Shulong Daojun

Yan, a coastal region located north of the Dayu Dynasty.

This place is rich in agriculture, with fertile soil stretching for thousands of miles. Rice and wheat can be harvested in season, and seawater can be boiled to make salt. By profiting from fishing and salt production, the region has become extremely wealthy.

After learning about the general situation of Yan from the officials of Qingwu City and understanding its location, Lin Shu transformed into a gentle breeze and traveled to the banquet as invited.

During this time, he also took the opportunity to pass through Chuzhou County and inform Jiang Hengping that the city magistrate of Pingjiang City had resigned.

There was no idle chatter, so no time was wasted.

Qingwu City is located in the central part of the territory of the Dayu Dynasty, slightly to the south, and a bit far from the Yan region.

Fortunately, departing on Qingming Festival and arriving within three days is sufficient time.

Upon reaching the edge of Yan territory, Lin Shu glanced around, then subtly revealed a hint of his aura, standing with his hands behind his back, waiting quietly.

Before long, a wisp of energy swept in from afar, landed in front of Lin Shu, and materialized.

It was Gao Chengyun, dressed in a Taoist robe.

Upon seeing Lin Shu, he cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "I did not expect Fellow Daoist Lin to arrive so quickly. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."

He then naturally leaned closer and slowly continued, "Junior Brother Lu is currently busy with important matters, but he will come to see Fellow Daoist Lin later."

"It's still early, shall I first introduce Fellow Daoist Lin to the Prince of Yan, shall I?"

Lin Shu smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.

Before he could take a step, Gao Chengyun seemed to remember something and said with a smile, "When I was drinking and chatting with the Prince of Yan before, I mentioned to him that Fellow Daoist Lin's abilities were extraordinary."

The Prince of Yan was overjoyed upon hearing this, having long longed to meet him, and was certain that their meeting would be a very pleasant one.

Please, Fellow Daoist Lin, follow me.

As soon as he finished speaking, he took a step and leaped away in one direction.

Lin Shu's eyes flickered slightly as he sought out the source of the energy and followed closely behind.

A short while later, a magnificent mansion came into view, located at the end of the long street, with gray walls and black tiles, red doors and copper nails, and two stone lions standing in front of the door, majestic and awe-inspiring.

With a slight glance upwards, a blue plaque with gold lettering hangs above the door, bearing the three characters "Yan Prince's Mansion".

The guards at the gate were quite familiar with Gao Chengyun. As soon as Lin Shu landed, the guards quickly lowered their heads and bowed to greet him.

Gao Chengyun glanced at it, nodded lightly, and then strode forward, leading the way through a blue brick passageway toward the main hall.

Lin Shu followed closely, and a moment later, he saw a man with a powerful stride, dressed in dark blue casual clothes, with a jade belt around his waist.

Before he could speak, the man stepped forward to greet him, clapping his hands and laughing, "I have long admired the Daoist's demeanor. Meeting you today, I am truly impressed by your extraordinary talent. Greetings, Li Chengqian."

Lin Shu nodded and smiled, saying calmly, "Greetings, Prince Yan."

After speaking, his gaze fell on Li Chengqian, scrutinizing him closely and secretly comparing him with Jiang Heng.

Li Chengqian was the same.

He narrowed his eyes, feeling that the Taoist priest Lin in front of him looked too young, unlike what Taoist priest Gao had said, that he was a person with profound skills.

However, one cannot judge a book by its cover.

That Taoist priest, Lu, was also so young, yet he possessed the art of transformation, controlling men, women, children, insects, fish, birds, and beasts with a single thought.

Master Lin might be the same way.

Of course, ability is secondary; having someone who shares your goals is paramount.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian remembered something, suddenly smiled, and casually said, "I once heard a story about a prince who was made crown prince by the emperor thirty years ago."

From then on, he studied the classics and history to cultivate virtue, and participated in court affairs to hone his skills. He was diligent and never slacked off.

However, thirty years have passed, and the prince has not yet ascended the throne, remaining as the crown prince.

What is Master Lin's opinion on this matter?

"Oh? Such a strange thing?" Lin Shu raised an eyebrow, revealing a hint of doubt on his face.

Although it is unknown why Li Chengqian asked this question, he had already deduced the temperament of this prince from Gao Chengyun's few words, which were nothing more than the word "rebellion".

Therefore, we should start from here.

After a moment's thought, Lin Shu, with a pointed remark, smiled and asked in return, "Throughout history, has there ever been a crown prince who reigned for thirty years? I wonder what the Prince of Yan thinks?"

Li Chengqian's expression brightened, and he laughed loudly, "What you say is excellent, Daoist!"

He then suppressed his smile and nodded, saying, "Indeed, it's been thirty years and you still haven't sat on that position. No wonder my brother has such thoughts."

In that story, the prince who ultimately ascended the throne was a man of both virtue and talent. I, the king, will certainly share this scene with Daoist Lin another day.

After saying that, he turned and stepped to the side, making a "please" gesture.

"Then it would be impolite of me to refuse," Lin Shu said, stepping inside and settling into the chair on the left.

Gao Chengyun then smiled with satisfaction and sat down on the right.

Li Chengqian summoned a servant to his side, whispered a few instructions, and then entered the room, sitting on the right.

Before long, a beautiful maidservant brought tea and presented it to everyone. She then stepped back two steps and waited respectfully with her head bowed.

At this moment, Li Chengqian picked up his teacup, offered a slight toast, and said, "This tea is brewed from the Dragon and Phoenix Cakes of the Palace. It is slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste, and has the aroma of pine smoke and a faint fragrance of flowers and fruits. I would like to invite you, Daoist, to have a taste."

Lin Shu agreed, took a sip, and nodded, saying, "Indeed, it is fine tea."

He then read the message on the communication jade talisman, pondered for a moment, and raised his eyes to ask, "What is the matter that requires my presence? Could the Prince of Yan please tell me?"

After speaking, he put down his teacup and appeared to be listening attentively.

Upon seeing this, Li Chengqian smiled and replied, "Of course there is no problem."

"I presume the Daoist Master is also aware that the influx of people from other regions into the Great Yu Dynasty, while burdening the local resources of food, clothing, and utensils, also constitutes a substantial labor force. If utilized properly, it can bring prosperity to our people."

Lin Shu nodded slightly.

Li Chengqian suddenly frowned and then said, "Normally, this matter should have gone smoothly."

Unexpectedly, the family that landed in my territory was a royal family from that foreign dynasty, with a thousand guards of their own.

If that's the case, then so be it; I can simply send a detachment of troops to wipe them out.

But the leader made some promise to the sea spirits, and they helped him seize several cities within my territory.

Fortunately, Master Lu happened to be passing through Yan and intervened in time, summoning several fellow Daoists, which stopped the ferocity of the group of monsters.

With the support of the Taoist priests and the fact that my troops are all fierce warriors, after several days of fighting, we have recaptured the cities that had been taken.

However, a horrifying situation suddenly occurred...

Li Chengqian abruptly changed the subject, a look of anger rising on his face. He said in a deep voice, "The leader actually retreated to a city with the sea monsters and took the people of the city hostage."

If the Taoist priests were to make their move again, they would kill a hundred people a day, without ceasing, until the entire city's inhabitants were slaughtered.

Fearing for the lives of the people, Master Lu and his companions had no choice but to give up.

Without the help of the Taoist priest, my army, though fierce and brave, is no match for the power of the monsters. To attack head-on would be tantamount to suicide.

Therefore, that city has become a source of great anxiety for me.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chengqian sighed deeply, his expression full of sorrow.

Before long, he composed himself and said seriously, "Fortunately, Daoist Lin has arrived."