Liu Xing let out a sigh and continued, “Initially, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity either. It wasn’t until later, after my master and fellow apprentices had all departed, that I finally decided to recruit some people to investigate what had happened back then. Actually, during the time I was away, many people in Anlu City already knew about the younger apprentice mistress. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed locked up at home, busy with various matters, and never thought about this at all.”
Liu Xing sighed once and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to pay attention. I developed some connections and investigated the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought about this aspect.”
“Then I suppose you are aware of what happened back then. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why Master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “Within the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it was truly not them disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was simply that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but have never met him. I don’t know the extent of his cultivation.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “Who would have thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew in from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the sky, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it descended upon the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no interaction, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I had no idea that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I’ve searched the world for years, never imagining that the person I was looking for was right under my nose,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Old Bai. When his eyes fell on Old Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Old Bai.
Old Bai remained silent, his gaze averted, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, addressing Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father. His heart swelled with joy.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough. Today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A’Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here. It would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver, murmuring, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, which delighted him.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt somewhat worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from the past. This matter involves many things. I became concerned. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, so they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched for high and low was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had my doubts about Tao Zhongwen. But I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered something and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Old Bai today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Old Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right away. I don’t know how you thought of it. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His techniques are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Old Bai was either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He’s not part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also stemmed from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally encountered it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect. That’s why I suspected your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect. Why are you so concerned about this minor detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother asked him to perform—transplanting the plum blossoms—must be closely related to her ability to send me away and her subsequent death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this matter for some reason, being evasive and secretive. If we could find out where he planted the plum blossoms and investigate, perhaps we could understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed as Taoist Master, I’ve often encountered him. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost much of his favor for Lord Guo, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Lord Guo have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the superior favors, the subordinates will emulate,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
“At the time all these events occurred, I happened to be traveling elsewhere, so I don’t know many details,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why the master wanted the Five Brides to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knows. As for that Master Maoyang you mentioned, I’m also unclear as to who exactly he was.”
Upon hearing this, Mei Qing asked again, “Then among you apprentices, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment before replying, “The one most proficient in external alchemy within the Plum Blossom Sect should be the second senior apprentice. The fourth one was devoted to his cultivation and never focused on this area. As for the eldest apprentice…”
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I don’t know whether he was skilled in external alchemy either. He never displayed such skills in front of us. But when the topic occasionally came up, he showed considerable knowledge. In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were successively favored by the current emperor, so they must have had some knowledge of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Master Maoyang, he should have had the opportunity to meet with Minister Lu, and managed to remain unrecognized by him. It’s unclear whether it was indeed not one of the two, or their disguise was simply extremely skillful.”
“You’re referring to Minister Lu, the same one who was at the Mansion of the Prince of Xian, right?” Mei Qing nodded. “He’s a prominent figure close to the emperor, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I’ve heard of him during my investigation, but I’ve never met him personally. I don’t know his cultivation level.”
Just then, a distant, deep voice suddenly rang out, “Never thought that after crossing mountains and rivers in search of you, you were right here under my nose all along. Mr. Liu, I’ve come especially to greet you.”
Following the voice, a sharp whistle echoed from afar. Everyone was startled and stood up. At this time, the sky had already brightened, and a black dot flew swiftly from the north. As it approached, it turned out to be a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose straight from the ground, like a dragon soaring into the sky, carrying a violent vortex and emitting a shrill sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived at Liu Mansion with a loud bang, and then suddenly vanished. Two figures abruptly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—none other than Lu Bing. Standing behind him was the same dark-skinned giant who had subdued Mei Qing years ago.
“Ah… Dad…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out, but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing here as the sixth master. She stomped her foot hastily and stopped herself.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Very few people knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing had lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother, they had never interacted, so naturally, he had no knowledge of this. A flash of surprise flickered across his face before he bowed to Lu Bing and said, “I never expected the famous Minister Lu Bing to be the son-in-law of the Yao family from Bishan. I must admit my ignorance.”
“We’re even then. I spent years searching the world for the truth behind those events, never expecting the people involved were right under my nose all along,” Lu Bing replied coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and the White Elder. When his gaze fell on the White Elder, his expression suddenly changed.
“This gentleman looks very familiar. Perhaps we met once before. Do you still remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back, letting them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed firmly on the White Elder.
The White Elder remained silent, his gaze averted, completely ignoring Lu Bing.
Mei Qing quickly pulled Bi Zhen forward to greet Lu Bing and said, “Your humble servant greets my respected father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned his head and looked at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen with her head lowered and hearing Mei Qing address him as “father-in-law” without objection—she only lowered her head further—he realized his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and joy filled his heart.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned and nodded deeply at Mei Qing. “Very good, Mei Qing. You are indeed very good.”
He then laughed heartily and said, “Well then, today is a joyful occasion, so no fighting or violence shall be allowed. Ah Bi, let’s go home together. I haven’t met your mother yet. It’s a rare occasion for our family to reunite, so we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity that Grandma isn’t here. It would have been even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver slightly and murmured, “Perhaps it’s better that she isn’t.”
“Dad, how did you both come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling joyfully.
Thanks to Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen had now completely overcome her psychological barriers and was calling “Dad” without hesitation, which delighted Lu Bing immensely.
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing his tale. “At first, I was unaware of Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all departed that I began to gather some followers to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that upon my return, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought to inquire about it.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. Where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was his true purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so there’s much I don’t know,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why our master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knew. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment before replying, “Within the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy would be our second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later favored by the current emperor, so they must have had some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, it’s unclear whether it wasn’t them disguised as Maoyang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him. I don’t know the extent of his cultivation.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “After all these years of searching far and wide, who would have thought the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing here to pay his respects.”
Following the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew in from the north, quickly turning into a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent air current with a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it descended upon the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The first was a man in a long robe with a thin face—Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I had no idea that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I’ve been searching the world for years over the events of that time, never imagining that the person I was looking for was right under my nose,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back to his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his gaze averted, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law pays his respects, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and his heart swelled with joy.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed heartily, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A’Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded, then said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver, murmuring, “Perhaps it’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s few words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, much to his delight.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I began to worry,” Lu Bing sipped his wine, speaking slowly, “I didn’t understand why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from the past? There’s a lot at stake here. I was concerned. Then yesterday, some news came in from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had told him at the Liu residence from start to finish.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had my doubts about Tao Zhenren as well. But I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment before replying, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered to ask, “Father-in-law, you seemed quite resentful when you saw Bai Ye today. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded, about to speak, but Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you figured it out. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect; his methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded, “This Bai Ye was either deceived and used back then or truly unaware of the inside story. He’s not part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?”
Lu Bing nodded, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch earlier, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled those of the Plum Blossom Sect, which made me suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this minor detail?”
Mei Qing sighed, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother asked him to perform, transplanting the plum blossom, must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this topic, being evasive and secretive. If we knew where he transplanted the plum blossom, investigating it might shed some light on the matter.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t speak of it,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When and by whom was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised, “How could it be him? Was Duke Guo also interested in cultivation and alchemy?”
“As the emperor’s interests go, so do his subjects,” Lu Bing smiled wryly, “In the current court, many are engaged in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason for the Heavenly Master’s title being stripped and his death?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, the Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon-Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to take an interest. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“Then I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events happened, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why our master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Hearing this, Mei Qing asked again, “Then, among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be Second Brother. Fourth Brother has been devoted to hard cultivation and hasn’t focused on this area. As for First Brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally when it was discussed, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were both favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it’s because it wasn’t them, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
Just then, a deep voice was heard from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew rapidly from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the air, with a violent vortex and a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures appeared in the courtyard.
The first one, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Dad…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Few knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been too ignorant.”
“Likewise, I have been searching the world for the events of that year, never expecting that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. We might have met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and muttered, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Dad, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Dad” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? There are many implications in this, and I felt concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates, saying that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, I never thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be clear about. In fact, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it is,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I also had suspicions about Dian Zhenren, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? But there are some things Liu Xing must have kept to himself, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Can I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley? The one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He wouldn’t be part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Back then, did my mother have a bonsai with her? A dry plum branch that she never left behind?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a forbidden spell on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossom must have had a significant connection to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this, evasive and obscure. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master has passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was enfeoffed as Dian Zhenren, I’ve seen him often. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Not long after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor no longer valued Guo Xun much, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was somewhat surprised, “How could it be him? Does Guo Xun also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the leader’s interests lie, the followers will follow,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile, “In the current court, there are many who practice alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just charlatans.” Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it is said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing, “At first, I didn’t know the identity of Mei Qing’s father. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all left that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“So, it seems you are aware of the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren perhaps one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why our master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knew. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be our second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later favored by the current emperor, so they must have had some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I wonder if it was indeed not them, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly echoed from afar, “Who would have thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew in from the north, quickly turning into a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the air, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In an instant, it descended upon the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The first one, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was not widely known. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never imagined that the renowned Lu Bing is the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I’ve searched the world for the events of that year, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look very familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes glancing sideways, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to look deeply at Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not the time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen had now completely overcome her psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, which delighted him.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. This matter involves many things. I was concerned, and yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, so they didn’t know much. I felt there was something behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had my doubts about Dian Zhenren, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how credible do you think Liu Xing’s words are?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some details, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Have you met before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered the Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right away. I don’t know how you figured it out. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His techniques are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He’s not part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dried plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dried plum branch earlier, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also stemmed from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I once accidentally touched it and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from that sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed deep regret twice. I suspect… my mother’s request for him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her subsequent death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this topic. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to uncover the truth.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing mentioned his master had passed away, but he didn’t elaborate in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Perhaps it involves some sect secrets, so he wouldn’t speak of it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in alchemy and cultivation?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just amateurs.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why the Heavenly Master was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head and said, “Fifteen years ago, the Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to take an interest. I developed some connections and investigated the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knew. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “Within the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before continuing, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but when the topic came up occasionally, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I wonder if it was indeed not them disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence back then, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew rapidly from the north, turning into a whirlwind as it neared.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been too ignorant.”
“Likewise, I’ve searched the world for the events of that year, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Master Bai. When his eyes fell on Master Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Master Bai.
Master Bai remained silent, his eyes glancing to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Son-in-law pays respects to father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a joyous occasion, not a time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. There are many implications in this, and I felt concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, so they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, finally tracing it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, I never thought the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. In fact, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had doubts about Dian Zhenren as well, but I never thought Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Master Bai today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Master Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His techniques don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Master Bai was either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?”
Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary Plum Blossom Sect’s methods, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother asked him to do, transplanting the plum blossom, must have had a significant connection to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is evasive and secretive about it. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor no longer held Guo Xun in high regard, so he wasn’t very interested in Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Lord Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are engaged in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing, “At first, I was unaware of Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until after my master and fellow disciples had left that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed secluded at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m also unsure who it really was.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when discussing it, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To meet Lord Lu without being recognized, I wonder if it was indeed not them disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but have never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “After all these years of searching far and wide, it turns out the answer was right before my eyes without me realizing it. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing here to pay my respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew in from the north, turning into a whirlwind as it neared.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Dad…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Few knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never imagined that the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family from Bishan. I must be ill-informed.”
“Likewise, I have searched the world for years over the events of that time, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and his heart was filled with joy.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not the time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and muttered, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Dad, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words guiding her, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “Dad” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? There are many implications in this. I was quite concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for years was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from start to finish.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my doubts about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how credible do you think Liu Xing’s words are?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some details, especially regarding… my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed quite resentful. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered the Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you figured it out, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was either deceived and used back then or truly unaware of the inside story. He’s not part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never left her side?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing his remorse. I suspect… my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this topic, being evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to understand more.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When and by whom was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor no longer held Guo Xun in high regard, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Was Guo Xun also interested in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the superior favors, the subordinates will emulate,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head and said, “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Longhu Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I became curious. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, during my absence, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed secluded at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this point.”
“Then it seems you are aware of what happened back then. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why Master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be Second Brother. Fourth Brother has been devoted to rigorous cultivation and hasn’t focused much on this area. As for First Brother…”
He hesitated before continuing, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He has never shown such abilities in front of us, but occasionally when the topic comes up, he seems to have a deep understanding.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later… favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they should have some knowledge of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet with Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it’s because they weren’t the ones disguised as Mao Yang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence back then, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigation but have never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly came from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose without me realizing it. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached from a distance. Everyone was startled, and as the sky brightened, a black dot flew rapidly from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon soaring through the sky, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures abruptly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Standing behind him was the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face, and he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I have been searching the world for years for the events of that time, never expecting that the person I was looking for was right under my nose,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. We might have met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without any objection, only lowering her head further, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father. He couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded deeply, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not appropriate to talk about fighting and killing. A’Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing took a sip of wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and brought up Shao Yuanjie from back then. This matter involves many things. I became concerned. Yesterday, I suddenly received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there must be a reason, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, I never thought that the person we searched high and low for back then was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also suspected that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had my doubts about Tao Zhenren as well. But I never would have thought that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye earlier, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know each other before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Would you allow your son-in-law to make a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you figured it out. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Back then, did my mother have a bonsai with her? A dry plum branch that she never left her side?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch earlier, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother back then, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect. That’s when I suspected your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect. Why are you so concerned about this small matter?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… that my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this, evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to figure it out.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed as Tao Zhenren, I’ve seen him frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago. Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie, and shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he wasn’t very attentive to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was somewhat surprised, “Why him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile, “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just some self-proclaimed masters from the martial world, aren’t they?” Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon-Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the rumored site of their battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know the identity of Mei Qing’s father. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to pay attention. I developed some connections and investigated the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the matter concerning my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this point.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren perhaps one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When these events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knows. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “Within the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this aspect. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later… favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they should have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it was indeed not them disguised as Mao Yang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but have never met him. I don’t know the extent of his cultivation.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly came from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right before my eyes without me realizing it. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound cut through the air. Everyone was startled, and as the sky brightened, a black dot flew rapidly from the north. As it approached, it turned out to be a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose straight from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the sky, carrying a violent vortex and emitting a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures abruptly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought that the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must admit my ignorance.”
“Likewise, I have been searching the world for the events of that year, never imagining that the person I was looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
With that, he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not appropriate to talk of fighting and killing. Ah Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and muttered, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt somewhat worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. There are many implications in this, and I became concerned. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, I never thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had suspicions about Dian Zhenren, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know each other before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “How about letting your son-in-law guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren, right?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right away. I don’t know how you figured it out, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Back then, did my mother have a bonsai with her? A dry plum branch that she never left her side?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother back then, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also stemmed from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small matter?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this topic deeply. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand more.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master has passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor no longer held Guo Xun in high regard, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was somewhat surprised. “How could it be him? Does Lord Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor’s interests lie, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just some self-proclaimed experts from the martial world.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why the Heavenly Master was stripped of his title and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head and said, “Fifteen years ago, the Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it is said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all left that I began to focus on gathering some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this aspect.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many details,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master wanted Wuduo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knows. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m also not sure who exactly he was.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally when discussing it, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were both favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they should have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, it’s unclear whether it wasn’t them disguised as Maoyang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him, so I don’t know his level of cultivation.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew swiftly from the north, turning into a whirlwind as it neared.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it descended upon the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been too ignorant.”
“Likewise, I’ve searched the world for the events of that year, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father. His heart filled with joy.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not the time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing shivered and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, which delighted him.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and brought up Shao Yuanjie from that year. This matter involves many things. I was concerned. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, eventually tracing it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, I never thought the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. In fact, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wuduo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my doubts about Dian Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded, about to speak, but Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered the Plum Valley, the one driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded, “This Bai Ye was either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this minor detail?”
Mei Qing sighed, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this, being evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor no longer valued Guo Xun much, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Lord Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the emperor favors, the court follows,” Lu Bing smiled wryly. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why the Heavenly Master was stripped of his title and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain, and the emperor, in anger, stripped him of his title. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. They fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing his tale. “At first, I was unaware of Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all departed that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that upon my return, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought to inquire about it.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren perhaps one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so many details are unclear to me,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he would know. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who he was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment before replying, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the most skilled in external alchemy would be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, it’s unclear whether it wasn’t them disguised as Mao Yang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the former Prince Xingxian’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “After searching far and wide in the past, it turns out the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing here to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew swiftly from the north, turning into a whirlwind as it neared.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a whistling sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The first was a man in a long robe with a thin face—Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no interaction, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I had no idea that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family from Bi Mountain. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I’ve been searching the world for years over past events, never imagining that the person I was looking for was right under my nose,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Master Bai. When his eyes fell on Master Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed intently on Master Bai.
Master Bai remained silent, his eyes averted, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Son-in-law pays respects to father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he felt overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed heartily, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. Ah Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded, then said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver, murmuring, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words guiding her, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, much to his delight.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt somewhat worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine, speaking slowly, “I didn’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from the past. This involves many significant matters. I became concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. Sensing something was amiss, I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family from Bi Mountain. Heh, never thought the person we searched high and low for in the past was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had told him at the Liu residence from start to finish.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my doubts about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how credible do you think Liu Xing’s words are?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment, “Most of it seems accurate? However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially regarding… my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, you seemed quite resentful when you saw Master Bai today. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded, about to speak, when Mei Qing smiled, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Master Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was chased away by Mao Yang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “Right on the mark. I don’t know how you figured it out, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His techniques don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded, “This Master Bai was either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He’s not part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dried plum branch that she never parted with?”
Lu Bing nodded, “When you mentioned the dried plum branch earlier, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also stemmed from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled those legendary techniques of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from that sect. Why are you so concerned about this minor detail?”
Mei Qing sighed, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother assigned him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her subsequent death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this, being evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, investigating might shed some light on the matter.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t disclose it,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When and by whom was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he wasn’t very attentive to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised, “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing smiled bitterly, “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. They fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all left that I began to take an interest. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that after I returned, I shut myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“Then I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth brother has been devoted to rigorous cultivation and hasn’t focused on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he’s skilled in external alchemy. He has never shown such cultivation in front of us, but occasionally when it’s mentioned, he seems quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they should have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I wonder if it’s truly not them disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was indeed that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but have never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
Just then, a deep voice was heard from afar, “Never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses without us realizing it. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound was heard approaching. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew rapidly from the north, approaching as a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose straight from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the sky, with a violent vortex, making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, it suddenly dissipated, and two figures abruptly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe, with a thin face, it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was not widely known. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no interaction, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “Never thought that the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been too isolated.”
“Likewise, I’ve searched the world for the events of that year, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise crossed his face.
“This gentleman looks very familiar. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back to his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he was overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver, murmuring, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt somewhat worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? There are many implications in this. I became worried. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, never thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had suspicions about Dian Zhenren. But I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how credible do you think Liu Xing’s words are?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate? But there are some things Liu Xing must be withholding, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Can I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley? The one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He wouldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Was there a bonsai by my mother’s side back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique was very similar to the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her subsequent death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this, evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, investigating might shed some light on the matter.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master has passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed as Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he wasn’t very attentive to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was somewhat surprised, “How could it be him? Is Duke Guo also interested in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile, “In the current court, many are engaged in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans, aren’t they?” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and the cause of his death?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing his tale. “At first, I had no idea about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all left that I began to take an interest. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that after I returned, I shut myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this point.”
“Then I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder where the Plum Blossom Valley is located? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why the master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself probably knows. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Hearing this, Mei Qing asked again, “Then among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother has been devoted to hard cultivation and hasn’t focused on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He has never shown this aspect of his cultivation in front of us. But occasionally when it’s mentioned, he seems to have a deep understanding.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were successively favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they should have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it’s because it wasn’t actually them disguised as Mao Yang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence back then, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar: “Never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound came from a distance. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew rapidly from the north, approaching with a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose straight from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the air, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures abruptly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Dad…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was not widely known. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing and said, “I never thought that the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been too ignorant.”
“Likewise, I have been searching the world for the events of that year, never expecting that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When his eyes fell on Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks very familiar. We might have met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without any objection, only lowering her head further, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father. He couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded deeply. “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
With that, he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not the time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Dad, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Dad” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing took a sip of wine and said slowly. “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? There are many entanglements in this matter. I felt worried after reading it. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates, saying that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, so they didn’t know much. I felt there must be a reason, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, never thought that the person we searched high and low for back then was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I also had suspicions about Dian Zhenren. But I never expected that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? But there are some things Liu Xing must have kept to himself, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered something and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know each other before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Can I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren, right?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He wouldn’t be part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Was there a bonsai by my mother’s side back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother back then, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother didn’t allow anyone to touch it and had placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Later, as my knowledge expanded, I realized that the technique was very similar to the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect. That’s when I started to suspect your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect. Why are you so concerned about this small matter?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, his remorse was evident. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this, evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to figure it out.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was enfeoffed as Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago. Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie, and shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was somewhat surprised. “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the ruler’s interests lie, the subjects will follow,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, there are quite a few who engage in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just some self-proclaimed kings of the rivers and lakes.” Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to take an interest. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s situation. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought about this aspect.”
“I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder, where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knows. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before continuing, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed any expertise in this area in front of us, but occasionally when it was discussed, he seemed to have a deep understanding.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so naturally, they had some knowledge of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it was indeed not them disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “A favorite of the current emperor, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “Who would have thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew in from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the air, with a violent vortex and a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The first one, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I had no idea that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I have been searching the world for the events of that year, never imagining that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Old Bai. When his eyes fell on Old Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Old Bai.
Old Bai remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father without any objection, only lowering her head further, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not appropriate to talk about fighting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and muttered, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing took a sip of wine and said slowly, “I didn’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from the past. There are many implications in this, and I felt concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to trace it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Old Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had my doubts about Dian Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Old Bai today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Old Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley? The one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His techniques are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Old Bai was probably either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He wouldn’t be part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never left her side?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother didn’t allow anyone to touch it and had placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized that the technique was very similar to the legendary techniques of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing his remorse. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this topic, being evasive and secretive. If we knew where he transplanted the plum blossoms, we might be able to understand more.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed as Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost much of his favor for Duke Guo, so he wasn’t very interested in Duan Chaoyong.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing his tale. “At first, I was unaware of Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all departed that I began to take an interest. I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed secluded at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“Then it seems you are aware of the events of that year. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren perhaps one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why our master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself probably knows. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to hard cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally when it was discussed, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I wonder if it was indeed not them who disguised as Maoyang, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence back then, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard of him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know his level of cultivation.”
Just then, a deep voice was heard from afar, “After all these years of searching far and wide, who would have thought the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew swiftly from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front, wearing a long robe and with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I had no idea that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I have searched the world for years over the events of that time, never imagining that the person I was looking for was right under my nose,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. We might have met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Son-in-law greets father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without any objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and his heart was filled with joy.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded deeply, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? This involves a lot. I was concerned. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for years was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my suspicions about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate? But there are some things Liu Xing must have held back, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered the Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the truth. He wouldn’t be part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Back then, did my mother have a bonsai with her? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?”
Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique was very similar to the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this, evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t talk about it,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was enfeoffed as Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor no longer valued Guo Xun highly, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised, “Why him? Was Guo Xun also interested in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the leader’s interests lie, the followers will follow,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile, “In the current court, there are quite a few who practice alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just some self-proclaimed kings of the rivers and lakes, aren’t they?” Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and his death?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know the identity of Mei Qing’s father. It wasn’t until after my master and fellow disciples had left that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events happened, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master wanted Wuduo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated and then added, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but when it was occasionally mentioned, he seemed to have a deep understanding.” In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were both favored by the current emperor, so they must have some knowledge of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it was indeed not them in disguise or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “Who would have thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached. Everyone was startled as a black dot flew rapidly from the north, turning into a whirlwind as it neared.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was not widely known. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “Who would have thought that the renowned Lu Bing is actually the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must admit my ignorance.”
“Likewise. I have searched the world for the events of that year, never imagining that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks familiar. We might have met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew that his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he was overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough. Today is a day of celebration, not for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing shivered and murmured, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, making him smile with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt somewhat worried,” Lu Bing drank a cup of wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? There are many implications in this. I was worried. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort to trace it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also guessed that Wuduo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had suspicions about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? However, there are some things Liu Xing must have kept to himself, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley? The one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never left behind?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique was very similar to the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect. That’s why I suspected your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossom must have had a significant connection to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing was evasive and secretive about this. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand more.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed as Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing saw this and asked, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But the emperor was no longer very fond of Guo Xun at that time, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Guo Xun also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the emperor likes, the court will follow,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, there are many who practice alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just some minor figures from the martial world.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded and then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Longhu Mountain, but on the way… it is said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing, “At first, I was unaware of Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all departed that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many in Anlu City knew about my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“So, it seems you are aware of the events of that year. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren perhaps one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When these events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why our master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself would know. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who he was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never displayed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, it’s unclear whether it was indeed not them disguised as Maoyang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“You mean Lord Lu, the Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence back then?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “After all these years of searching far and wide, it turns out the answer was right before my eyes without me realizing it. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew swiftly from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex with a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind dissipated, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front, wearing a long robe with a lean face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. The fact that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father was known to few. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no interaction, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never imagined that the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise, I have been searching for the events of that year almost everywhere, never thinking that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Master Bai. When he saw Master Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Master Bai.
Master Bai remained silent, his eyes glancing sideways, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law pays his respects to father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, only lowering her head further, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he felt overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to look deeply at Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration, not for shouting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s few words leading the way, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, which made him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year? This involves a lot. I became concerned. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it, so I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, after all these years of digging, we never thought the person we were looking for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my suspicions about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of what Liu Xing said do you think is credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some things, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, you seemed quite resentful when you saw Master Bai today. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Master Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through everything,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Master Bai was either deceived and used back then or truly unaware of the inside story. He wouldn’t be part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never parted with?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice, clearly showing remorse. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. However, Liu Xing was evasive and secretive about this. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen, since he was appointed as Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost much interest in Duke Guo, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the superior favors, the subordinates will emulate,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head and said, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply before continuing, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until after my master and fellow disciples had left that I began to investigate the matter seriously. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s ironic that after I returned, I secluded myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought about this aspect.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events from back then. Do you know where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many details,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why my master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, only he would know. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and replied, “Within the Plum Blossom Sect, the most skilled in external alchemy would be the second senior brother. The fourth brother was dedicated to rigorous cultivation and didn’t focus much on this area. As for the eldest senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure if he was skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally, when the topic came up, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were later favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, it’s unclear whether it wasn’t them or if their disguise was truly that masterful.
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigations but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly echoed from afar, “Who would have thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under our noses. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
Following the voice, a sharp whistle cut through the air. Everyone was startled as a black dot rapidly approached from the north, growing into a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground like a dragon, carrying a violent vortex with a whistling sound. In the blink of an eye, it descended upon the Liu residence. With a loud crash, the whirlwind dissipated, revealing two figures in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing wasn’t appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
However, Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Few knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never imagined that the renowned Lu Bing is actually the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been living under a rock.”
“Likewise,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Old Bai. When his eyes fell on Old Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back to his sides, his eyes fixed on Old Bai.
Old Bai remained silent, his gaze averted, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law pays his respects, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled warmly at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing with a deep look, nodding, “Very good, Mei Qing. You’re very good.”
He then laughed heartily, “Enough. Today is a joyous occasion, not the time for conflict. Ah Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded, then said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here. It would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver, murmuring, “Perhaps it’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words as a bridge, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers, calling Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, much to his delight.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing sipped his wine and said slowly, “I didn’t understand why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from the past. There are many complications involved. Yesterday, I received some news that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. However, my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, so they didn’t know much. Sensing something was amiss, I put in some effort and traced it back to the Liu family of Bishan. Who would have thought that the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be aware of. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from start to finish.
“So that’s how it was,” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had my doubts about Tao Zhenren as well, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it seems accurate. However, Liu Xing must have held back on some details, especially regarding… my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Old Bai earlier, you seemed to harbor some resentment. Have you met before?”
Lu Bing nodded, about to speak, when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I take a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Old Bai is the White Snake Elder you encountered when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you figured it out. However, he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods don’t match.”
Mei Qing nodded, “This Old Bai was either deceived and used back then or genuinely unaware of the truth. He’s not part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dried plum branch that she never parted with?”
Lu Bing nodded, “When you mentioned the dried plum branch earlier, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. Moreover… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect stemmed from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally triggered it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled those of the Plum Blossom Sect. That’s when I began to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this minor detail?”
Mei Qing sighed, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed deep regret twice. I suspect… my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossoms must be closely related to her ability to send me away and her subsequent death. However, Liu Xing seems to avoid discussing this, being evasive. If we knew where he planted the plum blossoms, we might be able to uncover the truth.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Perhaps it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t reveal it,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be connected to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed Tao Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor had already lost interest in Guo Xun, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Was Guo Xun also interested in alchemy and cultivation?”
“When the emperor favors something, his subjects follow suit,” Lu Bing said wryly. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in a fit of anger. Zhang Yu Chong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two clashed, resulting in mutual injury. Later, I sent people to investigate the rumored site of their battle…”
Liu Xing sighed deeply and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until my master and fellow disciples had all left that I began to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“So, I suppose you know about the events of that year. Where exactly is the Plum Blossom Valley? Was that Mao Yang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events happened, I happened to be traveling outside, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why the master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, probably only he himself knows. As for the Mao Yang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who it was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone who is particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to hard cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated and then added, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such cultivation in front of us, but when we occasionally talked about it, he seemed to have a deep understanding.” In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were both favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Mao Yang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To meet Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it was indeed not them, or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly came from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached. Everyone was startled. As the sky brightened, a black dot flew rapidly from the north, approaching closer, revealing itself to be a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the sky, carrying a violent vortex, making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Not many knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A flash of surprise crossed his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been ignorant.”
“Likewise, I have been searching for the events of that year all over the world. I never thought that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing said coldly, glancing at Liu Xing and Master Bai. When he saw Master Bai, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“This gentleman looks very familiar. We might have met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Master Bai.
Master Bai remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he was overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing looked at Bi Zhen with a smile, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded deeply, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
Then he laughed and said, “Enough, today is a day of celebration. It’s not appropriate to talk about fighting and killing. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is finally together, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing couldn’t help but shiver and murmured, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing drank a cup of wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. This involves a lot. I was worried. Yesterday, some news came from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason and put in some effort, finally tracing it to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, I never thought that the person we searched for high and low was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not know. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it is,” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I also suspected Dian Zhenren, but I never thought that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true? But there are some things Liu Xing must have kept to himself, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Master Bai today, you seemed to have a lot of resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Can I guess? If I’m not wrong, this Master Bai is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley? The one who was driven away by Mao Yang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it. But he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Master Bai was probably either deceived and used or genuinely didn’t know the inside story. He couldn’t be part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side back then? A dry branch plum that she never left?”
Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry branch plum just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother didn’t allow anyone to touch it and placed a forbidden technique on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique was very similar to the legendary techniques of the Plum Blossom Sect, which made me suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small matter?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing talked about my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… the matter of my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is very secretive about this. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves the sect’s secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was enfeoffed as Dian Zhenren, I’ve often met him. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago. Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie, and shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Seeing this, Mei Qing asked, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But the emperor didn’t value Guo Xun much at that time, so he wasn’t very interested in Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised, “How could it be him? Does Duke Guo also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the ruler’s interests lie, the subjects will follow,” Lu Bing smiled bitterly, “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they are all just some self-proclaimed kings of the rivers and lakes.”
Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know the reason why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and died?”
Lu Bing nodded and then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to pray for rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it is said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. The two fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the scene of their legendary battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I began to take an interest. I developed some connections and investigated the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about the incident involving my junior sister. It’s laughable that after I returned, I stayed at home, busy with various matters, and never thought of this detail.”
“I suppose you know about the events of that year. I wonder where the Plum Blossom Valley is? Was that Maoyang Zhenren actually one of your fellow disciples in disguise? When Plum Blossom Zhenren arranged for my parents to meet, what was the real purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events happened, I happened to be traveling, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “As for why the master wanted Wu Duo to marry your father, only he himself knows. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m not sure who that was either.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the most skilled in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to hard cultivation and didn’t focus on this. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated and added, “I don’t know if he’s skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but when it was occasionally mentioned, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were both favored by the current emperor, so they must have some understanding of external alchemy. However, if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. If Lord Lu had met them without recognizing them, it’s unclear whether it wasn’t them or if their disguise was truly that masterful.
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the Xingxian Prince’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I’ve heard of him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice suddenly came from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew rapidly from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the air, with a violent vortex and a chirping sound. In an instant, it reached the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the smoke dispersed, and two figures suddenly appeared in the courtyard.
The first one, wearing a long robe with a thin face, was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once subdued Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Few knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing was the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bi Mountain. I must have been too ignorant.”
“Likewise, I searched the world for the events of that year and never thought that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing coldly glanced at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar. Perhaps we met once before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang at his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes looking to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, saying to Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law greets you, Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father-in-law without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he was overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded deeply, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough, today is a joyous day, not a time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing shivered and murmured, “It’s better she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come here?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “Father” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing drank a cup of wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly wanted to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. There are many entanglements in this matter. I was worried. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation is limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort, which led me to the Liu family of Bi Mountain. Heh, I never thought the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not know. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence.
“Is that so?” Lu Bing looked surprised, “We also guessed that Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. I had suspicions about Dian Zhenren, but I never thought that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how much of Liu Xing’s words do you think are credible?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true. But there are some things Liu Xing must be withholding, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold a grudge. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “Can I make a guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through me,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily, “You guessed it right away. I don’t know how you thought of it. But he’s definitely not from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used or genuinely unaware of the inside story. He’s not part of the conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai by her side? A dry plum branch that she never left?”
Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which led me to suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… my mother asking him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is evasive and secretive about this. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head, “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed, “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was appointed Dian Zhenren, I’ve often met him. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago. Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie, and shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court, and by whom?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head, “But by then, the emperor no longer valued Guo Xun, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised, “How could it be him? Is Guo Xun also interested in cultivation and alchemy?”
“What the emperor likes, the court follows,” Lu Bing smiled bitterly, “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just charlatans.” Mei Qing then asked, “Father-in-law, do you know why he was stripped of the title of Heavenly Master and how he died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head, “Fifteen years ago, Heavenly Master Zhang failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon-Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. They fought, and both were injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the rumored site of their battle…”
Liu Xing sighed once more and continued, “At first, I didn’t know about Mei Qing’s father’s identity. It wasn’t until later, when my master and fellow disciples had all left, that I started to gather some people to investigate the events of that time. In fact, after I left, many people in Anlu City knew about my junior sister’s affairs. It’s laughable that after I returned, I shut myself at home, busy with various matters, and never thought about this detail.”
“I suppose you are aware of the events of that year. I wonder where the Plum Blossom Valley is located? Could that Maoyang Zhenren be one of your fellow disciples in disguise? Why did Plum Blossom Zhenren arrange for my parents to meet? What was the purpose?” Mei Qing couldn’t help but ask.
“When those events occurred, I happened to be traveling abroad, so I’m not very clear about many things,” Liu Xing shook his head. “Why our master arranged for Wu Duo to marry your father, perhaps only he himself knows. As for the Maoyang Zhenren you mentioned, I’m also not sure who he is.”
Mei Qing then asked, “Among your fellow disciples, is there anyone particularly skilled in external alchemy?”
Liu Xing thought for a moment and said, “In the Plum Blossom Sect, the one most proficient in external alchemy should be the second senior brother. The fourth senior brother was dedicated to hard cultivation and didn’t focus on this area. As for the first senior brother…”
He hesitated before adding, “I don’t know if he is skilled in external alchemy. He never showed such abilities in front of us, but occasionally when discussing it, he seemed quite knowledgeable.” In fact, both Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen were favored by the current emperor, so they naturally had some understanding of external alchemy. However… if one of them was Maoyang Zhenren, they should have had the opportunity to meet Lord Lu. To have met Lord Lu without being recognized, I don’t know if it’s because they weren’t the ones disguised as Maoyang or if their disguise was truly that masterful.”
“The Lord Lu you mentioned is Lu Bing from the former Prince Xingxian’s residence, right?” Liu Xing nodded. “The current emperor’s favorite, the commander of the Imperial Guards. I heard about him during my investigation but never met him. I don’t know about his cultivation level.”
At that moment, a deep voice was heard from afar, “I never thought that after searching far and wide, the answer was right under my nose. How are you, Mr. Liu? Lu Bing has come to pay his respects.”
With the voice, a whistling sound approached rapidly. Everyone was startled as the sky brightened, and a black dot flew in from the north, bringing with it a whirlwind.
The whirlwind rose from the ground, like a dragon cutting through the sky, carrying a violent vortex and making a chirping sound. In the blink of an eye, it arrived above the Liu residence. With a loud bang, the whirlwind suddenly dissipated, and two figures appeared in the courtyard.
The one in front wore a long robe and had a thin face—it was Lu Bing. Behind him stood the bronze-skinned man who had once restrained Mei Qing.
“Ah… Father…” Bi Zhen opened her mouth to call out but suddenly remembered that Lu Bing was not appearing as the Sixth Master. She stomped her foot and quickly closed her mouth.
But Liu Xing and the others had already heard clearly. Few knew that Lu Bing was Bi Zhen’s biological father. Although Liu Xing lived on the same mountain as Bi Zhen’s maternal grandmother’s family, they had no contact, so he naturally didn’t know. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he bowed to Lu Bing, “I never thought the renowned Lu Bing would be the son-in-law of the Yao family of Bishan. I must have been ignorant.”
“Likewise. I’ve searched the world for the events of that year, never expecting that the person we were looking for was right under our noses,” Lu Bing coldly glanced at Liu Xing and Bai Ye. When he saw Bai Ye, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
“You look familiar, sir. Perhaps we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Lu Bing slowly brought his hands from behind his back and let them hang by his sides, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye.
Bai Ye remained silent, his eyes glancing to the side, ignoring Lu Bing.
Seeing this, Mei Qing quickly took Bi Zhen’s hand and stepped forward, greeting Lu Bing, “Your son-in-law pays his respects to Father-in-law.”
Lu Bing turned to look at Mei Qing and Bi Zhen. Seeing Bi Zhen lower her head and hearing Mei Qing call him father without objection, he knew his daughter was gradually accepting him as her father, and he was overjoyed.
“Good, good,” Lu Bing smiled at Bi Zhen, then turned to Mei Qing and nodded, “Very good, Mei Qing. You are very good.”
He then laughed and said, “Enough. Today is a joyous day, not a time for fighting. A Bi, let’s go back together. I haven’t seen your mother yet. Now that our family is reunited, we should celebrate.”
Bi Zhen nodded and said, “It’s a pity grandmother isn’t here, or it would be even better.”
Lu Bing shivered and murmured, “It’s better that she’s not here.”
“Father, how did you come?” Bi Zhen sat between her parents, smiling happily.
With Mei Qing’s words, Bi Zhen now had no psychological barriers and called Lu Bing “father” repeatedly, making him beam with joy.
“After receiving Mei Qing’s message, I felt a bit worried,” Lu Bing took a sip of wine and said slowly, “I don’t know why you suddenly decided to investigate the emperor’s external alchemy practices and bring up Shao Yuanjie from that year. There are many implications, and I was concerned. Yesterday, I received some news from my subordinates that Tao Zhongwen and Duan Chaoyong seemed to be making unusual moves. But my subordinates’ cultivation levels are limited, and they didn’t know much. I felt there was a reason behind it and put in some effort to investigate, only to find it led to the Liu family of Bishan. Heh, I never thought the person we searched high and low for was right under our noses.”
“Father-in-law, there are some things you might not be clear about. Actually, Mr. Liu…” Mei Qing recounted everything Liu Xing had said at the Liu residence from beginning to end.
“So that’s how it is,” Lu Bing looked surprised. “We also suspected Wu Duo was from the Plum Blossom Sect. In fact, I had doubts about Dian Zhenren, but I never imagined that Shao Yuanjie and Duan Chaoyong were also from the Plum Blossom Sect? Mei Qing, how credible do you think Liu Xing’s words are?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Most of it is probably true. However, Liu Xing must have held back some details, especially… the cause of my mother’s death and the whereabouts of Plum Blossom Zhenren.”
At this point, Mei Qing suddenly remembered and asked, “Father-in-law, when you saw Bai Ye today, you seemed to hold some resentment. Did you know him before?”
Lu Bing nodded and was about to speak when Mei Qing smiled and said, “May I guess? If I’m not mistaken, this Bai Ye is the White Snake Elder you met when you first entered the Plum Valley, the one who was driven away by Maoyang Zhenren?”
“You always see through things,” Lu Bing was startled, then laughed heartily. “You guessed it right. I don’t know how you thought of it, but he definitely isn’t from the Plum Blossom Sect. His methods are different.”
Mei Qing nodded and said, “This Bai Ye was probably either deceived and used back then or truly didn’t know the inside story. He isn’t part of any conspiracy. But there’s one more thing…”
Mei Qing took a deep breath and asked Lu Bing, “Did my mother have a bonsai with her back then? A dry plum branch that she never left behind?” Lu Bing nodded and said, “When you mentioned the dry plum branch just now, I remembered. Although I had little contact with your mother, I knew about this bonsai. And… my suspicion that your mother was from the Plum Blossom Sect also came from this bonsai. Your mother forbade anyone from touching it and placed a restriction on it. I accidentally touched it once and found the technique extremely profound. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but as my knowledge expanded, I realized the technique resembled the legendary methods of the Plum Blossom Sect, which made me suspect your mother was from the sect. Why are you so concerned about this small detail?”
Mei Qing sighed and said, “When Liu Xing spoke of my mother’s request to him, he expressed regret twice. I suspect… the task my mother gave him to transplant the plum blossom must be closely related to her ability to send me out and her death. But for some reason, Liu Xing is evasive and secretive about it. If we knew where he planted the plum blossom, we might be able to understand.”
“What about Plum Blossom Zhenren? Liu Xing said his master had passed away, but he didn’t mention it in his account?” Lu Bing pondered.
“Probably because it involves sect secrets, so he wouldn’t say,” Mei Qing shook his head. “But it must be related to Shao Yuanjie, Tao Zhongwen, and that Duan Chaoyong.”
“I’ve met all three of them,” Lu Bing sighed. “Especially Tao Zhongwen. Since he was enfeoffed as Dian Zhenren, we’ve met frequently. Shao Yuanjie entered the court fifteen years ago, and Tao Zhongwen was introduced to the emperor by Shao Yuanjie. Shortly after, Shao Yuanjie passed away. As for Duan Chaoyong…”
Lu Bing suddenly frowned. Mei Qing pressed, “When and by whom was Duan Chaoyong introduced to the court?”
“About four years ago, Duan Chaoyong was introduced to the emperor by Guo Xun,” Lu Bing shook his head. “But by then, the emperor no longer valued Guo Xun much, so he didn’t pay much attention to Duan Chaoyong either.”
“Guo Xun?” Mei Qing was surprised. “How could it be him? Does Guo Xun also have an interest in cultivation and alchemy?”
“Where the emperor leads, the court follows,” Lu Bing said with a bitter smile. “In the current court, many are involved in alchemy and cultivation, but they’re all just pretenders.” Mei Qing asked again, “Father-in-law, do you know why Zhang Tianshi was stripped of his title and died?”
Lu Bing nodded, then shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, Zhang Tianshi failed to bring rain and was stripped of his title by the emperor in anger. Zhang Yuchong returned to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but on the way… it’s said he encountered Plum Blossom Zhenren. They fought, and both were severely injured. Later, I sent people to investigate the site of their legendary battle…”
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