Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1241 Hate
Yuyang Commandery.

Although Yuyang is a remote place, it has a very strong spiritual vein. To the west, there are several mountains in Tongmo County, which effectively block the wind and sand in the desert. It also has abundant water veins, making it a good place to cultivate the virtue of water.

However, the flat terrain also brought inherent disadvantages. Like the Mushroom Forest Plain, there was no natural defense. The only nearby sacred mountain was the Sima Family Mountain Gate. Even though the Chen family ancestors had managed the water veins for many years, it could only barely make up for the lack of natural defenses and was barely usable.

On this vast plain, a high platform stands tall. The main hall is mostly covered with blue-black tiles, interspersed with white jade-like colors. The old man in the main seat has droopy eyelids and holds a cup of tea without saying a word.

The middle-aged man standing inside the hall was unremarkable in appearance, dark-skinned and lean, tall, with an honest and kind face, and the light of true qi on his body flickered erratically. He was none other than Chen Wenyao, the master of the Chen clan.

Chen Yin had placed him by Li Jiangliang's side early on, which could be considered as a small contribution to the rise of the new emperor. Later, through various connections and his own considerable abilities, he was able to enter the Forbidden City even earlier than Sima Xun.

Now, his demeanor exuded considerable authority. Upon entering the main hall, he remained respectful to his ancestral master, bowing before him and saying with concern:

"The adult's injury..."

"It doesn't matter."

Chen Yin's usually somber gaze softened with a hint of relief when he looked at him. He put down his cup, coughed twice, and said:

"Master Xiao's secret technique is derived from the idea that the Fu River has lost its vastness and is inexhaustible despite its great decline. I am not yet at the point of nearing the end of my lifespan and being unable to move. It is not easy to use it without some injury..."

A complex look appeared in Chen Wenyao's eyes. He nodded silently and said:

"With Master Xiao's help, my family doesn't know how to repay him. He surely has no shortage of spiritual resources and materials..."

"repay?"

Chen Yin smiled, his old eyes calm and still, and said:
"There's no such thing as a free lunch. If I lost Yuyang, why would I go to save Wangyue Lake? Do you think it's for some spiritual resources? The same goes for the Xiao family. These people seem to have nothing to do with you, but they must have something they don't want to be known. Who knows... they might want my life."

Chen Wenyao's expression changed slightly, and he said urgently:

"Why do you say such a thing, sir!"

Chen Yin shook his head and said:

“What’s so surprising about that? The entire body of the Purple Mansion is a treasure. While the lifespan is still long, one should collect spiritual resources, refine pills and weapons, and acquire a full range of skills. When one is about to perish, one can offer up spiritual items or risk one’s life for others, thus sharing a portion of the blood with a family. The physical body itself is also a treasure. Chang Xi… has set a good example for me.”

These words left Chen Wenyao speechless. His expression was complicated, and he remained silent for a long time. Chen Yin then said:
"It's just a pity... I'm too old. I have no brothers or children still alive. I can't even use the great technique of seizing the continuation of life that I obtained from the Xiao family. I failed the first time, and there's no way to go on. I can only keep wasting time and time."

Chen Wenyao found it even harder to speak. He raised an eyebrow, looking at the old man sitting firmly in the main seat, his face gloomy, completely different from the one he remembered. But he understood that this old master was eagerly and anxiously waiting to cross the Ginseng Purple Pass. Chen Wenyao could hear his thoughts:

'The master truly doesn't care about anything anymore. He even... even feels that the Xiao family's secret technique is too good, too precious, too clean, and its side effects too mild, so much so that he can't just hastily pass through the Purple Realm...'

And yet, he still felt it wasn't enough! He wanted it even faster. What other way could be faster? Killing one person wasn't enough; should he try a hundred? If killing a hundred wasn't enough, then he'd kill a thousand, even ten thousand, a hundred thousand…

"The Martial Star shines brightly, but it is not the Thunder Palace, much less Wanling. It is merely a projection of its former power, as easily pierced as a thin veil trying to cover up its true nature. It has become a heavily made-up tactic. Even a butcher like Situ Huo can become a general. If a Purple Mansion cultivator really wants to take a shortcut, there are a thousand ways to go overseas!"

The old man had shown him immense kindness, and for the sake of the clan's safety, Chen Wenyao could only advise him:
"It's not too late... There are still ten or twenty years left, and things can change dramatically!"

Chen Yin remained silent, his gaze lowered, when he saw cultivators below come up to pay their respects. One of them hurriedly knelt before him and said:
"Reporting to the Master, the Second Young Master has sent a message!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenyao's expression changed, and Chen Yin stood up abruptly, saying in a deep voice:

"Send it up!"

The man immediately handed over the letter. The old man glanced at it, and a long-lost joy finally appeared in his eyes. He laughed heartily and said:
"Good job! You've done well, kid!"

Chen Wenyao quickly took the letter and read it. Just then, he saw Chen Yin pacing lightly in the main hall, letting out a long sigh. Upon reading the letter, Chen Wenyao was overjoyed to see that it was about a marriage between the two families.

"We will not let you down, sir, who has taken such a risk. Let us go to the lake!"

"Ha ha!"

Chen Yin laughed loudly and shook his head, saying:
"This isn't entirely my doing. That Master Changli is no easy person to deal with; he wouldn't agree so easily. It's Yuan Zhuo who performed well and won his favor!"

Chen Wenyao was also very excited, nodding repeatedly and sighing:
"This is just great!"

After the old master at the head of the table finished laughing, he stepped down and said solemnly:

"Now that you and Li Jianglong are related by marriage, when you meet the Prince of Wei, you can address him as your uncle, based on your in-law relationship!"

Chen Wenyao had never experienced anything like this before, and after a slight hesitation, he said:
"Isn't that too obsequious?"

"Flattery?"

Chen Yin glared and said:
"Who dares to say a word! Li Zhouwei only has a few direct descendants. After three generations, they won't be so close anymore. They only marry into a few families. There are those people who want to call him but can't!"

Chen Wenyao quickly cupped his hands in greeting, still feeling somewhat embarrassed. He changed the subject and said seriously:

"We still need to prepare a betrothal gift..."

"nature!"

A shrewd glint flashed in Chen Yin's eyes as he said:
"We must hold this wedding in grand style and give the Li family a generous gift in return. We need to let the whole of Jiangnan see clearly... so that you can be more composed in the upcoming battle!"

Chen Wenyao said:

“The spiritual funds… I still have one copy… As for the others…”

The old man's expression remained unchanged as he said:

"Just leave it to me... Give me that copy of the [Hidden Dragon Seeking Transformation Secret Method]."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenyao's expression changed slightly. He touched his sleeve, took out a light green jade slip from his robes, placed it between his palms, and said softly:
"I have studied it thoroughly and have memorized it."

Chen Yin glanced intently at the jade slip in his palm and said:

“I will personally go to the lake and present it to the Li family as a betrothal gift.”

Chen Wenyao hadn't expected him to actually have this idea, and felt very uneasy. He whispered a word of advice:
“I understand that you value the Xiao family’s kindness in promoting Li from humble beginnings, but I’m afraid it’s inappropriate… This item was personally given to us by Master Xiao, and it’s quite important. It’s also a secret method for achieving enlightenment from another’s lineage. It’s already extremely generous of them to give it to us. How can we give it away? Li doesn’t cultivate the virtue of water, so it won’t be of much use to her… Why bother…”

Chen Yin's expression remained unchanged as he calmly said:
"That's because it came from the Xiao family."

The old master takes a step:
“Xiao Chuting is extremely calculating. If this thing wasn’t useful, why would he hand it over to me? He even specifically said that I could do whatever I wanted with it. Rather than a jade slip, it’s more like a pledge of allegiance. He handed it over to the Li family to make a point.”

"Chen Yin did indeed have a collaboration with the Xiao family."

Chen Shiyao frowned and said:
"Just this brief summary."

"enough."

Chen Yin turned his head with his hands behind his back and said:

"Firstly, that Master Changli is extremely perceptive. Once he sees the various combinations involved, especially the secret techniques of the Vast Sea, he will inevitably become suspicious. Secondly... don't forget where Zhaojing cultivated in his early years, and who his master was... how could he not recognize the Xiao family's secret techniques!"

His eyes held an indifferent expression:

"Even if he helps me out because I will be able to help Xiao Chuting in the future, it would be a good thing."

Chen Wenyao was moved for a moment, and after pondering for a long time, he finally sighed:
"This junior is afraid... that Master Xiao's ambitions are far-reaching, and that our Chen family, caught between the two families, might be at risk of being implicated!"

This middle-aged man seemed to have other thoughts. Seeing that his master was not answering him, his gaze became complicated, and tears welled up in his eyes. He whispered:

"I've known since I was a child that my family belongs to a respectable and righteous sect. Although we're not some earth-shattering sect, we're a well-known and upright one in Jiangnan. Even if we have to navigate among various families, we can still stand firm..."

He seemed to have a lot on his mind, and said sadly...

"When Xiao Chuting quickly mastered two supernatural powers, my father even told my uncle... that he probably used methods he shouldn't have, and he was quite moved. My lineage has some connections with the Xiao family. Xiao Chuwu was an ancestor's benefactor, and Xiao Chuchou was an ancestor's close friend. I also recognize his 'Long Cloud Darkness.' My father told me privately that he only regretted that Heaven's will was not favorable, allowing such techniques to spread so widely in the world without any retribution. He said: 'If only direct blood relatives can be less of an obstacle in the pursuit of the Dao, then it's better not to pursue the Dao at all.'"

The color in Chen Yin's pupils gradually changed. He looked coldly at his junior, understanding that the other was subtly advising him. Chen Wenyao, however, said in a hoarse voice:
"Furthermore... Mingyang... is not a ship that will not capsize... I have already attained the Xuan level, and the clan is not in danger of being wiped out, so why should I cling to it like this... What will we do if something goes wrong!"

"late!"

Chen Yin remained unmoved, and said with a cold smile:
“Ever since Xuan Yu died and I accepted that pill from the Xiao family, there has been no turning back for my family—do you think I can’t see that the Li family’s glory also comes with risks? If Xuan Yu hadn’t died, I could have followed Sima Yuanli’s example and maintained a relationship that was half-close and half-distant, but now that he’s gone, who will take the lead!”

"The enmity between the Sun family and my family has been long-standing. Ever since they gained the favor of the Qing family, their family has prospered day by day, producing many talented individuals. That Shan Yin has also passed the Purple Realm and possesses the 'Gathering Wood' ability to swallow water. If there is a major conflict between Shu and Song, I will surely be killed by him before I reach the level of a Great True Man!"

"I've heard about the Sun family's feud since I was a child, and I'll hear it until I die. It might even last longer than the days when Shu and Song were on equal footing... Western Shu will fall, but since Sun Miaoqing has become Qing Zhuo's concubine and Song Yunbai's master, the Sun family will not fall!"

"At that time, even if I survive, my demise will be imminent. Once the situation is settled and the emperor ascends the throne... we aristocratic families are nothing but a basket of rotten fish and shrimp, not even comparable to the Sun Dao lineage... who will protect us then!"

His eyes held a complex mix of emotions—hatred and fear. He stood up, pushed open the door, pointed at the towering, magnificent buildings outside, and, with a hint of exasperation, said coldly:

"You people are worse off than ants! How dare you even think of asking if Mingyang is a good ship!"

“If you don’t stick to this boat, your whole family will drown tomorrow—only you! Only you, holding onto the Xuan, are still somewhat useful, able to barely survive and stay afloat to breathe. But for them, having you is enough!”

Chen Wenyao was stunned by his barrage of questions, his pupils dilated, and the old man's expression turned icy:

"You think I've lived a proper and upright life, upholding the rules and practicing righteousness, so why, in my twilight years... do I still have to shamelessly run around everywhere? I've even abandoned the reputation accumulated by my ancestors! Why?!"

Veins bulged on the old master's face, his expression one of unprecedented hatred and rage, and he gritted his teeth as he said:
"Without the Xiao family, there is no shortcut; I cannot cross this Ginseng Purple Passage!"

Chen Wenyao only knew that the old man had pushed him to this position, but he did not expect that the other party had such a long-term plan. He was struck dumb and stood there for a long time, unable to react.

"Cough...cough..."

Chen Yin coughed violently, took a hoarse breath, and said:

“I understand your concerns. Whether the King of Wei can succeed is ultimately uncertain. Let's leave the matters of the higher-ups aside for now. They've offended so many people; there's bound to be setbacks in the end…”

"Even if they were to commit a major crime that would bring about the downfall of their entire clan, we could simply pick out a group of people who were close to them and deal with them with a heavy heart... At most, one lineage would perish! Isn't that how it's always been done? I've never heard of anyone being purged for marrying into another family. If such a thing were to happen, neither the Sima family nor the Xiao family could escape it... Why would we need to think so much?"

"Yes…"

Chen Wenyao remained silent for a long time, his eyes slightly red, and responded in a low voice, looking lost and forlorn. He presented the jade slip to the old man and whispered:

"It was my oversight..."

Chen Yin waved wearily, signaling him to leave. The old man sat alone in the empty hall, his eyes filled with unease and a deep sense of crisis.

He stared intently at the teacup, as if he could see the heavy snowfall over Beihai Park years ago, and the old man sitting in the snow, fishing rod in hand.

'Xiao Chuting… will your plan actually work… is it to kill me before the big event, so as to have one less competitor in the Lingyu Gate inheritance dispute, or do you genuinely intend to help me overcome this hurdle…'

'If you truly care about our past friendship and are looking out for me, you should also be afraid that I might be forced by circumstances to side with Jin Yu... Why are you so unguarded towards me...'

His eyes were unfathomable and gloomy.
"Now... Jin Yu and the Li family must have reached a compromise for 'Quan Dan,' and it's even possible that the Li family received a favor from Jin Yi. Given this kind of scheming, where do you get your confidence... that Li Zhouwei and I... will still be able to help you then?"

He could not see through the old man's scheme in the North Sea, and could only stand alone with his hands behind his back, letting out a long sigh after a long while:
'Alright...alright...let's give a subtle hint to the Li family first. With in-laws here, even if they oppose Jin Yi, it'll be Li Zhouwei who takes the lead. In any case, it won't be too embarrassing!'