69novels Chapter 366 - 231: The Power of Three Che Vehicles, Choosing the Path Forward (2)
Chapter 366 - 231: The Power of Three Che Vehicles, Choosing the Path Forward (2)
"How could it disappear overnight?"
He did hear some commotion within the residence, but due to his exhaustion, he paid it no mind. Who would have thought that the Daoist Official had dispatched Bearers of the Tripod to capture the entire Lu family?
"The news has already spread. It’s said they colluded with the remnants of the White Sun Sect. These people committed rebellion and treason, offending the Court’s taboos. In my opinion, Lu Zhongping will find it hard to recover from this!"
He Jingfeng answered truthfully.
"The White Sun Sect... is Lu Zhongping so bold?"
He Lichang was greatly shocked. The Dragon Court’s wanted list has long had the White Sun Sect at the top, not on the same level at all as the Four Reversals Sect, Ikkaido, or the He Mountain Sect.
This is because the White Sun Sect dared to assassinate the king and usurp the throne. Before the Supreme Emperor ascended the throne, there were two widely shocking public attacks. The most perilous incident was within thirty paces of the Imperial Palanquin.
Therefore, the methods the Dragon Court employs to suppress these traitors are extremely violent, adhering to a principle of "better to kill wrongly than to let go."
If it were any other faction, perhaps they could smooth things over by greasing some palms or clearing a path.
But being associated with remnants of the White Sun Sect is a major crime involved in implicating the whole family, bringing disaster to them all.
"Remnants, remnants... From these two words, one can see the Dragon Court’s hatred. The White Sun Sect is untouchable. Lu Zhongping, who once cherished his life, dared to take the risk. Truly, the courage of a bear and leopard!"
He Lichang paced back and forth, clenching his right hand into a fist and striking his palm, seemingly excited:
"In Yihai Prefecture’s Thirteenth Branch, one family disappears in an instant, and the many businesses left vacant are a piece of fat meat, our He Family benefits the most instead! Good news, very good news!"
The sorrowful expression of this elder of the He Family finally relaxed due to the loss of his beloved son. His eyes suddenly became bright.
"Father, there is one more thing. Brother Bai seems to have anticipated it and actively invited me to watch the show. Both he and his brother have exceptional aptitudes for spiritual cultivation, even receiving verbal praise from the Bearers of the Tripod."
He Jingfeng added.
"Spiritual cultivation aptitude? He’s just a fisherman from Black River County... Wait, Xiaoqi, you previously said you sent the He Family’s secret text book to Bai Qilang to make a connection?"
He Lichang frowned.
"Yes, back then, I thought that spiritual cultivation couldn’t do without material resources, and once Brother Bai got into the path, he would inevitably seek aid from our house. Looking back now, it’s truly laughable."
He Jingfeng spoke bitterly. With his perspective and understanding, how could he have imagined such a genius could easily surpass the two stages he himself had painstakingly and expensively climbed?
Is the gap between people really this big?
"Well done, Xiaoqi! Since this is the case, you can rightfully say you were the guide for Bai Qilang in his spiritual journey. The bond is thus established!"
He Lichang, however, was delighted:
"He must now be entering the Daoist School. When the time comes, you’ll accompany him, having such a strong person backing you will eliminate much scheming and bickering."
Has Brother Bai become my backer?
He Jingfeng’s eye twitched. The Thirteenth Branch’s prestigious high gate clinging to a fisherman from Black River County.
No one would have believed it half a year ago!
"Xiaoqi, are you worried about losing face?"
He Lichang asked.
"Brother Bai is capable and resourceful, and I’ve always respected him. Foolish people like Feng Shao Ling and Zheng Heng think Brother Bai relied on his mentor Ninghai Zen to rise up. But I believe that even without being a successor of Tongwen Hall, he would have carved out his own territory sooner or later."
He Jingfeng shook his head:
"I’m merely pondering, Father, as you once taught me, when associating for profit, sincerity is rare; without profit, forging relationships is even harder.
Brother Bai is now thriving, not only having Ninghai Zen as a teacher but also favored by the Daoist Official. Our He Family, can it even catch his eye now?
Today, in the mourning hall, the various elders of the Thirteenth Branch looked down on Brother Bai, thinking he’s unqualified for that position. However, after tonight, everyone in Yihai Prefecture will know Bai Qilang’s name.
Other families may rush to visit him. What kind of sincerity should we show?"
Upon hearing this, He Lichang furrowed his brows tightly and said angrily:
"If I had known, I should have given you a sister or a younger sister. What a pity."
This elder of the He Family had often been proud that the main branch had only sons, ensuring there was always a successor to uphold the family’s prestige.
Now, he regretted missing having a beautiful daughter.
"The Zheng family’s daughter is said to be stunning; the Shi family’s daughter, extraordinarily talented; the Zhu family’s daughter, charming..."
He Jingfeng reminded.
"You sure know them well!"
He Lichang gave his son a sidelong glance for no reason.
"Is it not possible for a son of the He Family to forge a genuine connection with Bai Qilang?"
He Jingfeng smiled wryly:
"Brother Bai isn’t one to be easily deceived. Whether we have true camaraderie is something both of us understand clearly."
He Lichang pondered for a moment:
"Throughout history, nothing entices hearts more than fame and fortune. Today in the mourning hall, I observed Bai Qilang’s calm demeanor and steady temperament. Hidden arrogance in his brow showed he’s not concerned with the Thirteenth Branch, indicating he’s someone who can accomplish great things, a heroic talent.
Our He Family’s foundation lies in one, the hundred acres of spirit field where we can grow Jade Water Rice, and two, the Luozhu Pearl Field at the foot of Fulong Mountain.
Although not as valuable as the cultivation treasures used by the nobility of Celestial Water Prefecture, it is still a rare victory ground where Bai Qilang can stay for several days to nourish his Divine Soul Thoughts."
He Jingfeng was shocked, feeling that his father truly had courage. The Luozhu Pearl Field was rich in spirit pearls, which could be ground into powder to whiten skin and enhance beauty—a beloved item among the noble women of Celestial Water Prefecture.
Every year, the He Family shipped several boatloads to trade for tens of thousands of snowflake silver. It was in high demand and quite competitive.
With He Lichang’s offer, it would undoubtedly impact pearl trading, possibly annoying some troublesome noble mistresses.
"Our He family is weak and must rely on a few large trees to support itself through this period. Bai Qilang’s future is clearly limitless, so some immediate small profits, we can forgo."
He Lichang gazed at the yet-remodeled mourning hall setup, the large white lanterns swayed in the wind, casting rippling shadows, yet this elder of the He family laughed:
"Moreover, with the Lu family making up for the loss, their Ronghua Studio has so many treasures hidden, even the Vermilion Bird Copper Lamp is brought back. It’s a breath of fresh air, settling the grievances."
...
...
"This Inner Scenic Land is truly peculiar."
Bai Qi’s Divine Soul Embryo felt like it was soaking in a hot spring, immediately feeling warm and exceptionally comfortable.
Polished thoughts, crystal and bright, resembled infants opening their mouths to ingest, highly nourished and instantaneously doubled in size, inexplicably feeling completely satiated.
"This is indeed an Inner Scenic Land accommodating spiritual mechanism, a rarity among rarities!"
Bai Qi felt immense joy at heart, reflecting on his own recent incredible luck, constantly encountering good fortunes falling upon him.
His previously unstable Divine Soul Embryo swiftly outlined a vague silhouette, drifting toward a glowing white jade-like stele a zhang high. With a slight sense, rows of characters emerged:
"Walk east one hundred and twenty paces, collect one supreme herb, excellent."
"Walk west five hundred paces, encounter a Celestial Marrow Pool, greatly beneficial, but guarded by a spirit creature, moderate to low risk."
"Walk north half a mile, there lies a Ghost Immortal’s malicious thought, approach it leads to death, very low, greatly ominous."
Bai Qi found himself stunned, three routes, three rewards?
Could he have them all?
...
...
"East with no danger yet only yields the subtlety of a Small River Vehicle, attaining a Dragon and Tiger Jade Liquid Great Rejuvenation Pill; West with risk yet no worry, harvesting the essence of a Large River Vehicle, taking a Mud Ball Jade Liquid Great Rejuvenation Pill; North is a one-in-nine chance of survival, offering the greatest benefit!
One rise, one fall, meeting before the Twelfth Floor, each rejuvenating pill emanating countless golden rays, known as the Purple River Vehicle. The Purple River Vehicle represents a great achievement in Taoist alchemy. Consuming that Nine-Nine Water and Fire Great Rejuvenation Pill, one transforms immediately, possessing the potential to become a Ghost Immortal... Let’s see which this kid chooses!"
Chen Yin observed secretly. Based on his guess, Bai Qi would most likely pick the path to the west, with the safest return.
But, at the next moment, this White Sun Sect Leader frowned slightly, seeming surprised.
"Taking the eastern route seems rather unambitious."
...
...
In front of the Glowing White Stele, as Bai Qi hesitated, he heard the voice of Master Chen Xing:
"Good grandson disciple, listen to me, go east first, then west, finally north, we’ll take them all, clean out the place!"