Listening to his master’s plan, Jian Yuanzi gradually felt a chill in his heart.
Cultivators and other individuals with supernatural abilities could naturally draw upon fortune for cultivation, but the cost was extraordinarily high.
The Jade Clarity Earth Immortal who had aided the founding of the Great Zhou dynasty had only ascended to Earth Immortal status and established a blessed land by assisting Ji Yi in unifying the realm, thereby gaining enduring fortune.
Now, what the Four Symbols Sect Leader wanted to do was to fish out all the resources at once, to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, and then leave—extracting enough fortune to heal his wounds and establish a blessed land, fortune so immense that it could lead a king to defeat and death, and even disturb his peace in the afterlife.
“Master…”
Jian Yuanzi tried to speak, wanting to dissuade him, but found himself unable to utter a word.
“There’s no time to lose. We must leave now!”
The Four Symbols Sect Leader, decisive as ever, said, “Since you were attacked nearby, it’s clear that this place is no longer safe…”
“No wonder Master wanted to move near Dingzhou earlier; he must have already had this plan in mind!”
Jian Yuanzi suddenly understood.
…
At the same time, within Wu Manor.
“The moonlight is excellent tonight. Issue orders to invite Xie Yi of the Xie family and Lin Xi of the Lin family for a banquet…”
Wu Ming gazed at the clear sky and suddenly made a decision.
“At once!”
Behind him, the sound of scales dragging on the ground was heard as Wu Tiehu knelt.
Wu Ming turned around. The man before him wore bright armor, his face dark red, exuding an air of competence and vigor.
What surprised him most, however, was that the starlight atop Wu Tiehu’s head was more than twice as thick as the last time, indicating significant progress.
“You’ve now become a fifth-rank Youji General, with many duties. You can handle small matters yourself without constantly reporting to me…”
Wu Ming waved his hand.
This family-born servant had truly remarkable fortune. Benefiting from Wu Ming’s influence, his career had flourished, his star power had grown significantly, and combined with fortune, it was astonishing, promising an unlimited future.
Judging from his appearance, after I gave him some guidance last time, he probably really went in search of other individuals with the Star of Yang to seize their fates…
The Yang Star was one of the Six Malevolent Stars, symbolizing constant attack, quite fitting for a general’s disposition.
“It seems that since I became the Overlord, the fates of those around me have all greatly increased. Is this what they call ‘one attains Dao, and even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven’?”
Wu Ming mused silently as Wu Tiehu’s voice came through: “How could I ever forget the great kindness of the Young Master? I should serve loyally and faithfully!”
He had already been subdued by Wu Ming, and now with his star power under Wu Ming’s control, he needed to constantly seek advice, truly not daring to harbor any rebellious thoughts.
The longer he followed this young master, the more terrifying he realized him to be!
Wu Tiehu had not forgotten how rival factions opposed to the Wu family had quietly perished one by one, while the Wu family’s foundation prospered.
…
That night, the moonlight was as smooth as water.
“A night banquet? This Wu Jun is indeed a fascinating person…”
Lin Xi and Xie Yi, holding their invitations and gifts, arrived hand in hand, exchanging smiles.
“The young master has already given instructions. Esteemed guests, please proceed to the garden!”
Si Qin and Si Hua led them to the garden entrance and then stood on either side, bowing respectfully.
“Hmm? Indeed, a unique character!”
Xie Yi thought silently, entering the garden with Lin Xi, feeling refreshed.
Under the moonlight, amidst the colorful flowers, there was an added sense of tranquility. Each step revealed a new scene, capturing the vastness of heaven and earth within a small space, shining in harmony with the moon, truly exquisite.
Their families naturally had skilled craftsmen capable of such work, but in terms of arrangement, there was always a hint of artificiality, unable to achieve that perfect balance where adding a bit would be too much and subtracting a bit would be too little, a natural elegance.
“This must have been arranged by a master gardener. How strange!”
Lin Xi looked around curiously: “The Wu family is merely a wealthy clan; even if they are martial, they are only a local noble family. How could they have attracted such a master? This garden, though small, rivals the imperial gardens…”
The two were momentarily entranced, gradually losing themselves in the scenery, nearly forgetting about the banquet altogether.
“Hmm? I wonder where the host is?”
Xie Yi, being the more experienced, coughed and projected his voice far.
Zengzeng!
As soon as the words were spoken, a string of zither music came from the bamboo grove nearby, like celestial winds and jade pendants, clear springs flowing, inviting guests.
“I once listened to a master zither player, thinking it unmatched in the world, but I never expected to hear an equally impressive performance here…”
Curious, Lin Xi stepped into the bamboo path without hesitation.
“My dear nephew… sigh…”
Xie Yi hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply and followed behind.
Silver light poured down, and in the quiet bamboo grove, the pleasant zither music seemed even purer, like a sky cleansed of the last speck of dust, clear and ethereal, filled with a Zen-like charm.
Lin Xi and Xie Yi turned past a cluster of stone mountains and saw a scene—under the moonlight, a young man in white robes sat cross-legged on a stone, a zither resting on his knees, musical notes like little spirits dancing from his fingers.
As the piece ended, the young man gently placed his hands on the zither and recited in a melodious voice: “Sitting alone in the secluded bamboo grove, playing the zither and whistling. Deep in the woods, no one knows I am here, only the bright moon comes to shine upon me.”
Gentle moonlight fell, draping over the young man’s shoulders, making him seem like a celestial immortal descended from heaven.
“Elegant and unique, free-spirited and independent…”
Lin Xi’s eyes sparkled as he deeply bowed: “My elder brother, immersed in the beauty of nature, carefree and unburdened by the mundane world, truly makes me envious…”
“Sitting alone in the secluded bamboo grove… the bright moon comes to shine upon me… excellent! Excellent!”
Xie Yi was deeply moved, savoring the poem. Though the words were concise, the meaning was profound, each word perfectly chosen, impossible to alter. He praised again and again: “Excellent! This poem exudes a Daoist charm. Master Wu is truly an immortal!”
“Just a spontaneous verse…”
Wu Ming stood up and returned the bow: “You two have come from afar. I apologize for any neglect earlier. I have already ordered a modest banquet prepared, and under tonight’s moonlight, it is but a humble offering…”
“Excellent!”
Lin Xi stepped forward eagerly: “A thousand cups are not too many when shared with a kindred spirit. Master Wu and I have become fast friends at first sight. Tonight, we must not leave until we are thoroughly drunk…”
“Of course!”
Wu Ming smiled slightly, his eyes glancing casually.
The fates of these two men were quite impressive, after all, they were both elites of noble families.
However, besides Lin Xi’s strong external fortune, his internal fortune was a vivid red, sharp and pointed, clearly indicating exceptional swordsmanship. Even more rare, within his core life force, there was a hint of green.
“This man’s literary aura in his fate almost rivals Zeng Yu under E Xu’s command, and his character is noble, far surpassing Zeng Yu. Truly a great talent…”
Though somewhat surprised, Wu Ming said nothing more.
What status did he hold now? Even without counting the Master Temple, he was truly a celestial immortal. On a whim, he invited the two for a banquet; when the mood passed, he could simply leave, completely free and at ease.
“Ah… Splendid! A pity! A pity!”
The banquet was set up in a stone pavilion nearby, with fruit wine and several cold dishes, plus a bowl of rare fruits hard to find at this time of year.
Lin Xi had the manner of a bold scholar, drinking three cups in succession, staring at Wu Ming, nodding first, then shaking his head, sighing with admiration.
“Oh? Why does Lin Brother sigh?”
Wu Ming put down his wine cup: “Is the hospitality not sufficient?”
“No, no!”
Lin Xi sighed deeply: “I originally prepared a beautiful concubine to present to my elder brother, but seeing you today, your celestial demeanor makes me feel ashamed, and such a mundane offering seems unworthy. I must drink three more cups as punishment!”
“Haha… Why be so formal?”
Wu Ming waved his hand grandly: “I love delicious food, fine wine, and beautiful women… Lin Brother, whatever you wish to give, just send it over!”
He added: “You two have come at just the right time. In a few days, I plan to take a concubine, and I will have two more cups of wine to offer then!”
The Great Zhou followed ancient rites, with one wife and one husband, while concubines held a very low status, almost equivalent to goods or slaves.
The son born to the wife was the legitimate heir, with inheritance rights, while a son born to a concubine was a secondary son, whose future would be uncertain if not favored, and he might even struggle to survive, let alone inherit family assets.
Marrying a wife required the three letters and six rites, auspicious dates, and ancestral announcements, while taking a concubine required none of these formalities. Some simply held a small banquet or even no ceremony at all.
“Congratulations! Congratulations!”
Lin Xi and Xie Yi exchanged glances, even more astonished.
Taking a concubine was, of course, nothing unusual for a man, but given this man’s status? Their sense of caution increased even further.
…
In the city of Chufeng Prefecture.
Jian Yuanzi, cloaked and wearing a bamboo hat pulled low over his brow, silently entered the city.
“Steamed buns! Steamed buns!”
“Candy figures…”
“Fortune-teller with an iron tongue, accurate in every word and character…”
The streets on both sides were neatly lined with rice shops, vinegar shops, pawnshops, cloth stores, taverns, and other shops, bustling with pedestrians, most with rosy complexions and calm, leisurely expressions—an atmosphere of stability that Jian Yuanzi silently approved of, knowing it was the result of effective governance and the people’s peaceful, prosperous lives.
“If this is the case, then this matter concerning Wu Zhen may indeed be promising!”
He arrived at a teahouse, tossed out a few coins, and was immediately led by an attentive waiter to a window-side seat, where he ordered a pot of green tea and a few snacks, slowly eating and drinking.
Planning to seize fortune for the sect was a monumental task, naturally requiring careful planning, and such reconnaissance was indispensable.
Throughout history, teahouses, taverns, pleasure houses, and gambling dens, which welcomed visitors from all directions, have always been the most informed places for news; as long as one diligently collects information, something is always to be gained.
He focused his power on his ears, and the conversations of nearby tea guests continuously drifted into his hearing.
“Mr. Zhang, business booming!”
“Haha… Where, where. It’s all thanks to the Governor’s blessings!”
“The Wang family’s descendants have done well, even becoming a squad leader and earning military merit, receiving enough land outside the city for fifty mu. It seems this family is about to rise!”
“Sigh… Recently, more outsiders have come. Although business has improved in many areas, the civil service examinations have become increasingly difficult. My second brother, known for his deep study of the sages’ teachings, has failed twice!”
…
“The people desire stability, and the fortune is indeed firm, showing signs of great success!”
Jian Yuanzi nodded slightly.
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