I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 136 Hongmen Banquet

In the cold morning air, the spiritual cleansing room was deserted.

As Xue Xiang stepped across the threshold, marked with mottled traces, he felt a sense of desolation wash over him.

In the large courtyard, the snow on the roof tiles had not been swept away, and the wind chimes under the eaves had their strings broken, hanging forlornly on one side, swaying in the wind.

The public housing was even more deserted.

The desk was empty, and several files were scattered around, covered with a layer of fine dust, as if no one had touched them for a long time.

The deputy director, steward, and staff who were supposed to be on duty were nowhere to be seen. Only two or three clerks sat in the deserted room, their hands and feet tucked into their sleeves, their faces appearing somewhat bluish in the candlelight.

Yesterday, Xue Xiang inspected the spiritual cleansing room.

Although it was quiet, there were still quite a few people.

Today, I came here, but it turned out like this.

Upon seeing Xue Xiang, two or three young clerks quickly bowed.

After the ceremony, a clerk handed over a pile of leave slips.

Xue Xiang looked through the sick leave slips, and they all had the same reason: recuperating from an injury.

Xue Xiang had reviewed the case files of the Huanxi Clan and learned that his predecessor, Song Chang, had once organized a team to forcibly demolish the structure.

According to Song Chang's plan, they would first take the video recording flags to secure evidence of the illegal construction, and then issue a demolition order on-site.

With the cooperation of the Joyful Sect, they were allowed to dismantle the structure themselves.

When the Huanxi Sect refused to cooperate, he organized a forced demolition.

Unexpectedly, Song Chang's team was overturned by an overwhelming evil wind as soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, and the team immediately scattered.

And the first operation since the establishment of the Spiritual Property Cleanup Room came to a complete end.

When Xue Xiang arrived yesterday, the injuries of those in the Spiritual Product Cleaning Room had mostly healed.

Now, all the leave requests have been submitted, and the reasons given are surprisingly consistent.

Xue Xiang wouldn't believe it even if you told him there was no one behind this.

Xue Xiang's first thought was of Wang Bodang. The same reasons on each of the leave slips seemed to transform into Wang Bodang's mocking face, "Everyone's gone, let's see what you're going to do now."

Where are the recording flags?

"In the warehouse."

"Lead me there quickly."

Soon, Xue Xiang arrived at the storeroom at the innermost part of the courtyard. He pushed open the door and went inside. On a shelf, several green wooden array flags lay quietly, their bodies engraved with intricate patterns and emitting a faint spiritual light.

These are the flags of the "recording array".

This object can record the location of a building and the direction of its spiritual veins, storing images and data together on the array plate as the most powerful evidence.

Xue Xiang reached out and stroked the array flags; his fingertips were icy cold, as if he were holding a tiny torch.

Although the torch was weak, it was the only light illuminating the way forward.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang understood how to use the array flags and completed the test.

He stored the array flags in his talisman and then left the spiritual product cleaning room.

"This Academician Xue is truly unfathomable. I thought he was about to fly into a rage."

“This person is no ordinary person. I’ve been to Suiyang Ferry, and it’s quite a success.”

"I did hope he could succeed and lead the Spiritual Property Cleansing Room to great renown, but now that I think about it, it's just a pipe dream."

"How can it be a dream?"

"How can it not be a dream? The cleanup of spiritual property will affect the interests of countless people. From top to bottom, the interests of all parties are intertwined. It's not that easy to clean up spiritual property."

"Yeah, that's true. I don't think even the Ninth Hall is very supportive. This one-man show can't be performed at all."

"........."

Xue Xiang did not hear the clerks' discussion; he calmly walked into the wind and snow.

He had no better way, but he had found the best way.

That means learning from Hai Gangfeng, adhering to the golden rules, and upholding procedural justice.

No matter what tricks you try, I will only uphold procedural justice and follow the proper procedures.

If they want to forcibly demolish my house, I will gather evidence and issue a demolition order. The rest is just a matter of starting the demolition.

As for any obstacles encountered during the process, we'll overcome them one by one.

…………

Night was just beginning to fall.

Inside the Peony Pavilion, the lights shone brightly, the eaves soared high, and the snow deep inside the hall had not yet melted, making the blue stone steps seem to be soaked in cold light.

The agarwood burned in the white porcelain incense cup, and the wisps of smoke seemed to gently entwine the red pillars and gauze curtains in the corridor, bringing out an ambiguous atmosphere.

At first, Xue Xiang thought he had gone to the wrong place, as he had been there before.

This is where Mendra came to attend the Peony Festival.

However, the original manor has been renovated with a new plaque and renamed Peony Residence, and is now officially open to the public.

When Xue Xiang entered the courtyard, it was not bustling with noise; instead, it was unusually quiet.

He didn't come here just for a meal; he was invited by someone.

The one who invited him was none other than Zhao Huanhuan, the sect leader of the Joyful Sect.

Just as he was thinking of going to her door, Zhao Huanhuan's invitation arrived.

Whether Zhao Huanhuan wanted to test his strength or had other plans, Xue Xiang was happy to meet her.

Led by a maid, we walked around a white jade covered bridge and came to a waterside pavilion.

A line of beautiful women stood out, their clothes thin and revealing shimmering skin. They smiled and lowered their eyes, as if woven together with threads of spring.

Inside the waterside pavilion, a banquet was set up on a low sandalwood table.

Seated in the main seat was none other than Zhao Huanhuan, the sect leader of the Joyful Sect.

Today, she booked the entire Peony Residence just to host a banquet for Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang walked slowly forward, and a group of beautiful women standing outside the waterside pavilion all looked at him.

The beautiful woman looked at him, and he looked at the beautiful woman in return, openly and brazenly.

Looking at them all, I still think that Zhao Huanhuan, the sect leader of the Joyful Sect, sitting in the main seat, is the most captivating.

She wore a light pink dress with wide sleeves, her waist was cinched very tightly, and her chest was undulating. Layers of gauze revealed her snow-white skin.

A gold hairpin is tucked diagonally into her temple, and a gilded pendant rests on her slender neck between her collarbones, swaying slightly with her breath.

Her face was not like that of a young girl, but rather full and mature, with eyes that sparkled and a touch of vermilion on her lips when she smiled, as if it were about to drip.

Seeing Xue Xiang approach, she slightly raised her eyes. Although she didn't speak, it was as if she was whispering in Xue Xiang's ear, and Xue Xiang's ears turned red.

"I am overjoyed that Mr. Xue is coming."

She stood up and spoke, her voice soft and languid, with a slight tremor at the end, like a feather brushing against her ear.

Xue Xiang returned the greeting with a cupped hand and sat down. "Sect Leader Zhao, you are too kind. We are meeting for the first time and have no prior relationship. If you have anything to say, it would be better to talk in the public room."

Zhao Huanhuan stared gently at Xue Xiang, her bright eyes shining like spring water under the moonlight. "Young Master Xue, do you think I'm trying to curry favor by calling myself 'sister'?"

Even if it's a genuine friendship, my sister can really build one.

I have a letter here from an old friend of yours; please take a look.

Zhao Huanhuan smiled and raised her hand, her long, slender, and fair fingers pushing an envelope over.

Xue Xiang opened the envelope, unfolded the letter, and read it at a glance; it was only a few hundred words long.

The person who wrote the letter was none other than Feng Jing.

When Xue Xiang took the city examination, he recognized his mentor.

In his letter, Feng Jing congratulated him on winning the county examination and introduced Zhao Huanhuan, who turned out to be his goddaughter. He hoped that the siblings would help and take care of each other.

"Well, does my husband still think I'm just trying to find a marriage partner out of thin air?"

Zhao Huanhuan smiled charmingly, alluring yet not seductive.

Xue Xiang said, "If sister only wants to recognize her relatives, then let's drink and chat tonight and not talk about anything else."

Zhao Huanhuan was overjoyed and gave a wink, at which point a beautiful woman stepped forward to accompany her wine.

Xue Xiang was not polite at all, chatting and laughing freely, eating and drinking as if nothing was amiss.

Zhao Huanhuan was secretly amazed.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Xue Xiang patted his belly, stood up, and said, "I'm full and satisfied. Thank you for your hospitality, sister."

I have official business to attend to, please excuse me.

Zhao Huanhuan lowered her beautiful eyes, looking pitiful. "It is said that a true scholar is naturally romantic. My lord is indeed a scholar and romantic, but he is too heartless."

Are you going to take advantage of me and leave already?

"Does my sister have any further instructions?"

Xue Xiang smiled.

Zhao Huanhuan softly recited: "Clouds resemble her clothes, flowers resemble her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, and the dew is heavy."

How beautifully written! I wonder what kind of beauty the gentleman must have encountered to compose such a line.

I wonder what kind of person could possibly be worthy of such a compliment from you, my lord.

"Now that we've met today, and you, sir, are renowned for your illustrious reputation, sir? Am I not worthy of a few words of praise from you?"

Her eyes shimmered as she looked at Xue Xiang's face, a slight smile playing on her lips, like a gentle aphrodisiac.

"I've been troubled by my sister's affairs lately, and my mind is unsettled, so I've found it hard to come up with any good lines. Once my sister's affairs are settled, I will have some wonderful lines to give you."

Xue Xiang, unable to resist Zhao Zongzhu's frequent flirtatious glances, simply laid his cards on the table.

"So, my lord still refuses to give my sister face and insists on destroying her years of hard work?"

She leaned slightly towards Xue Xiang, her gauze sleeves drooping down, revealing her fair arms like solidified cream, and a fragrant aroma wafted over.

Everyone in the hall held their breath; the air seemed to freeze.

"I have a duty to perform, please forgive me, sister."

Xue Xiang was secretly alarmed.

He never believed that these empty formalities of welcoming and sending off people could have any harmful effect.

But this time, he attended Zhao Huanhuan's banquet for no more than half an hour, yet he felt no hostility whatsoever towards this naturally alluring woman.

Now, listening to her gently reveal her grievances, I actually feel a bit apologetic. This woman is truly a born social butterfly.

"What if my sister doesn't agree? Do you want to force her to be sad?"

Zhao Huanhuan slowly straightened up, tapping her fingertips lightly on the table. After a while, she smiled softly.

Xue Xiang simply shifted his gaze to the distant misty waves, "I can only follow the regulations set by the central government."

Zhao Huanhuan smiled gently, "I naturally know about your difficulties, my lord."

"My lord, would you like to hear my sister's thoughts?"

"please say."

Xue Xiang knew the main event was about to begin.

Zhao Huanhuan said seriously, "If the central government decides to clean up spiritual property, even if it's not just a passing fad, it will eventually fizzle out due to the enormous resistance from below."

If you persevere for a while, you will recover.

As for the young master's interests, I have already considered them.

We'll work with the Prefect to persuade him to retract his statement that failing to complete a task would result in the destruction of all his writings since birth.

In addition, my sister's Hehuan Sect also owns a trading company, which is planning to invest in Suiyangdu and acquire some land.

I hope you will offer me your assistance.

"The conditions offered by my sister are good, but she chose the wrong person."

Xue Xiang smiled and said, "Since the central government has given the order, as long as I am in the position of head of the Spiritual Property Cleanup Office, I will carry it out without fail."

Of course, people aren't plants or trees; since my sister has shown me kindness, I won't be heartless.

If the older sister dismantles it herself, perhaps the damage can be reduced.

Besides, I can run errands for my sister and get a few plots of land in Lingyun Peak so she can establish her own sect.

If my sister finds it too troublesome, I can help her contact a civil engineering company.

I own a trading company in Suiyang, and I'm quite skilled in construction.

The construction cost will be calculated at 80% of the original cost.

"So, my lord doesn't intend to give my sister any face?"

Zhao Huanhuan's smile remained unchanged.

"It's not that we don't want to give it, it's that we can't."

Xue Xiang stood up. "I'll treat you to drinks another day, sister."

"It's a word."

Zhao Huanhuan was not annoyed at all. She still smiled and saw Xue Xiang to the door, as if she were old friends saying goodbye.

She watched Xue Xiang walk away until his figure disappeared, and then the warmth in her eyes vanished as well.

"metropolitan."

A woman in white descended from the sky and strode forward. "We've got Xue Xiang's information. This...this person is probably more difficult to deal with than we imagined."

"Oh? Tell me more."

Zhao Huanhuan stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at the lotus pond in the distance.

The woman in white said, "Let me start with the key points. He once crushed the palm print seal at Suiyang Ferry, causing the Suiyang cultural lineage to decline."

He used the prestige of the literary tradition to unleash his poetic talent and annihilate a local sorcerer.

I also found out the specific trial items for the county examination's cultivation test.

Do you know why Xue Xiang won the championship? He once killed a purple-level demon and obtained a purple-level crystal core.

A purple-level demon can be said to possess the strength of a Core Formation Realm cultivator.

"hiss!"

Zhao Huanhuan gasped.

"More importantly, this person is by no means acting alone. He is a rising star of the Tongjiang School and has an excellent reputation among Confucian scholars. He is young and at the prime of his life, and I'm afraid he is single-mindedly pursuing fame and fortune."

The woman in white said in a deep voice, "Of course, people like this are not easy to bribe."

Even if the Ninth Hall Master exerts his power, he absolutely cannot restrain Xue Xiang.

"Sister Danqing is right, Xue Xiang really is a stubborn rock that can't be steamed or boiled."

A figure appeared, and a person swept across the rooftop, gracefully arriving.

Ning Qianjun arrived with a flick of his sleeve, landing silently, just as he always acted with elegance and confidence.

He wore a dark blue robe woven with clouds, a silver fox fur cloak draped over his shoulders, long eyebrows that reached his temples, a face as beautiful as jade, and a familiar slight smile on his lips.

"Why doesn't my sister set up a warm room and suffer in the cold wind alone?"

Zhao Huanhuan turned her gaze, a faint smile on her face, "The wind is gentle and the moon is bright; it's perfect for digestion."

"They must have been angered by the Xue family, so they should stay inside and rest."

Ning Qianjun leaned against the railing, his gaze still fixed on the direction Xue Xiang had left, seemingly with a hint of sarcasm, yet also with a thoughtful expression. "That man has a serious face, but deep down he's just a poor scholar who loves to make a name for himself."

"If you don't appreciate kindness today, you'll only bring shame upon yourself sooner or later."

"Oh?"

Zhao Huanhuan smiled faintly and remained silent.

"Don't worry, sister."

Ning Qianjun turned around, his expression solemn, and said in a gentle voice, "With me here, neither Song Chang nor Xue Xiang can touch a single brick or tile of the Joyful Sect."

Even if he comes with official documents, I guarantee he won't be allowed to set foot on Lingyun Peak.

"Young master, you have put it beautifully."

"I keep my word."

Ning Qianjun's voice was low, but his eyes gradually became more intense, "Sister should understand my feelings."

Zhao Huanhuan lowered her eyes and remained silent, her fingertips gently caressing a small bead on the edge of her sleeve. The bead was slightly warm from being pressed by her fingertips, but it did not make a sound.

"Shen is just an old friend. She is naturally promiscuous and seduces me, but I have no feelings for her whatsoever."

Ning Qianjun stared at Zhao Huanhuan with deep affection in his eyes, "Sister, you should know where my heart is now."

At the Peony Festival, he stood up for Madam Shen, which is how he ran into Xue Xiang.

Now, he has fallen in love with Zhao Huanhuan without hesitation.

Zhao Huanhuan suddenly smiled, but her expression was unusually distant.

She said calmly, "Young Master Ning has always been amorous, so why make such jokes with me?"

"Sister doesn't believe me?"

Ning Qianjun said proudly, "I'll show my sister how I can make that Xue fellow look utterly humiliated."

He won't be able to take even a single step into Lingyun Peak.

After saying this, he flicked his sleeves and left, his robes fluttering as he disappeared into the depths of the Peony Residence.

Zhao Huanhuan watched his figure disappear into the distance, the smile in her eyes fading away. She slowly sat back down in front of the low table, her slender hands hanging down by her knees, her eyelashes lowered, and remained silent for a long time.

"metropolitan."

The woman in white entered silently, bowed slightly, and her expression hardened slightly. "I just remembered something."

Zhao Huanhuan's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Speak."

"Xue Xiang and Ning Qianjun have a long-standing feud."

"I know, wasn't it at the Peony Festival that the two of them were each protecting a woman and fighting over her?"

Zhao Huanhuan lightly touched several incense cups with her jade-like fingers, and the smoke swirled around her fingers.

The woman in white shook her head. "Not only that, I heard rumors that Ning Qianjun ranked last in the county examination because he was expelled from the trial realm by Xue Xiang."

What an utter disgrace!

"what!"

Zhao Huanhuan's handsome brows furrowed.

"It's the Ning family."

The woman in white said, "The Ning family has been trying to recruit us, because they value the network of relationships woven by the sisters who have married into various high-ranking families."

The sect leader's attitude has remained ambiguous.

Therefore, this time, they deliberately let us run into Xue Xiangxian.

"I knew it. There are so many illegal buildings in Canaan County, and some people even occupy spiritual veins to open alchemy halls. Why did the Spiritual Property Cleanup Office have to come after us first? What a clever trick to use one wolf to devour another."

Zhao Huanhuan's eyes sparkled, and a cold, alluring curve appeared at the corner of her lips.

"Then what should we do?"

"Do nothing."

Zhao Huanhuan said coldly, "If Xue Xiang has the ability, let him demolish it. Anyway, the new sect's location has already been decided."

"If the Ning family has the ability, then they should stop Xue Xiang and prevent him from demolishing it. I'm not going to accept any favors anyway."

"Yes, they want us to get into trouble, but we're going to stay out of it."

The woman in white nodded excitedly.

Suddenly, she noticed Zhao Huanhuan's serious expression.

"Master, what's wrong?"

"Do you remember who organized this banquet?"

The woman in white was also stunned.

Ever since the Joyful Sect was listed as the top target for elimination by the Spiritual Property Cleanup Office, Zhao Huanhuan has been pulling strings everywhere, but only the Ning family has been enthusiastic in helping her, sending their head steward, Ning Zhongze, to coordinate with all parties.

This "Hongmen Banquet" was orchestrated by Ning Zhongze and was held by Zhao Huanhuan.

Originally, Zhao Huanhuan wouldn't have thought much of it if she hadn't known the deep-seated hatred between Xue Xiang and Ning Qianjun.

But now that she knows the deep-seated hatred between Ning Qianjun and Xue Xiang, Zhao Huanhuan realizes that she might be used as a pawn.

The deeper meaning behind this "Feast at Hongmen" is probably not so simple.

After leaving Mudan Residence, Xue Xiang went straight home. Before he even entered the house, he saw a battle flag hovering above his house in the distance.

(End of this chapter)