Ziwei Immortal Path

Chapter 126 There is a restaurant on the Linghuai River

The next morning, Xu Boyang took the three Lingxi children downstairs to have breakfast. After all, the three children had not started practicing yet and could not bear the hunger, so they had to eat. Unexpectedly, as soon as they opened the door, they saw Ding Xuelian standing at the door with a smile, greeting the children to come downstairs.

Having not dared to move the entire night last night, Xu Boyang took advantage of this opportunity to quickly use his spiritual sense to explore every corner of the room, but did not find anything unusual. He smiled bitterly and shook his head, then went downstairs.

As he went down, six little paper figures quickly appeared from the wooden beams on all sides. They ran to the middle to take a look, played and fought for a while, and then returned to their original positions and disappeared into the beams.

After a while, the Fei brothers and Lu Yangxian also came downstairs one after another. After exchanging greetings, Lu Yangxian smiled and said:

"Brother Xu, do you have some free time? If you don't have anything important to do, how about we go around Yuchuan City together?"

Xu Boyang wanted it very much:
"It just so happens that I'm missing a handy Condensation Magical Instrument this time. We can go shopping together!"

Everyone agreed and prepared to set off. Xu Boyang was surprised to see Ding Xuelian remained silent while they were talking, sitting quietly at the table and preparing for the children to eat. He asked,
"Miss Ding, I'm planning to go out with Brothers Fei and Lu to visit the magical instrument shop. Would you like to come with us?"

Ding Xuelian smiled sweetly:
"I'm fine, so I can go out for a walk, but it's inconvenient to bring a child with me. Forget it, you guys go ahead!"

Fei Wenlong came back upstairs with breakfast and said in surprise:
"Why is that inconvenient? They are all eight or nine years old. Let them play in their room by themselves and lock the door. The four children from my family and Yangxian's family are all in my room."

Xu Boyang was shocked to see Ding Xuelian's unusual reaction, and he echoed:

"That's right, Miss Xuelian has been to Yuchuan before, so she can be our guide. It's a beautiful day, why don't you go out for a walk? Wouldn't it be boring to stay in the room?"

"this…"

Ding Xuelian opened her beautiful eyes. She didn't expect Xu Boyang to take the initiative to invite her. It was really beyond her expectations. It seemed that it was really a coincidence last night. Fortunately, she persuaded Ding Yunshan and Xu Rucheng, otherwise she would have misunderstood him.

Seeing Xu Boyang's sincere eyes, Ding Xuelian smiled and was overjoyed. Before he could say anything, he heard someone behind him chuckle:

"Are you gentlemen going out to do something? Don't worry, leave the child to me and I'll take care of him. Just go ahead. If you're missing a pound of meat, come back and ask me for it!"

Everyone turned around and saw the fat innkeeper coming towards them with a smile, rubbing his hands.

"Okay, then I'll trouble you, boss!"

Ding Xuelian understood what he meant and took out his money bag from his sleeve and put one or two hundred silver coins on the table. "If we come back late, please give them some food and drink. Don't let them go hungry."

Fei Wenlong slapped his forehead and said quickly:

"Yes, yes, there are four more upstairs. Please greet them all, shopkeeper."

Xu Boyang didn't expect that the shopkeeper who was ferocious yesterday would smile like the Maitreya Buddha in the temple today and be extremely attentive. It really is true that money can make the world go round. He was both angry and amused at the same time, and bowed to thank him.

Five people went out one after another, and walked out of the less-traveled Dongpu Lane, and headed towards the city. They walked through the streets and alleys along the way. The men wore light robes and loose belts, and looked handsome and elegant. The women were spotless and heroic, which attracted many ordinary people to avoid them.

He met many cultivators on the way, all of whom nodded politely to him. Xu Boyang secretly paid attention and indeed did not find any cultivators with high cultivation. It seemed that the cultivators who were in the foundation-building stage would not bother to come to this market.

Not long after, he saw a wide street with shops everywhere. They were decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, and were antique in style. There were many weapons hanging at the doors. Xu Boyang took a quick look and knew that these were all magic weapons. However, next to the magic weapon shop there was also a bun shop run by a mortal, and there was a long queue. In Yuchuan City, immortals and mortals living together was commonplace, so it was really a bit strange!
Think about it, it is the seat of a county after all, and there are feathered monks guarding it. After all, the world is different, and it is one of the four major cities of Qingshen.

"This street is called Bashi Street. I don't know how it got its name, but Yuchuan's best magic tools are all sold here. Mr. Xu, you can go and have a look!"

Ding Xuelian stood with her hands behind her back, looking pretty and smiling.

"Although our Yuchuan magic weapons are not as famous as those in Nanhuai City, they are not completely useless. There are also some shops opened by Nanhuai families on this street. You can choose from them."

Fei Wenlong and Lu Yangxian were just trying to make friends. They were from Nanhuai so how could they be short of Yuan Ning magic tools? They pretended to accompany Xu Boyang to visit two stores and then didn't even bother to look at them again.

On the other hand, Fei Wenyu was extremely concerned. He was knowledgeable and had a good way of evaluating magical weapons. Not long after, he helped Xu Boyang choose a long sword named "Liuhe" according to his requirements. The sword was as smooth as a mirror, but the two sides were slightly blackened. It was a genuine Lihuo magical weapon.

Xu Boyang looked at it and thought it was good, so he paid the bill immediately. The total amount was 150 spirit stones, which was a moderate price, neither expensive nor cheap.

Seeing that he really wanted to buy a sword, Ding Xuelian felt more at ease. It seemed that his family members were really suspicious and had misjudged a good person's heart. In this case, he probably took the Breath-Suppressing Pill out of fear of disturbing others in the middle of the night.

Later, everyone walked around again, looked at the talismans, glanced at the pills, and bought some each. As evening approached, they unknowingly arrived at the Linghuai River that runs through Yuchuan City.

There were weeping willows swaying by the river, painted boats dotted around, and countless brothels and taverns on both sides of the river. From time to time, one could see cultivators walking on the water using the "Lizhe Shu" technique. It seemed that the ban on flying for non-immortal cultivators in Yuchuan City was indeed strict.

Xu Boyang looked for a while. The sun was setting, the afterglow was shining in the evening, the river was sparkling with fish, but the area above the river was empty. He did not see the "Earth Evil Nine Palaces Platform" that Fei Wenyu mentioned. He was wondering, but suddenly his eyes focused and he found that there was a bend in the river, which emitted a faint and imperceptible spiritual light. A giant circular light array covered with runes was looming in the sky. If you didn't pay attention, you really couldn't see it.

Fei Wenyu noticed something and laughed with his spiritual sense:

"Brother Xu, this Purple Mansion Formation is constructed purely with spiritual energy. It is usually hidden, so it is difficult to detect without careful observation."

Xu Boyang nodded, quietly performed a "Thousand Miles" spell, looked up and looked carefully. With his improved eyesight, he could see much more clearly. This seemingly circular light array was divided into eight pieces, pieced together, and in the middle there was a pattern that looked like a yin-yang fish, slowly rotating.

This Yin-Yang fish, embracing the Yin and carrying the Yang, caused the entire formation to operate silently, flickering with a little spiritual light, reflecting the bright lights and prosperity of the Linghuai River below.

Xu Boyang looked around again. The Linghuai River was winding like a snake, and nine huge light arrays formed a curve. From a distance, it looked like nine stars in the night sky. From a close look, it looked like a big round sun in the daytime, spread out in the air twenty or thirty feet above the river surface. It was a spectacular sight that was breathtaking.

"Brothers, since you are here, how about a drink?"

Lu Yangxian stared at the pleasure boats coming and going on the lake. The sound of the piano was melodious, and under the draped gauze, the shadows of people were hazy and graceful. He was already very happy and eager to try it out.

The Linghuai River in Yuchuan City is extremely famous in Qingshen. It is not for any other reason that the courtesans, singers and dancers in the brothels are well-known all over the world. It is a place where many people indulge in the worldly pleasures and linger.

Lu Yangxian has been spoiled since childhood and has always been known for his romantic and dashing personality. I had heard about him before, and when I saw him today, I found that his reputation was well-deserved. I couldn't help but feel itchy. Now I stopped here. If I couldn't see his true face and kiss his fragrance, wouldn't it be a waste of my trip here?

Ding Xuelian looked at Lu Yangxian with disdain and said unhappily:

"Master Lu, this place of fireworks is the most alluring and confusing to the eyes. Be careful not to fall under the spell of those vixen. You will be exhausted and have no strength left to compete."

After saying that, he looked at the rows of fireworks and wine shops along the river, where laughter and joy were constantly heard, and sighed to himself.
"I just can't understand why this place, a place for Taoists to practice in seclusion, would have a place like a brothel to listen to music. Isn't this misleading?"

Lu Yangxian laughed:
"Miss Ding, you don't know that this Linghuai River was a place of entertainment for princes and nobles during the time of the ancient Qingshen. It's been thousands of years since then. The history of Yuchuan City is much longer than that of the Huaiyou Immortal Sect."

"If we want the people to live and work in peace and contentment, entertainment is essential. Otherwise, where would those mortal tycoons spend their money? Besides, we cultivators live in poverty and loneliness, and it's normal for us to occasionally relieve our worries and boredom and have some fun. If Yuchuan City loses the Linghuai River, can it still be called Yuchuan? If the Immortal Sect destroys this river, I'm afraid the people who make a living from it will rebel!"

Ding Xuelian said angrily:

"What kind of perverse logic is this? We are just small mortals, lucky to be alive. Were we to want to compete with the Immortal Sect for jobs? Are we worthy? If we weren't in Qingshen, we would have been eaten by monsters if we went out."

Lu Yangxian was a little unhappy when he heard this and sneered:
"Miss Ding, you are wrong. Mortals are the foundation of cultivators like me. Without mortals, how can there be cultivators? Don't try to imitate others. In front of the Taoist Master Yu Shi, what difference do we make from ordinary people?" Ding Xuelian's pretty face was slightly angry.
"You are talking nonsense...nonsense...it is totally unreasonable..."

"Brother Lu, let's go have a drink!"

Fei Wenlong was shocked to see the two of them arguing for no apparent reason. He quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, then pulled Lu Yangxian to the tavern and whispered something to him.

After hearing this, Lu Yangxian instantly lost his momentum and pursed his lips. Thinking that it was indeed unmannerly to argue with a woman, he hung his head and said with a bow:

"Yang Xian was reckless and offended many times. I beg for your forgiveness, Miss Ding."

Ding Xuelian didn't care and just said:

"Master Lu, it's okay to grumble occasionally, but as cultivators like us, we seek the path to immortality, so we should strictly restrain our desires and control our hearts. You all should take care of yourselves. Xue Lian will go first."

After saying this, he turned around, his white clothes fluttering in the wind, and planned to go back the way he came.

Unexpectedly, the group came out in high spirits, but dispersed in the blink of an eye. Fei Wenyu smiled bitterly and looked at Xu Boyang eagerly, seeking his opinion.

Xu Boyang's mind changed, and he said with a smile:

"The night view of Linghuai River is indeed charming, but the smell of rouge is too strong in these fireworks and wine shops, which is inconvenient for Miss Ding. Why don't I accompany her back first? Brother Fei and Brother Lu can go ahead and don't worry about us."

Ding Xuelian's eyes lit up, he stopped, his heart filled with joy, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously.

Fei Wenyu had no idea that the relationship between the two had inexplicably become better, just like a pair of bickering lovers. He just gave a dry laugh and bowed goodbye.

After the two returned to the inn, the innkeeper called the child over, and Ding Xuelian took him back to the room and said goodbye with a smile. Xu Boyang bowed and took his leave, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.

Even after being placed in the room, he didn't dare to move and just sat on the bed to meditate and practice.

When it was almost evening and the lights were on, Fei Wenyu came back drunk. Seeing Xu Boyang sitting on the couch with his eyes closed, he burped and said with a smile:

"Boyang, this dinner wasn't in vain tonight. It turns out quite a few cultivators have gathered here. This Linghuai River isn't just filled with vulgar brothels and wine shops. There are also elegant places where you can relax and enjoy wine and tea. It's a great place to gather intelligence!"

"Oh?"

Xu Boyang spread his spiritual consciousness, checked the surroundings, and asked with a smile:
"Have you heard any useful news?"

Fei Wenyu laughed:
"Of course. I haven't been here long. I've been drinking and chatting with the monks from the four counties, and I've gotten a lot of gossip!"

Xu Boyang got out of bed, picked up the kettle and poured him a cup of brewed spiritual tea, then sat at the table and said with a smile:

"tell me the story."

Fei Wenyu drank a cup of tea, cleared his throat and said:

"Boyang, I met a foundation-building cultivator from the Huaiyou branch, named Fang Zhian. He has an ordinary appearance, but an extraordinary bearing. I heard him say..."

"and many more…"

Xu Boyang waved his hand to stop him, "Fang Zhian? Where is this person from?"

Fei Wenyu didn't understand what was going on. His face flushed, but he didn't think too much about it. He just smiled and said, "Could it be that Boyang knows this person? His family is the guardian of Qingxuan Town in the central part of Yuchuan."

"understood."

Xu Boyang nodded slowly: "It's okay, you continue."

Fei Wenyu nodded:
"This person is extraordinary. He was one of the top three of the last 'Earth Origin Six Ding'. Although he is still a disciple of the Immortal Sect's branch, I heard from his tone that he is highly regarded by the Immortal Sect. He just came back from seclusion and is here to compete for the Heaven Origin Six Ding!"

"But this man is very approachable. I gave him some spirit stones as a gift, and he was very happy. He told me a lot of information."

Xu Boyang couldn't help laughing. Money really does pave the way for people when they go out. Although Fei Wenyu hasn't made much progress in cultivation, he is really good at interpersonal communication.

Fei Wenyu smiled and said:
"This person has some connections. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the Yuchuan family and the minor clans, he's also very familiar with the situation in the other three counties of Qingshen. He's simply amazing!"

"He told me which opponents to watch out for in the four groups of the Earth Element! He listed eighteen people. These are his guesses for the top eighteen of the Earth Element!"

“This is truly amazing!”

Xu Boyang immediately became interested when he heard this. He didn't expect that the Fang family in Qingxuan Town actually had such a knowledgeable person. It seemed that this person must be Fang Zhinan's brother or cousin, otherwise their names would not be different by only one character.

Fei Wenyu laughed heartily, slapped his thigh, and fell to the ground without wanting to sit still.
"Hahahaha! Boyang, you've been fooled by him too. There aren't that many people with supernatural powers. He also went to the Yuchuan Ghost Market to see it! I drank too much and couldn't remember the people he told me about."

"But after he took my spirit stones, he felt a little embarrassed and told me the truth. He told me to go to the Yuchuan Ghost Market and take a look. Because right now, there are people who have already set up a price and bought up the spirit stones in the Yuchuan Ghost Market. They are making a lot of money by taking advantage of the 'Taihe Jingwu Feast'!"

"Yuchuan Ghost Market? Where is it?"

Xu Boyang asked, but there was no response for a long time. He looked across the table and found that Fei Wenyu was drunk and had fallen asleep on the ground. He was so angry that he hated him for not fighting for such a good opportunity and getting drunk.

Xu Boyang helped him to sleep on the couch, then pushed the door open and went out to knock on Fei Wenlong and Lu Yangxian's door. Unexpectedly, there was no response for a long time. After a while, Ding Xuelian opened the door and came out, leaning against the door, humming and laughing:

"Stop knocking! His four children are all in my room. Fei Wenyu just told me that Lu Yangxian got drunk in the arms of a beautiful woman and won't be back tonight. Fei Wenlong is with him and asked me to help take care of the children!"

"Humph! All men are lustful indeed! And they refuse to admit it!"

Xu Boyang looked embarrassed, smiled bitterly, shook his head and sighed lightly, without commenting.

Ding Xuelian asked:
"Master Xu, I have something to discuss with you. I heard there's a ghost market outside Yuchuan City where you can get information about the contestants of the 'Taihe Jingwu Banquet'. How about we go check it out tomorrow night?"

Xu Boyang almost suspected that she had been eavesdropping, but he had no evidence, so he smiled and said:

"I just heard what Brother Fei said, but before he could finish his words, he got drunk and passed out. I was planning to ask these two people, but to my surprise, they were not here."

"Well, why don't we wait until he sobers up, and then the three of us can go check it out together tomorrow night!"

Thanks to book friends Langlang Suifengqi Wanshijiekan, 3431, Zuidulezaizai, and cnmqiangcn for their monthly tickets!
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(End of this chapter)