Xianye

Chapter 510 Plot
Chen Heng had heard Jiang Daolian recount all the grievances between Jiang Daolian and the Jiang family of Tianchi back when they were in the Lower Courtyard of Changying.

Jiang Daolian's biological father was named Jiang Yue, a great immortal who had attained the Pure Yang realm.

This young man had a long-standing feud with the head of the Jiang clan, and later, due to a power struggle, the two sides became almost mortal enemies.

After Jiang Yue died while undergoing tribulation, even though some elders spoke up for him, Jiang Daolian's position in the clan was still precarious, and she was antagonized by the Jiang clan leader's faction.

It was precisely because she felt that her future was difficult that Jiang Daolian chose to come to Yuchen from Tianchi to cultivate Taoism. Later, she also chose to bet on the talents in the lower academy, hoping to get some help in the future.

This is precisely why Chen Heng formed a friendship with Jiang Daolian in the lower courtyard.

Although Jiang Yue died during his tribulation, he left behind many of his old followers in the clan.

Furthermore, since the Jiang clan leader already resides in the Grand Secretariat and is the esteemed head of the clan, he still needs to be mindful of his conduct when acting, lest he lose public support and incur attacks from other branches of the clan.

Therefore, Jiang Daolian has only suffered some exclusion in secret over the years, and no one has ever made a big show of attacking her in public.

However, things are different now.

With the sudden deaths of Jiang Zhi and Jiang Weibao, two former leaders, Jiang Daolian's status in Tianchi plummeted after losing her greatest support in the clan, attracting the covetous eyes of many.

The one who plotted to seize Jiang Daolian's family business this time was Jiang Shunming, an elder of the Jiang family.

This person doesn't have a very good reputation even among aristocratic families, and he's known for being opportunistic.

When Jiang Yue was powerful, this person pledged loyalty to him. But when Jiang Yue died during his tribulation, this person promptly switched sides to the Jiang clan leader, revealing all of his former master's secrets in order to curry favor and gain glory.

As a former retainer of Jiang Yue, Jiang Shunming was well aware of the extent of Jiang Yue's wealth and had long harbored covetous thoughts.

Now that he has made great progress in his cultivation and entered the Void Returning Realm, and with the deaths of his two former leaders, Jiang Zhi and Jiang Weibao, no one in Tianchi Jiangchi will risk their lives to protect Jiang Daolian.

Jiang Shunming was overjoyed and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to seize Jiang Daolian's entire business.

If possible, he also wanted to completely eliminate Jiang Daolian to prevent future troubles!
However, thanks to Xue Jing's help, although Jiang Shunming's plan was well-conceived, it was fraught with difficulties in execution, far from being as easy as he had anticipated.

"Jiang Zhi, Jiang Weibao... are there any suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths?"

At this moment, Chen Heng suddenly spoke up and asked.

"As far as I know, both of them died in battle in Dantai Heaven due to bad luck. There should be no shady dealings between them. Right now, the Tianchi Jiang Clan is fully engaged in conquering the Yellow Domain of Dantai Heaven and is locked in a fierce battle with the local Yellow Domain power, Yutong Mountain..."

Xue Jing pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Although Jiang Ying, the patriarch of the Jiang clan, was a little short-tempered, and his temperament was even used as a joke by his fellow cultivators, he was attentive to all matters of state and made good plans during his tenure. His policies of expanding territory and opening up new borders are all verifiable, so he can be considered a wise ruler."

Currently, the five major clans of Xiao, Jiang, Wei, Xie, and Sima are all making every effort to conquer Dantai Heaven, fearing that they will fall behind.

Jiang Zhi and Jiang Weibo are both elders of the Jiang clan. At this crucial moment of the struggle for Yutong Mountain, with Jiang Ying's wisdom, he would not deliberately weaken his own strength and let Yutong Mountain benefit for nothing.

If he truly wanted to vent his anger, he would have done so long ago; he probably wouldn't have deliberately spared the lives of Jiang Zhi and Jiang Weibao until now.

……

It is unclear whether they felt the turmoil and wanted to find another place to stay, or whether they were secretly accumulating strength to prepare for future changes.

As early as when the Great Calamity of Zhonglang ended, most of the twelve clans were striving to expand into the outer world, and through their combined efforts, they occupied a lot of land and space as clan territories and training grounds.

Although within the realm of Xudu, the eight sects and six clans are like a towering mountain atop the twelve aristocratic families.

Unshakeable and inescapable, they can only survive by humbling themselves and acting subserviently.

But outside of Xudu Heaven, most of the twelve clans are actually quite formidable forces and should not be underestimated!

Three hundred years ago, Jiang Chi of Tianchi set his sights on the treasure land of Dantai Tianhuang Domain. Now, even Jiang Ying, the patriarch of the Jiang clan, is personally taking action, confronting Yutong Mountain in the Huang Domain.

Upon hearing Xue Jing's words, Chen Heng nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the distant sky, lost in thought.

Actually, thinking about it...

Wei Lingjiang and Jiang Daolian share some similarities in their backgrounds.

They all had elder relatives who died young, and there was discord among the clan leaders.

However, unlike Wei Shao, the patriarch of the Wei clan, Jiang Ying was remarkably tolerant.

Although Jiang Ying took his anger out on Jiang Daolian, he treated her indifferently. He had previously intended to arrange the marriage between Jiang Daolian and Wang Dian, but now he regarded her as a dispensable commodity.

But Jiang Ying at least did not harbor any intention to harm Jiang Daolian.

Over the years, Jiang Yingruo may have truly intended to harm Jiang Daolian.

The latter didn't even live long enough to come to the Jade Emperor's Lower Academy to cultivate Taoism; he died long ago in the Heavenly Pool, and even his old subordinates like Jiang Zhi and Jiang Weibo couldn't protect him.

As for Wei Shao, the head of the Wei clan, he was different; he harbored the intention to eliminate Wei Ling Jiang Su completely.

The saying circulating among various factions, "They have the eyes of bees and the voice of jackals, and their hearts are treacherous," is never just empty words.

"Among the three calamities of Chunyang, Wei Shao had already overcome the wind calamity and was now facing the fire calamity. He painstakingly obtained the Wind and Fire Futon from the Void Emperor Heaven in order to increase his understanding and accumulate merit."

And this person's cultivation level, even among the leaders of all races, would place him among the top tier.

Thinking of this, Chen Heng shook his head inwardly.

At this moment, he suddenly shifted his gaze and said to Xue Jingyan:
"So it seems that the desire to seize Junior Sister Jiang's foundation is merely the selfish desire of that Elder Jiang Shunming of the Returning Void Clan?"

"That's how it should be."

Xue Jing nodded, and then said:
"Please rest assured, Master Jiang. We have made proper arrangements for her. She is currently in seclusion at Senior Brother Yang Kezhen's cave to increase her internal energy."

This woman, who also passed the Qiyun Mountain Grand Competition and rose from one of the top ten disciples to become a legitimate Yu Chen cultivator, is located within the Xiaoming Great Swamp. Therefore, it would be extremely difficult for the Jiang Clan of Tianchi to interfere, let alone considering that this is merely Jiang Shunming's personal intention.

"Elder Yang? It seems that Junior Sister Jiang has caught Elder Yang's eye?"

“That Master Jiang is quite talented in talisman making. Since Senior Brother Yang went to the Great Wisdom Hall, he has also enjoyed tinkering with this art. After talking with him, Senior Brother Yang also felt a sense of appreciation for his talent.”

At this point, Xue Jing also found it somewhat amusing:

"Ever since that Master Jiang started learning talisman techniques from Senior Brother Yang, Senior Brother Yang's little disciple has been scolded every three days and every five days. He is often compared to him and secretly complains bitterly."

Chen Heng chuckled, then paused briefly before saying:

"Since that Jiang Shunming is so eager to acquire Junior Sister Jiang's family fortune, he must have secretly investigated Junior Sister Jiang's background thoroughly?"

Xue Jing then understood the meaning behind Chen Heng's words.

If Jiang Shunming truly knew all about Jiang Daolian's background beforehand, he would naturally also know of Chen Heng's existence.

Jiang Shunming's actions were tantamount to deliberately provoking trouble, showing no regard for Chen Heng, the true disciple of Yu Chen.

"I wonder what kind of business Jiang Shunming has?"

Chen Heng asked.

"If we're talking about foundations, Jiang Shunming's greatest foundation is the Fang Qingshu Sect in Dongmi Prefecture... This sect was painstakingly built up by Jiang Shunming from scratch, and it was dedicated to collecting all kinds of cultivation resources for him. Most of the disciples in the sect are evil people who act without any restraint."

Because it is located near the northern territory under the jurisdiction of the Huzhao Sect, it is said that the Qingshu Sect must pay a tribute to the cultivators of the Huzhao Sect in order to ensure that its foundation is not disturbed by the demonic sects of the northern region.

Xue Jing hesitated for a moment, then said:
"It is said that the one who received the offerings from the Qingshu Sect was Gu Shuzhenjun of the Huzhao Sect."

"Gu Shu? This surname reminds me of something from years ago... What is the relationship between this True Lord Gu Shu and Gu Yi?"

"The Hai Zhao Gu Clan is a well-known cultivation family in the Northern Region. Gu Shu and Gu Yi are from this clan and are considered relatives."

Chen Heng nodded slightly, not saying anything more, but suddenly said:
"It was previously mentioned that Qing Shushan would pay tribute to the Huzhao cultivator. I wonder if he did the same to Yu Chen?"

Xue Jing shook his head.

The meaning is self-evident. "This can be described as fearing power but not cherishing virtue. No matter how close Qingshu Mountain is to the Northern Region, it is still in the Eastern Continent."

Chen Heng flicked his sleeve, his face turning cold:

"Since it has been said that most of the people in Qingshushan are evil spirits, then let's break down their gates and burn their scriptures to intimidate all the forces, big and small, in the border region, and also teach Jiang Shunming a lesson!"

In the blink of an eye, a hidden killing intent emanated from the words, majestic and overwhelming!
Xue Jing quickly stood up and bowed, indicating that he understood.

Just as he was about to lead Nuo to do it, Chen Heng suddenly spoke up again:

"I'll ask my two clan elders, Liu Fengye and Xie Jing, to handle this matter..."

As for Jiang Shunming, I have another letter to deliver, so I'll trouble Elder Xue to send one of his disciples to give it to him.

Xue Jing nodded upon hearing this.

He was just waiting for Chen Heng to put pen to paper when he saw Chen Heng think for a moment, then casually pick out a blank sheet of paper from the jade table and hand it over.

The white paper was completely blank, without a trace of ink, and felt weightless in Xue Jing's hands.

If he loosens his grip even slightly, he could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

"Then send this item over."

Chen Heng said.

Not long after, after chatting with Xue Jing for a while, he personally saw him out of the palace.

Chen Heng stood in the sunlight, his clothes fluttering in the wind, his expression calm.

The two things Xue Jing mentioned today, whether it was Ji Fakai's expedition to Yuzhou or Jiang Shunming's attempt to seize Jiang Daolian's family business.

Upon closer examination, none of these are particularly troublesome matters.

The latter could be easily broken with a wave of his hand, without him needing to personally intervene.

As for the matter of Yuzhou, which Xue Jing was deeply wary of, it was not as serious as Xue Jing thought.

"In just over a year, the Dan Yuan Conference will be held... The struggle for Dao Sons, and all that will depend on the outcome of the conference!"

Chen Heng silently said this to himself, then turned and returned to the palace.

Given Ji Fakai's current power, he and Ji Fakai will eventually have a complete battle, but that will be after he achieves his primordial spirit, so there's no need to rush.

The most urgent matter right now is the imminent Dan Yuan Conference.

After some thought, among all the Taoist techniques and supernatural abilities that Chen Heng had already learned, the only one that could be further improved in a short period of time was the Tai Su Jade Body, a method for achieving sainthood through physical body cultivation.

The sixth level of the Yuan Realm is the pinnacle of the Golden Core stage.

His current physical cultivation level is only at the fifth level of the Yuan Realm.

Although he had absorbed many great medicines and treasures during his years of training in the outer heavens, and even consumed a lot of spiritual veins, these resources were still not enough to allow him to advance further.

Chen Heng's current plan is to use the resources of his fiefdom and the entire treasury of his mansion to elevate the Tai Su Jade Body to a higher level.

With a flawless and perfect body, I will take a trip to the Dan Yuan Assembly!
While he was in seclusion cultivating, several months passed by unnoticed.

This day.

Tianchi Jiang Clan, located at a sacred peak shaped like a giant iron cone.

After condescending to personally escort Xue Jing's disciple, who had come to deliver the message, out of the mansion, Jiang Shunming returned to his residence and felt increasingly frustrated.

He suddenly reached out and tore the white paper on the table to shreds, his eyes blazing with ferocity, as if he wanted to devour someone.

"How dare a mere Golden Core cultivator insult me ​​like this?"

"If it weren't for Yu Chen's power, killing him would have been a simple matter of snapping my fingers; it wouldn't have been more troublesome than crushing an ant!"

Jiang Shunming said bitterly:

"First, they destroyed my Qingshushan foundation, and then they sent a lowly junior to confront me."
I never expected Chen Heng would actually stand up for Jiang Daolian to this extent. I, Jiang, will surely repay this humiliation in the future!

……

……

The hall was shrouded in fragrant mist, and as far as the eye could see, there were emeralds and pearls hanging everywhere, exquisite and beautiful. Hundreds of lanterns hung under the eaves, their light shining brighter than daytime, creating a magnificent scene.

While Jiang Shunming was raging and resentful, a man with a bruised face sat down without saying a word, simply enjoying his tea.

Only when Jiang Shunming turned his gaze did he slowly stand up and say:
"We must stop here with Jiang Daolian. Destroying Qingshu Mountain was just a warning. If we don't restrain ourselves, we may face the wrath of that Taihe Zhenren."

"A mere Golden Core cultivator, Brother Jingcheng, just a mere Golden Core cultivator..."

Jiang Shunming was still unwilling to accept it:
"He is only a true disciple, yet he acts so decisively. If he were to truly become the Jade Emperor's disciple, what would become of him!"

Fortunately, there's still Master Ji of the Ji family to keep him in check. If this man were to inherit the throne of the Jade Emperor, it would be a terrible blessing for the entire land!

The man with the bruise, Jiang Jingcheng, didn't respond. He patiently waited for Jiang Shunming to finish his rant before smiling and saying:
"Since the passing of the Celestial Venerable and the fall of Zhonglang, our clans in this Xudu Heaven have been destined to be cautious and prudent in order to survive. This is not something you and I have known for the first time."

Now that we've proven Jiang Daolian's significant position on Changli Island, we should simply stop. What else is there to say?

"But the price is too high. My Qingshu Mountain, Chen Heng actually ordered Liu Fengye and Xie Jing to destroy my foundation. His intentions are truly impure!"

Jiang Shunming sighed, then stared directly at Jiang Jingcheng and tentatively asked:

"When will these stifling days finally end?"

"Just say what you want to say, why test me again?"

Jiang Jingcheng shook his head:
"Now that you have also achieved the Returning to the Void stage, it is no problem to tell you. Twenty years ago, several clan leaders, through their combined efforts, also found some clues."

If that being can manifest again in the present world, the格局 (geju, a concept encompassing the overall situation, structure, and power) of the Nine Provinces will inevitably change! And at that time, the clans that have contributed their efforts—”

Jiang Jingcheng suddenly stopped speaking at this moment.

Under Jiang Shunming's probing gaze, after a long while, he finally spoke again in a slow voice:
"Do you know that this land of nine provinces and four seas should have been governed by our clans?"

In the past, the Celestial Venerable was personally appointed by the Dao Court. Under the very noses of all the immortals and gods of the Xuanjie Heaven, he took over the mandate of this celestial realm and was entrusted with a critical mission to resist the rebellious Tianyi Yan and his gang. His achievements were truly remarkable!

As descendants and disciples of the Celestial Venerable, we should rightfully be the most orthodox inheritors of the legacy across the ten continents and four seas. As for the eight sects and six schools…”

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Jiang Jingcheng's eyes. He laughed loudly, hands behind his back, and shook his head, shouting:

"Let's see what the future holds!"

……

In the blink of an eye, another six months have passed.

On Changli Island, a golden-robed boy suddenly appeared outside the hall, holding a jade slip and requesting an audience. After the boy entered the hall and paid his respects, Chen Heng accepted the jade slip.

He was moved at first glance, which puzzled Tu Shan Ge, who was standing to the side.

"Yin Wuji, as expected of you, you've done a great job!"

Chen Heng praised.

(End of this chapter)