After sending away Chu Caiwei, Xu Qi’an, ignoring the Jianzheng’s presence, took the National Teacher’s slender hand and said affectionately,
“National Teacher, you led us back to the capital, travelling a long way. You must be tired.
Please return to Lingbao Temple and wait for me.”
He knew this personality was “Love”, and tried to influence the National Teacher with love.
Luo Yuheng replied softly,
“Then you must be sure to explain things to those women. We, as the dignified Daoist Leader of the Human Sect, will not allow you to be indecisive.”
It actually worked? Xu Qi’an nodded vigorously, “There is only the National Teacher in my heart.”
Anyway, after today, you’ll no longer be yourself.
Luo Yuheng rode a beam of golden light, vanishing in the direction of the Imperial City.
Watching the National Teacher leave, Xu Qi’an felt greatly relieved. The big shark had gone, his little fishes were safe.
Bidding farewell to the Jianzheng, he left via the wooden stairs. Guided by Chu Caiwei, he arrived at a tea room on the eighth floor, where he was reunited with Lin’an and Huaiqing, who he had not seen for some time.
The little white dress and little red dress that often appeared in his dreams…
As soon as the red-dressed Lin’an saw him, her flirtatious, affectionate peach-blossom eyes instantly filled with tears, her oval face etched with longing and grievance.
The white dress, as always, was proud and aloof, giving a faint nod as a greeting.
Yet at the moment she saw Xu Qi’an, her eyes softened.
Besides Huaiqing and Lin’an, the spacious tea room also held Chu Yuanzhen, Hengyuan, Li Miaozhen, and Zhong Li.
“Greetings, Your Highnesses, and Senior Sister Zhong. Seeing you safe and sound puts my mind at ease.”
Xu Qi’an greeted them all with a smile.
“Running Dog!”
Lin’an, out of habit, blurted out her affectionate nickname for him, stood up supported by the table, and walked over to him.
Her peach blossom eyes looked at him, wanting to speak but hesitating.
“Your cultivation has recovered quite a bit,” Zhong Li said quietly.
“Sir Xu has been travelling for many days. How much Dragon Qi have you collected?” Huaiqing asked.
With everyone present, they’re more reserved… Xu Qi’an walked to the table and took a seat, beginning to recount what had happened since he set out on his journey.
Lin’an rested her chin in her hands, smiling sweetly at him.
Huaiqing held her teacup, sipping from time to time and listening intently.
Zhong Li sat upright and proper, barely moving.
Chu Caiwei also sat beside him, nibbling on crystal pork hock as she listened.
Xu Qi’an knew the personalities of every lady present like the back of his hand; he shared travel anecdotes with Lin’an, spoke of food to Chu Caiwei, described collecting Dragon Qi for Huaiqing.
From Yongzhou, to Leizhou, back to Yongzhou, and then returning to the capital.
He finished within the time it took an incense stick to burn.
Of course, some things that should be omitted were omitted, such as all the details of his time with Mu Nanzhi.
“How interesting, we should see the jianghu for ourselves one day,” Lin’an said tenderly.
“When I have dealt with my affairs and regained my cultivation, I’ll take you travelling through the Central Plains,” Xu Qi’an replied gently.
Let’s hope it’s not just empty promises… he added quietly to himself.
“The Buddhist sect is collecting Dragon Qi too. Their ambitions for the Central Plains are obvious. We must beware of collusion between the Western Regions and the Yunzhou rebels,” Huaiqing remarked, as sharp as ever.
“Where is the ancient tomb guarded by the Chai family in Xiangzhou? Do you have a map?” Zhong Li was more interested in the tomb.
Sigh, I get anxiety just thinking about tombs and underground palaces… Xu Qi’an shook his head.
“Half the map is with the shaman clans. If we want to investigate the tomb in the future, we can ask Lina to help borrow the map.”
After answering their questions, Xu Qi’an asked,
“Your Highnesses, what brings you to the Sitianjian today?”
If it was just Lin’an, Xu Qi’an would not be surprised.
But Huaiqing would never defy curfew and leave the palace just to meet him, that was out of character for the eldest princess.
Huaiqing’s voice was melodious, like clashing ice, measured as she spoke:
“Dragon Qi concerns the rise and fall of the court, so of course we care. Besides, there are some recent troubles within the court that require your assistance, Sir Xu. We were afraid you might come and go quickly, even leaving the capital overnight, so we made a special trip.”
“What sort of troubles?” Xu Qi’an asked, catching the key detail.
Lin’an answered eagerly, “Ningyan… there are serious disasters everywhere. The imperial treasury is depleted. To turn things around, Brother Emperor wants the officials to donate money, and through them encourage the local gentry to donate as well, gathering as much silver as possible to relieve the victims.”
She was used to calling him “Running Dog”, so saying “Ningyan” made her seem a bit shy.
“But Brother Emperor has only recently ascended the throne. His power is not yet consolidated, he can’t win against those old foxes.” She pursed her lips, clutching Xu Qi’an’s hand, and pleaded quietly, “Could you help Brother Emperor?”
The candlelight was reflected in her peach blossom eyes, glistening with anxiety and hope.
“Alright!”
As soon as he said it, the anxious, pleading look in her eyes was replaced by the brightness of joy and comfort.
This plan should have come from Erlang, but didn’t Emperor Yongxing refuse? It seems the disasters all over the land are even worse than I imagined… Xu Qi’an said in a low voice,
“Donations alone will never be enough.”
He would help Emperor Yongxing anyway, because this plan could save countless poor commoners.
“At least it can deal with the immediate crisis,” Huaiqing said.
“What do I need to do?” Xu Qi’an mused.
Huaiqing had already thought it through, and replied,
“You just need to go in person and intimidate them. With your fearsome reputation, that’s enough. Leave the rest to Xu Cijiu.”
After another brief conversation, Xu Qi’an glanced at the water clock, feeling time was running short.
I have to get to Lingbao Temple to dual cultivate with the National Teacher… thinking about it still makes me excited, such a beauty, taking her home as my wife, there would never be a seven year boredom… He joked to himself to lighten his mood.
“Your Highnesses, everyone, I have some matters to attend to and must excuse myself for now.”
“What matters?”
Lin’an pouted. “We’re not returning to the palace tonight, we’re staying in the Sitianjian. You’ve finally come back. Can’t you spend a bit more time with us?”
As she spoke, Xu Qi’an clearly saw Huaiqing frown, Li Miaozhen look displeased, and Zhong Li tilt her head slightly towards him.
Time to leave… Xu Qi’an did not linger. He hurried out and, as soon as he opened the door, froze in place, like a statue weathered by the years.
Standing in the doorway was a stunning woman in Daoist robes, full of allure, her eyes brimming with affection, a smile playing at her lips.
Luo Yuheng!
Didn’t you just fucking leave?!
The little soul inside Xu Qi’an howled, but as a seasoned manager of his own fishpond, he maintained a flawless smile.
“National Teacher, what brings you here?”
Luo Yuheng stepped across the threshold into the room, looking round at everyone inside with a smile:
“Since everyone is here, let us speak clearly, so that if any lady offends me in future, no one can say I punished without warning.
Isn’t that right, Xu Lang?”
The room immediately fell silent.
But in everyone’s mind, thunder crashed and lightning exploded in their ears.
Even Chu Caiwei was stunned, letting her crystal pork hock fall to the floor without a care.
When a woman of this era called her beloved’s name with “Lang” added, it meant they were lovers.
This cry of “Xu Lang” was a public announcement of their relationship.
Huaiqing’s face turned suddenly stormy, cold as ice.
Zhong Li bowed her head, a gesture she only made when she was sad or upset.
“You, you two…”
Li Miaozhen stared in disbelief, her face rigid, watching the two for a long moment, a mixture of shock, anger, and frustration.
Lin’an stared blankly for a while too, then managed a forced smile at the National Teacher.
“Is the National Teacher joking?”
Luo Yuheng replied lightly,
“How are we ever given to jokes? Xu Lang is my Dao companion. We have already practised dual cultivation together.”
With that, she turned to look at Xu Qi’an’s profile, affection flashing in her gaze.
“Xu Lang, say something.”
Say what? Motherfucker, what a fucking nightmare… Inside, a storm raged, while outwardly Xu Qi’an maintained a stiff smile.
Seeing him remain silent, the women knew it was true.
Lin’an’s eyes immediately reddened.
Li Miaozhen went pale, hand trembling on her sabre hilt, overcome by the urge to hack Xu Qi’an into mince.
How could this be? Xu Qi’an is the National Teacher’s dual cultivation Dao companion? The dignified Daoist Leader of the Human Sect, and yet Xu Qi’an is her Dao companion???
Chu Yuanzhen had been greatly shocked and instinctively doubted the truth of the matter, even though he had personally witnessed the National Teacher’s affectionate behaviour towards Xu Qi’an.
Yes, he had fortune upon him, and the National Teacher needed fortune for dual cultivation… Chu Yuanzhen glanced at Xu Qi’an with a most complicated expression.
Although he harboured no improper thoughts about Luo Yuheng, as a swordsman, he still admired the Daoist Leader of the Human Sect.
Thus, it was somewhat hard for him to accept.
Moreover, he was a registered disciple of the Human Sect, and Luo Yuheng was considered a senior of their sect. Xu Qi’an, on the other hand, was his close friend and companion.
Now, the senior had become his friend’s dual cultivation partner.
The heirarchy was all muddled.
Luo Yuheng, seeing Xu Qi’an’s silent composure, cast him a light glance, then let her gaze sweep over Lin’an, Huaijing, Zhong Li, Chu Caiwei, and Li Miaozhen before she said coolly:
“I know that among you, some like Xu Lang, some feel affection for him, some secretly hold him in their hearts.
“But after tonight, we hope you will put away thoughts you ought not to have.”
Although Luo Yuheng didn’t name names, all the beauties present felt a guilty conscience, as if she was speaking directly to them.
Huaijing raised her brows and said frostily:
“When did the National Teacher become his dual cultivation partner? How come we didn’t know?”
Li Miaozhen immediately took over:
“The National Teacher, as Daoist Leader of the Human Sect, is my senior. Not to mention I don’t fancy this Xu in the slightest. But judging from the National Teacher’s words just now, is that something a senior should say to her juniors?
“Telling us not to seduce her man?”
Zhong Li said softly, “You’re only using his fortune to suppress your karmic fire. Your current fortune doesn’t match. You don’t truly like him.”
Her Fifth Senior Sister’s words struck straight to the heart.
They’re arguing… and Lin’an hasn’t reacted yet. When it comes to quarelling and provocations, she’s the expert… Xu Qi’an felt a sinking in his heart and sent a voice transmission to Chu Yuanzhen:
“Brother Chu, may I ask a favour of you.”
Chu Yuanzhen replied coldly via voice transmission:
“I can’t handle this!”
Xu Qi’an hurriedly said, “Could you please go to Xu Manor and fetch my little sister.”
A question mark floated through Chu Yuanzhen’s mind.
He thought, at a time like this, why fetch Xu Lingyue?
He confirmed via voice transmission, “Xu Lingyue?”
“Quickly, I beg you! Remember to tell her what has happened here.”
”…”
…
Chu Yuanzhen left the room gloomily, and no one tried to stop him.
After nightfall, the number of arcanists moving about outside had decreased. He quickly walked down the corridor, about to choose a window from which to depart by sword.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. He turned and saw, to his surprise, Miao Youfang, Li Lingsu, and Yang Qianhuan who was walking backwards down the stairs.
“Brother Chu, I heard that the Great Feng’s princesses have arrived. This poor Daoist has longed for this day and wishes to pay his respects.”
Li Lingsu smiled, “Are they in this building?”
Chu Yuanzhen said expressionlessly,
“At the end of the corridor, second room on the left. But I advise you not to go.”
Li Lingsu asked in return, “Why?”
The azure-robed swordsman sighed,
“It turns out the National Teacher is Xu Qi’an’s dual cultivation partner, the atmosphere inside is tense and ready to explode.”
”!!!”
Li Lingsu and Yang Qianhuan instantly flushed red.
“Karma, brother Yang!”
“Indeed, brother Li.”
The two looked invigorated, as if they saw the day of vengeance and long-standing injustice rectified.
Li Lingsu saluted hurriedly, striding past Chu Yuanzhen toward the room.
On the way, he whispered,
“The two princesses are of mediocre looks. It must be that the National Teacher is suppressing them with force. I must see how that Xu fellow handles it.
“Brother Yang, you don’t know. Back in Yongzhou, the National Teacher was in a similar situation.
“But back then, her opponent was the princess consort…
“Alas, the princess consort truly possessed peerless beauty in this world.”
Chattering as he walked, he soon reached the room, straightened his clothes, and knocked on the door.
The door swung open of its own accord. Several icy gazes stared at him, glaring at the uninvited guest bold enough to provoke bad luck at this moment.
At the same time, Li Lingsu took in the ladies within.
Closest to the door, standing side by side, were Xu Qi’an and Luo Yuheng.
At the round table facing them, from left to right, sat his junior Li Miaozhen, the dishevelled Master of Prophecy Zhong Li.
Next to Zhong Li was a woman dressed in a rose-red lavish long skirt, with a small golden phoenix coronet on her head.
She had a round, fair, pearl-like face and captivating almond-shaped eyes. Whenever she looked at someone, her gaze seemed hazy and dreamy, as if full of emotion.
Her dress was sumptuous and dazzling. Aside from the phoenix coronet of gold, various other precious ornaments adorned her head.
She looked flamboyant and radiant.
The Holy Son had always disliked such excessively ornamented women, believing it was due to their lack of confidence in their beauty, thus relying on attire and jewellery to make up for it.
But in the end, it only accentuated their vulgarity.
Yet, this red-robed lady before him, her beauty and bearing, perfectly carried off all her lavish and complex adornments.
It even made one feel that only such attire could set off her beauty.
Beside this imposing lady was another, dressed in a plain, long skirt with her hair casually pinned up.
Unlike the former, her outfit was simple and elegant, but it precisely matched her cold and noble bearing, giving off a regal air.
Her eyes were as cold as autumn water, her lips as red as rouge.
Autumn water for spirit, jade for bone… Li Lingsu silently murmured to himself.
Next to this fresh, elegant beauty sat a petite girl in a yellow dress whose round, bright eyes and lively charm perfectly fit her oval face.
After a dozen seconds, Li Lingsu, his neck creaking like rusted iron, turned to his left to look at Yang Qianhuan and trembled out a voice transmission:
“Are… are all these women Xu Qi’an’s confidantes?”
This did not include his junior, Li Miaozhen.
Yang Qianhuan said disdainfully, “Common powder and vulgar rouge.”
I actually believed you… Li Lingsu staggered back several steps, looking deeply wounded.
At that moment, Luo Yuheng said coldly:
“Yes?”
Li Lingsu opened his mouth but struggled out, “No… nothing…”
All interest in spectating vanished for him. Seeing so many beauties competing over Xu Qi’an just made him more miserable and bitter.
“If you have nothing to say, get out!”
Li Miaozhen snapped in anger.
Bang!
The door slammed shut.
Don’t… don’t go… Xu Qi’an’s right hand weakly grasped at thin air.
Li Lingsu supported himself against the wall, walking slowly along the corridor, murmuring:
“I’ve lost, lost utterly and completely…
“Brother Yang, I fully understand your despair now.”
Miao Youfang grinned, “Damn, they’re really beautiful, more than any Oiran I’ve ever met. And, and each has a different aura.”
Li Lingsu could not be bothered to explain to him what elegance and charm meant, or the kind of refined beauties raised with every luxury.
The three reached the staircase. Outside the window opposite the stairs, a shrill whistle sounded.
A streak of sword light flashed in through the window and stopped smoothly in front of them.
It was Chu Yuanzhen, returning.
Behind him was a girl in an azure jacket and a fluffy skirt of the same colour. Her hair hung loose, her face clean and without makeup, her eyes bright with moisture and unusual definition to her features rare among Central Plains women.
What a pure and ethereal white lotus flower…
The Holy Son’s dim eyes instantly brightened, regaining a trace of liveliness.
But to his disappointment, the white lotus gave him only a glance before shifting her gaze indifferently from his peerlessly handsome face.
She followed behind Chu Yuanzhen with small, brisk steps, heading deep into the corridor towards a room.
”…”
Li Lingsu looked utterly dejected. He took a deep breath and said solemnly,
“Brother Yang, let us form an alliance.”
“An alliance?”
“To oppose Xu Qi’an!”
Yang Qianhuan was silent for a moment, then stretched a hand behind him, met by Li Lingsu’s outstretched hand.
The two clasped hands:
“Good brothers!”
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