Two True Cultivators, please pause your steps for a moment."

After quietly committing these two names to memory.

Seeing that Bao Cong and Pei Jing were about to leave, the old servant hurriedly called out to stop them, smiling apologetically as he spoke:

"A few meager gifts, not worthy of your regard, but these were specially instructed by the Master beforehand; every inner disciple attending the Dharma Assembly is entitled to one. Please do not disdain their roughness."

Behind the old servant, two young attendants, upon hearing this, produced two jade boxes, held them in both hands, and presented them with utmost reverence.

Bao Cong did not decline; he chuckled lightly and took them into his hand.

He weighed them slightly, noticing the jade boxes were not light, and merely holding them in his hand brought a sensation of cool comfort that penetrated his flesh, nourishing his heart vessels, causing him to feel a moment of surprise.

"Then many thanks."

Pei Jing smiled similarly, cupped his hands in a bow, and together with Bao Cong passed through the cave gate, following the mountain path to continue toward Stone Drum Peak.

After turning a fork in the path.

The resplendent cave gate and the old servant were no longer visible, and their figures could no longer be seen.

At this moment.

Bao Cong and Pei Jing exchanged a glance, then simultaneously drew the jade boxes from their sleeves and flung them open with great speed.

"Hiss…"

Upon seeing the contents of the box, Bao Cong, whose temperament was slightly lacking, could not help but draw in a sharp breath of cold air.

Pei Jing, standing nearby, did not fare much better; his pupils dilated, and he looked slightly dazed.

"It is actually Jinghui Xia, one of the Nine Glories; the Great Families have truly exerted great effort this time…"

A moment later.

Pei Jing looked up and spoke slowly to Bao Cong. …

In this world, there are nine Glories in total.

They are:

Bi Xia, Cai Xia, Zi Xia, Dan Xia, Yun Xia, Yan Xia, Ruiguang Xia, Jinghui Xia, and Puyun Bao Xia.

It is said that in ancient times, when Qi cultivators practiced cultivation, they would consume the Four Extremes Cloud Sprouts of the Immortals Above, bow to the radiance of the Five Directions Yuan Morning, and eat the essence of the Nine Glories.

And this Jinghui Xia.

Is one of the Nine Glories!

If refined into the body, it can nourish the spirit and intent, strengthen the physical shell, remove turbidity and transform the new, and refine the root nature; it is truly an unadulterated great medicine and spiritual elixir!

And every person attending this Dharma Assembly will receive a wisp of Jinghui Xia.

This wealth and abundance.

Truly left Pei Jing somewhat shocked…

"This 'Hu Shang Dharma Assembly'—it seems Xie Huizhai and Xie Tang are absolutely not the true masterminds! The one truly orchestrating this Dharma Assembly must be someone else!"

Pei Jing, having detected the strangeness, spoke to Bao Cong with a furrowed brow.

"Whether it is or isn't, what does it have to do with you and me?"

Bao Cong sneered.

Inside the jade box in his hand, a wisp of glory light about the length of a finger was now swirling with iridescent colors, resembling the hue of red clouds, extremely beautiful.

After watching for a moment, Bao Cong suddenly snapped the jade box shut, shoved it into his sleeve, and laughed boldly:

"Whoever the mastermind behind this Dharma Assembly is, the benefits of Jinghui Xia are real and undeniable; you and I will not lose out no matter what!

Even if the Great Families have some schemes and calculations, if the sky falls, the tall ones will bear it; with the various High Immortals of the Sect ahead of us, what are you worried about?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Jing was slightly stunned; after pondering for a moment, he could only smile bitterly and nod.

And the two of them climbed the steps upward together.

Before long, they reached the peak and saw a towering, massive palace.

The terrain here was already extremely high, as if reaching directly into the heavens.

And surrounding mists were ethereal, with a sea of clouds surging and churning at waist level; the atmosphere was extremely grand. Looking again at the magnificent, towering palace before them, one could not help but feel a sense of awe and admiration in the heart, as if standing in an immortal realm.

"This palace must have been specially renovated recently; I have come to Stone Drum Peak several times before, but I have never seen such a scene."

Bao Cong spoke to Pei Jing.

"Truly magnificent."

Pei Jing sighed lightly.

At this time, figures could be seen moving within the hall, clearly indicating that many people had arrived early.

Bao Cong and Pei Jing did not hesitate; they simply lifted the hems of their robes and stepped into the hall.

And as soon as they entered.

There were hundreds of crystal-clear jade tables arranged in two distinct rows on either side, and the seated disciples were all dressed in magnificent attire.

Many beautiful female attendants, like fluttering colorful butterflies, moved between these jade tables, holding glass vessels filled with pills, jade nectar, fruits, vegetables, and delicacies.

Bao Cong and Pei Jing had arrived a bit late this time.

They saw many familiar fellow disciples in the hall already exchanging cups and toasting each other from afar, drinking heartily; the scene was extremely noisy and lively.

"Two honored guests, allow this servant to lead you to your seats."

A maidservant with delicate features, draped in colorful silks, approached with graceful steps; drawing near, she offered the two a gentle smile, bowed slightly, and spoke.

"Why are Xiao Xiao Shixiong Xie Xie Huizhai and Senior Sister Xie Tang merely seated at the head, while those two Cangguang Cangguang Xuantai platforms hanging empty at the main seat—for whom exactly were they prepared?"

Bao Cong did not hurry to move; instead, he cast a deep glance into the hall and asked in a slow voice.

"Honored guests, please allow me to explain: those two Cangguang Cangguang Xuantai platforms were prepared for the Mingyou True Person of the Xie clan and an Elder from the Yuchenshang Sect."

The maidservant smiled and said, "Today's Hushang Dharma Assembly is jointly presided over by these two great True Persons."

"What?!"

Bao Cong was severely startled.

Having arrived here first, he had never heard any news that two great True Persons would come to personally preside over this Dharma Assembly.

He had originally thought the so-called Hushang Dharma Assembly was nothing more than an ordinary banquet among fellow disciples, at most grander in scale.

But seeing it today, he feared there were some schemes hidden within that he did not know about...

"Thank you for your trouble; please lead us to take our seats."

Just as Bao Cong was slightly distracted,

Pei Jing, without showing any emotion, pulled him once and smiled, saying,

The maidservant, accustomed to such sights, covered her lips and laughed softly, then led the two toward the empty Brother Yuan tables.

And this scene

was also seen by Xie Xie Huizhai at the head.

He shook his head imperceptibly, his eyes flashing; leaning back, he appeared rather listless.

"Ever since the clan ordered the Mingyou True Person to preside over this Dharma Assembly for you, you have maintained this half-dead appearance."

Xie Tang, beside him, glanced at him and transmitted her voice expressionlessly:

"With the clan providing manpower and funds while you reap the reputation, is that not good enough? Moreover, today's spectacle will surely draw Chen Heng here; is that not exactly what you desire?"

"No, no... I merely lament that as a member of an aristocratic family, once one dons this skin, removing it becomes exceedingly difficult. Every move, in the eyes of others, inevitably bears the clan's brand."

Xie Xie Huizhai sighed lightly and said,

"My original intention was simply to converse with Chen Heng, drink heartily, and enjoy ourselves thoroughly; who would have thought matters would unfold like this today?"

Hearing this, Xie Tang fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words.

And shortly after,

suddenly a beam of escaping light descended from the clouds, and a person was seen walking slowly into the hall.

"It is him!"

Xie Xie Huizhai's eyes lit up, his heart thinking.

The newcomer was tall and slender, wearing a white Daoist robe bound at the waist with a leather belt, devoid of superfluous ornaments; his hair was tied up with only a simple green-wood hairpin, faint and unstained by dust.

Yet it was precisely this simplicity

that made his divine bearing appear all the more lofty and penetrating.

Like a jade tree in the fairy gardens, his flowing radiance outshone others, surpassing a thousand stalks of bamboo...

The crowd fell slightly quiet upon his appearance, but soon faint noises of clamor and discussion arose.

Facing the gazes of everyone in the hall,

Chen Heng merely cupped his hands toward Xie Xie Huizhai at the head, who raised a cup in distant toast to him, then allowed the maidservant to lead him to an empty table to sit.

And during this time,

the maidservant also informed Chen Heng that this Dharma Assembly would be presided over by two great True Persons from the sect and the aristocratic family.

However, he had long known the inside story, so he felt little surprise, merely nodding slightly.

After taking his seat, Mi Hui, whose place was adjacent to his, was extremely excited, waving constantly to signal him.

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Mi, peace be with you."

Chen Heng smiled faintly.

Then his gaze shifted, landing on a person not far away.

It met precisely those clear, bright eyes that were looking at him, full of curiosity.

"Junior Sister Master Qiao, peace be with you."

After a moment of silence,

he spoke to Master Qiao Rui.

(End of Chapter)