Chapter 74: Fu Can Laozu

Tai Fu Palace—

One of the Eight Sects and Six Clans of Xu Doutian, its mountain gate lies within Yangrang Mountain in Dong Hunzhou, neighboring the Zhongyi Sword Sect and Shen Yu Sect; the three houses each control one of the last three spiritual caves remaining in Dong Mi Zhou.

This great sect is the most mysterious among the Eight Sects and Six Clans, excluding Bei Ji Yuan, and also has the fewest disciples among them.

It selects disciples solely based on fortune and spiritual aptitude; each generation never exceeds ten fingers’ worth.

It has no secondary estates, nor does it maintain numerous branch halls or Dao lineages.

Tai Fu Palace grounds its Dao in talisman arts, famed for possessing seventy-seven upper-clear divine talismans, each endowed with inconceivable power!

If fully activated, they could recreate heaven and earth, restore the primordial state—mere trivial matters! Even turning this sky into a desolate end-time void, devoid of sun, moon, light, substance, or support, would merely require extra thought and effort.

According to this tiny old man who calls himself Fu Can Laozu:

His original form is a great Yanxing Shen, brought from the outer void by the fourth patriarch of Tai Fu Palace and personally planted within Yangrang Mountain.

After countless eons passed, he was gradually infused with the purest Dao-nature, giving birth to a primordial spirit root.

Though his true body remains within Tai Fu Palace’s mountain gate, to avoid the covetous eyes of immortal elites nearing death and rebirth, he rarely ventures out.

Yet this great Yanxing Shen grew within one of the supreme talisman immortal sects of the cosmos, having read countless talisman scriptures and incantations—even half of the seventy-seven upper-clear divine talismans were seen by him under fortuitous circumstances.

Thus, though Fu Can Laozu is a plant spirit, he has cultivated astonishing, earth-shaking abilities; each of his ginseng leaves is a unique talisman with its own marvel.

Whenever a Tai Fu Palace disciple prepares to descend the mountain, Fu Can Laozu generously gives away his ginseng leaves—dozens at most, at least five fingers’ worth.

For he knows he is an immortal root that sustains life; if he dares to leave the protective gates of Tai Fu Palace, he will surely be captured within moments by ruthless powerful beings and thrown into an alchemical furnace to be refined into an immortal elixir.

Yet he himself is naturally restless and fond of merriment, longing to wander the endless worlds and behold the scenery of this cosmos.

So he petitioned Tai Fu Palace’s great ones to craft a special method of primordial spirit division for his plant-based body, allowing a fragment of his spirit to dwell within those ginseng leaves.

Thus, while his true body remains in Yangrang Mountain, he can still witness the colors of mountains and rivers whenever disciples travel.

Once this became known,

countless disciples of the Eight Sects and Six Clans passing through Yangrang Mountain in Dong Hunzhou would deliberately visit Tai Fu Palace to beg for ginseng leaves, to equip themselves with extra means.

And this old man never refused any requester, regardless of whether they were from the Daoist or demonic path; whoever came seeking, he gave freely.

Since Tai Fu Palace has always had few disciples, and rarely intervenes in worldly affairs except during cataclysms like the “Zhong Lang Catastrophe”…

Not only Daoist sects, but even the Six Demonic Clans were willing to befriend it; the Twelve Worldly Clans, ever worldly and smooth, need not be mentioned.

Under Fu Can Laozu’s indiscriminate generosity, within twenty years, this great Yanxing Shen was nearly stripped bare…

The matter even reached the attention of Tai Fu Palace’s patriarch, who was then visiting friends beyond the heavens; she was forced to return hastily, personally admonish Fu Can Laozu, and issue a talisman edict to all Eight Sects and Six Clans to halt the practice.

…

After hearing this tiny old man on his shoulder boast of his origins,

Chen Hang cast a questioning glance at Wei Lingjiang, who gave a slight nod, confirming these were truths.

“But why did Senior Fu Can say I resemble my father? My father…”

Chen Hang paused, suppressing a flicker of unease, and asked gravely:

“Who is my father?”

Since acquiring the Divine House Pivot Splendor Daoist’s Discourse on the Primordial True Classic, Chen Hang had harbored this doubt.

Whether the Qi-condensation technique,

or the four strange talismans in his qiankun bag, identified by [Mahā Śūnyatā Samādhi] as “Dou Lu,” still have no known use—

all pointed to one thing:

Something was deeply strange…

Was his biological father truly just a wandering Daoist who knew a few street tricks? Was his death truly caused by mental damage from visualization, leading to a hemorrhage?

Chen Hang felt as if an immense invisible net were slowly weaving itself over him, and he was already trapped within its cage; every step forward only tightened the threads, until finally, there was nowhere left to go, no escape possible.

Yet the Fu Can Laozu on his shoulder merely chuckled, offering no reply.

A cloud the size of a fingernail sprouted beneath his feet, carrying the tiny old man as he strained upward several feet; when the cloud reached above Chen Hang and Wei Lingjiang’s heads, Fu Can Laozu slowly bent lower, his eyes shifting back and forth between them.

“You’re a good-looking lad! Though your whole family is handsome, you’re handsomer than all your brothers—excellent! Excellent! Fine looks! Stolen!”

He sized Chen Hang up and down, a genuine look of admiration crossing his face as he raised a thumb.

“Noted… next time I go out, I’ll transform into this lad’s form for fun! Won’t the female Daoists beneath Yangrang Mountain go mad? Might even need extra dishes for wine!”

Fu Can Laozu quietly calculated in his mind, then chuckled to himself, baring his big front teeth before turning to Wei Lingjiang, his eyes brightening as he muttered:

“Hey! Girl, you’ve grown even more striking since I last saw you! Radiant! If you only judged by looks, you’d be a perfect pair with this lad—but—”

“How long has it been since you last saw me? At least a dozen years, I’d guess.”

Wei Lingjiang suddenly cut in coldly:

“I know you love disguising yourself as others to play in the mortal world, but don’t you dare use my face—or ours! Absolutely not! Or I’ll report you to Wanshou Palace and have Tai Fu Palace’s senior elders settle this.”

“….”

Fu Can Laozu glared, then sighed helplessly.

Wei Lingjiang’s words struck right at his heart, but having them spoken aloud so directly still embarrassed him.

“Look at this child—how rude! I’m your elder! How could I do such a low thing? You’re insulting me! Disrespecting Tai Fu Palace!”

Fu Can Laozu grumbled discontentedly.

Wei Lingjiang pretended not to hear, ignoring him entirely.

“But… you’re still a virgin? Hmph, I was wrong before—you don’t resemble your father at all!”

Fu Can Laozu stared again at Chen Hang and clicked his tongue:

“You’ve got quite the restraint, lad?”

Chen Hang’s face remained expressionless, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Fu Can Laozu couldn’t help but chuckle.

He’d had many ginseng leaves end up among the many descendants of Yu Shu; even now, Chen Yushu, residing in the “Waterborne Rongcheng Salvation” grotto, had once come to Yangrang Mountain as a youth to beg for his leaves.

Even with his deep experience observing the entire Yu Shu lineage,

this scene was quite amusing…

But before he could tease further, Wei Lingjiang shot him a cold glance.

Fu Can Laozu shrugged and fell silent.

“Could Senior answer my earlier question?”

Chen Hang hesitated, then stepped forward and bowed: “This matter has troubled me long. I beg you, Senior, to show mercy and speak.”

“Your question?”

Fu Can Laozu pondered a moment, then spoke slowly:

“Whether it’s misfortune or fortune now is hard to say. The unworthy need not be mentioned; but among the worthy, the most worthy has already carved out several lands beyond the heavens, established his own domain, and leads his own Dao—how delightful! How joyful! Even I envy his glory—but as for what comes next…”

At the end, he chuckled strangely, his eyes brimming with mockery; no matter how much Chen Hang pressed, he merely waved his hand and refused to speak.

Wei Lingjiang’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

She had grown up in Chi Ming Sect, always beside her master, Zhenjing True Person, rarely hearing outside gossip; moreover, Fu Can Laozu spoke in such cryptic, confusing terms, utterly impossible to decipher.

She glanced at Chen Hang, blinked, and couldn’t help asking:

But Fu Can Laozu now ignored any old Daoist ties; sensing Wei Lingjiang’s persistence, he simply covered his ears with his hands and shook his head like a rattle drum.

“No! No! If I speak, it won’t be fun anymore!”

Fu Can Laozu snapped:

“Hear this plainly: heaven and earth are vast, but amusement is greatest! I go out to seek amusement—if I can’t find amusement, why go out at all? Why not just sleep in Yangrang Mountain?”

Wei Lingjiang felt a headache coming, but could do nothing; she turned to Chen Hang, who still wore a calm expression.

“Since Senior refuses to speak further, then so be it. But I have another question.”

Wei Lingjiang heard Chen Hang speak:

“Senior claims to be from Tai Fu Palace, one of the Eight Sects and Six Clans—a proper Daoist immortal sect. Clearly, Sister and Senior are old acquaintances. But may I ask, which immortal sect is Sister from?”

Wei Lingjiang’s eyelid twitched, her fists clenched, and she instantly wished to ignore him.

“No! No! Old man is deaf and mute now!”

Fu Can Laozu grinned, lowered his cloud onto the tea table, waved his hand, and collapsed onto the ground like a corpse:

“You summoned me to discuss something, didn’t you? Speak quickly! I’m just a ten-thousand-li observing talisman now—no other powers, don’t expect me to fight your battles for you!”

Seeing his unyielding demeanor, Chen Hang realized he’d get nothing from this Fu Can Laozu; after brief thought, he let it go, steadied himself, and looked at Wei Lingjiang:

“Sister said you wish to remove Huaiwu Cave Lord—but is your only backup this ten-thousand-li observing talisman?”

Wei Lingjiang’s earlier words were no lie.

The Dispersing Form and Concealing Qi Art could mask spiritual aura, but could not alter the physical form; even with robes and masks, it was merely drawing more attention, utterly useless against a Cave-Enlightened Lianshi’s perception.

And Huaiwu Cave Lord’s gift of pills likely meant he’d already targeted the two of you; with his intent, even if you perfected the Dispersing Form and Concealing Qi Art, your chance of escaping Fuyu Lake remains slim.

“With Senior Fu Can’s ten-thousand-li observing talisman, plus your Great Formless Constant Realm true qi…”

Seeing Chen Hang’s calm expression—as if nothing had happened—Wei Lingjiang gritted her teeth, yet recounted the full story.

—

Huaiwu Cave Lord has long been known for his kindness, often befriending unestablished cultivators; others assume he’s making early investments, but from the Crane Embryo Pill incident, it’s clear these cultivators were all his pawns.

“You and I never took the Crane Embryo Pill, so he cannot remotely cast spells to turn us into demonic followers. But as long as he still covets you, he’ll inevitably act.”

Wei Lingjiang pointed at Fu Can Laozu:

“The ten-thousand-li observing talisman has no offensive or protective power, but when activated, it silently mirrors the surrounding scenery over ten thousand li. Whether Huaiwu Cave Lord or anyone else seeks to transform you into a demonic follower, they must use demonic magic—then—”

“Then the truth will be revealed! We can expose Huaiwu Cave Lord’s ties to demonic forces; even if Wu Guang Sect and Shen Huo Cliff know, they cannot pretend ignorance before so many witnesses.”

Chen Hang interjected: “But he’s at least a Cave-Enlightened cultivator—can this ten-thousand-li observing talisman truly deceive a Lianshi’s perception?”

“Nonsense! What nonsense! Are you questioning Old Man? Disrespecting Tai Fu Palace?!”

Before Wei Lingjiang could answer, Fu Can Laozu, who had been lying on the tea table, could no longer sit still—he was like a firecracker ready to explode at the slightest spark.

“Not even a Jin Dan cultivator can pierce through it; you need not hesitate.”

Neither paid attention to Fu Can Laozu’s loud outbursts; Wei Lingjiang shook her head and said:

“Moreover, the knife you borrow to kill is not from the Five Lights Sect—it’s from the Yucheng Sect. Their once-every-thirty-years Dao Line Examination is drawing near. At this moment, there must already be Yucheng Sect’s Patrol Daoists within the Southern Region, and nearby… To exterminate demons, one must wield the blade of such a great sect to strike decisively!”

“...Yucheng Sect? Dao Line Examination?”

Chen Hang was slightly startled, but now was not the time to ask further—he spoke again:

“Even if all of the above comes to pass, what if, when Huaiwu Cave Lord cast his demonic arts upon me, I truly became a demonic retainer? Do you really expect me to sacrifice my life to exterminate the demon?”

Wei Lingjiang’s gaze was calm; she took out another golden-light-wreathed, brilliantly glowing divine talisman and handed it to Chen Hang.

“This is the Golden Light Divine Talisman?”

Before Chen Hang could speak, Fu Can Laozu, still lying down, leapt up again:

“This thing isn’t easy to come by! It can expel spirits, ward off harm, and purge evil. Even back when I was in my prime, I burned through hundreds of ginseng leaves before I barely glimpsed its true essence! This talisman is something even Primordial Spirit True Persons struggle to obtain for protection. Girl, are you really giving this to this boy? He’s only Qi Condensation level—it’s a complete waste!”

Wei Lingjiang ignored him, watching as Chen Hang took it; only then did a faint hint of relief appear in her eyes.

This Golden Light Divine Talisman—

was obtained that day on Jiyan Island from an old man with yellow teeth.

She traded half a talisman coin for the rusted iron can in his hand—and inside the can lay the Golden Light Divine Talisman, a treasure even Primordial Spirit True Persons treasured.

Afterwards, Wei Lingjiang tried to find the old man again—but she never succeeded.

“Why don’t you ask why it has to be you who takes the risk?”

“Because my Great Formless Constant Qi? If you were to appear, your Qi’s rank would be instantly detected—Huaiwu Cave Lord would flee in panic.”

Chen Hang tore his gaze from the Golden Light Divine Talisman and said coolly:

“I can conceal my own aura—I’m the best bait. Isn’t that exactly what you thought?”

“I—”

“I’m not blaming you. The matter of Huaiwu Cave Lord concerns my life too. If evil can be utterly eradicated, I’m glad to help—even if it means playing bait.”

He lowered his gaze and said softly: “But can you be certain the Yucheng Sect is truly in the Southern Region? And that they’ll arrive in time?”

After seeing Wei Lingjiang nod.

Chen Hang fell silent, pondering for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

“What are you smiling at?”

Wei Lingjiang felt a sudden unease.

“Sigh, the resources needed for Qi Condensation cultivation are vast—but you, my brother, were born poor, destitute. You lack all four essentials: law, companions, land, and wealth. How hard it is.”

Wei Lingjiang’s face was expressionless. “Just say it plainly.”

“I say, Sister’s insight is brilliant.”

Chen Hang bowed with a smile: “I can be the bait—but—”

“More money?”

“More money.” Chen Hang said frankly. “Consider it blood money for risking my life. How about it?”

“...”

Wei Lingjiang shot him a sidelong glance.

She had no intention of responding to him.

But seeing the smile on his lips, she slowly lowered her eyes—and her own lips twitched, almost imperceptibly.

“If you drop that fake smile and truly smile, I’ll agree.” Wei Lingjiang said coolly.

“Is that so?”

Chen Hang wiped the smile from his lips and replied with equal coolness:

“Then let’s die together. It seems you’re determined to die with me? How touching.”

“You—”

Before Wei Lingjiang could retort, a knock came again at the door.

Chen Hang frowned slightly, touched the soundproofing seal on the door, and heard Qingzhi’s voice outside.

After a while, when the door still didn’t open, her shouting turned into wailing.

“Don’t open!”

Seeing Chen Hang listen quietly, then reach for the door, Wei Lingjiang grabbed his sleeve tightly: “Qingzhi’s tongue is the sharpest! If she sees us alone in the same room, there’ll be no explaining it!”

“If you let her keep wailing, she’ll alert the enemy.”

Chen Hang spoke: “We have nothing to hide. Why fear her gossip? Besides, Fu Can Laozu is right here in the room—how can we be called ‘two people’?”

“Hmm, actually, I don’t count as a person.”

Hearing his name, Fu Can Laozu lifted his head:

“I’m a great, life-extending ginseng…”

At that moment,

the door was opened from within.

Qingzhi stood outside, holding a full hand of candied haws, her face flushed with anger.

Seeing the door open and Wei Lingjiang still gripping Chen Hang’s sleeve, her expression shifted from shock to a knowing “I knew it.”

“You—”

Before Qingzhi could finish, Wei Lingjiang punched her down, seized her collar, and dragged her swiftly toward her own room.

“Why hit me?! I haven’t even said anything yet!”

Qingzhi’s vision went black.

When she finally regained her senses, she twisted her head to glare at Wei Lingjiang and cried out bitterly:

“You’d say nothing good anyway—better not to say anything.”

Wei Lingjiang didn’t look back.

“Won’t Laozu come with us?”

Seeing Wei Lingjiang’s door slam shut, Chen Hang closed his own door and asked the tiny old man on the tea table.

“You used the Ten-Thousand-Mile Seeing Talisman, not her. Why should I follow?”

Fu Can Laozu yawned lazily:

“That green-clad little fatso was noisy enough. I’ve no interest in dealing with her—my ears are tired!”

Chen Hang smiled.

He knew Fu Can Laozu wouldn’t reveal anything more to him; he bowed slightly, sat back down on the cushion, and took out a talisman coin to begin Qi cultivation.

Meanwhile, on the tea table a few steps away, Fu Can Laozu was surprised.

"You kid... are surprisingly sensible."

The tiny old man muttered, squinted, rolled over heavily on the table, and fell silent.

…

…

The next day.

Baoju Zhai.

In the main hall, Hao Qingyan still wore his purple robe, reclining on his chair, sipping tea, half-asleep.

Several clerks stood nearby, thick ledgers in hand, bowing slightly as if seeking his approval.

Suddenly, a light laugh came from outside. Hao Qingyan opened his eyes to see Chen Hang strolling into the hall.

“Manager is quite at ease—it seems this Daoist has disturbed your peace.”

When Hao Qingyan saw Chen Hang, his face instantly lit up with a smile. He bowed, ready to speak some flattering pleasantries.

At that moment,

Chen Hang slightly turned aside.

Another slender woman in a veiled hat and a round, green-clad girl entered.

“What’s this about?”

Hao Qingyan thought:

“Is this not about fencing stolen goods? Is he here with his Dao partner and family, shopping for them?”

Two in one.

Thank you to Aiqushaitaiyang for the support (this book has its first patron—how unexpected! One patron equals three bonus chapters, just like a thousand monthly votes—I’ll try to deliver these three by February).

Thank you to Wanwu Buji Dian Dian for the support, thank you to Lihua Kan Haitang for the support, thank you to Xiantu for 1000 points, thank you to Zhouguang Hulú for 500 points, thank you to Book Friend for 500 points, thank you to Liuli Yong Bu Liao for 200 points, thank you to OJLO for 200 points, thank you to Dk Xuanzi for 200 points, thank you to Pan Guan Shu Ling for 100 points, thank you to Dafeicai for 100 points, thank you to Zhan Zhan Zz for 200 points, thank you to Book Friend for 100 points, thank you to Lao Zi Zhi You for 100 points, thank you to Shuangyeying for 200 points, thank you to Shu Zhong Yi Chong Er for 100 points, thank you to Chiming Tian Di for 100 points, thank you to Hebi Duqing Na Zhi Mao for 100 points, thank you to Donghai Qing Li for 100 points, thank you to Qiansong Yu Qiangge for 100 points.