Chapter 11

Chapter 11: May this poor Daoist bring you along for cultivation?

On Azure Dragon Street in the imperial capital of the Wu Kingdom, pedestrians scattered to avoid the sight all focusing on the same direction.

“Mother, look at those two horses!” A little boy nestled in a woman’s arms, his eyes sparkling.

“That’s not a horse. That’s called a Blood Qilin Beast, a mount only the wealthy can use.” The woman whispered softly.

“Wealthy? Mother, how wealthy is that?” The little boy asked.

The woman thought for a moment, then shook her head: “A level of wealth we could never reach in our lifetimes.”

On Azure Dragon Street, two Blood Qilin Beasts snorted, their blood-red hair looking as if stained with fresh blood, with a single horn on their foreheads, flames-like patterns on their hooves, and tails burning with fire, flickering and releasing scorching heat.

Inside the carriage sat a man and a woman.

“Hurry, set off fireworks! Go notify Lǎotàitai, Master, and Madam,” With the voice of Xu Guo Mansion’s steward fading, both Xu Guo Mansion and Qin Mansion rang out with firecrackers.

Zhao Wenshan shook his head: “How could Wenshan possibly be angry with my two uncles?”

Zhao Wenshan’s heart suddenly brightened: “This is natural. My sister wrote to me saying that this time, Lǎotàitai will welcome disciples at Xu Mansion. Lord State Preceptor may accompany me. If anyone from the Qin and Xu mansions catches your eye, it would be a blessing for both families.”

“Wenshan, hasn’t it been ten years since we last saw each other? You’ve become even more handsome and robust,” Xu Mansion’s master, Xu Zheng, warmly approached.

The man looked at the woman, his eyes filled with nothing but reverence: “Lord State Preceptor, why don’t you wait before entering the palace? Come to my humble abode for a meal; Zhao wishes to entertain you well.”

But unexpectedly, the State Preceptor already had this intention.

Listening to Wang Xuan greet them, then hearing Zhao Wenshan say this dreamlike woman would be the Wu Kingdom’s State Preceptor, Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng finally realized, quickly withdrawing their gazes and respectfully bowing to Wang Xuan: “We, your subordinates, pay respects to the State Preceptor.”

When Zhao Wenshan stepped down from the carriage, he heard someone shouting: “Master Zhao has returned!”

“Ah, State Preceptor, you flatter me too much,” Zhao Wenshan sighed, “Indeed, the two dukes of Qin and Xu once achieved great feats, but over these two hundred years, whether Qin Mansion or Xu Mansion, they have all lost themselves in the wealth and prosperity of the capital, indulging in extravagance and corruption, losing every bit of the former dukes’ spirit.”

“By the way, Brother-in-law, Big Brother Xu, there are esteemed guests arriving.” After greeting, Zhao Wenshan quickly said.

Wang Xuan shook her head: “Duke Qin and Duke Xu followed the founding emperor of the Wu Kingdom in battles across the land. It’s normal and reasonable for talented individuals to emerge from their houses.”

“Hmm?” Zhao Wenshan looked puzzled.

The woman wore a pale silk robe adorned with silver thread embroidery, water lily-colored gauze belts gracefully tied around her waist, delicate orchids embroidered on her sleeves accentuating her slender fingers like finely carved onions, her long hair flowing down like a waterfall.

If possible, take a look to see if any descendants can catch the State Preceptor’s eye.

As she spoke, Zhao Wenshan clenched his fists and struck his thigh heavily: “Now, with the Northern Wilderness and Southern lands watching closely, the West plagued by the Western Sect of Demons, and the South by thousands of demon kingdoms…”

“Even within our Great Wu Kingdom, various sects act arrogantly, outwardly submitting but truly caring nothing for the Wu Kingdom.”

“This time upon returning, I must discuss this thoroughly with my brother-in-law and that old lady.”

A string of beautiful jade hung at her waist, her tender pink arms appearing boneless. She danced lightly, her figure full and graceful, exuding a bewitching charm.

The Blood Qilin-drawn carriage was enormous, golden fabric embroidered with one white tiger after another, and the driver’s face bore a long scar.

“Brother-in-law, Big Brother Xu.” Zhao Wenshan bowed respectfully, despite his less-than-positive feelings towards the Xu and Qin mansions. Nonetheless, he considered himself part of the Qin and Xu families, so propriety was necessary.

The man frowned slightly, clearly burdened with many concerns.

“Poor Daoist Wang Xuan greets the two main overseers of the Qin and Xu households.” Wang Xuan descended from the carriage and bowed respectfully to both men.

The woman remained silent with her eyes closed.

Just as Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng were confused, the carriage curtain was lifted, and Wang Xuan stepped down from the carriage.

With fireworks exploding, the Blood Qilin stood still, completely motionless, even yawning out of boredom.

The woman kept her eyes closed, not uttering a word.

When Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng were puzzled, the carriage curtain opened, and Wang Xuan descended.

“If the young ones of the two mansions continue like this, when the chaotic times arrive, how will the Xu and Qin mansions protect themselves?”

Wang Xuan gently shook her head: “The two overseers need not be so polite. This time, Wang Xuan’s visit is somewhat intrusive, and it might trouble the two overseers.”

“Hahaha, Wenshan, you’re finally back!” Qin Mansion’s master, Qin Ruhai, warmly approached to welcome his brother-in-law.

“Such formality isn’t necessary,” Qin Ruhai helped Zhao Wenshan up, “Duke Qin and Duke Xu are still in court, unable to receive you. Don’t be upset about that.”

The Blood Qilin stopped in front of Xu Guo Mansion shortly afterward.

Because of the light gauze veil covering her face, her entire countenance couldn’t be seen, but merely from the half-visible portion, her beauty was undeniably breathtaking.

Listening to Zhao Wenshan’s words, Wang Xuan remained silent, continuing to close her eyes.

Seeing this veiled woman, serene and ethereal like a fairy, both Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng were momentarily stunned.

“Noble guest?”

Zhao Wenshan introduced her nearby.

The woman named Wang Xuan didn’t hide anything: “While meditating earlier, I sensed a powerful vortex of destiny beneath this royal city. Upon further investigation, I discovered that this vortex originates from the direction of Xu Guo Mansion and Qin Mansion. Hearing that the Xu and Qin families share a deep connection, may Wen Shan introduce me? May this poor Daoist visit and take a look?”

The man and the woman sat far apart inside the carriage.

“State Preceptor, you’re overly courteous. If there’s anything we can do to assist the State Preceptor, it would be our honor,” Xu Zheng hurriedly replied.

Wang Xuan nodded: “Upon entering the imperial capital, while reflecting inwardly, I perceived an auspicious aura above the Qin and Xu mansions, resembling a dragon’s wind—a sign of remarkable offspring. I wonder if the two overseers would allow me to meet children under ten years old from within your households. If there’s a destined connection, may this poor Daoist bring them along for cultivation?”