Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 645 Ancient Mystery: New Noble Pays Homage to Chengxi Tree, Hidden Cause and Effect

(Thank you so much, Mr. Guo Qiuqiu, for the 10,000 coins!)

— Several months later, Yangmingshan
According to outside sources, Yang Wuwei has not been able to speak with Headmaster Kang for some time due to the many affairs at the Duke of Qin's mansion.

However, to be honest, for Yang Wuwei, the reason for this long delay was that talking to Kang Dabao was becoming increasingly boring.

The latter neither appreciates fine clothes and beautiful women, nor does he enjoy rare delicacies and fragrant teas. At most, he can get a meal of wine and meat at Yangmingshan, and he might even be forced to play a game of chess by this chess-playing idiot with no sportsmanship, which would be quite unpleasant.

In other words, sometimes, if one is fortunate enough to have a Zen discussion with him, it can be very beneficial. However, now the two of them understand vastly different principles, and if one does too many things that take advantage of others, the debt of gratitude will become too heavy.

Therefore, unless he had some excellent spiritual items or made other gains in his cultivation, Yang Wuwei couldn't keep bothering him.

However, now that he has received the official document to take up his post at the Ancient Profound Path, he naturally wants to find this old friend to reminisce and ask for some favors.

Master Kang was quite shrewd when it came to interpersonal relationships. As soon as he saw that Yang Wuwei wanted something, he took out the chessboard that had been sealed away for a long time.

Yang Wuwei twitched his brow, but still sighed again, complaining, "If Brother Dao's chess skills could improve as rapidly as his Dao cultivation, it would be a good thing for all of us."

“Haha, my master once said,” Kang Dabao’s fingertips traced the wood grain of the chessboard, a hint of amusement in his eyes, “the way of chess emphasizes ‘constraint’. One must adhere to the rules and follow established patterns. Once a piece is placed, one must consider the overall gains and losses.”

But my nature is rather 'free-spirited.' As the saying goes, 'When I see a mountain, it's not a mountain; when I see a piece, it's not a piece.' I only care about the immediate gratification of making a move; how could I possibly let this small chessboard bind my hands and feet?"

He casually picked up a black piece and placed it in the center of the chessboard, scattering some wood chips: "My master also said that my heart is too 'flexible,' capable of holding the clouds on the mountain, the wine at the foot of the mountain, the warmth of human relationships, and the dangers of worldly changes, but unable to hold the 'fixed rules' of the chessboard."

To improve one's chess skills, one must be willing to relentlessly pursue strategic thinking. But I always think that winning a game is less enjoyable than drinking a pot of wine, and that giving up a move in exchange for a friendly exchange is more satisfying. How can one delve deeply into the art of chess with such a mindset?

Finally, he slapped his thigh and laughed heartily: "But my master also said that life is like a grand game of chess. My 'lack of chess skills' nature allows me to be less obsessed and more flexible. Compared to a fool trapped in the chessboard, I live a more enlightened life!"

Yang Wuwei was slightly taken aback, after all, in his opinion, the Great Master Kang was not as temperamental as his master had described.

Kang Changxi, who was standing to the side, seemed to agree and nodded quietly.

However, although Yang Wuwei was puzzled, he did not show it. After playing a few more rounds with Kang Dabao, he stopped looking at the chessboard and got straight to the point when he spoke:
"In the latter part of the month, I, Yang, will be going to the Gu Xuandao General Administration Office alone to take up my post. I heard that Yuejianshan of Gu Xuandao has a long-standing friendship with you, Brother Dao. I have come here today to ask you for a letter."

Master Kang grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze fixed intently on the chessboard. After pondering for a long time and making his move, he pulled a silk scroll from his sleeve, handed it to Yang Wuwei, and then said calmly:
"The Ancient Profound Path has been quite turbulent lately. Just ten days ago, one or two Blood Cultivators who had achieved the false core were hiding from Yuejian Mountain and fled to the territory of the Bilan Sect. However, their ability to conceal their aura was not yet up to par, and before they could hide properly, they were captured by a senior cultivator from the Bilan Sect and sent to me."

After questioning the man, his disciples learned that it was because he had harmed a Foundation Establishment disciple from Yuejian Mountain in the Ancient Profound Path, intending to search his soul and seize some of his inheritance.

Yang Wuwei showed gratitude when he received the letter, but after hearing Kang Dabao's words, he frowned again:

"How dare these rogue cultivators be so audacious as to harm even disciples of a Nascent Soul sect?! As a Pseudo-Core cultivator, someone who should be on the verge of death, how can they still have such audacity?"

“Those who dare to defy reason are as numerous as carp crossing a river, constantly emerging; there’s nothing unusual about that. And those who have no hope often become the most reckless and arrogant.” Kang Dabao, while keeping a close eye on the chessboard, urged Yang Wuwei to make his move quickly, then sighed again:
"But the fact that these two blood cultivators were able to travel all the way from the heart of Yuejian Mountain to the territory of Huangpi Road is something that needs careful consideration."

Yang Wuwei casually placed another piece, and seeing that Master Kang was frowning again, he pondered the latter's words for a while.

In just a moment or two, Yang Wuwei realized: "Yuejian Mountain's situation has become so difficult?!"

Kang Dabao didn't answer him at first, his brows still furrowed, but he asked about something else: "When you came, did you see that there were more things on Yangming Mountain?"

Yang Wuwei pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Who around here doesn't know the abilities of your Chongming Sect's Grand Master Kang? Every time I've come here, your sect has brought out some treasures."

Headmaster Kang was taken aback, but felt that Yang Wuwei's words made some sense. After laughing, he was forced to put on a gloomy face again by the ugly chess game: "The two mid-grade third-level Chengxi trees that were planted at the entrance were given to us by the Dragon Prince last month."

"Chengxi Tree?" Yang Wuwei was so surprised that he took a step back, a sight that even Kang Changxi found unbelievable. Then he remembered the two spiritual plants that he had marveled at when he entered the room.

In my memory, the trunks of the two Chengxi trees were crystal clear, with pale blue spiritual energy flowing inside, and dew-like water droplets condensing on the branches and leaves, forming a continuous stream.

It's as if the streams on the branches and leaves are converging and flowing continuously through the veins of the leaves, seeping into the spiritual soil of Yangmingshan.

"Phew, in another sixty or two years, when the leaves of the two Chengxi trees fall, the branches wither, the trunk breaks, and the roots die, and they completely merge into the spiritual soil beneath your feet, the spiritual vein of Yangming Mountain may transform into a third-grade superior quality."

How did Yuejian Mountain suddenly become so generous?! A few years ago, when I went to the capital to listen to the Dao under my master, I heard that Yuejian Mountain had the 'Eleven Mysterious Peaks' lineage, all of which were of the finest quality.

However, after its decline and inability to compete with Taiyi Temple for the top position in Taoism, and after thousands of years of changes, only four of the 'Xuanyue Eleven Ming' have been passed down.

If Yang's memory serves him correctly, this Chengxi Tree is one of them. In the past, during the reign of Emperor Taizu, it was repeatedly included in the list of tribute items of the Ancient Mystic Path. Because it caused no future troubles, the princes and dukes of the imperial clan in the past also loved to use it to enhance the spiritual veins.

Unexpectedly, the current head of Yuejian Mountain, Youlongzi, also has such a relationship with you, fellow Daoist.

Kang Dabao shook his head for a while and sighed, "It's not that we have a friendship, it's just that they want me to avoid causing them trouble."

He didn't even see Yang Wuwei make a wrong move. After hesitating for a long time, he made another move, which left the eldest son behind him speechless.

Yang Wuwei didn't care about the outcome of the game; he simply understood what Sect Leader Kang meant. Then, recalling the rumors circulating that several Golden Core cultivators from the northern part of the Ancient Profound Path were frequently sending lavish gifts to Yangming Mountain, he immediately grasped the situation. "It seems that Yuejian Mountain, this local tyrant, is even more seriously ill than I previously suspected. Its subordinates are either restless or surrounded by wolves."

The Nascent Soul sects were reluctant to part with this valuable asset, yet they were also wary of angering the Duke of Qin's mansion and incurring trouble. They might also try to instigate the Golden Core sects within the Ancient Profound Dao realm to take some action.
The Daoist brother before me possesses composure, but the other forces that have been bewitched may not.
To be honest, even the nobles of the Qin State Duke's Mansion might be happy with the current situation at Yuejian Mountain. The Duke's Mansion sending a garrison to the Ancient Profound Path might not be entirely a bad thing for the cultivators of Yuejian Mountain.

Yang Wuwei laughed along with Master Kang for a while, but then he felt the weight of the silk scroll in his hand grow heavier. Most of his worries had subsided, leaving only one last thing he needed to discuss with Master Kang:
"There is one more thing I need to make clear to you, fellow Daoist. Although I will be under the control of Xu Lingzhi after I go to the Ancient Mysterious Path, I will not be able to do anything that would harm the Chongming Sect."

If, in the future, you encounter any wicked people who instigate you, please remember my words today.

He spoke these words with utmost seriousness, and even Kang Dabao, upon hearing them, reluctantly put down the chessboard, bowed, and said:

"Brother, please rest assured. We are old friends and relatives by marriage. How could we let someone sow discord and ruin our friendship?! Don't worry, don't worry!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Wuwei was overjoyed. Although he now belonged to the Zuo Zongzheng sect and had a powerful backer, he had never looked down on this old acquaintance.

During his time in the capital, Yang Wuwei had met many renowned geniuses, some of whom were exceptionally intelligent, some with extraordinary talent, and some with astonishing brilliance.
If you were to include the current Sect Leader Kang among them, he might not be considered exceptionally outstanding. However, Yang Wuwei vaguely felt that he was different from those people from wealthy backgrounds, which made him admire him greatly, yet it was also strange.

Therefore, in his view, if anyone could truly lead the Qin State Duke's "Tufang" cultivators to stand on equal footing with those from the capital, it would only be Kang Dabao.

As for him and the likes of Qin Sufu, all they have the ability to do is cheer from behind.

The two chatted happily, and after playing chess for half a day, Yang Wuwei, sweating profusely, finally placed his last piece, winning another hard-fought game.

Finally witnessing this scene, Kang Changxi, who was standing behind the two, couldn't help but let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief. After realizing what had happened, he quickly and cautiously glanced at his father. Seeing that the Great Master Kang was not angry, he was finally relieved.

Although Sect Leader Kang did not hold Kang Changxi's impolite behavior against him, he still sighed with regret, "What a pity."

Before Yang Wuwei could break out in a cold sweat again, Kang Dabao bowed and said:

“Brother Yang’s victory is an auspicious sign. When you are on your way, you may help our sect send those two alchemists that Yuejian Mountain is trying to capture to them, so that I, Kang, will not have to send my disciples on another trip.”

Yang Wuwei could easily tell that this was a gift that Master Kang had prepared for him in advance. He bowed again before accepting the talisman from the latter and going to the prison to fetch the person.

After Yang Wuwei left, Kang Changxi sighed, "The Ancient Profound Path is now considered the most dangerous place among all the paths under the government. I wonder if Senior Yang's decision to wade into these troubled waters is a good thing or a bad thing?!"

"The fortunes and misfortunes of cultivators are determined by Heaven, why worry about these things?!" Headmaster Kang seemed indifferent. It was true that he and Yang Wuwei were old friends, but he felt that he did not have the right to worry about his fellow cultivators who were also cultivating towards the Golden Core stage.

He then asked his eldest son in a low voice, "Has Rongquan entered seclusion yet?"

"Yes, yes, I entered a while ago. Third Uncle is guarding outside to protect me, and I heard that Uncle Ye is also waiting outside. The day before yesterday, Yuejian Mountain sent Master Jia to check if there was anything unusual about the spirit tree, and Brother Chang was the one who received him."

Kang Changxi's tone seemed to carry a hint of joy. In his view, Kang Rongquan's formation of the Core Formation was indeed a natural progression.

The latter is not only the only disciple of Chongming who can inherit the cultivation technique "Secret Manual of Profound Purity and Decline" from the Great Master Kang, but also, although he is not old, he has experienced the world, seen the evil in people's hearts, and endured the hardships of poverty. His state of mind is far beyond that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.

He has likely experienced far more trials and tribulations in his life than those of nobles and pampered elites. Now, having received a spiritual treasure for forming the Golden Core from his own father, there's no reason why he shouldn't succeed.

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao unconsciously traced the wood grain on the edge of the chessboard with his fingertips, his gaze drifting beyond the hall to the direction of the two Chengxi trees. Pale blue spiritual energy flowed slowly within their transparent trunks, much like the silent traces of time.

"He made a grave mistake in his early years and went through several periods of decline; perhaps his character is now more refined. However, the hurdle of Core Formation is never something that can be overcome solely through mental fortitude." His voice lowered, carrying a concern that only a teacher could understand.
"The Secret Book of Xuanqing's Withering and Flourishing emphasizes 'living with the times and growing against the times.' He has had too many good years and lacks the courage to go all out."

Fortunately, Yuejian Mountain sent the Chengxi Tree, which nourishes the spiritual veins of Yangming Mountain. This is a good thing and may further assist him in forming his core.

Kang Changxi was taken aback, seemingly understanding but not quite, and wondered why his father, also a Golden Core cultivator, seemed increasingly unfathomable. After a moment's thought, he finally spoke:
"Father, I heard that Rongquan has not yet finished his seclusion. Why don't you call him out and give him some more guidance?"

"No need." Master Kang waved his hand, picked up another white chess piece, but instead of placing it on the board, he twirled it between his fingers.

“Cultivation is like drinking water; only the person drinking knows whether it is hot or cold. He was already very determined, and calling him out now might only disrupt his mindset. Moreover, if he can't even overcome this hurdle, he is not worthy of forming his core. If he fails because of this, it might not be a bad thing.”

Hearing his father's words, Kang Changxi's brows remained furrowed: "But Rongquan, he..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kang Dabao raised his hand to interrupt him, pointing his finger out of the hall.

In the twilight, the water essence on the transparent branches of the Clear Stream Tree slowly rolled along the veins of the leaves, and the faint light splashed up when it fell into the spiritual soil subtly echoed the spiritual energy leaking from the direction of the secluded meditation room.

“Look at this tree,” Kang Dabao said softly, “it knows that its lifespan is predetermined and it will never rush to exhaust its spiritual essence. If Rongquan can’t even endure this little bit of waiting and tempering, even if he forms a core, he won’t go far in the future.”

Kang Changxi followed his father's gaze and saw a faint glow reflected in the spiritual chamber of the secluded retreat room. The mountain wind rose again, the copper bell rang once more, and the branches and leaves of the clear stream tree swayed gently, as if responding to the distant sounds.

As the last rays of the setting sun swept across the chessboard, they cast long, long shadows of the black and white pieces, like foreshadowings hidden in the passage of time.

Kang Dabao suddenly smiled again and patted his eldest son on the shoulder:
"After you've cleaned this place up, go and help your senior brother Duan with some things. I, however, am also going to wait outside the lock room for a while, as is customary."

(End of this chapter)