Chapter 55: The Young Lady

That fleeing light was brilliantly dazzling; with just a gentle trail, it seemed as if colorful catkins were dancing wildly, exceedingly rich and gorgeous.

Standing within the fleeing light was a girl of seventeen or eighteen, with phoenix eyebrows and refined eyes, beautiful and delicate as a painting; between her glances naturally emanated a lively heroism, which, set against her currently flushed cheeks, added several degrees of color, making her appear even more vivid and adorable.

"Master..."

Tu Shan Ge spread his hands.

It was not that he did not wish to avoid her, but although this Cloud-Rubbing Flying Boat was good to look at, it was ultimately only a low-grade talismanic artifact, its fleeing speed far inferior to that of a floating sky-lounge ship.

Even though he exerted all his strength to fly, in less time than it takes to drink half a cup of tea, he was caught up by her.

"Although the Canhe Chariot is somewhat faster, it can only carry one person; surely I cannot tie you and Tu Shan Zhuang to the rear of the chariot with ropes and fly you like kites?"

Chen Heng shook his head.

He condensed a patch of clouds and mist beneath his feet to support his form, also stepping out of the flying boat, and from a distance performed a bowed salute.

"Senior Sister Zhu, we have not met for a long time."

After performing the rites, Chen Heng said, "You entered the Dao before me; the one who achieves first takes precedence, so I dare not accept this address of 'Xiao Xiao Shixiong' from you."

The newcomer was indeed a clansman of the Zhu family of Lanliang City, named Zhu Wanzhi; shortly after her birth, she was favored by a Refiner of Bai He Cave who took her as a disciple and brought her back to the sect mountain to study the Dao.

Although Chen Heng's predecessor had heard this name, he had never actually seen her face.

It was only recently, when he and Xu Zhi were returning from Xuanzhen Sect to Lanliang City, that they happened to encounter Zhu Wanzhi, who was leading her clansmen out on a hunting excursion.

Furthermore, the various reasons why the Chen clan was being pressured by Daoist Yangshan all came from Zhu Wanzhi's mouth, allowing Chen Heng to know of them beforehand.

However, the two of them had only that single encounter.

After Daoist Daoist Yangshan died and Chen Heng took over his dharma site, they had never met again.

According to Tu Shan Ge, while he was in closed-door cultivation within the quiet chamber inside the mountain, Zhu Wanzhi had frequently sought him out several times.

But at that time, Chen Heng was still busy studying and practicing the methods within the Qi-refining technique, naturally having no leisure to attend to other matters, and thus repeatedly missed her.

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Chen."

Seeing Chen Heng step out of the flying boat, Zhu Wanzhi said joyfully:

"Why has Xiao Xiao Shixiong avoided seeing me so many times? If I had not seen Divine Lord Tu Shan today, I would not have known that Xiao Xiao Shixiong was actually on this boat..."

Zhu Wanzhi seemed not to hear his words at all, but merely said happily, "Please, Xiao Xiao Shixiong, come inside for a chat! This floating sky-lounge ship is a new treasure acquired by Xiao Xiao Shixiong Zhou; there are several fellow disciples from Bai He Cave inside, and I happen to be able to introduce you to a few of them!"

Bai He Cave, along with Refining Rock Mountain and Huanhua Sword Sect, were among the handful of powers in this vicinity garrisoned by a Dongxuan Refiner.

Thirty years ago, when Ai Xiao Jian, the sect master of Xuanzhen Sect, wished to occupy Xiao Ganshan and use this mountain ridge as the foundation for his sect, he had once fought a battle with these several sects, killing quite a few Daoists.

The Great Elder of Huanhua Sword Sect at that time, known as the foremost sword Dao grandmaster of the Six States, was so terrified by Ai Xiao Jian's flying sword that his corpse was even chopped into three neat segments.

For this reason, relations between Xuanzhen Sect and the nearby cultivation sects had always been thin on human sentiment, with little interaction.

It was only after Ai Xiao Jian's cultivation advanced another level that relations between the two sides gradually eased; whenever there was a festival or dharma assembly, these several sects would present congratulatory gifts to show their respect.

Hearing Zhu Wanzhi's invitation.

Chen Heng silently inspected.

He saw that the three or five auras within that floating sky-lounge ship were not particularly profound; if he were to make a move, killing them all would not be too difficult.

At the same time, that floating sky-lounge ship also hung quietly a hundred zhang away, as if waiting for the two of them.

After a slight hesitation, he thus no longer refused Zhu Wanzhi's persistent entanglement; nodding slightly, he followed her flying forward.

The lounge ship was entirely brilliant gold; its hull was flat, slender, and long, like a huge leaf of a phoenix tree, extremely broad and vast; upon closer inspection, it was actually divided into three levels, and in the main pavilion of these three levels, all cave doors and window frames stood open, the furnishings inside appearing quite elegant, and when the lamps flared up, they made the entire hall radiant with splendor.

Judging only by its spiritual light and momentum, one could tell it was an excellent mid-grade talismanic artifact; not to mention Chen Heng's Cloud-Rubbing Flying Boat, even the Canhe Chariot would be somewhat inferior.

And after Chen Heng and Zhu Wanzhi landed in the main pavilion.

In the hall, a young Daoist wearing a hemp crown and straw raincoat, with a head full of white hair, immediately rose and actively came forward with a loud laugh to welcome them.

"Long admired, long admired! Xiao Xiao Shixiong Chen accomplished great deeds in Yuanjing; that the Rong clan was able to survive and find a foothold relies entirely on the grace of Fellow Daoist!"

Bowing his hands, he said, "This poor Daoist is Zhou Zhou Xingling of Bai He Cave; my master is Refiner Jiang Gu, who shares a Mo Ni friendship with your sect's Elder Gu Jun. I heard long ago from Qiao Shimei Zhu about how remarkable Xiao Xiao Shixiong's demeanor is; today's meeting indeed proves that seeing is better than hearing! It makes one's heart submit!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Wanzhi, standing beside Chen Heng, immediately turned her jade-like face crimson, feeling heat even at the roots of her ears.

The many Bai He Cave disciples in the hall burst into laughter, clapping their hands.

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Zhou is too polite; you make this poor Daoist feel ashamed beyond measure."

Chen Heng glanced around; he saw that this hall was also extremely spacious, sufficient to accommodate fifty people, and at this moment, seven or eight Bai He Cave disciples were seated at the tables; seeing Chen Heng's gaze sweep over them, they all nodded in greeting.

"However, how could someone as beautiful as Senior Sister Zhu be someone I dare to admire?"

Chen Heng smiled lightly and said, "Although I am not worth mentioning, I would never dare to tarnish Senior Sister Zhu's pure reputation; please, fellow senior brothers, do not make jokes about this matter."

"I..."

Zhu Wanzhi became anxious.

Zhou Zhou Xingling looked at her with his eyes, signaling her not to be impatient, as he still had a method.

Immediately, he took Chen Heng by the arm, pulled him to the seat, personally poured wine for him, and began chatting and laughing.

Although Zhu Wanzhi felt aggrieved, she could only return to her seat, glumly watching them converse.

And on the other side.

As the conversation deepened, Zhou Zhou Xingling's expression first showed surprise, then grew increasingly joyful.

He was aware of this person Chen Heng: a pitiful soul who had been forcibly abducted by Yan Zhen to Xuanzhen Sect to serve as a male favorite.

Had Yan Zhen not suddenly died, he would likely never have left Xiao Ganshan in this lifetime, remaining imprisoned there for his entire life.

Initially, Zhou Zhou Xingling had only acted because his own junior sister admired this person; after merely a single encounter, she had reached a state where she could hardly think of tea or rice, growing thinner day by day.

And to happen to meet him today was indeed a fortunate event!

For this reason, he had no choice but to set aside his dignity and specifically come to play the role of the Old Matchmaker.

However, mediating marriages for others was a first for Zhou Zhou Xingling; what exactly should be said, he was also completely at a loss.

And several of his junior brothers were equally useless; at this critical moment, they were all staring blankly at each other with wide eyes; not to mention helping, it would be good enough if they did not make mistakes!

Amidst all this entanglement, Zhou Zhou Xingling's mind raced, and he actually blurted out a Daoist doubt from his cultivation practice; but as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had misspoken and hurriedly bowed his hands to apologize.

Yet he had not expected Chen Heng to answer so lightly, with such clear logic and structure that Zhou Zhou Xingling could only admire, growing even more astonished and suspicious.

He tentatively asked several more questions, and every answer hit the mark precisely.

Thus.

Not only was Zhou Zhou Xingling overjoyed, but the few Bai He Cave disciples with him also leaped with excitement one after another.

Both sides tossed out numerous debate topics back and forth, such as "Heaven and Earth arise together, Yang blazes while Yin lies dormant," "Cultivation in the Twelve Months," "Grasping Firmness to Birth in Darkness," "Solitary Cultivation in Silent Sitting," "Breaking the Sheep Cart," and so on...

Although Chen Heng had not been in this world for long, he had crammed countless Daoist scriptures and classics within the True Dharma Realm, barely grasping a rough overview of their principles.

Moreover, he had cultivated the "Divine Dwelling Pivot Hua Daojun Speaks on the Tai Shi Yuan Zhen Scripture."

With such a high vantage point, even if the Daoist doubts raised by Zhou Zhou Xingling and his Bai He Cave junior brothers were somewhat tricky, although Chen Heng could not directly interpret them thoroughly, he was certainly capable of offering guidance on a few key points.

Seizing this opportunity, Chen Heng also asked about several uncertainties he had encountered during his Qi cultivation process.

Although these Bai He Cave disciples came from a Xiaozong Sect background, having been trained and nurtured since childhood under famous masters, their knowledge was profound through constant exposure and instruction.

Amidst their clamorous discussion, they resolved most of his obstacles.

Thus, both parties were delighted, instantly feeling regret that they had not met sooner.

Zhu Wanzhi had waited bitterly for an hour, yet saw no end; instead, the topic drifted further astray, shifting gradually from Qi cultivation and elixir consumption to alchemical furnaces, sword arts, health preservation, and strengthening qi and blood.

Listening with her mouth agape, she finally could not endure it and sent voice transmissions urging Zhou Zhou Xingling and the others several times.

But at this moment, these Bai He Cave Daoists were in the midst of profound realization; how could they stop so easily? Naturally, they treated her words as wind blowing past their ears, paying them no heed.

It was not until another half-ke had passed, and even Zhou Zhou Xingling felt mentally fatigued, unable to resist stopping to drink tea, that this debate temporarily ceased.

"Chen Chen Shidi is truly a celestial being! Regarding the term 'Leaping and Soaring,' when Chen Chen Shidi Xiahou asked me, although I understood one or two aspects, I could not find appropriate words to explain; when I asked our master, he was impatient and merely told me to read the Daoist scriptures a few more times..."

Zhou Zhou Xingling took a hearty gulp of tea and could not help but say:

"I did not expect Chen Chen Shidi to resolve it in just a few words; what immense erudition and powerful memory!"

As soon as these words left his mouth, the several Bai He Cave disciples cheered in unison.

Among them, that tall and simple-looking Chen Chen Shidi Xiahou sighed even more deeply, bowing repeatedly to Chen Heng to express his gratitude.

"With Chen Chen Shidi's words, I need not worry about being beaten with a plank during the next lesson assessment."

Shaking his head repeatedly, he said with a bitter smile: "Heaven have pity; my flesh and skin are so thick they do not resemble those of a Qi cultivator, but rather look entirely like a Innate Martial Artist who fights in the Jianghu."

"When Original Yang sinks and lies dormant, it is 'Hidden Potential'; when it rises and lifts, it is 'Leaping and Soaring.' When the Peng Qian Dragon has not moved, it is 'Hidden Potential'; when it moves and acts, it is 'Leaping and Soaring.' All this originates from the operation within the heart."

Chen Heng smiled faintly: "I merely happened to memorize it at the right time; I do not deserve such praise. I must thank all you Senior Brothers for resolving my doubts; indeed, you have lifted a great confusion from my heart."

"Chen Chen Shidi is truly a pity..."

Zhou Zhou Xingling looked at him with myriad complex emotions, his tone full of regret:

"I often hear our master say that Ai Xiao Jian, the leader of the Xuanzhen Sect, harbors no intention of education; he views his disciples merely as private property and servants, not truly as successors to his legacy... Although this sect exerts pressure over the region and we cannot resist it, it is destined not to last long; once a great calamity strikes, they will scatter like birds and beasts in an instant."

"It would have been better if you had joined our Bai He Cave."

Zhou Zhou Xingling could not help but sigh even more deeply: "Although Bai He Cave is merely a small sect, our elders are approachable; although they may have schemes and calculations, they never cross the line. If you were my junior brother, our master would surely be delighted!"

Chen Heng merely smiled without speaking.

Zhou Zhou Xingling also realized his Tang Tu, shook his head, and fell silent.

At this moment, he felt even more strongly that Chen Heng was a refined person; apart from his extraordinarily beautiful appearance, his speech, talent, and demeanor were all first-rate among those he had ever seen.

When he further considered his junior sister's feelings, he could not help but become somewhat hesitant.

"Qiao Shimei Zhu seems quite mismatched with this gentleman; even if we forcibly arrange a marriage, the outcome may not be good..."

Zhou Xingling glanced quietly at Zhu Wanzhi, thinking to himself:

"Moreover, Chen Chen Shidi already has no interest in her; why should I cause him displeasure and lose a Daoist friend with whom I can discuss profound truths and debate?"

Thinking thus.

Zhou Zhou Xingling instantly felt as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his heart, his entire body feeling utterly relaxed.

Meanwhile, Zhu Wanzhi felt that today's events were truly absurd.

Originally, she had begged her senior brothers to act as matchmakers for her; how did it happen that, back and forth, it turned into a group of men chatting with fiery enthusiasm?

Leaving her aside?

"Chen Chen Shidi, in a few days, the Immortal Dao Market of Cave Master Master Huaiwu will open; would you like to go?"

Having completely set aside his worries, Zhou Zhou Xingling had already forgotten his junior sister's matter beyond the nine heavens; hearing this, the other Bai He Cave disciples also spoke up one after another with various remarks.

"Cave Master Master Huaiwu..."

Chen Heng concentrated and thought for a moment before recalling this name from his memory, and could not help but ask curiously:

"I heard that this person went to the Eastern Sea to seek a dragon, moved his foundation from the Southern Region several years ago, and intended to become the excellent son-in-law of the Dragon Palace; how has he returned now?"

"How could marrying a Dragon Daughter be so easy! Cave Master Master Huaiwu is merely a loose cultivator, not a genius of the Bapailiu Sect; I heard those old dragons value status above all else; how could they look favorably upon him?"

A Bai He Cave disciple shook his head: "Even if Cave Master Master Huaiwu possesses Dongxuan cultivation, he can only marry a Shell Maiden, Clam Maiden, or Jiao Maiden. As for a Dragon Maiden, that is not something we can dare to hope for."

"However, before Cave Master Master Huaiwu departed far to the Eastern Sea, his Immortal Dao Market was located in the central Southern Region; now that he has returned to the Southern Region and intends to build his Immortal Dao Market here, not far from our mountain gate, it is truly a great fortune!"

That Bai He Cave disciple handed a jade slip to Chen Heng:

"Chen Chen Shidi, this contains the information; if you have leisure, please remember to attend the ceremony on that day; perhaps Cave Master Master Huaiwu will be in high spirits and bestow benefits upon us!"

"Thank you, Xiao Xiao Shixiong; then I shall accept with undue honor."

Chen Heng bowed in gratitude and tucked the jade slip into his sleeve.

He also found it inconvenient to stay longer.

After chatting a few more sentences and politely declining the Bai He Cave group's request to talk by candlelight through the night, he took his leave amidst Zhu Wanzhi's complex gaze.

Not long after Chen Heng departed, another brilliant, shimmering flight light, like a long rainbow spreading over water, fell into the hall.

"Senior Sister Wen? You have arrived a step too late."

As the rainbow-like flight light vanished, a woman in plain clothes was seen standing in the hall.

Her figure was graceful, slender, and beautiful, standing tall and straight; although she wore a veiled hat and covered her face with light gauze, obscuring her features, judging solely from her lithe form, supple like willow branches in spring, one knew she was a beauty capable of toppling a kingdom.

After this young lady appeared, all the disciples of Bai He Cave blushed, daring not to look up; only Zhou Zhou Xingling could still somewhat steady his mind.

"What nonsense! Are you imitating those bald donkeys trading riddles? Speak clearly!"

Beside the young lady stood a plump girl in green robes, her cheeks and arms round and chubby; she planted her hands on her hips and shouted:

"Does arriving early mean we can send you off to your funeral?"

"..." Zhou Zhou Xingling gave a bitter smile; he was used to such things and did not take offense at the green-robed girl's rudeness.

"Just now, Chen Chen Shidi Heng of Xuanzhen Sect departed not long ago; truly a figure akin to a celestial being, his bearing and conduct both impeccable!"

Zhou Zhou Xingling said solemnly, "If Qiao Shimei Wen were to meet him, you two would surely have much to discuss."

"Chen Heng... what a wretched name; so awkward to pronounce."

The green-robed girl froze, then quietly transmitted her voice:

"Young Lady, this fool from the Southern Region speaks of someone I feel I've heard of before?"

"When Aunt visited Ai Xiao Jian of Xuanzhen Sect, she once saw a beautiful youth whom she could not forget; she mentioned him to me repeatedly, alas, he was not the Son of Heaven of Yin."

The young lady also transmitted her voice; her tone was soft and melodious, like two fine jades slowly resonating together:

"That person's name is indeed Chen Heng."