Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 166 Reunion with Chen Sheng, Conspiring with the Yan Family (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

At the beginning of the Si hour (9-11 AM), the guests arrived, and the celebration officially began.

Celestial music played, and bells and drums resounded.

Celestial maidens danced in the sky, their robes fluttering in the breeze.

There is also a faint, pleasant fragrance that permeates the venue; a gentle sniff is refreshing and delightful!

In the corner, a group of cultivators from humble backgrounds watched this scene with utter shock.

Zhao Xian was slightly startled, but he quickly came to his senses and realized that this must be the legendary illusion magic.

How could a celestial maiden descend upon the celebration of a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

It should at least be a celebration for a Golden Core cultivator to qualify!

That being said, seeing this scene so suddenly is quite shocking; the Chen family's move is truly extravagant!

As expected of a powerful family in the county!

After a moment of reflection, Zhao Xian turned his gaze to the guests in the front row.

Unlike cultivators from humble backgrounds like Zhao Xian, the guests in the front row were all VIPs of the Chen family. When they entered the venue, the Chen family cultivators would loudly announce their names!

Among the distinguished guests who came to offer their congratulations were the county magistrate's envoy, elders from the powerful Zhu and Liu families in the county, powerful monks from neighboring counties, and even an official from the prefecture.

This official was representing the prefectural magistrate to offer congratulations.

Within a prefecture, the prefect is a True Immortal of the Two Thousand Stones, while the prefectural assistant and the prefectural commandant are both Foundation Establishment cultivators of the One Thousand Stones.

The prefectural governors are naturally from the Yunlan Sect, and are mostly elders of the sect. The county commandants are mostly core disciples of the Yunlan Sect, and occasionally scions of prominent families within the prefecture.

The prefectural assistant was usually from a prominent family in the prefecture. He was the representative of the prominent family in the prefecture’s office and his main responsibility was to assist the prefect in handling the affairs of the prefecture.

Rongjun has nine counties, and Rongtai County is located in the southwest. In terms of population, products, and tax revenue, it is considered to be of average quality among the nine counties.

The Chen family of Rongtai County was also quite famous in the prefecture, after all, they had produced a prefect with a salary of 2,000 shi (a unit of grain), so they had some background.

As a representative of a prominent family in the prefecture, the Prefectural Magistrate was naturally familiar with the Chen family, and it was only proper for him to send his subordinates to offer their congratulations.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

After three chimes, the hall immediately fell silent.

Zhao Xian withdrew his gaze, suppressed his thoughts, and sat upright on the futon, waiting for the protagonist to make his appearance.

"We respectfully welcome Venerable Chen Sheng!"

But then the guests in the front row stood up and bowed to the head of the table.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian immediately stood up and shouted.

All the guests who have come today are at the Qi Refining level, because if a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the same level were to come, wouldn't that overshadow the main character of the celebration?

Clearly, cultivators do not judge others solely on their cultivation level or strength.

After everyone shouted in unison, a figure stepped onto the high platform on a flying sword. It was none other than Cao Chensheng, the county bandit who had not been seen for a long time!

"Um?!"

Zhao Xian raised his head and stared for a few breaths, but a hint of surprise appeared on his face!

Chen Sheng, who originally looked old, now seemed to have become more than ten years younger, with jet-black hair and delicate, fair skin that shimmered with a crystalline glow.

He was truly a refined and elegant scholar!

"This...this is the effect of extending lifespan by sixty years after Foundation Establishment?"

Watching this scene, Zhao Xian couldn't help but ponder to himself.

"A Foundation Establishment cultivator, with a lifespan of three Jiazi (60 years), is truly enviable!"

Meanwhile, Chen Mo, a middle-aged scholar standing to the side, also murmured a sigh.

Upon hearing this, the white-haired old cultivator Bai Miao also sighed deeply, his eyes filled with envy.

He is very old, and if he doesn't have a great opportunity in his life, he probably won't have any hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage!

"Chen Sheng thanks all fellow Daoists for coming to offer their congratulations!"

The refined scholar raised his hand and returned the greeting to everyone.

Everyone immediately said they dared not.

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.

"Gifts from all quarters!"

Another cultivator from the Chen family shouted!

"Prefect Shen Rong of Rong County congratulates Fellow Daoist Chen on his successful Foundation Establishment and presents him with a bottle of low-grade Xuan-level spiritual pills!"

The first to rise was the Prefectural Envoy, who was seated first on the left. He bowed to Chen Sheng and spoke in a solemn voice.

"Thank you very much, Your Excellency!"

Chen Sheng returned the greeting to the envoy.

"Governor Gao Su of Rongtai County congratulates Fellow Daoist Chen on his successful Foundation Establishment and presents him with a mid-grade flying sword!"

The second person to rise and offer congratulations was the county magistrate's messenger, who was sitting on the lower right. This person was none other than Liu Yuan, the county clerk and an old acquaintance of Zhao Xian!

"Thank you very much, Magistrate!"

Chen Sheng returned the greeting to Liu Yuan.

Next came the representatives from the prominent families in the county who were on good terms with the Chen family, and they all offered gifts.

Finally, there are some small Qi-cultivation clans that have some reputation in Rongtai County.

Then there were some independent cultivators with considerable strength, or cultivators who gave generous gifts.

Zhao Xian was among this group of people!

"5

""

"Zhao Xiangong of Wohu Township respectfully presents a pair of pure white cranes to wish the Venerable One success in establishing his foundation!"

After waiting for an unknown amount of time, it was finally his turn. Zhao Xian immediately stood up and shouted in a stern voice.

"Bo-Zhang, thank you so much!"

The saying goes, "The crane symbolizes longevity," and the white crane is a bird that symbolizes longevity in Taoism. Seeing Zhao Xian's meticulous preparations, Chen Sheng was naturally very satisfied.

After the prominent families in the county presented their gifts, Chen Sheng rarely responded.

Now that he was responding to such a young cultivator, it naturally drew frequent glances from the cultivators in the hall towards Zhao Xian.

As everyone scrutinized him, Zhao Xian remained unfazed and quickly sat back down in his seat.

These two elegant white cranes were captured by Zhao Xian after Zhao Ji and others searched for a long time in the edge of Yunling.

Although it was only a demon beast at the early stage of Qi Refining, it was still quite precious.

At this moment, a gaze fell upon Zhao Xian in the hall; it was Chen Yuancheng, who had not yet had the chance to meet Zhao Xian.

When Chen Sheng held the Foundation Establishment Ceremony, Chen Yuancheng, as a member of the Chen family, naturally had to do his utmost to help and run errands for him.

Where would he find the leisure to meet and chat with Zhao Xian?

However, now that he knew Zhao Xian's location, Chen Yuan summoned a servant who was nearby, whispered a few words in his ear, and asked him to pass on a message to Zhao Xian.

A moment later, the servant delivered Chen Yuancheng's words to Zhao Xian.

Meanwhile, teams of maids dressed in sheer gauze served the guests delicacies.

Immediately, the celestial music changed, and the veiled maidens had gathered together again, dancing gracefully within the venue!

"The feast begins!"

"Thank you all for attending the celebration!"

On the high platform, Chen Sheng raised his glass first, looked around at the guests in the hall, and said with a smile.

While pondering the words Chen Yuancheng had instructed his servant to deliver, Zhao Xian also raised his wine cup to toast Chen Sheng.

After downing his drink in one gulp, Chen Sheng raised his glass again.

After drinking three cups, Chen Sheng put down his cup, said "Gentlemen, please enjoy yourselves," and then chatted with the guests around him.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, please!"

Chen Mo, a middle-aged scholar standing to the side, also raised his cup and looked at Zhao Xian with a smile.

Zhao Xian nodded and smiled, then raised his cup to drink with him.

The spirit wine is smooth and mellow as it goes down, with a hint of spirit fruit fragrance that is truly unforgettable!

Looking at the delicious food in front of him, the fragrant aroma made Zhao Xian's mouth water.

He didn't forget Zhao Duan and Huang Zhong behind him, and immediately summoned them to sit and eat with him.

The two had been eagerly anticipating this delicacy, so they didn't stand on ceremony with Zhao Xian or care about the hard bluestone floor. They sat down and immediately began eating with both hands!

Seeing the two of them looking so gluttonous, Zhao Xian couldn't help but blush.

Looking at the other seats, they were all in the same situation, and only then did I feel at ease.

Spiritual wine and spiritual food are extremely expensive. Ordinary rural cultivators can't even afford to eat spiritual rice three times a day, let alone such exquisite spiritual food!

Since this was obtained through a congratulatory gift, it's only natural to indulge in a feast.

Moreover, given Zhao Xian's current status, he, Mu Chun, Zhao Hong, and others eat spirit rice for every meal!

Occasionally, I can even eat some jade pearl rice to satisfy my cravings!

Seeing that Zhao Duan and Huang Zhong were enjoying their meal, Zhao Xian only took a small sip and then savored the spirit wine in the pot by himself.

Chen Mo and Bai Miao, who sat to the left and right respectively, each brought a member of their family.

Like Zhao Xian, the two men only tasted a bite or two of the delicacies on the table before leaving them for their own children.

The three exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.

Repairing small things in the countryside is not easy, no need to say more, it's clear to everyone.

"please!"

Zhao Xian also took the initiative to raise a glass and invite the two of them to join him, and they responded with smiles.

Before they knew it, the pot of spirit wine had been drunk up.

Meanwhile, the venue was becoming increasingly lively.

After an unknown amount of time, the celestial music gradually stopped, and the veiled maidservants bowed slightly and slowly withdrew.

The servants entered one after another and began to clear the clutter from the guests' tables.

Before long, the venue had been completely transformed.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

The bell rang again, and with it, everyone's mind gradually cleared and calmed down.

"Today, at this celebration, I will preach to all my fellow Daoists!"

Sitting upright on the high platform, Chen Sheng's expression was quite serene and natural, and his gentle voice permeated every corner of the venue.

"We thank Venerable Chen Sheng!"

Upon hearing this, all the guests rose and bowed respectfully.

After the ceremony, everyone sat down again and listened attentively.

"A tree that can be embraced grows from a tiny sprout; a nine-story tower rises from a mound of earth!"

"The way of cultivating Qi is also like this!"

The melodious sounds of Taoism echoed throughout the venue, and the guests were completely immersed in them.

Especially for a country cultivator like Zhao Xian, who has no family lineage, he is completely captivated!

Such rural cultivators can only rely on their own diligent study during their daily practice. Even if they stray from the right path in their cultivation, they will remain completely ignorant.

By the time he realized he had gone astray in his spiritual practice, it was already too late!

This is why the descendants of powerful families have a better future and are better at cultivating their skills than ordinary cultivators in the countryside!

The former has already stood on the shoulders of giants, while the latter is still struggling in the mud.

Compared to those truly destitute rural cultivators, Zhao Xian was actually quite lucky!

He became acquainted with prominent family scions such as Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun!

In ordinary times, a casual remark from these scions of powerful families might just solve a problem Zhao Xian was struggling with in his cultivation!

Apart from that, the only way to receive proper instruction was through the county school!

However, the requirements for getting into the county school are quite high!

Spiritual roots of the upper-grade level are quite rare; most rural cultivators only have spiritual roots of the lower or middle grade level.

Moreover, even with a spiritual root of the upper-level (C) grade, it would be difficult to enter the county school without family support.

Just like Huang Zhong's younger sister Huang Xia, who has a spiritual root of the upper-level (C) grade, she has always stayed at home farming!

If Zhao Xian hadn't saved her, she probably would have spent her whole life as a slave!

It is unknown how much time has passed. When the guests finally awoke from their reverie, the moon was already high in the sky.

"We thank the Venerable One!"

All the guests rose and bowed in greeting.

"That concludes today's sermon. Please feel free to do as you please!"

Chen Sheng smiled slightly, and then he stepped on his flying sword, soared into the clouds, and disappeared.

"We respectfully bid farewell to the Venerable One!"

Upon seeing this, the guests bowed once more.

With that, the foundation-building ceremony came to an end, and the guests left the venue in an orderly manner.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, it's time to leave!"

Seeing that Zhao Xian was still sitting in his seat, Chen Mo immediately whispered something to him.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please go ahead!"

"I still have some matters to attend to here!"

Zhao Xian thanked Chen Mo for the reminder, and then smiled calmly.

"In that case, we shall take our leave!"

Seeing this, Chen Mo, Bai Miao, and the others said no more and left one after another.

As for why Zhao Xian wanted to stay here, that was beyond their knowledge!

After the banquet ended and everyone left Cloud Mist Mountain, they naturally resumed their respective identities.

During his casual conversation with the group, Zhao Xian also learned about some of the gatherings among the rural herders.

Besides the Daqingshan market town outside the county seat, Rongtai County also has some gatherings of independent cultivators.

The locations are usually in Pinghe Township and Donglai Township, which are located to the east and west of the area, making it convenient for nearby rural residents to gather for small-scale repairs.

As for the gathering place, it is in the market near the village houses. Anyway, it is just about exchanging goods and is not much different from small vendors. Generally, they gather once a month. The gathering in Pinghe Township is on the eighth day of each month, and the gathering in Donglai Township is on the twenty-eighth day of each month.

As for why Zhao Xian didn't know this before, it was naturally because he had a preconceived notion of Daqingshan Market and was used to going there.

And so we forgot about it!

Zhao Xian sat in the meeting room for a while, then saw a figure walking quickly towards him.

"Motosei!"

"Bo Zhang!"

The two men bowed to each other and greeted one another.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Yuancheng led Zhao Xian and the other two away from the meeting place, along a path, towards the depths of the Chen family's territory.

Before long, the four of them arrived at the gate of a quiet and elegant courtyard.

"This is the Fourth Elder's residence!"

Chen Yuancheng pointed to the small courtyard and introduced it to Zhao Xian.

As for this Fourth Elder, it was naturally Chen Sheng.

"The Fourth Elder and Liu Jun, the Chief Clerk, are both here waiting for Bo Zhang!"

Upon hearing that Chen Sheng and Liu Yuan were waiting there, Zhao Xian's expression turned serious, and he and Chen Yuancheng immediately pushed open the courtyard gate and went inside.

As for Zhao Duan and Huang Zhong, they could only wait outside the courtyard.

The courtyard was simply furnished, with only one rather lush fruit tree, about two zhang tall, with dozens of unripe fruits hanging from its crown.

Under the tree was a stone table and benches, where two people were already seated.

Upon seeing the two men enter the hospital one after the other, the leader immediately greeted them with a smile, "Yuancheng, Bozhang!"

"Greetings, Lord Chen!"

"Greetings, Lord Liu!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian stepped forward and bowed first.

"Bo Zhang, there's no need for such formalities!"

Seeing that Zhao Xian was very respectful, Chen Sheng immediately waved his sleeve, and a gentle breeze helped Zhao Xian up. Then he said with a smile.

"Yuancheng, Bozhang, please have a seat!"

Liu Yuan smiled and invited the two to sit down.

After bowing and expressing their gratitude, the two sat down.

"Having not seen you for half a year, Bo Zhang's cultivation has become even more profound!"

A glint flashed in Chen Sheng's eyes as he looked Zhao Xian up and down, then smiled and praised him.

"How could Bo Zhang's meager cultivation possibly meet Lord Chen's approval!"

"Meeting Master Chen for the first time today, the changes he has undergone are truly astonishing!"

Zhao Xian made a self-deprecating remark, then spoke sincerely from the bottom of his heart.

Seeing Zhao Xian's amazement and admiration, Chen Sheng was naturally very happy!

After chatting for a while, Liu Yuan's expression turned serious. He looked at Zhao Xian and asked solemnly, "Was the theft of the spirit rice more than twenty years ago truly related to the Yan family?"

"Zhao Xian learned of this matter from Liu Mao, a former official of Wohu Township!"

Immediately, Zhao Xian told Chen Sheng and Liu Yuan the whole story.

"Liu Mao?"

After Zhao Xian finished speaking, Chen Sheng looked at Liu Yuan and pondered for a moment: "Liu Mao was originally a clerk in Wohu Township. Later, through my recommendation, he should now be a clerk in the Household Department."

"I also have some impression of it!"

As the county clerk, Liu Yuan was naturally very familiar with the county officials. After a little thought, a figure appeared in his mind.

Is what this person said true?

Chen Shengfu then looked at Zhao Xian and asked in a solemn voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian shook his head and sighed, "I saved his life back then, and that's how I learned about this from him!"

"Before I went to the county to take up my post, I, along with Ah Xian, summoned Liu Zhuo, the head of the Wohu Township Pavilion, and Zhao Ze, the thief, and instructed them to keep a close watch on the Yan family!"

"However, so far, we haven't received any useful information!"

At this point, Chen Yuancheng also sighed!

"More than twenty years ago, the Yan family was just a small, rural clan. The reason they rose to prominence was because one of their daughters entered the Yunlan Sect, successfully established her Dao foundation, and became an inner disciple!"

"After that, the Yan family girl became involved with a true disciple of the Yunlan Sect!"

"With the help of that true disciple, the Yan family gradually began to distinguish themselves in Rongtai County!"

"If we calculate the timeline, the Yan family woman's Foundation Establishment ceremony was held after the spirit rice was stolen!"

Liu Yuan pondered for a while, then looked around at the three people in front of him and said solemnly.

"Lord Chen, there have been rumors that the true disciple whom the Yan family allied themselves with perished at the hands of the Yunling demon clan. Do you know if this is true?"

Zhao Xian looked up at Chen Sheng and asked in a solemn voice.

"That true disciple, whose Daoist name was Mingxiao, has been confirmed dead!"

"But the Yan family girl has been captured in Yunling, and her fate is unknown!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng immediately replied without hesitation.

The Chen family also had members who became inner and outer disciples in the Yunlan Sect, so they naturally knew some of the sect's secrets.

"In the vast Yunling Mountains, countless demonic beasts roam. That woman from the Yan family might have already perished at their hands!"

Suddenly, Liu Yuan looked at Chen Sheng and replied in a deep voice.

"The robbery of Lingmi rice in Wohu Township is a major case in Rongtai County over the past one or two decades!"

"If this case can be solved, Brother Chen will surely be recommended for an official position by the county magistrate!"

"At that time, given Brother Chen's family background, he'll at least be a county magistrate!"

Seeing Chen Sheng's brows furrow slightly, Liu Yuan continued to press the issue.

"County Commandant?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian understood why Chen Yuancheng had told Liu Yuan and Chen Sheng about this matter.

It turns out it was all for Chen Sheng's return to officialdom!

A county constable is a position with a salary of at least 400 shi (a unit of grain measure).

While the distinction between officials in that era was not as clear-cut as it would be in later generations, there were still some subtle differences.

At the top of the official ranks were high-ranking officials like Zhao Xian and Liu Yuan, who could be appointed by the county magistrate and reported to the prefectural government.

However, starting from 200 shi, appointment by the Yunlan Sect is required!

This is because officials with a salary of 200 shi (a unit of grain) must be at the Foundation Establishment stage, and Foundation Establishment cultivators have already taken the first step towards transcendence!

A county lieutenant with a salary of 400 shi (a unit of grain measure) is hardly a minor official.

The Xu family of Wohu Township has maintained a continuous line of Foundation Establishment cultivators to this day, all thanks to the fact that a county magistrate with a salary of 400 shi (a unit of grain) once came from their family!

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhao Xian looked at Chen Sheng again, only to find that his expression had become more serious.

Suddenly, a ruthless glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at Liu Yuan and said in a stern voice, "The Yan family is nothing but a small, unremarkable clan from the countryside, with shallow foundations. How could they possibly know of such extraordinary immortal techniques! At worst, we'll just have to resort to some underhanded methods!"

"good!"

"If this case can be solved, the county magistrate will surely reward us handsomely!"

Liu Yuan slapped the stone table, looked at the three of them, and said excitedly.

"We originally planned to have Yuan Cheng make a big fuss about this matter, hoping to lure the snake out of its hole and make the Yan family panic and reveal their true colors!"

Zhao Xian then continued speaking, truthfully recounting his previous plans.

"However, since Yuan Cheng assumed the post of County Bandit Supervisor, he has been preoccupied with numerous matters and has not had the leisure to deal with this matter!"

Chen Yuancheng immediately chimed in, saying with a wry smile.

"That's a good plan. Let's proceed according to your plan!"

"I am continuing my investigation in secret!"

After pondering for a few moments, Chen Sheng looked at Zhao Xian and the other man and said solemnly.

The four continued their private discussion for a while before dispersing.

With the bright moon high in the sky and a gentle breeze blowing through the mountains, the scenery was quite beautiful.

Under Chen Yuancheng's guidance, Zhao Xian and his two companions enjoyed a good tour of Yunwu Mountain.

As Zhao Xian expected, there was indeed a spiritual vein on Cloud Mist Mountain, and its grade was not low!

After hundreds of years of nurturing by the Chen family, it has now reached the Xuan level, which is sufficient for Foundation Establishment cultivators to use for cultivation.

According to Chen Yuancheng, spiritual veins are generally divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.

Even the lowest grade Yellow-rank low-grade spiritual veins can be used by ten Qi Refining early-stage cultivators.

Yellow-rank spiritual veins are the most common. In Rongtai County, the spiritual veins of most of the major clans are at the upper level of the yellow rank.

Although it is not enough for Foundation Establishment cultivators, it is sufficient for the Qi Refining cultivators in the clan.

Within the entire Rongtai County, there are very few families with spiritual veins.

The Xu family of Wohu Township may possess a Yellow-rank spiritual vein. After all, Chen Yuancheng had visited the Xu family many times and could sense the meager spiritual energy within their home!

"Bo Zhang, your family's spirit well should also be connected to a Yellow-rank spirit vein!"

"If you have some free time, you can go and look for it on Crouching Tiger Mountain!"

Having said that, Chen Yuancheng immediately gave Zhao Xian a reminder.

"Thank you for informing me, Yuancheng!"

"Once I return home, I will search the mountains again!"

Zhao Xian nodded in agreement.

However, Zhao Xian did not show any joy on his face. After all, if there really was a Yellow-Rank Spiritual Vein on Crouching Tiger Mountain, Zhao Xian could not hold onto it now!

We'll have to wait until Zhao Xian has reached the Qi Refining Perfection stage at the very least!

After wandering around in the mountains for most of the day, as the sun rose in the east, Chen Yuancheng escorted Zhao Xian to the foot of the mountain.

After the two bid farewell, Zhao Xian, along with Zhao Duan and Huang Zhong, mounted their horses and returned to Nankou Township!