Xu Weixiong showed no surprise at Li Chungan’s praise. Looking at Xu Fengnian, she asked, “Is there any food on the boat? I hurried here to intercept you and missed lunch. Technically, you owe those people a meal.”
Xu Fengnian nodded, “No problem. We have plenty of freshly caught river delicacies stored inside the ship.”
As soon as he spoke, Qingniao went to instruct the chefs. Xu Weixiong disembarked and led about twenty Jixia scholars onto the deck. These scholars, varying in age, seemed somewhat reserved. Only a few martial disciples from the Bing family approached the prince enthusiastically. The golden age of the Hundred Schools Contending had long passed. In this flourishing empire, the intellectual world had fallen into a stagnant silence. Only the Shangyin Academy struggled to preserve the legacy, sheltering impoverished scholars and sowing seeds of learning for future generations. Unfortunately, as a private institution, it lacked the financial support lavished upon the national academy by emperors and aristocrats. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the academy still received patronage from wealthy clans, but now those grand mansions had crumbled into ruins, leaving the academy increasingly impoverished and destitute. Therefore, aside from the martial disciples focused on military strategy, most Jixia scholars harbored a natural resentment toward the Xu family of Beiliang.
At lunch, Xu Fengnian and his second sister Xu Weixiong intentionally dined separately from the others. Xu Fengnian devoured his meal voraciously, while Xu Weixiong ate slowly and delicately, their contrasting personalities evident. Knowing his sister disliked conversation during meals, Xu Fengnian opened a book chest and found several pouches of soil. He pinched some between his fingers, smelled it, wrinkled his nose, and cautiously tasted a bit, exclaiming in shock, “Is this Longsha soil excavated from the Daoist sacred mountain Di Fei? It is indeed Longsha, but the flavor differs from what Brother Yao Jian described. Why does it feel somewhat corrupted?”
During his youth, the prince often explored dragon veins with his second sister and the dragon master Yao Jian, absorbing knowledge of geomancy. Though lacking the decades of painstaking experience required to master the art of locating dragon nodes, he possessed a basic understanding of identifying dragon Pulse trends—tracing a dragon’s origin, transformation, and movement, through its mountain ranges and narrow passes, until it gathered energy and formed a vital node. Identifying Longsha soil was akin to a farmer digging for winter bamboo shoots, relying on experience and technique. Xu Weixiong excelled in this field, while Xu Fengnian could only stumble upon discoveries by chance. Yet, he still possessed a discerning eye for the quality of the Longsha soil. The chest contained six or seven pouches, most already sealed and burned in ceremonial records. The pouch he tasted bore three seals inscribed with talismanic characters: “San Qing Tong Yu” (Three Purity Sovereign), “Ba Chong Bing Mei” (Eightfold Icy Plum), and “Chu Yun An Ma” (Emerging Clouds Saddle Horse), unmistakably crafted by his sister Xu Weixiong. These seals followed strict talismanic rules, requiring alignment with the excavator’s birth date and time. Moreover, the excavation of any Longsha soil was no trivial matter; neither Daoist dragon masters nor geomancers could take it without authorization from the Chongxuan Bureau and the Astronomical Bureau. Yet, in the past twenty years, no such approval had ever been granted. Xu Weixiong’s actions clearly defied imperial law, but Xu Fengnian paid little heed to such details. He was simply puzzled—how could a malevolent dragon emerge from Di Fei Mountain, a place renowned for gathering auspicious energy since ancient times? Even the ranking of sacred and blessed sites placed Dragon Tiger Mountain far below Di Fei Mountain. Yet for centuries, Di Fei Mountain had remained a desolate wasteland, unoccupied by any great Daoist hermit. Counting back from the previous dynasty’s mountain closure, five centuries had passed.
Xu Weixiong set down her chopsticks and sighed softly, “This trip to assess the Jixia scholars’ ability to discern auspicious signs was merely a pretense. Recently, a malevolent dragon emerged from Di Fei Mountain. Master Wang deduced its connection to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but the Tian Master Zhao Danping suppressed the matter, preventing the Astronomical Bureau from raising it with the court.”
Xu Fengnian’s expression darkened, clenching his teeth, “It must be Zhao Huangchao’s treacherous scheme! Sister, if my suspicions are correct, the Astronomical Bureau won’t dare to intervene!”
Xu Weixiong looked puzzled.
Xu Fengnian smiled and stood up, saying, “Come on, sister, let me wash your hair. We can talk while I do.”
Xu Weixiong did not refuse. Xu Fengnian called Qingniao from outside to bring a basin of hot water and a piece of jade soap. Poor households used cheap, coarse soap pods for washing hair, while wealthy families preferred jade soap, ground with pearl powder. Holding his sister’s soft, flowing hair, his eyes softened as he spoke gently, “One night at Mount Kuanglu, I saw Mother in a dreamlike vision. She arrived with a white serpent, protecting her unworthy son. That middle-aged Daoist Zhao Huangchao, claiming to cultivate at Dragon Tiger Mountain, is likely the ancestor of the Emperor himself, riding a black dragon in an astral projection, making a grand display of ‘upholding heavenly justice.’ Coincidentally, just days ago at Mount Hui’s Great Snowy Terrace, a scholar named Xuan Yuanjingcheng attained the Confucian Saint realm. I asked Old Sword Sage indirectly about the rules of immortals, learning that Daoist immortals who cultivate their own fate must not easily interfere with worldly affairs. Zhao Huangchao’s actions clearly violate Daoist principles. He must have transferred the side effects of his astral projection onto Di Fei Mountain, an unclaimed land, to avoid provoking Dragon Tiger Mountain and its Tian Master Mansion. Otherwise, such a grand display would contradict his usual reclusive behavior. What I don’t understand is, why does Zhao Huangchao fear us Beiliang Xu family? We clearly have no intention of rebelling recklessly.”
Xu Weixiong replied calmly, “He fears that the Zhao family cannot maintain eternal rule.”
Xu Fengnian scoffed, “Which dynasty can last forever? They claim ‘Ten Thousand Years for the Emperor, a Thousand for the Empress,’ yet who truly lives that long? They’re worrying over nothing!”
Xu Fengnian’s tone darkened, “At his level, if he doesn’t ascend, isn’t he just occupying a toilet without relieving himself? If he were in Beiliang instead of Dragon Tiger Mountain, I’d send ten thousand cavalry to crush that old turtle into dust.”
Xu Weixiong tilted her head, smirking with one eye open and the other closed, “Frog yawning—what a big mouth you have. Leaving aside whether that immortal Daoist can be killed, can you even command ten thousand cavalry now? Let alone ten thousand, can you command a thousand?”
After washing her hair, Xu Fengnian gently dried it with a silk towel. Sitting down, the prince continued his kindness by combing her hair. Unfazed by his sister’s mockery, he grinned shamelessly, “Borrowing troops from heroes like Chen Zhibao and Dian Xiongxu would be futile, but I still have Chu Fat. If necessary, I could even ask Yuan Zuozong and Old Brother Yao.”
Xu Weixiong smiled ambiguously, “You’re sure Yuan Zuozong and Yao Jian will lend you troops? Aren’t you afraid of Father’s military law? Remember, in Beiliang, no one is spared punishment for violating military discipline, regardless of kinship. Execution or punishment is carried out as required.”
Xu Fengnian remained carefree, “Old Brother Yao is stubborn, hard to predict, but Yuan Zuozong—if it’s urgent, a little persuasion might actually get me a thousand or two.”
Xu Weixiong asked, “You’re sure?”
Xu Fengnian nodded, “Certain.”
Xu Weixiong took the sandalwood comb and chuckled, “How many times have you drunk with Yuan Zuozong to think your friendship runs that deep? Remember, Yuan Zuozong tolerates no sand in his eyes. His rivalry with Chu Lushan, despite both being Father’s adopted sons, shows his uncompromising nature. Do you really think your aristocratic airs can impress Yuan Baixiong?”
Xu Fengnian smirked, “Believe what you want.”
Xu Weixiong sarcastically remarked, “You didn’t cause trouble at Dragon Tiger Mountain? Disappointing.”
Xu Fengnian shook his head, “I caused quite a stir. Oh, that scholar Xuan Yuanjingcheng, who cultivated into a terrestrial immortal, had some insights on self-cultivation, but they’re useless to me now. I might as well give them to you. Also, I secretly took a copy of the ‘Dao De Jin Lei Zhou’ (Moral Prohibition of Thunder Talisman). You should study it. At Great Snowy Terrace, Xuan Yuanjingcheng summoned countless thunderbolts—an impressive display, rivaling a general commanding thousands of cavalry. I’ve studied many Daoist cultivation classics, but none felt as practical as the ‘Dao De Jin Lei Zhou.’ The ‘Feng Du Chi Gui Zhou’ (Fengdu Exorcism Talisman) and ‘Dong Yuan Shen Zhou Jing’ (Divine Talisman Sutra of the Abyssal Depths) from the Dragon Tiger Mountain Twenty-Four Grades of Talismans seemed too mystical and impractical. I studied them for half a month without understanding how to ‘curse mountains to collapse or rivers to part.’ But the Thunder Prohibition Talisman truly seems to follow its instructions to harness celestial phenomena, like Xuan Yuanjingcheng did. Unfortunately, I cultivate the sword, not this path. Sister, since you’re skilled in everything, take the Thunder Prohibition Talisman. Oh, I also checked during my study of the talismans with Elder Tian Master Zhao Xitiao at Dragon Tiger Mountain. The earliest records of cultivating energy into talismans originated from the ancient barbarian lands where Shangyin Academy now stands. Perhaps the Academy has rare editions you need. Following the Thunder Prohibition Talisman’s outline, I managed to ‘borrow’ a few secret talismans from Dragon Tiger Mountain—mainly incantations for summoning Thunder Deity Generals and their divine weapons. According to Elder Tian Master, every immortal who ascends from Dragon Tiger Mountain leaves essential incantations in the Dragon Pool, but I couldn’t steal those treasures for you. Also, that female tiger kui, nicknamed ‘Bodhisattva,’ the male ‘Jingang’ I gave to Huang Man’er. ‘Bodhisattva’ is for you. Otherwise, you’d be bored to death in that academy full of self-righteous moralists…”
The prince rambled endlessly.
Xu Weixiong interrupted his chatter, smiling, “You gave me all the good things. What about yourself?”
Xu Fengnian paused, then grinned, pointing at his twin swords, “Why would I need external things? Spring Rain and Embroidered Winter are enough for me.”
Seeing his sister remain silent, knowing she disapproved of his martial pursuits, he changed the subject, “Today, seeing the famous Jixia scholars of Shangyin Academy firsthand, I realized many are penniless too?”
Xu Weixiong smiled, “Scholars traveling with their books and swordsmen wandering with their blades are the two prevailing trends. The former began with Master Zhang’s travels among the warring states. But it’s tough for impoverished clans who, despite their decline, still insist on sending their heirs on scholarly journeys for appearances’ sake, often at great financial strain. Imagine, a frail scholar traveling hundreds of miles needs a servant to manage daily affairs and an experienced retainer to navigate worldly matters. These expenses strain small families. Many so-called noble families, now indistinguishable from commoners, can only afford limited journeys within a single province, visiting local scholars for tea and discussions. Many families have spent their fortunes to enter Shangyin Academy. On this journey to Di Fei Mountain, one Jixia scholar spent eighteen years outside the Academy before finally passing the entrance exam at over fifty. Most of his instructors were younger than him. To afford more classics, he survives on steamed buns and pickled vegetables all year. So, Shangyin Academy isn’t as flawed as you imagined. To enter the Academy, regardless of morality, one must possess genuine talent.”
Xu Weixiong pinched Xu Fengnian’s cheeks, stretching them playfully, “It seems your two journeys have greatly benefited you. I’m considering advising you to visit Beiman again.”
Xu Fengnian stared blankly, “Sister, you really think so?”
Xu Weixiong tightened her grip, “Since I can’t stop you from cultivating the sword, and it seems your training isn’t just building muscle, I shouldn’t hinder you further. But beforehand, if you’re going to cultivate the sword, at least aim for a terrestrial immortal. No one has achieved that in centuries.”
Xu Fengnian grimaced, his voice muffled, “Sister, why didn’t you cultivate into a sword immortal?”
Xu Weixiong released him, her eyes narrowing with a smile, “I’m a lady. Fighting and killing aren’t ladylike.”
Xu Fengnian sighed helplessly, “Sister, you truly understand reason.”
Xu Weixiong stood, “Then I’m off. Since I’ve decided not to stop you from cultivating the sword, I won’t stop you from going to Wudi City either. Just be careful.”
Together, Xu Fengnian and his sister walked out of the cabin. Coincidentally, a poor, shabby old scholar stood nearby, leaning on the railing, murmuring to himself, “Even a stray dog like me has homesickness.”
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